Saturday, December 26, 2009

The Uncomfortable Stare...

This picture has nothing to do with staring, but she is actually smiling so I had to post it.

Addison has the uncomfortable stare down pat. You all probably know the one I am talking about. Like, when you are at a restaurant and a baby starts staring at you so you respond by waving, talking or smiling. Then you look down and go about your business only to feel eyes still bearing down on your back. You look up again and the baby is still just staring. You wave and smile again and try to look away but don't really know what to do. More than likely the baby staring at you is going to be Addison if you live anywhere close to us. However, it's not only uncomfortable for the person being stared at, but it also makes me uncomfortable because I'm not sure what proper protocol is in this situation. Do I try to make her quit staring or will that make the person she is staring at feel more awkward? Do I ignore it and act like I don't see it? I mean, after all she is being quiet and allowing me to eat. Do I apologize to the person being violated? I just never really know what to do. Usually I do nothing and hope it will go away. Tonight, she was staring extremely hard at the restaurant and the person (man) she was staring at was playing and talking back. Finally after I did try to distract her I apologized because he was very close to our table and ignoring him any longer was out of the question. He assured me he didn't mind, but I can just imagine that if he had a blog he would be writing about how he couldn't enjoy his pizza because he felt pressured to keep talking to a baby that wouldn't leave him alone. I'm sure he was very glad to see us go because towards the end of the meal staring had turned into the least of my problems. Trey was getting pretty rowdy and Addison was removing every article of clothing that she physically could. I was quickly reminded why we usually eat at home!

Christmas Part 2











We had Christmas at Nana's and Papas the other night and we had a great time. We always have to leave and go look at Christmas lights so Santa can come deliver all the presents. We crammed into the vehicle and went out searching for lights. However, this year no one had lights put up so we basically drove around aimlessly in the pouring rain trying not to wreck. When we got home the kids were so excited to see that Santa had made it in the rain.
As you can see, Trey got drums this year. Needless to say I am ecstatic about this. Santa must have known that's exactly what we needed. (Hopefully you can sense the sarcasm here.) Trey however truly does love them. He kept yelling all day yesterday, "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you Santa." Addison loves them too. She also got a big ball pit that she loves to close her eyes and dive out of. I really think Santa thought we lived in a mansion because everything he brought this year was huge. Either that or my mom has it out for me. I'm not sure which one. Right now I am so thankful that we turned our dining room into a playroom.
We continued Christmas yesterday at home and Grandmoms and they both racked up there too. I love Christmas but I'm also really glad it's time to get back to normal.




Wednesday, December 23, 2009


"If Hadley would just bring that doll a little closer I could get it."

Trey is surprisingly good at playing the trumpet!


"Yes mom, its a purse and it's cool. Now please get the camera out of my face."



Last night was Christmas at P.J.'s and Cece's house and we had such a good time. I am so blessed to get along so well with my in-laws and have a sister in law that's my age to hang out with (I have 2 my age, but Rachel is in Virginia and we miss her!) The girls are so much fun to watch and it's fun to see how different their personalities are. Hadley is smiling while she is crying and Addison has the pouty look down to perfection. Trey enjoys going behind them and taking everything from them because it makes him furious when they put "his" things in their mouth.
Janelle and I also learned how to make homemade cinnamon rolls last night. I have to say, I am just not a baker/cooker. I wanted to learn how just in case I surprised myself but it just really stressed me out. I didn't get any pictures of the final product but let's just say Janelles were much prettier than mine. I think everyone will be in major trouble when the holiday meals fall on me. Cece is a master baker also and she tried to save me by making my batch the example she would work on but it still didn't really help. At one point Trey came up and said, "WHAT are you guys doing??" and I TOTALLY understood how he felt. At that point I wasn't so sure myself. However, it was tons of fun and I laughed a lot so it made it worth it. Plus, Cecily didn't make us eat my batch so I still got to enjoy some she made herself. We are going to my moms tonight for more Christmas and I can't wait to watch Claudia, Ethan and Trey get excited all over again!





Saturday, December 19, 2009

Santa



I have been a bad parent this year. While most people take their kids to the mall or boutiques of some kind to see Santa I haven't taken mine anywhere this year. I haven't wanted to deal with the hassle and crowd and also the dirtiness that goes along with 10,000 kids wiping their hands and faces on Santas laps. So, I avoided it all together.
Well, this morning we were at Home Depot with Addison because Trey was with Cece and I spotted a Santa station. I thought I could at least redeem myself by having some proof that she saw Santa on her first Christmas but when I saw the pics I knew that there would be no fooling people that I didn't take her anywhere cool. Her outfit was not very Christmasy to say the least and after I looked at the picture I noticed Santa had put lipstick on his face for rosy cheeks. However, I guess you get what you pay for. I will just have to hide Treys pics on Santas lap from the last 2 years because if she sees those she will know for sure she wasn't at the mall. I don't think it's too cool to run around and show your pic from Home Depot. I'm just guessing.
I love the glare she is giving Santa. I don't think he knows who he is messing with.

Paparazzi.....











Trey had his Christmas play at school the other night and I was "that" mom for sure! When it came time for his class to sing I ran down to the front and sat in the aisle the whole time and took tons of pictures. I was really surprised at myself. I caught myself waving uncontrollably the entire time he sang but for some reason I just couldn't stop. It was almost like I saw myself waving and knew I should just stop but was physically unable. At least he's only 3 1/2 and still thinks that I'm cool. I have a feeling if I try to pull that when he is 16 he won't think its as cute.
However, he did do an awesome job. He had the hand motions down great and can sing a mean Away in a Manger. It was so fun to watch him with his classmates and get so excited to sing for everyone! This year has been my favorite year by far for Christmas because he is so excited about it. We have our countdown going and I can't wait for him to open his gifts that Santa is bringing him. However, the main thing he is asking for is a rock and roll chair and I haven't quite figured that one out yet!
Yes, Trey is covering his eyes in the first picture on purpose. He kept telling me we were going to be late (which we almost were) and that he didn't want anymore pictures. This is a product of me telling him to get over here and smile. I said it really sweetly of course.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Wal-Mart

It seems like I always have a lot to say about Wal-Mart! Maybe it's because most of my life is spent there. I would normally never go to Wal-Mart with both of them (for big shopping trips) but today I was desperate. I usually go on Wednesdays when I only have Addison or Saturdays when they are both at home with J. O. However, today I needed things that we couldn't go without so I loaded them both up and hoped for the best. They are usually very well behaved when we get out and shop but I knew today would be much harder since it would take awhile. Even I wasn't prepared though for the way both of them would act! It started in the parking lot when a 1980s van about rammed me so he could get a parking spot that was a milliliter (don't even know if that's a real measurement) closer to the door than another one. I never saw the person but I would guess this person doesn't do too much walking. Then when we got in the shopping cart I wouldn't let Addison have my keys so she started throwing her head around and banging it on the metal shopping cart. By this point people were obviously looking because it's not every day you see an infant banging their head on metal and acting unfazed. She was also letting out little screams/growls to show me how mad she was. I ignored that and pressed on. Then Trey kept "accidentally" throwing things out on the floor and telling me his friend "Edgar" was doing it so I couldn't get on to him.
After that I was letting Addison chew on an empty bottle of Tylenol because the rubber top feels good on her gums and a woman proceeded to stop me and ask me if I knew she was chewing on it. I almost said "Yes, I'm hoping she will drink enough and pass out in the cart so I can finish." But instead I just said, "Oh, thanks for letting me know." and waited until she was out of sight and gave it back.
We made it a little bit longer and then Trey (Edgar) kept mashing things up and Addison was pitching another fit because I wouldn't open ALL the food in the aisles and let her have some, so I picked up a few necessities and left immediately. Needless to say, it was a great time. Now I get to go back tonight and finish.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Parade



Well, yesterday was the Christmas parade in Cabot and we decided to go last minute. We knew Trey would enjoy it but we were not really wanting to get off the couch in the cold nasty weather. We decided to brave it and headed out in the cold. I have to say, I don't remember the ole' Lonoke parades lasting this long when I was growing up. It lasted a solid hour and apparently ANYONE can enter the parade as long as you have a truck (or Mustang) and 35 bucks. Seriously, at one point a truck was driving down the street playing rap music (Eminem) and there were guys skateboarding beside the truck. I think they had a tiny sign on the truck advertising something but you couldn't even read it. Someone else apparently rented a semi (I prefer to think they don't just own one for pleasure) and rigged it up with trees and lights. I thought parades used to be about cool floats and bands? I mean, I didn't expect Macys Parade or anything I was just a little surprised. Needless to say, Trey thought they were all cool and especially loved Santa waving at him. Addison enjoyed her Teddy Grahams to keep her still and playing in the back of the car.

Oh, just a cool fact about the minivan...and yes, I just used cool and van in the same sentence. The seats flip upside down and make seats that you can sit on in the back so while everyone else was sitting on tailgates or blankets we were sitting on the comfort of our heated vehicle. Take that SUV.

Also, yes Treys hat is an infant size but I thought his was in the car so I didn't have one for him. It only lasted on his head during this picture and then he yanked it off. Pics are from cell phone. Forgot the camera of course.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

The Curious Wal-Mart Shopper....


Dear Curious Wal*Mart Shoppers,
I realize Addison is very cute and you just want to squeeze her when you see her. I also realize that she is a little rolly and it makes you want to go out your way and maybe pat her little arms or legs. Trust me, I do this all day at home. However, since I am unsure of where your hands have been or if you are going to try to pick her up and run out of the store with her please refrain from touching her. I am all for a friendly voice or even a little baby talk done to her as long as it's from your basket. Also, please keep these to a short "hello" or "isn't she cute" because I do not have the luxury of coming to Wal-Mart and hanging out in the aisle for as long as you want to visit with my child. We are usually in and out quickly and we have a purpose. And the last thing, if she is wearing all pink, riding in a purple shopping cart cover, and sporting a bow she is most likely a girl.

P.S. Yes, people talk to Trey also but it is very rare that I shop with both of them. I usually go when he is at school.


On a different note, I became "that" parent last night. I threatened my child that if he didn't go to sleep the elf might not have a good report for Santa. I went against everything I stood for with that move. However, it worked like a charm so I have a feeling that elf may become my new best friend.

Monday, December 7, 2009

It seems like yesterday I kept getting tons of bad news from people. One of my good friends was dealing with her friend's newborn getting staph infection and being pretty sick, another friend was dealing with some pretty bad news about her soon to be father in law, and another family was having to make the choice of taking their 4 year old daughter off life support. I just got really down in the dumps thinking how I didn't understand why these things happen. Then I started thinking about how glad I am that I don't have to try to understand these things because I am not in charge. If I was, I can tell you things would be pretty messed up. I have really never been one of those moms to worry too much about SIDS, car wrecks, or other uncontrollable factors. I figure I just have to give my kids to God and pray they are safe. If it's up to me to keep them safe the rest of their life it won't happen. Obviously, I do my part along the way. I mean, I don't let Trey ride down the road unbuckled out of his seat with the door wide open and pray he won't fall out. That would just be dumb...

Right now I am just really thankful for my 2 healthy kids that we have been so blessed with. God has seen their future and knows what it will be and I just have to trust that He will help me along the way.

Few pics!



I posted a while back how difficult it was to get out of the house for church and Treys face in this says it all. He was griping because I was taking his picture but didn't have time to let him use the camera and take ours. Addison is wearing her classy new coat that I love. I wish they made one in my size because it feels so soft (maybe without the bunny ears)!




Friday, December 4, 2009

Computers...


Trey has always been very good with all things electronic. He has been playing a Nintendo DS with his cousins since he was about 2 and has had his own since about 2 1/2. When I got a new watch for my birthday this year I couldn't figure out how to program it or make it show the right time so I handed it to Trey. In about 5 seconds he had the right time displayed and now has somehow set the alarm to go off like crazy at 8pm every night and beep every hour. I have no clue how to turn that off. Well, recently he has decided that the baby computer isn't enough anymore. He begs to play on ours so this morning I pulled out the old laptop and let him play on it and Addison decided to try out Treys. I have to say Trey is pretty good at solitaire. His PJ has taught him pretty well.

I'm not too sure where this love of gadgets comes from because Im pretty sure J. O. and I still read a manuel inside and out when we are trying to program the remote control. Hopefully he will put this talent to good use one day and not just be a lifetime employee of Best Buy's Geek Squad (not that there is anything wrong with that).