Rosie's 12th Birthday

While we're not really sure when Rosie was born and not even entirely sure how old she is, we celebrate her birthday on September 10th, which is the day that we adopted her and Zoe.  When we adopted Rosie, they said she was 4 1/2 so it may only be Rosie's 11 1/2 birthday but I guess we round up.  

She may be getting up there, but Rosie still has some spunk.  She's actual doing pretty well these days.  We have her on some pain medication for her leg and while she lays around most of the day, she still enjoys her walks and is always sure to alert us to visitors.  Since Zoe's been gone, Rosie has definitely become more needy, wanting to be where we are in the house (or outside).  She's so great with the girls, though and as I mentioned in Margo's eight month post, Margo has been very interested in Rosie lately (especially her toenails, for some reason).  Rosie may have an intimidating bark but she's a sweet, sweet dog.  

To celebrate her big day, Paige picked out some treats for her at the store and we celebrated with ice cream for everyone (Frosty Paws for Rosie).  

 Her signature look, one ear up, one ear down.

 Puppy dog eyes.

 Paige with her furry sister.

Kisses from Rosie.

Paige's First Day of Preschool

September 4th was Paige's first day of Tiny Tots preschool.  I can't believe how quickly my baby is growing!  She'll actually have two years of preschool before kindergarten, which I think will help ensure that she is good and ready for the big time.

Paige was so excited to start school with Ms. Linda this year.  She chose her new yellow dress for the occasion and did wonderful when we dropped her off for the morning.  Several of her neighborhood friends are in the same class so it was helpful to have familiar faces.  Class is from 8:15-11:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is usually just enough time for Margo to squeeze in her morning nap at home while I shower in peace.

It's fun to see her learn new things already, just within the first couple weeks.  They each have a special job in the classroom (I think for the month before rotating) and Paige's job was to pass out the cups at snack time.  For a few days, each time I'd ask her what her job was, she responded that it was "playing."  She's also learned a new prayer that they say before snack and has come home singing new songs each day.  One of their first couple projects was to create a square puppet.  Square is the shape for the month of September and yellow and brown are the colors.  Paige was proud to take Dora one day for show and tell because Dora has brown hair.  I can't wait to see the many things she learns throughout the year!

Since preschool doesn't really allow me enough time to fit in any errands nor any time on my own, I've enrolled both girls in Mother's Day Out on Wednesdays.  I was a little anxious about Margo attending, simply because I like to keep her on her routine.  While she definitely wasn't on the same schedule, she did great and didn't even notice I was gone.  We'll see how long that continues!

Paige's First Day of Preschool/Margo's First Day of MDO

 All dressed and ready to go.

 Excited to check out her classroom and meet Ms. Linda.

 With her new teacher on the first day.

 Before school, Paige kept asking if she could take a lunchbox with her.  Since she doesn't each lunch there, I packed up a lunch for her to eat when she arrived home.  She wasn't as impressed as I hoped.  

 Paige's first day of MDO.  She was silly this morning and this was all I could really get out of her.

Margo had a doctor appointment the first day of MDO so she didn't start until the next week.  As usual, a happy girl!

Margo is 8 Months Old!

While visiting my parents in August, Margo celebrated her eight month birthday.  She's pretty strong at sitting up and while not quite crawling, she rolls and stretches to get to what she wants.  Also while visiting her grandparents, Margo's first tooth (bottom left) popped through and a week later, she got her second one (bottom right).  Much sooner than her sister, who didn't get her first tooth until 13 months.  We were beginning to wonder if she even HAD teeth!

Margo is still experimenting with all different kinds of baby food and so far, we haven't found anything she doesn't like (as can be seen in the size of her thighs, which I love).  I'm still breastfeeding her, although I can't quite keep up so she's getting bottles too.  Margo is still sleeping through the night and takes two naps a day.  We are SO grateful that she is a good sleeper.  I can't tell you how much of a difference this makes in our experience this time around!

Rosie has also become more interesting to her little sister.  Margo tracks her around the room and is rolling, stretching and scooting to get to Rosie.  Rosie is good with Margo but most of the time just gets up and finds a new spot when Margo is around.

Overall, Margo is doing great and we are enjoying every inch of her!

Margo is 8 Months Old!

 Margo and Zoro

 Such a happy girl!

 Sisters!

 I can't believe how quickly she's growing!  Look at those legs!

 Brushing those teeth!

 We kept seeing Margo sitting up on her own but only on the monitor while she was in her crib.  It wasn't until a few days later that she actually demonstrated the skill for us.

She is really getting around.  I found her under the chair, behind Rosie's bed, going for the basket of magazines.  Guess it's time to baby proof!

Girls Trip to Grandma and Grandpa's

Early in the summer, Lisa had invited Paige to come up to stay with them in St. Louis for a few days.  We decided that Drew and I would bring her up the first week in August and pick her up several days later.  I figured since we would already be half way there, the girls and I would just go on up to visit my parents after Paige's stay with the Maxey's.

I was a little nervous to make the drive with two kids on my own but figured it was still the easiest way to get there and would allow us to spend a longer period of time visiting.  Fortunately, the drive was easier than I thought.  Paige was worn out from a busy (and fun) few days with her cousins and Margo, who the week prior decided she didn't like riding in the car, only had a couple meltdowns.

We ended up staying about 10 days and during that time, we were fortunate enough to be there to celebrate Grandpa's birthday.  Living out of state, we don't get to participate in these kinds of family events very often so we were glad to spend the special day with him.

On Tuesday, we took tours of Sechler's pickle factory and Spangler candy factory.  I think Paige enjoyed the free samples the most!  We followed this up with a trip to the zoo on the next day.  Paige has been to the FW Children's Zoo several times but enjoys it more each time.  The next few days we laid low and just played.  Paige absolutely LOVES the tree house at my parent's house and I love seeing her enjoy the same toys that I played with when I was young.  Big bonus, it keeps her busy for hours!

We had so much fun and the girls did so well that I'd definitely make the drive again.  Well worth it for the time spent with family!

Trip to Grandma and Grandpa's

Paige trying out Grandpa's car. 

 Paige was so happy to see Mia.

 Happy Birthday, Dad!

 Margo and the birthday boy.

 Grandpa and Paige.

 Happy to be with Grandma.

 Having fun playing

 This CRACKS me up!!  The tours required the kids to wear hair nets too.  Doesn't Paige look like an disgruntled factory worker?!

 Nothing cuter.  Ever.

 Paige before the candy tour.  Already trying out the samples.

 Grandma giving Paige a manicure.  She did the lipstick on her own.  

 A great day at the zoo with Grandma.

 Pretty Paige playing dress-up.

 Paige and Margo with Great Grandma Will.

 Lunch with Aunt Julianne and Mia.

 Taking a ride with Grandpa.

 Swinging with Great Grandma Shelburne.  Lucky girls to have so many grandmas!

We had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa!

Pensacola Vacation

In early July, we took a vacation to Pensacola, FL with Drew's family.  Since a beach vacation with two kids requires lots of gear, we decided to drive the 12+ hours.  On the way, we stopped in Hattiesburg, MS, where we met up with the Maxey's.  The kids enjoyed the hotel pool and we were up and on our way the next morning.  The girls did great in the car.  Paige watched movies most of the time and Margo was content in her car seat, either sleeping or just hanging out.  Nevertheless, we were happy to arrive at the beach!

We stayed in a wonderful house with a pool and just steps from the beach.  The pool came in very handy with Margo needing to nap often.  While she was sleeping, we were still able to enjoy the water. Paige's swimming lessons definitely helped.  She was a little fish (including the time she decided to get in without her swim float on and I had to scoop her out of the water where she was "trying" to tread water.  Very scary!!!)  Paige also enjoyed playing in the sand on the beach with Oliver and Lucy.  We stuck Margo's toes in but she was pretty indifferent to it all.

For the most part, we stayed close to home during the week but we were lucky enough to be there the week before a Blue Angels air show.  They were practicing several days before the Saturday event and were flying directly over our house so we had spectacular entertainment!  I'm not one to really get into those sorts of things but it was truly amazing!

We also arranged to have family photos taken while at the beach.  I'm so happy with the way they turned out and looking forward to having updated pictures of the entire family.

We had a great time, although the trip home was a little more difficult than the one down, and really enjoyed spending time with family in such a fun place.

Pensacola Vacation
Pensacola Family Photos