Pumpkin Patch 2011

Eric and I took the girls to one of our favorite pumpkin patches last week. You're going to hear me say this again in upcoming posts, but I LOVE this time of year. Lots to do with the girls.

It was Carly's first patch experience and she really had fun. Maddie showed her around while the girls explored all the different types of pumpkins and bales of hay. It was a nice afternoon and we left with several beautiful pumpkins.

Maddie's First Trip to the Dentist

Last week, I took Maddie to a pediatric dentist for her very first check-up. In preparation for our visit, I read Maddie a story about Dora going to the dentist, so she'd know what to expect.

Maddie was only nervous just a bit but otherwise did great. And best of all, her teeth are healthy and cavity-free. Yay!

September-October in Review

Oh, boy. It's been a while since updated this blog. We've been busy with playdates, parties, weekend trips and cooler weather (yay!) Here are a few pictures of the last few weeks:

Annual Trip to Concan, Texas:




Animal Week at Preschool:


Running around Rolly Pollies:



Storytime Arts & Crafts:


Maddie's classmate, Anthony's, birthday party:

Friends

We got a bunch of the kids together that used to play when they were just a few months old. We can't believe that all of them are approaching 3 yrs of age.

Carly Walks

A few days before she turned 10 months old (on Sept 10th), Carly started full-on walking. She still doesn't walk as her main mode of transportation, but it's pretty close. She walks in and out of rooms, all around the house throughout the day. If she's in a hurry or doesn't want to miss something, she'll do her speed crawl. Otherwise, she's on her feet.

As of her turning 10 months old, she also claps when we say clap and waves "bye-bye" when someone is leaving.

Becoming a Lego Expert

Maddie and Carly play with Legos every day. I'm always amazed at the buildings and "towers" Maddie puts together all by herself these days.

Trip to Minneapolis

Just before Maddie started back at school, we took a trip to Minneapolis to escape the hot Texas summer. We chose Minneapolis for its lovely Summer weather, Mall of America kid-friendly attractions and so we could visit with a friend of mine and her family who used to live in Austin.

Both girls were great on the plane rides to and from MN and we had a busy, fun-fulled five days. We swam, visited the Minneapolis Zoo, enjoyed Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America, spent an afternoon with the Stephens family, including a trip to nearby Wayzata for ice cream and outdoor fun. We also visited a park and tried to spend as much time outside as possible in the 80 degree weather.

It was a wonderful vacation!

Visiting with Stephens Family:





Park:




Mall of America:






Zoo:

First Day Back to School

Maddie started back to school yesterday in the Ladybug class. Thankfully, all of her former Honeybee class friends are also Ladybugs now as well as five or six new kids. Hopefully this transition into the new class shouldn't be too difficult since Maddie already knew the teachers from playground and music time. I'm excited about this school year, as Maddie continues to become more of a "big girl" every day.

Maddie's End of School Year Picnic

Today was Maddie's last day as a honey bee at her preschool. She becomes a Ladybug in late August (the 2yr olds becoming 3-yr olds class). We had a swim party and picnic with all the kids and parents, which was a lot of fun.

Eric and I really like Maddie's preschool and are thankful we found such a great place with great teachers, kids and parents.

Carly Turns 9 Months Old

Carly turned 9 months old on August 10th. What a sweet & amazing little person she's developing into. Eric and I fall more in love with her every day.




Things we'd like to remember about Carly at 9 months old:

• She can take 4-5 steps by herself without holding on to anything or anyone.
• She's curious about everything and gets into everything. Keeps us busy!
• She loves to laugh and be tickled.
• Says "Momma and Dadda" and babbles a few other words.
• Eats like a champ! Can now eat small pieces of chicken or veggies, cheese, cheerios, etc.
• Has two bottom teeth and two top teeth are almost in.
• Has gotten over a lot of her attachment fears and no longer cries when left with a sitter at the gym daycare.
• Loves to play peak-a-boo
• Will dance anytime she hears music.
• Is learning to use a sippy cup. She prefers to use it as a pacifier for now.
• She LOVES her big sister, Maddie, even though Maddie enjoys sitting on her and pushing her around a bit. They play together so well.
• Eyes still blue.
• Seems to prefer her left hand for eating and playing. Let's see if she'll be left-handed like me.
• Still nurses every 3-4 hrs (except at night). I have a feeling that weening will be more difficult than it was with Maddie
• Is still not a great sleeper. Naps short and infrequently and wakes 1-2 times at night. We're still working on it. :-)

Stats:
Weight: 18.6 lbs (50%)
Height: 27.5 in (50%)
Head: 17.25 cm (50%)