We are approaching the final 6 weeks. You would think the fact that none of my clothes are fitting would be a good indication that Audrey is growing and thus, so am I. But my goodness! You really don’t realize how big you are until you see a picture. This may be the last one I pull Ethan off the couch to take.

Today was our second game. The girls gave a good effort, but it was very obvious, even to them, that the other team kept scoring goals. The girls play 3 on 3, on two fields. On the field I was watching, the score must have been us: 2, them: 20 ? At least we got a good lesson on defense. Alyssa had a few set backs today. She was trampled on the ground once which led to a brief pitty session. But she was up again and fell at least 3 more times. I told her that meant she was in the mix and trying to get the ball. While she had no quick break aways, she does hussle back to the goal each time to block the kick. Or the idea is to block the kick. Now if Daddy can just teach her to kick the ball away instead of just protecting the goal. Win or lose, I am so proud to see her out there trying. She runs and runs, and then still has energy to goof off with her friends. And I love to see her play with friends. Friends that she has made all on her own. The bonus incentive to get her back on the field was Nana and Papa were here to watch today.

Today, Megan turns 2 years old. Though if you ask her she says, “I’m four!” I am continually amazed at how much our children change in such a short amount of time. Currently, she is into Elmo, Backyardigans, Mickey Mouse, Curious George and pretty much anything else big sister likes. She is talking very well and at least I can understand most of her comments. Though there are always moments where we all look at each other wondering if anyone else understood her. She asks about the hummingbirds and gold finches that come to the feeders, the ladybugs that we have caught, and the flies that get in the house. She will walk around with the fly swatter saying, “Where bug go?” She knows her colors and can count up to five, then can get number 10. She tries to sing songs like “Itsy Bitsy Spider”, “Twinkle Twinkle” and “If you are Happy and you know it”. She sleeps in her twin bed just like Alyssa and they do pretty good at bedtime. She is usually the one keeping them both awake with all her questions. “Sissie? Sissie? (Alyssa has been instructed not to answer) Where’d mommy go? Sissie? Where lumpy? (stuffed animal) Sissie? More music? ” We are enjoying every moment of these two  girls and can’t wait to see the love that Audrey brings too.

We celebrated Megan’s birthday last night with friends, and had a great evening. Oma was able to celebrate with us this year and bought her a tricycle. We will work on the steering and hopefully she can chase Alyssa down the sidewalk in it soon.

Happy Birthday Megan!
(and to our friends Trey and Dawson)

Birthday Video and more pics

Those aren’t words that go together too often. Yes, she is adorable and lovable, but she is a silly, rambunctious, screamer of a kid. She definitely loves her mama, but does not sit and cuddle for too long. However, after her nap the other day, she laid on the couch with me for a good hour. It could have been she just loves me or the fact that she likes the Backyardigans, either way, I soaked up every minute.

I also thought it was priceless to have the same picture that I have with Alyssa while I was pregnant with Noah. Same red couch, grey shirt and all. Some things never change. Except apparently I wore makeup a little more often back then.

Sunday, is my mom’s birthday. I think as you get older, you want to celebrate those days with your parents as much as you want to for your own kids. We love it in Tennessee, but it is occasions like this that make me wish we were just a bit closer. To be able to drop by and bring a cake or flowers or something to let her know that we love her. So how about a post on the infamous blog? Does that count?

My mom is one who loves deeply. She loves her family by calling and wanting to know what is going on in their lives. She loves her friends by encouraging and supporting them every step of the way. She loves her grandkids by spending time with them, calling them, buying gifts and telling them she loves them. Most of all I see her loving her dad. I can see where her love comes from when I see the love her parents gave to her. Almost every day since her mom died in 2004, she has called her dad just to say “hi.” He talks about the same thing most days. He tells how he took flowers and visited Nanny’s grave, he talks about church, he talks about his sisters that he takes care of. It is not that they have anything important to talk about, but she makes the effort each night to let him know she loves him. I have wondered if I could ever take time out of my life to do that for someone, like my dad, and I just don’t know that I have the strength or commitment that she does. So to a wonderful mother, loving grandmother, devoted wife and daughter, Happy Birthday Mom!

Here is the closest we can get to you today: Happy Birthday

Ethan was around this morning for our exciting adventure. I guess he got a good glimpse of my days from the rushing to get Alyssa ready and managing Megan. He had an appointment this morning and surprised me back at the house with things wives like. Sweet card – check, flowers (cut and already in the vase) – check, and 2 giant chocolate chip M&M cookies – check. Does he know his wife or what? Your thinking at 9:00 in the morning? Yep, that is the best time for cookies.

Thank you husband for loving me. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for knowing what I need at just the right time. And thank you for my words of affirmation, which maybe I like even better than cookies! I love you.

We made 4 out of 5 days really good. I wake Alyssa about 6:45 and tip-toe quietly out of the room. We have been reading in my bed to let her wake a bit, then dress and have 45 minutes to eat breakfast. And yes, we usually need all of that time. Today, I was awoken by the sound of the door opening. Oh, good, I thought, she is up on her own. Yeah, her and her sister. “Oh great!” Megan up at 6:30 am. That is hour and half early for her. Anyway, to say this morning was a little tough is an understatement. Megan whined and cried most of the morning while I am trying to get Alyssa’s lunch and breakfast ready. This worked a whole lot better with Megan in bed still. So we finished breakfast with Megan crying in her room. Then we walked out to wait for the bus. Megan was on the porch saying “bye, bye sissie.” She seemed fine until the minute the bus drove off down the street with sissie inside. “Sissssssssssssssie! Sissssssssssie!!” She was crying her name and reaching her hands out as if to bring her back. I guess I will chalk her whining and neediness this week up to just missing her big sister. But currently, she is in my lap with a pencil in her nose saying, “in my nose, mommy.” Oh! this girl is so different than Alyssa.

Have a good weekend friends.