tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59265597952059880022024-03-13T15:02:58.084-04:00established in loveAnd I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-24015938352279437092012-06-11T21:10:00.000-04:002012-06-11T21:10:24.669-04:00LAST Day of Kindergarten!Was my last post really about the first day of kindergarten? I'm finally posting again and we just celebrated the LAST day of kindergarten. Much has happened in between, so I'll try to catch you up!<br />
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<ul>
<li>We celebrated Audrey's 2nd birthday later in September. </li>
<li>About a month after Ava started kindergarten, Mark was offered and accepted a new job - IN MARYLAND! He started November 7, and I stayed with the kids in Ohio until Christmas.</li>
<li>We rushed to get our house ready to put on the market which happened right after Mark started his new job. </li>
<li>Ava turned 6 in November! </li>
<li>The week before Christmas, in the midst of me frantically trying to pack in preparation for living with my parents while waiting for our house to sell, we got an offer on the house at about 85% of the asking price. We had already priced low desiring to sell quickly, and we weren't at a point of being desperate to sell, so we countered at $1K less that asking price. We figured they weren't that interested and were just hoping to get a steal (frankly, I was annoyed that they were wasting valuable packing time!).</li>
<li>Mom & Dad came out with Mark a few days before Christmas to load up what I'd packed. In the midst of loading up, we missed calls on both our cell phones from our realtor calling to say the buyers had come back (after the deadline had passed) with a much more significant offer. After some calls back and forth to work out the details and negotiate a final deal, we finally accepted their offer and were now faced with packing <i>everything</i> up and being moved out by January 20!</li>
<li>We celebrated Christmas in Maryland, then drove to West Virginia to celebrate with Mark's family. Mark's new job gave him the week between Christmas & New Year's off, so we headed back to Ohio for the rest of the week to pack.</li>
<li>Ava started school in Maryland, going to the same elementary school my parents attended as well as my Mammaw (although at that time, it was a high school!). She also switched from a half-day to all-day, every day... and was amazing through it all - so proud of her!</li>
<li>Once we closed on January 20, we started looking for homes in Maryland. I feel like I could write a book about the experience of looking for a house. I can say with some certainty that most of the owners had never seen any HGTV shows about how to sell a house. </li>
<li>We found a house in March - God worked out the details providing more than we thought we'd be able to find in this market, and we closed on April 20! We took a few weeks to paint and transfer all our stuff from storage to the house and made the move mid-May.</li>
</ul>
We've been gradually getting things put away and are still living with lots of boxes, but we're thrilled to have a place and especially excited that we'll have room for guests!<br />
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To come full circle, Ava finished out her first year of school last week. This fall, she'll be in a new school once again, but we moved into a neighborhood with lots of kids, so I'm hoping she will soon make friends and be excited to go to school with them. I'm also hoping my next update isn't months from now! Here are a few pictures from the last day to compare with the first day:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEU9Faz2IvY/T9aVtktEfMI/AAAAAAAABCg/5vznbD6lTxc/s1600/lastdayofschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEU9Faz2IvY/T9aVtktEfMI/AAAAAAAABCg/5vznbD6lTxc/s320/lastdayofschool.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of our new front door! She grew several inches over the school year - notice how much shorter her skirt is!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6VbncCDUgs/T9aVn3Az3jI/AAAAAAAABCQ/GR2hs_0ypRQ/s1600/lastdayclass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L6VbncCDUgs/T9aVn3Az3jI/AAAAAAAABCQ/GR2hs_0ypRQ/s320/lastdayclass.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside her classroom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVj64uxYZmw/T9aVsEGPURI/AAAAAAAABCY/wXy7RL-jcHg/s1600/lastdaybus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rVj64uxYZmw/T9aVsEGPURI/AAAAAAAABCY/wXy7RL-jcHg/s320/lastdaybus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting off the bus at Nana & Pap's house - next year there will be a ton of kids that get off and get on the bus at the bus stop down the block from our house. Should be quite different than going a mile or so before picking up the next rider!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-49893448866967322222011-08-30T20:23:00.008-04:002011-08-30T21:05:39.398-04:00First Day of Kindergarten!Today was our first day of kindergarten - first for our family AND first for Ava. Since she does struggle with anxiety at times, I have been wondering how she would do, but as we found out today, I didn't need to have any concerns!
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<br />School starts at 7:45am, and her bus is at our house at 7:15am! I am beyond thankful that Mark is a morning person and can help get her up and ready. He woke her up about 6:30am this morning and she was so excited. She'd given me explicit instructions about what to pack in her lunch and kept asking if I'd put everything in there requested. Breakfast eaten, hair combed, body dressed, teeth brushed, shoes tied, and we were ready to go!
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdA1MMhg500/Tl2DxN1buBI/AAAAAAAABBk/WOnK-GQUGGs/s1600/kindergarten%2B001.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JdA1MMhg500/Tl2DxN1buBI/AAAAAAAABBk/WOnK-GQUGGs/s320/kindergarten%2B001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646814389343074322" border="0" /></a>
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<br />We decided we'd take her on her first day so we could see her room and get the obligatory first day at school picture (it is a historic event, you know). When I told her, I think she was a little disappointed not to get to ride the bus, but then she told me it was okay since she could ride it home. Everyone loaded up and we were off for school. When we got there, Ava led the way (she'd been in for a reading assessment last week so she knew where to go), not even making sure we were keeping up. She ran into her room without even a look back until I asked her to stop for just a second so I could get a picture, and she agreed.
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlROKPWAVoY/Tl2GzHnHkyI/AAAAAAAABB0/vsJuLf1wS8A/s1600/kindergarten%2B004.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlROKPWAVoY/Tl2GzHnHkyI/AAAAAAAABB0/vsJuLf1wS8A/s320/kindergarten%2B004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646817720567042850" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-baj6SEqUgLk/Tl2Gy8qIG2I/AAAAAAAABBs/SkK56t_7ItA/s1600/first%2Bday.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-baj6SEqUgLk/Tl2Gy8qIG2I/AAAAAAAABBs/SkK56t_7ItA/s320/first%2Bday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646817717626870626" border="0" /></a>
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<br />The house seemed quiet without her there (no bickering between her & Carter!), and poor Carter kept asking when she'd be back (missed having someone to pester and be pestered by, no doubt... I'm sure Audrey will figure it out before long). Soon enough, the clock said 2:15pm and I was waiting for the bus to stop in front of the house. I'm guessing they're still working out the kinks of dropping off kids since it didn't show until 2:30pm, but Ava was all smiles as she got off the bus and was especially happy to have made a new friend who was in her class and who also rode her bus.
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJhY_80pKx4/Tl2Gzt-ZdeI/AAAAAAAABB8/LHCW61P-jWo/s1600/kindergarten%2B089.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJhY_80pKx4/Tl2Gzt-ZdeI/AAAAAAAABB8/LHCW61P-jWo/s320/kindergarten%2B089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646817730865231330" border="0" /></a>
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<br />We had a few minutes to ourselves while Ava filled me in on her day (2 recesses! guess that's one perk of all-day kindergarten) and enjoyed a cupcake. Then Carter was up and he grilled her on her first day... seriously... I don't know where he comes up with all his questions!
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epZEjcYkLuo/Tl2G0g1DbBI/AAAAAAAABCM/GsZ8yddWKTk/s1600/cupcake.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epZEjcYkLuo/Tl2G0g1DbBI/AAAAAAAABCM/GsZ8yddWKTk/s320/cupcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646817744516246546" border="0" /></a>
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<br />She has a strange schedule - all-day, every other day. She goes Tuesday and Friday and every other Wednesday, and this week is an on day for Wednesday. It may take a while for us to get used to the schedule.
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<br />I'm so glad she had a great first day - here's to a great first year!
<br />Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-93146426746546862011-08-24T20:47:00.007-04:002011-08-24T21:23:58.620-04:00Carter's Fourth<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ-howodtro/TlWexZgNY-I/AAAAAAAABBE/NnGDZ6fi9s8/s1600/four.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ-howodtro/TlWexZgNY-I/AAAAAAAABBE/NnGDZ6fi9s8/s320/four.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644592279475545058" border="0" /></a>
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<br /></div>Way back in July, Carter turned four! We got to celebrate his birthday two weekends in a row - one in WV and one here in Ohio.
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtVZgDgSOdY/TlWgB5o7IbI/AAAAAAAABBM/YJtckHHgfJs/s1600/mcqueen.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtVZgDgSOdY/TlWgB5o7IbI/AAAAAAAABBM/YJtckHHgfJs/s320/mcqueen.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644593662491566514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2e7_yZ0alwA/TlWd6-WOSbI/AAAAAAAABA8/AFf-Jaj9gJc/s1600/carter%2Bbirthday%2Bcake.jpg"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2e7_yZ0alwA/TlWd6-WOSbI/AAAAAAAABA8/AFf-Jaj9gJc/s320/carter%2Bbirthday%2Bcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644591344472967602" border="0" /></a>
<br /></div>He has become such a big man over the past year and I'm so grateful to have him in our family. I guess it's because I'm so uncoordinated, but I find myself continually impressed with his athletic abilities. He has an abundance of energy and I'm often at a loss as to how to get it all out. His mind seems to go a mile a minute and the questions have become vast and varied. I love that he's so inquisitive, even though there are times when my own mind wears out trying to answer his constant queries.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wa7y_rIP20/TlWhYFwcwDI/AAAAAAAABBc/IMeRz7Yww4E/s1600/july%2B11%2B010.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wa7y_rIP20/TlWhYFwcwDI/AAAAAAAABBc/IMeRz7Yww4E/s320/july%2B11%2B010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644595143213105202" border="0" /></a>
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<br />He has moments of calm, too, and routinely asks me to snuggle with him. He has a great appetite and will try just about anything - and now that he's convinced being both strong and smart come from eating vegetables, he proudly eats them (usually), asking me to feel his muscles between bites. He's a great playmate to both his sisters and has taken to the role of big brother with Audrey in such a sweet way. Just tonight Mark ran to the store for a couple things and took Audrey and Carter with him. Audrey was squirming, so he let her down and Carter immediately grabbed her hand and guided her through the store. My prayer is that his heart continues to be tender and that he comes to truly understand how much God loves him so he can share that love with others. So thankful for our precious boy!
<br />Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-24216828504011813312011-06-23T20:22:00.010-04:002011-06-23T22:15:45.088-04:00I am still here!It's been a horribly long time since I've updated and since there was so much to update, I kept putting it off until I had "more time." HA! So, I'll just jump in where we are and attempt to keep things brief (otherwise I'll not finish and continue putting off an update).<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmia8_5wZTQ/TgPw-xpJ8DI/AAAAAAAABAk/rokvhqKybmE/s1600/pentax%2B016.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmia8_5wZTQ/TgPw-xpJ8DI/AAAAAAAABAk/rokvhqKybmE/s320/pentax%2B016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621601721157021746" border="0" /></a><br />Ava is now 5 and a half and starts kindergarten this fall! On one hand, it's hard to believe, but on the other, it seems about time... feels like I've been home with kids forever, even though we're only a little over 5 years in. She seems so grown up to me and while we still have some struggles (you know, since neither one of us is perfect!), I love to see how her personality and interests are developing. She loves crafts, coloring, painting, anything artsy and is already showing herself to be quite an artist. Of course, I'm comparing her artwork to mine, so take that for what it's worth!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZpfK38jbpU/TgPw_Df7ovI/AAAAAAAABAs/qG6A7yZnBIQ/s1600/pentax%2B094.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZpfK38jbpU/TgPw_Df7ovI/AAAAAAAABAs/qG6A7yZnBIQ/s320/pentax%2B094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621601725950173938" border="0" /></a><br />Carter is still rough and tumble with a huge side of sensitive. And, he'll be 4 next week. FOUR! For some reason, this seems to mark the end of my little boy in my mind - he's so busy with play and becoming more and more independent. I'm so glad that he is my snuggly, lovey, affectionate child and he's agreed never to grow out of it! He and Ava are great playmates and he's starting to warm up to Audrey and playing with her more and more (as opposed to getting mad when she'd want to join in and him being afraid she'd ruin the fun).<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryT3QJyUj5g/TgPw_u0xJHI/AAAAAAAABA0/dKVFW4ij8vU/s1600/pentax%2B052.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryT3QJyUj5g/TgPw_u0xJHI/AAAAAAAABA0/dKVFW4ij8vU/s320/pentax%2B052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621601737580291186" border="0" /></a><br />Audrey's personality is really coming through these days. For the most part, she's easy-going and happy. Teething brings out a cranky, whiny girl - I finally understand what some other parents go through. Ava and Carter never seemed to be bothered by teeth coming in, but anytime poor Audrey gets a new tooth, her entire hand is shoved in her mouth which brings on copious amounts of drool and we all get to enjoy a major case of the grumps. Seeing as how she is usually so easy, I'll cut her some slack (and maybe give her some tylenol). Oh, yeah, she's working on some teeth right now.<br /><br />Audrey also loves music and dancing. If we're out shopping and she hears a song that strikes her fancy, she's bopping along and sometimes singing, too. At home, she tries to climb on chairs or anything else she can make a stage and performs. She loves to make Ava & Carter laugh and she's pretty good at it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Omrv1RwYHqY/TgPhXfiVeMI/AAAAAAAAA-c/7jF0m7Y_eEs/s1600/disney%2B066.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Omrv1RwYHqY/TgPhXfiVeMI/AAAAAAAAA-c/7jF0m7Y_eEs/s320/disney%2B066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621584553607264450" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Our biggest adventure since last posting would probably be our trip to Disney World in March. We had such fun and Carter still thanks God almost every night in his prayers for Disney World. At least they have stopped asking when we're going back. You can see more pictures <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.600779232854.2105869.141303241&l=bc1a09206a">here</a>.<br /><br />And <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.613207486534.2111272.141303241&l=84ee7873b3">here's</a> another album with pictures from our various adventures this spring. You'll see these pictures there, but I just loved these series of pictures from bedtime one night:<br /><br />This is the doll cradle my dad made for me when I was little. After she gets her pj's on, she likes to get in it and pretend to sleep.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--p-8m9L7aRE/TgPj_GDgDiI/AAAAAAAAA_c/EWPz3J1iSPU/s1600/may11%2B157.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--p-8m9L7aRE/TgPj_GDgDiI/AAAAAAAAA_c/EWPz3J1iSPU/s320/may11%2B157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621587432985071138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Pretend sleeping complete with fake snores.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whalISY8sJw/TgPnCNlIIYI/AAAAAAAABAc/Rhl8lPqPaAg/s1600/may11%2B164.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whalISY8sJw/TgPnCNlIIYI/AAAAAAAABAc/Rhl8lPqPaAg/s320/may11%2B164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621590785079648642" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So pleased with herself!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ukSvpPBpA/TgPj-tlGg1I/AAAAAAAAA_U/4YlWglNg2nU/s1600/may11%2B163.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1ukSvpPBpA/TgPj-tlGg1I/AAAAAAAAA_U/4YlWglNg2nU/s320/may11%2B163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621587426415117138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This night, she decided to share the cradle with a doll. Here she is tucking him in.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwJ5jSPbJtQ/TgPj-TQ1p5I/AAAAAAAAA_M/Uyy2KNFovRI/s1600/may11%2B166.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwJ5jSPbJtQ/TgPj-TQ1p5I/AAAAAAAAA_M/Uyy2KNFovRI/s320/may11%2B166.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621587419350804370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kisses goodnight...<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjnddHkbxw0/TgPl55T3GMI/AAAAAAAABAU/aeE1aP7T6rk/s1600/may11%2B167.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjnddHkbxw0/TgPl55T3GMI/AAAAAAAABAU/aeE1aP7T6rk/s320/may11%2B167.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621589542687938754" border="0" /></a><br /><br />"Oh, maybe I'll just climb in with you."<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptf5XyE2Q3M/TgPl2J6BE9I/AAAAAAAABAE/qSs7jHSvnWg/s1600/may11%2B169.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptf5XyE2Q3M/TgPl2J6BE9I/AAAAAAAABAE/qSs7jHSvnWg/s320/may11%2B169.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621589478423466962" border="0" /></a><br /><br />"This really isn't big enough for two."<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX85Ne_C3kQ/TgPl1lkOWEI/AAAAAAAAA_8/qwHDEaQO6TU/s1600/may11%2B171.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yX85Ne_C3kQ/TgPl1lkOWEI/AAAAAAAAA_8/qwHDEaQO6TU/s320/may11%2B171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621589468668385346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />"Night night!"<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w26SeKGdER0/TgPkia9MR8I/AAAAAAAAA_s/E9G81c2xyxc/s1600/may11%2B173.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w26SeKGdER0/TgPkia9MR8I/AAAAAAAAA_s/E9G81c2xyxc/s320/may11%2B173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621588039891175362" border="0" /></a>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-68710644983402152182010-12-17T23:10:00.005-05:002010-12-17T23:44:37.653-05:00DecemberI knew it had been a while since I posted, but I was looking at pictures on our computer and realized I haven’t even downloaded anything from my camera for a month!<span style=""> </span>Yikes.<span style=""> </span>Here are some from Ava’s 5<sup>th</sup> birthday – FIVE! <span style=""> </span>Sometimes I look at her and she seems so grown up.<span style=""> </span>She loves to help and tries to anticipate when I’m going to ask her to do something, doing it before I have a chance to ask.<span style=""> </span>She loves to color and create.<span style=""> </span>A new coloring book keeps her occupied for days on end.<span style=""> </span>She loves dresses and ribbons and glitter.<span style=""> </span>She loves to sing and dance.<span style=""> </span>We have been so blessed with this girl!<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw01f9GnBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/qlX-CM_WETg/s1600/ava%2Bbday1.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw01f9GnBI/AAAAAAAAA9E/qlX-CM_WETg/s320/ava%2Bbday1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551870534356474898" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">traditional birthday pancakes </span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw02ADd1PI/AAAAAAAAA9M/LPPMHABE1Cg/s1600/ava%2Bslbeauty.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw02ADd1PI/AAAAAAAAA9M/LPPMHABE1Cg/s320/ava%2Bslbeauty.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551870542973097202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">much anticipated (and oft-asked for) Sleeping Beauty doll</span></span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw03MZqNdI/AAAAAAAAA9U/3qO-LAXTUSw/s1600/ava%2Bbeads.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw03MZqNdI/AAAAAAAAA9U/3qO-LAXTUSw/s320/ava%2Bbeads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551870563467277778" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw03m6_z7I/AAAAAAAAA9c/eE_isT1gMSs/s1600/ava%2Bcake.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw03m6_z7I/AAAAAAAAA9c/eE_isT1gMSs/s320/ava%2Bcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551870570586427314" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The same weekend we had her party, the kindergarten choir sang in church. I had a hard time getting a picture since Ava was in the second row and every time she tried to poke her head through so I could get a take a photo, the 2 little girls in front of her would block her! Too funny.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw035ColII/AAAAAAAAA9k/OrBdxjc9lZk/s1600/ava%2Bsing.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw035ColII/AAAAAAAAA9k/OrBdxjc9lZk/s320/ava%2Bsing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551870575450297474" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">December has not been the best of months at the Button house.<span style=""> </span>From me trying to fit too many tasks into too few hours to multiple bouts of sickness, this holiday season has been more stressful than we would have liked. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have been busy finishing up a variety of projects that I’d started for a craft fair that was this past week.<span style=""> </span>As is typical for me (surely I’m not alone), I misjudged just how much time it would take to finish up what seemed to be only a few things, so the first 2 weeks of December found me trying to eek out work-time on every possible occasion.<span style=""> </span>As luck would have it, Ava & Carter decided this would be a grand time to stop going to bed nicely each night and come out of their rooms every 10 minutes during afternoon rest-time asking if they could get up.<span style=""> </span>(We’re still struggling on that front and I’m wondering if they make pajamas with built-in straightjackets… maybe that will keep them in bed!).<span style=""> </span>Oh, and Carter came down with strep throat on the first day of December.<span style=""> </span>Then there were extra rehearsals for our church’s Christmas program in which I was involved.<span style=""> </span>Last Saturday, the weekend of both the Christmas program and the craft fair, it became clear that Mark was getting sick.<span style=""> </span>He had taken vacation time from GE Sunday through Wednesday, and it was a good thing since he spent that entire time in bed.<span style=""> </span>He had been scheduled to work at his second job (Smashburger), but had to call off.<span style=""> </span>Thankfully, he ended up with Thursday off as well (he was supposed to have some training that day and the trainer was sick so they just gave everyone the day off!).<span style=""> </span>Monday morning Carter complained that his throat hurt and as he talked I realized he sounded exactly as he did when he’d gotten strep 2 weeks earlier, so we visited the doctor again to find out he somehow managed to get it AGAIN … only days after finishing his first round of antibiotics (or, maybe the first round of medicine didn’t completely get it?).<span style=""> </span>Thankfully (so far) the only other ailments at our house are a runny nose for Audrey and a sore back muscle for me (let’s just say I was not so excited about getting to shovel all the snow we got this week!).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the midst of all the craziness, there have been some definite highs.<span style=""> </span>My birthday comes at the beginning of the month and about a week before, Ava had cards made and a present wrapped. Closer to the day, she wrapped up one the presents she had received for <span style="font-style: italic;">her</span> birthday on days before to give to me (wrapping paper created by Ava, of course!). </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw4h2VJaFI/AAAAAAAAA9s/f5_6lJcMabg/s1600/december%2B10%2B073.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw4h2VJaFI/AAAAAAAAA9s/f5_6lJcMabg/s320/december%2B10%2B073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551874594812029010" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw4iP4AKZI/AAAAAAAAA90/nQLcIUmBuus/s1600/december%2B10%2B080.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw4iP4AKZI/AAAAAAAAA90/nQLcIUmBuus/s320/december%2B10%2B080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551874601669110162" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">I don't know if you can read it, but the card says, "Iluveoomombecuseoorsespecial" translated, "I love you mom because you are so special." The only word she asked how to spell was "special." I had to take pictures so I never forget her thoughtfulness! (She doesn't believe in spaces between words... no matter how many times I encourage her that they are quite helpful!)<br /></p>The biggest highlight comes as a result of talking a lot about Christmas and reading the Christmas story from a variety of books.<span style=""> </span>Over the past few days, Ava & Carter have been reenacting the Christmas story using all sorts of different toys from stuffed bears and dolls to dump trucks and school buses… and sometimes even the Little People nativity set.<span style=""> </span>My heart melts when I hear them repeating the word of the angels to the shepherds and then hearing the shepherds excitedly travel to find baby Jesus.<span style=""> </span>Ava has told me several times that her favorite gift at Christmas is that Jesus came.<span style=""> </span>She seems so very close to understanding just what that gift truly means and I’m excited to think that soon she may ask Jesus to be her Savior.<br /><br />And some random pictures since they're too fun not to include:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw6R61iGVI/AAAAAAAAA98/dbO1y6SFyNY/s1600/december%2B10%2B043.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw6R61iGVI/AAAAAAAAA98/dbO1y6SFyNY/s320/december%2B10%2B043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551876520166955346" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Carter (aka, Superman) boxing on the Wii</span><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw6SBk4WVI/AAAAAAAAA-E/9wuhVK0bee0/s1600/november%2B10%2B044.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TQw6SBk4WVI/AAAAAAAAA-E/9wuhVK0bee0/s320/november%2B10%2B044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551876521976158546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Pretty sure the chocolate chip pancakes are a hit!</span><br /><span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-22880357114831136202010-10-27T08:45:00.005-04:002010-10-27T09:25:41.000-04:00Fun with LeavesWe've been staying busy this fall with a variety of activities.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgnLq0XcQI/AAAAAAAAA8s/wRfl5yQXZT4/s1600/october+2010+033.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgnLq0XcQI/AAAAAAAAA8s/wRfl5yQXZT4/s320/october+2010+033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532715223650627842" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our county sponsored a "Try-a-Truck" day. There were all types of construction, emergency and basically any other truck you could think of - even a helicopter flew in and landed for everyone to see. Carter was in heaven.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMghq-r3ruI/AAAAAAAAA8c/P9ejwn7n7VU/s1600/Autumn+2010+173.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMghq-r3ruI/AAAAAAAAA8c/P9ejwn7n7VU/s320/Autumn+2010+173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532709164489879266" border="0" /></a><br />(You can see a bunch of pictures from the day <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098045&id=141303241&l=b7c79b80d8">here</a>)<br /><br />We took a trip to Young's Dairy and picked pumpkins, fed some goats and played on the tractors.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgjoLhoCYI/AAAAAAAAA8k/PPcI_dCTVX8/s1600/Autumn+2010+316.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgjoLhoCYI/AAAAAAAAA8k/PPcI_dCTVX8/s320/Autumn+2010+316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532711315420219778" border="0" /></a><br />(More pictures from that trip <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098046&id=141303241&l=982c608c21">here</a>)<br /><br />And we've been playing outside in the leaves a lot!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgnMPrYs_I/AAAAAAAAA80/Nd7YOD1nD0A/s1600/october+2010+070copy.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgnMPrYs_I/AAAAAAAAA80/Nd7YOD1nD0A/s320/october+2010+070copy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532715233545073650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgnMeHL8bI/AAAAAAAAA88/VSlFpdlsxP4/s1600/october+2010+175copy.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TMgnMeHL8bI/AAAAAAAAA88/VSlFpdlsxP4/s320/october+2010+175copy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532715237419774386" border="0" /></a><br />(<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2098020&id=141303241&l=ee90804ec6">more autumn pictures</a>)<br /><br />I love fall!Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-37146033156496647562010-10-07T20:22:00.004-04:002010-10-07T21:13:22.209-04:00The latest<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Ava<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I cannot believe Ava's going to be five soon. She is growing and maturing and I feel like all the work that seemed fruitless during her 3rd and 4th year is starting to pay off! Lately, she's been much more kind (and will tell me when she's being kind since she wants me to see it, but a great improvement to being UNkind), extremely helpful, can remember so much from Sunday School and Cubbies (before when I'd ask what her story was about, I'd get a big fat, "I don't remember" or the very generic, "God"), and mindful of instruction. We're still working on attitude, but I see such growth... encouragement since Carter has hit the stage where we're dealing with a lot of whining and disobedience - I know we'll get through it!<br /><br />She loves to color, draw pictures and read books, and she adores all things princess. She's been taking a tumbling class at the local rec center, is in her second year of Cubbies and moved up to the Pre-K class at church where she is in the kindergarten choir and LOVING it. I'm amazed at how quickly she learns and how much she is learning. We've been reading "Little House in the Big Woods" and in case you haven't read it in a while (or ever), much of the book relates what life was like living in the log cabin in the woods - things like slaughtering a pig or cleaning a rifle. I didn't think she'd have any concept of what was going on, much less want to continue reading, but she and Carter both love to snuggle up and have me read a chapter or two at a time. I look at her and can't believe what a sweet little girl she's becoming.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Carter</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />While Carter is challenging us more these days, he remains our most sensitive and loving child (well, except in any situation regarding Audrey... I know one day he'll come to like her more, but right now he has a hard time tolerating her desire to get at his stuff). Just tonight, I was battling a headache and while we were at the dinner table, I rested my head on my arm. He asked why I put my head down and I told him it hurt. With complete tenderness and sincerity he said, "Aww, Mom... can I come give you a hug?." He has such a sweet heart. He also is great at throwing fits and ignoring me when I call his name, but hopefully, I'll look back and remember the sweet parts.<br /><br />He still loves trains, cars and trucks (though will play ponies or dress-up with Ava, too). Over the summer, he seemed to lose all his toddler chubbiness and got tall and thin. He's in his first year of Cubbies and is so excited about it. Part of the program includes scripture memorization and I love helping him learn his verses. The best part is knowing he's learning God's Word, but he provides many chuckles along the way as well. He seems to translate the verses into his own way of saying things. For instance, I was trying to teach him a verse that said, "While we were sinners..." It kept coming out, "While us be sinners..." But my absolute favorite so far has been the translation of "... He will be great" to "Him gonna be great." We <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> only on week 3, so I can't wait to see what other translations he comes up with!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Audrey<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Sweet Audrey is ONE! She's rediscovered waving and clapping after quite some time of pretending not to remember how and also learned how to blow kisses this week. Her very favorite is high fives. She took a few steps one day last week and finally today took a few more. Soon, she'll be running after the other 2. She loves to dance and seems to always be smiling and laughing. She loves baby dolls and stuffed animals (and </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >anything</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> of Carter's... seriously, it's no wonder he's a little annoyed by his baby sister!). When I think about how Mark and I had almost decided 2 kids were enough, I am so thrilled God blessed us with this sweet girl.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Work<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Mark has accepted a job with GE in their call center. He'd been working at a newer burger place in the area for the last few months, and they tried to convince him to stay and have even left the door wide open to come back should he decide he doesn't like the new job. He starts training on Monday and will be taking some shifts on the weekends at Smashburger. We're thankful for the new position and hopeful that he'll have a chance to move up quickly and no longer need a second job.<br /><br />Next post will have pictures, I promise!<br /></span>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-25703634688838732772010-09-11T16:08:00.004-04:002010-09-11T16:27:30.789-04:00VacationLast month, we traveled to MD for vacation. I never appreciated my childhood home as I do now! My parents have the perfect vacation spot! Huge yard, big driveway, pool out back, great toys, and if that weren't enough, lots of fun places to visit nearby. We started the week off with a family reunion and I always love to see extended family and catch up.<br /><br />While we were having a great time at Nana & Pap's house (and I think the two older ones would have been swimming by the end of the week!), we spend most of the week at Ocean City, MD.<br /><br />Ava was my total beach bum and I don't think there was anything she didn't like about the beach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TIvkspZUPyI/AAAAAAAAA78/6onGDDOgoWw/s1600/vacation+10+171.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TIvkspZUPyI/AAAAAAAAA78/6onGDDOgoWw/s320/vacation+10+171.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515753624322719522" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Carter had fun, too, but kept asking to go swim in the pool. I'm sure he'll grow into an appreciation for the beach.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TIvks7mlhTI/AAAAAAAAA8E/N7aoL8ABwSU/s1600/vacation+10+077.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TIvks7mlhTI/AAAAAAAAA8E/N7aoL8ABwSU/s320/vacation+10+077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515753629210215730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Audrey hung out in the sand or in the little pool my parents got and was pretty happy attempting to eat sand or lick saltwater off toys.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TIvkttl7cBI/AAAAAAAAA8M/ak6YtQVU12E/s1600/vacation+10+076.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TIvkttl7cBI/AAAAAAAAA8M/ak6YtQVU12E/s320/vacation+10+076.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515753642629230610" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had a few days at my parent's before we had to head back home, and tried to fit in as much fun as possible. If you're interested in more vacation pictures, go <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2089991&id=141303241&l=b9a3d7d959">here</a>.Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-84086317991615237572010-08-23T22:22:00.004-04:002010-08-23T23:03:09.505-04:0011 Months<span style="font-size:100%;">We recently headed to MD for a week of vacation (including a family reunion & a trip to the beach) and I still haven’t had a chance to sort through all the pics and post some, but in the meantime, I need to document Audrey’s achievements of late.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Over the past month, she has learned so much and is doing all sorts of new tricks with which to entertain us. Her primary way to make me smile is with any number of faces she makes. She can't seem to smile without scrunching up her face and no matter how many times I catch it on camera, a still photo simply doesn't do her cuteness justice. </span><br /></span><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwMKkvupI/AAAAAAAAA7c/qX9uA8_-wOk/s1600/vacation+10+364.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwMKkvupI/AAAAAAAAA7c/qX9uA8_-wOk/s320/vacation+10+364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508799754759289490" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuYMNSwuI/AAAAAAAAA60/UhJ79uvmP2c/s1600/vacation+10+284.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuYMNSwuI/AAAAAAAAA60/UhJ79uvmP2c/s320/vacation+10+284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508797762332967650" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuY7ToQZI/AAAAAAAAA7E/78meJnzmZzg/s1600/vacation+10+289.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuY7ToQZI/AAAAAAAAA7E/78meJnzmZzg/s320/vacation+10+289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508797774976008594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuYamkz7I/AAAAAAAAA68/MI-nQ5CdXl8/s1600/vacation+10+285.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuYamkz7I/AAAAAAAAA68/MI-nQ5CdXl8/s320/vacation+10+285.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508797766197104562" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwLuUuAUI/AAAAAAAAA7U/jElx8mq6MCs/s1600/vacation+10+363.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwLuUuAUI/AAAAAAAAA7U/jElx8mq6MCs/s320/vacation+10+363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508799747175874882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br />After a few pictures, she usually decides she's done and tries to take the camera away.</span></span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She’s over the army/commando crawl (dragging the body with the elbows) and is now a full-fledged crawler… and stair-climber.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She also pulls up to stand on anything she can find and cruises along furniture (including kitchen appliances… I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> learned I need to get in and out of the dishwasher quickly or she’ll start grabbing silverware and tossing pieces out onto the floor).</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMxEOH541I/AAAAAAAAA70/2zZfH9OTa98/s1600/august+10+006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMxEOH541I/AAAAAAAAA70/2zZfH9OTa98/s320/august+10+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508800717784736594" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I love to watch her play.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">She loves to explore and her play often involved copying behavior she sees elsewhere.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The other day I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wasn</span>’t sure if she really was trying to feed me with a spoon, but I was convinced when I caught her feeding herself the next day!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwNNqEaGI/AAAAAAAAA7s/_rMu_wyHWvw/s1600/copy+august+10+018.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwNNqEaGI/AAAAAAAAA7s/_rMu_wyHWvw/s320/copy+august+10+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508799772766791778" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">She also must have been watching Carter play with his cars because she’s gone from trying to eat them to pushing them around and making “<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">vroom</span>” noises just like her brother.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I only wish I had the camera when I noticed her pushing a cheerio around her high-chair tray like a car, complete with car noises.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwMjLn0BI/AAAAAAAAA7k/jEJGwVpK1uU/s1600/august+10+034.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMwMjLn0BI/AAAAAAAAA7k/jEJGwVpK1uU/s320/august+10+034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508799761364799506" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">Here's a video (sorry for the quality - I wanted to capture it while I could and all I had was the camera which doesn't take the greatest video... hopefully, you can hear her "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">vrooms</span>" over Carter's!)<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyjXfitg3Ut3RoG63hmrtyRvhffsiYgW7PciNnBvhBdgB4aXFmZckyth1-DlFVqBe9Xq_uWS04bJ56oKylcbA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuZfvJogI/AAAAAAAAA7M/nm2s1PR-SzA/s1600/vacation+10+351.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuZfvJogI/AAAAAAAAA7M/nm2s1PR-SzA/s320/vacation+10+351.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508797784755118594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh, and she discovered the her finger fits perfectly in her nose. Now a moment we can all treasure.</span></span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuXU2UUwI/AAAAAAAAA6s/FP0SqP60z9A/s1600/copyvacation+10+006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/THMuXU2UUwI/AAAAAAAAA6s/FP0SqP60z9A/s320/copyvacation+10+006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508797747472651010" border="0" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">And finally, so the post isn't ALL about Audrey, this was from a recent trip to Columbus to see our very good friends' daughter get baptized (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">yay</span>, Sophia!!). I'm sure the kids hate these pictures, but I love catching them all together (although, I really need to remember to get these <span style="font-style: italic;">before</span> we're trying to head out the door because one or more children are melting down).</span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Vacation pictures coming soon!</span><br /></p>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-72119367027278786342010-07-24T15:21:00.006-04:002010-07-24T16:16:16.075-04:003 Years & 10 MonthsCarter turned three several weeks ago. Yup, I'm that far behind...<br /><br />I love this little man so much! He still loves to snuggle, but plays hard. He's all boy, but has a sensitive, sweet spirit. Trucks, trains and cars remain his favorite toys, but he & Ava play together a lot now, so he can also be found playing with her pony castle or dressing up.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtAgcnMf4I/AAAAAAAAA5s/rx7lqw4oxGk/s1600/july+10+046.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtAgcnMf4I/AAAAAAAAA5s/rx7lqw4oxGk/s320/july+10+046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497558696316403586" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Opening presents at his birthday party</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtAg9UurbI/AAAAAAAAA50/7GVGXo_6ZGE/s1600/july+10+060.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtAg9UurbI/AAAAAAAAA50/7GVGXo_6ZGE/s320/july+10+060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497558705097321906" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thomas birthday cake (Ava has announced that next year he's having a Little Mermaid cake...)</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtAhHNaErI/AAAAAAAAA58/dSZaCTO26EI/s1600/july+10+064.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtAhHNaErI/AAAAAAAAA58/dSZaCTO26EI/s320/july+10+064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497558707750965938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Eating cake & ice cream on the swingset</span></span><br /></div><br />He's really starting to lose his toddler chubbiness - he seems taller and thinner. His speech is clearer and he is starting to exert his will more, too. I didn't experience much of the "terrible two's" with him, but about a week before three hit, he started with some major tantrums. I'm hoping this doesn't last long!<br /><br />Audrey is 10 months old today. Is that possible?? How can this year be going by so fast? She now pulls herself up to stand and spends most of her time attempting to get into every last thing she can't have. Carter and Ava both struggle with her wanting to play with all their toys (she very rarely wants the "safe for kids under 3" toys). She's also gotten LOUD. She screeches for no reason and even makes noises when she eats. She's learned to wave and gets so excited when she sees her brother or sister. Still no real words, but Ava & Carter were both late to talk, and they talk <span style="font-style: italic;">plenty</span> now, so no worries there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtFvcZLQoI/AAAAAAAAA6M/H7jBtlWZMG4/s1600/july+10+013.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtFvcZLQoI/AAAAAAAAA6M/H7jBtlWZMG4/s320/july+10+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497564451513778818" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Playing with Ava's pony castle... pretty sure Ava was napping</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtFuxkF9xI/AAAAAAAAA6E/nbs22fS8jQ8/s1600/july+10+092.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtFuxkF9xI/AAAAAAAAA6E/nbs22fS8jQ8/s320/july+10+092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497564440016844562" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I love this girl's expressions! I've never seen a baby with such expressive eyebrows...<br />even a lady at the park commented on them!</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's a few more pics from a recent trip to Neena & Poppie's house:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtIjArxkCI/AAAAAAAAA6U/hLmXavYUwew/s1600/july+10+111copy.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtIjArxkCI/AAAAAAAAA6U/hLmXavYUwew/s320/july+10+111copy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497567536452046882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtIjvtgaSI/AAAAAAAAA6c/vLwp84Bq94g/s1600/july+10+116.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtIjvtgaSI/AAAAAAAAA6c/vLwp84Bq94g/s320/july+10+116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497567549075777826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">no idea what this look from Chloe is about, but I love it!<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtIkM4Q2dI/AAAAAAAAA6k/0aGxiRmDacI/s1600/july+10+117.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TEtIkM4Q2dI/AAAAAAAAA6k/0aGxiRmDacI/s320/july+10+117.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497567556905523666" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Audrey drooled on Mark's sleeve for a while before giving in and falling asleep.</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And while most of the time this blog is about the kids, there is news for me and Mark as well. Please pray with us as Mark is pursuing other employment opportunities. I'm convinced that God has something better for him and for our family! Also, tomorrow Mark and I will celebrate 12 years of marriage!<br /></div></div></div></div>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-41871529149651602052010-07-01T14:04:00.004-04:002010-07-01T14:46:24.041-04:00Summer DaysAudrey is 9 months. Her first year has been FLYING. She still seems like my baby (obviously, compared to the other 2), but she also seems far too old already! She's been such a sweet baby that I'm not anxious for her to grow up even though I know I can't stop her.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZxc3d_BI/AAAAAAAAA5E/xZhQI3Z2L5w/s1600/june+10+075.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZxc3d_BI/AAAAAAAAA5E/xZhQI3Z2L5w/s320/june+10+075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489001489443453970" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She's showing more of an opinion than her siblings when it comes to food. While they ate pretty much anything I'd offer, she will fuss if I give her something she's not fond of... and sometimes I'll get it spit back at me. She hates having food in the corners of her mouth and I have to be quick to get it because while she hates it right next to her mouth, she's fine with smearing it absolutely anywhere else on her face. Or the chair. Or her clothers. Or basically anywhere else. How can such a small bit of food make such a mess?? She's become a pro at feeding herself finger foods, and she also loves to play with her tongue. At first it only came out when she was eating - in between bites she'd stick it out and see how she could contort it. Lately, it's a constant facsination.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZzypzuGI/AAAAAAAAA5k/34cC_f2XDpI/s1600/june+10+133.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZzypzuGI/AAAAAAAAA5k/34cC_f2XDpI/s320/june+10+133.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489001529651476578" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZzAJCqVI/AAAAAAAAA5c/dO6PD-aJQ74/s1600/june+10+124.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZzAJCqVI/AAAAAAAAA5c/dO6PD-aJQ74/s320/june+10+124.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489001516092270930" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Like her siblings, she loves to swing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZyKOm3CI/AAAAAAAAA5M/r6BQtXnYeMs/s1600/june+10+093.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZyKOm3CI/AAAAAAAAA5M/r6BQtXnYeMs/s320/june+10+093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489001501620100130" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And lucky for her, Carter even likes to push her!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZyssPglI/AAAAAAAAA5U/lA_nblEwzfk/s1600/june+10+094.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TCzZyssPglI/AAAAAAAAA5U/lA_nblEwzfk/s320/june+10+094.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489001510871204434" border="0" /></a><br /><br />She has mastered the army crawl and has gotten so FAST. She's also starting to stand if holding on to someone or something and she has attempted to pull herself up a few times. I sway between encouraging these new developments and immediately grabbing her, holding her like a baby and asking her if she could slow down <span style="font-style: italic;">just a little</span>.<br /><br />Carter's not slowing down a bit and turns 3 in just a few days! This morning Ava went around the living room and picked out some of his favorite things so she'd have some presents for his birthday. She also pulled out all the orange construction paper she could find (his favorite color) so she could wrap them and finally, went on to make a card for each present.<br /><br />For more pics of the fun we've been having this summer, check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2085270&id=141303241&l=c5c8d3c8d8">this album</a> on Facebook!Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-40771917259820925992010-06-12T17:16:00.007-04:002010-06-12T20:04:03.330-04:00Cubbie BearSo, kiddos who think it's perfectly acceptable to get out of bed <span style="font-style: italic;">multiple</span> times during each naptime and bedtime create a world not fit for having time to write a blog post. I'm hoping to come up with a new strategy for this addressing this behavior as the current one of threats/yelling/punishing (in no particular order) doesn't seem to be working.<br /><br />Anywho, last post I mentioned I wanted to share Ava's Cubbies experience from this past year. This was her first year in Awana, and she loved it! There's a book to use with a story and memory verse for each week and at the beginning of the year, she was not content to stop with one story and one verse. Even as we got closer to the end of the year and the end of the book she wanted to go back and read past stories. It makes me happy to see her excited about learning God's Word.<br /><br />Toward the end of the year, there's a Cubbie Bear fair complete with all sorts of carnival type games, balloon animals, face painting and, of course, treats. A parent is supposed to attend, so I got to go with Ava. She had lots of fun, but it was pretty clear that she is not going to be the athlete of the family.... the girl throws like... well, a girl. Sometimes I was really wondering if she even had her eyes open. I felt sorry for the teens running the games who had to run hither and yonder to retrieve whatever item Ava had attempted to throw in their direction. We did find one game where she excelled - a shooting game, surprisingly enough. She pointed that little gun, pulled the trigger and shot down each one of the targets. At first I thought it must be rigged somehow to let the kids "win" easily until the next little girl took her turn and couldn't manage to hit a target after several tries. Go sharpshooter Ava!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TBQefUHKyZI/AAAAAAAAA40/p1JGyYv3H9g/s1600/may+2010+009.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TBQefUHKyZI/AAAAAAAAA40/p1JGyYv3H9g/s320/may+2010+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482040169740290450" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">She doesn't look it, but she was pretty happy about the face painting.</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TBQfJxXJ1yI/AAAAAAAAA48/cl3YWje7uUM/s1600/may+26+2010+062.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/TBQfJxXJ1yI/AAAAAAAAA48/cl3YWje7uUM/s320/may+26+2010+062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482040899146471202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ava with her Cubbie Bear award earned for finishing her book & saying all her verses!<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Next year, we'll have 2 Cubbies! Well, we will if Carter can figure out this potty training stuff. He can stay dry all day (even most nights!), but the other, oh the other... why, oh why would you want to do that in your pants if you can help it? And I know he can help it!</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-25076256335646831472010-05-19T09:43:00.009-04:002010-05-27T06:45:30.336-04:00Creative JuicesAva seems to be learning things by leaps and bounds lately. She's been very interested in letters and words plus she's started drawing more (for a while, she'd only draw faces... when I asked if she'd like to try other things, I'd get a, "I don't know how to draw anything else." I didn't think 4-year-olds were supposed to be afraid to try things!). She has been on a card-making kick - drawing pictures and writing her name as well as the recipient's. Most have been for me or Mark, but we've also mailed a few and if you come over, you'll probably leave with one of her creations. I love it! I recently got a "Hooked on Phonics" learn to read set for a great deal, and she wants to "play it" all the time. I'm finding it a challenge to know whether we should focus on writing or reading, but I'm letting her guide me.<br /><br />She also seems to be more sensitive to spiritual things. I love to hear her talk about how God loves us! Sometimes I think concepts are a challenge to understand, though - she has mentioned several times that she is going to ask Jesus to be her Savior, but she wants to wait until after we go to the beach because she wants to go there before she goes to heaven. I've explained on several occasions that we don't go to heaven immediately after asking Jesus to be our Savior, but so far, she's not buying it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5MJU_lTvI/AAAAAAAAA4s/pDa8dREcc0M/s1600/may+2010+004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5MJU_lTvI/AAAAAAAAA4s/pDa8dREcc0M/s320/may+2010+004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475897920067030770" border="0" /></a><br />She loves to sing and make up songs, too, and Carter's even caught on to that one. On Mother's Day, he sang a great little ditty with the lyrics, "I love you, Mommy." Of course, the next day I heard the same song tune with the slightly different lyric, "I love you, cars," but I'm willing to share his affection. He also loves puzzles (in addition to the old favorites of trains, cars & trucks). He surprises me with how well he can put them together, but that's probably because when I'm trying to explain something important to him (like why pulling all the covers and sheets off Ava's bed when he's supposed to be taking a nap is not appropriate), he just looks at me with a blank stare. I must have confused boredom for lack of intelligence.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5LOaxpJZI/AAAAAAAAA4k/KO6rSoktIm4/s1600/thomas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5LOaxpJZI/AAAAAAAAA4k/KO6rSoktIm4/s320/thomas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475896908006892946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">One of many garage sale finds!<br /></span></span></div><br />Audrey has become the champion roller. She can sit by herself, but is rarely content to. (At least that's what I'm telling myself when she topples over after a few seconds!) She is constantly rolling toward or getting into Carter's toys and he can't stand it! We're working on teaching/learning that she can't hurt them and it isn't kind to viciously grab them out of her hand or roll her away from them. Baby girl also loves to pull off her socks and chew on them (see picture below for proof!). Tights? She pulls off as much as she needs to reach her mouth and sucks away.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KRJ_luOI/AAAAAAAAA4U/r5TnKXCthQY/s1600/may+26+2010+058.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KRJ_luOI/AAAAAAAAA4U/r5TnKXCthQY/s200/may+26+2010+058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475895855529965794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KQs8XMnI/AAAAAAAAA4M/yxUyltONwsI/s1600/may+26+2010+051.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KQs8XMnI/AAAAAAAAA4M/yxUyltONwsI/s200/may+26+2010+051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475895847731802738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KRjwS2QI/AAAAAAAAA4c/vEcZMQZiJM8/s1600/may+26+2010+059.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KRjwS2QI/AAAAAAAAA4c/vEcZMQZiJM8/s200/may+26+2010+059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475895862445136130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KQKVwa-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/H-XIO0MZhso/s1600/may+26+2010+025.JPG"> <img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S_5KQKVwa-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/H-XIO0MZhso/s200/may+26+2010+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475895838443072482" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I started writing this several days ago, and since then, she's started creeping. She's quite a sight - reaching out with her hands and at the same time propelling herself forward with her toes! Carter is out of luck. We may have to move his toys upstairs!<br /><br />I'll post soon about Ava and her first year of Awana!Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-70477374828253436622010-04-19T13:29:00.006-04:002010-04-19T16:34:51.680-04:00The Cutting of the Hairs<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Before<br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8yUqHqunYI/AAAAAAAAA3s/pRDyRTVhij8/s1600/april+19+2010+025.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8yUqHqunYI/AAAAAAAAA3s/pRDyRTVhij8/s320/april+19+2010+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461903899427249538" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8yUppsjo7I/AAAAAAAAA3k/YlqqNHWiZ9Y/s1600/before_ava.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8yUppsjo7I/AAAAAAAAA3k/YlqqNHWiZ9Y/s320/before_ava.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461903891381855154" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">After<br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8y7rx9iO2I/AAAAAAAAA38/EQlvzcR_FGE/s1600/carter_after.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8y7rx9iO2I/AAAAAAAAA38/EQlvzcR_FGE/s320/carter_after.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461946808913771362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8y7rcJ6SyI/AAAAAAAAA30/4QB9_RQ9IUw/s1600/april+19+2010+039.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S8y7rcJ6SyI/AAAAAAAAA30/4QB9_RQ9IUw/s320/april+19+2010+039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461946803060099874" border="0" /></a><br />Ava's been asking for her hair to be cut short for about a month. I had no strong feelings about her having long hair; the fact that it got long was more due to my laziness in getting it cut (and my cheap nature in not wanting to pay upwards of $15 for a haircut for her!). Great Clips is having their $4.99 sale, so we went for haircuts. This is actually shorter than the "to her shoulders" that I requested, but since she kept asking for it to be cut chin-length, I guess she got her wish. I thought I'd have a harder time getting used to her shorter 'do, but I'm a little more sad about Carter's - there's something sweet about him waking up from his nap sweaty with curls all over and now all the curls are gone! Mark reassures me that they'll grow back, but I do miss them a little.Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-76036018688463789512010-04-06T21:22:00.003-04:002010-04-06T21:47:41.824-04:00Carter Reads<p class="MsoNormal">I was feeding Audrey breakfast one day while Carter was reading to himself.<span style=""> </span>I grabbed the camera (which is to blame for the very poor quality) and asked him to read some so I could tape him (but was a little distracted by his sisters which is to blame for me cutting off the top of his head repeatedly).<span style=""> </span>Please pardon the dress-up clothes strewn about, the hacking courtesy of Ava and the various other background noises of Ava trying to entertain Audrey.<span style=""> </span>She obviously isn’t as entertained by Carter reading to himself as I am.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Blue Hat Green Hat by Sandra Boynton</p> <p class="MsoNormal">(hopefully you can understand him – each page is a series of different colors of the same item on an animal, but the last animal isn’t wearing it properly, so the text is “oops.”)<span style=""> </span>Also, Sandra Boynton books are the best!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzbexcy7INxNAh_ZiY4gyVdpWwdt6gP4yeMckpJrUBxkDqLDl5H-WrP6cSjTGZ6VSo-m8i9MpLVVUhF-Q_l1g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal">I particularly loved when Ava tried to help and Carter about bit her head off. Just another day at our house.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Wiggle Waggle by Jonathan London</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is only a small clip of one of our current favorite books and a great way to distract/pass the time when we’re out somewhere.<span style=""> </span>One night after reading this book for one of the first times, I was putting Carter to bed and heard him say under his breath, “Bumble Roll, Bumble Roll” (how a bear walks for those not so informed), so I started going through all the animals and was impressed with his comprehension of how all the animals walk.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzAYp8_8TFdFXTQj5wsM3F2qOQUZARXcFcxmyE3PUvJBddPAxtg3IL_-_nMD2Dc9gOhU89jjKsqoy3_7VYOHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard</p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is my favorite to hear Carter read.<span style=""> </span>I added subtitles in case you can’t understand him.</p> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxUHVkrSmwEfiWM6iO-QmSa3bVwqHOCwg_TgtpOqamn462rn6F1i0_XwXChinB_AM_BEmQPr2FnTD7HtqJHVw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Who needs TV when you have Carter around to read?Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-69479490046168148882010-04-01T06:03:00.005-04:002010-04-01T06:21:20.854-04:00Six MonthsI can't believe Audrey has been here for 6 months (well, outside my womb, that is). She's come around to trying out new foods and she's also become a championship roller. If left to her own devices, she'll keep rolling and rolling until she gets stuck. I've been warning Ava especially that her teeny tiny toys cannot be left on the floor or they might get eaten.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7Rw1sSTM0I/AAAAAAAAA2g/DtOBN731wxs/s1600/march+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7Rw1sSTM0I/AAAAAAAAA2g/DtOBN731wxs/s320/march+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455109116375806786" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Carter will <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> be happy about this</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7Rw2H1ljRI/AAAAAAAAA2o/9t5h4DvrdnU/s1600/march+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7Rw2H1ljRI/AAAAAAAAA2o/9t5h4DvrdnU/s320/march+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455109123771567378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Moving on</span>...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7Rw2opJyaI/AAAAAAAAA2w/WvgjPG62lgk/s1600/march+011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7Rw2opJyaI/AAAAAAAAA2w/WvgjPG62lgk/s320/march+011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455109132577786274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">... and stuck... but SO happy! (Don't you wish you could kiss those cheeks? Aren't you jealous that I get to all day long?)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzT2eJKzI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/u-qKkqCGUnY/s1600/march+10+086.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzT2eJKzI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/u-qKkqCGUnY/s320/march+10+086.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455111833529166642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzTCbk-EI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/UdpFC8LEkMY/s1600/march+10+081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzTCbk-EI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/UdpFC8LEkMY/s320/march+10+081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455111819559761986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzSklHIAI/AAAAAAAAA3I/yYIvBYi89GM/s1600/march+10+077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzSklHIAI/AAAAAAAAA3I/yYIvBYi89GM/s320/march+10+077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455111811546685442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzSfyPWrI/AAAAAAAAA3A/QAzizcSi4tU/s1600/march+10+059.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RzSfyPWrI/AAAAAAAAA3A/QAzizcSi4tU/s320/march+10+059.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455111810259573426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RyJJhOYAI/AAAAAAAAA24/SL_9W05uXSk/s1600/march+10+013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S7RyJJhOYAI/AAAAAAAAA24/SL_9W05uXSk/s320/march+10+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455110550152175618" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-61996211957643558912010-03-22T20:04:00.005-04:002010-03-22T20:39:26.492-04:00Spring has Sprung!Spring is officially here and I have a newfound appreciation for being outside after months of being stuck inside. We did finally make it to a children's museum a few weeks ago where we may just have to become members when the weather turns cool again this fall. A few weeks ago, they had free admission, so we went to check it out and the kids loved it (Audrey showed her excitement by sleeping most of the time).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJEPnmAII/AAAAAAAAA1g/ERHjwNkci1I/s1600-h/b_digging.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJEPnmAII/AAAAAAAAA1g/ERHjwNkci1I/s320/b_digging.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451617317448712322" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJFABJ37I/AAAAAAAAA1w/fdmE1m4uONA/s1600-h/b_heater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJFABJ37I/AAAAAAAAA1w/fdmE1m4uONA/s320/b_heater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451617330440822706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Carter LOVES mascots!</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJEmLQiuI/AAAAAAAAA1o/EZfW2mTJ5S4/s1600-h/b_water.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJEmLQiuI/AAAAAAAAA1o/EZfW2mTJ5S4/s320/b_water.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451617323503880930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJFxJ6V6I/AAAAAAAAA14/r1U3qNQUcC4/s1600-h/b_jail.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJFxJ6V6I/AAAAAAAAA14/r1U3qNQUcC4/s320/b_jail.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451617343630890914" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJGi7axAI/AAAAAAAAA2A/fB9jIxkKCz8/s1600-h/B_shopping.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJGi7axAI/AAAAAAAAA2A/fB9jIxkKCz8/s320/B_shopping.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451617356991874050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJ3Z02pyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/O_JJTLzymjI/s1600-h/b_checkout.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gJ3Z02pyI/AAAAAAAAA2I/O_JJTLzymjI/s320/b_checkout.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451618196362012450" border="0" /></a>Audrey will be six months old this week! She's been rolling from back to belly for a few weeks but has yet to master belly to back, which has led to a very unhappy baby from time to time when she rolls over in her sleep and can't figure out why she's on her belly. She's also discovered her feet - one of my favorite baby achievements. She has no desire to sit up yet, instead diving for her feet anytime I attempt to put her in a sitting position. We've also started some "solids" but the first few items were of no interest to her. Ava & Carter were ecstatic to try solids, so I wasn't sure what to do with her, but kept trying and once we hit bananas, she's been good to go!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gKXkMzj9I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/Braf0yKX8B8/s1600-h/march+10+046.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gKXkMzj9I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/Braf0yKX8B8/s320/march+10+046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451618748902641618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gKYKXvegI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/A9lyOGrdMWg/s1600-h/march+10+048.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S6gKYKXvegI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/A9lyOGrdMWg/s320/march+10+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451618759149058562" border="0" /></a>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-57082360975222253322010-02-23T20:35:00.004-05:002010-02-23T23:00:51.282-05:00Slacking!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4SdqAchZrI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/gFXQ5ue2OaQ/s1600-h/feb+10+134.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4SdqAchZrI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/gFXQ5ue2OaQ/s320/feb+10+134.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441647594770097842" border="0" /></a>The last post was over a month ago! I kept meaning to post, but the longer I took, the more I put it off because there was so much to update. So, I'm just going to jump in. Here's a quick snapshot of what's been happening.<br /><br />Several months ago (even before Audrey was born), Ava started waking up several times a night. She'd have a few good nights and then she'd go back to "needing" something ("ummm... ummmm... Mommy, I'm going to be hungry in the morning." Seriously? You woke me up at 3am to tell me that?). I didn't want her to feel alone and scared, but all of us needed better sleep. We tried various incentives to reward her for getting through an entire night without calling out for us. This would work for a night or two and then she'd have enough and would yell out only moments after I'd put her to bed, "I don't want any m&m's in the morning!!" Our original plan was to move Audrey into her room once Audrey started sleeping through the night, but we kept putting it off because Ava wasn't. We finally decided to move Ava into Carter's room about 3 weeks ago. The arrangement is still new and exciting which means they take longer to fall asleep and wake up earlier, but she is waking up and calling out much less frequently during the night... and they're both taking great naps! Ava has also recently become more and more interested in writing her letters. She knows how to write her name, but wanted me to show her how to write Carter's (significantly more difficult, of course!). I was so proud!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4Sdo2CsQ-I/AAAAAAAAA1A/rFZpleXehnI/s1600-h/writing.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4Sdo2CsQ-I/AAAAAAAAA1A/rFZpleXehnI/s320/writing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441647574797534178" border="0" /></a><br />I've also been trying to be very consistent in my discipline of Ava. She has gotten quite used to doing EVERYTHING her way, and I've not done much to curb that. She is quite the negotiator and manipulator. When I ask her to do something, her response is not immediate compliance. I'll often get a "when I'm done with..." or "how about I..." I found myself getting frustrated with her and realized I was the one who let it get to this point. So, I'm working on re-training her on what it means to obey. She definitely is the one who challenges me the most as a mom, but as I am consistent each and every time she disobeys, I'm finding her responsive to the instruction. She definitely wears me out!<br /><br />Carter has been talking up a storm. He still loves his trains and cars, but if Ava's getting dressed up like a princess, he usually needs to be beautified as well. I try to remember to take out the barrettes before we go out of the house. One of my favorite things these days is to observe him reading to himself. I so wish I had the video camera out when he was reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Grumpy Bird</span>, a story about a bird who wakes up on the wrong side of the bed and as he is walking (too grumpy to fly), all his animal friends ask what he's doing. The answer each time is "walking" and he gets more and more irritated the more he's asked. As Carter reads it, he'll turn a page, say, "What are you doing?" then respond in the grumpiest voice he can muster, "WALKING!" until he gets to the end where they all stand on one foot and such. OH. MY. I could not stop laughing! While he's not the negotiator Ava is, he is starting to have opinions about being obedient as well. Usually all I have to do is ask if he'd rather be disciplined, and he jumps to it, though. He also LOVES to help in the kitchen. He'll drag a little chair over to see what's going on and loves to pour and stir and especially lick the beaters if something sweet is being whipped up. He also loves to help wash dishes (otherwise known as playing in the water).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4SdpOV9KKI/AAAAAAAAA1I/uXsKhCNLViM/s1600-h/washing+dishes+%282%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4SdpOV9KKI/AAAAAAAAA1I/uXsKhCNLViM/s320/washing+dishes+%282%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441647581320784034" border="0" /></a><br />Audrey continues to be sweeter than sweet. Although she must have been testing us lately, too, because after sleeping through the night (and usually sleeping in until around 8am each morning) for a couple months, she started waking up at all times of the night and continued to do so for about 3 weeks. I'm guessing a growth spurt hit it off and then she got used to waking up and getting a full meal during the night. I'm glad to say she seems to have gotten past it and has slept wonderfully the past week. She also seems determined to such her thumb. Ava used a pacifier for a short time and Carter was never interested in putting anything into his mouth (which was interesting when it came to teaching him to feed himself), so thumb-sucking wasn't an issue before. I know it's very normal, but I hear so many horror stories about teeth problems or breaking the habit later. We keep pulling it out, but I think we're fighting a losing battle. If I check on her while she's sleeping, she almost always has the thumb in (it is rather sweet, though!).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4SdphUnkYI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/FY9n7dtwGs4/s1600-h/thumb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S4SdphUnkYI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/FY9n7dtwGs4/s320/thumb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441647586415448450" border="0" /></a><br />For more pictures from the past month, go <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2079281&id=141303241&l=4d73d9b659"><span>here.<br /></span></a>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-72774346921714893142010-01-14T14:41:00.006-05:002010-01-14T15:24:58.030-05:00Winter DaysA while ago, I saw an easel at IKEA for a great price that I thought might be a good Christmas present for Ava & Carter. I ended up getting one, and then a week before Christmas, Ava told Mark she wanted an easel like Maisy (we love Maisy books and had just discovered a Maisy cartoon). I can never predict what new thing Ava is going to want from day to day, so I was pretty happy I'd picked something that I not only knew they'd both enjoy, but also that had been specifically asked for. It's been a huge hit.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S093CywYbvI/AAAAAAAAAzw/erjPNfoAxCg/s1600-h/snow+002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S093CywYbvI/AAAAAAAAAzw/erjPNfoAxCg/s320/snow+002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426686965872881394" border="0" /></a><br />Audrey becomes more expressive every day. Her face lights up when she recognizes us and her sweet laugh makes us all act crazy just to hear it. The other night after her bath she started clasping her hands and now grabs at anything within reach... Ava's learning the hard way how important it is to keep her hair away from those little hands. (obviously, she <span style="font-style: italic;">doesn't</span> light up when the camera comes out)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S094LWEQEuI/AAAAAAAAAz4/puVmMIrrlbY/s1600-h/snow+009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S094LWEQEuI/AAAAAAAAAz4/puVmMIrrlbY/s320/snow+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426688212302041826" border="0" /></a>Last week we got some snow and even though it was frigidly cold outside, Ava & Carter got to play outside for a while. It wasn't a good packing snow, so building anything was out of the question. They were left to making snow angels and eating snow, and I never knew snow tasted so good.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096CKdeZrI/AAAAAAAAA0A/muAR2yWi2ww/s1600-h/snow+013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096CKdeZrI/AAAAAAAAA0A/muAR2yWi2ww/s320/snow+013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690253591045810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096Cq9QoII/AAAAAAAAA0I/6bllGUUY1wU/s1600-h/snow+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096Cq9QoII/AAAAAAAAA0I/6bllGUUY1wU/s320/snow+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690262314295426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096CwlcqbI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/owkr5RUVjZ4/s1600-h/snow+019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096CwlcqbI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/owkr5RUVjZ4/s320/snow+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690263825033650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096lKUlhYI/AAAAAAAAA0o/1oTnD5x9HGY/s1600-h/snow+036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096lKUlhYI/AAAAAAAAA0o/1oTnD5x9HGY/s320/snow+036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690854849185154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096lWU17NI/AAAAAAAAA0w/5eEPsS7hZtE/s1600-h/snow+050.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096lWU17NI/AAAAAAAAA0w/5eEPsS7hZtE/s320/snow+050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690858071485650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096l4JEz6I/AAAAAAAAA04/fo9wUULGif8/s1600-h/snow+056+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S096l4JEz6I/AAAAAAAAA04/fo9wUULGif8/s320/snow+056+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426690867148935074" border="0" /></a>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-64266268304703871062010-01-09T22:36:00.007-05:002010-01-09T23:19:43.604-05:00Christmas Part 2The day after Christmas my parents came to celebrate Christmas with us. While Nana snuggled with Audrey, Ava and Carter had a blast opening presents. Carter was <span style="font-style: italic;">very </span>into tearing off the wrapping paper - as soon as he'd open one present, he'd barely even look at it before exclaiming, "More! Presents!" So wish I'd had the video camera ready. I even let him open the few thing we had wrapped up for Audrey simply because he was having so much fun!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lN0bddbbI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/wtOCHFzch_A/s1600-h/christmas+091.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lN0bddbbI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/wtOCHFzch_A/s320/christmas+091.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424952789264330162" border="0" /></a>Ava got a variety of princess items to add to her collection...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lP6ztBuGI/AAAAAAAAAzo/wnoSxknmk5c/s1600-h/christmas+093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lP6ztBuGI/AAAAAAAAAzo/wnoSxknmk5c/s320/christmas+093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424955097874544738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lMe-ACGsI/AAAAAAAAAzA/B4W8O7riQ6k/s1600-h/ava.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lMe-ACGsI/AAAAAAAAAzA/B4W8O7riQ6k/s320/ava.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424951321067395778" border="0" /></a>... and Carter got more toys with wheels! Here's a mat my mom made that fits our coffee table. It has roads leading to all the places we frequent and even has little wooden trees that velcro on.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lP6Dn3MwI/AAAAAAAAAzY/QOuLo-E8tZA/s1600-h/christmas+078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lP6Dn3MwI/AAAAAAAAAzY/QOuLo-E8tZA/s320/christmas+078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424955084967981826" border="0" /></a>He got more track and trains for his collection (although Mark and I have already decided we need more so we can build cooler tracks - sometimes I think we have more fun than Carter does!)...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lMI8iNh8I/AAAAAAAAAy4/hPWUm5ihsCA/s1600-h/christmas+09+100.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lMI8iNh8I/AAAAAAAAAy4/hPWUm5ihsCA/s320/christmas+09+100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424950942716757954" border="0" /></a><br />... including this train set (in front of the one Carter's playing with) made by my dad. Of course, I only got 3 of the 5 cars in the picture, but trust me, it's beautiful! I'm sad I didn't take more opportunities to learn from both of my parents' sewing & woodworking talents while growing up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lP6t07EvI/AAAAAAAAAzg/t9dbxlY22FU/s1600-h/christmas+095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lP6t07EvI/AAAAAAAAAzg/t9dbxlY22FU/s320/christmas+095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424955096297050866" border="0" /></a> Later in the day we went to my brother's house - here's Mark with all the kids... or rather, <span style="font-style: italic;">here are the kids</span>. HA!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lNVCciybI/AAAAAAAAAzI/nV1J8I9vl6M/s1600-h/christmas+09+157.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0lNVCciybI/AAAAAAAAAzI/nV1J8I9vl6M/s320/christmas+09+157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424952249973655986" border="0" /></a><br />Stay tuned for snow pictures!!Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-27793120493305696052010-01-05T21:21:00.009-05:002010-01-05T22:05:53.672-05:00Christmas Day RecapThe tree is down and all the decorations have been put away so we have room for all the new toys!<br /><br />When we woke up on Christmas morning, we read the Christmas story (Audrey sleeps later than the other two most mornings - go figure. I don't think she minded that we let her sleep).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P19jewuYI/AAAAAAAAAxw/4_yYEdIYYrg/s1600-h/christmas+story.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P19jewuYI/AAAAAAAAAxw/4_yYEdIYYrg/s320/christmas+story.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423448814129297794" border="0" /></a><br />After Mark finished, he was trying to emphasize the gift God gave us in Jesus and how we also like to give each other gifts, but Ava kept interrupting and asking when she got to open her presents. Guess we'll have to keep working on that!<br /><br />We were headed down to West Virginia for the day, so Ava & Carter only opened one present that morning (I purposely tried to pick things that would be good travel toys).<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P1-a2jx4I/AAAAAAAAAyA/C33YcEJby10/s1600-h/mater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P1-a2jx4I/AAAAAAAAAyA/C33YcEJby10/s320/mater.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423448828993062786" border="0" /></a>Carter LOVES Mater from the movie "Cars."<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P1-I8rmJI/AAAAAAAAAx4/RGEcSubcSUM/s1600-h/christmas+019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P1-I8rmJI/AAAAAAAAAx4/RGEcSubcSUM/s320/christmas+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423448824186902674" border="0" /></a>This has been a great way to encourage Ava to try writing letters. She loves this and is writing letters for fun! I'd tried to help her write more than just her name for a while, but she wasn't into it until now.<br /><br />We had a quick breakfast and jumped in the car for the ride to see all the Buttons. The ride went well (Audrey's longest road trip to date).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P6SWpjTmI/AAAAAAAAAyI/byzmyhHBHVo/s1600-h/christmas+071.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P6SWpjTmI/AAAAAAAAAyI/byzmyhHBHVo/s320/christmas+071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423453569508658786" border="0" /></a>Audrey gave lots of smiles to Uncle Paul.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P6TOfXJ7I/AAAAAAAAAyY/lOxT6gGPGUM/s1600-h/train.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P6TOfXJ7I/AAAAAAAAAyY/lOxT6gGPGUM/s320/train.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423453584498304946" border="0" /></a>Trains = Happy<br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P6Sp0-nCI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/QM4a4gLlX28/s1600-h/princess.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P6Sp0-nCI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/QM4a4gLlX28/s320/princess.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423453574656859170" border="0" /></a>Princess = Happy<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We had an awesome time before packing everyone up and heading home. I expected Ava & Carter to fall quickly asleep after all the excitement and lack of naps, but they stayed awake the entire 2.5 hour trip home. Audrey was pretty hungry when we got home, but I really wanted to get a picture of her outfit:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P7UG6l4DI/AAAAAAAAAyg/ymbYz2IiC_k/s1600-h/christmas+072.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P7UG6l4DI/AAAAAAAAAyg/ymbYz2IiC_k/s320/christmas+072.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423454699156529202" border="0" /></a>Umm... maybe I should have waited until <span style="font-style: italic;">after</span> I fed her. I saw this outfit and wanted to buy it for her because she really is such a happy girl. It finally went on clearance, so I snatched it up!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P8xHxLwuI/AAAAAAAAAyw/UwZLv9IkiJU/s1600-h/smiles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/S0P8xHxLwuI/AAAAAAAAAyw/UwZLv9IkiJU/s320/smiles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423456297113338594" border="0" /></a>Audrey = Happy!<br /></div><br /></div></div>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-34461982616432662492009-12-17T10:04:00.008-05:002009-12-17T10:39:42.263-05:00Sweet Angel Baby!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypNuMZwxaI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/CitEyPIdnv8/s1600-h/december+09+040.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypNuMZwxaI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/CitEyPIdnv8/s320/december+09+040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416226957865043362" border="0" /></a><br />I can't even begin to tell you what a joy Audrey has been to us. A couple weeks ago, she started sleeping longer and longer at night and now she almost always goes to at least 6:30, usually 7:00! The other 2 did not go 10-11 hours this early. She also sleeps great during the day (sometimes I actually find myself worrying that she sleeps too much - I know, crazy). And when she's awake, she's all smiles and coos... well, unless a certain 2-year-old drops something on her head. (When Carter is in play mode, he's pretty much oblivious to everything and everyone around him.)<br /><br />Anyway, we almost used "Joy" instead of "Hope" for her middle name (Mark was pushing for Joy, but made the mistake of asking for the final decision moments after I delivered the almost 10 pounder with a non-working epidural, so Hope it was!) What she has really brought to us is PEACE! To sit and hold her in the midst of a crazy day brings peace. Ava and Carter quiet down and talk softly to her, kissing and hugging her (for a few moments until one starts pushing the other to get his/her turn to be close to her).<br /><br />Back in September as I neared her due date, I was really wondering what we were doing in having a 3rd (although it was far too late to turn back!). I felt overwhelmed with 2, and expected the first few months of her life to be awful since the newborn stage as I'd experienced it twice was so challenging. She has been so easy, though! Now I understand when people say to treasure each moment because it goes by so fast. Frankly, with my first 2 newborns, I wondered when the time would start going by faster! Between the sleep deprivation and crying babies, I was challenged to find moments I <span style="font-style: italic;">wanted</span> to remember. I loved them (and still do), but I found caring for a newborn to be downright hard. Who knew adding a 3rd child would actually bring me a sense of peace?<br /><br />Or, maybe I'm just finally mellowing out as I get older.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypNYFj8wtI/AAAAAAAAAxI/mSSoCklW9Lo/s1600-h/december+09+012.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypNYFj8wtI/AAAAAAAAAxI/mSSoCklW9Lo/s320/december+09+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416226578071601874" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypOOIMc0oI/AAAAAAAAAxY/UoBlfexfFzI/s1600-h/dec+3+09+032.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypOOIMc0oI/AAAAAAAAAxY/UoBlfexfFzI/s320/dec+3+09+032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416227506491282050" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Carter's singing "Jesus Loves Me" - so sweet!)</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypOew4wnAI/AAAAAAAAAxg/J1J7RFMbsrU/s1600-h/xmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 186px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypOew4wnAI/AAAAAAAAAxg/J1J7RFMbsrU/s320/xmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416227792292453378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Hopefully you can see past awful combination of colors and patterns with<br />the couch and the kids' pj's and instead notice their gorgeous faces.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypPYK9gORI/AAAAAAAAAxo/v3UNoFkLBrY/s1600-h/december+09+058.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SypPYK9gORI/AAAAAAAAAxo/v3UNoFkLBrY/s320/december+09+058.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416228778544216338" border="0" /></a><br /></div>P.S. We don't stay in our pajamas all the time... most days.Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-67624063993131974232009-11-25T14:34:00.003-05:002009-11-25T14:58:47.209-05:00'Tis the Season!A local outdoor shopping center had their annual Christmas tree lighting last Friday. I'd never been before, but heard it was fun. Mark met up with us after work just in time for the parade! The kids especially loved seeing the horses (with carriages) and Santa.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IkGhw6MI/AAAAAAAAAwY/MvuWhzHrAGk/s1600/november+09+010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IkGhw6MI/AAAAAAAAAwY/MvuWhzHrAGk/s320/november+09+010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408128881350731970" border="0" /></a>Next, we headed down to the square to watch the tree lighting.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IldUm9bI/AAAAAAAAAww/bD1rckBgu5g/s1600/november+09+022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IldUm9bI/AAAAAAAAAww/bD1rckBgu5g/s320/november+09+022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408128904649438642" border="0" /></a>After the tree lighting came fireworks - Ava was pretty excited!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IkkWjfnI/AAAAAAAAAwg/T3IdR82Nja8/s1600/november+09+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IkkWjfnI/AAAAAAAAAwg/T3IdR82Nja8/s320/november+09+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408128889356779122" border="0" /></a>And last, it started to snow!! <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IlPnUgJI/AAAAAAAAAwo/jv6siwyA89E/s1600/november+09+017.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IlPnUgJI/AAAAAAAAAwo/jv6siwyA89E/s320/november+09+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408128900969824402" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IluWTv4I/AAAAAAAAAw4/N9XXz6LA2WI/s1600/november+09+024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2IluWTv4I/AAAAAAAAAw4/N9XXz6LA2WI/s320/november+09+024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408128909219970946" border="0" /></a>We all had a blast... well, if you call sleeping through the whole thing having a blast.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2I-yv22CI/AAAAAAAAAxA/oAQ2Vu4eAsc/s1600/november+09+026.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Sw2I-yv22CI/AAAAAAAAAxA/oAQ2Vu4eAsc/s320/november+09+026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408129339897600034" border="0" /></a>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-54698565885893514162009-11-20T13:44:00.004-05:002009-11-20T14:10:52.730-05:00Ava is FOUR!Ava turned four this week! She ended up getting to pick out her birthday present when one of Mark's managers called off sick and he had to cover her shift Monday night. I'd had it all planned out to go Monday night because I had $10 Kohl's cash plus a 30% off coupon and that was the first day they overlapped, which of course was the day before her birthday. I knew she wanted something Little Mermaid and also knew Kohl's had a few options, but instead of me picking it out, she got to! It was the first outing I've taken with all 3 kids, and other than spilling my drink all over me in the car, there were no mishaps. On Tuesday, we took the kids to Build-a-Bear for the first time. Ava picked a pink unicorn (I'd hoped for something a little more subtle, but she is a 4-year-old girl) and Carter picked a pony, which surprised me given his love of dogs. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbkXTabYMI/AAAAAAAAAvg/LgYSb6OTg68/s1600/birthday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbkXTabYMI/AAAAAAAAAvg/LgYSb6OTg68/s320/birthday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406259491704103106" border="0" /></a>Audrey continues to eat, sleep and poop like a champ! She's usually up once a night between 2-3 (sometimes not until 4!!) and then is back down until 6 or 7. She has started smiling a lot over the past couple weeks. Of course, I LOVE it! Even though she gives them often, they aren't always easy to catch on camera.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbkXxNTzUI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ewxMNcbAeDY/s1600/november+09+005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbkXxNTzUI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ewxMNcbAeDY/s320/november+09+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406259499702144322" border="0" /></a>We've been enjoying some beautiful fall weather the past couple weeks and have been going for walks and spending some time outside. The kids ask to go outside all the time - even when it's raining and cold, so I'm thankful we've had some nice days!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbmbbzlFyI/AAAAAAAAAwA/1GWqKaXGWh0/s1600/october+09+018+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbmbbzlFyI/AAAAAAAAAwA/1GWqKaXGWh0/s320/october+09+018+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406261761699813154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbmbCSbQCI/AAAAAAAAAv4/xN-xBTzwC2Y/s1600/fall+09+088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SwbmbCSbQCI/AAAAAAAAAv4/xN-xBTzwC2Y/s320/fall+09+088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406261754849869858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Swbma262hDI/AAAAAAAAAvw/yeksGPizJHU/s1600/carter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Swbma262hDI/AAAAAAAAAvw/yeksGPizJHU/s320/carter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406261751798203442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Swbngt-7i0I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/a8nqLe8-IJs/s1600/october+09+133copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/Swbngt-7i0I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/a8nqLe8-IJs/s320/october+09+133copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406262951990233922" border="0" /></a>For more fall pics, you can go to this <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2071658&id=141303241&l=0af69c5633">Facebook album</a>.Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5926559795205988002.post-68883941444376557692009-10-24T16:19:00.006-04:002009-10-24T16:53:12.579-04:00One month!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNksr8hzOI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0EaQv1WAVr8/s1600-h/october+09+101.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNksr8hzOI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0EaQv1WAVr8/s320/october+09+101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396267497393605858" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNksX2eMWI/AAAAAAAAAuI/3um6_Wsn87w/s1600-h/october+09+015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNksX2eMWI/AAAAAAAAAuI/3um6_Wsn87w/s320/october+09+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396267491999494498" border="0" /></a><br />Audrey is one month old today! Hard to believe how quickly the time flies, but that might be due to the fuzziness that has taken residence in my brain.<br /><br />I'm glad to say that we all seem to be adjusting well to being a family of five. Ava and Carter love their baby sister and quickly learned that the best time to try to get away with something is when I'm occupied with her. One of my biggest challenges these days is being consistent with discipline when I honestly would like to simply ignore the bad behavior rather than expend the energy necessary to deal with it. I am a little sad that this fall has been so rainy and cool forcing us to stay inside. I've only taken all three out on two occasions, and it is somewhat of a challenge (not to mention how much longer it takes to get ready). I foresee a lot of staying home this winter! Everyone always asks how the sleep is going. She still wakes up several times a night, but almost always goes right back to sleep after being fed. This was my biggest desire as I don't have the energy to pace or rock or otherwise put effort into getting her back to sleep in the middle of the night. One night this week, she gave us a 5-hour stretch, which was lovely! I'm hoping for more of those in the near future!<br /><br />Here are some more pictures from the past few weeks:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNm7cxLhfI/AAAAAAAAAuw/ypXWbfa_EAo/s1600-h/october+09+092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNm7cxLhfI/AAAAAAAAAuw/ypXWbfa_EAo/s320/october+09+092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396269950040770034" border="0" /></a>With Nana & Pap before they left to go back home.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNm7IUtPgI/AAAAAAAAAuo/BLZRNHPpgIk/s1600-h/october+09+019.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNm7IUtPgI/AAAAAAAAAuo/BLZRNHPpgIk/s320/october+09+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396269944552635906" border="0" /></a>I love the fat rolls!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNm7vNbJkI/AAAAAAAAAu4/tfSe28dWtMs/s1600-h/october+09+151.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNm7vNbJkI/AAAAAAAAAu4/tfSe28dWtMs/s320/october+09+151.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396269954991072834" border="0" /></a>Finally, a nice day!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNo1LWAKjI/AAAAAAAAAvY/0EKPh-FTqEA/s1600-h/october+09+009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNo1LWAKjI/AAAAAAAAAvY/0EKPh-FTqEA/s320/october+09+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396272041307417138" border="0" /></a>Neena & Poppy get to meet Audrey<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNn6EuF7FI/AAAAAAAAAvI/a-DcK4pYCcc/s1600-h/october+09+187.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNn6EuF7FI/AAAAAAAAAvI/a-DcK4pYCcc/s320/october+09+187.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396271025917127762" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNn6cdBj5I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/lO4UX8ldwpE/s1600-h/october+09+203.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_kTze3o-NHZ0/SuNn6cdBj5I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/lO4UX8ldwpE/s320/october+09+203.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396271032287989650" border="0" /></a>Mark and Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00113864848635338469noreply@blogger.com0