Long Sickly Week + Cute Pics Of My Girls

I'm finally feeling better and recovering from an ear infection & respiratory infection.  As an added bonus I've dropped about 5 pounds!  The coughing makes me puke & the steroids give me a nice boost of energy,  Of course, that energy usually falls in the middle of the night.  One night I was up from 12:51am - 4:12am.!

Addison had a great week at MDO.  She napped when she got home on Wednesday, but not Friday.  Quiet time only lasted about 30 minutes and I knew it was time to pick my battle, so I threw up the white flag and let her watch a movie while Alyssa finished her nap.  Which, by the way, all still take place in my loving arms!  I'm introducing her more every day to the nursery.  We've really only played in there, but now I make an effort to read books and rock her in there too.  One day soon she will be sleeping in that crib!

It was a beautiful day in Texas today and since this mommy is feeling better I took my babies outside.

Shoes courtesy of daddy!

I can't believe in the very near future she 

will be climbing this ladder and sliding on her own!

Hopefully, the weekend will be just as nice and we can make up for the slump I was in this past week!  Next week we start story time at our local library.  I signed up last year, but it just wasn't feasible with a 3 month old and a 2 1/2 year old.  Now that Alyssa is older and into books I think we will all benefit from this activity.

Miss Independent Alyssa

Trying to put her shoes on, but can't quite figure out how to get that foot in that shoe!

Ballet: Week 3

I'm sorry to say.....Addison just isn't ready to be a ballerina.  Maybe next year!

Black-eye

This is what happens when you tell a 14 month old that she can't crawl on the couch....

You get clocked in the eye with a remote control!  So, if you ever wondered how long a black-eye takes to heal I estimate anywhere from 7-14 days depending on the severity.

Water Park and Beach Day

We took a trip to Galveston over the weekend and went to the beach/water park!  It was so much fun I can't believe we've never been!  The setup is perfect for babies & young children.  There's a splash pad, water slides, lazy river, wave pool, concession stand (ice cream & usual greasy grub), bar, lockers to store belongings, bathrooms with showers.  It was perfect for all of us and the girls had so much fun running and playing.  I wish I would've taken more pictures, but didn't want to risk getting sand and water on my camera or phone.

It was the last weekend for this beach area to be open, so I expected it to be packed with people.  Luckily, it wasn't!  We found a spot on the beach with chairs and a nice big umbrella and left our stuff.  You can rent a cabana for the day for $75.  If it came with a cabana boy I would've splurged the $75, but it only came with a bucket of ice and bottled waters.

Addison and Alyssa LOVED the splash pad and water slides.  I lost count of how many times Addison went down the slide!

When we left we I decided to take the ferry home instead of our usual route.  The website showed a 15 minute wait, but when we got there a huge sign said EXPECT LONG DELAYS!  Go figure.  It was worth the hour wait!  We boarded the ferry & went to the top to check out the views & try to see some dolphins.  It didn't take long before the dolphins were jumping, splashing & putting on a show for us.

Addison & Alyssa's first ferry ride.

One day in the NEAR future I'm going to get a zoom lens!

 

I DID IT...

My mom has been in town the last couple of days, so we decided to go get a pedicure.  I very much needed one.  The last time I went was for Katie's wedding the first week of August and before that was prior to Alyssa being born --- so more than a YEAR!  Today was an early release day at MDO, so my plan was to take Addison at the usual time, come back home & let Alyssa cat nap then take her to MDO while I went to get my nails done.  Honestly, when I thought of this the night before I wasn't too sure that I would follow through with it.  When we dropped Addison off we went to the nursery & I let Alyssa play for about 15 minutes.  Mom & I took her back around 10:30 to leave her for an hour or so.  I made sure Alyssa was playing & happy when I left.  After my pedicure (which was awesome), I went back to pick up the girls.  I decided to get Alyssa first since I knew she was already traumatized.  When I peeked in the room she was sitting in the rocking chair with Ms K watching a movie while other babies drank their bottles.  As soon as she saw me she had a total meltdown......it was so sad :(  Ms K said Alyssa cried off & on the whole time, but overall she was fine.  I think I'll take her back again on Friday!

Ballet: Week 2

Addison went into class when her name was called & did great for the first 20 minutes.  I'm not sure where it all started to fall apart, but the next time I peeked in the door she was sitting in the instructors lap - crying!?!?!  They brought her out to me before class was over & didn't know what was wrong with her.  I'd like to say that it was just because she didn't take a nap, but I really think she just isn't ready to be a ballerina.  One more week...

Festival Time 2011

Addison was in the local parade over the weekend.  She rode with her dance class while Blake walked along side the float.  At first we were told that a parent could ride with the baby ballet class, but then it turned out there wasn't enough room.  Poor planning I guess.  She had a great time throwing candy out to the crowd.  Blake had to tell her to save some to throw at me & Alyssa.

After the parade we went home for naps & lunch then headed to the festival.  Addison isn't afraid to ride anything anymore.  She went down the slide twice, rode the carousel, truck, tea cup & the ferris wheel.  We had a great time!

My Little Indians

I finally got my babies some local school shirts!  Every Friday all the babies at MDO show their school spirit by wearing team shirts!

Nap Mat

This new school year called for a new nap mat.  Addison's old one was used for 2 years & was on it's last nap!  **Not that she takes a nap at school anymore, but here's to hoping she will give the teacher a break someday**

Baby Ballet Bust

We walked to the studio just in time for class to start and everyone was allowed to go inside the classroom for roll call and to take pictures, etc.  Maggie was there and also Carlie from Addison's MDO class.  I just knew that since she had some friends there that me leaving wasn't going to be an issue.  WRONG....it was an issue.  I waited in the lobby area, but in the future I'll go home and fix dinner then go back to get her.  Addison cried when I left the room, but then was fine during the rest of class.  I peeked through the door window several times to check on her.  When class was over and everyone started leaving she began to cry again.  I think it was because she didn't see me right away when the door was opened.  Once we got home we talked about class and she showed me a couple of things she learned, but she doesn't want to go back next week :(

MDO 2011-2012

Addison had a great first day of school!  She is in class with a few of her friends from last year, so that is always helpful in making the transition easier.  After we left Addison's class it was time to visit Ms K in the nursery.  She only has 4 babies right now, 5 including Alyssa (the max is 6).  It's a much younger group than when Addison was in the nursery.  We stayed for about 10 minutes & Alyssa watched the babies play while she sat in my lap.  I think we will do this each time to get her used to the environment.

Photo Workshop

Last weekend, I went to a photography workshop with a friend that was hosted by a local photographer.  It was from 10-3.....the longest I've ever been away from Alyssa!  We had a wonderful time learning about our cameras & just basic rules to making a good photo great!  If my pictures don't look any different going forward then you will know that I didn't pay attention in class!