Emma goes to the dentist, graduates preschool

I cried like a baby. Okay, I didn't actually cry, but thinking about how fast she is growing makes me a little sad. Don't get me wrong, I am incredibly proud of her, too. She has a big heart, more empathy than a lot of the adults I know, and loves to explore nature.

Just yesterday, I had an empty water bottle with worms in it on my kitchen counter. My kitchen counter. Where I butter the toast and spread the PB&J. :) I love her! She's also quite the planner. A couple of her friends came over yesterday, and beforehand, she told me all of the things she wanted to do with them. 1. Play with water balloons. 2. Jump on the trampoline. 3. Paint. I nixed number 3, but they sure had fun with the water and the trampoline and the trashing of the house. Seriously, I love her sooooo, so, so, so, sooooo much!

Okay, dentist! She asked me if there would be coloring books in the waiting room and stickers like in Dora's book. I had no clue, but the dentist did not disappoint! She colored while we waited our turn and got to pick out two stickers after we were done.

I went first, and our dental hygienist explained everything she was doing to me, so Emma would feel comfortable. When it was her turn, she laid down and did perfect!! Also, they only noted that she just had a little bit of plague, but nothing serious. Yes! Boy, was I relieved. Brushing teeth can sometimes be a battle at our house.

We then stopped for a quick breakfast (donuts, of course!), and then I got her to preschool. She graduated, but the parents weren't invited or anything. We did get a cute picture of Emma in a cap and gown.

I'd say she had a pretty great day! 

May 17: Part II

The fun carried into the afternoon! Ha! It was actually a super exhausting day, but so much fun to see Emma dance!

Denny, Emily and the kids left my graduation a touch early so they could get to the recital on time. Emily did Emma's hair and makeup and got her in costume. It was a big relief to show up there and just walk Emma in!

Emma's group went in the middle of the show, but it was so much fun to watch all of the girls--from teeny-tiny girls to high school girls--it was just fun. When Emma's group came on, it was adorable. I just loved every minute of it. She did some fast twirls and was so cute! I thought all of the girls in her group did fantastic!

Right after Emma performed, I had to change Colt's diaper, so I relieved Denny of his duties for a while. Colt was a handful that day! He wanted to run around and just be a kid. I took him back into the auditorium and stood in back with Travis, Chad and Luke for a while, but he was just too crazy. I finally took him out to the cafeteria where there was a concession stand and we had a snack.

Then Denny took over for a while, so I was able to see the finale, where all the girls came out dancing to "Happy." Afterward, our families visited for quite a while giving Emma flowers and taking pictures of her. Did I mention that I bought 14 tickets for this show?! Emma is one very loved little girl!

Right before her second show was about to begin everyone left except Emma and me. Debbie came to the second show, and I kind of volunteered, but mostly hung out with Emma. After that show, Emma got her trophy, more flowers from Debbie and we went back to the house to celebrate.

I put my cap and gown on for a family photo. We then ate baked ziti that Emily made and ate cake. Jeremy and Emily ordered a special cake to commemorate the day.

I always love having my family over, and this weekend was great! Everyone pitched in, and I was worried over nothing (like usual). 

On Sunday afternoon, I took a nap on couch, which was the perfect end to a great weekend and the busiest year of my life ... to date.

Out of the mouths of babes, part 1

I am totally stealing this idea from some of my favorite blogs. It's time to start recording some of the cute things my babes say ... especially since Emma has started telling jokes! ;)

Oftentimes, Emma likes to tell me loves me more than something silly that "rhymes."

I love you more than a blimp, dimp, gimp.

The other night when she was watching TV in our bedroom, she ran out to me in the living room and said, "This is one promise you must keep. You need to record the new Doc McStuffins next Monday."

This morning Emma said, "Maybe this weekend our entire family can go out to eat at a restarnaut (more like astronaut than restaurant)."

And then there's Colt. He still often talks gibberish, which I love, but he is starting to say more and more. One of his current favorites is, "Hey!" It's adorable!

Also, one of his constant demands is for "chocolate milk."

Finally if Denny isn't home or out with us, he constantly says, "Where's daddy?"

I love them to pieces!

There's little relief; give us reprieve

Emma, Colt and I escaped to Indiana for a long weekend last week. It was a really good break from the chaos. I was exhausted and overwhelmed, so one of the first things I did was take a nap! The kids played with their grandparents, and I was able to return to my happy place.

On Thursday evening, after a messy spaghetti dinner, the kids and I headed over to spend the evening with my high school friend, Raina, and her two adorable kids. It was a fun evening watching the kids and catching up on life. The next day we met for lunch so just the two of us could chat. I loved that time. I really miss her. She is definitely one friend I hope to always have in my life.

Later that afternoon, the kids, my mom and I went shopping. I found Colt's Easter outfit and some cute clothes for the kids and we got some art supplies before heading back t o my parent's house. That evening, we ordered pizza, did some bunny crafts and colored Easter eggs.

On Saturday morning, we visited the Easter bunny. Colt was more receptive to this one. He would not go near the Easter bunny in the mall. We then played at the park for a while and had lunch. It was another great day!

On Sunday, we went to church. Colt lasted a good amount of time, but the extra-long Palm Sunday reading got the best of him, and I took the kids out to the car right before communion. After our usual iHop breakfast, the kids searched for Easter eggs before we hit the road.

I hope to go for another long weekend sometime during the summer.

Colt Buddy loved coloring Easter eggs!

Emma found it easier to just use her hands!

Everyone says this Easter bunny is creepy, but Colt wasn't afraid of him!

Goofy kids

10 months

Our little baby is growing into a little lady ... okay, not quite. But, she is growing so fast! She turned 10 months on the 19th, so as usual I'm behind. She is so close to walking ... she has taken three or four steps on several occassions, but she always drops to her knees and crawls as fast as she can to get what ever is she wants ... usually it's something she isn't supposed to have. She is also eating a lot more table food. That is almost all she gets at daycare. She also recently began drinking her formula in a sippy cup! I haven't tried that myself ... she just does that at daycare.

Here is a bulleted run down of her milestones:

• cruising, taking steps, nearly walking
• eating table food
• feeds herself with ease
• babbling much more
• now has seven teeth!
• has the absolute best smile in the world
• pushes toys everywhere
• recently began climbing
• likes to stand up in the tub
• opens the microwave on every opportunity
• wearing 12-18 months

Did I mention how much joy she brings to our lives? She is such a good baby! I have to start planning her birthday and schedule a photoshoot for her!