My Girl

Last Saturday, Lucy and I got to do something we don't get to do very often... have a whole day to ourselves!!! Brooks was off riding dirt bikes and camping with his friends, and Daddy was at work. So we decided to have a girls' day!!! We started it off by going to eat breakfast. We stopped at a small coffee shop and just hung out for a little while.

After our breakfast, we headed over to the nail salon. She had never been in one before, so it was questionable how she was going to do! She was sooo excited!!! I got a pedicure and she got a mani & pedi. She did great! She was a little wiggly at times (understandable), but for the most part sat as still as she could so her nails could dry. I think the lady started getting a little frustrated b/c she kept having to re-do her fingernails ;) I wanted her to be able to soak her feet in the tub with the bubbles, but her little legs are so short, they couldn't reach! I think the best part for Lucy was that she had flowers painted on her thumbs and her big toes. She loved that!!!

Drying her nails

Checking out the flower

Mani

Pedi

After our mani's and pedi's, we headed to The Little Gym. We had missed a week while we were in BR, so this was a great day to make it up. She loves this class and I'm so glad we decided to put her in it. Today, she decided to wear a different tu-tu.

By the time her class was over, it was lunchtime. And what better place to eat lunch together than Chick-fil-A??!!! We didn't spend too long because we were both tired from the morning, but she still had enough time to eat and of course, play in the playland! After lunch, we went home and both had naps!!

I So Hate Consequences

Consequence: "the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier; an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome"

I wish I would have had a dictionary right in front of me last night. I thought this was an interesting conversation, so I thought I'd share. We've been having a problem with Brooks pitching the biggest fits when we leave someplace, especially church on Wednesday nights. And it's not just crying because he doesn't want to leave... it's a full on crying, whining, slobbery mess all the way home. I think it's just a combination of having to leave the excitement of his friends, along with being SO tired from the day. Anyway, my patience is not the best right now, so I got tired of it. Now every day on our way to church on Wednesdays, we go over the rules (when we leave, don't cry), just to be sure he remembers from week to week. Last night on our way, we went through the routine of it, except this time, he was a little more interested...

Me: "Now what are the rules for when we leave church tonight?"

B: "No crying or pitching a fit"

Me: "What happens if you pitch a fit?"

B: "I get in big trouble" (pause for a minute) "Getting in trouble makes me cry even more. Why do you like to get me in big trouble?"

Me: "Well, I don't like you get in big trouble, but if you don't follow the rules, then you have to pay the consequences." (as soon as it came out of my mouth, I regretted saying the word. I knew just what was coming next)

B: "What's con-se-quen-ce?"

Me: "Well, it's something that.... if you don't follow the rules...."

B: (interrupting) "It's something you have to do if you don't follow the rules?"

Me: "Yes, exactly. Like, while I'm driving if I don't follow the rules and I drive through a red light without stopping, my consequence would be to get a ticket and have to pay money."

B: "But you don't have any money"

Me: "You're right! That's why I follow the rules"

B: "Daddy has lots of money, you could just ask him for some!!"

Not sure if he fully understands the meaning, but the good news is there was no crying or whining last night after church!!!

p.s. "getting in big trouble" was put in code for those of you with sensitive disciplining hearts ;), aka-Nana

Put Me In, Coach!

So Brooks decided that instead of soccer, he wanted to try out baseball. We found a league that had fall ball, and signed him up. The league is REALLY small!!! So small, there are only 3 teams. Brooks is on the Black Team. The rules are laid back (as they should be for t-ball), so he's able to learn as he goes. I was worried for the first game. We had only had one practice and they didn't even learn about running the bases! But the boys struggled through and had fun. And the more they've played, the more they're getting the hang of it. He looks so cute in his little uniform! He is so proud of his hat and the fact that he's wearing real baseball pants.

At the first game, I thought I was going to be the great mom and bring my video camera and my still camera. I did, and got some great video! BUT, when I came home and went to put the videos on the computer, I couldn't!!! AAAHHHH! Technology :( My tech support (i.e. my mom) gave me suggestions to try and get it to work. And no, I haven't tried yet. But I was smart for the 2nd and 3rd game and brought my small, poor quality digital camera that takes video. This camera I know how to work and I know how to transfer to the computer. So I got somevideo I am able to share. YAY!!!! And I say all that to say this, the video I've added has some pictures from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd games and videos from the 2nd and 3rd. I wanted to do a blog of only his "firsts", but I guess you take what you can get :)

Stealing Cinderella

Three years ago today, I was sitting in a VERY HOT hospital room with no air conditioning and very little power. Two days earlier, Hurricane Gustav decided to roll into Baton Rouge, downing power lines, trees, and causing chaos for the whole city. As I was laying in the hospital bed, there were many concerns running through my head: "Are my parents going to get here in time (we couldn't get in touch with them because of no phone lines and bad cell reception)?, is anyone in the room going to pass out because of the heat?, how did people used to deliver babies without ANY modern conveniences?, how do I change a girl's diaper?, what will it be like raising a girl?" Well I got many questions answered immediately. My parents made it on time after having Katie find their house in pitch black dark and pound on their door to wake them up; no one passed out, but there was lots of sweating and red faces (and not just me); it's more difficult to change a girl's diaper than a boy's; and in the past three years I've learned ALOT about raising a girl! (How people used to deliver babies, I have no idea, nor do I want to know)

I never thought I would have a girly girl who loves PINK and playing dress-up, but it looks like God likes to give us what we think we can't handle!! My life would not be so full if I didn't have my little Lucy. In that little bitty package have been many many gifts that I never knew were for me. Getting better with snuggling in a rocking chair, patience, brushing hair, twirling in a tu-tu, belly laughs, patience, throwing a ball, braiding hair, patience, sweet kisses and hugs, candyland, and patience, are all gifts that she's given me... so far.

One day, I know someone will come along and steal our Cinderella, but for now, I'm going to treasure EVERY moment (easy and difficult) that God gives me with her.

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY, SWEET LUCY LOU!

I'm on a Boat!!

Last weekend, our good friends Matt & Carly invited our whole FUSE table to spend the day with them on a trip to Catalina Island. Only 3 couples ended up being able to come, and we had a blast! I had never been to Catalina, but had researched it some when Kim came to visit in February. So I knew some of what there was to offer and was excited!!!!! We weren't sure if we were going to be able to go b/c we couldn't get a babysitter, but Lindsey and Joey lent us theirs, so the kids were in good hands. A whole day on a boat, sightseeing, and spending some quality time just the grown-ups together... now I was SUPER excited!!! Carly's dad, Brad, took us over on his boat (it was about a 2 hour ride I think). I was a little nervous about getting motion sickness, but after taking a Bonine, drinking lots of water, and eating some ginger snaps, I was good to go.

We docked at the city of Avalon, and spent the day there. We took a tour on golf carts, ate lunch, then did a little shopping in all the cute touristy stores. Brad was very knowledgeable about the island we learned some things we had never known (like, the island was owned by the Wrigley's and the Cubs did their spring training there every year for awhile). Next time we go, I'm doing the Zip Line Tour!!!!! I would've done it this time, but I think the guides and Mike would've looked down on a pregnant belly flying through mid-air :)

So THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU again, Matt & Carly. We had an excellent time and can't wait until we get to do it again!!!!! ;)

The girls

Matt, Carly, and us on our golf cart tour

Brad, Kathleen, Joey, and Lindsay

The view of Avalon traveling into the harbor

The harbor with "The Casino", a movie theater

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Today, we started on a new adventure. We enrolled Lucy in a dance class! We did it through The Little Gym. They have a class that is a combination of dance and gymnastics. She does 15 min of tap, 15 min of ballet, and 30 min of gymnastics. The class is for 3 and 4 yr olds, but the girl told me we didn't have to wait the 2 weeks until her birthday.

The night before, I told her what she was going to do the next day. She was SOOOO excited!!!!! She immediately said, "I have to wear my ballerina costume". She was full of questions (that I was not prepared to answer), so I just had to tell her we would both find out tomorrow what the class would be like.

She was excited all morning and when we got there, not as shy as she usually is. We borrowed tap and ballet shoes from the gym. Me being as cheap as I am, I didn't want to buy any if this didn't really work out. Well, looks like we're going to buy some now! She LOVED it. She was smiling the whole time and so engaged in the teacher. I was so thankful that she was not only participating, but loving every minute of it :) Watching that class was probably the cutest thing I've ever seen! I think I enjoyed it as much as she did :) Here's a quick video that I took with some pictures put in there too. The quality's not too good, but you get the idea.

Bear crawl on the bars

First position

Tap Shoes

ABC, Easy as 1,2,3!

So Brooks had his first day of "real" school on Wednesday, August 10. He started Kindergarten!!! The Kindergarten here is a little different than what I was prepared for in LA. The age cut off is 5 by December here, and 5 by September in LA. So that means he started a year earlier than I was anticipating! But to help me out a little, it's only half day, not full day.

He was so excited. He woke up in the morning and had his new Starwars shirt (which he picked out), shorts, socks, and new tennis shoes on about an hour before it was time to go. And for awhile he sat with his booksack on just waiting!

Something else different about this school is that on the first day, the parents stay the WHOLE time!!! So I got to see what his days would be like (roughly) and how his teacher interacted with all the kids. He likes his teacher and I think she's going to be great for him. The day was a little unorganized and chaotic at times, but I'm sure once they get into a routine, it'll be smooth sailing. I think being able to go the whole time the first day helped me too. To my surprise, I didn't cry at all, despite my pregnancy hormones and the fact that my first born is old enough to start school!!

Brooks' school bus he made!

waiting in line

He's ready!!