Mommy Time

On Friday I headed out to the MOPS Retreat with the rest of the Steering Team to plan for the Fall 2007 and Spring 2008 calendar year. We stayed in a beautiful home with the most amazing view of the Roanoke Valley I have ever seen. No distractions, just peace and quiet. We were able to get quite a bit accomplished in the past couple of days and boy do I have a lot on my plate! After all the planning was discussed and homework assigned, it was time to say goodbye and go back to reality. We were having such a wonderful time without the children and our husbands that we all just sat there looking at each other not wanting to leave our place of solitude.

After much debating, we decided it was time to get in our vehicles and head back home to be mommies and wives again. Back to cleaning, cooking, changing diapers, formula, sippy cups and pull ups. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but I do enjoy a break every now and then.

Diagnosis

It amazes me what comes out of the mouth of children. While Brent was giving Campbell a bath, she looked at him and said that her pink bunny had tendonitis. What??? Tendonitis???? Does she even know what that means?? Where did she pick that up?

Look out medical school....here comes Campbell!

A family af"fair"

Have I ever told you how much I love the fair? It makes me feel like a kid again. Now, I look forward watching Campbell enjoy it as much as I did when I was younger.

My Mom, Dad, and Peepaw stayed with me for a week after the baby dedication for some much needed time together. One of our many places to see and do on our list was the Salem Fair. Campbell really got into it this year and actually rode most of the rides by herself. Considering last year she wouldn't have anything to do with them, this was a drastic improvement. I honestly didn't know how she would react because she has always shyed away from loud noises. It's amazing what a year can do for a child. Just watching her on the rides made me look at her with a whole new perspective. She truly is a big girl now!

Riley's Dedication

Riley was dedicated at church yesterday morning. It was a speical moment for all of us. I was extremely thankful that we could share it with both mine and Brent's family. It is rare that we are all together at the same time.

Many prayers were said for Riley that were so precious and thoughtful. This is one of those moments that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Children are such a wonderful gift from God.

Why??

Just when I thought Campbell was going to bypass the "why" phase in her life...it began today!!! I know that asking questions is the only way to learn, but enough is enough and it has only begun.

Here's an example of one of our conversations....

Mommy: Campbell, we need to come inside the house.
Campbell: Why mommy?
Mommy: Because it is raining and I hear thunder.
Campbell: Why is it raining?
Mommy: Because, my flowers need a drink of water.
Campbell: Why?
Mommy: Because they are thirsty.
Campbell: Why are they thirsty?

As you can see, this conversation did go on for quite awhile. Eventually it was nap time and I was able to get a little peace and quiet.

Homestead Creamery Tour

I first learned about the Homestead Creamery from a neighbor recently. The milk truck was giving away free samples of their milk and we gladly accepted. I was extremely impressed because they strive to maintain an all-natural product. So, we are now having them deliver milk to our house every Thursday. It's just something about having your milk delivered to your door.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to tour the Homestead Creamery with my local MOPS Group. Considering, I felt that I had somewhat of a connection to them, I couldn't pass it up. Also, I knew that Campbell would enjoy it as well. It was especially nice because Brent's sister was able to join us in addition to one of my neighbors and her three kids.

When we first arrived, we sat down at some picnic tables and enjoyed free samples of Orange Cream, Strawberry and Chocolate milk. Campbell's favorite was the strawberry. Afterwards, we went inside the actual building where they made the milk, butter and ice cream. Everyone had to wear hairnets before entering and Campbell thought that was very fascinating. Although, she didn't care for all the noise. After the tour, we all had free samples of yummy ice cream. I ate the chocolate chip cookie dough and Campbell had the birthday cake flavor.

Just when I thought the tour was over we all went on a short car ride over to the farm to see the cows. Did you know that they grow their own feed and raise their own cows on the family farm? How cool is that? Our tour guide brought out a calf that was born two days prior and Campbell immediately went over to pet it without any hesitation. I think she would have taken it home if I would have let her. I don't think Mittens would have appreciated it!

It was very educational and definitely worth the $5.00. I would highly recommend it.

A Clue?

After lunch the girls and I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few items. As we were leaving, Campbell was pointing to the ceiling and saying, "Mommy, a clue, a clue." I looked behind me and sure enough there was a big Williamburg Highschool paw print painted on the wall. Apparently, she was associating it with the cartoon, "Blue's Clue's".

Adorable!

Potty Training

We have been hibernating in our house for the past few days trying to work on potty training with Campbell. I wish I could say that we were making progress, but I can't. Is it possible to bring someone in my home to potty train my daughter for me? Obviously, I don't have the magic touch. I have read and heard so many stories about how children can be potty trained in three days. Why can't my child be like this?? My patience has run out without any to spare. Unfortunately, I think Campbell has inherited my stubborn streak.

Talent??

Yes, that's right...Campbell can touch her tongue with her nose. Do you think she has a shot on the latest show, "America's Got Talent"? She would at least make it to the next round on cuteness alone!

fun day at the park

It was extremely hot and humid yesterday, but Campbell still had so much fun at the park! She just loves being outside and the hotter the better. Me on the other hand, I enjoy a nice breeze in the shade. I think our next little neighborhood playgroup should be near a pool or water sprinkler!!

Playful Patterns

Campbell has this gift of being able to entertain herself most of the time. My hopes and prayers is that Riley will be able to do the same. Only time will tell.

When Campbell was 4 months old I started selling Discovery Toys. Needless to say, I collected several educational toys along the way during my one and only year in the sales arena. Most of them are still a little advanced for her, but she requested to play with one in particular today. It is called Playful Patterns. Basically, it allows her to make pictures out of foam shapes. She played with that toy from 10:50am to 1:15pm. Honestly, I had to ask her to put it away so we could get ready for her nap. I was shocked that it kept her interest for that whole time. I will definitely have to keep that in mind when we are looking for something to do on a rainy day!!

I almost forgot to mention....Riley was content in her swing during this time as well. I love my sweet girls!

Haircut

Campbell and Riley went with me to the beauty salon today. Riley slept the entire time while Campbell played with a book. It is so amazing how good my girls are out in public. I just love taking them places with me. As soon as I was finished getting my hair cut Campbell looked at me and said, "mommy, your hair is adorable". I didn't even know she knew that word!

4 Months Old

I can't believe Riley is already 4 months old. She had her check up yesterday and her Doctor said that she was fantastic! She weighed in at 12 pounds - 5 ounces and 25 inches long. She could have done without the four shots, but she only cried for just a few seconds. We also got the OK to start her on cereal too. Hopefully, it will not be too much of a mess. I'm sure big sister will just LOVE to help. That should be interesting.....

I'll keep you posted.

Myrtle Beach 2007

Back Scratch

Campbell has always been able to adapt to change especially when it comes to her schedule. Although, here lately she has been very consistent with her bed time routine for the past couple of weeks. After we tuck her into bed her request is for Mommy to say the prayers while Daddy scratches her back. Then it's Daddy's turn to say the prayers while Mommy scratches her back. She is quick to correct us when we are not doing it exactly right.

I think she will think up just about anything to prolong her bed time routine. Although, a back scratch does sound really good about now!

Be Quiet

Campbell is getting into a bad habit of telling me to be quiet. I've noticed it being the case when I am telling her something that she doesn't want to hear. For instance, pick up your toys, don't jump on the furniture, etc... You get the point. I guess it's because she hears it several times during the day when Riley is napping. So, I have been working on this problem for a few days now and trying to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand. Last night I told her that she will go to time out if she tells me to be quiet one more time. Apparently, she got the hint, but wanted to push my buttons just a little further to see my reactions. This is how the conversation went:

Mommy: " Campbell, please do not jump on the furniture"
Campbell: "Mommy, BE QUIET!!"
Mommy: "Campbell, it is not polite to tell mommy to be quiet. You will go to time out if you say that one more time."
Campbell: "Mommy, BE LOUD!!"

I just smiled and shook my head and asked Brent to help her get ready for bed. I have to admit that was pretty clever.

Kite Day

Yesterday we had so much fun at Kite Day. The weather was beautiful and Campbell used her good manners. Nana also offered to babysit Riley for us so we could give Campbell our undivided attention. Something she has been lacking in the past three months.

Fortunately, we were one of the first 1000 kids in the gate so Campbell received a free t-shirt. We saw some beautiful kites and witnessed some amazing tricks. However, one of the kites did make a crash landing in the food line. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

After everything was said and done, I believe Campbell's favorite part of the whole day was getting her picture made with the "Q Bear". The mascot from Q 99. Oh well, I just love seeing her happy.

Next year we will be sure and take a blanket to sit on and bring a picnic lunch. Unless you want to stand in the food line for a minimum of 30 minutes just to hear your daughter say, "I'm still hungry"......

Milestones

Riley did it!! She actually slept through the night without waking up crying for her pacifier. She woke up on her own around 7am this morning just laying in bed cooing.

Campbell is such a big girl. She is in the process of being potty trained. Yesterday after dinner she told Brent that she needed to go potty. She actually did #2 in the potty all by herself!!

I just love moments like these.......

Campbell's 3rd Birthday Party

OK...I know that I am putting this blog a little out of order. I do have a good excuse. We recently bought a new digtal camera and it took me a while to figure out how to upload the pictures to the computer. As you can see, I finally figured it out and now I can proudly show off the birthday cake I made for Campbell's birthday party on Saturday, April 7th. We had a small family gathering and everyone had a great time especially Campbell. She received so many gifts you would have thought it was Christmas all over again. The best present of all was her Dora bike. I'll be posting some shots of her riding the bike soon.

By the way....where's the warm weather??

Happy Easter!!!