A Million Letting Go's

I recently read that being a parent is a million letting go's.



That couldn't be more true.



But it wasn't until the past few days that I really realized the truth in that statement......



letting go.....



of your almost four year old.



Today is where it all begins - her first day of pre-school.



From today until she graduates high school will be memorable, I'm sure.



But also a complete blur.



I thought time was already flying by.



Letting go is hard to do, especially when you really haven't done it before.



But it's time, she's ready, she needs it.....



I need it.



Yes, letting go was hard to do.....



but I've never felt more proud of her.



Only 999,999 more.....

Don't even know what to title this

Yesterday, Cru got a much needed hair cut.



Why the heck we didn't have it this short all summer is beyond me.

Anyways, fast forward to supper time. I was cooking and Chet had just gotten home from work. Reese was in her room playing, and as Chet made his way down the hallway, all I heard was, "What are you doing? Get in timeout right now!" Uh oh, this can't be good.

Chet walked back into the kitchen carrying tiny nail scissors. We had them for Reese when she was a baby because I was always afraid I was going to cut her skin with regular clippers. All I thought was, "Oh dear Lord, please not her hair!"



Well, she was cutting hair, but thank goodness not hers. Freddy's hair.



We didn't even ask for an explanation, I'm sure she thought she was going to be the next Luke the barber. The girl is so observant and picks up on everything. And out of all her dolls, she picked Freddy - her only boy doll who just so happens to look a little like Cru.



Observant, I tell ya.

Guess she thought he was looking a little shaggy too.

14 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: 14 weeks....start of the second trimester!

Size of baby: about 3 1/2 inches....size of a lemon

Total weight gain: 3 pounds

Maternity Clothes: no

Gender: ? Today, Reese told the doctor it was a girl heart beat.

Movement: The doctor could only hear the heart beat for brief seconds at a time because he/she kept moving, but I haven't felt it yet.

Sleep: I usually wake up about 3-4 times a night - 1 to use the bathroom and the rest are because of crazy dreams.

Symptoms: For the most part, I feel pretty good during the day until late afternoon, then I feel like I've hit a brick wall. Just looking for that boost of energy you're supposed to get in the second trimester.

What I miss: Mt. Dew

Cravings: Nothing really, except I guess you could maybe say meat and tatters, hold the meat, add cream corn! I'm making all that again for supper, and we just had it a week ago. Mmmm!

Best moment of the week: Hearing the heart beat! When it's this early and you can't feel movement yet, hearing the heart beat is always a relief and reassurance that all is going well. I also really enjoyed breakfast at McDonald's after my appt with Reese and Cru. They played so well together; Reese really showed what great big sister she is.

What I'm looking forward to: Getting into a new routine when Reese starts pre-school this week.

TRP

Here comes one of those Totally Random Posts with totally random pictures....seems like that's how life has been going lately.

Last weekend, my cousin's little boy, Christian, turned three. He had a Toy Story party out at my uncle's/his grandpa's pond. It was a scorcher! But a lot of fun, as the pond always is.



Christian's mommy makes awesome cakes. Very talented.



But just like that, Christian blew out the candles, and all her hard work went right into all of our tummies.



I hope it rains tonight and this weekend like they are calling for! For one, I love storms. And two, I'd love a little relief from the heat. Oh yeah, but if it rains on Sunday it will either make our neighborhood water fight completely pointless or that much more fun.

Since today is Friday, here's a little Flashback Friday of my little man exactly one year ago to this day.



Still an ornery little turd and as cute as ever.



I go to the doctor on Monday and find out how much weight I've gained in a month. Let me just tell you, I'm expanding. Which is probably why Reese constantly hugs and kisses my belly and asks if the baby is doing ok. I mean, I feel like I'm expanding everywhere. And although my chest can expand all it wants :), I'd rather my legs and butt keep from expanding, at least until I'm further along.



That kind of stuff (above) DOES. NOT. HELP!

Yesterday, Reese went to visit her pre-school. I think I was more nervous than she was. She walked right in, took her teacher's hand, and never looked back. Once her time was up, she ran out with her friends as excited and happy as could be. She told me they read a book about a shark, they listened to music, but she didn't dance, some kids colored, she preferred playing with the babies, and they had a cracker. And the best part, when she woke up this morning, the first thing she asked was if she was going back to school today. Her first official day is next Thursday, so hopefully she can wait that long.

Last night, Reese, my mom, and I went to El Dorado for a surprise shower/dinner for my sister-in-law, Audrey. Her mom and sister also drove down for it. Some of the coaches wives at Butler (where my brother coaches) put it together for her. Such a thoughtful gesture.



This morning, instead of doing our normal running around, I decided we'd stay home. While the kids played, I worked on laundry (trying to get ahead because I hate spending my whole weekend doing it!), continued to work on cleaning out Cru's last years fall/winter clothes to make room for all his new stuff, and I also worked on some Dirt Cheap sales reports....I just love spreadsheets! I'm not even being sarcastic. When I was still working, I'd find any excuse to make a spreadsheet.

Then I had enough of the chores, so we went outside for a break!



It was hot and windy, so we confined ourselves to the garage so we could actually blow the bubbles.



Cru dumped his whole bottle on the ground as soon as I opened it, then just tried drinking it, but I think Reese had fun.



I want to give a shout out today to an old childhood and high school friend who unexpectedly emailed me today.....hey Abbey! It was so nice to hear from her. I haven't seen her since that one time at a bar in Manhattan, and despite us having a conversation at a bar, I do remember talking about how it would be so cool if Cason and Chancey ended up together because then we would somehow be related. See you in Florida, Abbey, when we become family! (her brother is marrying Chet's sister)

And last but certainly not least, it's been a long while since these pictures were taken of Reese and her dance class, but I'm just now getting copies made for family, and I thought I'd share.....contain yourself :)



Ha! I just love it! That morning, I was laughing so hard at her. It was like smiling and posing like a kitty cat was the most painful thing in the world.



Meee-owww!

And with that, I hope you all have a perrr-fect weekend!

13 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:
How far along: 13 weeks
Size of baby: about 3 inches - size of a medium shrimp



Total weight gain/loss: ?
Maternity clothes: no
Gender: ? Reese is still telling saying she's having a baby sister because she doesn't need another brother.
Movement: Still pretty early to be feeling any.
Sleep: Pretty good except for those darn dreams.
Symptoms: Nausea seems to be subsiding some, but still very tired.
What I miss: Still missing the Dew.
Cravings: Nothing really
Best moment of the week: Although exhausting, taking Reese back-to-school shopping was a lot of fun. Seeing her excitement when she picked out her backpack was the highlight of the trip.
What I'm looking forward to: Doctor's appointment next Monday!

Two nights in a row

We had so much fun swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's, we decided to go again. Ha!



Actually, my parents were back in town and really wanted to see the kids. Plus it was really hot.

Cru didn't throw quite the fit he threw the night before, but he was still pretty hesitant. So, Reese enjoyed some one-on-one time with her Daddy.





Yet another under water meltdown.



But she quickly got over it.



Chet eventually forced Cru into the water.



He seemed to enjoy it a lot more.



Maybe it was having his Daddy there.....



or maybe his sister was the reason for the smiles.



Didn't matter, as long as he was smiling.



Daddy sure made me smile!



Now, that was a fun evening!



Thank you, Grammi and Grandpa!



And thanks, Dad, for taking all the pictures.

Swimming at Grammi's

My parents have been out of town for a few days, so we've been watching over their house, which means full access to the pool! I don't feel comfortable taking both kids by myself during the day, so Chet and I decided to spend the evening over there last night. However, Chet was asked last minute to sub at men's night, but crazy me decided to take them anyways. Cheyna was going to join us later in the evening, so how bad could it be, right?



Uh, bad!

Cru refused to get in the water. And the whole neighborhood heard how ticked he was about it.



He kept throwing himself on the ground, throwing a fit, and pointing to the back door like get me outta here.

I just let him scream. Luckily, one of the neighbors started mowing, so I think that drowned out the shrieks and shrills a bit.

During Cru's 45 minutes of fit throwing, someone else could have cared less and was having a blast!







Finally, I said....well, I won't tell you what I said, but I just brought Cru into the water, and let him throw his fit in my arms. He just clung to me. So, I bounced and sang and cheered for Reese, who was doing a fantastic job kicking and blowing bubbles.





He finally calmed down a bit.



I decided to try the tube again, and I think he was just plum tuckered out.



About that time, Cheyna showed up.

My timid little Reesey had been begging to go off the diving board.....I have no idea where that was coming from? We told her to try going off the side first.



We cheered and cheered her on, but no go. At least, not alone.



Poor Cheyna.....such a good auntie.



Jumping off the side wasn't cuttin' it though. She insisted on going off the board. Yet, once again, not alone.





Now Reese was the one ticked....she is not a fan of going under.



Needless to say, that was the end of that! She survived though.



Meanwhile, little man was starting to warm up....



some smiles....



bird watching....



and even a little splashing....



What a fun evening, kinda. I would certainly never expect a drama-free evening, not in our household.

Thanks, Cheyna, for joining us (and putting up with us) and making Reese's night. She had a blast!



And the best part, BOTH of my kids slept until 9:30 this morning!