Smile! It’s Saturday…

I am really hoping in the next few weeks to try a few “Day in the Life…” posts, but until then I will just share a few of the highlights from our Saturday.

See this cutie? 

She decided to sleep until 10:00AM!  I was amazed.  Now, she was up 3 times in the night to eat, but once I fed her early this morning she. was. out!  When she finally woke up for good she was all smiles!

Once everyone was up and fed, us girls headed to do our normal Saturday thing- SHOP!  Mackaylan was thrilled because she was able to help me pump gas on the way.  Lydia was thrilled because she rode on a carousel at the mall for the first time. This mama was thrilled because she found quite a few bargains! You can see It doesn’t take much to keep us happy!

The late afternoon hours were spent resting and washing clothes.  I was going to cook supper, but Mickey suggested that we go somewhere so of course I took him up on that offer.  I suggested that we head over to the Boiling Springs area and make a pit stop by Lake Bowen to feed the ducks.  It had been a while since we had been there and I knew Mackaylan and Lydia would enjoy it.

After feeding the ducks, we headed to Firehouse Subs for dinner and then to Tutti Frutti for dessert.  Vanilla frozen yogurt + cookie dough bites + Reese’s Cup pieces =  YUM-O!!!! 

Now we are home and both girls are tucked into bed.  However, I am a little worried because somewhere along the way Mackaylan started running a fever.  We have tried a few rounds of Tylenol, and it seems to go down, but then it comes right back once the meds have worn off.  I am hoping and praying that a good night’s sleep will be just what she needs for it to break and go away for good.  I guess only time will tell….

WW- Moving on Up!!!

Just a quick pic of Mackaylan and Marly in their new Sunday School classroom. This past Sunday was promotion day for the kids and youth. These 2 girls are all smiles because they are officially out of the nursery/preschool area and are upstairs! That's a big deal, people!!!!

Cardinal Cheer Camp ‘11

Here are a few pics from Cardinal Cheer Camp a few weeks ago.  This was Mackaylan’s 2nd year and she loved it!  The camp started off a little rocky with a phone call to come pick her up because she had an upset stomach, but ended up with lots of smiles and new tricks!  These pictures are from Saturday morning when they have an exhibition complete with cheers, dance, and stunts! 

1st Day of School

Today was the first day of school for the 2011-2012 school year.  Mackaylan was so excited about getting back into the swing of things. A new teacher.  New friends.  New school supplies.  And most importantly… new clothes!!  Last night when I was tucking Mackaylan  into bed I said, “It’s funny to think that I am tucking you in as a Kindergartener, but you will wake up a 1st grader.”  In pure amazement she looked up at me with her big blue eyes and said, “Wow! It’s magic!!”  I just love this little girl, her attitude, and take on life. 

This morning was very uneventful.  All the girls were up, fed, dressed, and out of the house by 6:50AM.  Pretty impressive, huh?!  We even had time for a few quick photos before we left the house.

Last night at the grocery store Mackaylan picked out an apple for Mr. Pack, her new teacher.  She wanted to take him a head of cabbage, but I convinced her that an apple would be the best choice for this occasion! :)

And I think this smile sums it up:  1st grade is going to be fabulous! 

Our Weekend

To me there is nothing better than spending time with friends and family except spending time with friends that are like family!  This weekend was one of those times….

Saturday morning started off with the final day of LHS Cheer Camp for Mackaylan.  Following the regular camp time they had an exhibition for the parents and of course grandparents were invited too!  This was Mackaylan’s 2nd year attending and she loved it! 

On Saturday evening we headed over to the Caldwell’s to celebrate Andrew’s birthday.  The kids had a wonderful time playing outside, and the adults enjoyed being able to sit back, relax, and spend some time swapping stories from years gone past!

Sunday morning started off with 2 sweet sisters and a whole bunch of smiles!  After church we headed to the O’Shields’ to celebrate Doc Baker’s birthday.  Mickey wasn’t able to join us because he went to ride 4-wheelers in order to prepare for the upcoming race season, but I think after riding in this heat he wished he would have been relaxing with us by the pool! 

Tomorrow is my last day of summer break!  We have had a wonderful summer, but I am already looking forward to next year.  There were many things on Mackaylan’s “Summer Bucket List” that we were not able to get to due to my school schedule and the fact that I am still adjusting to life with a little one again.  However, just as I told Mackaylan today, summer is not over just because school starts back.  We will still have a few afternoon’s by the pool and will make the most of our afternoons and weekends home together!  I have had lots of time to think about life over the past few months and I definitely know what my priorities are! Don’t get me wrong, I am very thankful to have a job and will do my job to the best of my ability.  However, I am often reminded that life is just too short, and there is nothing that I want to pour my life into more than these two precious little girls!!!!! 

Happy Sunday!  I hope your weekend was full of friends, family, and making memories!

4 months

Yesterday Lydia turned 4 months old!  It is so amazing to watch her as she continues to grow and begins to explore the world around her.She smiles constantly and is such a happy baby. She has rolled over 2 times, but is more interested in trying to sit up rather than roll over.  It is so funny to watch her try to lift up as we change her diaper or play with her on the floor.  She is going to have some mighty strong abs one day! 

We went to the doctor yesterday for her 4 month appointment and she officially  weighs 15.5 lbs. and is 25 1/4 inches long.  She is getting so big.  I believe she is going to be tall like her sister since she has been in the 98% or higher since birth! 

Speaking of growing, can you believe she has 2 teeth coming in?  Crazy!  At her 2 month appointment I asked the doctor if it was possible that she was teething and she acted like I was crazy.  However, when I told her that Mackaylan and Mickey both cut teeth around 4 months she said it was possible.  Needless to say, I was thrilled that they broke through before this visit just to remind her that “mother knows best!” ha

Lydia loves everything about her big sister, Mackaylan.  She loves when KK is in the room and will just grin so big when she hears her voice! I can’t wait to watch their friendship develop as they grow up together. There’s just nothing like the bond of sisterhood!

Over the past month Lydia has experienced many “firsts” such as a trip to the beach,

her first dip in the pool,

a visit from out-of-town friends.

and a stroll through the zoo.

Please pray for us as I go back to work this week.  I am not looking forward to leaving her, and thinking about it makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up.  We had a “practice” day last Tuesday and I cried all the way from Landrum to CGS.  I can only imagine what it is going to be like this week. That’s all I can say about that right now. 

Currently, Lydia is wearing 3-6 month clothing, size 1-2 diapers, and eats about every 3 hours.  Nursing is going great and I never in a million years thought I would love it like I do. 

What does Lydia like to do in her free time?  Well, she loves to sit in her bouncy seat, to cuddle with those who love her, and is so amazed with the mobile in her crib. 

Lydia Avanelle brings us so much joy day in and day out.  All I want to do is hold her close and kiss her chubby little cheeks!   My heart overflows….