Christmas At Our House

We had a great Christmas with the kids this year watching the excitement unfold through thier eyes. Bella is really into Santa and baby Jesus, so it has been funny to hear her interpretation of what Christmas is about. She's been singing all month, mixing carols with her own words. My favorite was a song she learned at school. Instead of "Mary had a baby oh lord", she was singing, "I am a ballerina oh lord" to the same tune. It was hilarious. She made her first gingerbread house and was all about the candy of course. We made divinity and reindeer ornaments to take to the neighbors. On Christmas day she was all about opening gifts (normal at four I guess?) They played with toys around the tree all day. Santa brought Bella a princess chair which was a favorite along with all the toys from grandparents & family. Dean is mesmerized by the tree lights and loves looking at all the ornaments. He's been really good about leaving them alone, for the most part. Hopefully he isn't sad when it comes down! His wasn't as "into" opening presents as his sister, but loves moving from toy to toy now. His favorites seem to be his firetruck from Santa and a nerf football. Eric's dad Cliff (PPaw) joined us on Christmas and we all enjoyed a wonderful dinner Eric made, a Citrus glazed ham and scalloped potatoes. As usual picky eater Dean wouldn't try any of it, but Bella loved the ham like her mom. As the next big event of the New Year rolls around and Christmas festivities slow down we will turn to our memories. We missed our family in NJ & AL, but were with you in spirit. Thank goodness for the internet and things like blogs to share pictures of special days like Christmas 2008. We hope your time together with those you love were just as precious!

EXTREME (weather) FUN!

Oh the weather outside is frightful, oh wait, now it is 73˚, and back to the 20's. December has been the month of extreme swings in temps, one day icy, then mildly muddy the next. We are surviving our Christmas break without cabin fever for the most part. I would like to say I am not counting the days until Bella and Dean return to pre-school for a much needed mommy break & chance to work again without interruption (Jan 5th), but it's been a fun holiday with them both. Life in Louisville without family close by can be challenging, but I wouldn't trade my flexible setup & friendships for anything. My life allows me to take advantage of warmer winter days at the park with my little ones, while working at night while they slumber.
Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I did chasing them around with the camera. It was chilly, but sunny in the company of good friends. The kids burned off a lot of energy which meant a nice long nap (for both of them) when we got home. Dean is now able to climb, slide and jump right along side his sister. He is fearless, but coordinated (thank goodness). I can't believe his April birthday will bring on the terrific two's (for Bella 3 was the rough year). We went to the zoo the other day and he ran the entire time, never tiring until I made him "buckle in" for a swift walk back to the car. I got a glimpse of how fun spring and summer will be with him out of the baby stage seeing the 2 1/2 year age gap between he and Bella narrowing. They love to color together, sometimes without fighting or screaming and now sit together on the couch to watch a show, for a few minutes until Dean is off & running. She is starting to take pride in her big sister role, something that took a while for her to try on & like!
Sometimes I dream of the day they are both in school, so I can focus for more than a minute, but I know I will miss these times when they are gone, when they are so little. This morning Bella told me "When I am five or fourteen Mommy I am going to have to move out of the house and marry a daddy". I stopped in my tracks and asked her if she thought that was a little young. She also told us she decided today she didn't want to get her ears pierced ever because it would hurt. When I told her she didn't have to she said, "oh, thank you mommy". I should have gotten that on video.

Happy New Year To All!

Turning Four Fairy Style!

Turning four has never been so fun, at least I can't remember back that long...too many years. Bella's big day, on November 30th was my favorite celebration to date for her, except for the day she was born :) Our living room was transformed into Pixie Hollow and housed several little adorable fairy friends. (Thanks Aunt Shar for the SilverMist Fairy Costume and Kristina for being my photographer for the evening)!

Bella, being Bella, had the entire party planned out for weeks, months, maybe longer. There would be dressing up, a pinata, cake, balloons and presents all for her! She and a few of her girlfriends flitted and fluttered about twirling and playing as fairy friends should. There was so much energy, and excitement in the air. They even disappeared into her room for a long while allowing us adults to socialize and partake in much needed adult conversation. She has fully embraced the maturity of a four year old (ha) in her head anyway, and often reminds us of her age. In fact, as soon as she turned four she asked me if she was going to be moved to the five year old class at school. Um, no, you are four now I told her. When I took her for her four year old check up the nurse complimented her on how still she was when having her blood pressure taken. She quickly informed the nurse she was four now, and that's what four year olds do. The pressure has gotten to her once or twice, so much expected of her new age she asked me a few days later when getting in trouble if she could go back to being 3. I told her sure if she was willing to give back all her presents. That thought quickly vanished. Dean even is reminded by his sister that he too can do certain things when he is a four year old. I look at her independent streak, strong will, creativeness and wonder where did she get that from? Then I look in the mirror and think maybe she comes by it honestly (except the sassy & moodiness :)).

As I see my little Bella getting bigger (44 inches and 42lbs now) I am reminded how quickly time flies. Just yesterday I was heading for Peidmont Hospital in Atlanta for the unknown, to give birth and now she is 4 going on 14. She is already planning her fifth birthday, drawing pictures for her guests, thinking about what she wants on her cake (anything but Hannah Montana please). When I tell her she just had a birthday she is quick to say, " I know mom, but I just want to be ready". Who can blame her for that?

Did I mention there were also Tinkerbell tattoo's? Don't you wish you were there?

Our Trip to Curaco, Netherland Antilles

Finally a post NOT about the kids! We just returned from my brother Sean's wedding on the lovely beach of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (4 hours by plane south of Miami near Venezuala & Aruba). After 11 hours in 4 airports our trip started out a bit rough when as weary travelers we discovered our luggage didn't make the trip from Miami (thank you Delta). Thanks to Sharlette sharing her things with sis and a friend of Sean's lending a shirt to Eric we made it until the bags arrived the next night. It was hard to complain about anything when you don't have kids under your feet or work deadlines, and are surrounded by such beautiful scenery & weather. The snorkling was breath taking, swimming among the schools of blue fish & coral. I even saw an octopus which was one of the highlights for me. I enjoyed pina coladas by the pool, practiced yoga on the beach under palm trees with coconuts & spent qualilty time with my husband & family. Sharlette and I caught up on all things trivial & Eric and I even enjoyed a nice game of giant size chess in the afternoon.

The wedding itself was one of the most beautiful I've ever been to, the only one I've ever attended where both the bride and groom had barefeet. Kristina & Sean's vows were so original, honest and touching, not a dry eye in the house! With the backdrop of the Mediterranian Sea, they tied the knot among family and friends & we all partied the night away to the tunes by german band "The Smu" who were amazing!!! Not only were they incredible musicians, but some of the smartest, nicest guys you'll meet. Kristina sang with them in highschool and they traveled all the way to play together on her big day.
We owe a world of gratitude to Ann (GeGe) who gave up 5 days watching the kids to allow us to take this trip. They did great with Grandma, especially Dean who was so hard to leave behind and not worry about. He was his happy self and both were without attitudes upon our return. We missed them so much and have no desire to be apart for some time, but this trip was just what the doctor ordered. At a time when I was over parenting and stressed to the max I got a great break and reminder of how lucky and happy I am to have the life I do.
We wish the newleyweds all the best for a lifetime of happiness & a fabulous honeymoon in Chile. Thanks for the memories in Curacao!

The Princess & The Bee

We had a great Halloween with the kids. The weather was perfect - in the 70's. Princess Bella went as Snow White and Dean as a Bumble Bee. I had to feature this photo where Dean started screaming pre trick-or-treating. I'm not sure whether it was because his sister put her arm around him or the fact Mommy was making him sit for a photo opp.
Dean kept on his antenna hat for the most part, and quickly caught on to the concept of filling his pumpkin with candy. Our honey bee became an angry hornet when we wouldn't let him open each piece. At Dean's age Bella had no idea of the sweet treats that were tucked inside the colorful wrappers, nor did she care. Little gets past Dean. After about the 6th house we noticed he had bitten a hole in a Kit Kat bar and was picking little pieces of chocolate wafer out, munching away. Boy was he happy. He earned it, so we didn't interfere. Our little bee had sampled the sweet nectar of Halloween...his first candy bar at 1 1/2.

Bella picked out her Halloween costume with GeGe (her grandmother) some time ago, and couldn't wait to be Snow White. She came home from The Disney Store with all the accessories. The dress, the wand and the shoes. Oh, the shoes. Yes, they were beautiful, but what person puts a wedge on shoes for a 3 year old? Of course she had to wear them, then complained all night about them hurting her feet! (100% female). At least she didn't break her ankle. She really had a magical night and was the Bella of the Ball. She was in trouble for not staying in her room and still hasn't gotten any candy, but she doesn't seem to care.

Eric and I went to an adult only/no kids party the weekend before as a matador and a devil. It was a great great time just the two of us. It is hard to believe 10 years ago on Halloween we got married in Atlanta on another beautiful fall night. How our lives have changed....for the better because of our two little monsters.

Life Through a 3 1/2 Year Old's Fingers

I remember my Mom discussing how Neen my grandmother went through her "Vincent VanGogh" phase. Well, I'm in my Bella phase. Not that I am attempting to render her creations, but I am in daily awe of the drawings she is making, and her style. On the smallest pieces of paper with those tiny fingers of hers she sits in her pink bean bag chair while she should be sleeping. With her tongue sticking out in full concentration she makes little treasures for mommy and daddy...or whomever crosses her path (the waitress, her "kids" at school and her friends in the neighborhood) all whom she loves. Sometimes I am lucky enough to be the recipient of one of her pictures, even if only for a little while until she has to take them back to give away, or staple together for a book, make a kite with or use on another "project". She is a funny little girl and her humor comes out in her characters. I always look forward to seeing what she made when she gets up from nap or night sleep. Sometimes she slides a "design" under our door or Deans. Her brother has several sweet Bella originals on his dresser that he wakes up to. Sometimes I am not allowed to see the folded pictures in her room because it is "only for daddy" or is a secret. She turned her book table by her bed into her table to pile her pictures. I sneak in when she is at school and look through, borrow them to scan, and hope she won't notice when I keep a few favorites. Knowing Bella she will call me on it sooner or later. When I attempt to guess what she drew I am usually wrong, but don't care because her answer is priceless. It usually begins with "Well..." and is companied with her signature arm shake with excitement. I don't know what she'll be titled as when she "grows up", ...happy & healthy a mom can only hope, but at three I couldn't be more impressed with her creativity and fresh take on the world through crayons. I hope she never learns how things are "supposed to be drawn". She tells me she is an artist, and she's a good one at that. She puts curly hair on her butterflys and belly buttons on everything. Her folder of Bella drawings are now my screen saver and bring me so many smiles. I had to share a few of them with you!

Me and My Martian

I am safe & happy in my sleep sack with my pacifier and martian, my crib companions. Soon I will leave my safe haven of slumber and begin my day or afternoon as a wild, tough toddler full of energy and exploration, but for now I will play and stay in my world a few seconds more.

Bella's Pea Pod Poem 9-9-08

Memories from LBI - Aug Vacation in NJ

What a great time we had with the Yates clan at Long Beach Island!

The weather was beautiful and the company outstanding! The 7 days there flew by after a long awaited vacation to the beautiful Jersey shore.

It was a week of firsts for Bella & Dean from Jellyfish (that didn't sting) to crabs, waves, shells & sand castles! It was fun to see their reactions to new textures, faces & places we'd never seen or been before. Bella was a delight to travel with & Dean was as good as can be expected for a 1 1/2 year old who is used to his routine and familiar surroundings. They were showered with love & affection from Granny & Gramps, their Aunts & Uncles and cousins younger and older.

The week flew by and before we knew it we were once again boarding the plane. Although it is always good to get home & settle back in the memories are many. We look forward to the next time we are all together relaxing in the sand.

Was she ever that small?

I remember Bella being a silly baby, joking even before she knew words. Now Dean is starting to "joke around" just as his sister did...having the 14 month sillies. They continue to be so different as boys and girls are. Dean's laid back, non moody manner is refreshing compared to Bella, but he is wearing us out climbing and getting into things she never would at this age. I pulled up some photos of Bella at the same age Dean is now, nearly 15 months and think, "Was she ever that small"?

All about the cake

This morning Bella asked if she could marry me and daddy when she gets older. Of course I said yes, not being able to imagine her in love with anyone else. She also decided she wants a Dora cake for her wedding, & a Fairy Cake for her birthday. It is all about the cake.

The things she says keep us in smiles. Does every parent think their child is as funny as we do? All I know is I wish I could remember every precious line that usually starts with, "Mom, I have a good idea" accompanied with her signature Bella hand gestures from excitement. I can't believe she will be four in a few months. It seems like yesterday we were decorating her Bee cake for her first birthday, and now she is teaching her brother how to brush his teeth, because "Big girls use flouride Dean and I am a big girl."