The Perfect Dates

If you’re one of those who folks who eye-roll when people brag about their children, you might want to tip-toe on out of this post.  I really try to keep my opinions about how I think they’re the most awesome kids who ever walked earth to myself… but today, I must indulge.

You see, today was our two year well visit at the good ol’ pediatrician.  Nathan won’t be home till tomorrow (thanks to you, PICU schedule!) so I knew I had to take them alone.  No big deal really, but it wasn’t something I was looking forward to. 

After a hearty breakfast of strawberry waffles, I couldn’t believe my luck when they got so excited about going to “da doctah!”  Perhaps it’s because they have a doctor play set and like listening to each other's heart beats, but either way, they put their shoes on without a fuss and marched to the car without a whole lot of convincing from me.  Win #1.

Once we made it to the peds office, they were even more excited about going in.  They sat beside me while I hurried through the 20 pages of questionnaires you have to fill out each time, then they helped carry my bag to the room when we were called.  I seriously couldn’t believe my luck at this point, but there was still a long, shot-filled appointment to go.  Their height, weight and head circumferences were taken without a hitch (which has never happened in the history of their lives), then they sat and colored while I talked to the nurse, going over the questionnaires and whatnot.  Win #2.

While waiting on Dr. Mills to come in, we kept coloring on our “what to expect from the influenza vaccine” sheet and talked about where to go for lunch.  We passed a Mexican restaurant on our way in, and in hopes that it would take their mind off getting shots, I told them if they were good we could get Mexican when we left.  We discussed what we’d eat, and I was kind of shocked at how excited they were about “chicken and wice!” Eventually the doctor came in and gave them great reports, then it was shot time.  I held my breath (because this is usually the part where the world falls apart and I’m breaking a serious sweat just to get both of them back to the car), but in a rare event, they each took it like a man.  Tyler stuck out his lip for about 3 seconds, jumped down, looked up at me and said “MEXICAN!”  I kid you not.  Win #3.

True to my word, we loaded up and headed to San Jose’s.  Once again, I held my breath and had an internal debate regarding my mental stability for attempting this feat.  We walked into a crowded restaurant and I silently prayed for a good experience, but who knows with two toddlers?  Each dining experience is unchartered waters, and this was the first time EVER that I’ve gone into a sit-down restaurant by myself with them.  We were lead to a booth, and just like he’d been doing it his whole life, Tyler climbs into the side opposite me and just sits.  The waiter put down our chips and salsa, and honest to God, each of those kids took their own salsa bowls, filled them up, and proceeded to go to town.  They ate chips until our food came, then sat in their boosters and ate every bit of chicken and rice on their plates.  I’m still shocked about this part, but when they finished their plates, they moved onto the crap I wouldn’t eat on mine.  From sour-cream-covered-lettuce-and-tomatoes to soggy chips covered in refried beans and cheese, they ate it.  WINS #4, 5, 6, 7.

In conclusion, my children are rock stars in the eating department. 

(And although Caroline has gained over 4 lbs since her 18 month visit, she’s only in the third percent for weight!  LOL!  I’m not complaining, though… this is the first time she’s even been on the chart in a year.  :)

::End indulgent post::

Oh TWO’dles!

After a whirlwind week of traveling, I can finally sit down and write about our birthday bash!  This year, we decided to have their party on their actual birthday, which meant we truly celebrated from the time they woke up till the time they went to bed. 
First up – birthday pancakes!  (Of course they had to wear “I’m the birthday boy/girl” shirts while eating them. :)





After breakfast, some Tar Heel football, and a nap for the kids, it was party time!  I finally got to bring down all the goodies I’d been working on for a week to decorate our downstairs…



The mantle was totally dedicated to our boy and girl…



and the dining room was spiced up with a few hanging poms, a food spread, and two super-fun cupcake towers… mimicking Mickey and Minnie Mouse, of course.



For the food, I tried to make sure that our guests would not leave hungry.  After all, many of them had traveled quite a bit to celebrate with us, so what kind of southern host would I be without a full spread?

We had a vegetable platter, pasta salad, fruit salad, peanut butter cheese ball (by far one of the biggest hits, served with chocolate animal crackers, apple slices, honey grahams & pretzel rods), and ham and cheese ciabatta sandwiches.  I’m pretty sure no one left hungry.





As friends and family started arriving, we woke the guests of honor from their naps and dressed them in their birthday outfits.  Caroline wasn’t quite sure of her tutu off the bat, but it didn’t take her long to rock her Minnie-inspired look. 



Tyler surprised us all, though… he got right in there and became our social butterfly. (Maybe it was all the pretty girls we had as guests? :)









We didn’t have “organized” party games; instead the backyard was a free-for-all with balloons, sand table, basketball, baseball, swings and slides.  The kids really enjoyed it all.











 

























After playing, LET THEM EAT CAKE! 
Caroline and Tyler tried to sneak a few bites of icing before we sang “Happy Birthday,” though…



Their reactions this year were a little less wild than last year’s, but they certainly enjoyed themselves nonetheless.





Tyler was really into blowing out his candle this year.  I kept re-lighting it so he could reach the end of the song, but no such luck!  Caroline, on the other hand, wasn’t sure about the candle thing at all.  No amount of convincing from anyone could make her blow it out.  :)









Overall, we had a fabulous time with great friends and family… what else could be more perfect?  Thanks to everyone who made their day so special!

*In case anyone is interested, I made everything for this party from the outfits to the cupcake towers based on ideas from around the web.  There are a few specific sites I used to help me out, so I want to offer credit where credit is due:

- Cupcake Tower Tutorial:  Annie's Eats

-Ham and Cheese sliders:  Annie's Eats

-Peanut Butter Cheese Ball:  The Girl Who Ate Everything

As for the rest, I challenged my inner-creativity :)  If you are interested in any specifics I'd be glad to tell you about them, just email me.

Two Years.

Caroline and Tyler,

You’ll find that I didn’t actually write this letter to you on your birthday for once in 24 months.  The thing is, you’ve changed so much in such a short period of time that it’s hard for me to even find words.  I spent last Saturday in a frenzy… of emotion, of stress, and of disbelief… that my once little tiny babies were now full-fledged little people who could, in fact, tell me that it was their birthday and that they were “TWO!”  We made pancakes with sprinkles together, then you watched in excitement as I set up Mickey Mouse paraphernalia all over the house to celebrate your big day.  We practiced all week long on saying “Happy Birthday,” and I’m so thankful that on one of our many trips around town I was able to record you half-saying, half-singing it in your sweet little southern-sounding voices. 

Over the past few weeks, you’ve not only become independent beyond belief but you’ve begun a transformation I wasn’t quite prepared for. What used to be just sweet baby faces have turned into the precious faces of children – full of curiosity, wonder, and life – and when I look at them I catch glimpses of the grown ups you’ll one day become.  Tyler, you’re as inquisitive as ever, but you’re totally charming in every way.  You speak so eloquently, with every syllable and letter pronounced perfectly, but hearing you talk is definitely a privilege.  Even at age two, you always seem to think before you speak (definitely a trait your mother could work on).  But the characteristic I will remember most about you at this age is your grin… the one you give me when you’re up to something, the one you slyly offer when you’re about to try something new, and the same one that graces your face when I pick you up to dance around the kitchen or plant a big kiss on your sweet cheeks. 







And as much as you two are different, Caroline, you have a signature look as well.  You have had “eyes that dance” since the moment you were born, but the more you grow, the more those eyes smile.  You can be oh-so-dramatic at times, but when you’re happy, there isn’t much in the world that can compete with the light you shine.  Usually a mama’s girl, you greet me every morning when I walk into your room with the most excited smile and a sing-songy “maaaamaaaa!”  We often go downstairs and just sit together on the couch watching Mickey, and I revel in the fact that you’re content to be there, pointing out each character one by one and talking non-stop.  That’s the part I hope never changes about you… that you’ll always find me someone you want to talk to. 







Now that you’re two, there are so many things that have changed about our every day life.  Where we once used strollers, I can now trust you to listen to me and stay by my side.  Where we once had to use high chairs, you can now kneel in a booth or sit like big kids in booster seats.  Where I used to pick out your clothes and shoes, you now tell me what you’ll be wearing.  And where I used to decide if you’d be having eggs or pancakes, you are quick to tell me you’d rather just have a “moothie” (smoothie).  When we’re not busy and just hanging around the house, you impress me with the games you can invent for yourselves.  Where I used to seek ways to entertain you, now I wait and watch from the sidelines.  You both love puzzles, coloring books, stickers, play dough, throwing balls and chasing each other, but most of all, you love scaling furniture and jumping as far off as you can.  There are many times I can remember where I’ve scattered every pillow I can find around the floor, only for you to rearrange them because it interfered with your game.  Probably our favorite activity of all, though, is walking to the park.  You both love to slide down all the “big kid” slides and swing in the “big kid” swings… and I’ve finally learned to sit below and watch in patience.  The two of you are honestly amazing, and almost everyone who meets you comments on your physicality.  I don’t know whether to be proud or scared out of my mind!  And finally, where I used to guess what was on your minds, now you tell me in two or sometimes three-word sentences.  This has been one of the most awesome changes in month 24, because we can communicate so much better and I know it’s less frustrating for you.  The looks on your faces are just priceless when we understand what you’re telling us, especially when you answer the right number or color correctly. 

Once again, this letter is hard for me… I feel like there is so much to say, but not enough words to do it justice.  How can I even begin to tell you how lucky I am to be your mother?  I stand in awe of you every single day, and I am honestly grateful for each one I have with you.  As much as I want time to slow down, so that I can savor every step and every stage of your life, it is so exciting to watch you change into such wonderful human beings.  I know you are destined for greatness, but no matter what paths you choose I will be there to support you every step of the way.  You two are the greatest blessings of my life, and I will never be able to thank God enough for knowing how much I needed you in it.  

Love you always,
Mama

Shabby Apple Winner

Congratulations Alison!  You were lucky #21, which I happened upon after two attempts at random.org. 

PS, can I say this is my baby shower gift to you?  Just saw the great news on your blog!  So exciting! 

I am so sorry that I'm behind with this post, but for once, I can blame it on someone else!  Usually I'm full of excuses as to why I've been sooooo busy, but this time, Nathan forgot that he left our laptop and wireless modem sitting on the table at my mom's house.  We were halfway to Columbia when she called and reminded us of it, and with irritable children and a kenneled pup, we decided to roll on.  Luckily a friend from home came down to help me with a Visalus event and brought it to me last night, so now I can be soooooo busy catching up! :)

You know the big "2" is less than two weeks away, so I've gone slightly mad with party details and planning.  Coupled with my pinterest obsession, my house has become a fury of Mickey & Minnie paraphernalia and random crafting (tulle wreaths and tufted headboards and monogram frames, oh my!!).  Thankfully my sweet husband just lets me do it and doesn't say a word. 

So again, congratulations Alison on your new Shabby Apple necklace!  I bet you will find something awesome to showcase (like a baby initial, perhaps? :).  Please email me when you get a chance so we can work out the details for shipping.