Richard, Dana Lynne, Jillian, and Baby Two!

More language explosions with Everett

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:42:00 GMT

Everett was looking at a baby board book of 101 Dalmations and saw a picture of dogs going down steps. He pointed and said,

"Dog" . . . "(s)tep" . . . "Going down." (the latter was clear enough that I knew what he was saying - I was just impressed that he was able to gather that from the picture and then verbalize it!

Last night, I asked him to pick out a book to read and as he walked back with "Go, Dog, Go!" he said, "go pah-ee" - I immediately knew that he was talking about the very end when they go to a "dog party"!!!!! Yay, E!!!!!!

Some of his other favorite things to say are:

HI-ing (hiding)
fish (only, he rounds his lips when saying it, so it sounds more German!)
carsh (cars), shimmon (cinnamon)
tunnel (rounded lips here, too)
"wee-wee!" - as he raises his arms up, means he wants to be picked up
Fie! (fly) - usually says when he's standing in his crib
cah-seat
jeep
dee-yen (something similar to this, in reference to Jillian)
chay-meh (change me, as in diaper)
oooooooh, BABY! (thanks, Daddy, for teaching E the important things)
Hogguh - Hog (as in Razorback)
Cookie (as in Cookie Monster...he's a big fan)

I'm certain there are many more, but as if the lack of blog posts probably already indicates, time isn't something i've had a whole lot of lately! one day...

Everett's Language Explosion

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:49:00 GMT

I know I’ve said this before, but I hate how far behind I’ve gotten with blogging; in particular, how I haven’t been so great at keeping record of many of the things Everett has done – either milestones, cute things, and even frustrating things. I guess I’m just going to do what I can, when I can…

So just in the last month or so, Everett has been talking, talking, talking. In one way, I’m not surprised, since there is talking all around him, all the time. Jillian is, as we all know, quite talkative and extremely articulate, so while part of me is not surprised that he had this language explosion, there is another part of me that’s a bit surprised, as I had heard many people talking about younger siblings often not getting a chance to get in a word, edgewise!

At any rate, Everett is showing consistency in the fact that he has the drive to do what we (Richard, myself, and/or Jillian) are doing, and in this case, saying. We can be in conversation, and Everett will pick random words he hears and just start repeating them! Over and over! Example, I was getting the kids out of the car one afternoon, and was telling Jillian that “Maybe we’ll ride the bike later on this afternoon…” Everett started saying, “bike! bike! bike!” Only, it was more like, “bi-kh” (with an emphasis on the “k”). Today, I finally realized what he meant by “nink” – it always reminds me of Seuss’s book that says “there’s a nink in the sink” – he was staying, “STINK!” As in “stinky diaper”!!!

Other words:

Dobo = Dora
Gobo = Grover
Elmo
Hello (sometimes “heh-wooooh”)
Bye bye
Hi
Mommy
Daddy
Deeeyah = Jillian
Nap
Nack = snack
Rooster says, “dock-a-doo!”

First Family Trip to Arkansas!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:20:00 GMT

Everett at 18 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:49:00 GMT

Little E-dawg,

At 18 months old, you are indescribably, adorably, PRECIOUS. You are a clever, little guy, motivated to do whatever Jillian is doing, to have whatever Jillian has, and curious to figure out how things work. You still love the vacuum cleaner, and now, you have a special place in your hear for Grover and Elmo. When watching Sesame Street, if Grover is on the screen, you immediately run off to find your Grover!

Speaking of tv, I tried to wait. I waited as long as I could. I waited more than 2 years to introduce tv to Jillian, but I'm sorry to say that I wasn't able to the same this time around. However, the good news (sort of) is that even when I have the tv on, you don't really stick around to watch for very long. You like to stand thisclose to the tv, sucking your thumb and playing with your hair. I try to get you to sit on the couch, or your little chair...and you do. For a couple of minutes. Sometimes, you enjoy laying on the couch and doing the thumb/hair thing, not even watching the tv (especially when Jillian is around to lay next to or on top of!).

You're extremely playful and just such a happy, happy boy! We often describe you as very obedient. After getting into something, we'll ask you to take it back, and you almost immediately do so...and do so happily! However, it seems to be because you already have a mental checklist of the next thing you can get into! So, many times, it's more about us being proactive and preventative, and doing our best to anticipate what you'll want to get into, rather than having to constantly respond and say, "no, no, no..."

You love to play "Peek-ah" (peek-a-boo), and today, you had fun hanging out under a table and playing it with Daddy:

Seriously. The cutest, little boy. Ever!

You look up to your Daddy so much (both literally and figuratively). I love witnessing how much you love each other!

And Jillian...you love, love, LOVE Jillian! You really try your best to do everything she does...and you do a pretty good job of it, too! I don't know that I'll ever forget the numerous squabbles you and Jillian have had at this table she is pictured sitting at. Fighting over that one chair. Even if there is another chair. Jillian will get in the chair, and you'll come over and try to crawl up there with her! Or, what is even funnier (and happens all of the time), is when Jillian gets up to go to the bathroom, the second she's out of eyesight, you bolt for the chair and are instantly sitting up in it, on your knees. Totally proud of yourself. Of course, it didn't take Jillian very long to figure out that this was going on...so NOW, before she gets up for anything, she asks me, "Will you watch Everett so he doesn't get in my chair???"

Gotta love sister's necklace!

Mommy: "Where's your nose?"
You (pointing to your nose, as pictured below): "naaaahh"

Ear . . . Hair . . .

Oh no...that's a mischievous grin!!

Dr. Al said, "Dana Lynne, that is gonna be one, tall kiddo..."

Growing and gaining steadily and wonderfully!!!! So thankful we've been able to successfully do the vegetarianism thing with you, Everett!!!

You are such a sweet, sweet boy, Everett! Mama LOVES you!!!

Jillian's First Pedicure

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:20:00 GMT

Today, I decided it would be fun to introduce Munchkin to the world of pedicures. Well okay, not a full-on pedicure...basically just painting her toenails. Every time Jillian sees my toenails painted (not common), she asks what it is and says, "Maybe when I'm a mommy, I can paint my toenails, too!"

Before:

(waiting for Mommy to stop taking pics):

After:

My beautiful girl. Growing up so fast...but I'm going to enjoy all of these little, "girlie" milestones every step of the way!

8/31 Summary

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:19:00 GMT

Spent a while on J's hair before school. Made us run late. She gets in car while I get Everett. I get in car and realize my time spent on her hair was pointless. It's messed up. I tell her that I hope she gets there in time to be Mrs. Wag's teacher helper...so sad that she didn't cooperate while I did her hair and made it take a while...and then made all of that time wasted...(we made it there on time. barely.)

Enjoyed my time with Everett and made homemade Ranch Dressing, using Deceptively Delicious recipe (pureed navy beans in it). Everett was a big fan of the dressing. Still not a fan of actually eating carrots. They are merely a means to his end of ingesting all of the dressing. Which is precisely why I decided to make a dressing with some element of nutrition.

Picked Jillian up...we got in the car, which was parked near a flowering tree. A bee flew in. Jillian's reaction was CAH-RA-ZY!!!! Yelling, squealing, kicking, cringing...meanwhile, Everett is in his carseat, sucking his thumb, playing with his hair (occasionally screaming b/c Jillian was). The bee was around J's carseat, so she was sitting on the console next to me. About 10 minutes later, after I finally got J in her seat and drove off with the windows down, the bee flew out.

We got home. I asked J to take her lunch out of her backpack, as well as her blue folder, and to hang her backpack on the hook. This was taking entirely too long, so I said I was going to shut the (utility room) door so that she could get this done without Everett and myself in her way. What do I do? I start to close the door, but realize that E's left pinkie finger is in the crack and he begins to scream and cry. I feel like a HORRIBLE mother, pick up Everett, and he is clinging to me like he never has before. :(

But it gets better. Really! The kids play in the playroom nicely (well, let's be honest - E tried grabbing J's Bunny, and that wasn't cool), with Play-Doh! This is a big deal! Jillian is slowly getting better at sharing and giving up some of the control!!!!

Later, the three of us watch Sesame Street together. Jillian on one side of me, Everett laying on the other side of me, sucking his thumb.

Good times. :)

Facing Forward!

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:24:00 GMT

We finally turned Everett around to face forward in the car! The most recent suggestions were to wait as long as possible, depending on the child's weight, height, and make of the car seat, so now, at 18 months, I have 2 kiddos facing the same way! I love that I can look in the mirror and see Everett now! In fact, many times what I see is... BOTH of them sucking their thumbs. Argh. Trying to gently break that habit of J's, but I know she's tired and just wants to chill on the way home from school...Everett has been a pretty happy kiddo in the car seat lately, regardless of which way he faces...he just chills out, checkin' out the scenery. :)

Some of E's Favorite Books...

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:19:00 GMT

Everett, at 18 months, you are quite fond of books. Part of me is surprised, since you're so, so active. However, since Jillian is always reading and Daddy and I read to you quite frequently, I guess you've really had no choice in the matter!

These are a couple of the latest library books you've really enjoyed (particularly "Gossie" - I can say, "Where's Gossie?" and you'll immediately go and get the book and eagerly await a reading):

However, one of your VERY favorite books (so much that you happily listen to it before every naptime and every bedtime) is:

Big Red Barn

In particular, you seem to love the pages with the following text. Or at least, that's what your little laughs imply...

And they all lived together
In the big red barn
And they played all day
In the grass and in the hay.

When the sun went down
In the great green field,
The big cow lowed,
The little pig squealed.

The horses stomped in the sweet warm hay,
And the little donkey gave one last bray.

In fact, I think this book has helped you perfect your "rooster" sound: it's essentially "DOCK-a-doo!" (Dock - high pitch; a - little lower; doo - little lower than that; combine those pitches with a happy grin, and it's one of the sweetest sounds ever!)

You love Goodnight Moon, too, of course. :)

And Barnyard Banter has become a recent favorite, as well...I think you like hearing Mommy make all the funny animal sounds...and that's perfectly fine; I love making the sounds for you!

A while back, you laughed REALLY hard at Blue Hat, Green Hat...I'm kinda thinking we just need to purchase that one - it's super cute!

Jillian's 1st Day of Kindergarten

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 10:05:00 GMT

Dear Jillian,

You had your first day of Kindergarten today. Daddy and I have been so excited for this day! You are MORE than ready to be in a school setting 4 days a week! For at least a couple of years now, we've realized that you are pretty advanced in many ways. A couple that come to mind immediately are your ability to do puzzles, and your advanced coloring skills. Of course, there's also the reading aspect. You're reading, reading, reading ANYTHING we put in front of you (well, actually, anything you can get your hands on!). From what we've figured (based on a variety of teaching tools via the internet, as well as Mommy's teaching experience), you're reading and comprehending at about a 2nd to 3rd grade level! It is absolutely incredible. Sometimes, I kick myself for teaching you, as it has only made the situation a bit more frustrating: You are already advanced for Kindergarten. Probably for 1st grade, at least in a couple of areas. But given all of that, you miss the public school cut-off date (Sept. 1) by a month! So technically, you would start public Kindergarten next year. Our plan is definitely to have you test into 1st next year. Yes, you'll be 5 years old when you start 1st grade, and yes, the aspect of you being the youngest has definitely been a topic of conversation between Mommy and Daddy. We've had this discussion of, "what do we do with this child?!" MANY times. I was always the youngest in my class, with a Summer birthday, and on the surface, I think it was fine; I ended up being Valedictorian, and did show choir, was a drill team captain, and still maintained some sense of a social life. HOWEVER, it came with A. LOT. of work. I often wonder if I worked so hard in an effort to battle some sense of (self-imposed) inferiority complex, regarding age. But maybe it wasn't the age. Anyway, however things turn out for you, academically, emotionally, and socially, please know that Daddy and I talked about all of this many times, researched it, took many things into consideration. And we feel like the best compromise at all levels, is to have you start Kindergarten now, with the intention of moving on to 1st grade next year. Socially, we think you're fine. In fact, if we had you go "on schedule," you would most definitely be bored, academically. And as a result, we may, very likely, run into social issues.

You have an intense love of, and motivation to learn. That's not to say that you don't easily get frustrated. And growl. And very literally throw your hands up and say, "It's too hard! I can't do it!" But once you figure something out, you run with it. You do it well, you figure out how to apply it to its intended area, as well as other areas. I really could go on and on. Your little brain fascinates and astounds me!

So let's move on from the "deep stuff" to the fun stuff! Pictures we took before leaving for your first day at the ARK program.

You were very excited! And I feel so lucky that you are not picky when it comes to clothes. I've met one mother at the school whose daughter refused to wear the white, peter pan collared shirt! You've just always put on whatever I've asked you to put on. Or chose from the options I've given you. (most of the time)

All your backpack holds is your Laptop Lunch, your blue folder from school, and your sweater jacket.

I was so thrilled that Daddy cleared it with work to come to the office a little late, so that he could join me in taking you to our classroom. He was also super sweet and took a picture of you and I walking up to and into the school! Thank you, Daddy!

Your backpack goes into a laundry basket that has your name on it.

You and your teacher, Ms. Wagliardo. She is so, so sweet, and came highly recommended by our friend, Amberly (whose son, Nick, was in her class last year!). You seem to already like Ms. "Wag" - yay!!!

One, last pic with Ms. Wag...and a picture of you finding your desk with your nametag on it...

Mommy and Munchkin! I'm so thrilled for you and this new stage of your life! I KNOW you're going to LOVE it!!!!

Blunt? Yes. Modest? Not so much. Self-esteem? Guess so!

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 09:32:00 GMT

conversation between Jillian and myself (prompted, i think, by her reading skills...or maybe when she was doing some pretty challenging activity pages and puzzles in a workbook):

Me: how did you get to be so smart?
Jillian: well, i just am.

Wonder if I should go back to the QOTD...

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 06:56:00 GMT

As Jillian did a "Hidden Pictures" activity in a Highlights magazine this morning...

J: what's a cane?
Mommy: it's a stick that a person uses to help them walk.
J: but you have legs. and feet. why don't you just use your legs and feet?
M: because sometimes you need help if you've hurt your legs or feet.
J: oh.

Peek-a-Boo!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:57:00 GMT

This is how I found Everett when I went to get him out of the car this morning, after dropping Jillian off...too funny to see the door slide open to this adorable face playing peekaboo!

An Artsy Crowd

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:01:00 GMT

Today, Jillian played at Olivia's house, while Everett took his nap at our house. I figured that playing somewhere else would be WAY more exciting than hanging out here...and I was right:

When I arrived to pick up Jillian, she and Olivia were dressed up and were dancing together. I believe Olivia said they were "partners," and I'm almost positive that this must've been a new term to Jillian:

(meanwhile, Everett attempted to get some energy out by jumping on their trampoline)

Later on, the girls decided to draw. But then they decided to just play in O's room. At first, Everett was upset that he couldn't follow them in there, but then, he capitalized on being the only child left in the living room. He decided to do his own drawings!

Both Debbie and I were very impressed by how diligent E was, in terms of putting caps back on the markers, and then putting the markers back in their containers.

This is what happens...

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:32:00 GMT

...when I'm downstairs for just a little too long (well, at least as far as Everett is concerned).

The red basket was flying through the air just as I started walking up the stairs...

Jillian is getting better about not laughing (as much) when Everett starts hurling things over the gate, but still...

Ugh. At the top of the stairs. No doubt just saying, "maaaammmmmaaaaa" as he shakes the bars super hard...

Lovely view, isn't it?

Watch the Birdie!

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:17:00 GMT

This morning, we had a lot of birds in the backyard. Actually, they're there most mornings. They hang out on the fence, the play area, the patio table, and their new favorite spot is on the side of the pool. Yeah, that's right. These are classy birds!

Thank you, birds, for providing a full, 5 minutes (I think?) of quiet entertainment for Jillian and Everett!

I'm almost certain Everett was saying, "DEE-YAH!" (that's what he says about everything...just sometimes, it has a different inflection)

Getting a better view of the birds from underneath the shades. Note the fingerprint-covered glass. This is clearly not the first time the child has hung out at this location:

Willow Bend Play

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:39:00 GMT

Today, we ventured out to an old favorite: the Willow Bend play area. Only, I went knowing that it had been revamped since the last time we were there with Jillian...

In general, it did not disappoint. It was pretty different, though. A Looney Tunes theme, with many more structures to climb on, under, through, over; things that made sound, and probably a bit more suited to older toddlers than the layout that was there when Jillian was younger.

It was pretty crowded. And it would've probably been a little stressful if I had just had Jillian at Everett's age. But since I had Everett at Everett's age (almost 18 months), it was a bit more than just a little stressful. I wish that there was something that keeps the little ones from going out of the play area...that seems like something simple enough, that would subtract a decent amount of stress from at least me...Everett escaped once (just barely); and then a second time, where I actually saw him heading out, and wasn't far away at all, but because it was so crowded, I couldn't get him as quickly as I normally could...so he began haulin' booty down the mall hallway, barefoot!

But this is just the tip of the iceburg. One of the things I realized today is that Everett's mission in life seems to be that of giving his Mommy a heart attack.

He did things that many children Jillian's age might hesitate a little bit to do. Or that they may not do at all. Yes, it's true that Jillian has always been super cautious and hesitant to do a lot of things, but it was just ironic how it was a big deal to her that she was SO high up - sitting - on this one structure, and that Everett, without an ounce of hesitation stood on top of the very same structure.

I finally decided that we would leave the play area after Everett, for the second time, climbed up onto what was essentially a wall of one of the structures (oh, about 6 inches wide), and would've climbed over/attempted to stand up on it (and most likely, subsequently fall off).

It's just so funny how, with Jillian, I probably could have sat there, reading a book, knowing that she wouldn't go off where I couldn't see her, much less climb too high (or at all!); and with Everett, I can barely sit down for more than two seconds! I love that they're so different. Life is definitely exciting with each of them, for very different reasons!

A collection of pictures from playing in the play area:

Jillian wanted to ride this, and Everett had fun joining her!

"Picnic lunch" in the food court:

Jillian threw a penny into a fountain for the first time...it was fun to share that experience with my sweet girl. She was pretty concerned about where the penny went, and if we could get it back. I explained that the purpose was to make a wish with it! And she wished that she could get lots of new My Little Ponies. I quickly stopped her and said that she can't tell anyone what the secret is going to be, or else it might not come true..."What does 'come true' mean?" I explained that it means something happens, and that in this case, it would be something she's wishing for. However, I also told her that sometimes wishes come true, sometimes they don't, sometimes it's quickly, and sometimes it's not right away. Later, she said, "Well, I just wish I was a pony..." And that was a whole different conversation. :)

Jillian calls it like it is...

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:39:00 GMT

Listening to "cry me a river" by Dianna Krall:

Jillian- "wow, this is a slow song!"
(I chuckle)
Jillian - "like a turtle!"

Sometimes I have to remind myself that she's not even five...

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:35:00 GMT

Jillian just read the word "destination" without really skipping a beat!!

In doing some Dino games in a book, she flips to the back of the book and says, "or you can just go back here and see how to do it..."

Awfully proud of his climbing abilities...

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:40:00 GMT

Rule of Thumb: If there's a chance at all, that he can do it, Everett WILL climb on top of it.

Galleria Play

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:30:00 GMT

Today, Jillian, Everett, and I met up with some friends from a Mom Group that I'm in. Location: Dallas Galleria play area. Overall feelings regarding this location: a new favorite!

Although the pictures pretty much speak for themselves, there are a few things to note:

Everett didn't waste ANY time. No hesitation, no tentative, curious exploration of the lay of the land. No. This child basically went to anything and everything there was. As fast as he could. Jillian immediately ran off as well, climbing on whatever she could, running around the perimeter of the area, calling out, "Everett, c'mon! C'mon, Everett! This way!" It was precious.

I had a great time meeting some new mommies from the group, but I was still very preoccupied with "where's Everett...what's he doing..." At one point, I saw him in the process trying to slide down what essentially was a cliff (underneath was a "cave"). Luckily, even though I couldn't get there fast enough (just barely!), another mommy caught Everett! Huge sigh of relief. Not surprisingly, Everett very quickly began to attempt the SAME "trick" shortly thereafter. Completely unfazed by the first time around! It was as if he thought the whole thing was a game!

I swear, I'm just blown away by how different Jillian and Everett are. Jillian has always been so cautious and hesitant to try anything new. Everett? Not so much. It's not like there are things that seem "easy" and "difficult" to him. Little ladybug structure in the play area to sit on? Easy. Comparatively huge (plastic) rock mountain structure thing to climb up in the play area? Easy. Or at least that's what goes through Everett's mind. He just sees it, climbs it, slides back down, repeats. No sense of "oh no, this could be dangerous." There are so many things that Jillian is doing just NOW, that he doesn't think twice about tackling.

Anyway, point is, they're so different, and yet they have a blast together! I love it. Jillian was very adamant about the fact that we needed to come back to the Galleria to play again. :)

Here's a sampling of pics taken from my iPhone:

Happy 30th to ME!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:01:00 GMT

Wow. 30. Unlike many (I've heard), I'm actually very excited to have turned 30! I guess maybe I feel like that age "represents" me better than what a number in the twenties did. Or at least, in my opinion. Not because I feel "old," but I guess maybe because I feel like so many other people in their 20s are at a completely different stage in life. Since having Jillian at age 25, I've always been one of the youngest (if not THE youngest) Mommies in my various social circles. And at the same time, many of my friends in their 20s are still enjoying "DINKY" life. Or are pursuing a higher level of education.

And honestly, the number isn't all that important...but I feel like sometimes, people don't take someone (especially a mother?) in her twenties as seriously as they might take a person in their thirties.

Besides, I'm PROUD to have been around this "long," and I cherish every, single day I have here, on this earth, with my amazing husband and 2 sweet kiddos! (Even though sometimes, it's a bit difficult to do so...).

Anyway, moving on to my birthday festivities...

Richard surprised me with a dinner at Blue Mesa Grill! LOVE that place! We arrived (oh, about an hour late...babysitter didn't have our address or phone number...long story!) and our good friends Megan & Jude, Lynette & Anthony, and Richard's friend, Jason and his wife, Lorrie, were there waiting for us!!!!!! It was so sweet to know that Richard had started to plan a big celebration about a month and a half ago! Unfortunately, the combination of various summer vacations, difficulties in getting babysitters, and whatever else - pretty quickly affected the number of people on the Evite that were able to respond "Yes."

Ultimately, though - it was the best celebration EVER. Megan and Jude are always a blast. And Lynette and Anthony are a couple that we've been wanting to get to know better (I've known Lynette since 1st grade, when we met at Lakehill). It truly was the perfect group of people, and it was so fun to see friends from two, totally different times in my life, relate and have fun! Of course, they were both waiting for a good, long while for us to show up, so I guess they had no choice!

Anyway, after chowin' down on some AWESOME sweet potato chips, adobe pie, and more yummies that can only be enjoyed at BMG, the waiter brought out a cake:

Simply AMAZING. Richard was so, incredibly thoughtful to have ordered a cake from the local bakery - Say It With Sugar - as he knew that I'd been eying their creations since their shop opened in recent months. What a beautiful surprise!!!

After a night of chatting and eating, Richard surprised me with a birthday card...that was extra special because it contained a sweet poem he wrote that told me we would be going to the Michael Buble concert the next night!!!!!!! If only we could have taken a picture of my excitement over THAT!!!!!

It was such a fun time, and I am so grateful to my wonderful friends and to my seriously amazing and thoughtful husband! He later said that he doesn't ever want to do a surprise of any kind again; he felt like he was "cheating" on me, as he had to talk to my friend Crystal "behind my back," and just plan stuff without me. :)

On our way out to the car, I realized that we completely neglected to take pictures of us and our friends at dinner! The only pictures we got involved the cake! ARGH! So we did a little post-dinner mini-shoot outside the restaurant:

L: Richard carrying the remainder of the cake back to the car (showing the uneaten side).
R: One of the last pictures of me as a 29 year old...what a WONDERFUL night!

When we got home, I gave in (as if there was a struggle) to temptation and picked up the top tier of the cake (chocolate chocolate chip!) by the dowel that still remained and had at it:

A couple more collages from the evening:

Thank you for all of the thoughtfulness and planning you put into this, Richard! I love you!!!

Under the Table.

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:48:00 GMT

This morning, I was getting ready in our bathroom while the kids played in the living room/downstairs playroom. Lately, they've been pretty happy hanging out while Michael Buble plays in the background (at Jillian's request...no, really!). I can't really describe what exactly they do; it's a combination of "dancing," spinning, running, following, dressing up, climbing, reading, and just generally messing up the place. But they're happy and truly enjoy each other's company.

Anyway, I was getting ready and decided to check on them. As I opened the bedroom door, the first thing I noticed was how suspiciously quiet it was. It's not that it's always loud, and many times, J and E actually play pretty quietly in the playroom. So I tiptoed toward the playroom to peek in and see what they were doing...only, they weren't in there. I looked around for a few seconds and found them. Under the table behind the couch:

Everett seemed pretty pleased with his new "pillow"

I love that Jillian's hand is under him, trying to hold him:

Check out Jillian's super long lashes!

So silly. So sweet. They really love each other and are such great friends!!! I so thankful for both of them and for being able to witness and nurture their special relationship.

Waiting for the garbage truck to come back to our street...

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:54:00 GMT

The Dalton Gang Takes Over the Library

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:31:00 GMT

Today, I called my brother to see if he and the kiddos wanted to meet us at the library to see the Bongo Rod puppet show. We were thrilled that the kids got to see each other, laugh together, and just hang out. The puppet show was hilariously cute. Gunnar was chosen to help out with a puppet, and Jillian pleasantly surprised me by raising her hand to volunteer to help, too!

Gunnar and Jillian immediately hit it off; it seems like the older they get, the more fun they have together. It's so neat to see them relate to each other, laugh together, play together, and even call out the other one's name. They're similar in size and they almost look like they could be brother and sister, too...

After every other person in the kid section left, our kiddos were still there. They had rearranged the chairs into a "nest." I'm assuming a dinosaur nest:

Gunnar and Jillian took time out from the dinosaur section to give us some smiles for the camera phone...well, Gunnar sort of did...my reverse psychology that always works with Jillian ("DON'T smile!) didn't work with Gunnar.

PB&J Peek-a-Boo

noreply@blogger.com (Dana Lynne) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:24:00 GMT

Today, I made the mistake of giving Everett a peanut butter and jelly sandwich that had a little more jelly than he's used to. I also made the mistake of leaving the room for a few minutes. He has a pretty good time playing peek-a-boo with Jillian, using random objects. Such as his drink. And his sandwich. Oops.