Happy Feet!

Ice storm day!

So we had some nasty weather blow through our area Tuesday and Wednesday. The roads iced over and it was freezing cold. Scott stayed home Wednesday and he and Jack had a good ole time outside enjoying the ice. I went outside to see what they were up to and Jackson's pants were covered in water! He was running through the water puddles and splashing around. Great, the makings of a cold! He thought slipping and falling on the ice was too much fun! Ava and I were the smart ones and stayed inside by the fire. It was nice having a fun and lazy day with Dad off! I'll try to post the video but I'm making no promises you'll be able to view it!

Ava's first cookie

So Scott decided he was going to give Ava her first cookie last night. Boy did she love it! I think we created a "cookie monster"! She was such a mess but she enjoyed every minute of it. This was her first taste of real table food that she actually had to chew. Before then she has just been on stage 3 baby food. She did go on a solid food strike last week. She wanted nothing to do with the stuff. I took it as her teething since she was cranky too! Anyhoo, here are some pics of our little Cookie Monster!

Ava said her first word!!!

So we all can remember I'm sure the first time our little one babbled their first word. Ava has been making all kinds of noises for a while now but nothing clear. The other night Ava said, "Momma"!!!! It was so sweet! Jackson's first word was momma as well. I really haven't even been trying to get her to say it. I just always use it in a sentence when I'm talking to her like, "Quit pulling momma's hair" or "Ava, Mommy is going to change your diaper now." She has said it on more than one occassion so I know she actually is saying it! Now we have to work on Dadda!

Dad's home!

So mostly everytime Scott gets home Casey is the first to know about it. She will perk up her ears and sit and wait on the carpet infront of the door. (She never does this for me by the way.) Jackson is now realizing that when Casey gets in her ready stance Dad is home. I caught them on camera yesterday and it was too cute not to share.

A new era begins.....

So where were you when Barack Obama was sworn in as the first African American President of the United States? A question everyone will ask for years to come.
We watched history in the making as the 44th President of the United States of America was sworn in. Barack Obama, the first African American President is our new leader of the free world. I managed to catch some pictures of the kids in front of the t.v. We were at the gym when he was sworn in but we did manage to get some pics of the First couple walking down Pennsylvania Avenue. What a momentous event for our children to witness. I truly believe a change is what our country needs and he brings such a breath of fresh air and willingness to take on the many challenges that our great country faces. Good luck to you President Obama!!!!

Ava's 6 month doctor visit

So we just had Ava's 6 month check up even though she just turned 7 months yesterday. We had just switched physicians so this was the earliest we could get a visit. She suprised us with her measurements! She is 13.8 pounds (50%), 24.5 in length (10%) and 17 in head (75%). She has finally caught up and is at the middle of the road for her weight. The doc did suggest that we put her back on reflux meds. I was suprised as she hardly spits up anymore. She told me the back of her throat was red and irritated which suggests she is spitting up but just swallowing it back down. She also has some congestion and a little bit of eczema. So, she put her on Zantac to help with all of the symptoms she seems to have from this reflux. Most likely she will soon outgrow it but until then we are on meds.
She is now sitting up all by herself! This is the best because she can play with her toys and hopefully can get rid of her bald spot at the back of her head! Seperation anxiety is in full swing! She cries and cries everytime I leave the room. This makes for a very frustrated mommy. I can't get anything done around the house! Hopefully this will dissapate soon.

Jackson had his 2 year visit as well. He too is growing by leaps and bounds! His measurements were as follows: 33in height (50%), 27lbs (50%) and 19 3/4 in head (95%). So my kids have big heads! We had no issues with him but he did have to get shots. I think Ava took it better than her brother who cried the entire visit afterwards. He is putting full complete sentences together and is talking much more clearly now, as before mom and dad were the only ones who really got what he was saying. Sometimes he will talk and I just look at him in amazement thinking, "Wow, that was so clear!" He loves jumping off of anything he can get onto. I swear years have come off of my life by the amount of times my heart has jumped out of my chest! He is a dare devil that's for sure. We have also started potty training. It is no easy task. Sometimes he will tell us he has to go and other times it's like pulling teeth to get him to go to the potty. We have tried stickers, books, candy, snacks, anything to get him excited about going potty. Nothing works with this kid! Can you believe he passes up candy? He shows most signs that he is ready but for some reason he is perfectly content with filling his diaper. For now we will continue putting him on the potty when we think he needs to go.

Best of 2008

Happy New Year! What an amazing year!

What an amazing year 2008 was. I guess it was really 2007 but close enough to 2008 when we moved back to Texas. We are so fortunate to be back close to our family and friends. The best gift of all, we added a new addition to our family, Ava Reese. This was I have to say the best part of 2008. As a mother there is nothing sweeter than seeing your two children laugh and play together. I can only hope this continues as they grow older. Jackson turned 2 years old. He is growing so fast but he is still my "sugarplum". I want to soak in every moment seeing them so young. I know they will grow fast. I've attached some pics of our 2008 highlights. I hope and pray that 2009 brings us great memories, surprises and prosperity! Happy New Year!