Pany Place

Fun with Faith

2012-02-11T19:33:00.007-06:00

As I have said repeatedly, Faith keeps us busy. Just to give a few examples, I have included a few pics from the week. The other night as we were getting dinner ready, I noticed I didn't have someone underfoot pushing me. Garrett was in the family room and Meg was at the counter - but Faith was nowhere to be found...that is until we spotter her under the dining room chairs.

And then I remembered that Garrett and Meg use to play and hide under these same chairs. Of course they weren't one year old when they were doing it - more like 3 & 5. They would carry stuffed animal, blankets and pillows and play under the table and chair for hours. And then one day they stopped - and sadly, I don't even remember when they got too big to hide under the chairs - it just occurred to me when I saw Faith that those two have moved past that stage. But now we have this little one to play and hide again - ahhh the memories. I wonder when she will begin dragging her prized possessions under the chairs...
Faith's favorite game is to be pulled around in the laundry basket. We can thank this game on Meghan. Now everytime the door to the laundry room opens, Faith runs and pulls out the baskets and screams until someone puts her in it and takes her around the house. Today was Garrett's lucky day!
And as exhausting as it can be, I have to remember that one day very soon she will be too big to fit in this laundry basket, so until then - we push.

Pictures

2012-02-08T19:52:00.004-06:00

Today was picture day at the kid's school. Meghan decided she wanted to wear her straight hair curly. Therefore, we had to put in over 30 sponge rollers last night before bed.
This morning she was SOO excited to see her curly, bouncy hair. And isn't he the most handsome 10 year old?!

And this afternoon while Meg was playing with a friend, Faith got Meg's American Girl doll and was giving her water. She is turning into a little mommy just like her big sister.

This and that

2012-02-05T16:26:00.007-06:00

Well - its been a month since my last post. There really hasn't been much going on here other than sick husband (2 kidney stone surgeries and 1 sick baby - double ear infection). I've also had some work related stuff that has kept me busy but that is another story. This past month has been tough, so I guess I will just do a bulleted update:

Garrett has started up spring soccer. We were suppose to have a local tournament this weekend, but it got rained out.
Speaking of the rain - Friday night we were under a tornando warning - It was about 7 o'clock - which is Faith's bath time. We were all in the bathroom and Faith kept going to the bathtub and pointing. I think she was wondering how come we were all in the bathroom and she wasn't able to get in the bathtub. Anyway, I would hold Faith in my lap and she was so sweet - she would get up and go put her head on Garrett's shoulder, and then go and try to talk to Meg and pat her (Meghan was crying b/c she was afraid) and then she would come and sit back in my lap. Faith repeated this same routine 3 or 4 times. Bart was in the living room listening for updates. Anyway, the tornado was headed straight to our neighborhood but lifted just before it was to pass through. We did not have any damage, although several of our friends lost trees, fencing and stuff. We received 4 inches of rain in about 2 hours, so there was a lot of street flooding and high water rescues in local parking lots. Interestingly - 4 inches was the total amount of rainfall for the entire 2011 year.
We have new neighbors (again) and they have girls - Meg is thrilled!!
Faith still has 6 teeth - I think she is getting more because of the drool. She wants so badly to be a big kid and do what Garrett and Meghan do. She stands and the back door and screams babbling at them when they are playing outside. She also loves her baby and will hold it and rock back and forth.
Faith still isn't really talking in words that we can understand. She talks/babbles alot but still "daddy" and "this" are really the only words we truly understand. She has started what looks like biting her fingernails - although she doesn't actually bite them - kinda strange. We've also been working on trying to teach her body parts since I know that is coming up at the well check. However to date she won't sit still/pay attention so we can reinforce it. However, she does other things that the other two never thought about doing... she is VERY sneaky and can get into anything. She also is very perceptive- she seems to have an uncanny sense of knowing when opportunities to get into things arise at the house (think open back door or open door to Meg's room).
We are gettting ready for Meg's birthday - this year she wants a half -sleepover. The theme will be American Girl. I think I will take her to the American Girl store in Dallas for her birthday (she is wanting the doll of the year - McKenna).

Here Faith is watching her siblings play

Lots of drool on this sweet face

Faith mimics her sister alot - this picture is one example. Meghan puts this headband on during bath to keep her hair out of her face. Well, Faith was SOOO PROUD - she found it on the side of the tub and put it on herself. She WOULD NOT let us take it off.

Two Girls - One Outfit

2012-01-01T12:31:00.006-06:00

The day after Christmas 3 months before Meghan was born, I purchased this outfit. I love it now as much as I did then and its been 8 years...
Here are pictures of my two girls in the outfit. Meghan was 9 months old when she wore it and Faith is 13 months old. Both girls are sitting in the rocking chair Gandad made for me. Faith is so much smaller than Meghan was - she is our petite little bundle of energy! When I compare the two - the only similiarity I see are their cute little button noses :)

Meghan Grace

Faith Elizabeth

Disney

2011-12-31T17:00:00.000-06:00

Disney World - yes, we went to WDW again. And for some strange, unknown, and unfathomable reason, Bart and I thought this would not be too difficult with a one year old. Clearly, we must have forgotten the one year old we would be bringing. The one that screamed for 12 hours in the car to Alabama, the one that refused to take naps in the pack in play, etc. Not sure how/why we thought would be easier 5 months later, but we did.
I will say, the drive was much easier - Faith has adjusted to being a great car rider like her brother and sister. However, it was hard with her at Disney World - she did not like being restrained in the stroller, so I carried all 25 pounds of my sweet little bundle of joy around Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios (thank goodness for my Ergo baby carrier). And then there were the crowds - this is the busiest time of year at Disney and it was PACKED- the lines were LONG!!
Faith also found her loud shrill voice and would/will use it if things weren't going as she thought they should in the hotel room. More than once we were all worried we would be asked to leave the hotel because of her screaming temper tantrums.
However, Garrett and Meghan had the time of their life and that is really the reason we went. They were oblivious to the drama of Faith - they just had FUN - which is exactly as it should be.

Our first day - we went to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. We rode a few rides, sat up close to the parade, watched a show and fireworks and headed back to the hotel.

During the parade, Cinderella's carriage stopped in front of us and Cinderella, kept waving a blowing kisses to this girl:

Faith loved It's a Small World

Waiting for the fireworks:

Our second day at Disney, we went to Animal Kingdom.

We all rode the safari ride and saw more animals than we had ever seen before. Bart and the big kids rode the Kali River Rapids while Faith and I waited on a bridge to capture a photo (Bart, Meghan and Garrett are at top in ponchos):

After that I took Garrett and Meg to ride Expedition Everest (a roller coaster) twice and Bart went back to the hotel with Faith for nap-time. Of course, Meghan had to get her face painted while at Animal Kingdom:

Then I took the big kids and we went to Downtown Disney to shop for a souvenir. Surprisingly, they both pick out remote control cars that they built and customized. After that we met Bart and Faith for dinner at Portobello's (a fantastic Italian restaurant).

Day three was spent at Epcot - we LOVE Epcot!

We ate breakfast with the princesses.
Bart and the big kids rode Soarin'
while I took Faith on the Nemo ride (which she slept through).
We watched the glass blower in Germany create a Christmas ornament for us.

In France, we ate wonderful food and met Pere Noel (Father Christmas).
Before leaving that night, we got this picture in front an amazing flower arrangement:

Out 4th Day was back at the Magic Kingdom.

We watched the Christmas parade again and Faith was in love!

We stayed and rode/ate all day at the park and Meghan went to the Bippity Boppity Boutique again and got the wild and crazy hair package! Here she is with her fairy godmother:

Later we ate dinner at Cinderella's castle.

The next day, we went to Hollywood Studios.

Garrett, Meghan and I rode Rockin' Roller Coaster twice - it is definitely our favorite ride!
The rest of the day was spent watching shows and parades - and something very special happened for Meghan. She was selected to be the princess in the Beauty and the Beast show. It was just us girls (Bart and Garrett were watching a stunt show), so unfortunately I did not get as many photos as I would have like (I was holding Faith in the carrier and Faith kept grabbing the camera). But at the end of the show, they announced Princess Meghan, she went to the stage and the Beast handed her a rose and Belle gave her a hug. It was a once in a lifetime moment!

This picture was taken after all that took place because as I said someone kept grabbing the camera:
And yes, Meghan still has the crazy hair from the night before. Here she is with the rose and her certificate.
We ate dinner with friends, watched Fantasmic and then headed to the Light show. It is just amazing!

The 6th day we were there, I took the kids back to Epcot.

We wanted to ride our favorite rides again - Soarin, Test Track, and Mission Space once more - Bart stayed with Faith at the hotel. After lunch, we headed back to the hotel and Bart took the kids swimming while I stayed with Faith (we figured she needed a day of rest). For dinner night that we ate at the hotel - Chef Mickeys.
After dinner we went to the Grand Floridian to marvel at the life sized gingerbread house.

Our last day at Disney World, we went back to Magic Kingdom.

The park opened at 7 am and Garrett, Meghan and I were there. We rode all out favorite rides (Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Railroad, Space Mountain, Tea Cups, Space Ranger Spin, Speedway) and met up with Bart around 9 am. Then all the girls rode Dumbo -
After a few more rides, it was time to head back to reality - until next time (which will be many, many years away).

Christmas Day!

2011-12-30T21:46:00.008-06:00

Despite the stomach bug going the the family like crazy - we had a great Christmas.

This was Garrett's year to carry Faith into the living room (Meg carried her last year) - although she probably could have walked - it is all about being fair in this house.

As soon as Garrett put Faith down - she ran over to her dollhouse and started grabbing the furniture and stuff. I am sure this happened because she has never had free reign over any type of dollhouse stuff - I think it was the perfect gift!

Garrett finally got an Xbox - he has wanted one for a few years now...

Meghan got the Christmas Barbie sister set!

The sisters had matching pajamas

Before lunch, we headed down to Lake Jackson to see the Palmers and Mimi and Poppa.

Faith was very curious about Luke. She talked and talked to him. It is hard to tell, but Faith and Luke had coordinating gingerbread outfits on for Christmas (I can't resist cute baby boy things!).
Glory took a break from playing with Grace and Meghan and was being silly with Faith.

The cousins

Our family Christmas Picture

Ready for Christmas

2011-12-14T10:32:00.004-06:00

This little girl is READY for Christmas - so much so that she has already started opening gifts and trying to eat the paper.

Morning Announcements

2011-12-07T19:01:00.004-06:00

Meghan led the school in the Texas Pledge at school the other day. She did great!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T20:09:00.001-06:00

We put up the tree right before Thanksgiving. While putting up the tree, we had Christmas songs playing - Faith just sang and danced right along - it is so cute. I will video it and put it on here soon! So far, Faith has not been interested in taking off the ornaments on the big tree- however the pink and white tree in Meghan's room is a different story. She single handedly pulled off half the ornaments and knocked the entire tree over within a matter of seconds.

For Thanksgiving, Bart's family came for lunch. It was wonderful! Garrett and Bart went to the game, while I stayed with the girls. Darbie stayed with us a few days to Christmas shop - so we stayed busy!

Meghan got dressed up for lunch - including her clip on earrings - I remember those days.

Faith's First

2011-11-27T19:42:00.003-06:00

Faith was actually sick - very sick on her first birthday. She had a fever and deep cough which was diagnosed as a sinus infection. Then somehow she developed the stomach virus - which later was diagnosed as a bacterial infection. This had to be treated with antibiotics - which after 3 days Faith developed a reaction to. So...she wasn't back to her usual self until last Wednesday. That adds up to about 2 weeks - yuck.

I took these pictures on the morning of her actual birthday. We always do gifts first thing - and this is before Bart and I realized that she was burning up with a fever. However looking back at the pictures, you can tell she looks very flushed - but is happy open presents with the help of her big sister!!

She loves her butterfly rocker!

One Year

2011-11-16T05:50:00.002-06:00

At twelve months Faith:

Still loves to talk - sings/squeals/scream! She talks ALOT, but what we can tell so far: thank you, dada, get (Garrett), and bye, but NOT Mama or Meghan. :(
Has started dancing when she hears music. We bought a singing hippo and she absolutely LOVES it!!
Still loves to play peek-a-boo and now chase with us!
She is sleeping pretty good at night and wakes up happy.
Still is such a busy baby - she WALKS/RUNS everywhere!
Still going throught the temper tantrum phase.
She also WANTS to ALWAYS be the center of attention! At her party she was not shy - she knew it was her day and she loved every minute of it!
Has 4 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth.
Loves her Meghan and Garrett - she is enamored with them.
Is working on using a sippy cup only - but it is difficult because she loves her bottles
Is still eating some table food and stage 3 foods now.
She loves to play with her baby and Dear Zoo book, loves to chew Fisher Price little people, enjoys putting things in containers and taking things out, and now likes opening and emptying drawers.
I would decribe her personality as spunky. She is a girl who is tough, silly and opinionated. Her smile lights up her face and her laughs are contagious!
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and her eyes are light brown (I think).
Weighs in at around 23 pounds - in size 5 diaper and 12-18 month clothes and some 18 month.

What a year it has been - Faith has brought so much to our family. It had been 6 and a half years since we had a baby and Bart and I had forgotten most of what we thought we knew. Little did we know that Faith would be the perfect completion to our family. We love her so very much and are so thankful for this fun girl.

Faith's First Birthday Party

2011-11-12T18:30:00.008-06:00

Today we celebrated our little Faith's first birthday with friends and family. I have spent the past few weeks making all the decorations for the party. It kind of reminded me of Christmas morning - all the anticipation and then before you know it, it is over.

When it was time for cake - Faith wasted no time diving in and completely smashing the cake!

Family pictures

Faith enjoyed all of the attention and received lots of fun presents. She had a lot of help opening the presents.
All done:

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T20:18:00.002-05:00

This year for Halloween Garrett was an Army Ranger, Meghan was a Go-Go dancer and Faith was an owl. Faith only traveled to 2 houses and the block party before we came home for dinner, bath and bed. The big kids visited MANY houses and brought back LOTS of candy.

11 Months

2011-10-16T22:39:00.000-05:00

At eleven months Faith:

Still loves to talk - mostly sings/squeals/scream! When she hears the phone ring, she puts her hand to her ear and pretends to talk, it is so cute!
Loves to laugh at people and claps her hands when we say "Yay Faith".
Still loves to play peek-a-boo with us!
She is sleeping pretty good at night and wakes up happy.
Still is such a busy baby - she WALKS/RUNS everywhere now. She has just figured out how to stand up without having support - so there is no holding her back.
She has also started throwing temper tantrums. If she hears her brother or sister in their room with the door shut and they don't open up for her, she lays on the floor and screams/cries. She has also started clinching her fist and screaming when we tell her no - although she does stop what she shouldn't have been doing.
She also WANTS to ALWAYS be the center of attention! Even at restaurants - today we ate at Olive Garden and there was a table of elderly women - Faith kept looking and smiling at them until one came over to give her some love.
Has 4 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth.
Loves her Meghan and Garrett - she is enamored with them.
Holds her bottle when she wants to (usually about halfway through the feeding) and now drinks from a sippy cup.
Is still eating stage 3 foods now - she has tried a few table foods and LOVES pumpkin bread. So far she has tried: rolls, bananas and canned carrots.
She loves to play with her baby and Dear Zoo book, loves to chew Fisher Price little people, enjoys putting things in containers and taking things out, and now likes opening and emptying drawers.
Everything she grabs must first go into her mouth - but SOMETIMES she spits it out when I call her name- she is learning.
Has a VERY opinionated personality - let me just say that you learn very quickly what Faith wants and when she wants it.
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and her eyes are light brown (I think).
Weighs in at around 23 pounds - in size 5 diaper and 12-18 month clothes and some 18 month.

Talking on the "phone"

All done with pictures - haha

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-15T20:03:00.001-05:00

I took the three kiddos to a local Farmer's Market yesterday to get some pics of the Faith in the pumpkins. IF only she was this content for longer than 2 seconds:

The taste of pumpkins - yum.

She refused to sit still so I could get a picture - I was able to wedge her in some bigger pumpkins which held her still for a bit before she became agitated.

So by the time I wanted a sibling shot - she was done.

School Picture

2011-10-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

The kids had pictures at school - Bart got a picture of them before leaving for school.

Past week in pictures

2011-10-01T07:33:00.005-05:00

Things are crazy busy at our house. I have been working ALOT, Garrett has soccer 3 nights a week, Meghan has art and brownies and Faith is just along for the ride. Our weekends are taking up with soccer, football and birthday parties.

However, a few days ago was character dress up day at the kid's school. Meghan dressed up as a fairy from the Fun Day Fairy book series, she was Sienna the Saturday Fairy. This book is about a fairy who helps with fashion shows .

We were able to put it together from stuff from home - I wish the Halloween costumes were that easy.

Faith is in love with her brother and since he is gone on Saturdays with soccer and 3 nights week, she will wants him whenever she sees him. Therefore, the other morning she wouldn't take her bottle from anyone but Garrett.

And now it is time to start thinking about Faith's birthday - which will be here in 6 short weeks. I am making most of the decorations (the theme is owls) and I have her outfit, so I am almost halfway ready. However, we got a magazine in the mail and it has an entire owl themed first birthday set! I was so excited about this. I showed it to Miss Faith and I think she LOVES it!

And to finish out the week, yesterday, Bart and I went to school to see Garrett get a special citizenship award. We were very proud!

Ten Months

2011-09-16T21:38:00.002-05:00

At ten months Faith:

Still loves to talk - mostly sings/squeals/screams and can blow raspberries! Says something that sounds alot like "I did it" although I am not sure that is what she is saying.
Loves to laugh at people and claps her hands when we say "Yay Faith".
Still loves to play peek-a-boo with us!
She is sleeping pretty good at night and wakes up happy.
Now seems to LOVE sleeping on her back as much as her belly - we can see her going back and forth all night long on the monitor.
Still is such a busy baby - she now WALKS (this started about 2 weeks ago)! She still has to pull up on something to walk, so if she falls down she will just crawl and pull up onto something and then takes off again.
She knows how to break out of her barricade in the living room - she pushes and shoves all the chairs out of the way so she can move around the house.
She also WANTS to ALWAYS be the center of attention - and with big brother/sister and their friends, and now at Barbara's house she has become quite territorial with Barbara and her friends there. Of course at our house, she usually gets what she wants.
Has 2 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth.
Loves her Meghan and Garrett - she is enamored with them.
Holds her bottle when she wants to (usually about halfway through the feeding) and now drinks from a sippy cup.
Is eating stage 3 foods now - it won't be long before we move to table food. She still loves Puffs!
She loves to play with her activity table, loves to chew Fisher Price little people, enjoys putting things in containers and taking things out, and now likes opening and emptying drawers.
Everything she grabs must first go into her mouth. And despite my best efforts of vacuuming daily - our floors are still a treasure trove of trash for her.
Has a VERY opinionated personality - let me just say that you learn very quickly what Faith wants and when she wants it.
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and her eyes are dark hazel with brown flecks.
Weighs in at around 22 pounds - still in size 4 diaper and 12-18 month clothes and some 18 month.

Walking all by herself

Behind the scenes:

And just so you didn't think that this photo shoot was easy for us (this being the first time Faith has been put in the grass/dirt without a blanket under her). Here is what she kept doing over and over (leaning down to pick up the dirt/mulch).

And here is my big helper

Bike to School

2011-09-06T20:08:00.004-05:00

Garrett rode his bike to school with his buddy last Friday. This marked the first time he rode without a parent following along side him. The boys left about 10 minutes before Bart left with the girls, so he was able to make sure they arrived safely. Not sure when Garrett will do it again since the chain on the bike broke today.
He is growing up so very quickly.

Last swim of the summer

2011-09-05T20:17:00.000-05:00

The kids went swimming for the last time of summer 2011. Here are a few pictures from the day. Faith enjoyed floating around with her brother and sister.

First Day of School

2011-08-22T20:31:00.004-05:00

It's another first day of school for us. Garrett begins fourth grade - his last year at elementary school and Meghan begins second grade. Both kids were happy with their first day and agree that this will be a great school year. Don't you think Faith looks ready to join them?
I know she would if she could.

9 Months

2011-08-16T08:49:00.006-05:00

At nine months Faith:

Still loves to talk - mostly sings/squeals/screams and can blow raspberries!
Loves to laugh at people and claps her hands when we say "Yay Faith".
She also plays peek-a-boo with us several times a day. She grabs a blanket or towel and holds it over her head. If we don't say anything or happen to notice what she is up to, she starts to grunt or squeal. That is our cue to say "Where is Faith?? Faith, where are you?", over and over until she shows her face. This game usually goes on for a while.
She is sleeping pretty good at night and wakes up happy.
Now seems to LOVE sleeping on her back as much as her belly - we can see her going back and forth all night long on the monitor.
Still is such a busy baby - she now crawls all over, rolls, scoots, kicks, wiggles, anything to get what she wants. The only time she is SOMEWHAT still is when she sleeps!
Can stand all by herself for several seconds, but hasn't tried to walk yet. She has just started taking a few steps behind her baby stroller walker.
Just got her first pair of Stride Rite shoes at Brown's Shoe Store just like her brother and sister.
She also WANTS to ALWAYS be the center of attention - and with big brother/sister and their friends, she usually gets what she wants.
Takes a bath in the big bathtub all by herself now.
Chews on her fingers ALOT.
Laughs at things Meghan and Garrett do - she is enamored with them.
Holds her bottle when she wants to (usually about halfway through the feeding).
Loves to eat pears, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, sweet peas and now Turkey & Rice Dinner - basically everything except peaches and bananas. Loves her Sweet Potato Puffs!
She loves to play with her activity table while standing and loves to chew on Garrett's Fisher Price zoo animals (his favorite as well).
Loves to be held, but is not a cuddler - she much rather held so she can see the world.
Is teething still- has two bottom teeth and I guess more are coming since she still drools and chews on things like crazy.
Does not spit up anymore - wahoo!!
Everything she grabs must first go into her mouth. And despite my best efforts of vacuuming daily - our floors are still a treasure trove of trash for her.
Has a VERY opinionated personality - let me just say that you learn very quickly what Faith wants and when she wants it.
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and her eyes are dark hazel with brown flecks.
Weighs in at 22 pounds 6 ounces and is 29 inches long- still in size 4 diaper and 12-18 month clothes and some 18 month.

Clapping

She has perfected the "fake" cry to get what she wants

The very next instant she was laughing at Daddy:

Learning to Walk:

All done

Summer's Over

2011-08-13T17:20:00.004-05:00

Summer was officially over me me last Tuesday when I started back to work. The kids have another week before their school year begins.

Well, I didn't get to everything on my list - we only made it to the library twice this summer and maybe got to the pool about 10 times (it is hard with a baby) and I never got around to the garage (it was just too hot). But we had fun creating new memories and the summer ended before I knew it.

Garrett and Meghan created a piece of art from clay (they both made birds).

Garrett had fun catching crawfish at the pond at the other end of our cul-de-sac.

And here is Meghan and Faith before our last trip to the pool.

Grace's Visit

2011-08-01T06:42:00.003-05:00

When we got back from Alabama, Grace came to stay with us for 5 days. The girls had so much fun!!

The girls has pajama parties every night and watched a Barbie movie.

Since Meghan is not a morning person, Grace ate breakfast with Garrett and Faith everyday, anxiously awaiting Meghan to awake.

We spent one day painting birdhouses.

We went school shopping one day. Grace wanted what Meghan was picking out, even though it swallowed her. Finally, we were able to get her three outfits :)

We went to a soccer tournament and the girls played in the water inflatables.

We went to U Paint It and then ate yogurt at Spoons.

The girls also got a manicure and pedicure.

And then it was time to take Miss grace back to Lake Jackson until next summer!

Alabama

2011-07-31T15:27:00.003-05:00

We went to Alabama in July to celebrate Ganma and Gandad's 65th wedding anniversary. While there we visited with family, went to Krispy Kreme, ate good food at Ganma's, got a Hill family portrait taken and celebrated at the anniversary party.

Here are some highlights of the week:

Annabelle and Faith playing - they shared a lot a.k.a. taking things back and forth from one another (Faith even shared her germs - sorry Laura)

Krispy Kreme

Hill family cousins

Jordan family

The party

8 Months

2011-07-16T13:00:00.001-05:00

At eight months Faith:

Still loves to talk - mostly sings/squeals/screams and can blow raspberries!
Loves to laugh at people.
She is sleeping pretty good at night again and wakes up happy.
LOVES sleeping on her belly but has started turning over and scooting around all over the place - her movement monitor goes off at least once a night.
Still is such a busy baby - she now crawls all over, rolls, scoots, kicks, wiggles, anything to get what she wants. The only time she is SOMEWHAT still is when she sleeps!
She also WANTS to ALWAYS be the center of attention - and with big brother/sister and their friends, she usually gets what she wants.
LOVES to play in the water - we just got back from the beach and she loved her little splash pool, loved sitting in my lap and splashing AND loved to be held out as we waded in the water as the waves splashed us.
Chews and sucks her thumb to settle herself.
Does NOT like to be tickled.
Laughs at things Meghan and Garrett do - she is enamored with them.
Has been pulling up on furniture to try and move around more.
Has decided she will hold her bottle upright when she wants to and only if she is laying flat on the carpet.
Loves to eat pears, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, sweet peas and now Turkey & Rice Dinner - basically everything except peaches and bananas. We just introduced her to Sweet Potato Puffs - and look out because she grabs them by the fistful.
Is still an excellent car rider - in town ONLY- after two hours strapped down in one place, she is DONE - period - no questions asked. We have found this one out the hard way...
Unfortunately - she is no longer content to be in the jumperoo or exersaucer - I am praying this is phase since I don't think we have gotten our money's worth out of these items. She will sit and play with books, stuffed animals and her farm toy for a few minutes, but as stated earlier - you have to be right next to her to in order for Miss Faith to be content.
Loves to be held, but is not a cuddler - she much rather held so she can see the world.
Is teething still- has two bottom teeth and I guess more are coming since she still drools and chews on things like crazy.
Does not spit up as much - usually just once a day.
Everything she grabs must first go into her mouth.
Has a VERY opinionated personality - let me just say that you learn very quickly what Faith wants and when she wants it.
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and her eyes are dark hazel with brown flecks.
Weighs in at 22 pounds - still in size 4 diaper and 12-18 month clothes and some 18 month - she has a long torso so some one piece outfits don't fit.

All done with pictures!

The Beach

2011-07-13T19:47:00.006-05:00

We went to the beach last week/weekend. Once we got home Bart and I realized that we needed a vacation because of the vacation -haha. The big kids did super - the baby - well let's just say it will be a while before we go to the beach again. Soon we will travel in the car for 12 hours to Alabama and we are praying that all goes well on that drive.

While there, we went to the beach three different days. The waves were amazing and Garrett and Meghan had a blast playing in the water, searching for shells, and chasing the seagulls.

Faith spent her time hanging out under the canopy in her very own splash pool.
These pictures were taken in the backyard of the beach house where we stayed. It was on the bay side and we saw lots of ships come through the channel.

One day we traveled to Corpus Christi to visit the Texas State Aquarium.

All in all, it was a pretty good trip!

Independence Day

2011-07-04T21:44:00.004-05:00

Happy 4th! We didn't do too much today - the kids played with friends, we went out to dinner and took pictures. Since the burn ban is in effect - there are no fireworks anywhere in our area, which means a quiet night for us - fireworks on the television.

There is much love between these two.

My sweet, beautiful girl

Faith is our very own firecracker!

Room Renovations

2011-07-03T14:27:00.000-05:00

I have been working fast and furious to try and get my summer to-do list complete AND I have already gotten behind. It is almost impossible to do everything you want to in a day with a 7 month old.

The room changes took MUCH longer than I thought because we had to work around Faith's schedule - basically I could work quietly while she sleeps and if she was awake I could get a few things done while she was in the jumperoo - otherwise too bad.

However, as of today everything is 99% complete. I am waiting on one piece of art for Faith's room, but that is on back-order until August, so here are the pictures.
Not much to show in Garrett's room - he likes things simple. I bunked the beds and put them on the wall right when you walk into his room. Then I moved his shelving unit to be in front of the windows. He now has a bunch of open space to play with legos or whatever.

Meghan is now in her old room. We got her new bedding from JC Penney's (and it wasn't tie died or flourescent neon green or tie died) and I just completed her American Doll House. She picked out the colors for paint in the house and the flooring. Funny thing- the paint colors are the same colors in her comforter. I didn't realize this until we got home with the paint.

A Close-Up of the Dollhouse:

The bedroom is purple glitter paint on one wall and pink on the other.

The bathroom is spring green.

The kitchen is pumpkin orange. For now it is the pet's room since we do not have any kitchen stuff. The pink columns are also painted with pink glitter paint.

The living room is peacock blue (turquoise). We are looking for a small purple rug for this room.

For Christmas, Meg has decided she is going to ask for more stuff to fill up the house.

In Faith's room, she also got new bedding - her very own - not a hand me down.
We painted some of the shelves that use to be in the play room and got cubbie baskets to keep all her stuff in. It's pretty empty now, but I am sure her room will get filled up with toys before we know it. I did find 3 of Meghan's toys in the attic (a cookie jar, gumball machine and fisher price chair with lamp) and Garrett's old leap frog drum. So she is not completely deprived. haha

Crawling

2011-07-02T11:12:00.003-05:00

Just a short clip of Faith crawling. She officially crawled for the first time on June 22nd. At 7 months and 1 week, she FINALLY beat her brother and sister at something!
So far it has been a hoot to watch her. She kinda has the scrunch up thing she does with her legs at the same time to move faster. Also, we haven't had to put the gate up, because she will NOT crawl on the tile floor (which is every room except bedrooms and the rug in the living room. So, for now (as I type this) we are good.

Faith's eyes - they are a changin'

2011-06-23T14:26:00.004-05:00

I took this picture the other day - I was trying to get a smile (no luck). But it is one of the few where you can really see her eyes. They definitely have brown in them - almost 50% I would say. Maybe I will finally get a brown eyed girl : )

Swim lessons

2011-06-20T07:38:00.001-05:00

We started swim lessons last week. Meghan really needed to attend and I was able to arrange for Garrett to take swim lessons again (retaking the same course he completed last year). The classes were at 11 am. Then I realized that this would mean Faith and I would be out for 1 hour in the heat (did I mention it was 110 degrees here on Saturday - WITHOUT the heat index factored in). Therefore I decided to enroll Faith and I in the Starfish class. After completing this class with Garrett 9 years ago, I swore I would never do it again. It seemed like pure torture to try and make you child go underwater, kick legs on demand and you basically drag them around the pool. Since Faith is so young, I had already decided we would just use this time to splash in the pool - I definitely would not be putting her underwater and lifting a 20 pound baby is much easier than a 30 pound toddler. Well, I was very nervous about how Faith would do in swim class. With Faith you just never know how she will react and the water is a bit on the cool side. However - she LOVED it!!! She squealed with delight and was absolutely PERFECT! She loves the songs, the splashing, everything!

7 Months

2011-06-16T18:04:00.000-05:00

At seven months Faith:

Still loves to talk - mostly sings/squeals/screams and can blow raspberries! She does say nananana when she gets tired. But I don't think she is really saying anything specific.
Now has great belly laughs.
She is sleeping pretty good at night again and wakes up happy.
LOVES sleeping on her belly!
Is such a busy baby - she rolls, scoots, kicks, wiggles, anything to get what she wants. The only time she is still is when she sleeps!
LOVES to play in the water - we just started swim lessons and Faith squeals with delight when we get in the water.
Chews and sucks her thumb to settle herself.
Does NOT like to be tickled.
Laughs at things Meghan and Garrett do - she is enamored with them.
Can sit up unsupported and can lean over and grab objects and re-seat herself.
Still getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth - I have quit trying to stop this.
Has decided she does NOT want to hold her bottle upright.
Loves to eat pears, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, green bean, sweet peas and now Turkey & Rice Dinner ( a fav of her brother and sister) - basically everything except peaches and bananas.
Is still an excellent car rider - she always falls asleep while we drive.
Unfortunately - the bouncy seat has been moved to the garage. : ( She just got too big for it. She still LOVES her jumperoo, exersaucer,the walker and now will sit and play with books, stuffed animals and her farm toy. However - if she thinks she isn't getting enough attention- she will cry until you pick her up...
Loves to be held, but is not a cuddler - she much rather held so she can see the world.
Is teething still- has two bottom teeth and I guess more are coming since she still drools and chews on things like crazy.
Does not spit up as much - usually just once a day.
Is allergic to Pampers diapers - we have to buy her hypoallergenic diapers now.
Everything she grabs must first go into her mouth - this is not good if it is a toy that belongs to Garrett or Meghan.
Has a VERY opinionated personality - let me just say that you learn very quickly what Faith wants and when she wants it.
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and her eyes are dark hazel with brown flecks.
Weighs in at 20 pounds - still in size 4 diaper and 6-12 month clothes and some 18 month - she has a long torso so some one piece outfits don't fit.

Summer to do list

2011-06-12T14:02:00.001-05:00

This summer, I hope to get a lot accomplished - I definitely won't get to relax on the couch like I did last summer. Thank goodness that sick and exhausted feeling is behind me! I decided to write down my "to-do" list and hopefully this will help keep me on track. I will share updates as we finish.

Room Renovation - Garrett, Meghan and Faith
Make a piece of pottery with Meg and Garrett
Start and FINISH the summer reading program with both big kids at the library
Take kids to pool twice a week
Complete one art project with kids every week
Make a beach stepping stone
Run 3 times a week with kids
Clean out closet
Organize tools/toys/stuff in garage
Clean out laundry room and junk drawer

That is it for now - although I am sure there will be more to add.

#1 is already starting to take shape. Last year, we thought it would be great to move switch the guest bedroom and Meghan's room. So we moved Meghan to the back of the house and and later prepared Meg's old room for Faith. However - Faith's new room was next to the laundry room, garage and kitchen. This is NOT good for a baby taking frequent naps - when Faith sleeps we can't wash clothes, dishes, cook or play in the driveway. So, after working with this crazy schedule, we are going to put Faith in the back bedroom and give Meg her old room back. I have also decided to buy Faith her own nursery bedding. She needs to have something new - and I really want to try and keep Meg's old baby bedding for her to maybe use one day. Also, we are going to buy Meghan something a little more grown up than butterflies - she wants tie die. I will let you know how we will compromise.

Here is Faith - I think she will be excited to switch rooms with her sister.

Faith and Finley

2011-06-11T11:33:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday, lots of family came to celebrate Garrett's birthday. We got the baby girls together for another picture. These two are about 3 1/2 months apart and will grow up to be great friends.

And of course, it wouldn't be a photo op - if Faith isn't trying to grab something, in this case Finley's little ear.

A decade old

2011-06-11T11:06:00.007-05:00

On June 4th we celebrated Garrett's 10th birthday. The time has really flown by - I can still remember meeting him and hearing his sweet cry ten years ago.
This little guy truly taught me what unconditional, selfless love was all about. I don't think he will ever know how much we love him. Garrett is already such an incredible boy, I know God has some very special things planned for him.

Here are some things I look back on fondly:

I remember holding him all night long MANY nights until his reflux was finally diagnosed.
I remember how Bart and I were so worried for him to sleep in his own room.

I remember how ready I was for him to crawl/walk/talk.
I remember how I looked forward to the end of the work day, because I could always count on him to run to my arms for a great big bear hug. Then we would travel to the neighborhood park where I would push in the swing for hours.

I remember how he used to love Jay Jay the Jet Plane and Sesame Street.
I remember how much he loved to "pow" the birds with the water from the water hose.
I remember how proud he was to have a baby sister named Meghan.
I remember how anxious he was (and us) to leave Barbara's and start pre-school.
I remember how Bart would go eat lunch with him every week when he was at Longmire.
I remember how excited he was playing soccer.
I remember my first experience with a lizard - Garrett caught a salamander at the pool right before swim lessons. He wanted to keep it - so I held onto it in a styrofoam cup for 30 minutes and then f0r the 10 minute drive home - while the salamander repeatedly tried to climb out (that is true mom love).
I remember how he worked so hard to be the first one in first grade to read 100 books.
I remember the first time he ran 8 laps, then 9 laps and now 10 laps on school jog days.
I remember the first time he asked me not to call him by our nickname in front of friends.
I remember how he asked not to hold our hands anymore in a parking lot.
I remember how excited he was when he found out we would be having another baby.
I remember how much love he has in his heart for his family.

There are so many other things - I may add to this later.

And now - this is how we celebrated the big double digit birthday! On Friday, Bart took Garrett and a few friends to the movies. The next day we gave Garrett his gifts and awaited family to come and celebrate with lunch and ice cream cake!

And below is Garrett cruisin' on his new scooter:

The birthday boy

Meg's New Haircut

2011-06-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

Meghan has been wanting her hair cut for a while, but I made her wait a few weeks just to be sure. Here she is with her new cut - she really looks grown up.

Faith's Big Announcement

2011-05-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

After drooling and chewing for MANY weeks - Faith's first tooth finally appeared last Tuesday (May 24th). However, capturing a photo of this infamous tooth has been nearly impossible because Faith DOES NOT SIT STILL - EVER. Much less let you put your finger on her lip to pull it down to capture a picture of her mouth - winning the lottery might be easier. However, today with Bart's help we got a picture.

The Look

Another try

Finally - a picture of "the tooth"

Last Day of School

2011-05-27T21:36:00.005-05:00

Today was the last day of school - first grade for Meg and third for Garrett. We are looking forward to a relaxing summer. I just have to work for another week and a half.
And here is a picture from the first day - the kids have changed so much in the past 9 months (especially Faith since she was still in my belly - ha).
Garrett received his TAKS scores today and I must say I have never been more proud of a TAKS report. He made a perfect score in reading and math and has a lexile score of 1160L (equivalent to an 8th grade reading level). Meghan got her end of the year reading level and she is now on a third grade level. I think I know one thing we will be doing this summer.

Happy Visit

2011-05-24T21:15:00.005-05:00

Meghan received a Happy Visit to the Asst. Principal yesterday. Her teacher said the reason Meghan deserved the visit was, "Meghan is so kind to others. Meghan never has an unkind word to say to others. She is very caring and considerate. She is a wonderful friend to others!"

And here is another example of sisterly love. Faith is learning about the computer very early from her Meg - she is content as long as she is with her sister or brother.
And in other news, Faith will probably have an exciting announcement tomorrow!

Bridging Ceremony

2011-05-22T20:43:00.004-05:00

Today Meghan's girl scout troop bridged from Daisies to Brownies.

Here she is before the ceremony - her last time to wear the Daisy vest.

Before becoming a Brownie, Meg's troop leader removes her Daisy vest and she crosses over a bridge to me. I then place her new Brownie vest on her and turn her around. We look in the water (mirror on the ground) for a Brownie and Meg sees herself.

Then she recites the girl scout pledge with her other troop leader and receives her Brownie pin.

Her troop:

The new Brownie:

I did a new type of french braid on her hair today - one of the little girls at my school had worn it last week and I just had to try it out. I think it looks super on this beautiful girl.

Six Months

2011-05-16T19:50:00.001-05:00

At six months Faith:

Still loves to talk - mostly sings/squeals/screams!
Now has great belly laughs.
Can turn over front to back and back to front.
Sometimes sleeps really good at night and wakes up happy- this all depends upon if Faith decides to roll over. In this case she wakes up over and over again.
LOVES sleeping on her belly!
Still makes the "aaaaahhhhhh" sound continuously when she gets tired, it is our cue to rock her.
LOVES the bath!
Chews and sucks her thumb to settle herself.
Does NOT like to be tickled.
Loves to get attention from her two favorite people - Garrett and Meghan. She watches EVERYTHING they do and when they talk or love on her, she just lights up!
Can sit up unsupported and can lean over and grab objects and re-seat herself.
Can get up on all fours and rocks back and forth - I honestly don't know where this is coming from - we ARE NOT ready for crawling.
Can hold bottle upright for about 10 seconds.
Loves to eat pears, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, grean bean, sweet peas - basically everything except peaches and bananas.
Is still an excellent car rider - she always falls asleep while we drive
Still in the bouncy seat but she has to be strapped in immediately. She still LOVES her jumperoo, exersaucer and newest toy - the walker!
Loves to be held, but is not a cuddler - she much rather held so she can see the world.
Is teething - but no teeth yet just TONS of drool. Her favorite toy is a pacifier she grabs onto and chews.
Has developed a VERY opinionated personality - let me just say that you learn very quickly what Faith wants and when she wants it.
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and her eyes are starting to change to hazel with brown flecks.
Weighs in at 18 pounds 15 ounces and is 27 inches long - still in size 3 diaper and 6-12 month clothes.

Faith is constantly amazing us - she is so different from her big brother and sister and seems to be doing things much faster than either one of them. I am not sure if this is because she sees Garrett and Meghan do things or if she is just an active baby, but I do wish she would slow down and let me enjoy every minute of her as a baby.

and here is a side profile of the pile of curls atop her head

The week in pictures

2011-05-14T19:10:00.005-05:00

The month of May is quite buy at our house as the school year is winding down. I thought I would share some pictures captured over the past week.

This is how Faith takes a pacifier - completely backwards- she chews on the handle.

Another of Faith - she is my first child that has fallen asleep at the kitchen table. Apparently she needed a nap and her mom was too busy cleaning up dinner dishes to notice.

And finally - coordinating sister shirts from Gymboree. Luckily, last summer I was able to get these two shirts on sale - this is probably one of the last times for matching shirts since Meg is outgrowing Gymboree.

My Greatest Blessings

2011-05-08T17:32:00.004-05:00

Today was such a wonderful day - celebrating being a mom to three very special people - they are without a doubt my greatest blessings!

Baby Faith - this time last year, I happily announced her arrival and hear she is almost 6 months old.

The girls.

Faith sees something she wants...

Meghan just laughs and reminds her baby sister to smile at the camera.

My blessings

The Jumperoo

2011-05-07T18:20:00.002-05:00

Faith loves her Jumperoo!

Art Show and Faith update

2011-05-01T18:14:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, Meghan had a piece of pottery in the city art show. She is such a talented artist. We are so proud of her.
Here is a picture of her rainbow fish.

And not to leave Faith out - here she is sitting up playing with the fisher price gum-ball machine.
Not only is she sitting up now for long periods of time, but this girl is also rolling over back to front AND front to back (another milestone that she has achieved before her siblings). Now the kids want to know when they can teach her to crawl...

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T17:45:00.004-05:00

Here are a few pictures from our Easter day.
We also celebrated G.G.'s 90th birthday today.

You can tell who Faith loves.

With Granda

Faith and the birthday girl.

Our family

Easter Basket

2011-04-21T19:02:00.004-05:00

Faith got her first Easter basket last week, and I couldn't resist putting her in it. I did the same thing with Meghan (of course at the time Meg was only a sleeping 2 week old on her first Easter and Faith is a busy sitting up 5 month old). Faith also attended her first Egg Hunt today at Ms. Barbara's - she sat in the stroller and watched her new friends. Next year the kids will have some competition for sure.

Five Months

2011-04-16T17:20:00.001-05:00

At five months Faith:

Still loves to talk!
Not yet really laughing - hopefully very soon!
Is beginning to notice strangers and cries when they speak to her.
Has attended her first (of many) of Garrett's soccer games.
Sleeps really good at night and wakes up happy.
Makes the "aaaaahhhhhh" sound continuously when she gets tired, it is our cue to rock her.
LOVES sleeping on her belly!
Still making grunts and groans when she lays down.
LOVES the bath!
Chews and sucks her thumb to settle herself.
Does NOT like to be tickled.
Loves to get attention from her two favorite people - Garrett and Meghan. She watches EVERYTHING they do and when they talk or love on her, she just lights up!
Almost rolls over front to back, but she gets stuck by her arm when she is on her side.
Can sit up unsupported for a few seconds at a time.
Has started to try and hold her bottle.
Loves to eat pears and butternut squash.
Is still an excellent car rider - she always falls asleep while we drive
Has outgrown the swing : ( and the bouncy seat will be outgrown soon as well. But she LOVES her jumperoo and exersaucer!
Is not a cuddler - she much rather held so she can see the world.
Is teething - but no teeth yet just TONS of drool. Her favorite toy is a pacifier she grabs onto and chews.
Has a head of brown hair (the top is super curly) and blue eyes.
Weighs in at 18 pounds and is in size 3 diaper and 6-12 month clothes.

I love this girl SOOO much!

This girl loves to EAT!

2011-04-13T18:35:00.000-05:00

Faith has been eating baby food for a few weeks now, and just LOVES it! So far she has tried: carrots, bananas, pears, applesauce, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, green beans and sweet peas. She is not too crazy about the peas - but we keep trying. The kids are excited, because they can feed her now (although I am sure the excitement of this will wear off soon).

Fluffy and Tex

2011-04-11T21:29:00.004-05:00

The kids have been saving their money for a new pet. For now - a dog was out of the question. So they got the next best thing - 2 guinea pigs. Meghan's is named Fluffy and Garrett's is named Tex.

Full Bloom

2011-04-06T21:25:00.001-05:00

Our rose bushes are full of blooms - so I took a picture of the girls together.
Faith is so lucky to have such a wonderful big sister!

Cousins

2011-04-03T07:50:00.006-05:00

We traveled to Austin yesterday to celebrate Cooper's 2nd birthday and to meet Miss Finley.

It was Faith's first time to see another baby. I know she didn't know what to think, but in true Faith fashion she reached out to get what she wanted and in this case it was Finley.

I am sure Finley is thinking - "I wonder if that thumb is as good as she thinks it is?" haha

Finley has the most beautiful auburn colored hair and bright blue eyes. I hope these girls are going to grow up and be great friends just like Grace and Meg. It is strange to think that Faith is only 3 1/2 months older and already seemed like such a big girl! Faith chewed on her thumbs the entire time we were there. G.G. thinks she must be cutting a tooth - we'll see.

Bluebonnets

2011-03-29T20:54:00.005-05:00

Two years ago, I made a promise to these two:

I told them that we would never have to take pictures in the bluebonnets since after trying for 5 years to get a "good" picture, I finally had one that I LOVED. Of course, that was BF (or as we refer to it in our home - before Faith).

Well, the bluebonnets have blossomed in our area and because of the severe drought - I wasn't sure how long the few patches that are on the roadways would last. So over the weekend I had to break it to the big kids - we were going to try to get good pictures. As we were heading out of our driveway we ALL prayed that we would get a good picture so mom (myself) would not have to load everyone up again to try for the great shot. I must admit, I wasn't to optimistic that this would work since NO ONE seemed to be happy about the photo shoot. However, I think we got a few good shots - especially since getting a good picture of 3 is next to impossible!

Meeting Reville

2011-03-26T20:44:00.005-05:00

This morning we went to the Annual Horticulture sale at A&M. The sale was next to the intramural fields where the Aggies were kicking off Big Event (a student run service project).
When we were leaving the sale, we saw Reville getting into the car next to us. She and her cadet were gracious enough to pose for a picture with Garrett and Meghan (Faith was asleep).
After we got in the car, Meg said "I think I will go for the Aggies now." I asked why and she replied, "Because Reville is sooo cute!"

4 Months

2011-03-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

At four months Faith:

Is having baby talk conversations with us and has started to giggle (which sounds more like raspy grunts).
Smiles at everyone!
Is settling into a routine (thanks to Barbara).
LOVES sleeping on her belly!
Still making grunts and groans when she lays down.
LOVES the bath!
Now loves to suck her thumb to settle herself.
Does NOT like to be tickled.
Loves to get attention from her two favorite people - Garrett and Meghan. She watches EVERYTHING they do and when they talk or love on her, she just lights up!
Now grabs objects and will NOT let them go until she is ready.
Has started to give kisses (at least that is what we call it - she opens up her entire mouth and roots around on your cheek).
Is still an excellent car rider - she always falls asleep while we drive
Loves her swing and bouncy seat. Although she has begun to twist and turn so I think she is about to be finished with the swing.
Likes to be held so she can see the world.
Is still drooling - not sure if it is the reflux or early signs of teething.
Has a head of brown hair (but her roots are more of a golden color) and blue eyes.
Weighs in at 15 pounds and is 25 3/4 in. long (still my smallest baby - Garrett and Meghan were about an inch bigger and 3 pounds heavier) and still in size 2 diaper and 3-6 month clothes.

This is what happens ALL the TIME...

People always ask what color are her eyes - I don't think anyone believes me when I say blue. Here is photographic evidence:

Here is the "LOOK" we get when trying to tickle our girl:

American Girl Store

2011-03-15T17:45:00.005-05:00

On Sunday, Meg and I went to the American Girl Store in Dallas. They were having a Kanani celebration and since Meg got Kanani for her birthday I knew she needed to be there. We also celebrated the birthdays of Mimi and Grace there. Meghan was still sick, but I did what any good mother does and gave her some medicine to keep her going, but you can tell she doesn't feel good.

Meg is making a sun visor with her doll Kanani

Meg and Grace with Kanani and her shaved ice stand.

Meg was able to get ALOT of stuff with her savings and all the money she received for her birthday!

Meg and Mom at the Kanani Celebration dinner

The birthday girls

Seven and SICK!

2011-03-10T20:22:00.006-06:00

Our sweet girl turned seven today. But, there was not a lot of celebrating going on in our house. Yesterday, Meg came home from school with a high fever. After a few hours at Urgent Care, she tested negative for strep and the flu. However, the doctor sent us home with a prescription for Tamiflu, just in case. So far the only thing that seems to help her feel better is Tylenol. We woke her up to open presents this morning and she really didn't feel like it. Bart and Garrett opened up Kanani for her and that got a smile, but she went straight back to bed before opening any other gifts. She told me that this has been the worst birthday because she feels so bad and has to take yucky medicine. : (
Tonight we had planned on celebrating with cookie cake, but again, she didn't feel like it and went to bed about 6:45. Hopefully, she will get better soon!

Meg's Painting Party

2011-03-06T13:50:00.008-06:00

Saturday was a busy day for us. We went to the school carnival and Garrett and Meghan played many games. That afternoon, we began the week-long celebration for Meg's seventh birthday. It starts with her seventh birthday party at U Paint-It (the same place as last year - look how much she has grown by clicking here), then we will celebrate on her actual birthday and finally to the American Girl event for Kanani on Sunday. Bart stayed at home with Garrett (who wouldn't be caught dead at a girl's party) and Faith (who cried because she wanted to come - just kidding).

We had 9 friends come to celebrate with Meghan. She said it was her best birthday party ever! The birthday theme was a hello kitty /peace / tie-die theme. Before painting their pottery, the girls all made peace and love charm friendship bracelets. Because the girls spent so much time on the bracelets, painting, acting silly and giggling, we didn't even have time to open gifts.

Another First for Faith

2011-03-02T20:45:00.004-06:00

Today Faith went to Ms. Barbara's for the first time. Bart took this of us picture right before we left after Garrett and Meghan had loved all over Faith. Faith did amazing with Ms. Barbara - she didn't have to change her pad on the bed and Faith was still wearing the same clothes we sent her in when I picked her up. Barbara was very patient with me this morning as I checked over everything and reminded her all about Faith's little quirks. I know I have said this at least a hundred times, but it does make it easier to go to work when you know that your little one is being loved on as if you were there - that is what makes Barbara so very special to us.

Barbara and Faith sent me an email at work to let me know that everything was going great and to fill me in on her first big day away from us. Faith may have missed us a little, but luckily she was kept busy with her new friends and her new special person, Ms. Barbara.

Faith and her thumb

2011-02-26T15:33:00.002-06:00

Faith has recently started sucking her thumb. Here is a picture taken the other night after bath time as we were putting the big kids to bed (she fell asleep in the bouncy seat).

3 Months

2011-02-16T09:12:00.000-06:00

At three months Faith is:

Making baby talk conversations with us
Smiling at everyone
Still becoming a happy baby - the crying spells are usually less than an hour - yeah!
LOVES sleeping on her belly
Still making grunts and groans when she lays down
LOVES the bath
During bath - she sticks out her tongue and tries to "lap" up the water like a puppy - so cute!
No longer in love with the pacifier (she spits it out immediately) - now her favorite chew thing is her fist
Always sticking out her tongue
Immediately watching Garrett or Meghan when she hears/sees them in the room - even if it means twisting her neck all the way around -haha
Able to track people or objects with her eyes
Still an excellent car rider - she always falls asleep while we drive
Still loving her swing and bouncy seat. We recently introduced her to her cousin's bumbo - and she is okay with it, but it does make her spit up
She is starting to drool more - not sure if it is the reflux or early signs of teething
Still blessed with a head of brown hair (maybe she will keep it??) and blue eyes
Getting sooooo big! In size 2 diaper and 3-6 month clothes
And the very best thing - now sleeping 6-8 hours at a time during the night (it is really good since I am back at work now)

100% Love

2011-02-14T20:10:00.000-06:00

Her shirt says it all - Faith is loved 100% by everyone!

In our usual Valentine's Day spirit we had a scavenger hunt for Garrett and Meghan and they finished in record time! I guess next year I will need to make the clues a bit more difficult.

And for the sibling shot - I thought getting a good picture of two was hard. Let me say that three is almost impossible!

Baby it's COLD outside!

2011-02-04T13:34:00.002-06:00

So today the high was 30 degrees with a wind-chill of 12 degrees. Over night, the freezing rain made the streets ice over and there was no school today and there was a little snow! Honestly, there wasn't much snow at all, but the kids got bundled up and played in it a while. Faith and I stayed warm in the house. I took the picture of Faith yesterday on the way to pick up Garrett and Meg at school.

Baby Dedication

2011-01-30T15:43:00.005-06:00

Today was the Baby Dedication at our church. Bart and I have promised to raise Faith with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Lots of family members met us at church and witnessed our promise.

Later we came back to our house to celebrate Faith's big day and Garrett's baptism (which occurred last October). Mimi made Faith's beautiful dress for the occasion and it is just PRICELESS!

Happenings

2011-01-26T17:56:00.008-06:00

Since I go back to work in less than 2 weeks, I have really been working on getting all of my to-do lists finished. I mistakenly thought I could get a lot done during the day with a newborn. But, Faith and her crying and colic had different plans. There have been a few (maybe many) times in which I wasn't sure I was going survive through the night (or morning) - however Coca Cola, Pretzel M&M's and Stephanie Plum novels have all helped me make it. haha
I have also realized that it will be summer in 4 months, Faith will be easier and I can get the rest done then.

But, in the last two weeks or so, Faith has begun to sit in her bouncy seat without crying and even the travel swing. While I was changing Faith's bed the other day, I noticed she was grabbing for the ring - so I grabbed the camera to capture it on film. Because, you know a child will never do it again when you want to show her/him off. Yes, that is a kitchen towel across her, otherwise know as the burp cloth for us. Faith is never without one.

Then last week, this is how Meghan went to school. What can I say? She has her own sense of style and honestly I was too exhausted to suggest toning it down a bit - but Bart took a picture because Meg was so proud of her ensemble.

Today, I finally got around to going through Meghan's winter stuff. We had 3 drawers full of stuff from last year and this year and over half didn't fit. Which makes getting dressed for school a chore. (This was something I was going to tackle before Christmas - because everyone knows it doesn't get cold in TX until January - but better late than never). Anyway, while I was sorting clothes, Meghan was playing with her American girl dolls, or so I thought, and when I turned around, this is what I saw:
Faith was wearing Emily's glasses - at least we know she will look good in this type of frame should she ever need glasses.

Just for fun...

2011-01-18T12:52:00.008-06:00

I thought I would post pictures of all three kids at 2 months of age. Everyone always asks me who Faith resembles, but I thought I would let you decide.

Garrett is on the left, Faith is in the middle and Meghan is on the right.

At two months, Faith is the smallest of the three (we went to the doctor today for a well-check visit). She weighed 11 lbs and 14 oz. and is 23.5 inches long. She does spit up ALOT. Garrett and Meghan were both closer (or over) 14lbs.

2 Months

2011-01-16T10:59:00.004-06:00

At two months Faith is:

Starting to make cooing and squealing sounds to us when we talk to her
Smiling at everyone
Becoming a happy baby - the crying spells are not as long and she is beginning to start snuggling as I rock her
Still making grunts and groans when she lays down
LOVES the bath
Always sticking out her tongue
Able to track people or objects with her eyes
Still an excellent car rider - she always falls asleep while I drive
Still loving her swing and bouncy seat and now the new toy - a leap frog musical toy that she lays on her back (with a pillow under her head to help with the spitting up)and watches
Still blessed with a head of brown hair (maybe she will keep it??) and blue eyes
Getting sooooo big! In size 1 diaper (almost 2), her 0-3 months clothes are starting to get a little small, so it won't be long before we move up a size(I think the hypoallergenic liquid gold formula she is on is working finally!)
And the very best thing - sleeping 5-6 hours at a time during the night

What is making Faith so happy???

2011-01-12T22:17:00.003-06:00

Why her brother of course! Yesterday, when Faith heard Garrett talking to me, she started waving her arms and stretched her neck over to get a peak at her brother. Garrett was excited to see her reaction, so he sat down and talked to her for a few minutes. You can tell by her smile that she was happy to have his undivided attention!

New Bike

2011-01-04T19:48:00.005-06:00

Meghan was so excited to try her bike without training wheels after riding her cousin, Grace's bike. So, we took off the training wheels and Meg took off on two wheels without any help. Everyday since then, Meghan has gone on a bike ride - she loves it!

And here is a picture of the girls cuddling after bath-time.

Christmas

2010-12-28T18:22:00.007-06:00

Christmas for us began on the 18th when we celebrated with Bart's family. It was Faith's first time to meet two of her great-grandmothers. Below are some pictures from that day.

Then came Christmas Eve with a picture in front of the tree.

And FINALLY it was Christmas morning! Meghan carried Faith into to the living room, where she continued to sleep.

Garrett's loved his ecosphere!

Meghan is smiling because Santa got the message to bring a bike instead of Julie Albright (since she received her from Darbie and Grandad).

Since Faith was awake all night on Christmas Eve waiting on Santa, she slept through the opening of presents, but I wanted a picture to show her that yes, she did indeed get to celebrate her first Christmas.

Later in the day, my sister and her family arrived.

Some other pictures of Faith:

One Month

2010-12-16T15:10:00.004-06:00

Faith is ONE month old today. Honestly, it feels like she has been with us for much longer. We are so thankful for this sweet little baby.

At one month Faith is:

adjusting to sleeping long periods
making grunts and groans when she lays down
still not liking the changing of her diaper
getting use to her belly button
starting to smile more
able to track people or objects with her eyes
an excellent car rider - she always falls asleep while I drive
loving her swing and bouncy seat
still blessed with a head of hair and blue eyes
finally able to wear her 0-3 month clothes

Meeting Santa

2010-12-12T16:34:00.002-06:00

We took the kids to visit Santa, and luckily Faith slept through the visit and didn't spit up on anyone. Both kids were a bit concerned about that.
For Christmas this year, Garrett wants an ecosphere, Meghan wants Julie Albright (an American Girl doll) and Faith wants to sleep through the night... oh wait, that is what her momma wants - ha ha.

Faith Updates

2010-12-07T15:54:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures taken of Faith the past few days. She is still getting settled into a routine. When we went to the doctor last week (her two week appt.) she was 21 inches long and back to her birth weight. The doctor put her on Zantac for her reflux. Her brother and sister are still loving on her, but we are limiting their holding times since Faith has been spitting up a lot and we are working to keep her food in her tummy and not on us.
As for what she likes - definitely being on her tummy and her pacifier. Things she doesn't like - diaper changing and yawning (this always brings up acid and causes her to scream).
I am still adjusting to life with a newborn - the crying spells and all nighters. I keep repeating this saying "The days are along, but the years are short". So very true...

Sweet sisters

2010-11-26T20:37:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures of Meg and Faith and the matching sister outfits Mimi bought them over the summer.

After the pictures, I was holding Faith and she gave us a big smile. What a love she is to our family.

And then a big yawn - all these pictures wear her out!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T20:25:00.002-06:00

Faith spent her first Thanksgiving sleeping, eating, being held by her brother and sister and watching the Aggies beat the Longhorns. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Meeting the cousins

2010-11-23T18:57:00.002-06:00

On Sunday, Aunt Jenni, Uncle Brandon, Grace and Glory came to visit. It was love at first sight for Glory.

Here are a few pictures of the cousins.

Meeting Faith

2010-11-20T21:26:00.015-06:00

Faith Elizabeth arrived at 8:05 am on Tuesday. Since she joined us, things have been quite busy. Below are some pictures from her birthday and the day she came home.

Just after she was born!

Just after her arrival, Bart was able to carry her to the nursery. Garrett and Meghan were thrilled to finally meet their little sister.

Later Faith joined us in the room and met the family.

And after wondering if we would be able to bring her home on Friday - what a relief when we were told Faith was okay and could leave with me!

Faith was glad to be home too!

Halloween

2010-10-31T19:24:00.007-05:00

We went trick or treating in the neighborhood last night with friends. Garrett wasn't sure he wanted to dress-up, but in the end decided to be a soccer player. Meghan was a fifties girl or as she said a "Poodle Girl". Meghan's best friend, Jordan and her mom and brother rode along with us and so did our next door neighbors. The golf cart was packed with adults - and the kids ran door to door for many blocks. It was a beautiful night and we all had a great time visiting.

Knocking on Barbara's door

Meghan and Jordan

Garrett and his friends

We never made it to a pumpkin patch this year. We asked the kids if they wanted to carve a pumpkin and neither seemed that interested - so, it just never happened. But I went to Meghan's class party on Friday and she had a great time!

Faith's room

2010-10-23T16:38:00.002-05:00

This weekend, we finally finished Faith's room. We finished the changing table/chest - it was an antique and Bart painted it a pale pink to match the bed. I found iron bunny knobs at Pottery Barn Kids and the look great on it. A few weeks ago Dad and Bart pulled the rocking chair down from the attic and I finally got it all clean. I sat in it for the first time in four years and it brought back sweet memories of Garrett and Meghan. I must say it is also the most comfortable chair we have in the house. We will move it to the living room when Faith arrives. Mom painted the name canvas above her bed and brought it down last week. And the big stuffed bunny was rescued from the Salado flood. I also put away all the diapers I have thus far (over 1000) - I had another shower with friends last Wednesday and it was a diaper shower. On Nov. 3rd the school is hosting another shower and I think it is a necessities one as well - you can never have enough diapers.

Below is a picture Garrett took of me the other morning. I hope she is a big baby!

School Pictures

2010-10-06T19:46:00.002-05:00

The kids had their school pictures today. Don't they look nice!

Baby Shower

2010-10-04T19:31:00.003-05:00

On Saturday, I was quite shocked with a "surprise" baby shower to help welcome Faith. Jenn really went above and beyond - the decorations, the cake and details were amazing and I received many wonderful things for Faith. I am so lucky to have sweet family and friends.

Here are a few pictures of the party.

Because this is what he does

2010-09-21T21:12:00.004-05:00

Garrett has loved reptiles for as long as I can remember. He is constantly catching and releasing lizards, salamanders, skinks and such. Last weekend, he caught a few baby green anoles. I don't usually get a picture of him, so I thought I would post while I could. As far as his school - third grade is definitely a challenge and Garrett is really enjoying Science.

Baby pics

2010-09-09T19:02:00.006-05:00

Today I went in to the doctor for an ultrasound appt. I have been measuring "big" and they wanted to check everything. I assured the doctors that I just don't like to miss a meal, but my doctor wanted to check everything. This time I was able to see Faith in 4-D. She is big - already 3 pounds and is very "active and alert". She is still perfect in everyway, I just have a lot of amniotic fluid. Throughout half of the ultrasound her eyes were open - which is very weird to see. I will not post pictures of that because when her eyes were open she didn't look like this little bundle of joy.
The following two pictures are of our baby Faith. The picture quality isn't superb, but I think it is neat. The first picture is a little blurry by her eye, but I think it is cute of her nose, mouth and cheeks - in this picture she reminds me of baby Meghan. In the second picture where her mouth is open a little, she looks like Garrett to me. Of course, that will probably all change within the next 2 months.

Picture #1

Picture #2

On a much sadder note, please add Bart's parents to your prayer list. Wednesday morning at 2:15 am, they were awakened by the fire department and had to evacuate their home immediately. Within the next several hours, their home flooded 5-6 feet and they have lost everything. It is absolutely devastating. Bart went yesterday and today and helped try to salvage what they could - but most furniture and personal effects were destroyed. I know God can sustain them during this time and prayers always help.

Labor Day

2010-09-06T19:36:00.006-05:00

Since Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer, I wanted the last weekend of "summer" to be a good one. So, over the weekend, I took the kids to the city waterpark while Bart was at the first football game. While at Adamson Lagoon, Meg mastered the art of coming down the 100 ft water slides without being caught at the bottom by the lifeguards. Meanwhile, Garrett was able to swim down and touch the bottom of the deep end (14 ft). Both made me nervous since I was just an onlooker floating around in the water with what feels like a 20 pound bowling ball strapped to my belly. Afterwards, we headed to the local yogurt place, Spoons, where the kids each filled up a bowl of frozen yogurt and various toppings.

Much to the dismay of the kids, they had school today. Bart and I on the other hand had a day off of work. Of course there was no sleeping in - and since we were awake and dressed at 7:30, we had a very productive day. We finished painting the cubbie station that Dad made for me and got it situated in the laundry room. I finished the letters to hang above each kid's section. I think it looks perfect and is the perfect place for backpacks and shoes.

Bart and I then ate lunch with the kids and that took a while since their lunches are not at the same time. And then it was home to make dinner, finish cleaning and then time to pick up the kids afterschool.
And guess what?? Both kids had homework - one more clue that summer is over.

Sweet Girl

2010-09-01T20:09:00.002-05:00

Last week there was a parent orientation for each grade at the kids' school. After the first grade orientation, Meg's teacher came up and told me what a wonderful girl Meg was. I replied "Thank you", and wondered if this was her attempt at making a positive parent contact (something we require of our teachers). Anyway, she went on to say that Meghan was the first person in the class to put a cube in the Kindness Counter in the jar. (In order to get a cube in the jar, the teacher must witness an act of kindness). Out of curiosity, I asked what she had done. The teacher informed me that on the first day of school, Meghan had been playing with her friends on the playground when she came by the teacher, who was standing with a new girl at school (Allison). Meghan saw that Allison was not playing with anyone and she stopped playing with her friends and asked if Allison wanted to play with her. Meg's teacher said she had not seen a child show compassion like that in a long time. Wow. We are very blessed to have such a caring child.

Now for the rest of the story to this... Bart took the kids to school and while dropping off he thought he recognized Allison's dad. It turns out that Bart and her dad went to high school together in Temple - such a small world that Meghan was Allison's first friend in school and then to find out that their daddies know each other.

And now for a picture of that sweetie. Her outfit is one that she picked out and really looks like it came from the eighties complete with paint splatter.

First Day of School

2010-08-23T19:07:00.004-05:00

Today was the first day of school - both kids had a great day. Here are pictures from this morning.

Bart took these pictures of Garrett and Meghan in their classrooms this morning.

I knew it was hot today at bus duty after school and when I got in the car, this is what the outdoor temperature read.
Usually, it cools off some after I drive a while, but when I got to the kid's school to pick them up, it had actually warmed up some - yes that is 106 degrees outside!!! Pair this heat with the humidity and it was a miserably hot day and explains my swollen feet and ankles. To make matters worse, it doesn't look like this heat wave is ending anytime soon.

Meet the Teacher

2010-08-21T20:59:00.001-05:00

Thursday evening was "Meet the Teacher" at the kids school. Both kids were excited to take their school supplies to school and find out if any friends were in their classrooms. I think this will be a great school year!

Bengal Belle Camp

2010-08-18T19:40:00.002-05:00

Below are a few pictures from the Bengal Belle showcase (the finale at the end of Meg's dance camp). I have been having computer issues, so it has taken me a while to get these posted.

July Updates

2010-07-31T18:28:00.000-05:00

Hopefully, I will be able to be a little more consistent and not have to have a post for August updates. I know I am very behind in letting everyone know what has been going on in the Pany household and I figured I had better get this done since it will be August in less than 12 hours.

I have spent the remainder of July getting baby sister's room ready. Her room was previously our catch-all room - toys, guests, my stuff, etc. This means moving out the toys and stuff into the new gameroom and putting the extra bedroom stuff into a closet (we will no longer have a room just for guests) cleaning out my craft closet and organizing the bathroom. And, once we found out we were having a girl - we did something completely impractical - selected a pink bed. But boy does it look cute with Meghan's baby bedding (one of the the few things I had kept).

While we really had nothing for the baby at the start of the month, a lot can change in a month. Thanks to our families, we have most of the big things now and just need a few little necessities. I am trying to get most of the stuff together before I start back to work, the kids start school and soccer, art, gymnastics and soccer again. Not to mention work - did I already mention that?? For the first time I can remember I am not looking forward to school starting - it primarily has to do with the fact that I am exhausted and enjoy sleeping in (this hasn't happened in the Pany household since June 4, 2001). Honestly, we have all gotten use to staying up a bit later than we should (it's hard to go to bed when the sun is still out shining). Hopefully once we get back into our routine it won't be so bad.

Anyway, the kids have had a fun July spent primarily with friends, swimming and going to camps. I feel like everyday friends come to visit or we visit them... And then Garrett has had soccer academy the past month (no photos allowed per Garrett's request) and Meghan has had art camp and will go to Bengal Belles camp next week (with all her friends - I should be able to get a good picture). Meghan seems to be growing up very quickly - in fact we recently went shopping for a few more school items and she officially let me know that Gymboree was off limits. Instead, she wanted to go to Macy's. Surprisingly, I was able to get her 4 outfits for the price of the one cute puppy charm school outfit I had planned on purchasing. Although, I must admit - these outfits lack the cuteness of the plaid Gymboree outfit.

Yesterday , the neighbor's dog caught a box turtle for Garrett. I did capture a photograph of it with the kids. Unfortunately, the turtle escaped the backyard last night and we haven't seen him since. Although the boys are all on the look-out for Fred the Turtle.

Baby Girl

2010-07-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

Below is a picture taken at my last doctor's appointment (which was several weeks ago). The whole family went to this sonogram, so the kids were super excited to watch their baby sister play around in my belly. This is a pretty good profile of her face while she has her thumb in her mouth. So cute!

Our cousin comes to town

2010-07-11T16:35:00.002-05:00

We brought Grace back with us yesterday after Glory's party. So far we have had an action packed 24 hours. We have had a dress-up party, a parade, colored and created many pictures, gone to church, and played on the blow-up slide. Tomorrow we are planning on going to the pool and maybe McDonalds. Fun times!

Changes

2010-07-07T14:21:00.003-05:00

Goodbye Denali...

Hello mini -van

Well, we went ahead and made the big switch - back to a mini van. As I type it, I still can't believe it. But it is true and the kids are so, so excited to be back in a van (strange I know). If you remember three years ago they were both quite upset when we left our old van at the dealership and drove off with the surburban. And to be honest, I really enjoy the ease of getting in and out of a van and the way it drives. Toyota definitely got the mini van right this time and the Panys are all in!

The Fourth

2010-07-05T20:29:00.002-05:00

The 4th of July was pretty uneventful for us, which was a good thing after last week.
Bart took the kids to see the fireworks last night at the library, but when the kids came home they seemed unimpressed. I think we are spoiled by having seen too many awesome fireworks at DisneyWorld.

Road trip - Summer 2010

2010-07-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

Over a week ago, Jenn and I loaded up the four kids in the Suburban for our 2nd annual road-trip. While driving Jenn mentioned that maybe we should postpone the next road trip until the kids can drive. I agreed only if they are in one car and we are in another - haha. Let's just say this was a long trip and we were both exhausted when we pulled back into Texas.

However, we did have a great time sightseeing and visiting family (although it was brief). Here are some of my favorite pics from the trip.

One day we visited the Sci Quest musuem which is an interactive children's science museum. The kids all loved it.

Garrett inside a simulated tornado

Meghan and Grace with a big bubble

Catching lightening bugs

Eating a yummy lunch

While there, we stopped at a maternity store so I could buy a few things and the kids found the tummy pillows. Some day they won't think this is very funny....
Celebrating a special birthday

And of course - Krispy Kreme

Swim Lessons and such

2010-06-16T11:13:00.006-05:00

The kids finished swim lessons last week, and for Garrett it was the final time he will take swim lessons, since he graduated from all the courses. Normally I take the kids to swim lessons, since it is a great time to relax by the pool, but this year Bart had to do it - it was just to hot for me. Enjoy the pictures!

As for #3, we didn't find out what we were having last week, but we will find out in July (hopefully). After visiting Bart's family in Austin last Sunday, we made our first baby purchase - this:
Exciting times in out family for sure - while we were at Babies R Us we ran into one of my sister's childhood friends with her newborn. I must say Ella was adorable and as I was looking at her, I was thinking how fast time flies - my babies aren't babies anymore, but how wonderful that I get to experience all the sweetness again.

As for what I am craving this time, it is definitely this - the swagger wagon

What can I say - some crave pickles and ice cream but as for me with every pregnancy - I love the mini van! Bart says too bad I am stuck with the Denali. I just keep thinking of the practicality of a sliding door and the ease of entering and exiting. Oh well...

A few things

2010-06-09T20:36:00.002-05:00

Here are just a few things going on in the Pany house -
On Friday, we may or may not find out if #3 is a boy or girl. I say that because for the first 13 weeks of my pregnancy I had weekly sonograms b/c of my past history. It was fun to watch the baby grow each week, but as #3 got older, he/she became much more laid back. So much that when I was doing the first part of my sequential screening, I was jumping and coughing and even drank a coke to get the baby to move. I ended up having to reschedule and go back. So I am not sure we will be able to get a definite answer. This time around I am not as anxious to find out either - although I will not be able to wait until November. But since I have one of each, I think it will be a little bittersweet to find out what it is - there are so many amazing and wonderful things about having a boy and so many sweet and special things about having a girl. Of course the kids are divided as to what they want, but both Garrett and Meghan think it is a boy (although I think Meghan just says that because that is what her brother says).
More to come on this...

Something else, I wanted to share - about 2 months ago, Ganma sent me an email with funny things 2nd graders said about their moms. Since I have a second grader of my own, I decided to ask the kids a few of these questions. Here are their responses:

Why did God make mothers?
So there could be kids - Meg
Moms are girls - Garrett

What ingredients are mothers made of?
Meat and Hair - Meg
Internal organs, blood, bones, muscles - Garrett

Why did God give you your mother?
Because I was in your belly - Meg
He knew you would love me the most - Garrett

What kind of little girl was your mom?
A curly haired one that cut her hair and flushed it down the toilet - Meg
A nice one - Garrett

What's the difference between moms and dads?
Moms are nicer - Meghan
Moms do more things around the house - Garrett

What does your mom do in her spare time?
Clean - Meghan & Garrett

Birthday Boy

2010-06-04T09:23:00.005-05:00

Garrett celebrated his birthday all week long. It started on Monday when we had the family birthday party. Garrett had a lot of fun and received many great gifts!

Below is a picture of Meghan and Grace - they love each other so much!

And here is one with the Pany kids, it is hard to get a one year old to smile at the camera!

Below - Glory, Garrett, Grace and Meghan - getting 4 good smiles is next to impossible!

Here are a few pictures from Garrett's actual birthday. He had a busy day - eating lunch with Mimi at Cracker Barrell, dinner at Olive Garden, swim lessons and of course cake!

If you are wondering how I got such a great smile from him - look at who was making him laugh.

Kindergarten Graduation

2010-05-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

Today was not only the last day of school, but also Kindergarten graduation. I asked Meghan what graduation means and she replied it means we get desks to sit in for First Grade.

Here is our little one walking into the gym.

A sea of graduates.

Meghan receiving her certificate.

A final picture with her sweet teacher.

Last Day of School

2010-05-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

Today is the last day of school for my kids. Garrett was a little sad this morning because he has had a great time in second grade. Meghan was also sad because she will miss her teacher. As for me, I am ready for summer - which will begin next Friday for me!