Butterflies and Frogs

The past few weeks have been full of fun, surprises, and lots of RAIN. I have to say that Anna Grace and Madalyn have become more creative in their play since they have been limited to the playroom and each other. I am so excited to see their budding relationship!! They will one second be hugging and kissing each other and the next squealing with laughter. They do occasionally argue! Did I say "OCCASIONALLY"? I meant to say,"FREQUENTLY"!! I am eager to see how their friendship changes as they grow up together. This is all new to me. I have two brothers.


We have been blessed by a friend at church who has shown lots of love to Anna Grace and Madalyn! The girls absolutely adore her and look for her every time they are there. One day a few weeks ago Amy brought them a few caterpillars in a jar filled with parsley. We took them home and then saw that the little critters had eaten ALL of their food (parsley). I gathered every kind of leaf I could from our yard. Those little caterpillars were not fond of anything. Picky eaters. Well, long story short... I thought they might be dead, but I held out hope. One day last week we came home to a butterfly in the jar! What a great learning experience. The girls were amazed. We have made butterflies out of playdoh, Wikki Stix, colored pictures of them, read books about them, and they have probably dreamt about them.

The other exciting news, at least for me, is that I am learning how to sew clothes for the girls. I remember as a child that my mom would sew clothes for me quite often. She is a great seamstress, but I always wanted to get my clothes from the store. I decided that I never wanted to sew. Well, my mom is laughing now. I call her all the time getting instruction from her. I wish that I would have had the foresight when I was younger. It is a little difficult learning to sew when your instructor is in Alaska and I am in South Carolina. So far I have made a top and bloomers for Maddy and a dress and a pants outfit for Gracie. They are far from perfect, but it was lots of fun. I hope the girls don't turn their noses up like I did!

Back to the Lake

So we spent another great weekend at the lake! Every time we go Anna Grace becomes a little braver. This time she decided to try out the "tube" with a little encouragement from Daddy. Of course Pop was great and didn't go too fast. It was precious to watch Anna Grace and Robert having a conversation the whole time they were moving. She definitely is a daddy's girl.

Madalyn loves riding in the boat. She loves Tulie, too!
Anna Grace has become very comfortable on the dock. She can now go up and down the ladder to get in and out of the water. It does make me a little nervous. Pop made the mistake of showing Anna Grace how to spray people with the water hose. Beware of Anna Grace!!! She will get you when you least expect it.
Madalyn continues to become more comfortable in the water. This was the first time she was content to float in the inner tube and not be held. Sunday afternoon we went to Lone Star in Santee. It's a great small town restaurant. They have a great buffet with fried chicken and BBQ. But, I have to say the best part is the dessert. Maddy's favorite is the banana pudding.

That's my girl!!! She loves to shop and dress up! She found these nifty accessories at an antique store also in Santee. Maybe we can dress her up like a little old lady for Halloween.

Seattle

I am finally getting around to posting about my trip to Seattle. This was my prize for winning "The McCants Family Biggest Loser"! What a great prize.
I met my mom in Seattle Thursday the 10th. We stayed at the Westin downtown and had a great view of the city. I loved how everyone walks everywhere there! We shopped all afternoon Thursday. I loved the Anthropologie store out there. It was HUGE. We ate sushi that night. I really prefer the rolls here. Friday, Mom and I went to Pike's Market. I couldn't believe all of the fresh food and flowers! As soon as you enter the market you can smell the fresh food! The fruit has the brightest colors I have ever seen. I was actually tempted to taste the peaches. If you know me, you know I don't really care for them. The flowers were fresh and cheap! I found a huge arrangement for $13. I think they would have cost $25-30 here and here their not as fresh! We saw the men throwing fish or at leats the place where they do it. I saw the biggest porawns (almost the size of my forearm).We met Gregg that day for lunch at Place Pigalle. I didn't think I would be that emotional about seeing him after 10 plus years, but I was wrong. After a few tears and lots of hugs, we got to catch up! He looks exactly the same to me. We had a great time and then went separate ways for the evening. Mom and I did some more shopping and then had a great dinner at Brooklyn's. They are known for their steaks. We sat at the chefs bar and loved watching and interacting with the chefs and servers.





The next day we went to Bainbridge Island and met Gregg again for brunch. We met at Cafe' Lola and then did some shopping around town. We spent that night with Gregg and Deb. She fed us a great dinner of steak, shrimp, and an amazing dessert with homemade ice cream and strawberries! That night Gregg and I said our good byes and Mom and I took the ferry back to Seattle. The next morning we were at the airport to start our trips at about 5:00. I was bumped from my flight and didn't get home until almost 10:00 that night. It was so great to see my mom and Gregg. After the whole weekend, I didn't get 1 picture of Gregg. Robert has still not met him and teases me that he really doesn't exist! I do think we will ALL meet up again next year sometime for Stuart's wedding (my younger brother)! I'll get lot's of pictures then.

Fantastic 4th

So, it's been a couple of days since we returned from our exciting weekend at the lake house in Santee. We are so blessed with an amazing family. We spent 3 days with the whole McCants family. Robert's brothers are fantastic with Anna Grace and Madalyn. Gracie loves catching bugs with Uncle Thomas and Uncle John Michael. There were plenty of may flies for everyone to catch. Uncle Walter loves to tickle and play chase. Aunt Brooke is "super aunt". She always steps in and helps when there are no free hands or even when their are. Maddy has a special bond with her. We watched her chase Brooke in the house (without Brooke knowing) and then stand at the door and cry until someone let her in to see her aunt.



God continues to bless us with Pop and Tulie! They love our children so much! I love watching how the girls gravitate toward Tulie while she's working in the kitchen. Maybe they'll pick up some cooking tips. Tulie is so patient with them. She always has a snack and juice for the girls to enjoy. Pop, on the other hand, has a louder personality and loves to tease the girls. Gracie is definitely "Pop's Girl"! We keep trying to convince Pop that Anna Grace REALLY wants a pool at their house. Maddy also has a special bond with Pop. She runs right to him for kisses every time she sees him.



Back to the lake: We had a lot of fun this past weekend. We spent a lot of time swimming, eating, playing "Corn Hole", riding in the boat, and visiting with extended family.







My family (the Williams family) is all over the country. I wish my children could know my amazing brothers like they know Robert's.



This is why I feel so especially blessed to be so close to Robert's family. Simply put,"They are amazing". I pray that Anna Grace and Madalyn will be as close to their husbands' families. I pray that they are as wonderful as the McCants!

Catching May Flies!

Relaxing with Daddy!

Safety First

By all appearances one may think that our family likes to bike and swim! We'll I hate to say it, but Gracie's tire is flat on her bike and Maddy just found her life vest in her closet! They both like to wear their safety gear around the house. Robert and I have had a lot of laughs lately at the dinner table!

Summer Fun with Anna Grace and Madalyn

Anna Grace has made such great progress with staying in bed and not having nightmares that we had to reward her! The first goal was to make it 7 nights without getting in bed with Mommy and Daddy. She did this in 9 days! Last Friday we got ice cream and went to the "Big Toy" at the Palmetto Islands County Park. The girl's had a blast! The next challenge for Anna Grace was 7 night in a row in her own bed! Well, she did that in 7 days! Next week we will have a play date at the pool with her friends Anna and Will!

No More Old Peddler Woman!

Sweet little Gracie! She has such a tender heart!

I'm not sure if she is like other children or if she is the only one who can't read "Snow White" without having nightmares. For some reason the old peddler woman has now been one of the main topics of Anna Grace's conversation for the last year or so. As a result of her infatuation with the character, she has been having nightmares very often! When she has these nightmares it is usually an all night event. She wakes up screaming every 30 minutes to 1 hour. I compare it to an awful night with a newborn. One good thing is that Madalyn isn't phased by the screaming!

Well... Robert and I have now outlawed the old peddler woman. Anna Grace is no longer allowed to speak about her, pretend to be her, or even read the original book. I think it has actually helped. She has now slept through the night two weeks in a row!!

This is also an answered prayer. I have been praying tirelessly that she would get past this ordeal!

Staying Busy!

This weekend we went to Edisto Island for a small family reunion. Robert's uncle is in town from Malaysia and organized a golf tournament. Everyone met up Saturday afternoon for dinner. Anna Grace and Madalyn had so much fun playing with their distant cousins. We're hoping that one day they will have some cousins that live in town! hint, hint, Walter and Brooke! Anna Grace, Trey, Campbell, and Emma
"Duck, Duck, Goose"

School's Out for Summer!!

Gracie at Camp Carolina at the Aquarium

Anna Grace is out of school now. She had a wonderful year and loved all of her teachers. Robert and I can't believe how much she is learning and growing every day! She talks 90 miles an hour and rarely takes breath. She tells us all the time, "I have a good idea...!" Usually the idea involves playing with our neighbor.

There is just something about being out of school that makes me want to go lots of places and do lots of things! So... that's what we've been doing. Last week we went to The Children's Museum, The Aquarium, the pool, the lake house, and several friend's houses for playtime. I think the girl's are getting tired of "GOING"! We should try to stay home at least one or two days a week.

Anna Grace and Madalyn loved our trip to The Children's Museum. The highlights were the shrimp boat and the grocery store. Anna Grace was very impressed that there was a bathroom on the boat and Madalyn had a chance to push her own shopping cart. She loaded it with bananas (her favorite) and a fish! The only problem was she never wanted to check out. She ran over a few people's toes and heals. But, she did have a great time!

Anna Grace was impressed with the potty on the shrimp boat!Maddy shopping!Gracie restocking the shelves! The toddler playroom

The Aquarium was not as much fun this time. We happened to pick a day that every school planned a field trip there. There were actually 900 children there from schools. I had one of those terrible "heart stopping" feelings. I lost Maddy in the play area. I watched her walk in, but I never saw her come out. I was waiting to take a picture, but I didn't realize that there was another exit. Thankfully Anna Grace and I only had to search for a minute or two. I looked down to the next area and saw a woman walking toward us holding Maddy's hand. I don't think Maddy even knew that she was lost!

Anna Grace taking advantage of a teaching moment.

The only area not too crowded!

Friday we went to the lake house in Santee. We had a great weekend there and enjoyed the company of two baby eagles that have made their home the tree in the front yard. We definitely had to watch the two family chihuahuas. They would make a nice meal.

Baby Eagles

Anna Grace had a few milestones this weekend. She overcame her fears of riding FAST in the boat, putting worms on a hook, and staying without Mommy and Daddy at the lake.

Madalyn loves the lake, the boat, the food, and everything else! I think she may be our tomboy despite Robert's attempts to toughen Anna Grace up.

This week we also put the girls in bunk beds! They love them and absolutely love sharing a room (for now)!

We are so thankful for the blessings that God has given us! Through both of our children God is teaching us so much. I am refreshed constantly by Anna Grace's lack of concern over material things and how important "quality time" is to her. God is teaching me about His faithfulness, His sovereignty, and His timing through Madalyn. She continues to talk more and more. One day really soon we will have two children talking 90 miles an hour.

She Speaks!

We have a HUGE PRAISE!! Madalyn has spoken her first words. A few weeks ago Maddy started saying "NO". I have never been so excited to hear that word. I probably encouraged her a little too much. Now that's about all we hear! It's her answer to everything! I am kicking myself now for all the No, no, NO, no, No, no's Maddy and I have had back and forth. She has also said baby, Daddy, Mommy, Ellie (our dog), nose, eyes, moo and probably a few more that I can't remember right now. We are thrilled! Thank you all for the prayers. They have definitely been answered.

We met with our pediatrician this week and he is also very encouraged. Maddy is very bright cognitively. He would like us to have her re-evaluated for Early Intervention. Most children her age are beginning to say 2 word phrases. I am confident that she will get there soon!

Gracie in the Butterfly House at Cypress Gardens

Mother's Day - It was a great day! Robert and the girls made breakfast for me (courtesy of Krispy Kreme)! We all had doughnuts and made a mess in the bed! Robert and the girls took me out to dinner. They also gave me an Ipod with an inscription. I have really needed something for those runs around the neighborhood.

FUNNY STORY - Robert and I have been trying to keep our fitness level up since we have lost all this weight. In order to do this we have decided to run in some races to help us set goals. We signed up for a race in North Charleston called the Green Village Tour. It was an 8k. Robert and I showed up for the race only to find ourselves the only newbies. Everyone was decked out in their gear, monitors, Ipod's, etc. Robert might as well have been in street clothes. Needless to say... we came in very close to last and next to last. We did finish and were very happy with our progress after the Cooper River Bridge Run. Robert and I figured out that we cut almost a minute off every mile we ran. I think that we will be running in a 5k next month on Sullivan's Island.

THIS WEEK - Robert took vacation all week. We have had a blast. Tuesday we went to Cypress Gardens. The girls loved the reptiles, butterflies, and the canoe ride. Madalyn couldn't stop smelling the flowers. Anna Grace couldn't get enough of the alligators, snakes, and tortoises. If you ever get a chance it is definitely worth the drive to Moncks Corner from Charleston. We went to the Lake house at Santee Tuesday night and stayed until late Wednesday. Robert and Anna Grace played golf Wednesday morning while Maddy and I went window shopping. We all had so much fun. Today was Anna Grace's last day of school. I don't know whether to be happy or cry. She is growing up way too fast. We also put the girls in the same room tonight. They are eventually going to be in a bunk bed, but first we have to get parts that aren't broken. We have been preparing them for weeks for this!

I'll post pictures when we get the bunk beds up! EXCITING TIMES!

My little caterpillar!

Gracie and Robert in the Butterfly House.Madalyn smelling flowers.One of the many reptiles!New princess PJ's!

Catching Up!

Spaghetti Night means no clothes at the dinner table! Madalyn and Anna Grace enjoy changing things up a little bit and I love not having to scrub clothes with stain remover!

We did hear back from Baby Net! Madalyn does NOT qualify for services. According to their evaluation she has a 17% delay in her speech which is not enough to receive services. That is the only area which she has any delay at all. We will be meeting with our pediatrician soon to discuss the scores (he will receive a copy). We were told that she can be re-evaluated at 20 mos., if we feel that it is needed. Please continue to pray for myself and Robert. We are asking God for the wisdom to know how to encourage Madalyn to speak. Also pray for Madalyn, that she would make progress with her speech and communication skills.

On another note... we had a great weekend!

Friday, we all went to Pop and Tulie's to spend the night. Tulie cooked a great pasta and shrimp dinner and Thomas and John Michael joined us! The girls loved being there and slept well. Saturday morning big Robert, Robert and myself ran in the annual East Cooper Bridge Run. It's a 10k that crosses a pretty steep bridge. Robert and I had a great time. We really pushed ourselves and each other. Our time was 1:22, which we thought was pretty good for us. Hopefully next year we can break 1:12.

After the Bridge Run we went back to Pop and Tulie's for lunch and our final weigh-in for The McCants Biggest Loser Competition. That has been an amazing experience for the whole family. The combined total weight loss for the family was 161lbs. We started on January 1st and everyone did their own thing. Some people did the low carb diet, Robert and I did the South Beach diet, others just cut back. Almost everyone added exercise to their daily routine.

Robert and I took first and second place. I lost 34.5lbs and he lost about 26lbs. The prizes were 25$ from each person and the 26,000 sky miles. I plan on using the sky miles to fly to Seattle for a long weekend to meet my mom and then possibly visit my older brother, Gregg. Robert and I feel so much better now with all that weight off! We plan on continuing the new eating habits and exercise routine. I am hoping that Anna Grace and Madalyn are learning better habits from us now!

Soon I'll post some before and after pictures of the family!

Gracie and Maddy after Spaghetti Night!

Madalyn's Evaluation

I'm sorry it has taken me almost a week to update everyone on how Madalyn's BabyNet evaluation went. Well, we're not really sure how it went. Our intake coordinator, Ebony, came to the house last Tuesday. She spent a little bit of time informing us about the options available through BabyNet. Then she spent a little bit more time playing with Maddy and looking to Robert and myself for additional information about Madalyn's development. We won't find out if she qualifies for services for at least another week. She continues to make little baby steps with her speech. Her sign language is improving.

We had a very exciting weekend! Friday, I took Anna Grace to the movies for the first time. We went to see "Horton Hears a Who". We really enjoyed it even though she sat in my lap the whole movie. I knew it was going to be long when she asked when it was going to be over after the previews.

After the movie we went to the lakehouse at Santee for the night. The girls didn't sleep well. That means that we didn't sleep well either. Anna Grace had nightmares about bumble bees trying to sting her. Madalyn just likes to sleep right on top of you!

Saturday morning we went to Anna Grace's friend Capers' birthday party. Madalyn enjoyed eating cupcakes (paper and all). Anna Grace loved showing Robert how she can do the monkey bars.

That afternoon Robert took the girls to Carter and Brandon's house for a "Daddy and kids night". I had the night off!! They had a great time and so did I.

Sunday morning Anna Grace woke up with pink eye. We spent the rest of the day tending to her and doing odd jobs around the house.

Robert learned how to replace a disposal! Madalyn moved out of her highchair and her crib! We now have her sit at the table in booster seat. As for the crib... it has been transformed into a toddler bed! We'll see if she stays in her bed all night!!