Collins Adventures

Wilson Loves...

2008-03-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Daddy,
goldfish,

trucks, playing outside,

making everyone laugh, stickers,

and tea parties. Yes, tea parties-- he is serving tea in that purple egg.

My Babies!

2008-03-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

I still have to look twice when I see a picture of myself and my two beautiful children! That's me, and my babies-- I have my dream job: mother. I love this!!!

80 Degree Weather!

2008-03-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Wilson-- 22 months old
Very busy...
won't stay still for the camera

Alexandria... 17 Months Old

2008-03-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Fire Safety Week

2007-11-02T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hurry, hurry, drive that fire truck...
Hurry, hurry, climb the ladder...
Hurry, hurry, squirt the water....
DING DING DING DING DING!
Fire chief Wilson so enjoyed Fire Prevention Week at school!!! Now every time we drive by a fire station or see a fire truck he wants to drive the "fire 'uck". They learned this cute sone, which we love to sing and ring the bell. Thank you Mrs. Klauber and Mrs. Merrick for all that you teach our children!!!! We love you!!!!

Papa's Beach House

2007-11-02T17:30:00.001-07:00

Wilson LOVES to go to Papa's beach house in Surfside... we decided to take advantage and go for the weekend. Unfortunately all of the good beach footage is on the video camera-- so I will have to get a lesson from Nancy on how to get video clips onto the blog.
Anyway... the first day we were there it was really nice in the sun on the beach. Alexandria still throroughly enjoys eating sand (blegh!!!) and Wilson enjoys digging, splashing, watching his shadow, drawing in the sand, running, dancing, the fun goes on and on and on. The following days were a bit chillier, so we took advantage of a nearby playground-- it is a GREAT playground, and we had lots of fun swinging and climbing ans sliding. An older child came with her dad and immediately opened her pretend concession stand on one of the structures. Wilson thought it was quite funny to repeat everything she said in his high-pitched questioning voice, like "chocolate cake and lemonade?! ha ha ha", "soda?! ha ha ha"-- it was funny how funny he thought it was!

I see you!!!

Q T!!!

Daddy brought out his cast net for a little sea shore fun-- he caught groups of medium-sized fish. I was impressed with Wilson's willingness to hold them. They flopped around and one even jumped right out of his little bucket. Wilson liked to toss them back towards the water and watch them wiggle their way back to freedom. (Like daddy, like son.) The ones that weren't quite fast enough made a tasty lunch for the seagulls. Wilson thought that was pretty neat too.
I hope Wilson and Alexandria have lots and lots of memories like these, enjoying nature, the coast and God's amazing creation...
How could we not savor a view like this???

Rare Moment

2007-11-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Don't you know that one would have to be strapped down

to get a picture of both???

How sweet though!

The Pumpkin Patch

2007-11-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

We went to the Pumpkin Patch on Johns Island to meet some friends... AA, Alexandria, Wilson, me and Daddy. It was a beautiful (quite warm) day.

Wilson enjoyed "driving the fire truck" (in the tree), giving the scarecrow a biiiigggg hug...

and picking out the perfect stick, no, pumpkin. He even picked one (pumpkin) out for SaSa and Grandaddy.

I think the field of pumpkins kind of overwhelmed Wilson at first, but tromping around saying "not this one" over and over and over got to be a fun game to play with his anxious momma and AA... Alexandria liked the no-petting-cuz-the-animals-bite-petting-zoo and lunch. So sad we weren't able to stay and play with Charlotte and Jay, and Frances, Catherine, Mae and Addie....

Fireman Fun

2007-11-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Ever since Fire Prevention Week when Wilson had real firemen and real fire trucks come to his school (another post to come), he has been obsessed with being a fireman! Have you ever seen such a cutie???

Raggedy Ann and Andy

2007-11-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Halloween fun...

Trick or treating around the neighborhood...
Alexandria was thrilled to be riding in the wagon.

Until she bit into a glow bracelet and we took her back to Amanda and Jason's house to call Poison Control. We weren't the first call with such concerns, and I am most sure we weren't the last, but the guy gave me quite the lecture. "Those are not at all intended for children under the age of twelve... if you have any left, throw them away. Glow sticks shouldn't be in the house at all..." He went on, and then (finally) told me she would be fine, her mouth would probably be a little iritated, she may throw up, but just to give her plenty of clear fluids. So our treat of the evening was a pedialyte popsicle!

Wilson was able to enjoy a little more neighborhood fun and then it was home for bath and bed (8pm! that's an hour late!!!).

Raggedy Andy

2007-11-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Wilson dressed up as Raggedy Andy for his class Halloween party, trick or treating at Mamaw's house, SaSa and Grandaddy's house, and with our friends in a nearby neighborhood. He LOVED his costume-- he even wanted to wear his hat and hairto school the next day too...

Trick or Treating was a big hit all the way around!

Raggedy Ann

2007-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Alexandria dressed up as Raggedy Ann for Halloween parties at Toddler Time and Wilson's school... she was an excellent sport about the hair most of the time!

Woo hoo, she loves cookies!

Trick or treating at SaSa and Grandaddy's House

Trick or treating at Mamaw's house... rice krispy treats are a newfound delight!

Just goofing around

2007-11-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

Alexandria loves to play on beds-- or any cusioned surface. She rolls around and pounces on pillows and just laughs and laughs and laughs. Wilson loves having family fun on his big boy bed. Here I was attempting to get a picture of the two of them in their coordination pajamas, but that didn't work out so well. We had a good time, nonetheless...
Alexandria lost her bottoms in the all the fun...
Cuties!!!

At School

2007-09-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Wilson at school... painting a Brown Bear. He started a two's program, two days a week, a few weeks ago and loves it!!! The first day he cried getting out of the car and off and on throughout the 3-hour school day. The next day he cried getting out of the car but the report I got was that there were no tears once he got to his classroom. The following week Wilson fought the tears as we pulled into the carpool line, but said "mama come back?" and once reassured he told me goodbye. No tears! The next day he got out of the car, said, "bye bye, mama!" and excitedly went to his classroom. Well done, my sweet boy! I am so very proud of you, and I love to get reports from Miss Klauber about you (and fun pictures like this!). Yeah! Big Boy!!!

Fruit Flies

2007-08-30T21:29:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you’re having fun…

Fruit flies like a banana.

Happy 65th Birthday SaSa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy and I hosted a surprise 65th birthday party for mom-- we had about 30 of her closest family and friends for cocktails and cake... and lots of other tasty food. The cake is a story for another post and unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the cake we ended up returning to get our $$ back-- yes, it was that bad... Anyway, it was a fun party (what party with mom isn't fun?) and I am glad we pulled off the surprise!!!

Twins!

2007-08-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Wagner family!

Julie, Steve, Zachary, and now Zoe and Zane!!!

I can't believe you carried 2 full-size babies in your belly!

Zoe, weighing in at 6 lbs, 5 oz and Zane weighing in at 6 lbs, 1 oz....

I'm not sure which is which, but we love you all and cannot wait to meet the newest Wagners!!!!

Princes and Princesses

2007-08-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Catherine!

In 6 short years you have become such a beautiful, sweet, loving and thoughtful young girl-- we are so proud of you!!! We love you so much!!!

The party was so much fun for every prince and princess. The tables were set with goblets for the snow cones, crowns or tiaras, and all sorts of goodies to enjoy. The table cloth had a toy castle with all of the pricesses, and when you touched a certain princess on the table cloth, it (the castle) told you something about her, and then you could play a guess the princess game... The cake was awesome, the pool and weather were perfect...

Here is the birthday princess, complete with tiara, and impressive Cinderella's Castle Cake!!!

And, in Cyndee party style, the party would not have been complete without the snow cone guy!

Here is Prince Wilson... don't be fooled... he didn't eat a bit of that lunch in front of him. What you cannot see in the picture is his very first snow cone, GREEN, in a cup in his lap. Between spoon, fork and straw-spoon thingy, he enjoyed the whole thing! (Lunch consisted of one chicken nugget and a big piece of Cinderella's castle!)

Another Cave party success!!!

It's a Girl!

2007-08-10T06:42:00.000-07:00

Frances Taylor Vaughan
(aka "Flower")

Born August 2, at 1:27 pm
She weighed 4 pounds, 13 ounces

Congratulations Elizabeth and James!
Charlotte and Jay-- you have a beautiful baby sister, and I know she will be blessed to have such a wonderful big brother and wonderful big sister!

We love you Frances, and we can't wait to meet you!!!

Overdue Portraits!

2007-08-08T09:42:00.001-07:00

My mom and I took Wilson and Alexandria to have some portraits made (Alexandria's first professional pictures... the poor neglected second child!). I knew I had to do it because the bonnet she wore for her Christening (only 4 weeks before) was getting too small.

I know where thes pictures are, so this is my first back-to-blogging post....

Aren't they cute?

More to come.... soon!

No TV

2007-08-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Holy Moly! I wasn't even sure if I knew my username and password! I have given up television as an experiment, and I have become a much more productive person as a result. Thank goodness I have blogging to fall back on as a procrastination method...

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-03-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

I snapped a few pictures to print for the grandparents for Valentine's Day. Wilson (21 months) and Alexandria (4 months) adore each other... it is so sweet!!!

Must Be Sweet Dreams

2007-03-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

Wilson seems to be enjoying his naps more and more these days. He actually tries to climb into his crib when you ask if he is ready for a nap! After 2 1/2 hours, I went in to wake him up the other day (we had an appointment to get to), and this is the preciousness I found. He didn't even stir after 4 or 5 flashes of the camera!

Yummm!!!

2007-03-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Alexandria experienced her first rice cereal last night... I think she might like it. I have high hopes for this stuff... we are still waiting for those full nights of sleep, if they really exist.

The girl weighs 14 pounds and is 26 inches long, as of our 4-month well check on Tuesday. She is a very happy baby, only fusses when she is very tired, loves kisses on her cheeks and to snuggle face to face. She adores her big brother and just laughs while watching him play.

I wish...

2007-03-02T09:37:00.000-08:00

I could invent something like this!!! These stretchy rubber labels are awesome (Thanks, Jamie!) and can be used in so many ways! Moms-- let me know what you think... and if you are interested in getting some, go to Bumpy Name.

2 Things

2007-02-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

are going on these days:

1. I am experiencing that lovely post-partum shed-- my hair is EVERYWHERE! At least once a day Wilson comes up to me with that "help me, momma" look on his face while sticking his tongue out trying to get a hair out of his mouth... GROSS!!!! This unfortunate rite of passage means it has been about 4 months since Alexandria was born, and I have only posted a few times since she was about a month old. However...

2. Alexandria is sleeping through the night!!!!!!!! Wilson spoiled us rotten sleeping thru at 9 weeks... Alexandria had no such intention. It has been quite the (exhausting) experience getting to where we are today, at 4 months old-- I never thought I would have to endure an hour and a half of crying from 3-4:30am to get here, but thank goodness that was only one night. The next night was 10 minutes of light fussing, and then... nada! No wakie uppie! Hooray!

SO, my intention is to post more regularly again... now that I shouldn't have to go to bed at 8:00 at night.... and I am seriously ready for a girls' night out!

The Playset

2007-01-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

Papa wanted to give Wilson a playset for Christmas... the piles of wood were a little intimidating and the sight of Tom and Brian hovering over large power tools frightens me!

Progress was made smoothly and quickly. The kit promised that the playset could be assembled in 8 hours or less-- well, it took these guys a few days, but they did a fabulous job!!!
Watching Wilson having so much fun on his own slide and swing makes it all worth it. Actually, it is debatable who gets the most out of the playset-- me, since I don't have to get into the car to take Wilson out for some good playtime outdoors, Wilson, or anyone who is etertained by his "weeeeeeee's" and hysterical laughter.

Thank you Papa, So Much!!!!!

Happy Birthday Granddaddy!

2007-01-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

We went out for a little birthday celebration at Coco's while Nana was here. Wow, Dad, you are really old... but thanks for an excuse to go out to dinner, and I hope you enjoy your Nearly-Giant Snowglobe!

The Box

2007-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Some people prefer to thing outside of the box, however Wilson apparently likes to get into the box. Hmmm... what in the world gave him this idea?

Nana

2007-01-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

I took the kids to SaSa's house for a visit with Nana, visiting from Florida for Thanksgiving... last Thanksgiving she met great grandson, Wilson. This year she met great granddaughter, Alexandria. She is 92 years old, and still a gorgeous woman!

Wilson goes straight for the blue box of toys at SaSa's house... he knows where his toys are. SaSa loves that Wilson loves SaSa's house!
And here's SaSa with the princess...

Papa

2007-01-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed to have most of our families right here in Charleston, which means we get to see and spend time with them on a regular basis. Wilson adores his grandparents-- it is priceless to see! Here is a very proud Papa (Brian's dad), with his two newest grands...

18 Months

2007-01-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

I wanted to document Wilson at 18 months old...

he is a "sweet loving duck", to which he replies, "QUACK!"

He is getting busier and busier, sometimes better on his feet, but still not the most coordinated cookie on the sheet. He is pretty sweet towards Alexandria, but is still getting used to her presence in our lives. He is still a pretty good eater-- getting a bit pickier. I suppose he is just more able to express his own opinions. Quesadillas, mac-n-cheese, green beans and peas... these are our staples. I am trying to expand out food horizons, slowly but surely.

A lap cuddle and a book is his favorite thing to do, and he likes to run around and laugh and play pee-pie anytime. When Daddy comes home, it is all about him, and on weekends he gets very attached. Wrestling and hopping on pop are great Daddy activities-- in fact if you pull out the "Hop On Pop" book, Wilson will immediately lay down in the middle of the floor on his back, just like Brian does! Wilson is all boy-- very busy, likes to bang and or throw things.

Wilson uses his own language, one that does not include most consonants... green, three, tree, keys-- they are all "eeeeeee", but it is fun that we can communicate more and more!!! We think he is very smart... but what else would we think?

Anyway... I suppose that's all for now.

Where, oh where?

2007-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

have the last 8 weeks gone? Where, oh where could they be?

I have been a delinquent (sp?) blogger...
but I am going to try to catch up a little tonight.

Almost 4 Weeks Old

2006-11-15T05:53:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe Alexandria is already 4 weeks old! She is doing great overall, eating like a champ, and sleeping, well, not so much at night, but we'll get there. We have a doctor's appointment next week and I can't wait to get her stats-- she is growing so fast! Just look at those cheeks!

First Haircut

2006-11-15T05:52:00.001-08:00

It was time... Wilson's hair was a bit out of control, so much to many folks' chagrin I made an appointment with Nick to get my hair cut and Wilson's too. Mamaw came to spend some time with Alexandria and Wilson and I were off!

We met SaSa at the salon, and it went better than I expected. Wilson went first, and only fussed a litttle bit, which is of course digitally captured.

We didn't take too much off as I didn't want to be in trouble with Mamaw. I like the results... no more mullet!

Tagged

2006-11-10T21:25:00.000-08:00

My fun blogger friends are playing this little game of tag... I'm not sure whom I will tag after this, as I don't know anyone else who blogs. It's hard to answer these after you've read everyone else's answers... hopefully these are my own.

I am: chiefly a momma these days, but a wife, sister, daughter, friend and business owner too.
I want: to travel more.
I have: so much to be thankful for.
I wish: I could throw a big party and invite everyone I know-- that would be fun.
I hate: the word "hate".
I miss: my Connecticut Godchildren (and their parents too).
I hear: the quiet of a sleeping household and the cars driving by our house.
I wonder: how people deal with life without Jesus.
I regret: not doing things sooner.
I am not: the person I will be someday.
I dance: in the kitchen.
I sing: along with any song I know the words to.
I cry: at the thought of losing my children or husband.
I am not always: the momma, wife, sister, daughter, or friend I want to be.
I make with my hands: meals, curtains, Creative Memories photo albums.
I write: letters, but not as often as I would like.
I confuse: which day each grocery store starts their weekly sales.
I need: God's grace.
I should: stop drinking so much Diet Coke.
I start: a lot of to-do lists.
I finish: a few of the things on those lists, occasionally. When I do, I like to vigorously scratch them out if I can ever find the list again.

Here's a "Here and Now" Version too...

I am: chiefly a momma these days.
I want: my baby girl to sleep through the night.
I have: a whole lotta announcements to address and send out.
I wish: I had a double stroller already.
I hate: that I am turning Wilson into a TV junkie.
I miss: full-nights of sleep.
I hear: Sesame Street.
I wonder: how people deal with life without Jesus.
I regret: not keeping Alexandria awake more yesterday.
I am not: functioning on much sleep.
I dance: to make Wilson smile.
I sing: Jesus Loves Me over and over.
I cry: when she's been wide-eyed for more than 2 hours of rocking and walking.
I am not always: this grumpy.
I make with my hands: cheese sandwiches.
I write: on my blog... to feel like I have had some outside world conversation.
I confuse: what time Alexandria is supposed to eat.
I need: a back and neck massage.
I should: write some thank you notes.
I start: the day with Diet Coke.
I finish: the first Diet Coke too quickly.

If you are reading this and haven't been tagged, you are now... I think all the blogs on my link list have been tagged already-- lots of great answers!

Green

2006-11-09T13:40:00.000-08:00

I've always wanted to be a goer and doer... and having a 3 week old keeps me in the house way too much.

For example... Many of my friends are going to JICP for the Festival of Lights Fun Run tonight and there will soon be lots of cute pictures on their blogs...

I am just jealous because I don't like missing out on anything, especially fun things...

But I suppose I wouldn't want to miss out on or wish away the first few weeks and months of my precious little girl's life, no matter how tiring it may be. These are days we will never get back and I want to treasure them.

So I am going to GO and DO my little chickens' dinners!

So if you are going (or went) to the Fun Run... miss me and have fun!

BTW I am working on my TAG...

Golf Lesson

2006-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Check out that swing! With Alexandria's arrival comes a lot of Daddy time for Wilson (he is COMPLETELY attached to Daddy on the weekends anyway). I caught a quick glimpse of this golf lesson...

and the cutest part was seeing Wilson turn his back to Brian a few feet away and then walk backwards until he was positioned to hit the ball.

PGA here we come!

Just what I needed...

2006-11-06T17:01:00.000-08:00

It was a little too quiet... and then I found this... he actually brought me the empty Kleenex box, asking for "more" in sign language. Then, I sat him down for the picture and he started putting the tissues back in the box! I love that he loves to put things back.

Now to the original point of this post.... I am not sure how my sweet sweet boy knew exactly what I needed today, but he came through for me after a nearly sleepless night with little sister! We were all 3 sitting on the sofa after Alexandria finished a bottle. Wilson somehow got hold of my cell phone and as I retrieved it saying, that's not yours, it's Mama's-- can you say Mama? He IMMEDIATELY said "Mama" clear as can be, as if he has said it hundreds of times... I think he has been holding out on me. We've had the cell phone conversation hundreds of times, and the mama question thousands of times... he's never said Mama, until today! And he kept on all afternoon... mamamamamamamama! Oh sweetness!

Yahoo!

2006-11-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

We had a fun night out celebrating our friend Stuart's 50th birthday-- Julie put on quite the show down!!! The invitations were cowboy boots, and the theme was thoroughly carried through the party... unfortunately this is the only picture we took!

Anyone who knows Brian... have you ever seen him wear anything but khaki pants? I am impressed that I got him to wear not only blue jeans, but an ORANGE checked shirt! And many thanks to Felice for the great hats!

Happy Halloween!

2006-11-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Well, this year Halloween was a bit of a wash... for obvious reasons. But the first of 3 costumes for Wilson was this one... and it was by far the best! The cutest part was how tickled he was by himself!

I returned this one for a chicken that Wilson was awkward and miserable in, and a duck that he would not have anything to do with (thanks to the chicken experience I think). We even had several opportunities to wear our costume this year, including a very fun Fall Festival for Mary Kathryn's 3rd Birthday... but we went with his costume over my arm!

SO, I returned the fowl outfits the day before Halloween and very much look forward to next year!!! No party poopers in 2007!

Gotta love group shots...

2006-11-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

It always makes me laugh to see pictures like this...
there seems to be a story for every face!
Happy Birthday Mae!

Fun at My Gym

2006-11-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

Wilson went to a birthday party at My Gym in Mt. Pleasant last weekend and had a big time!!!
Bubbles are always a hit... he is definitely skeptical of the crowd...

After rolling a huge ball around he took a nice spill....
Wilson and buddy James and the birthday girl.... I love how James just dives right in!
and Wilson sits on the edge with his feet in the balls... my son indeed.

If Only...

2006-11-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

While I am napping or watching my soap operas, she sleeps and he cleans the house.... it doesn't get much better than this!

Here we go...

2006-10-29T16:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of our dear friends and family for all the prayers and words of encouragement... things are going extraordinarily smoothly so far with Alexandria and Wilson's transition into big-brotherhood. Brian and I were even able to go to a wedding last night while the kids (it's still wierd to say that) stayed home with SaSa and Grandaddy. That was a lot of fun! We've only had one (completely unnecessary) ER visit... our first date night since having the second child, but that's another story for another day, and our first 911 call-- two nights ago when Alexandria spit up, gagged, threw up and then seemingly stopped breathing... but she was fine and we hung up before 911 picked up. Twenty minutes later 2 police officers showed up to make sure everything was ok... needless to say Brian and I plan to take an infant/child cpr class asap. But tomorrow is a new day-- Brian is going back to work and I am on my own with both chickens... just pray we make it until Mamaw shows up around 2. It's all about survival, right?

Alexandria's thoughts...

2006-10-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Life is pretty good these days...
I am 10 days old and doing everything I am suposed to do, including keeping mom and dad on their sleepy toes. I went to the doctor today and have already regained my birhweight plus some! I gained 13 ounces in 7 days... for a grand total of 6 pounds and 9 ounces. I've given mom and dad a little hope of sleeping through the night at some point in the fairly near future, but not yet! That wee-hour snuggle time is just too good!

I am pretty cute and sweet when I am awake, which tends to be in the wee hours, but I am starting to find what momma calls "daytime" pretty interesting too...

All this baby stuff is hard work, so I am gonna go for now.. I need to catch up on some zzz's. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

2006-10-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

We decided to have a little photo session on the couch... it went much more smoothly than we anticipated (thanks be to Baby Einstein!)
The pictures didn't turn out as great as we had hoped but here are a few:
This one's blurry, but really sweet.

We told Wilson to "kiss the baby"... which he hasn't done since we brought Alexandria home, until now!

And the winner is...

Survival

2006-10-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

A dear friend told me the other day that all I need to do right now is survive... all the details will be a wash. Simply survive, and that is what we are doing. Those are words I truly needed to hear. Another friend reminded me that in Hebrews 1 God says that He sustains us in all things, another timely reminder of Truth. However, I do not know what I would do without a few things.

These are my KEYS TO SURVIVAL so far...
1. Diet Coke
2. Motrin
3. Zoloft
4. The freedom to NOT breastfeed (the hardest and best decision I've ever had to make)
5. Similac Advance & Avent Bottles
6. My Wonderful Husband
7. Diet Coke & Cheez-Its
8. Moments to absorb and enjoy my sweet children
9. Prayers and Words of Encouragement
10. Willing sitters/Wilson entertainers! (Mamaw, Julie, D, mom & dad, and more!)

That's it for now... it is time for Little Chicken to eat. Hopefully I will get some more precious pics uploaded this evening.

17 Months

2006-10-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

Wilson, you turned 17 months old on the day your sister was born, which is why this post is a few days late. (It was on my list of things to do on Tuesday... sorry!) You are quite the little boy, becoming less and less "baby" every day!

Your favorite breakfast food is Publix Bran Flakes, and you usually eat a bunch of those as well as 2 scrambled eggs and part of a waffle... you love to eat... a lot. You love quesadillas (especially with black beans...) peas, chicken, hamburger with ketchup, corn, green beans, grapes, blueberries and strawberries. When we read books and you see strawberries you go, "mmmmmmmm...".

You started going to Toddler Time, which was a little rough at first. Your dramatic "glass-shattering cry" caught everyone's attention, but it only took a week or two for you to love going and being there. Now when we drop you off, you go right to playing, and you love your teachers, Miss Janet, Miss Laurie and Miss Julie, as well as Miss Annie when she is there.

You love to run around, to climb, swing and slide... life is good when you are outside! At the mention of the word you are ready to put on your shoes and GO GO GO! You started walking right at 15 months, and it has been so fun watching you explore. You have some great dance moves-- mainly squatting and the occasional turn around. You love to sing songs (well for momma to sing songs), especially "The Wheels on the Bus", "The Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Pop Goes the Weasel", "Twinkle Twinkle", and "Old MacDonald".

You enjoy opening and closing drawers and cabinets, and you are always good about listening to Momma when she says, "OK, lets' close that now and play with something else." Youare a very good listener!!! When you find fun things, you want to know how they work, including headbands! You figured this one out pretty well-- perhaps you had some help from Daddy.

You are adjusting very well to having a little sister around, though it's only been a few days. You are constantly entertaining anyone who cares to be entertained!!!

You love to learn new things and you get very tickled with yourself as you master new skills. You know your colors and some numbers (Daddy drills you in the bath with your foam numbers) and you are starting to learn some letters as you make new sounds. You enjoy pushing things around the house including your dump truck, your walker cart, furniture, laundry baskets and swiffers.

I am so very very proud of you... you are sweet and loving, full of smiles and laughter, a little drama here and there to keep things interesting. Your Daddy and I enjoy every bit of you, everyday... more and more. You warm our hearts and light up our lives with your precious smile. We love you, we love you, we love you so much!!!!

Happy Birthday!

2006-10-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to Alexandria Houghton, our brand new baby girl!
She was born Tuesday morning, October 17th, at 10:01am.

She weighed 6lb and 5 oz. (one ounce bigger than Wilson) and was 18 and 3/4 inches long.

We are so blessed... We love you so much!

Still ticking, but not so quickly...

2006-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

The tick tock has faded a bit...
two weekly OB visits-- still one cm and not much else...
so we've got some time...
I am trying to savor these days of simply sweet Wilson and full nights of sleep (kind of).
My due date is 2 weeks from this coming Monday... Wilson was 10 days early (that would be next Friday).
Anyone up for a girls night out next week?

Tick Tock

2006-10-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

I feel like the clock is ticking... and it's getting louder and louder. My complaints are getting more frequent and more whiney and more frequent. One minute I am ready to go ahead and have this baby and then I look around my house and the list of things to do sets off the nesting alarm! I am almost done with the sewing machine-- I wish I had a picture of our new cornice in the living room, curtains in the dining room and kitchen, and the baby girl's curtains which aren't up yet... but her room is coming together slowly. I just keep reminding myself that Wilson didn't even have a room until he was 4 or 5 months old and he made it ok.
Brian and I are going out on a date tonight (dinner and a movie-- after months of begging, a little birthday guilt and the threat of baby #2 chaining us to this house). And the the tick tock continues... what the heck are we gonna do with another baby? I am glad to have wonderful friends that have gone before with their #2's-- I will be eagerly seeking your wisdom and encouragement.
The Wilson alarm just went off.... naptime's over, and therefore this post is too.
Tick tock
Tick tock
Tick tock

Hip hip hooray!

2006-09-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

Wilson has been going to "school" at our church two days a week for 3 or 4 weeks now...
The first week was pretty rough-- when I picked him up one of the teacher's said "He didn't cry the whole time..." (Just most of it...) The next school day was a little better, but still pretty rough. TODAY... I walked him inside, he walked right into the "classroom", started playing, I left, and when I picked him up they said he had a great time and didn't fuss a bit! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! ( I knew in my head that this would be the result, but it's just so hard to not question your own parenting when you leave your child screaming... oh the adventures of parenthood!)

I've Upgraded, I think?

2006-09-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Wilson has always been a great sleeper at night, so I can't really complain. But lately I have been complaining about his naps... we've been "transitioning" to one nap for over a month now, and the mornings can get nearly unbearable. Overall, he had become a fussy child, which I would quickly blame his lack of sleep during the day.

This past weekend, someone upgraded my child to this model... he slept in each morning until after 8am (he goes to bed around 6:30pm), and took 2 hour-plus naps each afternoon. THE EXCITING PART OF ALL THIS is he is so much happier, so much more himself, more playful, focused and coordinated...

So last night as I went to bed I anticipated Wilson waking up around 7 this morning, due to morning traffic noise, etc...
I WOKE HIM UP at 9:15... he went down for a nap at 1, and is still asleep... it's 3:30....
what to do?
perhaps it's a growth spurt?
what do I do tomorrow when he is supposed to go to Toddler Time at 8:30?
I want this to become a norm... day-by-day motherhood...
I think I am going to go wake him up for playgroup at the playground...

Tickled Pink

2006-09-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't like posting without pictures, as I believe pictures tell the stories of our lives, but that is another plug for another day.

I was out running errands today, and I must digress for a bit about how little I get accomplished with so much effort these days...
Anyway, I am in WalMart (I don't recommend going to the Super WalMart on a Saturday) and I came across a bag of PINK M&M's... suporting the SGK breast cancer foundation. I immediately tossed the bag in my cart and justified the purchase with supporting a good cause. (Not that I need any reason these days to buy anything chocolate-- not much could have stopped me!) I found myself tickled by how excited I was about pink M&M's, contemplating possible uses since I am having a baby GIRL in a few weeks. Getting the nursery together has been quite the ordeal, but I think it has sparked my excitement about PINK!

As I checked out, I had another realization in WalMart. I wondered to myself, why did I, who really doen't like Halloween a whole lot, just buy a plastic jack-o-lantern for my 16-month old son? I just kept thinking about the smile on his face when he could show me the pumpkin, and put things in the pumpkin, and dump things out of the pumkin and shake shake shake the pumkin... it is simply amazing how much joy little people can bring to your life!!!!!!!!! (And I can't wait to post some pictures of Wilson in his Halloween costume!)

A few favorite pictures...

2006-09-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

from the beach. We spent Labor Day weekend at the beach-- a "last chance getwaway". These are a few of my favorite pictures:
1st up we have Wilson watching the sunrise (yes, sunrise!) with such wonderment that I was semi-glad that he woke up at 6:45am.
2ndly, Wilson's mood and willingness to try new or out of the ordinary things is very dependent on his highly unpridictable naps... here he is well-rested and loving the water and little waves on his feet.
3rd... now that we can walk, the beach is a whole new world... chasing his shadow was a whole lotta fun! I love his little footprints in the sand!
And the 4th picture of this blog update is just one of my favorites.... no particular reason.

More beach pictures to come...

Wilson's 1st Diaper Rash

2006-08-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

I am one of "those" moms that pediatricians talk about.

So last Friday afternoon I noticed some bumps on Wilson's bum--
He's never really had a diaper rash before, but I knew how to handle it, no problem. By Friday night it was bigger, brighter and spreading...

Saturday I was with some other moms, one of which noted that her son had a really bad diaper rash and that her pediatrician called in 2 prescriptions for a viral rash that has been going around... I heard "virus" and "going around" and being on hyper germ/infection alert, I thought perhaps I should have my pediatrician call something in. By Saturday night, Wilson had a few bumps on his legs & arms.. and some were beginning to blister up.

Our pediatric practice won't just call something in, I had to take him in... on a Sunday afternoon, to see the on-call doctor and show him this frightening viral monster that was overtaking my son's body. Actually by Sunday morning the diaper rash was going away-- a sudden turn of events, yet I still found myself in the Dr.'s office on a Sunday afternoon... showing the kind and patient doctor my child's DIAPER RASH........ we did leave with a couple of scripts, but nothing truly necessary, and the whole thing ended up costing nearly $75 (and a little please-take-me-seriously-when-I-call dignity!!!)

That is one pricey diaper rash!

Happy Birthday SaSa!!!

2006-08-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to YOU!
Happy Birthday to YOU!
Happy Birthday dear SaSaaaaaa!
Happy Birthday to YOU!

mmmmmmmmwaa!
Consider this a kiss from me to you!

Who dat det sez who dat when I say who dat?

Love, Wilson

Ready to call it

2006-08-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

a day, week, whatever!

Mom calls this morning with grand news-- they are sending her home from the hopsital. She will still have to go in everyday on an outpatient basis, but hooray! She gets to recover at home (for the most part). But then, I get a call from one of my dad's employees-- Dad's in the ambulance on the way to the hopsital with abdominal pains. Ok, so what do you do with a 15 month old in a stroller at the ER? Well, all of God's angels were looking out for us-- Wilson went home to play with Mamaw, Mom's home (thanks to her sister), and I took Dad home (waiting to pass a kidney stone-- yikes!!!). The pharmacist commented "Y'all aren't having much fun this weekend?" after my aunt had been in to pick up mom's meds followed by me, picking up similar meds for dad. Probably not...

Playdate With James

2006-08-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks for a wonderful morning, James! You have very fun toys... I had a blast! I especially enjoyed our sing along session-- you rock on that guitar!!! We look forward to getting together again VERY soon! Thanks for being such a great mentor. Love, Wilson

Babies & Big Kids

2006-08-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

This is a glimpse of the process of getting a group photo at playgroup this past Monday... the pictures truly speak for themselves! It's always reassuring to know that other children prefer not to cooperate at times too!

I haven't checked the other blogs yet to see what other pictures were taken... I will do that tonight, especially since this blog is no longer a dead end-- thanks, Nancy!!!!

Beautiful Baby

2006-08-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is my dear friend, Jamie and her sweet baby, Charlie. First of all, who looks this good just months after having a baby???? You look amazing, Momma!

Congratulations Jamie and Scoot! Charlie is absolutely beautiful, and blessed to have such wonderful parents. We love youand cannot wait to see you again soon. Wilson is eager to show Charlie the ropes of Charleston!

Happy Birthday Catherine!

2006-08-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

Our Godchild, Catherine had her 5th birthday last week-- and the party was a blast, as always!!! (Cyndee needs to be a party planner!!!)

It was a beach party, complete with hula lessons pictured here. That's a glimpse of the birthday girl all the way to the right. I'm sorry that is the only picture we got of her!!!

Lily (all the way to the left) is way into the hula dancing... and Wilson was qite pooped after ice cream cake, chik-fil-a, slushy drinks, hula dancing and boogy board lessons in the surf!!!

Happy Birthday Catherine!!!! We love you!

Sweet Moments

2006-08-06T19:13:00.000-07:00

Quality time with Grandaddy-- I'm not sure who had more fun!

Happy Boy!

2006-08-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Oh how Wilson loves to swing!! How this sweet smile warms a momma's heart!

Happy Birthday Amy!

2006-07-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Dinner at Coast on Sunday night... Not such a great picture, but it was a great dinner! I hope you have a great day, and year!!!
Love you!

Six Down, A Hundred To Go!

2006-07-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to us! Six years ago, Brian and I were wed in dear-to-our-hearts St. Michael's Church, followed by the reception in Society Hall... it was a fabulous party that we didn't want to end! Today's weather is a reminder that God can do anything-- even a semi-cool day in Charleston in July, just like it was 6 years ago! We've had 5 addresses (3 of which were on Colony Drive!) but are finally in our own home, with sweet Wilson and baby girl on the way! It's STILL good to be back in Charleston, though in ways it seems we never left, but we have a renewed appreciation for HOME! The past 6 years have been better than I ever dreamed, yet I am sure the best is yet to come.. I love you, Brian with all of my heart! Happy anniversary!!!

The Newly Ordained

2006-07-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

These are our dear friends Lizzie and Hamilton Smith and their precious children David (9 wks) and Charlotte (3 1/2 yrs). They have just returned from 3 years of seminary at Oxford University in England! I remember spending the evening with them after a Christmas party about 4 1/2 years ago when Hamilton first brought up this possible calling... what a blessing they are to us for their faithfulness!!!!!

I could go on and on... but I won't... I just love them so stinking much!

The ordination service was neat-- Hamilton was one of 6 newly ordained deacons. The Holy Spirit was indeed there! Shay Gaillard preached a great sermon-- you can tell Hamilton is pumped up!!!

VERY Scary Thought!

2006-07-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

I suppose owning a home is an adventure, but the sight of Brian and his father, Tom, on the roof of our house attempting to fix a leak (that was supposed to be fixed before closing) truly frightens me!!! Just look at the ladder they are using...

Today's storm was a good test of their workmanship, and so far... no leak!!

Good job, boys!

Blessings From Baltimore

2006-06-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

While living in Owings Mills, Maryland, Brian and I met our dear friends Julie & Steve Wagner. They moved to Charlotte, NC before we moved back to Charleston, and life in MD was never the same (it was never very good to begin with, but without our domino-playing, beer-drinking buddies what were we to do???)

ANYWAY, they came to visit this past weekend, and here are the pictures to prove it... Zachary (3 yrs. old and extremely cute!) thought the cannons and cannon balls were a lot of fun.

B.F.B. continued...

2006-06-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

After playing tourists on the Battery, the dads went to play golf at Patriot's Point, and (too bad for the dads) Julie and I took the kids to Juanita Greenburg's for lunch, followed by a stop in Felice Designs, and some quality time at the Farmer's Market in Marion Square. Zachary loved the jump castle and slide. He made converstion with the people who worked there-- they were impressed with how friendly he was!

We topped it all off with a cupcake at the appropriately named Cupcake. Very good cupcakes-- did you know they have over 30 possible flavors??? Zachary just liked the frosting and sprinkles off of his, with a little to spare on his face! (And that's Wilson crashed out in the stroller behind us at the table. See the Wagners' Visit by Wilson post...)

Wagners' Visit By Wilson

2006-06-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Whitepoint Gardens was hoppin', and while playing tour guide we decided to get a family portrait... that's momma, me & dada.

Dada and Zach's dada went to play golf... when do I get to do that?

There aren't any pictures of us at Juanita Greenburg's, but their quesadillas are the best! I ate more of Zachary's than he did!!!

The Farmer's Market was really hot, so I tried to stay cool in the shade while Zachary got to jump and slide... I can't wait to do that!

I heard the cupcakes were quite tasty, but for some reason I don't remember that part of our fun-filled afternoon!

I like Zachary a lot-- he likes to play with me, and I think he is a really cool big boy. And his mama and dada seem to be pretty cool too. All in all, the Wagners' visit was GREAT!

How Quickly A Year Goes By!

2006-06-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Wilson's "one-year-old" (well, 13-month) portrait session at Portrait Innovations was a lot of fun, and much more fast-paced than before! The girls were great with him, and he was eager to laugh! How are you really supposed to choose your pictures???

Shocked and Befuddled

2006-06-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

We just found out (Monday 6/12/06) Wilson is going to have a little SISTER! I always thought I would have 2 boys, and since Brian came from all boys, and the only other grandchild is a boy, it just seemed pretty likely. When around the mothers of 2 boys, I always thought to myself, "That's going to be me." We were utterly shocked when the technician told (and showed) us that we are indeed having a baby girl, and (praise God!) she seems perfectly healthy! This is my first blog post because I know where the ultrasound pictures are... I think I could get addicted to this blogging thing!