17 Weeks!!

I was almost sure this week's post would be pictureless -- where shall I start.........? This past weekend we traveled to Dallas for the birth of our nephew, Turner. As always, it takes us about 3 times as long as we plan to get ready and on the road, but needless to say -- we were off and traveling around 11 am Friday morning. The girls did great on the road trip. Jorgia didn't make a peep (that I remember), and DK did fine as long as we met her every demand. :) We were worried that we wouldn't be there right when Turner was born because Clancy had been dilated to a 2 or 3 for a couple of weeks. Luckily, by the time we arrived in Frisco, little Turner was still making his way to the world. The girls were very excited to see each other (that's not to say that there still weren't some love "pats" given here and there). After being in the hospital waiting area for a while, we decided to go and check into our hotel. Clancy was about a 6 at this point (I think) -- she thought we had plenty of time -- so, off we went. Once we got checked in the room, hung out for a while, and ate a few snacks -- we got the word that it was time to get to the hospital!! We were all running around excited, trying to get going as fast as we could. We had to go back in our room for something, and our key would NOT work. Keep in mind we were on the fourth floor. Trev ran down for them to reactivate the key. He tried again. Nothing. Back down he went. Meanwhile, I'm trying to keep Darb's from running off and Jorgia happy in her carrier. Thank goodness, the next attempt was successful! We grabbed our stuff and headed to the hospital. Once again, Turner hadn't quite made it to the outside world. BUT, not long after we had gotten there (7:38pm to be exact), William Turner was born. It never ceases to amaze me -- the miracle of birth -- a tiny baby, so new to the world. He had a head full of hair! To me, he really favored how Maggie looked when she was born. He is precious!! It emphasized the fact, once again, how short the tiny-baby phase is. I can't believe that my tiny Jorgia was that size a few short months ago. ANYWAY -- we oooooed and awwwwwwwwwed for a while, then gathered up the girls and headed to get some food. Once we got back to the hotel, we each grabbed an armful of kiddo, bags, food, etc. and went to the room to (hopefully) get some rest. We brought the pack 'n play for Jorgia -- which worked out well. There was a sleeper sofa (a.k.a. the "special bed") that we were going to see if DK was interested in. At first I thought there was no way she would stay over there by herself (it was right next to our bed). To my surprise, she was actually okay with it. She got in her bed, tossed and turned for a while. A few times she would say, "stay with me, mommy" or "mommy, I want to sleep with you". But, I would try and distract..... After a while, she drifted off into sleepytown.........until about 4am. She woke up. That was the end of the special bed. I will say she did a good job while in our bed. No strangling my neck or darth vador breathing in my ear. And now to the point of why this blog almost was and future ones may be pictureless -- Trev was downstairs to get our hang-up clothes, and upon his return delivered bad news. Someone had broken into our vehicle and STOLEN our hang-up clothes, Trev's laptop and.......MY CAMERA!!!!!! They shattered the glass on Darby Kate's side of the vehicle. Yes. We know and regret that we left those things in the car. We had our hands full, and just didn't make it back out to get the rest of the stuff. All in all, it was the best case scenario in a situation like this. a) Trevor asked that I pack lightly (a task which is rarely met) -- so, I had only put a few hang-ups for each of us gals. b) they didn't take our coats c) our video camera was UNDER our coats d) they missed out on some other valuables in the car e) and most importantly, noone was hurt. The main thing that upset me was that I wouldn't be able to have the pictures I had taken that night of Turner and the family. Fortunately, and mainly due to the blog -- I was up-to-date on downloading all of the pictures of the girls. Lesson learned (as usual -- the hard way!).

We tried to enjoy the rest of the weekend -- it was kind of funny (well, not really at the moment), after we waited all morning on the guy to come and fix we window -- we loaded up the girls to go do some furniture shopping, and.........the car wouldn't start! UGH!! SO -- just another bump in the road. I was proud of Trevor - he kept his cool. He took care of us and we just went right on truckin'. We did meet several behavioral challenges throughout the day from Miss Darby Kate. But, after I got home and really thought about it -- we were asking quite a bit from a two year old. Shopping all day for furniture is not an ideal activity for them, and all the gazillion things that they are NOT suppose to touch are just so enticing (not to mention mostly breakable!). It was an adventure to say the least!

We have been busy this past week getting ready for Christmas, and still working on house stuff. We are thinking (and hoping) that we will be in the house by the end of January. We could move in earlier, but with all this rain -- it has been difficult to get the sprinkler system installed, which needs to go in before the grass, which needs to be down before our little doggie children go outside and come back in with red clay all over their puppy paws!! Good things come to those who wait.................

And now for our Santa Adventure.......Miss traveled with us yesterday to go and see Santa!! The weather was not ideal for traveling. I thought we had waited until things calmed down, but we did have some heavy rain while on the way to Texarkana. We made it there safely, got the girls inside and dry, and headed to find Ho Ho. I was so glad that the line was short AND so happy to see that Ho Ho had a REAL beard!! We made our way over (with a double stroller, big camera box (I borrowed the camera from Trevor's office), diaper bag, my purse, etc. -- oh yeah -- I was also holding Darby Kate because, of course, she refused to ride in the stroller). Darby Kate talked a big game as we stood in line. Yes, she was going to sit in Ho Ho's lap. Yes, she was going to tell him she wanted "big toys" for Christmas (a fairly consistent answer to "what do you want Santa to bring you this year"). The time came for the girls to go and talk to Santa...............Jorgia goes in like a champ (I know.....her age is a big factor :) ), Darby Kate won't go near him. The persuading of Santa's helpers wasn't getting her any closer either. Finally, I swooped her up and kneeled down next to Santa. Santa and I discussed how hot it was -- I was feeling the heat of the parents waiting in line behind us, and Santa had on a few extra layers. Darby Kate did her best to turn her head AWAY from the camera. BUT, we finally had a couple of shots with us all facing forward (no smiles from the girls, though). Mission accomplished. Moment documented. WHEW!!!!! Thank you, Miss -- I couldn't have done it without you!!

Once again, so much more to say, but not enough time to finish! Will try to fill you in on some more at a later date. I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas! Travel safe!

The next three pics are the ones I used for our Christmas card.....

a good one of DK

oh wait......this one wasn't used (sorry)

a good one of Jorgia!

this was the only shot I got of DK -- she was always too close to me for me to get a pic of her

Ho Ho and Jorgia -- she's smiling big at Darby Kate

sugars from Santa

What a great Santa!! (curly-Q moustache and all!!)

16 Weeks!!

We have entered a new era. The moment I've been anxiously awaiting (and admittedly, somewhat dreading.......). The other morning I must have been in a deep sleep because the first noise I heard was a banging sound coming from Sugar's door. It was the sound of someone attempting to open the door repeatedly. Then I heard, "Hey guys! Hey guys!" -- I jumped up and went into her room to find her on the other side of the door. When I came in -- she threw both hands up in a touchdown motion and jumped up and down saying, "I did it! I did it by myself!!" I tried not to make a big deal of it and just said, "oh-----yes, you did!" I wasn't sure what was to come, but for the next several nights -- she didn't get out of bed on her own. One night she had to join us in our room because she woke up and didn't settle back down. She didn't wrap herself around my neck that night -- so, I was actually able to sleep. Once when I was returning from feeding Spice, I noticed she was snuggled up next to the Hubs. It made me laugh because the Hubs was sawing some logs right in her ear -- and it didn't bother her one bit! (needless to say it took me a while to go back to sleep -- I couldn't shake him in fear of waking her up!) Although I don't want the habit to form with an extra one in the bed -- it is fun to watch her sleep. Sugar has the most angelic little face when she is sleeping -- so peaceful -- it makes me forget those super fiery moments!! She had a great night last night -- 12 hours! AND, once again, I awoke to the sounds of a rattling door -- she had gotten out of bed by herself again! She mentioned that she had slept in her bed all night -- so, as long as she knows that's what we want her to do...........it's all good! :)

I ran a 5k in Texarkana this past weekend. I fed Spice around 6:30 that morning, and pumped some before I left (the race didn't start until 11). The Hubs had both the girls, and was going to attempt the bottle when Miss Spice got up for the day. Well, she woke up about 15 minutes after I walked out the door and had no interest whatsoever in the bottle! That little one held out until I got home around 2pm! So, Miss is still the only who has gotten her to take anything from the bottle............suggestions anyone???!!!??

On Sunday, my parents were in town for church. After the service we all headed over to Texarkana for lunch. You know those times you have envisioned in your mind that you can still go out to eat with kiddos and have a relaxing lunch -- eating peacefully and carrying on conversations with others? Well, this was one of those days that it was totally the opposite!! Sugar was everywhere -- she did not want to stay put. She crawled on the floor, all over the booth, she wanted in my lap, etc. etc. Spice was ready to eat herself, so I had to break out the hooter hider and attempt to feed her in a very confined space. This wasn't working out too well because bless her little heart -- her tummy was giving her trouble so she was a super squirmy little wormy! Meanwhile, I thought I was going to lose it -- trying to stay calm on the outside = temperature rising on the inside. Needless to say, we survived -- thanks Bebe and Papa for putting up with our craziness! The food was great!!

That same day -- we experienced our first visit to Chuck E. Cheese's. It was a little different than what I remembered as a child. Luckily, Spice decided for nap time while we were there. Sugar had fun -- she and the Hubs tried out a few games here and there. The Hubs and I re-visited the good 'ole ski ball days (I still think that if I had enough time I could beat him!)

We finished the day off with a very special Christmas Dinner at Babe and Poppy's house. Babe made beef tenderloin over toast with asparagus and hollandaise. We had a salad with apples, craisins, and blue cheese -- delicious!! And for dessert -- tiramisu! I enjoyed every bite -- thanks so much! Sugar and Spice each opened their first Christmas present for this year -- Sugar got a leap frog "puter" (it kind of looks like an enlarged blackberry -- so, she thought it was a phone, too), and Spice got these cute bears that say nursery rhymes. We were doing the dinner early because this weekend the SIL is having T! We are so excited to meet our new nephew!

The Christmas parties have begun -- Monday night we had our annual running club party. Sugar and Spice hung out with Babe and Poppy. Spice did some swingin' and Sugar helped Babe bake some Christmas cookies! It was nice to have some time to visit with friends -- thanks again Babe and Poppy!

I'll be sure and post soon about T -- wish us luck on our adventure to Dallas!!

Oh yeah -- if you see the scratch on Sugar's nose -- she encountered a little fall this week as well. It scared her Daddy, and probably would have given me a heart attack had I witnessed it!

Look at that cute Ho Ho hiney!
How do you people get the perfect family pic -- it seems impossible for me to get everyone looking at once!!
Almost..........
The following two pics is what I call "Good Travelin".....one down.......
two down!
Checking out the rides at Chuck E's
Sugar while at Chuck E's I was looking through my pictures the other morning and Sugar actually requested "take my picture mommy in my jammies"

"CHEESE!!!"

15 Weeks!!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year.........." -- here we are folks -- Christmas time's a comin'!!! I really can't believe we are halfway through December -- CRAZINESS!! I wish I could say that I'm finished with my Christmas shopping, the gifts are wrapped, yada yada yada -- but that's so far from the truth it's pitiful! We have in our minds the things we are going for -- we just have to get out there and get it! We have been staying busy with house prepping activities, parties, meetings, etc. The shopping time has been fairly limited. I think one good afternoon/evening will get it done (plus possibly a few online purchases as well). Online shopping is a good thing for a mama with two little ones. Although -- I really like seeing things in person much better! Retailers can make just about anything look good online -- it can be a different story once you get it home.

The 15th week of Jorgia's life was a little challenging. Trev was out of town hunting starting on Wednesday night. We braved it at home by ourselves one night -- other than lack of sleep -- things were fine. Mom was coming to stay with us Thursday night, and thank goodness she did! I came down with the stomach bug with a vengeance! YUCK! That thing is going rampant through Hope. I have heard of a ton of people that have had it recently. No fun, no fun at all. Fortunately, it was short-lived. The next day was pretty much a blah, do nothing day. Saturday, I was determined to get THE picture for the Christmas card. The photo session that day convinced me that a) I'm not a photographer, and b) I need to go to a photographer next time!! We were able to get a few decent shots -- the ones I included on here were before Miss Jorgia had eaten -- she didn't have too many smiles!

Another milestone was met this week -- Jorgia rolled over from her back to her belly!! She has only done this once that we know of, but Trev and I both witnessed it! She is getting so strong, and loves to stand up while supported. She will be walking before we know it!!

Darby Kate is a spicy little thing -- I'm starting with the spice part because as I am typing this she is screaming her head off throwing a temper tantrum with "Miss". This age is very challenging -- the discipline part is especially difficult. I have mixed emotions about spankings. Trevor is convinced they work. I don't see what good it does to do something like spank after a child has acted up -- especially if they have just hit someone. They hit someone so you "hit" them back -- what is that teaching? Also, they say not to do it when you're angry, which is typically right when the incident has happened; but yet you are suppose to the address the situation ASAP. SO confusing and conflicting. What to do, what to do. I am definitely not the perfect parent. Far from it. I have so much to learn and improve on. My patience wears thin and I react in ways I shouldn't. I hope and pray that she ends up sweet and kind. But, if her behavior now is any indication............we might be in trouble!! :)

Gotta go for now -- situation is OOC (out of control) with Miss Darbs -- say a prayer for ALL of us!!

Jorgia had had enough for the moment -- feed me mama!!

Darby Kate and Papa watching a football game

I came back to our room to find Darbs and Pep bonding

I have a friend who says I can't take a picture without the head tilt......

We attended the annual Christmas parade.......I told Dennis when I took this picture that he would be on the blog!

Darby Kate enjoyed watching all the participants

Little Jorgia was bundled up tight!

This man in the little car stopped for a photo op

She even picked up a few pieces of candy (most of which she couldn't eat -- choking hazards!)

3 Months Old!!

I wanted to have a post with pictures from Jorgia's exact three-month b-day. The pictures are not great, but they document how she looked on her for-real three-month birthday! She is such a sweet and pleasant baby. She is smiling so much these days. She watches everyone, and especially loves to watch Darby Kate. We have heard several really big laughs - which cracks me up. It amazes me to think she is doing these things when I think.........she is 3 little months old. I love to watch her little eyes light up and eyebrows raise at what we consider the simple things in life. Really things that we rarely acknowledge -- little movements here and there, a fan, colors, responding to facial expressions. I am just truly enjoying watching her grow and develop. The days of just hanging out quietly in church are over. She wants to stand up and listen during Sunday School. And if we don't watch it -- she would just chat away during church.

I had mentioned before that she had given us a couple of 11-12 hour nights. That was a BIG tease!! (very funny, Miss Jorgia!) Here of late she has been consistently getting up any where from 12 to 2, and then again from 4 to 6. (I don't mean she stays up that long -- just in those time frames). She usually is up around 30 minutes and then goes back down. I'm not sure what or if we did anything differently for Darbs, but DK was sleeping through the night around at 8 weeks!! I know, I know -- all babies are different. Oh well, she is so sweet that I don't mind (not to say that I don't get a little grouchy after lack of sleep for several days..........) It's just that timing is not always my friend. Darby Kate often wakes up right after I feed Jorgia that second time, so that's the end of my sleep for that night!! I just try and convince myself that I will have plenty of time to sleep later in life.........

Hope you enjoy the pics!

DK was helping Daddy rake the yard. I think here she was taking some pine needles from the big pile over to the freshly raked area!!

Trev hard at work

we were going to see one of Trev's friends from high school - say, "CHEESE!!!!!"

sweet, sweet baby Jorgia

no big smiles that night!

DK was helping hold the sign :)

13 AND 14 Weeks!!

Here I go again........constantly trying to catch up. I see no end in sight, but I will keep trying! I feel like chaos is my theme song. I love organization and have such good intentions, but it's just not happening these days. Oh well -- back to what's been going on. Just staying busy with everyday things and throwing in a few celebrations here and there. It's so fun watching these girls grow and develop. I was talking to my mom the other day about how truly amazing it is to witness a little one develop. I have worked with many children, but my focus is on their gross motor skills. And, I've been fascinated with that. BUT -- the psychological aspect, language development, social interactions...........really fun and amazing. My mom has always said that children are little people. That is oh so true.



As usual, the intensity of some situations have faded away over the past couple of weeks. I just can't seem to get them documented at the time they occur, and therefore the dramatic details don't have the same effect. Lets see......The weekend of Maggie's party was pretty hectic. The girls and I stayed in Arkadelphia while Trev did some hunting. I got up early and went to the Spa 10k/5k in Hot Springs. Meanwhile back at the Baker House, little Miss Jorgia refused to take a bottle until I got home. Mom said the only time she really fussed was when she put the bottle to her mouth. That little one has a stubborn streak like her big sis!! After the 5k, I hopped in the car, picked up the girls in Arky, and took off for Hope to pick up Trev. We picked up Trevor and headed for Dallas for Maggie's 2nd B-day party. The party was so much fun and had so many cute details (many pics below!). After the party we were "On the road again" and went back to Hope -- all that traveling in ONE day!!! It was pretty exhausting, but worth it so that we could see everyone and do everything!

The Thanksgiving holidays also fell within this two week period. Food, Family and Fun!! We were Arkadelphia Wednesday night to celebrate with my family. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures on my camera (mom must have had her camera out). Will have to get some and post them later. The food and fellowship was so fun -- the kids had a blast running and squealing all over the place. Things were lively and happenin'!! We stayed with them that night and went to Hot Springs to be with Trevor's fam on Thanksgiving Day. Once again, the food and fellowship were wonderful. The girls had a great time -- a few scraps -- but, ended the evening with a hug and a smile! :)

A lifelong friend of mine, Jesseca, was in town over the holidays. I was so glad that our kiddos were able to see each other and that we were able to visit. We always try to meet up at Mom's for some sweet tea. We have lots of laughs catching up and talking about what is going on in our lives. Four kiddos definitely adds some activity to the mix!! We had fun seeing and playing with Jack and Miss Mary Lou, Jesseca!!

Well, if I'm ever going to get this posted -- I better go ahead and do it. I have to add Jorgia's 3 month post -- so, I still have MORE pictures from this two-week period as well as what the girls are saying (yes, BOTH are talking!! :) ) Gotta get some new-house stuff taken care of!!! Hope everyone is doing well -- have a great day!!

Maggie's 2nd B-day Party!! Theme: LadyBugs!

What a great time! A successful party -- it's all about the details..........

Dixie, Clancy, and Linda Lee did all the work for the party -- they did a wonderful job! Look at the oh-so-cute cake!! precious ladybug cupcakes

these little bug crackers were delicious as well as cute! cream cheese on Ritz with tomatoes for the wings, black olives for the head and chives for the antennas! Yum-o!
grapes and strawberries went well with the black and red theme

Ladybug tree

fishin' for ladybugs (apples)

decorating their cupcakes

another activity was to make these super-cute reindeer with their feet and hands

Here is DK -- ready to party!!

LL and Jorgia spending some time

Babe and the girls

yummy icing!

sweet little Jorgia just bounced from lap to lap

bouncin' with Poppy

what a sweetie!

DK having her foot painted to make her deer

As Darby Kate says, "Ta Da!!!!"

Jorgia made one, too!!

Lets not even say what it looks like she stepped in......

she got a little fired up when we painted her hand

Jorgia's "Ta Da!!!"

I had to include this angelic face......so peaceful!

These are pics from Thanksgiving......a fun activity while at Babe's lake house

look at those squeezable cheeks!

sweet sugars from Daddy

Where did she get that attitude from?

the cousins watchin' a show

Jesseca and baby Jorgia

Mom and Mary Lou

Mr. Jack -- he is so funny!

what a cutie!

Bebe and Jorgia

Darbs loved holding Mary Lou.....not so sure Mary Lou felt the same!

Craziness!!

Take me home mama- what a day!!