Regan's Book Dedication

She looked very nervous to be up there. Which was weird considering how much she loves a stage. But she was very excited to have books dedicated to her.

Video of Regan's Book Dedication

Who Knew?

Yesterday, when Matt dropped Regan off at school the teacher getting her out of the car told Matt that Regan was a pleasure to have in class. While flattered, Matt had no idea that Regan was in her class. She is a new teacher and we have seen her doing carpool, but didn't know what she taught. So, Matt asked Regan last night who the teacher that got her out of the car that morning was and Regan says nonchalantly "she teaches me sign language." We had no idea that they even taught sign language, let alone that Regan was learning it. Apparently it has been added this year as a part of her Music class. She even showed us some signs that she knew last night. Again, who knew?

Addison's First Day of School

Sadly, I don't have a picture. I was up all night with my mom at the ER (she has a kidney stone) and only got home in time to get Regan ready for school and get Addison up and ready for school. Yes, I had to wake her up. Of course, today she doesn't have school and she is up in plenty of time. She may be more like me than I thought. : ) Anyway, they said that she cried all morning. And then she took a 45 minute nap and was a whole different kid. I know that as she continues to go and gets used to the routine that she will start to like it. When I picked her up she was playing and only started crying when she saw me. I'm just still a little nervous about her naps. She is very attached to her bed. She usually takes 2 - 3 hour naps, but they have to be in her bed. If we are out and about, she is up the entire time. I am hoping that as she gets more comfortable that she will start to sleep longer. Regan (who never napped at school) keeps telling her that if she doesn't want to sleep she can sleep by the teacher. I keep telling Regan that we don't have to tell Addison that there is an option to not sleep at school. I'm glad that I started Addison now and not later. Her teacher's don't seem that bothered by her crying. I think it is because all of the kids are crying at this age. Whereas with Regan she was one of the only ones and she really seemed to stress her teacher's out. Although, in Regan's teacher's defense she did cry all day long. As Matt says, she was tenacious.

Apparently Addison is already learning at school. Yesterday Addison was singing bah bah black sheep and ring around the rosy (video soon, I promise). I'm pretty sure she learned bah bah black sheep from one of the cd's that we have in the car, but I had no idea where she learned ring around the rosy. I was talking to one of my friends last night who's son is in Addison's class and she said that the teacher told her that they played ring around the rosy at school.

San Diego Trip

September 8th was Matt's 30th birthday and this past week we went on a trip to San Diego. Matt needs so many CPE credits to keep his CPA. I don't know the exact details, but he needed to get a bunch before next year and they were offering a week long course (i.e. lots of CPE credit) in San Diego. It was an opportunity we could not pass up. I went to San Diego with a friend in 7th grade for a month and fell in love. I swore I would live there some day. Now I know I probably won't ever live there, but I still like the idea of vacationing there every now and then. However, this trip had a slight glitch. What seemed like a good idea a few months ago no longer seemed like a good idea with Hurricane Ike possibly heading our way. Even though I knew they would be in good hands (thanks mom!), I was nervous about going so far away from the kids. Matt assured me that he would watch the hurricane closely (thanks Phil!) and we would head back as soon as was needed if it was needed. So, with very mixed feelings (I almost cried) I got on the plane to San Diego. Once we got there, I was glad I went. Especially after a few days when it was pretty clear that Ike was not going to hit Louisiana and Addison seemed to be doing pretty well. I was worried that she was going to have a hard time, because every time I would try to warn her that we were going on a trip she would put her head down on me and say "no, mommy. no. no, mommy." But every mom needs a vacation once in a while. The hotel was nice, there was a mall next door... what more could you ask for? : ) The concierge was so nice. The first two pictures are of Matt in his birthday shirt (work shirt) on his first day of class and of the cheese that the concierge sent up for Matt's birthday. He also reserved a table for us at a very nice steak restaurant. It was a typical old school steak house except for the Bob Marley playing pretty loudly throughout the restaurant which was weird to me, but Matt liked. Must be a California thing, I don't know. While we were in San Diego I mostly read by the pool (heaven) and did a little window shopping. I even read the paper for probably the first time in my life. Who knew that it's pretty interesting? I also (and this is a big one) took a bus by myself to the San Diego Art Museum. I am sure that you all know what a big step that is for me. But it was nice to browse the museum by myself. Poor Matt had to be in class until 4:30 every day. Not horrible, but I'm sure he would have rathered lounging by the pool with me. However, he is probably glad that he didn't have to go to the art museum with me. But don't cry for him, Argentina, because we did also go to a Padres vs. Dodgers game. The Dodgers won, which was a little disappointing..... and now I know more about Manny Ramirez and his antics than I ever wanted to know. Matt is actually a life long Cub's fan, but a baseball game is a baseball game. To him, anyway. All in all it was a good trip. As much as we love our kids, it is always nice to get away for a while. However, we decided that next time we will not plan a trip in August or September and we will go on just a trip. Because the trip home was terrible and made me not want to get on another plane for a while. Even though the hurricane was not hitting Lafayette and Lafayette wasn't in any real danger, they still had strong wind and rain. We were supposed to fly into Houston yesterday, but had to fly into Atlanta instead. We thought that this would be better, because it is a Delta hub and we thought we could fly into New Orleans and impose on Matt's mom to drive us home. Well, you can only fly 100 miles from your original destination. We couldn't fly into Lafayette last night, because the airport was closed. We could have flown into Baton Rouge, but we wouldn't have have gotten in until 10pm. So, we decided to spend the night in Atlanta last night and hope that the Lafayette airport was open today. We got to the airport this morning and were happy to find that our flight into Lafayette was still on schedule to leave at 9:29am. Before we took off the pilot warned us that he might have to divert the plane as the winds in Lafayette were still pretty strong. I thought, it has to be okay to land otherwise why would the airport even be open. OMG. During the tried landing the plane shook so much I really thought it was going to come apart. It was a harrowing experience that I cannot even begin to describe and hope to never repeat. And after all that we weren't able to land and we had to divert to Baton Rouge. My mom was already in the car with the girls on the way to get us so I just had her drive to Baton Rouge and get us (Again, thanks mom!). Matt and I are very happy to be home and happy to be in one piece. And as much fun as we had, I will never leave the girls again when a hurricane is heading in this direction.

Happy Birthday Matt

We won't be here for Matt's birthday on Monday, so we celebrated with the girls tonight. My mom, Regan and I went to get a cake for Matt this afternoon. Matt had her well trained, because she told me at least 5 times that "Daddy wants a cookie cake with all white icing." When we were going in to get the cake she asked me what we got him. I told her that if I told her that she couldn't tell him because it was a surprise. She said that she knew, but that he couldn't hear her from where we were. I thought that was very smart for a 4 year old, and I thought in my head... wow, she understands. Fast forward to arriving home from getting the cake and what is the first thing that Regan says to Matt... Do you want to open the present that we got you? It's a work shirt! So, I say to her... Regan, you weren't supposed to tell. She says (in a very cute, but honest way)... I know, but I did anyway. What can I say? She's 4. Addison, our little sweet tooth, was very excited to eat cake. But she also ate some steamed brocolli (for the second time), so I guess I can't worry to much.

Quote of the Day

I finally broke down and bought Regan a pair of athletic shoes. They really want them to wear them to school, but there are much cuter shoes out there.... that it was hard for me. So, we were at the mall with the fountain and Regan found some that she liked. Matt was with us and has wanted her to have some for a while now..... I think he took advantage of my weakened state. : ) When Regan was trying them on I asked her how they felt and she said "pretty."

Accidental Vacation

Well, with Hurricane Gustav heading our way we decided to get out of its way. We first headed to New Orleans, thinking that would be far enough. However, he decided to turn enough east that we decided it was in our best interest to go even further away. So, we took Granny and headed to Aunt Carla's house for a few days. Our kids were not fazed, because we go there often enough that I think they just thought we were on vacation. And we were, sort of. We had a nine hour drive to get there (normally four) and we weren't able to do much the first day, because we got enough of the Gustav weather to keep us home. But the next day was a nice day, so we were able to take Regan to this mall that has a fountain for kids to play in. All in all it was a pretty nice vacation. And we were most appreciative that Aunt Carla was willing to house us for an unknown amount of time (and seemed pretty happy about it. : ) Thanks Aunt Carla!! We had no traffic on the way home, so that was really nice. When we got home, Phil and his family were on their way back from Houston. They still didn't have power, so they spent the night with us. Regan was extra excited! A vacation and she got to come home to her cousins. I don't think life gets much better than that for her.

Definitely a Keeper

Regan came home with this in her backpack today. It was so cute, I had to share.

Quote of the Day

Regan has a new friend at school named Blair. So, today she came home with an arm band on her wrist. She said that Blair calls it a friendship bracelet. She said that Blair has one, too. I asked her if Blair gave anyone else one and Regan says "No, there weren't three."

We are just happy that she has her own friend this year. Last year there were two little girls in her class that would stick together and tell Regan that she couldn't play with them. Regan is not one for letting things go, and we heard about it all summer. So, while we don't want Regan to leave any little girls (or boys) out. We are happy that she doesn't seem to be on the outside of any groups this year. It starts really young these days.

First Solo Playdate

All the big kids are in school, so we had a playdate with just the babies. If you wonder why Addison is always smiling in pictures, it is because every time she sees a camera pointed her way she says Cheese. It's very cute.

Build a Bear

Regan went to a Build a Bear Workshop Birthday Party today. Addison was invited, but it was during her nap time. Regan had fun. She loves Build a Bear, and we don't ever go there. I usually try to walk as fast as I can past that store when I am in the mall.

The first picture is of her saying build a bear as loud as she can. Apparently she felt that standing up would help her say it louder.

Big, Big Girl

Regan went to her 4 year old well visit today. She had blood work done and got four immunizations. I have to say, my girl did not even flinch. I think I might have Elmo to thank for this. Everyone kept telling me how horrible the four year old shots were. Regan still likes Elmo, and recently picked out an elmo goes to the doctor book at the bookstore. We have read it a couple of times and in it they talk about how shots keep you healthy and you just feel a little pinch when you get them. Now we have all had shots and we all know that it hurts more than just a little pinch. But if a book convinces her of that, then far be it from me to change that perception. The nurses were all telling her how brave she was. They said that they hoped that Addison was that brave when it was her turn. We'll see, but I'm not counting on it. Although, Addison does want to do everything her sister does. She even lifted up her dress so that the doctor could listen to her heartbeat, since he was listening to Regan's.

The Birthday Tour Continues

Today is Regan's actual (or natural, as she says) birthday. Matt, Addison and I went to celebrate with her at her school. She picked out a care bear cupcake cake to bring. The two little boys sitting in front of her were stressing her out, because they kept talking about which care bear they were going to get. Her school friends made a book for her about what they wished they could get her for her birthday. It was cute.

Addison made herself right at home. I think she played with or touched everything in the classroom.

Books

Regan's School does a thing where you can dedicate a book to her for her birthday and the book is then donated to the school's library. They read the book dedications at chapel and the first chapel is September 3rd. If you would like to have a book dedicated to her for her birthday, please send one before then. I will also need for you to let me know what you want the dedication to say. Don't write it in the book. They have a form that they attach to the book. If you have any questions, please e-mail me.

P.S. Some of her favorite books include anything princess, Fancy Nancy, Angelina Ballerina and Pinkalicious.

Birthday Party

Regan went to the cutest birthday party today. It was all about dressing up and dancing. Two things that she loves! She had a really good time. I even thanked the mom for having a birthday party for Regan.

Our Very Own Fancy Nancy

For those of you who do not know... Fancy Nancy is a children's book series about a little girl named Nancy who loves for everything to be fancy, and who's family is very "plain." Her family doesn't even ask for sprinkles on their ice cream!

Regan had a very good first day at school. She came home and was a little hyper. I think it was a combination of her first day of school and her granny being here. Granny came to watch the girls while Matt and I ran in a race. It was "cross country" which really means through the woods and was horrible. But it has gotten us back into the swing of things.

First Day of School

Regan's first day of school is today. Matt took some pictures of her before they left. She was very excited to be going, and is already talking about show and tell. This year we have to come up with clues for the other kids to guess what she brought for show and tell. I'm sure it is fun for the kids, but probably not so fun for mom and dad. As you can see, her backpack is as big as she is.

Doctor's Visit

I took Regan to the doctor today. She has been running fever since yesterday with no other symptoms. I swear all mothers should be awarded at least a nursing degree a couple of years after they have children. I can fairly accurately diagnose my children even before we go to the doctor most of the time. I thought that she had a UTI and I was right.

While I was there I had them look at Addison's ears. She has been pulling at her ears, but hasn't had any fever or fluid drainage. He looked in her ears and both of her tubes have dislodged and were sitting in her ears which he said was probably causing her some discomfort. He was able to get the left one out, but couldn't get the right one. He said the right ear looks good, but the left one is retracted (what happens when your ear pops on an airplane) and her hearing is probably muffled through it. If it doesn't fix itself, then we will need to have another set of tubes put in. Which I am all for, because it can't help her speech to hear muffled sounds even if it is only in one ear. I will keep you posted.

Released!

Addison has been released from Physical Therapy. Their main concern last time was that she was still rolling her feet in when she walked and they were concerned about flat feet. But she is no longer rolling her feet in and arches are developing. They think that the more that she walks the more her arches will develop. They want me to keep her in robeeze, because they are as close to bare feet as you can get. But we don't have to go anymore and she won't have to wear braces. Yay! Now onto Speech Therapy.

Funny little story from Regan: The other night when I put her to bed her room was pitch black. I guess we got to bed later than normal, because usually there is some light from outside in her room when she goes to bed. She was none to happy about it being so dark. I explained to her that as summer ended the days would be getting shorter and thus it would be darker in her room when she went to bed. She says to me... "I don't want them to be shorter. I want them to be taller."

Trip to the Library

As I mentioned in a previous blog, the girls and I have been going to the library this summer. It's nice, because I can request books that I want online and they will call me when they are available. It is also nice, because Regan can check out a variety of books and videos and it doesn't break the bank. In fact it doesn't cost a thing. : ) My mom is in town this week and took some pictures of me and the kids. I was not looking my best, but what can ya do?

Regan's Party

Regan had her birthday party today. I think she had a lot of fun. Her favorite part, of course, was having Belle (a co-worker of Matt's) come to her party.

Addison's Plastic Surgeon Appointment

It is still weird to me that Addison has a plastic surgeon. Anyway, we went today for a check up. He said that everything looks good. He said to make sure that the pediatric dentist watches her teeth, because sometimes they don't grow in properly and she would need braces to fix it. I told him that so far the dentist says that she has a perfect bite. He also said that he would want her to be evaluated by a speech pathologist at two. I told him that we already have her in speech therapy, so I guess we are ahead of the game. She is going at the same place where she does PT. We are doing it through our insurance company. She is going twice a week for a month, so that she can get used to the ST and for them to come up with a plan. After that we will do a home program and go in once a month for evaluation.

We also met Regan's teacher on Thursday. She came for her home visit to meet Regan. She explained how show and tell will work this year and she gave Regan two clown faces to color. They will be talking about the circus for the first two weeks. They can bring show and tell any day that they want, but they have to put it in a bag and have two or three clues as to what it is. It should also correspond to the letter that they are doing that week, which is how we did it last year. Regan seemed to like her. She is very excited for school to start. She keeps asking me why she is still out of school.

New Artwork

I have decided to start scanning some of Regan's drawings into the computer. It's one of her favorite things to do and she does so many that I can't keep all of them. I have been throwing them away, but I thought I might want to keep some. I figure that if I scan them they won't take up space, but I can still keep them for posterity. I will post some to the blog periodically. Here are a couple that she has done recently. The first is Elmo, of course. The second is me. I love how she always makes my hair yellow and brown. She has started adding glasses and I was wearing all blue that day.

Swimming

I talked to Regan's swim teacher today about her continuing through the fall with swim lessons. I was mainly asking her to recommend indoor pools, because the one we went to last year was way to far away from our house (30 min each way for a 30 min lesson). She said that Regan should definitely continue through the fall. She said that she and her friend that she takes with swim really well for their age and that Regan is a really quick learner. I was glad to hear that, because Regan really loves swimming. She loves going to swim lessons, always wants to go to the pool and practices swimming the whole time we are at the pool. So, I'm glad that the teacher thinks she is also good at it. I'm happy that she didn't get my athletic ability (which is none).

Vegetarian?

Out of my two Addison definitely has the sweet tooth. Whereas Regan will take two licks of a sucker and be done with it, Addison will practically eat the stick and Regan's too. But I think Addison makes up for it with her love of vegetables. She doesn't always want to eat meat, but I am constantly amazed at the vegetables she will eat. She and Regan usually eat their dinner around 5:30 and then Addison will help me eat mine after Matt and I cook around 6pm. The other night we made a dish that had red bell pepper in it and Addison loved the red bell pepper. Tonight we ate a dish with Asparagus and Addison ate almost all of my asparagus and was asking for more. She will usually try whatever meat we are having, but will chew it a few times and then spit it out. I don't know if it's because she doesn't like the taste or if it is because it is harder to chew up. She will eat some meat, but she definitely likes fruit and vegetables more.

More Bowling Pictures

My friend just sent me these pictures. The last picture was Matt's "disappointed" face after a bad bowl.