Build-A-Bear and more

One of the gifts my parents gave Reese for her birthday was a gift certificate to Build-A-Bear. And since receiving it, Reese has literally begged every day to go build a bear. Well, actually, she wanted to "build a cat." So this weekend my mom and I took her to Wichita to do just that!

This weekend it was also my mom's birthday, so Reese kindly agreed to eat lunch at Grandma's favorite place before going to Build-A-BearCat - On the Border.



As I said before, Reese's plan was to build a cat, a Cinderella princess cat. The exact same one our new neighbor has. Well, they didn't have the same exact cat, so let the decision making begin!



She finally decided on the panda.



She helped stuff her so she was soft and cuddly.





Picking out a heart.



After all that stuffing, panda needed an air bath.



It was so funny....she gave her panda quite the looooong bath, and she finally looked at me with this panic look and asked, "Can I take my foot off the pedal now???"

So finally, "Sally" was ready for some lovin'!



And some clothes!



Don't forget the heels!



But first things first, before the sparkly dress and heels, a lady needs her pink satin panties, even if she is a stuffed panda.







Checkin' her out....ooh la la!



Welcome to the family, Sally. Wonder if Reese still wants to name the baby Sally?



Thank you, Grammi, for such a fun gift!



But our fun didn't end there.....

red high heels,



ice cream,



and car rides!



I think it's safe to say, we were all pretty pooped by the end of the day.

Out of hibernation

It's about time this cheerleader come out of summer hibernation!



Go Pups!

Then & Now

Reese - 16 months


Cru - 18 months

17 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How far along: 17 weeks

Size of baby: He/she weighs around 5 ounces and is around 5 inches long - the size of a turnip.

Total weight gain: 3 pounds

Maternity clothes: No

Gender: ?

Movement: Yes. I only feel him/her move when I'm sitting still, but I've been feeling it a lot more.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty good.

Symptoms: Still tired, but not as tired as I've been. My belly's been itchy from growing. You're probably tired of hearing me talk about my crazy dreams, which are still coming 2-3 per night, but they are absolutely crazy. They are so vivid and so real and just so outrageous you probably wouldn't believe them if I told you. Most of the time they involve the same handful of people, but every once in a while someone like "The Situation" from Jersey shore shows up in one.

What I miss: Mt. Dew

Cravings: Arby's curly fries and cinnamon gum

Best moment of the week: Taking a nap three days in a row, having Chet home an extra day this weekend, and spending time with family during this holiday weekend.

What I'm looking forward to: My appointment next week and my most favorite show ever, Sons of Anarchy, starting up Tuesday! I can hardly contain my excitement!

Today

Today was a good day!

Today, Cru and I worked hard on our chores after we dropped Reese off at pre-school. Then took a nice walk through the cemetery where I thought of a potential boy's name that I really like. And I think Chet actually likes it too.

Today, the kids had well-child checks. It was pure chaos in our room with both of them turning the exam light off and on, pulling out the stirrups, climbing on and off the table, measuring each other, pulling drawers open, spinning in the doctor's chair, and throwing balls across the room, BUT both are healthy and that's all that matters.

Cru - 18 months

weight: 26 lbs. 2 oz. (50%)

height: 33 1/2 inches (75%)

Reese - 4 years

weight: 39 lbs. 2 oz. (75%)

height: 41 1/2 inches (75%)

Today, Reese took her second nap of the week. She hasn't taken a nap in at least 6 months. Right before she fell asleep, she told me she wasn't going to take a nap, she was just going to rest her eyes. I love pre-school!



Today, when Cru went running into the street, Reese yelled, "Cru Jesus, get back here!" Instead of Cru Joseph. It was great! She must be paying attention at school.

Today, I felt extra thankful for all I've been given.

Today, Cru and I had a lot of one-on-one time. I loved it! He's so precious and so sweet and cracks me up.

Today is Thursday, which means tomorrow is Friday, which means it's the weekend! And it's a holiday weekend!

Today, it was cool enough Cru and I needed sweatshirts at the park.



Today, Chet had a meeting at church and Reese went to Salina with my parents, so Cru and I fed the ducks. I think he had a great time; I know I did!











Today, Cru and I also played at the park. Told ya, we had a lot of one-on-one time.











Today, like every other day, I had a giant bowl of ice cream once the kids went to bed. And watched Jersey Shore. Yes, I'm one of those people.

Today, I felt the baby kick a lot!

Today was a good day!

4

Yesterday morning while laying in bed waiting for my alarm to go off (don't you love that?), I was thinking about what I wanted to write to my sweet (and lets not forget sassy) little princess on her 4th birthday.



I was stumped. But a while later, it hit me. Well, more like it came on the radio. I had just dropped you off at pre-school, and this song came on the radio. I always think of you when I hear this song, but yesterday, tears filled my eyes.



I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.



I hope you dance.



I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance,
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth makin',
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin' out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance.

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

Dance.

This will continue to be my theme song for you until forever.

Overall, I think this 4-year-old princess had a great day!

Lunch at Pizza Hut with Mommy, Daddy, Cru, Aunt Cheyna, and Molly.





Her favorite, spaghetti, for supper.

Followed by more wishes and treats.

Special visits from grandparents.

And of course, a few more presents from Mommy, Daddy, and Cru.

We love you, sweet Reesey. Hope you had a fabulous 4th birthday!