Rachel and Josh Austin

The 23rd Month: February 13-16

2012-02-17T08:10:00.000-06:00

Feb 13: Playing

Feb 14: Reading a Valentine book

Feb 15: Trying to watch her show and getting annoyed that I'm taking her picture.

Feb 16: Ate a good lunch!

My Loves

2012-02-14T18:04:00.000-06:00

Josh -- I love you for making me a book for Valentines. Forget the homemade card, you pretended to have practice so that you could go to the office and make me a book, narrarated by Henry. You have many talents. I also loved my surprise rose you left for me after Langley and I headed out to the softball game this afternoon. That was sweet, simple, and unexpected.

Even if I vacummed and cleaned the toilet on Valentine's day, I love you for working hard and making decisions that are best for our family so that I can be a stay-at-home-mom.

Langley -- We've had a fun day. You got 3 new books for Valentines, I'm putting off the loads of chocolate as long as possible! 2 of the books are about being a big sister, you read them all morning, watched sesame street, then we went to playgroup. You acted nicely and played well with the others, and I got to visit with the other moms. After lunch we went to the softball game and made it 2 innings before it was naptime. It was nice to see daddy and get to be outside for a little while. You took a good nap, we played, and watched some TV before dinner. I love you so much. I love being your mom.

Aubrey -- I love you, too. I can't wait to tell you face to face and kiss you! If all goes as planned we'll see you in 11 or 12 weeks!

@ Daddy's Second Home

2012-02-13T14:59:00.001-06:00

The 23rd Month: February 8-12

2012-02-12T23:59:00.002-06:00

Feb 8: I took about 25 pictures and this one pretty much the only one where she was facing the camera and had a semi-pleasant look on her face. She was playing and did not want to be bothered with pictures!

Feb 9: Love a clean baby!

Feb 10: The first few hours of potty bootcamp. She had just had a bath, hence the beautiful clean hair, and was sitting pantless on a pallet watching a show.

Feb 11: I didn't take a picture this day, just another one from the 9th of a happy girl in the tub.

Feb 12: We went to daddy's gym to get out some energy. It is too cold to play outside so he broke out some fun stuff including the parachute!

Potty Training Day 3 - Monitor and Adjust

2012-02-12T19:44:00.000-06:00

So, potty training bootcamp is officially over. Langley is NOT potty trained, not even close. But, we all learned some things from the experience and we will continue to move forward, not returning to diapers.

For now, Langley wears panties and we go sit on the potty every hour while we are home. She will continue to nap and bedtime in a pull up. If we need to go out for extended periods of time or other circumstances arise where it is best for MY mental health that she wears a pull up, that's what we'll do. I don't call them pull ups, just panties like her normal panties. I don't make a deal out of them being any different. I know she can tell a difference, but I pretend like there isn't one.

We also removed the little potty and just use a potty seat on the normal toilet. This has improved her attitude about trying to potty immensley! She still has not peed in the potty. There may be a fear, or just complete lack of understanding, or pure stubborness. I honestly can't tell at this point.

We all feel so much better that these 3 days are over. Yes, I felt very defeated - like a failure- but if the kid isn't ready, she just isn't ready. She's not even 2. I will try this 3 day approach again in 6 months or so, if she doesn't show any interest before then.

Thanks for reading our journey! I will post about something other than using the bathroom next time!

Potty Training Day 2 - This is the Worst

2012-02-11T18:32:00.000-06:00

Today has been harder than yesterday. The "list of events" would look almost identical. She's figured out to wait until she sits to eat or for nap and bedtime to do most of her peeing. She has not yet peed in the potty. This is the hardest parenting thing we've faced yet. Langley has cried alot. I have cried alot. We will stick with our current plan for 1 more day, and if there is no progress...as in getting 1 more sticker on the potty chart, I will back off. Honestly, we are all miserable. Physically she is ready, she can hold her pee for several hours. Cognitively, not so much. She's either not ready mentally or she's already outsmarted us.

She also screamed for 2 hours during rest time again today. She was in bed for the night at 6:25 pm.

Potty Training Day 1 - I survived.

2012-02-10T20:05:00.000-06:00

Ya'll I'm so tired. Like physically, mentally, emotionally exhausted! I think today was harder on this pregnant momma than on Langley.

If you are not interested in potty talk, stop reading. I'm going to list how today went, mostly for my own memory and just to help me process today and see what I need to change/altar.

As with most parenting decisions (sleep training, paci, feeding issues, etc) I have consulted some books and other parents and have formed my own plan that best works for us for potty training. Some people do this in 1 day, 3 days, or dont attempt until 3 years old. I feel like the timing is right for Langley. She has displayed several signs of readiness, being 2 weeks from 2 years old.

7:00 am - wake up, take off wet diaper, sat on potty
7:30 - breakfast
7:45 - wet pants, sat on potty
8:05 - pooped pants
8:30 - sat on potty
8:45 - " "
9:10 - " "
10:00 - " "
10:20 - " "
11:00 - " "
11:30 - " "
11:35- lunch
11:45 - wet pants
1:00 pm - POOPED IN POTTY!
1:20 - sat on potty
1:30 - 4:00 - "naptime = mostly screaming, finally fell asleep at 3" wore pull-up
4:00 - sat on potty
4:05 - wet pants
4:15 - snack and drink
5:10 - wet pants (on our way to the potty)
5:55 - wet pants
6:15 - sat on potty
6:45 - mommy gave up, started bedtime routine.

*For 2 days now, she's done the maniac marathon screaming during nap time and I feel like that made today harder. A well-rested Langley always functions better. I have no idea what this is about. Hopefully it's short-lived.

*This has nothing to do with potty training, but the Eagles went 2-0 this week! Another conference win, finally!

*Josh stayed with Langley for about 2 hours mid-morning while I went to Walmart and ran some errands. In that time he taught her to say "shoot!" It was not on purpose. She peed in the recliner and apparently that was his first reaction. When she says it, it sounds like sh*t. FANTASTIC. So, every time she's wet her pants since then, she yells "shoot!" And I can't laugh, I have to pretend I don't hear it. Ya'll pray for me.

*I definitely got discouraged at times today, but stayed very positive with her regarding potty issues. I was encouraged that "the book" says "the goal for this first day is learning to sit on the potty at your direction, rather than looking for results...the simple behavior of going to the bathroom...will...set a successful pattern." Thank goodness, because the child only got 1 sticker on the potty chart today!

Making Cookies

2012-02-08T10:47:00.001-06:00

I saw these Mickey Mouse Valentine cookies at the grocery store and thought it would be a fun activity for me and Langley. In reality it took all of 30 seconds for her to "help" me, and she had a meltdown when we put them in the oven.

They were bite sized and yummy after we baked them.

The 23rd Month: February 5-7

2012-02-07T13:46:00.000-06:00

Feb 5: Sunday before church.

Feb 6: She spends a lot of time playing with her letters on the refrigerator. She was telling me a story while I took this picture.

Feb 7: Her new thing is to run a "hide" when she doesn't want to do something. She knew it was nap time and ran into the living room to hide on the couch. It's always hilarious when I "find" her.

The 23rd Month: February 1-4

2012-02-04T21:36:00.001-06:00

Feb 1: It had finally stopped raining so we went out after naptime and splashed in some puddles with her rain boots on. Can you tell she was happy to be outside?

Feb 2: We made a quick trip to see my mom. Langley enjoyed reading the books when we got there because she was super sleepy.

Feb 3: Brooke stopped by to say hello! Notice L's boots and beads. Funny girl!

Feb 4: She did so well in the car today. So glad she got to bring some books back from Nanny's because she could entertain herself while we were in a little traffic jam!

APA

2012-02-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

I've already put the name of our 2nd daughter on Facebook, but wanted to have the meaning and story behind it here for me to remember.

Baby #2 will be...

AUBREY PIEARCE AUSTIN

Josh has been set on the name Aubrey for several weeks now. It was the only name he liked. I wanted to wait to see what all of our pregnant neighbors were naming their children and practice saying "Aubrey Austin" a million times to make sure I loved it. Well, it looks like we will have a Jacqueline, Kinsley, Madelynn, and Aubrey all here within the next few months.

Here's why I love her name:

I put Aubrey on the (short) list of names I liked after looking at Abigail. I loved the name Abigail after I did a Bible study last year on women of the Bible. Abigail's story of her character and faith is inspiring. I hope my girls can have some her traits. However, I know several Abigail's, Abby's (one is a canine,) and Addie's, so I needed something a little different.

The actual meaning of the name Aubrey is something like "king of the elves." I'm sure she will appreciate that! I knew I couldn't have a Langley Elizabeth, whose name has lots of family history behind it, and then an Aubrey "elfish ruler," so a family name for the middle name was a must. We had picked out the middle name Piearce for our boy name, so we decided to use it for our daughter since it is derived from "Piearcy." Piearcy is my mother-in-law's maiden name. It is also special because my mom has a dear friend whose last name was Pierce. She has been like a second mother to me at times, and loves Langley like her own. My Aubrey Piearce represents some special people!

We can't wait to meet Aubrey and love her so much already!

Bets are on what Langley will end up calling her. I'm guessing either "sissy" or "bobby" because I know she won't say Aubrey :-)

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T13:32:00.000-06:00

26 Week Check-Up, The Joys of an Almost 2 yo, and an Eye

2012-01-31T16:32:00.000-06:00

I had a dr.'s appointment today and it was a long one. I had the glucose test, regular checks of weight (I've gained 12 pounds total,) bp (120/68,) baby's heart rate (160,) and belly measurement. Plus, I got the ro-gam shot. Afterward, I went by the hospital to pre-register and got to tour a room in the women's center.

I got in the car to come home and was overwhelmed with fear. The hospital is so different than Conway Regional - older and smaller and darker. But, the staff was nice, and hopefully by the time I'm ready to give birth I won't really care! I seriously have already started praying for the nurses and doctors who will care for me and the baby. I was never this scared when I was pregnant with Langley, I guess it's just all the "new" we have experienced in the last year and all the "new" we have yet to encounter.

When I got home Josh was helping the UPS man unload the new glider! I love it! It is super comfortable and it makes me so happy!

Langley has been very quick to anger all day. She is challenging me on every.single, thing. She responds to correction and direction with screaming, hitting, and/or pinching and pull at my clothes. I'm surprised my bp wasn't elevated! This has not been my daughter's best day. I am ready for her to talk so she can express emotion with words rather than these outbursts. Lord, help me.

Sunday Langley appeared to have an eye infection. Her eye was red, watery, and oozing white stuff from the inside corner - I'm sorry I know that's gross! I was sure she would wake up with a matted eye and full-blown pink eye. However, Monday morning the eye was much better. No more oozing. She never ran fever or rubbed her eye. I went ahead and called the doctor's office. They called in some antibiotic eye drops.

Since her eye was so much better, I was nervous about using these. I've only given her 2 doses in the one eye - and I'm supposed to do it 3 times a day in both eyes. I just still don't know how to proceed with this. Both of her eyes are totally normal as of now. Mommy worries and "Mommy Guilt" never ends.

I'm super glad that I have dinner in the crock-pot, because I just want to lay on the couch and watch paula deen for a little while!

Is It March Yet?

2012-01-28T19:21:00.000-06:00

There are 2 reasons for the title:

#1 I realized I never posted about my childs First Birthday Party last March. I'm not sure how I neglected to do this, but with her 2nd birthday fast approaching, here are pictures from her first birthday party. We had a family party at our church, I made all the food and did the decorations, and we celebrated the most awesome little girl ever born!

I didn't get many pictures on my camera that day...here are some of Langley and some of her guests.

The food and decorations...

Eating Cake...

And Opening Presents...

Reason #2 for the title: We are are the part of basketball season where I'm am so over it. Whether we have 0 losses or 20, about this time of the year I am just over it. Over being a single parent, over the emotional rollercoaster of wins and losses, over not knowing what to say after a loss, over answering the question "where's daddy" 1,000 times a day.

Don't get me wrong. I love my husband, and do like being a college basketball coach's wife, there are just certain times that it is really hard and lonely. I am ready for March. Anything can happen in March: A bad season can be erased by a good run in post season, dissapointments can be over and the excitement of recruiting takes it's place, I get my husband back win or lose, we can look forward to continuing to build a program at our new school, and the list goes on.

We are still at only 1 conference win this season. Most games have been close, some we have blown, some were hard fought. I didn't have many expectations for our first season here. It takes time to establish your system, find players that find, and learn your new opponents. However, I will always hate to lose and be Josh's biggest fan.

With all of that, I've said to myself many times this week, "Is is March, yet?"

Dress Up

2012-01-25T19:51:00.000-06:00

It was cold and rainy outside so we spent all day inside. We did puzzles, colored, watched some TV, conquered a mountain of laundry, took naps, and discovered dress-up.

Langley kept getting into her dresser and randomly coming back with boots and a hat on, so I decided to get the halloween costume out and found a fun tutu. She had fun! Her costume stayed on until dinner time. She makes me laugh!

Chillin'

2012-01-24T17:06:00.000-06:00

This is how she watched Sesame Street this morning. She never even knew I was taking her picture.

Today we went to the library with our neighborhood playgroup. Instead of trying to clear all the shelves today Langley was much more interested in coloring and bossing everyone around. Normally (especially in this group) Langley is very passive and doesn't stand up for herself. Not today. Today she was the one who wouldn't share and who told everyone "no" constantly. I was so tired from correcting her, showing her how to share, and trying to make positive statements rather than negative. (Example: turning "Langley do NOT ______________! " Into " Langley there are plenty of coloring book and crayons, we are going to share with ____________.")

My daughter has said the word "NO" approximately 257,000 times today. I think this has to do with being in MOPS yesterday. There must be a little stinker in her class that influences her attitude. She has used the Word no as a universal word today. No has meant yes, no, ok, etc. I'm over it. My tactic has been to start singing "YES, Jesus loves me!" when she starts having a "no" meltdown. It's worked a few times.

Other random updates on Langley-
- talks constantly with proper inflection and tone, but we have no idea what words she is saying.
- will watch tv and play independently without getting into anything for an hour - so I can shower!
- has come a long way with being able to use utensils.
- hardly eats any vegetables, so I started buying those pouches of baby food and she loves them - little does she know there are veggies in there!
- has started singing. Current selections are Jesus Loves Me, Deep & Wide, and the Freshbeat Band song.
- she also says "miska, mooska," from Mickey Mouse and calls him Meeka.
- started saying He-Hee for Henry.
- calls me "mommy' instead of momma.
- is still very social and gets over any stranger anxiety pretty quickly.
- understands and follows simple directions.
- can put on most of her shoes buy herself.
- asks about the baby and kisses my belly many times a day.
- is getting more interested in coloring.

2012-01-20T22:09:00.000-06:00

* I haven't had much to blog about this week.

* Let's see, I have had a cold, we've been home all week except for 2 playdates, 1 basketball game, and a trip to WM, and I've spent a lot of time lamenting in the fact that it's basketball season and it's really hard to be "new" where we live. Dont' get me wrong everyone is very kind, but this is extreme small town life. You people in Arkadelphia have NOTHING to complain about. NOTHING.

*Langley took all of her clothes off one night and I laughed my head off when I got her up that morning.

*I hosted a diaper shower tonight for a neighbor who is having her 5th little girl! The theme was "Another Little Sweetheart." This has been good for me to work on, using some planning skillz and creativity this week. My friends and nieghbors Jill, Maranda, and Cathy helped hostess, we kept it very simple since this was planned in less than a week (baby is due any day.) We just did coffee and dessert since the shower was from 7-830 pm. It went well, we had 11 people drop by which is about half of who we invited. I didn't know what to expect since I don't really know many people, but everything went well and we had fun! I hope everyone else was as blessed by it as I was.

*Also, Josh got me a rose today and did some talking to people-in-the-know-who-have-influence-in-this-town about a part time preschool program, why no business owners here utilize the internet making it very hard to get information, and about how we would like to be involved in the community or at least like it but the lack of (all kinds of)communication and use of technology make this very very challenging to be "new in town." It made me feel good that he is hearing me and actually tried to help the situation!

*This has been the kind of week where every time someone asked me how I was feeling I wanted to respond, "it's the middle of basketball season, i'm pregnant, trying to be a good mother to a toddler, and I feel like I live in a foreign country alone - I'm doing as well as can be expected." Of course, I don't actually say that - ok so I said that to my mom :-)

* Here is my little sweetheart before the shower. Josh was gone for a game, so Langley got to join all the ladies. She had a ball - the center of attention no doubt.

More Kitchen Fun

2012-01-16T16:43:00.000-06:00

Langley was all about playing kitchen first thing this morning.

She fed her animals, then made me some breakfast.

My favorite picture from the morning.

She also has been singing a song from the Freshbeat Band. I believe we have watched that show a total of 3 times, but they end with the same song each episode and apparently it is the first song my child will ever sing. She was using the baguette as her microphone.

I'm glad this occupied her for a while because it has been miserably windy today. As in, keep you from moving forward when walking outside and knocking toddlers down with each gust. It's probably worse here since we have no trees or mountains or hills or buildings or anything to stop it.

On an unrelated note, Josh tried to get a picture of Me and Langley before we left for church yesterday. Every Sunday morning is a challenge in some way, you can tell by the picture -

In Which I Start with Puzzles and End with the Potty

2012-01-11T13:27:00.000-06:00

* Langley got some puzzels for Christmas and she is so good at them! I showed her how to do them and praised her big time when she would get the right piece where it supposed to go a few times, now she does puzzles all by herself! She was even playing with a puzzle when we picked her up from the church nursery. I guess I'm so impressed because I'm terrible at puzzles. I have NO patience for anything above 50 pieces.

* One of our players scored his 1,000th point and earned AMC player of the week. Read more about Kyle's accomplishments here.

* I ordered the new baby's crib, dresser, changing table, and rocker - AND a double stroller yesterday! I am so excited! I am actually nesting this time and planning this stuff way earlier than I did with Langley. I can't wait to meet her!

* Langley picked up and put away every single toy in her room yesterday after I said "let's pick up." I watched in astonishment/amazement/awe. I wanted to write about because it will probably be years before she willingly does it again.

* Finally, I have potty training on my mind. I haven't done anything potty-related with Langley except identify the potty and if someone is using the potty. She will tell me when she's pooped, but other than that nothing. I've never even tried to sit her on the potty. My plan is to wait till her birthday, then dive in - you know make a big deal about her getting her own potty, stock up on m&m's and laundry detergent, etc. I dread it. Absolutely dread it.

1-1

2012-01-09T09:12:00.001-06:00

1-1 in the American Midwest Conference. Not a bad start! We played the reigning conference champs twice this weekend, winning once and losing once. The win topped off my fantastic Saturday!

My Mom and Memaw came to visit, I got to run errands alone, Langley took a nap (which usually is a huge battle when we have visitors, but I made them pretend to leave so she would relax,) and acted great at the game, she put on a little half time performance that the crowd loved, and we won! It was also an early game so we got to go out to eat as a family and Josh was home for her bedtime. All of that made it a great day for me :-)

And, since I use this blog as a scrapbook, I want to remember that since we got home from Christmas, Langley has been Michael Holder's #1 fan. Mike is a former player and now our assistant coach and Langley asks "where Michael?" all. the. time. It is too cute and his face lights up every time!

Little Momma

2012-01-08T13:12:00.000-06:00

A Precious Moment

2012-01-05T19:35:00.000-06:00

Tonight after dinner Langley crawled into my lap and asked "where baby?" I pointed to my stomach, then she lifted my shirt, said "hi baby" and kissed my belly 5 times. First I laughed, then I cried.

Is that not precious?! I know Langley doesn't fully understand, but the fact that she has love for a baby she can't even see is so sweet.

Baby A, you are loved.

22 is the Number of the Week

2012-01-04T16:25:00.000-06:00

1. Langley turned 22 months old on January 1. I can't believe I'm about to have a two year old!
2. I am 22 weeks pregnant.
3. It's a GIRL!!!!!!!! I'm so excited! So blessed that everything looked great on the ultrasound.
4. I've known about my 2nd daughter for just over 24 hours and I've already satisfied my compulsive need to sort and organize all of Langley's clothes. I. heart. hand-me-downs.
5. Little sister will get a few things brand new...I've been shopping online!
6. I'm about 95% sure she has a name, but we are not sharing it yet.
7. I gained 6 pounds last month.
8. We have great weather today. So thankful to be out of the 30's for highs.
9. Langley LOVES her new tricycle!

10. She was asking "what's that?" She asks me this question at least 100 times a day.

11. The first day we took a tricycle ride all the neighbors thought it was the cutest thing ever.

12. Langley does no peddling.
13. She also LOVES the kitchen.

14. And all the food and dishes that go in it.

15. Langley calls the hogs every time she gets in her high chair and every time we lay her down. She says "woo pig coco."
16. Josh's entire life has revolved around feeding the team since we've been back. The cafeteria is closed and we live an eternity from most eating establishments. I'm over it. Providing them 2 meals a day extends him being gone for 3-4 hours a day.
17. She's going to be a great big sister.

18. I'm praying my 2 girls have just enough similarities and differences to be friends and not have to compete with each other.

19. I finally put away the sleep sack. Langley doesn't understand blankets. Nap time today was not very successful.

20. I don't do resolutions, but one of my goals for this year is to do 1 craft a week with Langley. We haven't done one yet.

21. There are 3 baby's due from my neighborhood between February and May. They are all girls.

22. Our first conference game is Friday.

2011 Verses

2011-12-31T10:16:00.001-06:00

I don't really know why, but last January I decided to memorize scripture. The goal was one a month. I'm sure I was inspired by the LPM blog. This was the first time since grade school I had attempted to memorize any of the Bible. I felt very led to do this and I asked the Lord to help me. He did, and I've been so blessed by this process. Each verse has been so relevant to exactly where I was at the time - full of joy, overwhelmed, in need of a promise, encouragement. God's word is alive!

2011

Jan 3: Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Feb 1: For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

Feb 16: You are my Lord; apart from You I have no good thing. Psalm 16:2

March 12: "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

March 21: ...we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

May 6: ...the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

June 8: Look to the Lord and His strength; see His face always. Psalm 105:4

July 18: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Aug 3: I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made... Psalm 139:14

Aug 19: "The theif comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

Sep 27: For our light and momentary troubles are acheiving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17

Oct 25: Humbel yourselves...that He may lift you up in due time. 2 Peter 5:6

Nov 4: "...my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than yours..." Isaiah 55:8-9

Dec 8: He tends his flock like a shephard. He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

21 Weeks

2011-12-29T23:57:00.001-06:00

The photo below is me 21 weeks pregnant with Langley - in my office, in Conway, barely showing. I feel like that was a lifetime ago.

Christmas (in Pictures Mostly)

2011-12-29T20:06:00.000-06:00

We started in Arkadelphia then went to Magnet Cove. We had a really great trip. I mean, Josh and I both were amazed how much fun we had the whole time and how good Langley was. No matter how much you love your families, traveling for a week with a small child during the holidays can be stressful - but we were so blessed with traveling mercies, good sleep, and lots of laughter and joy. And an outragegous amount of presents!

Langley's "toy" of choice this trip was disposable cups. Foam or paper. She was highly amused with the cups.

She opened presents one strip of paper at a time. It was cute, but all the adults got impatient so we tore into them for her :-)

I did have several pictures of our family members, but nearly all of them included someone laughing, looking down, or otherwise unflattering shots, so I didn't include them all. I clearly did not bring my A game to the Christmas photography. You are welcome.

My immediate side of the family.

All the girls

4 generations.

It was a great holiday!

Our Goings On

2011-12-22T13:27:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas plans got delayed by a week after Langley got a mystery virus that caused her to run a pretty high fever and be miserable for several days. It was not fun, but in the end Josh really needed to be at work those days, so it kind of worked out. She's feeling better now, no fever for 2 days as of this posting, but is still catching up on her sleep (make that all of us.)

We hosted our annual Christmas party for the team last Thursday. It was really fun and we missed the 3 guys that weren't able to make it. The gifts for dirty santa were pretty good this year. As we moved I found several things I'd stored and also nice basketball shorts and a Nike jacket that my husband had never worn - so I regifted like. a. champ! I told them not to expect expensive clothing every year or they will be sorely disappointed. I made tons of food and they ate a lot, however I know for next year to do NO PIE and NO CHIPS. They really did not eat one single piece of pie, I was shocked. But, I do know everyone left full and happy, so that's all that matters!

I hit the 20 week mark in this pregnancy on Monday! I first felt movement at 15 weeks, but only for the last 2 weeks has it been more noticable and happening every day. I love that feeling! It is still sporadic, but the most awesome feeling. I will never forget the first time I felt Langley move. I was at a choir concert before Midnight Madness, I think I was 21 weeks. She was jammin' to the music! My appetite has definitely increased. Like whoa. I'm eating liking a grown man (or 2.) We find out the sex of this baby on January 3!

Here are some pictures from my phone I had forgotten about. They are both from game days.

So, we are excited for Christmas! We've already given Langley her Ipod touch, and she is learning to love it. She was so confused at first why we were giving her the "phone" and not taking it away! We have a few days with both sides of the family, then it is back to the 'ridge to get ready for conference play!!

Cycle

2011-12-15T08:38:00.000-06:00

It took me 2 days to figure out what Langley was asking about when she would say "Zahko? Where Zahko?" Zahko = cycle = motorcycle. We were both so excited when I figured it out!

The other day I was sorting through the mail. I looked down and saw this...

Thankfully my camera was on the table. I grabbed it and started clicking away. She had done all of this herself. The hat, the purse - oh I love this girl!

We were both cracking up at each other!

Then her "zahko" ride was over :-)

Our Weekend

2011-12-11T07:17:00.001-06:00

Friday night we had a family date! First, we went to see Santa. I have to tell you, this experience ranks in the top 20 funniest moments of my life. Langley did not cry, but rather put a death grip on me. She did NOT sit on Santa's lap. High five, wave, take a candy cane - absolutely. Get close enough to take a picture- not so much. I laughed so hard I was crying. I even told Santa I was about to pee my pants. Everyone was staring at us, probably because the cute little girls lunatic mother couldn't get herself together. I laughed all night. I even got tickled during story time before bed. I was a mess.

Giving her a little pre-santa pep talk

"Tell santa hi! Don't you like his hat!"

Notice her grip around my arm

This is where I start to get really tickled

Santa was trying so hard. He was very patient and kind. I was a blubbering mess.

I had just told santa I was about to pee my pants!

Best friends from a distance. Notice the antlers. She wore them until we got back to the car.

antlers, candy cane, post card = happy Langley

I pulled myslef together long enough to get a picture.

The pictures don't do this experience justice. Great memories, though! After Santa we went to eat Chinese. All Langley ate was jello.

Saturday was game day #3 of the week. We gave up a 21 point lead to lose by 1 in overtime. Oh yes we did. Geez. I also got the Christmas cards mailed. This is the picture we went with.

As I mentioned we lost last night. I got up at 5:30 - you can guess why- when I got back to bed Josh was mumbling stuff like "i should've gone zone, why didn't I switch to zone." He turned espn on by 5:50, so I was up 5 minutes later. This should explain why I'm finishing a very long blog post at 7 am on a Sunday.

So, that's our weekend so far. We'll go to church in a few hours and then I need to buy groceries and I may sneak out alone to do a little Christmas shopping! I'll let Josh and Langley bond over game film.

Basketball Update

2011-12-09T08:59:00.000-06:00

Alternate Title: Yes, I've Eaten McDonald's for Dinner after 10:30 pm TWICE in the Past 3 Days

Another good game last night from my Eagles! They have improved in the last month and I'm proud of all the players (and the coach!) Our record is 4-4, winning the last 3 games.

I have not been able to take any good pictures this year. It's either impossible (Langley) or I forget to take my camera (new baby.) These are the only ones I've taken all season:

The portable DVD player has allowed me keep my sanity! Langley will watch a movie and I can watch the game. It's perfect for night games when she is exhausted!

These are the Days of Our Lives: December 1-7

2011-12-08T09:46:00.000-06:00

Christmas round 1

Relaxing before a game. It looks like she's got it made, doesn't it?!

A Langley sandwich

A day inside before the first of 3 home games this week...Go Eagles!

"If I give you the fakest smile possible, will you stop taking pictures?"

Daddy at work

Um, it snowed again.

These last 3 pictures I find hilarious!

Today is another game day! At least it's at home. Langley did awesome Tuesday night. I let her watch a movie on portbable DVD player. I actually got to watch the entire first half!! When the movie went off and people started talking to her, it all went downhill. We left with 13 minutes left to go in the game, to her credit it was 8:50 pm, so I felt like she did great!

Weekend Phone Pics

2011-12-05T10:12:00.000-06:00

Telling me she won't touch the Christmas Tree or the presents.

My dinner date. 5 hours into our road trip.

Finally back home. Playing with her new baby, high chair, stroller, and accessories. She hasn't stopped playing with this new toy.

It's a rainy cold day here and none of us slept very much last night, so today may not be a very productive day.

We had a good weekend seeing family, having an early Christmas, and seeing the Eagles win!! However, the trip (5-6 hours depending on how many stops you make,) was very hard on my pregnant body. My back and legs were hurting so bad from riding and sitting, then I would have to carry/wrestle a 30 pound toddler every time we got out of the car. I also got dehydrated because I didn't drink anything all day because I wanted to reduce the amount of times I had to pee. On the way home I felt like I was compressing some major artery or something because I would get dizzy and short of breath just sitting.

Needless to say, I felt lovely. Yesterday at home, I was having some sciatic nerve issues, but that's been better so far today.

Speaking of pregnancy, I am 18 weeks today. I went to the doctor Thursday. I had gained 2 pounds and the baby's heart rate was 156. It took 2 hours to find out those 2 bits of information. Not my favorite kind of appointment, but next time will be the big ultrasound!!

Christmas Card Out-Takes

2011-11-29T23:44:00.001-06:00

I tried my very best to get a cute picture of Langley for the Christmas card. Let's just say it was a challenge. I actually cried because I was so tired - physically- after I took about 20 pictures. Oh, the joys of pregnancy!

Here are some that didn't quite make the cut.

This was probably the best one I took, but it's just too dark :-(

Sun or Snow?

2011-11-29T14:43:00.000-06:00

So, it snowed last night. 2 inches! This is November in Arkansas...I'm pretty sure I've never experienced winter weather this early. Crazy! And this snow is after it's gone weeks- literally- without the sun shining. I haven't seen the sunshine in Walnut Ridge in forever. At least today will be brighter with everything covered in white! Update: it's been a sunny day!

We had a great Thanksgiving. We had a very fast trip to SW Arkansas. We left here at 6 am Wednesday morning and returned at 7 pm Friday. We spent 1 day with each side of the family. Langley had a great time, got more attention than any child will ever need, and wore herself out! I did see sunshine the day we were in Magnet Cove.

This is a terrible confession, we ate so much wonderful Thanksgiving food, but my favorite meal was the Little Ceasars hot and ready pizza and crazy bread we had on the way home!!! I let out a "MMMM" after every bite! It was the best crazy bread of my life.

Here is a 17 week picture of the baby bump:

Lots to do around here today. I've started several projects that I need to wrap up, including moving everything out of the new baby's room. Yikes!

Melting Daddy's Heart

2011-11-22T12:46:00.001-06:00

Josh captured one of his proudest moments last Saturday...

Woo Pig Sooie!!!

Just a sidenote: if Arkansas makes it to the BCS Championship game, please someone make my husband's entire life complete and get him tickets. Seriously.

16 Weeks

2011-11-21T06:58:00.001-06:00

Ready to have another ultrasound and find out if this is little sister or little brother!
Cry a lot - happy or sad tears
Look and feel pregnant
Don't want any kind of coke, but unlike with Langley, I do want coffee each morning and I've been thinking about japanese food all week (with Langley I wanted Coca-Cola and anything with bacon,) and my need for tons of sweets has slowed down
Already wanting to nest - I never nested with Langley
This is the point where I worry a lot, wanting to know everything is healthy, thinking about everything that could be wrong. I was like this last time, before I could feel movement, just really ready for an ultrasound

Here is big sister...

Smile?

2011-11-19T14:30:00.001-06:00

1 out of 3 ain't bad these days :-)

She is such a little stinker!

Isaiah 40:11

2011-11-18T12:20:00.000-06:00

He tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.

I've been having a hard time lately. Also, I've had some allergy/sinus stuff and haven't felt very good. I read this verse yesterday and felt comfort.

Have a good weekend :-)

Phone Pics

2011-11-12T09:05:00.000-06:00

venting.

2011-11-08T21:47:00.000-06:00

woke up monday to Langley covered in vomit. dried vomit. it took hours to clean up the child, the bed, the laundry.

Langley's behavior has been horrendous today. so bad. also, no nap.

we lost our first away game tonight.

it is pouring down rain tonight and there is a leak in our roof. ironically, i had put my purse and other things in the hall in case there was a tornado. the leak was dripping right into my purse, which is how i discovered this problem.

Josh lost a family member today.

we've had an invasion of ladybugs. i counted 5 around the light fixture above our table.

at the end of each day, after i put Langley to bed, my body feels broken. like every part of me hurts.

i needed 3 things. it was a 45 minute ordeal to get those items.

Rest assured, I am thankful for a healthy child, a home, a husband, money to buy things, and the freedom to vent on my blog.

It's Game Day!

2011-11-05T11:04:00.001-05:00

Schedule? Click here
Roster? Click here

Yes, that is my adorable child in the midst of those boys :-)

Go Eagles!!

20 Months and 13 Weeks

2011-11-01T19:00:00.001-05:00

Langley is the big 2-0 today!

She has said a lot more the past month or so. In fact, she say phrases like "Where's that puppy? There he is! Where's daddy? Who's that? There it is!"

She is still not good with utensils. She can't get the food on the spoon/fork.

She has 12 teeth.

She is wearing size 2T bottoms, 3T tops, size 6 or 7 shoes, and (as of today) a size 6 diaper.

She still sits in her exersaucer - her choice- to watch a show. Her favorites are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, and Sesame Street. She still likes Praise Baby and Veggie Tales, but we don't watch it as often as the others.

She climbs quite a bit, but not what I would consider a daredevil or fearless.

She loves other kids or babies.

She gives great hugs and kisses.

Her hair. Oh my. It can't be left down. Still a crazy mullett, but the top and bangs are longer and grow straight down in her face. It's also so long that pig tails bother her, so it's in a pony tail most of the time.

She is sweet natured, but there are some days that she doesn't obey at all. Like not once. Stubborn, but sweet. I've learned how to head off some of her frustrations just by talking to her and explaining things. She understands a lot more than I give her credit for.

I took Langley with me to the doctor yesterday for my 13 week appointment. She did great (I was wayyyy over prepared!) Josh can't ever go with me, so I kinda just wanted someone else with me to hear that sweet heartbeat. It was 172 yesterday. I feel like that is super fast, but the doctor said it was good. I had lost a pound since last month...which is hilarious. The doctor came in asking if I was eating! Hilarious! We won't find out the sex until 21 weeks, that will be after Christmas.

I'm feeling better. Still tired, but not sick and not with the weird eating eating habits. Either I wake up with tons of energy and crash by 11 am or it takes me until 11 am to get going. I've been on the treadmill 3-5 times a week, but I am expanding much sooner than I did when pregnant with Langley.

Minnie Mouse

2011-11-01T16:22:00.000-05:00

A Quick Update

2011-10-28T13:46:00.001-05:00

For the first time since Monday, my child is asleep during naptime! Here are some cute shots taken by our SID. The first is from Fall Festival at WBC, clearly Langley is minnie mouse this year! The second, I really have no idea when/where this was taken,but it turned out good!

We had our 3rd scrimmage last night. Things are looking better each time, so hopefully we can get our first real win next Saturday!

Langley and Josh got flu shots this morning (I've already had mine.) It drives me insane living in a place with nothing to do and nowhere to EAT, but there are advantages like no wait at a flu shot clinic, super nice health department workers, and free shots. It was so easy.

We have a full Saturday planned with family activities...family time, what's that?! A birthday party, another fall festival, and the Iron Mountain Festival, it should be fun! Plus, I have to go on my big monthly shopping trip, such a pain that I have to drive to Jonesboro. Really all I want is to take a nap and have some peace and quiet for like an entire day. I can dream, right.

Cutie Pie

2011-10-22T12:27:00.002-05:00

A Visit to the Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-21T12:14:00.001-05:00

We went with some friends in our neighborhood to Taylor's Nursery. They had lots of fun things to do for the kids. It was cold!

All bundled up...

Picking her own pumpkin...

Sharing while they listened to a story...

My fave...

Mother/daughter moment...

In the corn...

Duck races (we just watched these...)

The end.

Some Things I Want to Remember

2011-10-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

- Langley eats a banana for breakfast every morning. When I put her in her seat she starts yelling "nana!"
- She is obsessed with shoes and socks and says those words with a lisp.
- Her favorite game is playing chase with Henry.
- She likes to lead the song "head, shoulders, knees, and toes" by putting her hands on her head and singing "hea......" (no d.) While I finish singing the song she points to her head, toes, ears, and nose.
- I can tell she gets frustrated because she can't talk. I'm sure this leads to her whining and tantrums.
- She needs another haircut.
- I have to lay her on the floor and sit down with her in between my legs to brush her teeth. She has 10 teeth.
- She doesn't eat very many vegetables these days. I'm sure it doesn't help that all I want to eat is junk :-)

It was super bright and windy, hence the squint.

Fashion Statement

2011-10-14T19:35:00.000-05:00

Langley wore her shirt like this for over 2 hours this afternoon. I would fix it, then she would "fix" it. Funny girl!

Classic Sick Girl Pictures

2011-10-12T13:31:00.000-05:00

Langley is better! Woo-hoo!

However, I took these last week during the height of the yuck...poor baby!

End of the Week Thoughts

2011-10-07T19:28:00.000-05:00

- It's been a hard week. I've done nearly every meal, bed time, tantrum, bath, and nose wipe by myself.
- I'm tired. Isn't it funny how a baby the size of a grape can make you feel the size of a whale and more exhausted than anything in the world?
- I never blogged about Langley being sick. Since Monday we've dealt with croup and a sore leg. She finished her steroids and we are now just covered in snot. She is still lethargic and has a nasty cough (not a bark anymore.) I am so ready for her to be well again. I am thankful that her leg is fine, she has stopped limping, the bruising is going away, and her scab is healing. I am so thankful it was not broken. The x-ray people made me feel a little weird, they were definitely questioning me and trying to figure me out...I understand, though.
- I also never blogged about our trip to Dallas last weekend for the game. It was fun. We sat across the aisle from the A&M student section. We saw more civilization than we had in months.
- The mosquitos are gone from the most part, but now we have gnats. Oh the joys.
- October is always the hardest month of the year.
- I'm going shopping tomorrow by myself.
- I've had dreams this week that the baby was a boy and that we rented out our house for $425 a month. Boy = ok; the rent = um, no. When I was pregnant with Langley I dreamed I gave birth to a litter of kittens. I was disturbed on every level.
- I want to go on a date that includes a meal and watching Courageous. Langley has to get better though, I don't really leave her when she's sick. It's probably for the best this week, though. I've been pretty emotional and I would be likely to continue crying for hours after the movie was over.

Baby #2

2011-10-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

I'm pregnant! I went to the doctor today and everything looked great! I'm 9 weeks along, with a due date of May 6. I've already asked if the doctor could guarantee me an April baby...we'll see. Everyone was very impressed with my delivering a 9#3oz baby in 33 minutes of pushing the first time. Lord, please don't let this one be bigger!

Here she/he is...

Heart beat was 169.

So blessed. Excited, overwhelmed, tired, a little scared. Thankful.

Go Hogs

2011-09-30T20:49:00.001-05:00

Get Your Kicks

2011-09-29T07:47:00.001-05:00

Any Given Moment

2011-09-28T09:46:00.000-05:00

We may want to ride the motorcycle backwards....

Wear a backpack, but no pants...

Or watch a movie in the stroller.

My Girl Who...

2011-09-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

...wants to jump on the couch.

...tries to kiss any and everything that resembles a dog or baby.

...can turn anything into a hiding place so that she can pop out and say "boo!"

...is obsessed with the new instruments nanny got her.

...had a 24 fever virus-thing last Friday.

...misses her daddy so much during the week. (He works like 12-18 hour days everyday...we both miss him!)

It's Fall!

2011-09-15T16:31:00.000-05:00

1.5

2011-09-03T08:56:00.000-05:00

Langley turned 18 months old on Thursday. We had had a much better day...more sleeping, less screaming :-) So, we took her to the Randolph County Fair. I thought she would love the animals. I was wrong.

She freaked when a fish swam toward her and then she proceeded to hate all the other animals.

She had her 18 month check up yesterday. I was pleased with the new doctor. He said she looked great, was smart, and doing great with her motor skills. Not surprisingly, she is in the 90th percentile for her stats:
Height: 32 3/4 inches
Weight: 27 lbs 8 oz

After reading the handout, there are a few things she doesn't do yet that "most kids can do." She is not good with a spoon, most of the time she gets impatient and will use her hands (even with applesauce.) She also has no interest in coloring. She does not use any pronouns.

I counted the other day and she says 25 words consistently. She can identify her hair, eyes, mouth, teeth, belly button, and toes. She always points to other people's nose, but can't point to her own unless she looks in the mirror. It's a weird coordination thing, I think.

She has 8 teeth, which means teething has been constant for 5 months. I don't feel like we do a very good job brushing her teeth, but all she drinks is milk so maybe we will be Ok.

She started doing some climbing - the couch and her slide. She can also go up the stairs of her slide as well as down (backward) very well. I was impressed with that.

She now gives real kisses and lots of hugs. She has started being very interested in babies (real and dolls.)

She was a wild woman at the doctor's office, this is what she did while waiting to be called back.

Up and down, up and down. Josh was exhausted.
"This is a busy, demanding time in your toddler's life. The 'challenging one and a half ' stage is really much harder on parents than the so-called 'terrible twos. ' Things will get easier as your toddler's verbal skills improve and as she gradually develops self-control."

I'm so thankful for my healthy girl. She is such a blessing!

Oh Sleep, Oh Quiet, How I Miss You

2011-08-31T14:58:00.000-05:00

Langley has always been a champ when it comes to sleeping. But since we've been paci-free, naps are 1 hour - like to the minute, exactly 1 hour and she wakes up screaming. Not talking or whining, screaming.

Bed time is usually between 7 and 7:30 because we are all exhausted, but gone are the days of staying in bed until 8 (for her, I never did this.) Now, between 6:30-7:00 AM she is whining and crying loudly.

I realize some people would give anything for their child to sleep 11 hours at night and nap for any amount of time during the day, but I miss sleep. I miss quiet time during the day. We are tired and sometimes miserable.

And, I'm not going to give her the paci - I'm way too stubborn for that, and I know it's in her best interest to be without it. But, I just don't know what to do. It's been over 2 weeks of this. I need 2 hours of quiet during the day. I need it. I don't care if she sleeps, but I just want her to be quiet. I don't know how to make that happen.

Honestly, she's watched a lot more TV and movies, just so I can have a moment to use the bathroom or sweep the floor or just lay down in peace during the day. I know I'm complaining, but I'm also asking for any advice you may have on gettting a toddler to rest during the day.

Outside Cuteness Part 3

2011-08-30T19:26:00.001-05:00

Cool down

Outside Cuteness Part 2

2011-08-30T07:22:00.001-05:00

Sliding all by herself!

Outside Cuteness Part 1

2011-08-29T19:12:00.001-05:00

The Bug Spray...

Pre-Season

2011-08-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

Some Fun Things

2011-08-23T06:54:00.002-05:00

1. We celebrated Josh's birthday Saturday! This is what we had for dinner.

Poor man had to chase our stupid dog when we accidentally left our back gate open. They ran a long ways. Josh was victorious.

2. I went to Conway yesterday and got see some wonderfully familiar faces! I had a good visit and didn't even cry!

3. I captured this family photo.

4. I'm having a "girls night out" tonight and we are going to watch The Help with some new friends! I never, not once, did this in Conway. I'd say this move has been good for me.

Paci-free

2011-08-22T16:53:00.000-05:00

CHEEZE! Waking up last Tuesday after her first night sleeping without a paci.

The first paci-free week was not all smiles. I had several moments where I thought "if I hear one more WHINE/cry/scream I will chop my own ears off." Seriously. I hate whining - my childs whining - every child's whining - every person's whining. I am currently having one of these moments, mostly because nap times have been close to non-existent since we don't have a paci. I live for naptime. This sucks. Please ask Jesus on my behalf that naptime will return my household. Thank you.

Cute as a Bug

2011-08-16T18:21:00.001-05:00

Like Father Like Daughter

2011-08-16T06:10:00.001-05:00

Me: "Hey, let me take ya'lls picture."

Take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Austin Family Reunion Weekend

2011-08-15T15:10:00.000-05:00

We headed to Polk County for the family reunion on Friday. My inlaws rented a big cabin for our immediate family. We had fun times laughing, blowing bubbles, and a riding the 4 wheeler. I get an "F" for picture taking. These are pretty much the only shots I got all weekend.

Birthday Tour

2011-08-14T19:51:00.000-05:00

I had a great birthday! It started the night before when Josh and I made the best dinner I've ever been a part of! We had steak, shrimp, mashed potatos, and roasted squash and onions. Plus we had strawberry shortcake for desert. Oh, it was yummy!

The day of my birthday Josh was very thoughtful. He brought me flower and sonic throughout the day :-) We got a babysitter that evening and headed to Jonesboro for a date. On the way back, we had time to spare so we took a few pictures of our new location to entice our friends and family to come visit.

First we have a tractor in a field. Nothing particularly special about this, it just demonstrates what our landscape is.

Next, we are at the plant where airplanes are disassembled. The saudi arabian plane is interesting.

Finally, the parachute inn. This is a restaraunt. Come visit us, you can eat in the airplane. We could even walk there.

Thank you for all the facebook posts, phone calls, texts, and cards. This birthday girl felt the love!

Afternoon Mood

2011-08-09T21:23:00.001-05:00

These are some stellar shots I got after Langley woke up from a 3 hour nap. It looks like she's throwing a fit, she was not. Also, she put herself in the corner - she was not in trouble! I guess after a nap that long it takes her awhile to get going again.

I would like to point out that she looks like ME in this picture!

Hilarious.

Daisy Langley

2011-08-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Langley wore the cutest dress Sunday, but would not cooperate for pictures. Maybe next time!

Saturday Six

2011-08-06T16:55:00.000-05:00

Happy girl! She is so into books... reading them to herself, reading with mommy or daddy, stacking them, throwing them off the shelf, anything that can involve books.

"I love oranges!"

This is one of my favorite outfits of the summer.

Pulling the mower with bug spray in hand.

This whole "learning to eat with a spoon" thing makes me crazy.

Another Library

2011-08-05T13:44:00.001-05:00

This one "wasn't sure" if they would have story time...but last year it was on Tuesdays at 10 am. Maybe my enthusiastic "that would be perfect!" showed the lady how much I needed them to have story time.

This is a nice small town library. It is one big open space and Langley was pretty wound up, running squealing, clearing shelves, and other than her, it was silent.

There were several people on the computers a few "tween" aged kids that seemed to be annoyed with us, so we didn't stay long.

It was also our first outing since the "bangs" incident. I felt better after a lady commented on the cuteness of her pig tails and didn't seem to notice!

50/Fifty!

2011-08-05T09:42:00.000-05:00

Happy

Birthday

Mimi and Nana!!

We thought of you this morning and thanked the Lord for you both!

Just to Document

2011-08-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some things I want to remember:

1. We officially started the process of getting rid of the paci today. For months now Langley has only used a paci at nap time and bed time. I had it clipped on her sleep sack. Step one was to unclip the paci. If she loses it, she doesn't get it back and hopefully learn [quickly] how to fall back asleep or just relax without it. She slept great all night last night but nap time today was a fail. I think I'm going to do this for a week and then cut the paci so it feels weird [unpleasant] in her mouth. My goal is to be paci-free in a month.

2. I can officially be mom of the year because I tried, and failed miserably, to trim her bangs. Here's the story: yesterday afternoon we were both in unpleasant moods. I just kept watching her rub her eyes and try to get the hair out of her face. Apparently I lost my mind and grabbed the scissors. I butchered those bangs. They are too short and uneven. At least I stopped and didn't try to "fix" them, I have heard way too many horror stories about this. I was already thinking "heather's going to kill me!" and just waiting on Josh to make a reference to dumb & dumber. So, I'm mom of the year and Langley is rocking some sweet bangs. I did my best today to pull them back, comb them over, and spray them down. Lesson learned. Pictures tomorrow :-)

3. My man got confirmation today that he is done with his Master's Degree! I am so proud of him!! At least one of us is using our master's :-) He has an MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration!!

Phone Pics

2011-08-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

We stopped by the library last Thursday before we had a lunch date. I asked if they had story time during school for toddlers...Nope. Ok, I'll try the other library close to us. I thought it was a rule that every library had to have story time.

She was done with the pool this day until I deflated it. That was a whole new level of water and mud fun!

This morning we did pig tails. It's been a good hair day for her.

Every girl can appreciate a good hair day!

The Closer We Get to 30

2011-08-01T16:01:00.000-05:00

Her: Today Langley is 17 months old! I had Josh weigh her the other day and our scale said 28 pounds. No wonder I feel like I'm wrestling a wild animal some days! I really need to consider a strength training program to avoid injury :-)

In other news, we found a cute gift shop here in Walnut Ridge! They had some fun stuff and were so nice! They gave Langley a flower (just for being cute I guess!)

Me: August is birthday month around here. I will be 29! My last "young" birthday! I never imagined myself at 29, but I'm more than happy. Blessed beyond belief. Loved. In love.

And I have more gray hair than a 50 year old - which I will color until I'm a grandma - so aging shouldn't really worry me :-)

Serious Face

2011-07-31T13:41:00.000-05:00

Night Night

2011-07-27T19:32:00.001-05:00

Lake Charles

2011-07-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

We had a family outing to the lake yesterday afternoon. It was hot and technically during naptime, but we had fun for an hour.

The water felt like bathwater. She had no fear and just wanted to "swim" by herself. She didn't understand that it got deeper :-)

She loved the sand. She ate the sand. Sand ended up in every crevice.

She also got her first tan lines on her legs (despite being coated in spf 50.)

Oh, Friday

2011-07-22T16:16:00.000-05:00

I don't have many words today. So, I guess I'll just point out that the shirt Langley is wearing is a 3T. 3T! She is growing so so fast! All of her size 5 shoes were outgrown this week.

This scene happens pretty often.

"ball!"

I got sunburned today in the backyard pool. We are thinking about a trip to the lake tomorrow. Oh yeah, and we had a play date a few days ago and it was so fun and encouraging!

Our Weekend

2011-07-18T13:31:00.000-05:00

Josh had his annual guys trip to the Cossatot river this weekend and Langley and I headed down to SW Arkansas as well! We got to visit with lots of family including: my mother and father in law, sister and brothers in law, the Tanaka tribe, my mom, memaw, aunt cleo, trudy and kristin, sharon and the Plyler boys, linda, karen, kim, plus our nursing home peeps, and the park hill baptist church folks! We had a good time, but Langley did not eat or sleep for about two days. There was just too much excitement, I guess.

On the way down, while we were packed into the truck (Henry and all) and already uncomfortable, the AC went out. Let's just call it unpleasant. Well, since we apparently own the "miracle" truck, it turns out nothing was broken [maybe it just froze up.]

Well, as my luck runs, the passenger side window accidentally got busted. It is fixable and no one was hurt, and that is what is important. So, our ride home today was again on the unpleasant side. But, we made it!!

Speaking of things that happen only to me...this morning before church I went to put some gas in my mom's car since she had let me use it for a few days. I pulled into the gas station, thinking I was one step ahead of the game since I knew what side the gas thing was on, and tried to access the gas cap. Um, I couldn't figure out how to open it. There was nothing to pull or grasp, so I assume there had to be a button inside the car. My mom's car is pretty complicated -- I had to ask her how to lock the car if i was inside because the button is randomly in the middle instead of on the door -- so I start examining every control. Nothing. I looked in the middle console, around the radio and AC controls, on the door. By now I am sweating and getting embarrassed. Then I try to be mature and I look again, this time nearly standing on my head. Ya'll I ended up driving back to her house and getting out the owner's manual! After 5 minutes, I realize that you just flip it open, even though it is hard to get hold of anything to do so. I go back to the same gas station.

I grabbed a card out of my wallet and swiped it. Crap. I had grabbed a rebate card from verizon. It's like a pre loaded card. The machine wont read it, "see cashier." I leave my baby in the car [all windows down, it was about 10 am] and head inside. There are 3 people in front of me in line. Even though I was in A-town, I was jittery about leaving my child in the car, it was bothering me. I get to the cashier, explained what happend, told her how much gas I wanted to pre pay for, and she tells me she can't reset it becuase I left the nozzel in the car.

By this time there are 5 people behind me in line. I just left. I was done. And sweating. I left Josh a very dramatic voicemail about how God did not want me to get gas today, so he would have to do it when he came to get us.

I mean, can I make getting 1/2 tank of gas any more complicated?! Geez!

I was so busy this weekend, I didn't take any pictures on my real camera. I started laughing when I looked at the pictures on my phone because they are so random (much like this rambling post!) Phone pics from our weekend:

Langley trying to put my mom's glasses on.

This singing purse was one of the favorite toys this visit.

Reading with Memaw

Reminds me of my Pop :-)

Blocks

2011-07-13T15:31:00.000-05:00

What we've been up to:
- discovered Langley has two more teeth! Both in the back, 1 on top and 1 on the bottom. They are sharp!
- been in the pool!
- had a thunderstorm this morning!
- been pretty much inside or in the backyard pool because it's too hot to do anything else! While inside we've watched a lot of sesame street, little einsteins, and mickey mouse clubhouse.

If You Can't Beat It...

2011-07-11T17:31:00.000-05:00

There's no way to beat this kind of heat (100+ degrees!) The kiddie pool and a water hose are really the only relief we could get today!

We loaded up on sunscreen, drinks, and some toys and had ball for nearly two hours in our own backyard!

We also had a lawn chair and the water table. Redneck? Probably. Do I care? Not so much.

I finally figured out that if I would wear a hat, Langley would too! I'm so glad she wanted to be like Momma because I was so worried about the top of her head getting burned!

Funny girl!

I just remembered Langley got another inflatable slip n slide type thing for her birthday. We may be breaking that out tomorrow!

The news just said it is 102 here right now with a heat index of 111. Thank goodness we have some left overs, because I refuse to turn on an oven!

Bringing a Smile to Your Monday

2011-07-11T07:30:00.001-05:00

This is one of the most random (and funny, to me) pictures ever!

It Didn't Take Me Long

2011-07-09T07:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday as I was driving to pick up the mail - with my daughter in my lap- I realized that I am settling in quite nicely. Seriously, how country is that?! Driving to the mailbox?! Baby in my lap?! Sounds a little Brittney Spears-ish...except I wasn't in LA...I only saw 1 other moving vehicle.

Seriously, life is good here. I crave simplicity, so this place is great for me! I am getting a little antsy since we've haven't had any sort of routine, but most of the time I'm enoying the mostly schedule-less summer days. School will start soon enough, and I will be a full time SAHM for the first time while my husband works round-the-clock, and I will miss these days of nothing on the calendar and having him home a lot.

The oulet covers add a little something special to this picture, don't you think?

Title - Less

2011-07-08T20:09:00.000-05:00

Williams starts school later (August 31) than most due to mosquitos. I would say the swarm arrived last week and it is now in full force. Some nice neighbors just dropped by to introduce themselves and approximately 10,000 mosquitos flew into my house. I sprayed OFF all around the door. Note to self: if I ever try to do something nice for the new people, don't go at dusk in the middle of July.

I got a text from Josh today that said "I'm kickin' it with Anderson." I thought he meant Jason Anderson. Nope, Mike Anderson. As in Razorback Coach Anderson. ** I replied, "I'm kickin' it with your whiney-butt daughter." This must have been between 4-5 pm. As I mentioned on FB, that is the worst hour of the day around here!

Langley will cover her mouth and laugh, which makes me laugh no matter what. She will also dance to anything that has any form of a beat...it's always hilarious, but my favorite is the "hot dog dance." Her dancing is mostly nodding of the head and stomping her feet. She has inherited her father's dance skillz.

God has answered so many prayers during this move. He orchestrated the move of some other OBU people here at the same time! Not to mention a Chi Delta sister who lives 10 miles away-- in the town I go to for Walmart! Pretty cool, huh?! Before long Walnut Ridge/College City/Pocahontas/Lawrence County/Randolph County will be the place to be ;-)

**I will clarify that by "kickin' it" my husband meant he introduced himself and they chatted for about 5 minutes at a recruiting thing today. This was not nearly as funny to me as when he met Coach K. "I met coach K! He called me Josh!" Oh the memories :-)

Sorry no pictures tonight, I'll have some up in the next day or two!

Not Much to Say

2011-07-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

All I really have to offer tonight are some pictures of Langley and Henry. I guess I could tell you every detail of our day, but that would bore you to death. Thankfully no craziness occured at WM, getting my oil changed, or cleaning the kitchen. A highlight of today could be the 2.5 hour nap my child had!!

So, before I get lost in reruns of Pawn Stars and My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, I give you pictures from our [brief] backyard time this afternoon. It's hot!

We Had Visitors!

2011-07-04T07:40:00.000-05:00

I Have a 16 Month Old...

2011-07-01T15:18:00.000-05:00

who really needs a longer nap!

At this age, when she's good, she's SO GOOD. When she's bad she's REAL BAD.

This past month she has :
...adjusted quickly and easily to our new house.
...visited 3 different church nurseries and had fun.
...become quite the water baby. My mom got her a water table, which she loves! At first she splashed and splashed, then she would dunk her face in trying to drink the water. We also have an inflatable pool in the back yard that I put her in for the first time today. It's pretty big (over 6 feet long) and I put about a foot of water in it. She ran back and forth until she stopped shivering, then would put her face in, splash, and lick the water. She had a blast. I actually shed a tear because she was so happy and not doing anything she wasn't supposed to. I kind of expected her to fall over the side or eat grass or something else, but, it was 40 minutes of bliss!

...gotten her first skinned knees yesterday and didn't even cry. They both bled. I wanted to cry.
...really gotten into animals. She calls every animal a "puppy."
...formed a friendship with Henry. We must give Henry credit. He lets her hug him, pat him (sometimes too hard,) lay her head on him, and take his toys away. Normally, "puppy" is the very first thing she says in the mornings. Let's pretend it has nothing to do with my appearance at 8 am.
...loved being outside.
...started trying to repeat more of what we say.
...always answers yes or no by shaking her head appropriately.
...started transitioning to some 3T pajamas, and some 3T shirts, but still wears mostly 24 months or 2T clothes.
...brought us great joy and exhaustion!

First Haircut 6/24/11

2011-06-28T13:08:00.001-05:00

Langley's hair was wild so my sister trimmed it up a bit last week. It doesn't look that different, just a lot smoother and "cleaned up." Her hair is the same texture as mine, which is really hard to do anything with, so she will rock the mullet a little longer until her top layers grow some and even out with the back.

All done! Now her bangs aren't directly in her eyes all the time!

Brooke was there to offer moral support :-)

Drive Through Safari

2011-06-27T18:55:00.001-05:00

We made the (5+ hour) trip to NWA last week for the All Star game. We stayed two nights and spent quality time with my family! We had some open time during the day on Thursday so we headed to Gentry to the drive through safari. I had a vision of the perfect day, but real life took over and our child was tired and cranky and only enjoyed about a mile of the 5 mile journey. We didn't even do the petting zoo because she was done.

I put her in my lap at the begining. This was fun for a few minutes!

Around 3/4 of the way in, Josh put Langley back in her seat so we could enjoy the rest of the drive.

This was a neat place! Well worth the money, but I did want to see some giraffes.

Hotel Pool

2011-06-27T12:53:00.000-05:00

She grabbed her towel and she was ready to swim!

She shivered at first, but warmed up and splashed and loved swimming. Of course she drank the pool water...at least she wasn't scared to put her face in the pool. We all swam for 45 minutes and fun was had by all!

I would never post this picture of myself, but that is pure joy on that baby's face!

And just for fun...
these were taken the exact same week a year ago.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T12:04:00.001-05:00

Get Me Outta Here

2011-06-21T06:59:00.001-05:00

One day she will say. "Ok, mommy I'm done. Can I get down now?"

This was clearly not the case today.

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-20T12:59:00.000-05:00

Their 2nd Father's day together.

2011

2010

To say she loves her daddy would be an understatement!

Three Pictures for the Weekend

2011-06-18T12:05:00.002-05:00

She was trying to hand me a leaf, but look closely and you can see those top two teeth!

I couldn't get a smile this morning.

But, she's still cute!

Topics. There are plenty.

2011-06-17T19:45:00.000-05:00

Topics to be covered in tonight's post: the bubble mower, shaved ice and fast food, our washer, and adjusting to life with one bathroom.

The bubble mower is a hit! Nana and Pawpaw got this for Langley a few months ago, but we just broke it out today. She loved it! It was so cute watching her push this thing all over the yard. It was also perfect for today because we needed to be outside while the maintenance men tried to unclog our washing machine drain and totally stank up the house with some erosion chemicals.

We used to eat out a lot, but I've been a cooking queen since we've moved. Mostly out of neccessity, to be honest. Nothing is really "fast" or convenient here...which is so much healthier, but today I could not take it anymore. It actually started last night. My body needed a hamburger. A fast food burger, preferably McDonalds. I needed it. I am not pregnant or otherwise hormonal, it's like the fast food has some addictive properties. Today for lunch, I had a burger from McD's. It was wonderful and totally satsified my craving. I cooked dinner. Well, dinner was cooked only after we had a shaved ice (15 minutes away.) It's only the 2nd one I've had this summer, but I'm more in love with them than normal. I got a free one because they were out of the flavor I ordered. The kindness does not stop up here, I tell ya!

I mentioned our washing machine earlier. Yesterday as I was washing a big load of towels, and we heard a waterfall coming from the laundry room. I was so glad Josh was home for this. The drain is clogged so when it was spinning the water was just pouring out of the pipe. We had our first flood! Since we live in a WBC owned house, maintenance came this morning and used some horrible smelling chemicals. They came back after lunch with some different tools, but told me they could not fix it and would have to call a plumber next week. Trying to look on the positive side: I don't have to pay for this and we can wash clothes in the gym.

Our house is older, and like many older homes we have 1 bathroom. This was my biggest concern moving here. Seriously. After one mishap (I won't share the details, but rest assured it was one of the most hilarious things I have ever been a part of,) we now announce when we are going to the rest room to make sure the other person is not in an emergency situation. I prefer having two bathrooms, but I DONT HATE only having to clean one bathroom!!

Henry is in heaven.

Before the Swarm

2011-06-15T10:51:00.000-05:00

We have been trying to take advantage of playing outside before the mosquitos get here! So far, just the gnats and biting flies have arrived...so the locals tell us :-) We found the city park yesterday, which is nice and has some shade. And, this morning was very pleasant with a breeze, so Langley and I played in our own backyard. Our yard is much better here than in Conway!

Langley has been pretty cranky and always tired the past few days. Her top two teeth and maybe some lower molars (?) are bothering her. She hasn't eaten much either.

And, ya'll, her hair! Bangs in her face, the mullet. It's awesome. We have an appointment with aunt Heather in a few weeks to try and tame that mane!

Langley has not had the traditional seperation anxiety, but hers is more at home. She does NOT want to be left alone. Will not play in any room if we are not in there. Only makes it through a movie (25 minutes) half the time, since I use those minutes to do a chore or shower usually and don't sit in there with her. I will take this any day though, because she does so well in the nursery or new places and with family.

Monday was a Monday

2011-06-14T14:55:00.000-05:00

Isn't it funny that no matter the time of the year, where you work, or where you are, Mondays can be ummm, challenging?

The day started off great. Langley and I headed out early to run our Jonesboro errands and got back and unloaded minutes before the rain started! Score! However, Langley took a power nap on the way home and then refused to take a real afternoon nap. She was horrible, my attitude was horrible, it was a yucky day in terms of that.

I did get some cute pictures of her before the "I'm so tired, but I refuse to go to sleep" tantrums started.

After about 14 hours of sleep, we've had a better day today!

I have been looking for a MDO or similar program for Langley to attend once or twice a week in the fall. There is NOTHING in my area...I would have to drive to Jonesboro. Lovely. It will all work out, though.

Making Our Way in NEA

2011-06-10T20:04:00.000-05:00

We went to the administration building today and Langley and I met some of the admissions and financial aid staff. Langley's new thing is that she wants every new person she meets to hold her. She reaches for total strangers. Blessing and curse, I think.

During the move we made some serious packing mistakes. About half of our furniture was damaged in some way, but so far I only know of 1 thing that is currently "missing." We have learned many lessons, including: empty the ice maker if you have the power off.

Another one of our neighbors brought us some cookies this afternoon! We live in a lovely little area, where everyone is very nice but keeps to themselves as appropriate :-) I have not encountered a rude person since we moved. I know I'm jinxing myself, but seriously, such good people up here!

WBC has had a color guard camp on campus this week. As in, flag lines for the marching band. Langley went crazy one day when we visited Josh in the gym and all of the campers were cheering and dancing. I took her in to watch for a second. Hilarious.

We have DVR again! Amen.

I don't know what we will do this weekend except unpacking and yard work, I hope you all have a great one!