Pictures

Here are a few of my favorite random pictures from the last 2 weeks!

AC's First Sewing Lesson

Cousins (Caroline 5 months, AC 25 months)

Giving her best "CHEESE" with Gran and Grandaddy

Sisters

Puppy Love

Flying

Flying with a baby is tough. Flying with a toddler is much, much tougher. It is perhaps one of the most nerve-wracking experiences a mom can have. Despite the fact that we are pretty experienced air travelers around here, each flight seems to get a little more challenging. As AC becomes more independent and "free spirited" (as her teacher calls her), I find it increasingly more difficult to keep her calm on the plane.

Here is AC's (and my) flight log:

Nov. 2009 = 1st flight, 4 months old

Jan. 2010 = 2nd flight, 6 months old

March 2010 = 3rd & 4th flights, 8 months old

May 2010 = 5th & 6th flights, 10 months old

July 2010 = 7th & 8th flights, 1 year old

Nov. 2010 = 9th flight, 16 months old

Jan. 2011 = 10th flight, 18 months old

May 2011 = 11th & 12th flights, 22 months old

Sept. 2011 = 13th & 14th flights, 25 months old

14 flights in 2 short years. My girl has racked up some serious sky miles. Her teacher said yesterday, "Wow! You must be a pro at it then." My response, "No, not a pro at all. But I've learned to manage the chaos."

Here are some things I've learned about flying with a baby/toddler.

1) Before the age of 1, they will probably sleep most of the time. Make sure your seat has armrests. Your arms will get tired much more quickly than you realized.

2) Bottles and some sippie cups will leak due to changes in air pressure. I've found my diaper bag full of milk or water on multiple occasions. Waiting to mix a bottle or make a sippie cup until you get on the plane or when the babe needs it is helpful.

3) The security people will not be very helpful to you. They usually won't (or can't) help you load or unload all your things in the bins.

4) Any thing you take on the plane has to go through the x-ray machines. Even strollers and car seats. This is not a very pleasant experience when flying alone with a child (probably due to #3 listed above). Equipment that you can maneuver with one hand is essential.

5) Don't wear nice clothes. Your clothes will get puked on, peed on, pooped on, sweaty, have food/drink spilled on them, and/or super wrinkly. The same goes for your kid. We always wear black or navy clothing (don't have to worry about stains) and flip-flops.

6) Always ask for "NO ICE" in your free drink. The flight attendants don't come back immediately to pick up the empty cup and the leftover ice will look like a very fun toy for Baby/Toddler.

7) If your kid takes a pacifier, bring at least 3. You should NEVER use a paci that has fallen on the floor. I've seen some nasty things on the floors of a plane.

8) If you don't want anyone else to sit with you, it's safest to go as far back in the plane as you possibly can. Not many people want to sit back there. Plus you are closer to the flight attendants should you need any help.

9) Don't drink anything for a few hours before boarding. Using the restroom will be tricky to say the least.

10) Bring a little ziploc bag for trash. Toddlers will spit out snacks and you will use a lot of wipes/tissues. It's nice to have a place to stash all this yucky stuff until the flight attendants come by to pick up the trash.

11) Try to feed your toddler a meal before leaving home. Even if you have to feed him at a time that isn't normal for him. Taking a hungry toddler on an airplane is a recipe for disaster. Sure, you can give him snacks at the airport, but snacks have a different effect on his blood sugar and energy level. This is crucial.

12) Portable dvd players or media devices are great for your toddler. Tips: Make sure it is fully charged (there aren't any outlets on the plane). Bring headphones of some sort (others on the plane don't want to listen to 2 hours of Barney or Nemo). Make it a movie/show your kid has never seen before (new movies will hold his/her attention longer than an old familiar one).

13) Your kid is going to cry. Get over it. You won't die. Neither will the people around you. Sure, it's embarrassing, but there really isn't much you can do. It will happen. It doesn't even phase me anymore.

I'm sure there are more things that I could add to this list. Each trip brings with it a new and different challenge. Despite the week it takes to prepare and the anxiety of being on the plane, I'm just so thankful we are able to make so many trips home. It really is everything to me.

The Wedding!

I think I've always known that she was amazing. Even through our crazy high school years and distant college years, I knew she was a special person. My special person. My sister has been, without a doubt, one of my most incredible blessings. She understands me in a way that no other person on this earth ever will. She loves me despite my many shortcomings. She is the steadiness in every storm of my life. With her, I can be the real me. She gives me so much and expects so little in return. God knew I needed her. She is a gem, my sister.

A few years ago, she found someone else who sees her I as do. Someone who knows what I know. That she's a keeper. He makes her happy and, to me, that's all that really matters.

And so a fabulous wedding we did have. I hope that it was all she ever dreamed of.

Bridesmaid Fun

Her kiddos

Natalie, Olivia, and Me

The Chi O sissies

The Scutchfields

The Tupman Ladies

Our Little Clan (minus Justin and Nathan)

AC was NOT cooperating unless she had her sippy cup.

Me, Ben, Justin, Megan, Bud

"Mommy, wait! I have a boogie!"

The Flower Girl

The Cake

Here is a link to a preview of her professional pictures. Click here. I can't say enough good things about this photographer.

I didn't give a speech at the reception, so I'm saying it all here. I love you so much, Megan. You bring so much to my life and to Anna Claire's life. I couldn't dream of a better namesake for my girl. You were a beautiful bride and the wedding was so lovely. I'm so happy that you and Justin have found each other and are starting this new chapter together. Cheers!

Friends

Days like today are so very bittersweet. This afternoon I met my friends, Rebecca, Chandra, Alison, and Amy, at a park for lunch and baby play dates. It was long overdue. I haven't seen any of them since January. Moving so far away from home has taught me to truly love and cherish people like these girls.

This isn't a frameworthy picture but it's the only one I have of the adults!

These 2 little ladies were FAST friends. I absolutely love it.

We love you, Auntie Amy!

Beautiful Baby Rosie

AC wanted to "hep Rosie wing." Poor little Rosie.

Friends

Completely worn out.

So while I loved today and really, really needed today, I was sad when I drove away. Sad because I know that it will be far too many weeks/months before we see each other again. Thanks for a great afternoon, ladies. And thanks for making me a priority in your lives even though I'm so very far way. You will never know how much that means.

Crazy

It's been a crazy weekend around here. We are busy getting ready for our trip and getting everyone, including the furry dog, healthy again. First thing Saturday morning, Gracie started vomiting. She also refused food and water for the first time in her entire life. So, she and I went back to the vet where they basically told me it was nothing and to continue the meds given to us on Friday. Thankfully, she is much better today and actually ate and drank. I'm praying this is the beginning to the end of her sick spell. I hate that she feels bad but it's wearing me out. The remainder of the day was pretty typical.

AC slept in this morning...until 8. She's usually a 6:45 kinda girl, so waking up at 8 was pretty awesome. We got ready for church and rushed to get there. When we dropped AC off at her classroom, she was wearing a purple/pink/white dress with silver sandals. When Daddy brought her back to me, she was wearing this...

They told Daddy she had had a really bad diaper accident and they had to change her. When I first saw her, I couldn't decide if it was hysterical or embarrassing. I couldn't stop laughing. By the way, the shirt is size 3T boys and the pants are size 18 months. Too funny!! AC didn't seem to notice that she looked like a miniature safari explorer on drugs.

Later in the day, she began giving me the Evil Eye. I'm not liking this one bit.

We hope you all had a great weekend. We can't wait to be home soon!

Spirit Day

Today was Spirit Day at preschool. All the kids wore these little t-shirts. It was funny to watch AC this morning when she saw a few kids with the same shirt as her. She kept looking at her shirt and then back at their shirts. I could see the little wheels turning in her head.

So far, she really loves it. She loves her teacher and her classmates. She talks about them all day and hugs and kisses each person each morning. She isn't an angel during the day, but thankfully, the teacher has lots of patience and is certain she will adjust in due time. It's nothing serious, just simple things like sitting in a circle and having more patience.

Good news! Gracie is much better today. She has some special food and antibiotics, and I can already tell she is much better! Thank goodness!

Rainy Day

It's been raining non-stop here. Thanks Hurricane Irene. I'll gladly take the rain, if that's all she's giving us.

Today we stayed inside and played, did laundry, read a few books, and sang some songs. AC's favorite song this week is "Turkey in the Straw." She managed to get pudding all over her blankie and when I tried to sneak it off for washing, I got this response.

She wasn't giving it up. I never got it washed though she did let me wipe with a rag. Maybe tomorrow.

AC also had her first taste of honey mustard today. I think it went over well.

My furry baby is sick. She's been sick for about a week. It is really bugging me. I'm taking her to the vet in the morning. I pray that it's nothing major.

Tomorrow is Spirit Day at preschool. I've got to get her little outfit ready! We hope you have all had a good week!