Mr. Independent

Since Preston still hasn't started talking things have become quite frustrating for us both lately. For example tonight at dinner he kept pointing to the yogurt but every time I tried to feed him he started this frantically shaking his head "NO"! It was hilarious to watch, but at the same time frustrating because I couldn't figure out what the heck he wanted. Finally I realized he wanted to feed himself. Our house is already a disaster and it was bath night so I agreed and gave him the yogurt and spoon. He surely enjoyed trying to feed himself and ending up dumping the entire container out (trying to just drink it, I think). Boy was there a big mess, but what boy comes without a mess?!

He has also started to try to do exactly what his big sister does. From climbing the stairs standing upright to playing with what she's playing with, he is very into doing things the big boy way. Off to clean up the white out he dumped on the hardwood . . .

A Family 10k

Today I ran my first 10k!! I was so excited to actually run the entire thing without having to walk . . . although huge thanks goes to Dave for pushing the jogging stroller 95% of the time! We finished in 1 hour and 40 seconds, now that's a lot of running. I'm going to be so sore tomorrow! We may have to make this a tradition since it supports such an amazing organization, Hospice. I couldn't help but think of mom as we were watching all of the Hospice nurses and volunteers along the race cheering us on. Somehow I know she was cheering too! :)

Just Pure Craziness

I thought that once September arrived things would slow down . . . but actually I can never remember a time (other than planning for our wedding) that has been this busy! Between doctor appointments, driving the kids back and forth to school, starting Wednesday night church with Savannah, figuring out our insurance options and searching for new medical and dental plans, coordinating meals and donations, babies being born, consignment sales, continuing education for my insurance license, Dave's new "schedule", tutoring 4 days a week, and dealing with a boy that just learned to walk I am. completely. exhausted. Here's to hoping that October is much slower!

Today we went for Preston's 15 month check up. Because there was a massive wreck the doctor's office lost power for 15 minutes, which put our doctor way behind schedule. We were there over 1 1/2 hours today!!! Anyhow, according to the charts, he is right on track. Weight 25 lbs, 5 oz (50-75th percentile) Height 32" (75th percentile) and Head 49cm (90-95th percentile). Guess he gets the big brain from his daddy. :)

Also, please keep some friends of ours, the Schumachers, in your prayers. They awoke early Saturday morning to find their house on fire. Within minutes they lost everything, other than the 2 cars the firemen were able to get out. They have 2 small kids (18 mo. and 4 years old) that are all okay, but have a lot of change to deal with.

Preston's Progress

• Well, it's safe to say that Preston has officially been walking for a week now! It's sort of a wobble, but it's so darn cute and just makes me laugh to see him wobbling around the house.
• He loves to dance. I mean this kid hears music and immediately starts bobbing his head.
• He has also figured out how to get out of a shopping cart. Today he fell head first out of the cart at Harris Teeter (while I was watching the coupons super double) and was caught about an inch before hitting the concrete by an amazing mommy behind me in line. When I got around the corner she was holding his shirt with his feet up and head down!! Thank you God for sending an angel today!
• Preston can down some milk for sure. He goes through about a gallon and a half a week! This may be the reason he refuses to eat vegetables, pasta, and meat . . . he gets his fill on milk.
• We're down to one nap. This is one area I figured out quickly after having Savannah and fighting it forever. After only taking one nap Monday and Tuesday, I kept him up all morning Wednesday and Thursday and he took a great afternoon nap both days. Although I'm sad to lose that morning nap, I'm counting my lucky stars that I can get both kids down for a nap every afternoon so that I can tutor!
• I'm not sure exactly how much he weighs, but I know he is one growing boy. That jogger is getting harder and harder to push with 2 kids in it. We go for his 15 month check up next week so I guess I'll know more stats then.

Boys are definitely different creatures that girls. Whew! This one is keeping me busy for sure. However, I couldn't be more thankful that God blessed us with one of each . . . now we can experience it all.

Back to School ~ Preston

Today was Preston's first day of WEE school!! He has been quite fussy with these new teeth coming in, but according to Miss Jean and Miss Amy he had a great day. Actually I was quite shocked to pick him up and see that he was WALKING all over the room! He has taken a few steps here and there at home, but apparently today was the day that he took off. Fun times, fun times!

Happy Birthday Dave!!

Today is my amazing husband's birthday! I never imagined God would bless my life with a man as patient and loving as Dave, but I'm ever so thankful! Although we'll go out to dinner and give him a gift, we are the ones who receive the biggest gifts as we celebrate Dave today . . . the gift of having a daddy who adores his children and a husband who is ever so patient with his wife. Thank you, Dave, for all that you do for our family and for the example you are setting for our children. I'm so glad to know Savannah sees first hand what to look for in a husband and Preston is learning how to be that kind of husband by watching you. We love you!!!

Back to School ~ Savannah

Yesterday was Savannah's first day back to WEE school, and possibly the beginning of her last year in preschool. I'm not quite sure who was more excited, me or her, but none the less it was a great day! On the way to school in the car she asked me if I was excited because "I could get a lot done while she was at school?" Well, that's definitely part of it, but I'm really excited to see how much she'll learn this year and also thrilled to be getting back into a regular routine. Here's to a wonderful year for our sweet Savannah!

Savannah and her best buddy, Anna Kate. They'll miss their friend Sara this year for sure!

Labor Day in Atlanta

This past weekend we ventured to Atlanta for the long Labor Day holiday. We drove down Saturday and met Grammy and Papa at the aquarium. The kids were more than ready to get out of the car when we finally arrived! Savannah loved the aquarium and, had it not been so crowded, probably could have spent hours watching the fish. I was shocked when she quickly recognized and told us all "that's a whale shark." Apparently lots of learning really does happen when watching Diego. :) After a couple of hours they were exhausted and we started to head to the car, but Savannah kept saying she wanted to see and touch the orange fish. We figured she was talking about the touch tank with the bright thingys so Dave took her back there. "No, not those fish. You keep taking me to the wrong fish," she said. Finally Dave figured out that she wanted to touch the orange clown fish in the gift shop!!! ha! So, while I was tracking down a passy in the car Dave bought her a big ol' Dippo fish to bring home. I wish I had more pictures from the aquarium, but I was quite busy trying to calm Preston since he decided not to nap on the trip there and was screaming like crazy!

After we left the aquarium Grammy and I headed back to their house with the kids, where it took them no less than 4 minutes to completely destroy the living room.

Dave and Papa had to go handle some "minor" race stuff for Monday. See, we realized when we got out in the parking deck at the aquarium that we left Dave's race bib and chip in Charlotte! oops! Thankfully it wasn't a problem and they replaced his number and chip for free. Whew!

Grammy with the grandkids

Papa with Preston, obviously just chilling out!

Sunday, after church, Susan and the girls met us for lunch at Red Lobster. It was a delicious meal! Then we headed back home to let Grammy open her birthday gifts. The next morning came early for the men as they headed out to run the 10k Classic. Dave did AWESOME finishing in the top 700 and even got a medal. He ran an extremely hilly 10k in 52 minutes! WOW! Papa did great too walking his first race!

We quickly packed up and headed back to Charlotte on Monday after the race. Thankfully, the trip back was much more quiet. Thanks Grammy and Papa for a super fun weekend!!