Looking Back

Here is Addison snacking by the pool last year and then this year!

"Kini" Time

Last night my girls and I suited up in our "kinis" as Addison calls them and met Daddy at the pool after he got off work. Reagan had her first dip in the water...pretty uneventful! She was indifferent, but she looked precious. I played with Addison while Daddy held Reagan, then we switched. Reagan took a nap in my lap while Addison took Daddy down the slide over and over again! Addison also had a happy reunion with Sam. She sure missed him while he was on vacation!

Weekend Away

Team Guess, as Tommy labeled us, after a weekend of travel together, spent the weekend at Lake Whitney for a family reunion. Tommy's family rented a pool, pavilion and log cabin for the day and we stayed overnight in the cabin. Addison had lots of fun swimming, playing with cousins and exploring the golf course. Reagan was so sweet and well behaved. The family was happy to meet her. The car ride was interesting. Addison must have watched Cinderella at least 5 times, and Mommy spent the trip climbing back and forth from the front and back seats when Reagan got fussy!

I've Been Tagged....

Sharla has decided to rejoin the land of bloggers and tagged me to do this fun little list....here are the rules....

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their eight things) and post these rules. (**if you’re a non-blogger, you can email them!)
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

8 Random Facts or Habits about me:

1. I LOVE dessert, can't get enough dessert, have dessert everyday....usually twice!

2. My husbands cousin is married to my cousin. It is how we met. We ARE NOT related, but it can be tough explaining this to people. Especially when we see one family at events for both sides.

3. I was once interviewed by Jay Leno for the Jay-Walking segment of his show. Unfortunately I did not share any racy enough personal information to actually have my clip aired! As a newlywed, I wasn't about to share my love life with my parents and grandparents via public television!

4. I can't sleep at night unless all closet doors are closed, everything within my sight is in the proper place, and I have all my pillows and blankets situated just right. Usually by the time I accomplish this, one of my girls is up and needing me.

5. Until my junior year in college I thought acleast was a word. It took some serious convincing from my friends to make me realize that it is actually two words, at least. I am sure I included my version of the word in many a college paper and I said it all the time!

6. Since having children I have misplaced at least (so proud of myself for using the correct word!) 6 American Express cards, most recently my husbands! I put them in my pocket when my hands are full and I have no idea where they go from there. I do, however, know that American Express has great customer service and they are happy to cancel your card immediately and Fed Ex you a new one. Apparently they don't want me going without their card for any length of time.

7. At Mexican food restaurants I dump tons of salt on my chips and dip them in packets of butter. Who needs salsa when you can have salted butter? I know it's gross, but I love it.

8. I am currently addicted to Flip that House on TLC, House Hunters on HGTV, and Vacation Home Search on the travel channel. I so do not have time to watch any of these things, but I do it anyway!

Michele, Sherry, Amanda, Rebekah, Sarah, Alicia, Amy Chappelle, and Erin, you're it!

Just Playtime

We pulled Reagan's exersaucer down from the attic this week. She has enjoyed exploring all the new toys. Addison crawls in it every chance she gets. That's okay with me....she can get herself in, but she can't get back out.....break time for Mom!

A Girl and Her Dog

Reagan has just begun to notice Maggie. She can stay busy for quite some time just watching her. Maggie, of course thinks any soft blanket put on the ground, is for her own comfort, which results in some cute snuggle sessions!

The things she says....

that I never want to forget....there are so many of them. I am afraid I have already forgotten some, before I even got the chance to write them down. Tommy and I talk often about how we are trying to burn the images of our girls into our brains. We are sad, that it is already hard to remember Addison when she was Reagan's age. So, here goes...

1. "Here you go, me"......she has already stopped saying this, but it was the phrase she used if she was getting something for herself

2. "That's called good plan"......the phrase she uses after she tells Mommy and Daddy exactly how we should do something

3. "Hold you two girls"....the phrase she uses when she knows I can't put Reagan down, but she wants to be carried too. (Mommy's getting great biceps!)

4. "Blue Zoe"......this is the name she has given to a Sesame Street character. She knows most all their names, but this one, she has decided is just the blue version of the Zoe character.

5. "Mommy Girl and Daddy Boy"....affectionate names for her dear parents. She also frequently calls us Mommy Kim Guess and Daddy Taylor Guess. Taylor is her middle name, we are not sure why she attached it to Tommy.

6. "I love you, me too"....the sweetest words, that melt our hearts, each night before bed.

7. "I been missin' you"....her newest phrase she tells her Daddy each day when he returns from work.

Our Sweet Reagan

Our sweet Reagan, you are 4 months old today. The third month was defiantly a charm! You are a dream baby. During the day you are so full of smiles. I truly have never been around a more laid-back, happy child. You have discovered your little toys and love to stare endlessly at them. You even reached for one at church this morning! We spend lots of time just staring at each other and talking back and forth. Daddy is the best at getting you going! You make all kinds of "singing" sounds with him. He can also make you laugh out loud! You also love your thumbs, which makes us wonder if you are going to end up a thumb sucker. For now, you still have a paci, but I think it might just be a matter of time! During the day, you have started something of a schedule. After eating, you play awhile and then I put you in bed for a nap. Nighttime is a much different story. I think you are still somewhat confused about day and night. You haven't been sleeping for more then 2 hours at a time. Mommy can't get you back to sleep without feeding you or putting you in our bed. Poor Daddy ends up sleeping in the floor by about 4:00am every morning, because you take over his spot in the bed! We know this phase will pass quickly, so we just try to laugh about it and focus on all the joy you add to our home!

Doing What She Loves

Okay, here are a few of Addison's favorite things. On a normal day in our house, you might find Addison in one of several princess dresses. Her attire is only complete with her high-heeled shoes, tiara and jewelry. Unlike Mommy, who stays in PJ's as long as possible, fashion trumps comfort in Addison's world. After she gets dressed, we often set up a tea party for her babies. Finally she loves her big black horse (who remains nameless). He provides the transportation to and from the parties, and she always remembers to give him a little plastic apple from her kitchen for a treat.

New Tricks

We have several new accomplishments at the Guess household. First, Reagan has been blessed with Sam's bumbo baby seat, which I think has been passed around our entire church group. She is so cute "sitting up" and she thoroughly enjoys her new perspective on the world. And, Addison learned to pedal her little bicycle. She loves to ride up the street, although I frequently have to carry her and the bike back home. Now that she has the pedaling down, we need to work on the pedal/steer combo!

PS....In even bigger news, for those of you following the potty training saga....we have accomplished poop in the potty. We embrace bribery in this house, and the promise of a new princess doll did the trick! I will spare you the pics :)

It's Tough Being Two

Aren't these outfits precious? A family friend gave them to the girls when Reagan was born. They come complete with a watermelon purse for Addison and a fancy "bling" paci for Reagan. Hard as I tried to convince Addison that the paci was for Reagan, it is officially community property! Of course, neither girl is too keen on having their pictures made while dressed so sweetly. I can't even remember what Addison was so upset about, but it probably had something to do with shoes or sunglasses. We have DRAMA every Sunday morning, when I tell her she can't wear her princess flip-flops to church. Also, she NEEDS sunglasses, but not bad enough to wear the blue or black ones, and of course the pink ones are usually no where to be found.

The Second Time Around

Today, as I was looking over Addison's journal from her first year, it occured to me why birth order is so significant to a child's personality. Reagan is nearly 4 months old, but in our household she is my baby! Addison is a typical busy two year old, and by comparison Reagan is so small. I was shocked when I looked over Addison's journal and realized that at this age, I had her in the Exersaucer and Johnny Jumper, and she regualarly watched Baby Einstien. I basically put her in anything she might fit in. I confess now, I think I actually proped her with towels and put phone books under her feet to make her fit. It has not even occured to me to do any of these things with Reagan. I am not waiting around for her to grab her first toy, or watching anxiously for her to flip over. The pressure is off. I know she will do all these things when she is ready. Funny how different things are. I was ready, waiting, and encouraging Addison's every move. Reagan gets all the love and attention, but in a much different, more laid- back way. I write this not to say that either way is right or wrong...just different.

Another Mommy Moment...

This morning I had yet another one of my embarassing/funny Mommy moments. I really need to journal all these funny times, so I have something to look back on and laugh about when I am 50! The girls and I were playing in the playroom this morning, when I decided to call Tommy and check in on his commute. About 3 rings into the call, I realized that Addison was pooping. We still don't have this part of the potty training down, so I hung up quickly and grabbed her to transfer her to the potty. Seconds later, the phone was ringing. Sure it was Tommy calling me for hanging up on him, I answered. Not with the usual, hello, but with, "Sorry I hung up on you, but I have poop everywhere, I will have to call you back!" My sweet friend Amanda, just laughed and said, "Okay, I won't keep you!". That is the last time I will assume I know who is on the other end of the line. Thankfully she's a sweet understanding friend who laughed with me, and has plenty of those moments of her own. She even brought me cookies!

For Mommies Only

Okay, this post is only for my fellow Mommy friends. Those of you not yet deep in the depths of parenthood, spare yourselves the graphic details of this post and check back next time....

Now, for the good news. Addison appears to be potty trained! I am now a FIRM believer in the theory that they will let you know when they are ready. Addison announced to me Tuesday that she wanted to wear big girl panties. I let her and it was a complete disaster. She used them like diapers and then told me each time to change her. However, we stayed the course and the next two days got better and better. We are now on day 4 with no accidents!!! YEAH!!! We have even been out and about with panties on. I did make her wear a pull-up to church this morning, since I would be dropping her off. She expressed her displeasure about this, and to her credit, she was dry when I picked her up. I guess we are down to diapers only for sleeping. The only problem, no poo-poo in the potty. I have no idea how to teach her this, especially when it usually happens at the end of nap when she is in a diaper anyway. I will be anxiously awaiting advice from you veteran mom's out there.

Daddy's Girls

Last week, our sweet daddy brought us all home roses. Pink for the girls and red for Mommy! The reason for the roses....Daddy called home and Mommy was in tears! We had quite the morning. I love my bible study and don't want to give it up, but it is a challenge to have us all dressed and out the door by 8:45. Last Thursday, I forgot Addison's shoes. We had to comb the clothing pantry at church to borrow some sandals. After arriving late due to the shoe ordeal, Reagan had a giant blow-out diaper, and I was off to the bathroom to clean and change her. Finally, after bible study, I went to Jason's Deli with a friend. Addison accidently knocked a tray off a nearby chair, crashing dishes everywhere. When I picked her up out of the mess, she announced, "Have poo-poo". Too late, I looked down and her stinky, 2 year old, toddler poo was all over me! We threw away part of her cloths, changed her, and left our uneaten food to head home. I arrived home hungry, frustrated, and smelly!!! These are the moments only other mother's can relate too. Thankfully my sweet husband saved the day. I loved the rose, but better still, he kicked into "Super Dad" mode and did everything but the breastfeeding for the rest of the night!

More Swimming

Addison is more brave each time we get in the water. Really, I could stand for her to have an ounce of fear! Reagan hasn't suited up yet, but she does like dipping her little toes in.

Happy 4th

They really do love each other....they just don't necessarily like posing for photos together. I find it is nearly impossible to get them both happy, smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. So, please excuse the grumpy picture and accept our wishes for a happy 4th!

Three Cute Cousins

Austin came home with us last weekend, and stayed most of the week. He was such a sweet boy, and he and Addison had a great time together. Tommy is taking him back tomorrow, since he is traveling to Dallas for work. Addison is going to be so sad when she wakes up and he is gone!

APHA World Show

We took Addison to Fort Worth to see her Pappy and Miss Debra at the horse show. She was crazy about the horses. She fed carrots to them and had her first ride! Our girls are lucky to get to grow up around the horses, they are starting young!

Sweet Reagan

Here's our happy girl! She is such a sweetie, all smiles most of the time!

Naptime Drama!

Here are a few pictures of today's naptime. Much to my dismay, Addison seems to be outgrowing her nap. She used to go right to sleep, but latley, she won't stay in her bed, and I go in and out of the room trying to persuade her to sleep. Yesterday she eventually fell asleep, but then stayed up until 10:00 last night. Today she fell asleep in the floor while she was playing. I pray this is just a phase and we quickly return to a long, peaceful, daily nap!

She's a Happy Girl

Reagan LOVES her fishy bouncing chair. She is so fascinated by the bubbles and starfish! Thank goodness...this technology buys me a few minutes to get some things done!

Summertime!!!

I LOVE summer! We are having so much fun. We take Addison to the pool several times a week. She is fearless! Just this week, Tommy taught her to go under. She jumps in and waits for him to pull her up. We are frequently instructed not to touch her, and we have to remind her that she can't touch. Reagan usually hangs out in her carseat and watches all the fun. In the evenings when it is cooler, all the neighbors have been gathering in the cul-de-sac. The kids are so cute watching for the Ice-Cream truck, playing in the sprinklers and drawing all over everything with sidewalk chalk.

Are you Kidding Me?

What a mess! This is supposed to be children's lipgloss. It came in a Disney Princess necklace and was a party favor from a birthday party last weekend. As you can see, it is more like latex paint than lipgloss. Addison, Reagan and I were all covered, not to mention my furniture and our cloths! Addison's face has had a purple tint ever since. Now I am pretty patient when it comes to messes! I am all for playdough, paint, and tea parties with real water, but this was too much. Needless to say, she won't have anymore "lipgloss" for a long time!

First Smiles

Our sweet Reagan is full of smiles these days....often we are too busy to capture them on camera, but they warm our hearts! She was two months yesterday, time is really flying. She is a long and lean little girl. She was 24 inches and only 9 pounds. She is such a sweet, laid back little baby. She does love to be held, but I usually don't mind. She sleeps all night most nights, though I must confess it is in her carseat. Don't panic, I put the carseat in her crib...we don't make her sleep in the garage! She is also most certainly a Mommy's girl, I really didn't mean for that to happen, as my hands are pretty full with Addison, but that's just the way it is.Thankfully Addison is more and more Daddy's little buddy all the time. We are so blessed with 2 such precious angels!

A Day at the Lake

We spent the day last Saturday at my Grandpa's lake house in Ceder Creek. We had so much fun. Addison loved the lake, her first boat ride, feeding the ducks, and driving the golf cart. She played with her cousins and was spoiled by Great Grandma, "G-Ma". Addison had NO FEAR of the lake, so we were on our toes all day, watching her! Reagan was in heaven, since there were lots of extra hands around in line to hold her. I am certain she wasn't put down for a second all day!