Monday, May 30, 2011

It’s Summer!!

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May 30, 2011.  The first “unofficial” day of summer.  With temperatures in the high 90’s this week we are sure to be spending a lot of time by the pool.  The rest of this summer promises day trips to places like the zoo and local parks, along with escapades to the movies, the mall, nearby waterparks, and our local library.  The calendar also holds a week of vacation to the  beach, a well-anticipated visit from out-of-town friends, my cousin’s wedding, my mother-in-law’s birthday, and my graduation!  There are lots of memories to be made.  Let the fun begin!!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Showcase Sunday

I mentioned last week that each Friday I was going to feature one of Mackaylan’s writings from the week.  Well, as you well know, Friday has come and gone and I am just now getting around to it, but that’s life!  On Wednesday morning before Mackaylan left for school she sat down and wrote this poem about Kindergarten Graduation:

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Graduation is almost here

and there may be a lot of tears,

but I will see you again soon.

So I guess it’s time to say good-bye

and I will miss you too,

but you know like I said before

I will see you again soon.

Enjoy these highlights from Mackaylan’s K5 graduation ceremony!

Happy Sunday!

Monday, May 23, 2011

A Very Important Week

This is a very important week around our house.  It’s a week of finales:

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{{{{{{{{DRUM ROLL}}}}}}}}

Mackaylan will graduate from Kindergarten and her first year of school will come to an end.  A finale.  An end to one thing, but the beginning of many others. 

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It seems just like yesterday I was rocking this little girl to sleep, singing her lullabies, and kissing her sweet toes.  Time sure does fly.  Today we are cuddled on the couch watching Oprah.  Tomorrow night it will be American Idol.  My little girl is growing up…

Saturday, May 21, 2011

SOOC- Signs of Summer

Today I am linking up for SOOC (Straight Out Of the Camera) with Amy over at Marvelous Mommy.  This is what Amy has to say about SOOC:  “Whether you are a professional photographer, an amateur photographer, or just someone who likes taking pictures, I encourage you to link up! This is a super simple weekend meme that doesn’t take up much time! Please join me! I’d love to see your shots.”  The rules for SOOC are simple:  Post a picture straight out of your camera…. no editing. However, you can post an edited pic after the original shot if you would to.  In the words of my 6 year old, “easy peasy lemon squeezy!”

Flip flops:  A sure sign of summer

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And because I love playing around with my photo editing apps on my phone… Take 2

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So, get those pictures out of your camera.  Visit Amy’s site and link up with the fun! 

SOOC-Saturday

Happy Saturday!

Feature Friday

Over the course of this school year Mackaylan has developed an intense love of writing.  She has multiple writing journals that she writes in, but one in particular is her very favorite and she writes in it almost everyday.  If I must say, I think she is very creative and has a strong command of voice and word choice for a rising first grader! In an effort to encourage her to continue to write daily (especially throughout the summer) I thought we would feature one of her stories each Friday for you to read and enjoy.  So, without further ado we proudly present…..

The Princess by Mackaylan

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Once there was a princess.  But what do you know?  It’s me.  I’m the princess. I’ve known it since I was a baby.  You can tell when I wear my crown.  I also have dazzling dresses that I wear to church.  I’m a princess even though I go to school.  I have a baby sister that’s going to be a princess.  When I am grown-up I am going to be a queen.  I live in a kingdom.  It is fun living in a big kingdom like this one.  Princesses like me eat crumpets.  I live a palace.  A palace is the same thing as a castle.  If you want to be a princess you have to be polite. You have to use your manners.  I am a good princess. I love being a princess!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Full

I know it seems as if all I have done lately is post pics, but who could resist when you have these 2 adorable girls as your subjects?


My cup runneth over.....

Happy Wednesday!



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Monday, May 16, 2011

Make Me <<SMILE>> Monday

Due to the fact that we are all totally in love with our new addition I thought I would post a few recent pictures that are sure to bring a <<BIG SMILE>> to your face:

I believe this was Lydia’s first real smile.  It takes a lot of convincing, but I have gotten a few more out of her in the past few days.

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I call this next pic the “Peanut Pose.”  I think she looks like a little peanut sitting up on the big couch all by herself.  She is just so adorable I could eat her up (pardon the pun!)

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On Friday I had all intentions of publishing a “Hoppy” Friday post, but didn’t get around to it.  Yes, I said “Hoppy.”  I’m corny like that!

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Yay!  I finally caught a yawn on camera.  And if you are wondering, even yawns from a 6 week old are contagious!

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Lydia+cute pink bow from the clearance rack at Target= Be still my heart!

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Happy Monday!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Better Late Than Never…

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Well, a week later, I am finally posting a few pics about Mother’s Day 2011!  I guess better late than never, right?! 

The morning started off with Mackaylan presenting me with my Mother’s Day gift.  She pranced into the bathroom with the gift in hand and ask, “Mama, what is THIS?!” When I turned around I couldn’t believe my eyes.  This is what she had in her hand….

A NookColor!!!  I was so excited.  I had flippantly mentioned that I thought it would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift, but didn’t think I would actually get one.  I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised though because Mickey is great at spoiling me rotten.

After church we went to Mickey’s mom and dad’s for the afternoon.  The Rush family drove up from the midlands to spend the weekend and we enjoyed lunch and an afternoon together.  Mackaylan loved playing with Rebecca (and Rory too)! 

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That night we ventured up the mountain to eat at Hannah Flannigan’s.  On Sunday nights they have all-you-can-eat crab legs and we like to take advantage of this deal when church is cancelled.  It was only appropriate that we met the Caldwell family there because they were the ones who introduced us to this fun “event!” We love spending time with the Caldwell’s because there is never a dull moment.  Dave and Brady always have fun stories to share and this night was no exception.  We all enjoyed a night of good food, fun and fellowship!

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We were not able to celebrate with my mom on Sunday due to her work schedule, but we are planning to have an “official” celebration in the next few days.  I will be sure to post pics of this gathering as soon as it takes place.

So, there you have it.  Mother’s Day 2011 (Part 1).  Time with family.  Time with friends.  Good food.  Good fun.  Lots of laughter.  Yet most of all lots of love! 

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Just Sayin’

All because two people fell in love….

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lydia sleeping

Happy Saturday!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Who me?

“Who does she look like?”  If Mickey and I had a dollar each time we have been asked that question since Lydia was born we would have a good start to her college fund.  It’s just one of those questions that seem to always spring up in any conversation that revolves around a newborn.  Of course my side of the family likes to think this little pumpkin looks like a Bagwell while Mickey’s side of the family tends to think she looks like an O’Shields.  I like to think she is the perfect mix between the two.  However, I think the O’Shields may win this time.  What do you think?

Here is a side-by-side comparison of Lydia and her Aunt Betsi.  Check out the mouth, nose, and eyes in particular.  I thought it was humorous that they even have the same facial expression! 

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I can only hope and pray that Lydia will grow to be such a strong, smart, independent, thoughtful, loving, and beautiful woman as her Aunt Betsi! 

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And here’s a picture of Mickey and Lydia.  Usually when Lydia is in her crib she looks more like Mickey in this pic (wide-eyed and ready to play!)  However, there have been a few times when she sleeps soundly during the day (and yes that does constitutes a photo op!) 

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I can only hope and pray that in the years to come Lydia will have the heart, brains, self-confidence, and determination of her daddy! 

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However, I am afraid she may be going for his wit….

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Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

A “One-derful” Month

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I can’t believe that Lydia is one month old!  Where does the time go?  In some ways it seems just like yesterday we found out we were pregnant and in other ways it seems like she has been apart of our family forever.  It’s amazing how someone that you have only known for a short time can capture your heart in such a mighty way.  Things are definitely different this time around, but I wouldn’t change anything for the world.  We prayed for this little girl for a long time and I feel blessed beyond belief that God would entrust us with another child.   So, here are a few facts about Lydia Avanelle and her 1st month of life….

  • She wears newborn diapers, and we go through LOTS of them everyday!
  • She loves her Sissy.  When Mackaylan talks to her she perks up immediately.

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  • She enjoys eating (much like her mom!) at least every 2 hours.  Sometimes it feels like all I do is feed her.  We have started supplementing with formula a little each day and that seems to be working out just fine. Not only does it keep her satisfied for a little bit longer, but it allows others to assist with the feeding process and bond with her during that time.

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  • After 4 weeks we are still trying to decipher her “language.”  The process is usually the same: Lydia cries, we pick her up, talk to her, walk around, try to burp her, check her diaper, check to see if she is hungry, rock or sway to test for sleepiness, etc.  This process will continue until she is calm (which usually happens right when you pick her up!) Surely, she can’t already be spoiled at 4 weeks?!?
  • She already has a few nicknames:  Leelo (from Mackaylan) and Lyd (from Mickey) plus other terms of endearment (Sweetles, Precious, Baby Girl, etc.).

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  • She eats at least 3 times per night.  I really do not mind the feedings as long as she falls back to sleep once she is finished eating. However, getting her to bed is difficult.  I think she is asleep, swaddle her up, rock her for a few minutes, and put her in her crib. Usually after 15-30 minutes she is awake and needing someone to get her out of the crib! Maybe I am just trying to put her down too early?? I am sure this will get better once we have a more established routine.
  • Speaking of swaddling, if she is practically asleep she will accept it without a fuss.  However if she is awake- don’t even think about it.  She likes to have her hands up near her face not down by her side! I have discovered that keeping her arms either on her chest or slightly bent before swaddling works well. It’s just trial and error at this point! 
  • She likes to cross her legs. It is precious.  She sits or lays like this all the time:

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  • She wears Newborn and 0-3 month clothes.
  • I purchased a Moby wrap and she enjoys being in it, especially for her afternoon nap. It allows me to get a few things done and she just sleeps right through it all! In honor of her 1 month birthday I ordered a K’tan too.  I have read that it is a little easier to get into than the Moby and it will provide us with options!

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  • She is gaining so much more control over her neck and head.  I just love to watch her look around and explore her surroundings. 
  • She is a very alert child and has longer periods of awake time each and everyday. 
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  • I love the way she keeps her thumb tucked in her fingers like this.  Maybe this is a sign that she will excel with baby sign language just like her sister did! Only time will tell….2011-04-26_17.30.081
  • She makes the cutest facial expressions without even knowing it.  I love the way she wrinkles up her forehead just like I do.  So far I am yet to get that on camera, but will soon I am sure.  It’s adorable!

In honor of Lydia’s one month birthday Mackaylan and I enjoyed a round of cake pops when she got home from school today!  (Thanks, Lisa and Amy!)

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Here’s to a “one-derful” month!  We love you, Lydia!!!!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Scrub-a-Dub

The life with kids is always full of firsts.  This past week we enjoyed one of those- Lydia’s first bath.   In my opinion, nothing smells sweeter than a newborn lathered in baby lotion from head to toe.  To get to this point, however, it takes lots of preparation and assistance from others.  Giving a 3 week old a bath is no easy task…

Mickey was a trooper and helped “skin the rabbit” DSC_0293while Mackaylan and I prepared the water and checked the temperature.  DSC_0294Lydia DID NOT like this process and let her daddy know it by leaving a warm, yellow spot on his shirt before he could get her into the water and shedding lots of tears!!DSC_0296Once she was in the tub, she continued to cry pretty much the entire time.  Mackaylan does not like it when her “Sissy” is upset so she opted not to assist with the bathing process this time.  DSC_0297After I finished bathing her, Mickey scooped her up and wrap her in this adorable hooded towel.  Being warm and safe in her daddy’s arms calmed her down immediately!DSC_0301And as quick as it started it was over.  Lydia Avanelle was clean, smelling oh so sweet, and nice and cozy in her footed PJs!  DSC_0303It’s hard to believe that in the blink of an eye she will be 6 years old and those tears that she once shed will turn into giggles, smiles, and lots of splashing…..DSC_0305