Fine Dining

Well, I put it off for as long as I could, but we finally started Reagan on solid food last week. She was perfectly content and full simply to nurse, so I was in no hurry to add something else to our daily routine. So far, we have just given her cereal, which she is fine with, she isn't too excited! Of course, Addison has to help. She was right in the middle of everything and had to help feed her sister. Funny that Addison's first meal was such a big production....new bibs, high chair, video camera with everything all planned out. Poor Reagan, I just decided to try it and tossed her in the bouncy seat!

Magic Marker

Her sister didn't really mean to color on her. She knows the rules, paper only! Just imagine this, big sister determined to help little sister sit up, open magic marker in big sister's hand. Somewhere in the process little sister's face collided with the marker. I think blue is a good color for her, but still, thank goodness for washable markers!

Date Night

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa we got to go out together Saturday evening. Only just this past week, has Reagan been going to bed early, thus making me feel like it is okay to leave. Previously we have tried twice and had to come home to a sad, crying little baby. Anyway, Tommy's brother Steve and his wife Dannea went with us. I think they were a little surprised at all the prep work that went into us leaving, and then even more surprised to hear Reagan crying till 2:00am after we got home! She just made sure we had a little reality check when we got back.

We went to a restaurant with live music and slow service. It took us a some time to realize that it was okay that everything was moving slow, that it was supposed to! We were finally able to just relax and enjoy the evening. After dinner we walked to Chocolata for dessert, yummy. Husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, best friends....it was good to remember all the things we are besides Mommy and Daddy!

A Princess and a Power Ranger

Last weekend my nephew Austin was in town with my mom and sister. He and Addison got into the Halloween spirit a little early. Austin's Power Ranger was hilarious, a little too short in the stride, if you can get the mental image of that. We were trying not to laugh at him and give him a complex. Addison was Cinderella. She was a little, no actually a lot, concerned about his mask. She told him to put it down and save it for a little later. When he wore it she said he was a little mean. Makes me wonder how trick-r-treating will go this year.

Addison's New Ride

We got Addison a new Princess Bike this weekend. She has outgrown the little tiny bike she learned to ride on. I really wanted her to have it, so she could come with me on walks. We were amazed at how she was able to hop on and take off. She does great. The helmet situation was a little difficult. They apparently don't make a helmet to fit a 2 year old head. She looks like she is ready to be shot out of a cannon, however, it is so loose it can't be actually protecting anything. Addison was so thrilled about the bike. She said, "This is the best bike I never did see!". She also frequently says her bike is all pink and perfect!

Yesterday we were out riding and she had hopped off her bike and was running down the street. She tripped and fell. It didn't really hurt her, just skinned her knees a tiny bit, but she was really sad. I picked her up and trying to cheer her up, I said, "Good thing you had your helmet on." Addison replied to me, in full drama, "Bad news Addison have no knee helmets!". So precious! She keeps me laughing!

Reagan

Here she is lovin' her saucer and lookin' too cute!

Here is my big girl sitting up all by herself. Hard to believe the time has come!

What I Love About Sunday....

Reagan naps better with company!

Behind Closed Doors

This little story is for all of you who see me out and about with my two girls and think I have it all together! Let me assure you this is not the case. Thankfully 90% of the time, including today, I have a great perspective and find humor in all the craziness that goes on.

Part 1 of my saga started as I tried to prepare lunch for us today. I use the term prepare loosely, it just means getting sandwiches together. Anyway, we had just returned from Storytime at the library, so Reagan was tired and needing a nap. I mistakenly thought that she would be okay waiting a few minutes while I got lunch ready. I put her in her Exersaucer and she was good for a few minutes while I started Addison a grilled cheese. Since she wasn't crying, I took the opportunity to take Addison to the potty. By the time she was done, Reagan was screaming hysterically, so I ran to grab her and Addison took off to the living room to watch Dora while she put her panties and shorts back on, a task she can usually handle on her own. I went upstairs to put Rea in bed, but by now it was quite clear that I had missed my window to put a peaceful baby to sleep. We bounced, walked and sang until she calmed down. I finally relaxed her enough to nurse her to sleep and lie her down. Relieved, I headed down stairs, to find my sweet Addison sitting on the couch with nothing on from the waist down. She reported that her pants were, "Too twisted". I helped her back into her clothes and only then noticed the horrible smell! Remember the grilled cheese? Well, she'd now been grillin' for a good 30 minutes. Yuck! Thankful that we at least hadn't started a fire, we threw that sandwich away, started over, and Addison and I finally had lunch at 1:00. This, my friends, is why I frequent the Chick fil A drive thru!

Now for the second part of my little story. After lunch, Addison and I were playing, when she told me she needed to go "poo-poo". Thrilled and excited that she has finally mastered this part of potty training, off we went. Moments later, we were standing in the kitchen, bottomless again. She was choosing a treat for her potty accomplishment then we were off to get a Pull-up for naptime. It took her some time to decide which color sucker would be her reward, so as we are standing there, she looks over her shoulder and says, "Mommy, what that?". I quickly realize that she is not done going "poo-poo" and she has just made a deposit on my kitchen floor. I picked her up and ran her back to the potty. After sitting her on the toilet, I ran back to the kitchen to deal with the mess. Here we go people, the worst part. If you have a weak stomach, stop here! My dog ate the mess! Gross!!! Picture me laughing in the kitchen floor while Addison is shouting from the bathroom, "Mommy, what you laughin' bout?" This is what happens behind our closed doors. By the way, don't let my dog lick you in the face!

5 Months Already

I can't believe she is already 5 months old. Other than refusing to sleep through the night, Reagan continues to be such a good baby. She is rolling over both ways, and actually gets around the playroom quite well, squirming and rolling. She loves to be stretched out in the floor watching her sister play and checking out the toys. She is pretty good at grabbing things now, and everything she gets her hands on goes directly to her mouth! We got her Jumper down a few days ago, and she loves hanging out in there. She smiles for us all the time, and often cracks up laughing at the dog!

Stuck and Not Sleeping

Hopefully I am not discouraging all of you who are about to move your children out of their baby cribs, but the naptime dramas have been once again occurring at our house. Addison gets out of bed to play for at least 30 minutes before she goes to sleep. I really don't mind this, and I usually just close her door and go about my business. Yesterday she was calling and calling for me and I ignored her. When I finally decided to check on her, she was standing against the door, with this shirt stuck on her head. This was her attempt at changing clothes! Poor thing, I am not sure how long she was stuck like that.

Brought to You by the Letter "R"

Yesterday, we were out running errands and had to stop by Wal-Mart. Addison loves the big game room in the front of the store, so she ran in clutching her 2 quarters ready to win a prize. After considering the Bert and Ernie Firetruck ride, she decided to use her money in The Claw game. Thankfully it wasn't the big machine with stuffed animals, where you almost never win. She chose the small game where you can win tons of little trinkets or candy. She is in it for the candy! Anyway, after an unsuccessful first round, she inserted her second quarter and came up with a prize. A one inch plastic letter "R"? What??? Never mind the fact that it is useless, makes no sense, and she doesn't know her letters. She was happy. Apparently whoever fills the machine realizes that small children are easy to please and doesn't invest much in his prizes. Tommy and I laughed about it the rest of the day, and in true Sesame Street form, deemed the day, "brought to you by the letter "R".

Complete Chaos....

....is the only way to describe Sherry's birthday celebration. Several friends gathered at my house today, with our children, to honor Sherry. It was so much fun and somehow amidst our sweet children we managed to eat a nice lunch and even squeeze in time for cake and cookies. It is so much fun watching our children, who have all known each other since birth, play together. Here is what I can tell you about our kids.

Sam and Addison love each other like crazy, but can also boss each other around with the passion of siblings!

Carlee is so comfortable at our house, that she took all her clothes off shortly after arriving! She found a princess dress to put on, which she liked much better than her cloths!

Sarah is all about the babies....baby dolls, baby Reagan and baby accessories!

Ben loves the stairs! His Mommy can't sit for a second, without him running off to climb up or down!

Reagan and Zac just took it all in. They will be making tracks with the big kids before we know it!

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!