Reverse Psychology

I finally figured out how to get Alivia to sit still long enough to get her picture taken. All I have to say is "Alivia, don't smile." She immediately stops what she's doing and proudly says "CHEESE!" How long do you think this will work? She hasn't sat this still for months!

Teething

Drew has been teething for quite some time, but the last week or two he's been really busy. He has 3 teeth through on the top and 2 on the bottom. We wear bibs all the time because he chews on everything and drools all day long. I've been trying to get a picture of them, but it's next to impossible to do. Here's the best I've got and a cute one thrown in too.

And another video to showcase one of Drew's favorite things to do - rock! He's been doing this for a month or two and it cracks us up. I don't know what started it, but he loves to rock back and forth on the couch. He'll start doing it as so as you ask!

Stinker

The fun is just beginning. Drew is slowing finding ways to get into Alivia's toys and gets mad when he's moved away from them. We're starting to see a few fits when he's told 'no' too. I can't imagine what the next few months will be like as he starts to crawl and walk to get what he wants. Needless to say, they're having fun together. He laughs at her all the time!

Fun with Miya

Miss Angela sent these pictures to me at work today. Alivia just loves Miya! Miya is 5 years old and Alivia watches her every move. They had a great rainy day activity this morning - building a fort! Then Miya read stories to Alivia and Madison. So cute!

Don't you love the static in the hair!

" Just Playin' "

That's Alivia's latest response when you ask her what she's doing. Only sometimes, she's not just playing. :) Here are the kids playing around before bedtime tonight. I'm not sure why I even try to get a good picture anymore, but the outtakes are just as entertaining. Enjoy!

Batman!

Drew had this Batman shirt in his Easter basket from Aunt Lane and Uncle Keith. I thought it still might be a little big, but it fits perfectly and it's sized 12-18 months! This little man isn't going to be little much longer.

Shoes

Of course she loves shoes! I think we've purchased 8 new pair of shoes for Alivia in the last 2 weeks. Here's a picture of just a few. She likes to line them up in her room. (Remember she takes after her ocd mother.) And yes those are socks in her tennis shoes. Someone taught her to put them there instead of throwing them on the floor. Ha!

Helping Daddy

Alivia enjoyed helping Daddy spread mulch this week. She even had her own shovel! This was taken after her 3+ hour nap at Miss Angela's. Please excuse the wild hair. :)

More Stories

• Alivia decided the other night that she wanted to put on her jammies, snow boots and winter hat. Then she felt the need to go outside. It's not the best picture, but you get the idea.
  


• Twice in the last week, we have been places and Alivia has seen people she knows. We were eating lunch at Applebee's and she said "Madison here." Brad and I dismissed it and then a few minutes later Madison's mom came over to our table to tell us hi! Then one afternoon we went shopping and a girl came over and sat next to Alivia while she was trying on shoes. I smiled and spoke and then realized Alivia knew her too. It was her friend Mya from daycare. Since I'm not responsible for drop-off/pick-up at Miss Angela's, I don't know the kids/families nearly as well as Brad. I think we have a social butterfly on our hands!

• On our way home one evening Alivia told me she wanted to go by the camels. Yes, I realize it's hard to believe, but there is a farm in Hancock County with 2 camels. Unfortunately, I didn't know where it was. I have heard Brad talk about driving by, but I've never actually seen them myself. No worries - Alivia told me where to turn!
  
  
• Daddy had a softball game last week and Alivia was so excited to go to the park and see her friend Nolan. She was a little distracted with all of the kids running around and didn't tell me but 5 seconds prior that she needed to potty. Needless to say, she couldn't wait and ended up peeing on the bleachers. It was her first accident in at least 3 weeks, so I just laughed it off. But then I realized the change of clothes that I keep in the Jeep was taken out when Brad packed for vacation. So we went to the bathroom and she put on one of Drew's diapers and his 12 month pants. I wish I would have had my camera. They only came down to her knees. :)



• She frequently talks in her sleep. The other night she was saying "where sunglasses go?" She's often singing in her sleep too.


• As Drew was saying "da, da, da" the other day at Miss Angela's house, Alivia corrected him by saying "No, Drew. Say 'ma, ma, ma!'" I'm glad she's on my side. :)

• We were listening to the radio the other night while eating dinner and one of my favorite songs came on. It's 'Need You Now' by Lady Antebellum. Brad and I were singing along and then Alivia started singing the chorus! I asked her where she learned it and she replied "In the car."

• And last but not least, a story about Drew. With only 15 minutes before it was time to walk out the door on Monday morning, I laid him down on the family room floor to change his diaper and clothes. Alivia was sitting next to us in her recliner finishing her breakfast while talking to me the whole time. As I'm looking at her, I feel something hit my face. I turn towards Drew and realize he's peeing all over me! It's in my mouth, on my face, my clothes and all over the floor!!! And I screamed so loud that I scared everyone. Drew stopped peeing long enough for he and Alivia to start crying and Brad ran in the room afraid something horrible had happened. Once we calmed them down, Drew finished peeing all over me and we finally were able to get everyone cleaned up and off to work. What a way to start your Monday!

New Wheels

Brad bought a bike trailer for the kids over the winter and was finally able to use it last week. Alivia couldn't stand the wait, so she kept busy in and out of the shed while Brad got the bike ready. She was so excited that she had her helmet on the entire 30 minutes prior to the ride. Drew's not quite big enough to join, but it won't be long. Can you imagine the two of them sitting that close? I can't wait to see what they'll be doing together. :)

Thanks for the ride Daddy!

Visiting Aunt Lane & Uncle Keith

We decided to take a road trip to Fort Mill, South Carolina, to visit Aunt Lane and Uncle Keith while Daddy was on Spring Break. The kids did such a good job cooperating during the 10+ hour one-way trip and adjusted very well to being away from home. We spent lots of time visiting, napping and playing, so the vacation was perfect. Brace yourself for lots of pictures. It's not too often we get pictures of the kids with Lane and Keith, so I took quite a few.

Riding the carousel at the outlet mall.

Alivia at the top of the climbing wall with Uncle Keith. We spent lots of time at the playground!

Alivia and Aunt Lane

Drew's 1st ride down the slide with Daddy.

She has no fear when it comes to play. She loved hanging from the rings, sliding down the biggest slides and climbing on everything!

Easter Egg Hunt

Playing with bubbles and sidewalk chalk.

Aunt Lane and Alivia in Lane & Keith's backyard.

Playtime!

Drew was exhausted. He fell asleep at lunch and slept through Brad putting him in his car seat and getting him out of the car seat at the park!


Racing Uncle Keith down the slide.

Drew and Aunt Lane

Thanks so much for having us! We had a great time and can't wait to visit again. :)

Happy Easter

What a beautiful day! We went to the early service at church, came home for our Easter egg hunt outside and then went to lunch at Applebee's. Everyone took at least a 2 hour nap this afternoon and then we spent hours outside enjoying the beautiful weather. It was perfect!

Saying cheese!

So handsome!

Siblings are the best!

Our best of mommy and daddy, but not the kids. Oh well! They look cute in the other pictures. :)

Aunt Leslie and Drew

Easter presents

and baskets full of goodies!

Daddy helping Drew

It doesn't matter what she does,

he smiles and laughs the whole time.

Happy Easter!

Easter Eggs