Back to School

After 32 days away, AC went back to school today. She was so excited to go. In fact, when I got her out of bed this morning, the first thing she said was, "I go to Wyndi's house today, Mommy!!!!" She ate breakfast and got dressed swiftly and we were headed for the door. Until she decided that she needed to take all of her things to show Wyndi (she now calls her Wendy and not Winnie). Yes, ALL of her things...place mats, birthday candles, socks, magnets, pencils, and more. I managed to convince her to only take the candles and we made it to school on time.

She was so happy to see everyone. She gave big hugs to everyone she saw, even a few cars in the parking lot. She went straight to playing as soon as we walked in. Not one tear was shed when I left and Ms. Lyndi said she had an excellent day. It was so good that she didn't want to leave.

She took a good nap and ate lots of healthy snacks this afternoon. We spent most of the rest of the day on the patio.

It was a very good day.

Pretending to take a nap outside.

Today

Trying to decide if she wants to watch Daddy mow the grass or watch another episode of Olivia. It's hard to be 2 years old.

She has officially named these Little People. Left to right: Bob, La, and Baby Caroline.

The weather is nice. 75ish today. We had our windows open this afternoon. Now, if only I could get myself organized. I can't remember anything. Anything. I swear I have to look at the calendar a few times a day just to remember what day it is. Is is possible to develop dementia at 29? That is how I feel on most days. Please accept my apologies if I have forgotten something important lately. I promise that I'm going to get my act together soon. It's embarrassing.

We love and miss you all more than you could possibly know.

The Last 2 Weeks

Here are a few pictures of what AC's been up to the last 2 weeks.

Building a fort with Nina. Yes, Nina is under there. No, that's not her purple butt sticking out.

AC peaking out at Mommy.

Looking so big before she headed out to do a little shopping with Nina, May, and Mommy.

This little blue coat and hat were Megan's when she was 2 years old. AC enjoyed wearing them!

Tickling the ivories at our New Year's Eve celebration. I think she has a musical bone in her somewhere. She's quite the singer, dancer, drummer, pianist, etc. HA!

Swinging on one of the 'warm' days.

We are finally back home. It's been a long day. AC had an all-out meltdown at the airport. It was pretty miserable for everyone. She's been rather grumpy all day. You can imagine how bedtime went. I just hope she sleeps well as she hasn't been her bed in nearly 4 weeks.

We're glad to be home. Please pray for us, though. The first few days back are always hard for everyone. We always suffer from a big case of homesickness. Lots of tears, lots of tantrums, and not much sleep. We love and miss you all. Thanks for such a wonderful holiday season.

Her First Snow

2 1/2 years old and seeing her first real snow fall. Here she is taking it all in.

My Florida baby playing with her beach toys in the snow.

Attempting to make a snow angel!

Taking a little taste!

Just for you, Uncle Bennie! She's watching Bull hunt for kitties.

Sweet boy enjoying the snow.

The dog caused her to fall face-down in the snow. She thought this was quite funny.

Healthy Stuff

It seems that I've seen a lot of stuff like this on the Internet today. Just wanted to pass it on.

A quote from Jillian Michaels:
Apparently California is requiring a warning label be put on McDonalds food. Like cigarettes. This is why I tell you never to eat this crap or feed it to your kids.

I'm guilty. AC has enjoyed her fair share of french fries, probably the worst thing on the menu. But I'm always striving to do better. She deserves better, after all, and it all starts with me. Thanks for the reminder, Jillian.

And then I found this on Twitter. I must admit that the author is a little more passionate about this stuff than the average person (plus the tweet came from Jenny McCarthy who has been criticized for her unvalidated claims on autism). It's worth a read, I think. Anything to help raise my awareness.

Christmas

Our Christmas celebrations began on the 22nd when we loaded up the car and headed to Mamaw and Papaw's house. We spent 3 days with them and Daddy. We also had visits with lots of family members...both Aunt Tammys, Valerie, Bradley, Aunts Kaye and Faye, Aunt Robin, and Aunt Marissa! We really missed Aunt Nicki and her crew and Uncle Judd! It wasn't the same without you all.

These 3 days were a wonderful time for my girl. She got lots of presents and snuggles. As always, we left with full hearts because of the love and generosity that our family continues to shower us with. We are so lucky to have all of these people in our lives.

AC opening a few presents!

Yummy cupcakes by Aunt Murr!

We arrived back at Nina and Papa's on Christmas Eve and headed straight to the Redmon Family Christmas. It's a real party and we didn't want to miss seeing this side of the family. With almost 100 relatives in 1 house, things are bound to be entertaining. This is the second Christmas without my Granny, so it was nice to have everyone together to celebrate Christmas just as we had when she was here. She was smiling down on us all that night, I'm certain. I didn't get any pictures this night. Too much going on and a certain little girl was completely wild. Lots of sugar, lots of kids, a new present, and a visit from Santa...she was not sitting still for any pictures, I tell you.

A few short hours later and it was morning. Here are a few pictures of AC's first glimpse at what Santa had left at Nina and Papa's. It wasn't much because we can't fit any presents in our luggage, but she didn't notice and was excited just the same.

Showing the doggie her new markers!


Shining her new flashlight at Daddy

We couldn't spend a lot of time with the presents because we had to hurry to make it to church. Here is the best picture I could get of this excited girl in her Christmas dress.

Soooo happy to be with her Aunt May.

After church, AC took a quick nap and then we headed out for another family Christmas celebration. Nina's side of the family. It is an annual tradition for all the cousins to sit on my grandma's couch and take a picture. I must say that it is quite interesting to look at how much we've all changed over the years. Here we are this year.

After eating, the present-opening began. Barbies=love for AC.

Loving her new princess costume.

2 new Barbies!! (Just a little side note...AC's hair is a disaster. I'm aware. It was a rushed morning. Pick your battles, right?!)

A Doctor Kit!!

Sweet Baby Caroline

Giving Papa a shot with her syringe from the doctor kit!

Checking Mommy's heart

Aunt May and Justin

After the celebration wrapped up, we all came home and called it an early night. We had a great Christmas this year. We are so very blessed to have so many great people to love. And who love us.

The First Few Days at Home

I know...it's been a while, right? Well, our little vacation is drawing to a close and things have started to slow down a bit. I found a little time today to upload some things to the blog. Here is just a glimpse of what we've been doing for the last 3 weeks.

We arrived at Nina and Papa's on Monday, December 19th. Two days later, AC and Nina made Christmas cookies.

We were thrilled that Uncle Benny was home too. It was nice to spend a few weeks with him. He and AC enjoyed a few movies - "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."