Party Time!

For Caroline's 2nd birthday we had a "water" party. For an August birthday, you have 2 choices: be indoors somewhere or if you are outside, make sure everyone is wet. We had some pools, a beach ball sprinkler, and an inflatable water slide. It actually worked out great because they delivered the slide on Friday (we were able to slide Friday afternoon and evening - and I do mean everybody including Christopher and myself) and picked it up Sunday. So you feel like you really get your money's worth using it 3 days. I only mention it because I had to really justify this to Christopher to get him to bump for the slide. Our great friends Robb and Libby helped me out in this department, although we were so sad they were out of town and couldn't slide with us. The party was so much fun and I think the kids had a really good time. Several parents thanked me in advance for an extra long afternoon nap. Caroline did NOT like everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to her though. She literally sunk down under the table and said "Mommy, no sing song". As soon as we nixed the singing she was eager to chow down on some cake. Thank everyone for coming and she had a great time opening presents later that afternoon. I can't believe we have to do this all over again for Rutland in 6 months. Here are some pictures from the party!

Parrish LOVED the slide. He went down at least 20 times. Kristen you definitely owe us for Parrish's good nap.

Caroline liked to bounce on the slide more than acutally get wet. I guess she didn't want to mess up her hair on her party day! (Pops was our official lifeguard - thanks Dad.)

The bubble machine was a big hit too. Thanks Crumpton family!

Ellison was a big fan of the snack tables. How cute is she with her sun hat!

Gracie and Adeline had a great time sliding together.

Here is Caroline diving under the table when we sang Happy Birthday.

But, she made a quick recovery once it was time to eat the cake. Note that Sidney is not missing a chance to swipe some icing.

We even used our tongue - nice!

Eli stuck to the toys - maybe next year he'll brave up to the slide.

Caroline loved all her presents. She had to try everything on as soon as she opened it.

The Cinderella dress and shoes were a big hit. Disneyworld here we come!

Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline!

My sweet little girl is 2! We celebrated Caroline's second birthday this past Friday, 8/14/09. I sang her happy birthday in her crib and was immediately reminded that it was also Big Mo's birthday and had to sing him happy birthday too (Big Mo is the Montgomery Biscuit's mascot for those who have not read previous blogs). We opened presents and went to Chucky Cheese with Daddy and Aunt Ash and Rutland. We wore party hats, sang happy birthday a couple hundred more times, and watched movies of her when she was younger. She had a great day and was so surprised by all the events and present giving. Nothing is more rewarding than watching your child be genuinely happy. Caroline, we are so proud of you and love you more and more every day. You surprise us daily, amaze us constantly, and grow into a more special child every minute. We have so many memories and it's only been 2 years. I can't imagine what our bookshelf is going to look like after 20 years with all the photo albums that are already on it! We love you bug! Happy Birthday :)

In the hospital...

Your 1st Halloween you were an english pea

You loved your big sister Bella!

Learning to wave

First Birthday!

First bow in your hair- it didn't last long.First pair of shoes - check out those thighs!! Picking a pumpkin with daddy.2nd Christmas, but you really started to get it this time.You are a great sleeping buddy.Rutland's first time home. You are such a great big sister. (Please note the washing machine in the background of our kitchen - we were renovating the house during all this.)Same dress - 2nd birthday!

Child Abuse

I'd like to report several instances of child abuse at our house. First, Caroline has been obsessed with party hats since I started telling her that her birthday coming up. I bought some a few weeks ago in preparation for the b-day party and we had to tear into the pack immediately to get one out for her. She asks for it every morning when she wakes up and will wear it around the house sporadically throughout the day. Poor Rutland has also become victim to Caroline's obsession and she keeps trying to make him wear them with her. You can tell from the pictures, he is not a fan of them.

The second instance of child abuse is similar, although the hat is different and the abuser is an adult and should know better. Christopher's dad, Papa, bought Rutland his first (and only) camo hat as soon as he found out we were having a boy. So, Christopher dug it out from his closet (I will learn to hide things better next time) and has begun to put it on him. At first it was cute to take a picture in, but now Christopher uses it as a "mosquito repellent" and insists on putting it on him whenever we are outside. I'm in the market for more subtle, less "red" hat. Just because he looks like you Papa, doesn't mean he has to dress like you! (Of course, I'm just kidding.)

Potty, Potty, All the Time!

Caroline is now obsessed with all things potty. Ever since she started potty training a few months ago, I feel like our world revolves around it now. It's been about 2 1/2 months since we said bye bye to diapers and it's been a sometimes bumpy road. She still has accidents when she doesn't want to stop playing or stop watching a movie/tv to go to the potty, but for the most part, she can go on command and if you keep reminding her throughout the day, she'll let you know when it's time. She has a major love/hate relationship with #2 on the potty. I won't go there for obvious reasons. Anyway, she constantly tells me all about her baby dolls potty habits and she can even tell when they have to poo poo. The other day she said to me while I was feeding Rutland and paying minimal attention to what she was doing, "Mommy, baby Jesus has to poo poo!" Needless to say, that caught my attention since it's not every day you think about Jesus' bodily functions. I looked down and she had this little stuffed manger scene the magic elf gave her for Christmas last year, and had little baby Jesus out inspecting him. She had found some dirt on him and logically come to the conclusion that it was poo. So, being the sweet little girl that she is, she changed his diaper and got him all clean! It was too cute for words. A few days later, I went to her bathroom to get some tissue for Rutland's nose and low and behold, there was a baby doll laid out across the potty. I called her in there and asked her what happened, and of course she informed me that the baby had to tee tee. Duh, mommy. She even pulled the dolly's pants down. I'm holding out as long as possible for the baby doll that does actually go potty. That is just disturbing, although I'm pretty sure I had one as a little girl. Oh my...

New Tricks!

Rutland is sitting up! I know I've already blogged about baby #2 growing up too fast, but it's official now - he's sitting up, down to 2 naps a day, eating baby food by the cup full, sucking his toes, and even starting to crawl. He will be 6 months on Aug. 19th. I remember that being my favorite "baby stage" with Caroline because they could play with so many more toys and entertain themselves for a while. That part is great and thank goodness I don't have to carry that enormous car seat everywhere we go now. Rutland is officially a hip baby, which I love. The only milestone I can't report on yet is a first tooth (although with the amount of drool and Tylenol I've given him it can't be long) or growth of hair. He does have some peach fuzz, but if you look at him, you definitely see a bald baby. Apparently that gene comes from the mother's side of the family. He may be waiting a long time if that's the case. My mom swears I was bald until I was 2. Anyway, here are some recent pictures of my little man and all his tricks!

More bathtime antics!

Our kids definitely love bath time. Even if our day has been a disaster and everyone is hanging by a thread, bath time typically goes well and helps the transition to bedtime go smoothly. So, to kill two birds with one stone, we usually bathe both kids at the same time. Yes, we've had to deal with some anatomy questions here and there, but now that everyone is straight on what's what (tee tee and toot toot are our defining terms), it's not an issue. Caroline has a bath time princess set, complete with crown, magic wand, and of course a mirror to see yourself in. I guess she has grown bored with her toys, so she finds new joy by watching her brother play with them a.k.a. aggravating the stew out of him until he grabs it and starts to chew on it. The other night Caroline thought it would be great to put the princess crown on her brother. Rutland thought it was a great idea and giggled hysterically when he saw himself in the princess mirror. I immediately had visions of Caroline and her friends forcing Rutland to dress up in ballerina costumes, make-up, and high heels. The sad part is that I know he will love it - up until a point and then the gloves will come off and he will put his sister in her place. She will deserve it, I'm sure. Here are some pictures from the royal bath! EVERYONE had to wear the princess crown - even Mommy!

1st, the initial shock and surprise of seeing himself in the crown.

Then, he's so amused by it, he starts to laugh and squeal.

He's starting to really enjoy wearing the crown and putting on a show. Daddy takes it off of him.

Brother is having so much fun, Caroline has to try it back on.Even Mommy must get a turn. Caroline didn't want me to feel left out. Thanks sweetie. I love it - see the enthusiasm in my face.