Happy Birthday James Part II

We took the kiddos to the zoo on Saturday.  After such a hot summer, it was so nice to get out.  This was the first time James actually noticed the animals and he loved it.  We kinda slacked on the pictures because we each manned a kid since neither one wanted to be in the stroller.  I'm waiting for the day James tries to climb in the bear exhibit.  Also, he was wearing another super cute birthday shirt, but you can't tell because I never took the bib off.

James was having drum envy.

Don't worry, after this pic I let James out to drum with Alyssa.

Is there anything on my face?

Happy Birthday James Part I

1 year ago today my baby boy was born.  A year already, really?!?!?!  Today we went to Chuck E Cheese.  We promised Alyssa  CEC for no accidents a long time ago so, really we were killing two birds with one stone.  James is still fascinated by the lights and music (the very thing that makes me batty).  Most of the time I complain about Jonny's crazy work schedule, but on days like this I'm happy we could go to CEC for lunch on a Wednesday.  It wasn't crowded at all.  I could let the kids run around and get some energy out.  After CEC and some much needed naps we opened presents and ate dinner and had birthday cupcakes.  Happy Birthday, Little Man!

She was very proud of her two tickets.

He was a little upset I kept moving the candle away when he reached out for it.

Daddy and James crashed out after Chuck E Cheese.

First Day of Dance

I know what most people are going to think.  I signed Alyssa up for ballet to make her a mini me.  That's only half true.  She already is a mini me.  We promised her once she was potty trained she could take a class.  Any class she wanted.  I may have dropped a lot of hints. Mama used to take ballet.  Mama loves ballet.  Here you can play with Mama's ballet shoes.  Well, it just so happened, one day we were leaving the Y and there was a flyer for a ballet class.  I asked her if she wanted to take it and she said yes.  Today was her first day.  I was a little nervous because she is the youngest in her class and she's never really had classroom type instruction.  But she did great!  She lined up with the other girls and never looked back.  I'm so proud.

She would not stand still for a pic before we left.

Ready to go.

All lined up, ready to go to the classroom.

She's the smallest one!

My Poor Neglected Blog

I'm just going to put it out there, August was a rough month.

We had to explain death and dying to our precious little girl when Koda died.  We miss her dearly.

Our dishwasher went haywire.  Not exactly tragic, but it took almost two weeks for the ordered part to come in and I had to hand wash all of our dishes.  I hate dishes.  And our washing machine went a little psycho, but Jonny was able to fix it...Thank God!

After spending nearly 2 weeks in the hospital, Big Popa passed away.  We had to explain funerals to our baby girl.  She is so sweet.  At one point during the funeral she looked up at my crying mom and said, "It's okay Kiki.  I'll take care of you."  He is definitely missed.  Alyssa often talks about going to heaven with God and the angels and Big Popa. 

It was a very hot month, forcing babies inside and everyone to go crazy.

But, thankfully, it ended on a wonderful note.  My baby girl turned 3!

 

And she had a fabulous Christmas themed birthday party!

Haircuts

We almost made it 3 years without having to take a pair of scissors to Alyssa's hair.  However, Baby James desperately needed  his hair cut.  So, we took them both.  Alyssa loved it!  James...not so much.  He screamed the whole time.  My baby doesn't look baby-ish any more.  He looks like a little boy.

Playing before going back to get his haircut.

He loved the firetruck chair.

New 'do after calming down a bit.

Alyssa's turn.

She loved it!

She got a 'first haircut' bow and a sucker.  She's happy!

It's HOT!

It's summertime in Texas.  It is hot!  You know it's incredibly hot when the weatherman has used "oppressive" to describe the temperature.  There have been heat advisories every day for the last two months.  Our low remains around 80 and the highs are 102.  Our a/c never shuts off.  I don't remember what rain looks like.  And worst of all, my kids love to play outside.  I love it that they adore being outdoors.  We walk outside and they are dripping in sweat.  Their little faces are bright red.  They just get miserable.  We go to the library, YMCA, or mall play area for some activities inside.  Most days coloring, books, and puzzles are entertaining enough.  Other days Mommy must get creative.

Ally Cat

She wanted to draw one on Mommy too.

Painting a milk carton bird house.

Dig toys and fruit out of ice.

Outside at 8:45 am and it's already hot!

10 minutes later (not even exaggerating) they were all free!

Bye Koda Bear

Pieces of real conversation between Alyssa and me.

Mama, we need to wash Koda's blanket.

Well, baby, we're actually going to get rid of that one.

Then, we'll need to buy her a new one.

Baby, I need to talk to you.  Let's go snuggle on the recliner.

Nakoda in Nacogdoches 2003

Last night Nakoda got very very sick.  Mama took her to the doctor.  The doctor gave her medicine to make her feel better, but she was just too sick.  She died and went to heaven with God and the angels.

Was it doggie treat flavored medicine?

You know, I bet it was.

A freshly buzzed Nakoda moves to Katy.

Maybe we could go to heaven and get her.

No, baby.  We can't go get her.  I wish it worked that way.

About an hour before she was put down.  Sweet til the end.

We need to take her cage to heaven.  She needs her home.

Okay.  Daddy and I will make sure she gets it.

Is she still sick?

No.  God made her all better.  She's happy now and can look down on us from heaven.

Paw print keepsake from the vet.

Mama, I don't want just Daisy.  I want two doggies.

Maybe one day we'll get another doggie.

I miss Koda and Koda misses me.

I know.  Me too.