My baby is growing up

My mom always said "time goes by so fast." For me as a kid, time seemed to drag so slow. Now that I have children, I just can't seem to grasp the time passing so quickly. Ani is now 6 years old and has started first grade. I am growing, and did not cry this year until Cody and I were safely in the car and pulling away from the the primary school.

It seems like yesterday, I was pregnant and we were discussing names and dreams for her. Now, I am packing her lunch, doing homework, memorizing bible verses and wishing I could really take it all in. I know I am home with them everyday, but I still feel like I am missing it. They will only be little for a short time and she is not so little anymore. She a generous, kind, energetic and curious kid. I often wonder how God deemed me worthy of raising her (and Cody).

This weekend was especially exciting. We finished the long awaited swingset, complete with monkey bars. She has had a blast playing on it. Cody even has a swing too. She played in her first soccer game and scored a goal. Wish I could say it was the winning goal, but we have a few more Saturdays to win. For her, it isn't about winning; at least not yet.


Last, she came downstairs to announce that she has a loose tooth! Yes, it really is loose this time. I do not think that it will be coming out soon, but she is working hard. For those of you that truly know me, you know this creeps me out! I did not intentionally pull a single tooth from my head. I knocked most of them out by falling, running from someone who was trying to pull it out, or by going to the dentist. I am not a "tooth" person but for her I will look every 5 minutes to see how loose it is and watch as it spins a little more than it did this morning. She is my sunshine and I do not tell her enough.

So today, as everyday, I sit and pray for her. I pray that she finds God plan and that I can guide her lovingly down her path not my path. And I try to be ok with chocolate milk, suckers, monkey bars, school bus rides, and a messy room. It will all be gone soon enough and I will miss it. I am sure to give her that hug and kiss before and after school and hang on to the Cody-bear in the middle.

She makes me laugh and makes me cry, and I love her with all of my heart! She is forever my little sweet pea.

At the Beach

To catch you up a bit, we decided to take the kids to the beach for a short family vacation to Virginia Beach. I had planned to spend a day at Williamsburg/Jamestown, the beach, and maybe a day at Busch Gardens. Well, that was too much for one trip. We ended up only spending time at the beach. It was great and Ani loved it. Cody did not. He was not impressed with water or sand, but loved to stroll on the boardwalk in his stroller.

I hope to spend more time at the beach in the future. It was relaxing and not a far drive. If anyone wants to join us, we will meet you. Lots of fun and sun for everyone!

Catching up

I am trying to catch up with my thoughts. We had a wonderful time in Utah with Nana and Papaw. Ani enjoyed school each day while Cody and I kept Papaw busy. We went up on the mountain, saw a "green show" of the Shakespeare Festival, ate ice cream, and went camping. We also celebrated Papaw's birthday a little early. It was the most fun we could pack into our week. I wish we could go more often.

Both kids are amazing travelers. Ani is so helpful and Cody enjoyed the flight (as much as a 6 month old can.) I am so proud to be their mom. I thank God for them. More later...

Home

We are home and safe. It was an awesome trip and I will post details and photos soon. Going to fix breakfast now that everyone is awake. Ani slept in and Cody whined all night. Hope the boy learns to sleep soon.

On the road

Today we are heading to Nana and Papaw's house. "Vegas baby" as Ani says. We are all very excited and looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead. Cody will have to ride on my lap and I am not sure how he will handle the confinement. He wants to go, go, go but has not figured out how yet. I am counting the days that I have left to just sit with him and play. Once he gets moving, look out.

Ani is such a great traveler and a wonderful, happy child. She has her pillow, just in case she needs to rest, and lots of things to do. She knows that I also put a few little surprises in her backpack for the plane too. Now, we wait. A few more hours until we can leave and just going to swim and hang out this morning until it is time. I am looking forward to time with Mom and Dad too. Not sure if anyone is listening, but God bless you all!

Before and After

Cody started cereal last week. At his 6 month checkup, he weighed 20 lbs 14 oz and was 28.5 inches long. He is a very healthy boy. This is just before his first bowl of cereal....


And this is after...he was not as impressed as Ani. I know he will catch on soon. After all, I'm sure rice cereal isn't all that great.

Mommy is human

Last week we loaded the kids up and headed to GA. I got to spend some time out in the field at the 2010 Bat Blitz. My friend Nikki works for GA DNR and invited us to come and participate. After 2 years of planning, it rained the first night. Bummer!

They did catch a few bats but nothing to put a transmitter on (which was my job). The skies cleared for the second night but still no bats to transmitter. This is Lee's Eco-Tech truck. We were ready for anything or going anywhere to find them. It was ok because I got to be a grownup for a few hours and Daddy got some time with the kids.

Here is a picture of getting ready and one from the top of Fort Mountain. That is a beautiful state park and well worth going back.