Pictures that Make Me Smile

Choosing a Christmas tree at Lowes.  It was soo cold and that is a post in its own right!

My favorite people!!!

My sweet girls and I

SUPER LOREN!  These super hero items were from Dawson's birthday party.

All smiles from the smallest and biggest Wingates!

Our sweet friend, Brooke, makes yummy Christmas cookies each year.  She invited Loren to help her ice some this year!

Winter Wonderland Fun

My friend and former co-worker (he retired), Mike, loves to decorate his house for Christmas.  He makes and sets up all his decorations himself and each year dresses up as Santa one evening.  We have been taking Loren to visit "Santa" at his house since she was a baby.  She was totally comfortable with Santa this year. Arden was upset at first but then was quite curious about Santa and even gave him a few smiles.

Loren was eager to see Santa and tell him what she wanted for Christmas.

Arden warmed up to Santa while feeling secure in her Daddy's arms.

Loren and Leo (Brooke and James' son)

My friend and co-worker Brooke.  We have a picture with Santa Mike almost each year!

Santa and the Wingate girls!

Nine (and one half!) Months

Arden is growing like a weed. I can't believe what a big girl she is.  Here are some of Arden's most current stats:

• At her nine month check up, Arden weighed 23 pounds and 12 ounces.  She was 30 1/2 inches long.  Just for comparison, Loren weighed 22 pounds, 14 ounces and was 30 1/2 inches long at on year!
• Arden is wearing 12-18 month clothes (she has a footed pajama that is 24 months and fits well!)  and size 4 diapers
• She is still eating five bottles a day.  Four - five ounce breast milk bottles and one six ounce formula bottle right before bed.  
• Arden loves table food including puffs, cheese, smashed banana and especially "Baby Mum Mum" wafers.  She still doesn't quite seem to know how to drink from a cup but enjoys playing with it.
• She still LOVES bath time.  Arden can be very fussy to the point where we call her "delirious" but will perk up and be all smiles in the bath tub.  Here if a fun video of her splashing:

• Arden usually sleeps from about 7:30 to 6:15.  This is usually uninterrupted sleep and we are so thankful for it!
• She still only has two teeth - on the bottom front.
• Arden is crawling everywhere and fast now.  She has been doing the "army crawl" for a good while but just in the last two weeks or so seems to have really mastered crawling on hands and knees.
• She is close to pulling up to her feet and frequently pulls up to her knees now.  Andy just dropped the crib mattress as far as it will go! 
• Arden loves to play peek a boo - particularly on the changing table or in the car.  She also waves "bye-bye" frequently.  We are trying to teach her to "blow kisses" with her hand.
• Arden loves her sister Loren very much.  Loren is a very big helper for Mommy.
• Overall, Arden is a super sweet and happy baby girl!  She smiles all the time both at people she knows and does not know.

Thanksgiving 2011

I am fashionably late on this post too - ha!

Thanksgiving was pretty low key as usual this year.  We had my parents, Meagan and Benji and their boys over to our house.  We ate traditional Thanksgiving food.  Benji baked a delicious rosemary turkey, and potato salad.  My Mom made a ham, turkey breast, sweet potato casserole (one of the only ways I will eat sweet potatoes) and dressing.  I made macaroni and cheese (homemade kind) pumpkin pie, and fresh cranberry sauce (even though Meagan is the only person that likes it.)

I really wish we would have taken a nice family photo or two.  I guess we were all to busy talking.  Andy had taken my Dad and Benji with him to an FSU game not too long before this so I think those three were "bonded." :) Although it doesn't directly pertain to Thanksgiving; I do want to note that the Seminoles thoroughly beat the Gators this year!  (again - woohoo!)  When I was in school we used to have shirts that said, "Forget the turkey, Let's eat gator!" (Wish I still had one of those!)

Noah sat in Arden's high chair and she sat in my high chair from when I was a baby.  (Yes, it is officially an antique.)  It was cute seeing her in it.

Here are the only two other photos I took on Thanksgiving Day:

Papa and the girls

My girls in their matching turkey outfits.  I love the smug look on Loren's face.

I'm only about a month late...

I have been neglecting my blog.  This doesn't sound too bad but then when I remember that I am using this blog to keep up with Arden's development and document Loren and the rest of our family, it makes me sad.  So, it's never too late to catch up right?!

For Halloween this year, Loren expressed pretty early that she wanted to be Cinderella.  I thought that was easy enough but I really wanted the girls to be something that went together.  The best I could come up with was a pumpkin for Arden.  (Cinderella's coach was made out of a pumpkin.)  I was in luck because my friend, Rachael, makes the cutest pumpkin tutu outfit.

My beautiful lil' pumpkin and Cinderella!

We skipped trick or treating in our neighborhood this year as that is always crazy crowded.  We headed directly to our church festival - trunk or treat event.  It was a fun time.  Arden didn't last long in her costume but Loren enjoyed it.  We got to see lots of friends.  Andy not only handed out but put on between 600-700 glow bracelets!  Jesus is the light of the world! ;)

Earlier in the week, our friend Leo had come over to trick or treat and show off his costume.  (Sorry for the poor picture quality)

Our cousins Cayden and Noah visited with us at trunk or treat.  Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of young kids all dressed up?!  Arden didn't even make it into the pic!

I had really hoped to re-dress them up and take some better photos but honestly, I don't think it is going to happen.  The girls had an enjoyable Halloween and so did we.  I can't wait to see what they will choose to dress up as next year!

Eight Months!

It's great to be eight...months old!

Arden turned eight months on November 3rd. She is getting so big.  Here are a few things Arden is up to lately:

• Arden, you are on the verge of crawling.  You love to be on the floor on your tummy and put yourself like that as soon as we set you down on your bottom.  You get on your hands and knees and rock often.  You are able to do the "Army crawl" pretty well now.  I think it will be anytime that you take off.
• You can clap your hands and do so all the time now.  You always smile when you are clapping.  We love it.
• You can feed yourself the puffs really well now.  You love puffs and we admit that sometimes we probably give you more than you need because you are just so content to sit and eat them.
• You can wave at people when they wave goodbye to you but you are not very consistent with it yet.
  
• Arden is wearing size 12 month clothes and a size 4 diaper.
• Arden is still taking a bottle/nursing five times a day - usually 5 ounces at each feeding.  She is also eating baby food three times a day now.
• Arden, not sure what is going on with your sleep right now but it is a little irregular.  Some nights are great but others you are up and down a lot.  I really think you sometimes have gas that bothers you but often just want to be held.  (We enjoy holding you....even if it is 2:30 in the morning!)
• Loren and Mommy (followed closely by Daddy) are still your favorite people Arden. 

Yummy, yum...puffs.  She figured out where they go when she drops them.

Sweet Aunt Meagan lent us this jumper and Arden LOVES it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What We've Been Up To...

Wow, I feel like it is all I can talk about - I am so busy!  Having two children and working outside the home is HARD!  I am trying to really have the best of both worlds.  Here are some things we have been up to lately:

Loren is doing great in K-4.  She is now going four days a week.  She is learning so many letters and sounds as well as Bible verses.  Most days when I come to pick her up, her face is red from playing outside.  She often says things like, "Why did you come so soon?" 

Madi is my childhood friend, Mandy's daughter and is Loren's class. They are good friends and I think it is so sweet.  I need a pic of them together.

Loren came home sick today (Mom picked her up.)  She  was complaining of a headache and had a slight fever.  She is still saying her head hurts but no fever. 

Here are some pictures to show you and remind me of what we have been up to!

A couple of Friday nights ago, we went to the "Haystackular" which is put on by Dixon Primary School.  It is their major fundraiser.  I believed they raised $35,000 last year from it!!!  Loren and Daddy went through the maze.  Looks like she was fast huh?! 

This is what happens when you don't listen to Mommy!

Howdy Partner!

In John Deere Green....At the Peanut Festival in Jay.  Loren even ate a few boiled peanuts with me!!

We went out to dinner with my dad last Friday night and he took a turn feeding Arden baby food.  He thinks it may have been 30+ years since he last fed a baby baby food! ha!  Good job Dad!

We went to the St. Rose Fall festival.  I enjoyed Fillipino food, Andy enjoyed Italian, and Loren enjoyed cotton candy (what else right?)  Her face actually cleaned up quite easily to Andy's surprise.

First time riding bumper cars.  Apparently, Loren rode by herself the first time because she could reach the pedals.  However, she got shoved into a corner and was stuck there the whole ride.  The nice lady running the ride recognized this and let her ride again with her Daddy driving. :)

My super sweet girls in their fall dresses.  Those shoes stayed on Arden about another 3 seconds after this photo was taken - ha!  We were on our way to church.

7 Month Old Sweetie!

It has been about a month since I posted.  Sorry if anyone was holding their breath!  I can't figure out where the time goes.  I am up from about 4:45am to 9:30pm everyday and can't seem to fit it all in.  Phew!  I am still trying to enjoy every minute with my little girls.

Arden is seven months old today!  Here are some of her "highlights:"

• Arden, you are so very active!  When we sit or lay you down, you immediately roll over onto your tummy.  We can put you in the middle of the rug in the living room and you will be off of it onto the wood floor in no time.  
• When you are on your tummy, you eagerly push up with your arms over and over.  I see you hit your little forehead some (we try to prevent it when we can) but you just seem to keep going.
• Arden also reaches for everything in sight.  She especially loves her some TV remote! Mommy and sister's hair are also favorite things to reach and grab for!
• She is eating solids three times a day now and drinking five bottles.  Four 5-ounce breast milk ones and then a six ounce formula bottle right before bed.
• Arden has had Gerber Puffs a few times and seems to enjoy them.  It is funny to watch her work so hard to get it in her hand only to have it stuck between her fingers and not be able to get it in her mouth.
• Bedtime is usually about 7:15.  Arden usually sleeps until about 6am or so if she sleeps through the whole night.  Her sleeping is really varied lately.  She often wakes up a few times before 11 but usually sleeps the whole not after that.  Arden, you are always so happy when I come to get you in the morning - even if I have to wake you up. 
• She has two little teeth coming in!  It is the two front bottom ones.  The one of her left side is just barely visible now and the right side one is not visible but can be felt.  This may be the cause of the sporadic sleep.
• Arden is still doing a lot of babbling and "razzing" with her mouth.  Sometimes she "razzes" so much that her face and shirt become wet with saliva.
 

We love you so very much Arden!!

 Family Fun!

Arden asks that you please check back soon for an update about Loren and how she is doing in K-4. 

My Sweet Girls

Just had to share this photo.  It is from a few weeks ago but you know, I'm just getting around to it.  A sweet friend, Lynn, gave these shirts to the girls.  I love my girls so much.  This picture of them is on each of my work desks and it makes me smile whenever I look at it.

6 Months!

Once again I am a few days behind making Arden's 6-month pose.  That's OK though.  I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed having two children and returning to work.  I miss my babies while I am gone!

Here is what Arden is up to these days:

• Rolling over from her back to her tummy frequently and quickly.  She is now able to return to her back most of the time by herself.
• Sitting independently (for the most part).  Arden can sit without support on the ground pretty well now.  She still looses her balance occasionally if she reaches for a toy or something.
• Actually starting to play with toys.  You love the exersaucer more than being held sometimes.  You also love anything that makes music.
• Arden, your favorite people are still Mommy and Loren.  Daddy is also a favorite of yours.  You have taken well to Mrs. Cheryl too.
• Arden is still eating about 5 ounces at each bottle feeding and two servings of solids a day.  
• She is wearing size 3 diapers.  We got you some of the Huggies jean ones and you look super cute with one and a white t-shirt.
• Arden's clothes sizes are 6-9 months and even a few 12 month things
• Still lots of drooling but no teeth.
• Your six month check up is scheduled for 9/19 (soonest they had?!) but I took you in to the doctor on 8/25 for a little rash and you weighed 19.5  pounds
• Arden is doing so well at Mrs. Cheryl's!  She seems to enjoy being there and even naps for Cheryl!
• You love to tap your little arm and hand against things repeatedly and grasp hold of anything you can get your hand on - including hair.  Ouch!

6 month old Seminole!!

Arden, we love you sooo much and I can't believe my little baby is a half a year old already!

**UPDATE** -  We were not able to get in to the pediatrician for Arden's 6-month check up until 9/19 which would actually make these her stats for 6 and 1/2 months.  Arden weighed 20 pounds and 7 ounces and was 28 1/2 inches tall!  She was off the charts for both weight and height.  In case any one was wondering, the doctor says she is proportionate and NOT too chubby. :)

Back to School

So I have not posted in a while.  Here is an update of what has been going on lately.  August 10th marked our ninth wedding anniversary.  Mom and Dad came over and watched the kids and we went to eat at the local Hibachi restaurant.  I love that type of food! (Not really impressed by the onion volcano or the way the cook cracks the eggs or anything anymore!)  It was good but not exactly romantic or anything since you sit by a large grill with a bunch of other folks but the food was G-O-O-D!

That following Saturday we attempted to go to the beach and got out the door as early as we could (which happened to be 9:30 or so).  By the time we got there it was soooo hot.  We literally only stayed about 20 minutes. (Sorry for making you carry all the stuff honey!)  The day was saved when we stopped for icees on the way home.

August 15th marked my first day back at work since 3/2/11.  It really went pretty well.  I was, of course, sad to leave my babies BUT I left them with Mrs. Cheryl who is fabulous and like a family member.  This makes it much easier.  On Monday, August 22nd, Loren started K-4 at Santa Rosa Christian School.  That was NOT easy for me.  While the staff there was very polite, it felt so strange to leave her with anyone other than Cheryl, my Mom, or her sweet Sunday School teachers.  I actually teared up quite a bit as we were leaving and had to struggle to keep it together until lunch time.  Loren had a good day though and that is what counts.  We plan to send her to school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and let her go to Cheryl's on Tuesdays and Thursdays for now.  I want her to have the best of both worlds.  Here are a few photos. (I neglected to take a photo of Arden's first day with Mrs. Cheryl.  I think that is OK because I did not take a photo of Loren's first day with Mrs. Cheryl. - still a little sad though)

Oh and Andy took a photo of Loren and I but I elected not to it on here because frankly, I am a little vain sometimes and it was not very flattering!

I'm currently busy getting ready for tomorrow.  I'm trying to count my blessings but it is difficult to go back to work and feel like you spend a lot of your time with your children preparing to be without them. I'm praying frequently about this.

I will close with a funny picture of my monkey #2!

"Toes...nummy, nummy, num!"

5 Months!

So, I am a little behind in posting this but - Arden turned five months old on August 5th.  Where does the time go?!  We ate breakfast out with our Mimih and then did a little back to school shopping.  Arden and Loren both did great.

Here are a few things Arden is up to right now:
-Rolling around tons.  Typically, she rolls from her back to her tummy but then has trouble getting from her tummy to her back.  (Which the doctor tells me is easier?)
-Squealing with joy and having laughing spells when one of us is trying to make her smile.
-Reaching for and grabbing things in front of her including hair.
-Lots of cooing and "talking"  Occasionally, I think I hear "Mama" but I guess I am just wishing that.  It is noted that "Mama" was Loren's first word!!
-Arden is still sleeping well at night.  Occasionally, I have to get up and put the pacifier back in her mouth and stroke her face a bit when she stirs in the night.
-Arden is wearing size 6- 9 month clothes and a size 3 diaper.  (We ran into a friend of my mother's in the mall and while referring to Arden said, "She doesn't miss a meal does she?!)
-She typically still eats 5 or 6 times a day just depending on how hungry she is and how much she naps
-Arden is not so predictable with the eating of solids.  Some days she really seems to enjoy them and others is not very interested.

I can hear the rest of my little family laying in the bed with the girls laughing and squealing.  I better get in there and enjoy family time too!

NOLA!

We woke up on Saturday to a dreary and rainy day.  We all laid in the bed in Arden's room and brainstormed things we could do on a rainy Saturday.  For whatever reason, the aquarium in New Orleans was on my mind and Andy was agreeable!  We packed up our stuff and headed out. (After a quick stop for gas and .69 cent icees at Murphy's - Love those!)

We ended up going to the zoo Saturday afternoon and it was nice but very hot until it rained.  We actually left right before it rained.  We went to dinner at Gordon Biersch and the girls did well.  We stayed at the Hilton by the Riverwalk and the three of us slept in a king bed (it was substantially cheaper than two full beds?!)  Sleeping with Loren is not my favorite thing!  Arden slept in a little crib. 

On Sunday morning we got up and went to a Cafe du Monde (not the original in the market but in the Riverwalk) and ate beignets - yum!  This was a first for Loren.

We headed to the aquarium after that and had a great time!  Personally, I like this one more than the one in Atlanta but perhaps I just wasn't feeling well when we went last summer. (I was newly pregnant with Arden!!)

The sea turtle is my fave!!  I could watch him/her all day.


It was raining when we finished the aquarium but sweet Andy went and got the car for us.  We then headed down I-10 back home.  We stopped at Bass Pro Shop in Spanish Fort, AL and ate dinner.  It was delicious and Loren loved the aquarium!

It was a great weekend!  I can tell that I am not currently working because I am not nearly this spontaneous when I am!