Redbird's Game

On Tuesday, we made an impromptu trip to watch the Redbird's play in one of the championship games. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived that the tickets were buy one get one free! That made the trip even better :) Lilliana had such a great time especially since she seemed to get over her fear of mascots. She kept asking where Rocky was the entire time we were there and was constantly waving at him when he was near by. It was a gorgeous night with cool weather and great family. So glad we have such a nice stadium and great team so close by.

Ballet

Well, ballet started back this week and luckily we are know going on a day that this Momma is fully rested! I signed little love up for Tuesday mornings and I tried to take into consideration the impending changes in our life with the new baby coming when choosing a time. I am hoping that the time we choose will be towards the end of Baby Burchett's naptime and they will be ready to go watch their little sister dance! I guess only time will tell.

Little love was super excited about starting back this Fall and has been talking about it since our last lesson this summer. We also changed locations and teachers but are still taking from the same company. We are essentially doing the same class we did this summer again but since Little love has done it before, she was all over the place this morning. The other little girls had not danced before so they were a little shy and sat with their Momma's but not little love, she was tip-toeing all over the dance floor! It was so fun to see and hopefully she won't be the problem child this time.



this is the "face" she likes to give me these days for pics, no longer does she like to cooperate!



sassy ready to leave with her ballet bag in tow



enjoying a snack at Panera after ballet which also included lots of pennies thrown into the fountain, her new favorite thing to do there :)

Showered with love

On Thursday, I enjoyed a wonderful shower at Panera with some fabulous friends and family. It was so nice to just get a way for a couple hours and enjoy some girl time. My 2 good friends Kirsten and Amanda did all the work and it was just so great. We enjoyed a nice dinner there and then had Muddy's cupcakes for dessert, Pink Lady, my favorite! I got so many nice things that Baby Burchett needed from, burp cloths, to bottles, to blankets and even my video monitor. It's so crazy how excited I get this go around with each new gift I opened. It was so nice to get so many things that I genuinely need and know will be put to good use.














Such a fun group, I had friends there from work, my old study group in nursing school and even high school and church friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for each of you taking the time out of your night to come and shower me and Baby Burchett with so many blessings!!

Maternity Pictures

Here are some of my favorite picture's that our family photographer Elizabeth Wigg's captured for us. They were taken at Memorial Garden here in Memphis and although it was incredibly hot that day, we all survived just long enough for her to get some great shots!

1st purchase

Today Clay and I made our first big purchase for the new baby. There really wasn't much that we needed for a 2nd baby but I had been debating for quite a while about whether or not we needed a double stroller or not. Well, after realizing that simple trips to the Zoo, doctor's offices and so forth were going to be much more difficult with an infant in the carrier or stroller and trying to watch Little love, I decided that I wanted to try and find one. I had been looking at the Phil and Ted strollers since getting pregnant with L and the steap price is what has always deterred me from them. Well, since getting pregnant this time, I decided that if I could find one on Ebay or Craigslist for a decent price then maybe it was meant to be. The other night, while I was at work, I found a listing for one located in Little Rock. I emailed the lady and it was still available so after talking to Clay I decided to meet her today and pick it up. I am super pumped and excited about strolling around 2 little babies in the near future. I know that for the most part, L doesn't ride in a stroller anymore when it's just the 2 of us but I think once the new baby arrives it will make my life a lot easier and I hope she is as eager to ride with her new sibling as she was to try out the new stroller with her 'sister' Maggie earlier today!

Day #5

Well, Little love's school day didn't end exactly like I had planned. Around 1:00, I got a call from her teacher saying that she was coughing up a storm. She had told them she had been sick at home so they decided to check with me. I explained to them that she had been sick this weekend but had not run a fever since Saturday. They were really sweet but I went ahead and decided to go and pick her up early. It was already 1:00 by the time they called and said she was fine until it was time to nap. Of course since getting her home she has continued to cough, all day long, and had some major difficulties taking her nap this afternoon. I think she laid in there over and hour and a half before finally sleeping for about an hour.

She has continued to cough the rest of the day and is now back there trying to go to sleep. We were supposed to head to a birthday party tonight for a friend's little girl but since she wasn't really acting like her self and coughing so much, I decided it would be best if we stayed home.

I was able to get her to somewhat cooperate this morning for the camera though. Clay got her to smile by asking her to do her silly face! She is such a hoot!!

Our weekend

Our weekend actually started on Thursday with dinner at Ja Ja's with Nana while Clay played some golf. He was planning to play with some friends on Friday morning and wanted to get in a little practice before. Little love and I decided that we would just head out to Collierville with him and have a fun dinner date. I noticed L starting to get hoarse during our 2 hour wait on dinner! Yes, I'm not kidding!! But, she was quite the trooper. Nana and I were prepared with crayons, coloring pages, and a new app on the iPhone with a fun game of memory. I was more than impressed with her patience during our long wait. Anyways, later that night, I thought she felt a little warm so when we got home I gave her some Motrin and put her to bed. On Friday, she acted like she felt fine and we just enjoyed a jammie day at home. We read books, played games and just lounged around in our PJ's all day. Friday night, Clay grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs and little love, although she loves hot dogs, wasn't really into eating anything. I could tell she just didn't feel like herself.

I put her down for bed around 8:00 and while Clay and I were watching some TV around 10:00 I heard her stir. She was crying and calling out for me and once I got in there she kept trying to tell me something was hurting her. I could barely understand her and she had a horrible cough that sounded like croup. I won't lie, for a minute there I was genuinely concerned. Clay asked me if I was worried about her because I guess he could sense it and I told him I was. She was burning up with fever so I quickly stripped her down, gave her some Motrin and a glass of milk. I guess that was the wrong combination because they both came back up pretty quickly during her next coughing fit. We were both covered in throw-up so Clay took over for me to change and get L some fresh clothes. I called up to work to ask them what they thought I should do and they agreed that I should go ahead and repeat the Motrin since she most likely didn't get any of it. Since I'm a PICU nurse I was concerned about her temp being almost 104 but I learned later that kids only have febrile seizures when their temperature either goes up or down too quickly, the degree of the fever isn't what matters. Anyways, since that is what I was initially concerned about, I was glad my fears were put to rest. After giving her a 2nd dose of Motrin, we sat on the couch to watch an episode of Dora since by this point she was wide awake from all we had done to her. After watching her episode of Dora, I got ready for bed and put her in bed with me. I slept with 1 hand on her for most of the night because I was so worried about her. She woke up a few times crying and just wanting to know where I was so I was glad I had slept with her. She was able to calm much better with me next to her then I think she would have otherwise.

On Saturday morning, I got up bright and early to get out the door to volunteer at the Forrest Spence 5K. I debated going but since she did well overnight and Clay was with her, I was comfortable going. I called the pediatrician first thing and got her an appointment. I met Clay there and although the waiting room was empty, we had to wait quite a while to see Dr. W. Once we saw him, I explained what had happened the night before and he wanted to do some blood work to make sure her WBC count was alright. She was such a trooper and didn't even flinch when they pricked her little finger. Her WBC count was great but since she was still so hoarse, he decided to give me a 3 day course of steroids. He also told me that if night #1 was like that then sometimes it will be worse the following afternoon or evening.

We stopped for pizza at Mellow Mushroom while we were out and made a quick run by Costco before heading to pick up her medicine and head home. By time we got home, L was spent and over tired. She was refusing to take her new medicine and I knew I needed to go ahead and give it to her since some steroids can make kids crazy and hyper. We had plans that evening and I wanted to make sure she went to sleep well for her Gigi and Poppy. We finally talked her into taking her new medicine with the help of band-aids, (we really should get stock in Johnson and Johnson). I put her in the bed with me since she had gotten so worked up again and it took her forever to go to sleep but then I ended up having to wake her up a little before 5:00.

Poppy and Gigi came over so Clay and I could go to a wedding for a long time friend of his and ended up taking my little love to Target to pick out a new toy and they picked me up some Tylenol and Motrin since I had depleted our stock at home. Clay and I had a great evening out although I called to check on her about a dozen times in the few hours we were out. I was so worried about her but after her nap she seemed to really have turned a corner. I was hoping the medicine was working.

One funny story, on the way into the wedding I was walking in a pair of heels that I have had since college and my foot got stuck in a crack and I broke my heels! I was so embarrassed and so sad because they were my favorite black shoes. I think it embarrassed Clay too and he kept telling me, "I have told you time and time again to get some new shoes!" Well, needless to say, I was able to make it into the wedding but we stopped after it was over at DSW to get me a new pair. Clay was so funny walking down the aisle trying to help me find a new pair by pulling out every pair he ran across that was a black heel. I finally found some and we were off to the reception. We didn't stay very long, bu decided instead to head to a local coffee shop and just enjoy each other's company. Upon arriving home our little love was sound asleep and just woke long enough to tell me about her new Dora toy she picked out and ask if I would rock her. Of course I did and I was so glad to see her back to her old self again.

We stayed home from church this morning, little love and I did, while Clay went to Sunday School. We enjoyed another day of lounging around in jammies while reading books, playing Candy Land, Memory and bugging Maggie. I had to work tonight and Clay is home with L. He said she went to sleep like a champ and is still coughing but it's definitely changed to a more productive cough than croupy in the last 24 hours so I am glad about that. I plan to send her to school tomorrow as long as she is still afebrile in the morning. I wasn't going to but since she hasn't had a temp since Saturday and croup is more of an airway inflammation and not contagious, I think I will go ahead and send her.

Even through the sickness, we had a great weekend as a family. Little love is such a trooper when she's sick and so cuddly that I can't help but enjoy the loving, sitting still in my arms time we had. :)

Oh yeah, and because I don't want to forget, all my little love weighed at the doctor's office was 22lb 4 oz.!! I for sure thought were heading more towards the 24lb. mark by now but I guess I was wrong.

Day #4 and updates

I met little love at Clay's school this morning for us to switch up since Clay needed to get to class and I was just getting home from work. I decided to take L to Panera again for a pastry while we waited for her school to start. I had a great night at work and I am so glad that I don't have to go back until Sunday night. It will be so nice to have a weekend with my family and not have to rush around on Friday night to get ready for work. I talked with L before I dropped her off this morning about being obedient to her teachers and about naptime. I promised her that if she took a nap that we could head to TCBY after school and enjoy a waffle cone since it's Waffle Cone Wednesday!

We are planning to just stay around the house tonight and probably enjoy some leftovers. I am wanting to start a marriage series with Clay at church when we start our new bible studies in the fall but I'm not sure I will be able to do it with a baby on the way so we will just see. I figure we will take the next few weeks off on Wednesday night either way and just enjoy our time together and then see how I am feeling come time for the study to start.

I did a fabulous study this summer that was all about organizational skills, cooking and cleaning secrets, along with finances. It was so nice to get some wise information from someone that has been there done that. Clay and I have had to make a lot of changes in the past year with me being the sole provider and adding school tuition on top of everything else. I know that it will all be worth it in the end but it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel this far out.

As far as that goes, Clay is set to take the LSAT on October 9th. Perfect timing right? October should be a very busy month for our little family. Oh yeah and Clay turns the big 30 in October also. We sure have a lot to do in the next couple months!

God's Promises

Today we had a jammie day at home. I do believe Lilliana enjoys these days as much if not more than I do. We love to just lounge around in our jammies with no plans on the agenda except enjoying time at home and doing crafts, reading books and just snuggling while watching a movie. I try to have a jammie day at least once a week and since my schedule is a little different this week and I have to work tonight, I thought this was the perfect opportunity.

We started off with a yummy breakfast and sent Clay to his class at school. He has a 3 day course this week that is from 8-5 so another reason we decided to take advantage of a quiet day at home. Little love had told me last night that she wanted to do a craft with elephants so I got online and started searching. I found some elephant coloring pages and then decided we should do something pertaining to Noah's Ark and the story of God's faithfulness since that was also the next story in her bible. We read the bible story and then colored the elephant page. Made a list of all the animals L could think of that may have been on the ark and then glued a picture together of the ark, rainbow and clouds. It was a great morning, all before 9:00.

Then we got out little love's Noah's Ark matching game and played a few rounds of that before taking a little snack and movie break. I didn't have anything that really pertained to the day so L chose an episode of Sesame Street since it was currently being taped by the DVR when I turned the television on.

We then enjoyed lunch and then I have Little Love a bath since it seems to help her calm down before napping and I thought it would help Clay out in the morning since she has school tomorrow and he has to get her ready by himself since I will be at work. We played with her motorboat and watering can we keep in the tub and sang lots of songs while she splashed around and "swam" in the tub.

Then we snuggled on the couch and watched an episode of Dora, all about her becoming a big sister, per Little Love's request and then blow dried her hair and rocked for nap time. She took a great nap which was fabulous since I was able to sleep well too and then we cooked dinner and ate with Clay before I headed out to work. She was still in her clean jammies from after bath time when I left the house and it was so nice to not have anywhere we HAD to be today. She has been asking a lot about ballet lately and I keep informing her that it starts back next month. She has been doing a lot of dancing around the living room and showing everyone that comes over all of her ballet moves. I hope she continues to enjoy it and as long as she does, we will continue to take. It should be interesting this Fall as it will be me vs. 2 kids at dance class! I am actually super excited and can't wait. (Well, I can wait until at least October, no earlier please) :)

Naps had by all!

Horray! Lilliana napped at school today!! She greeted me at the door when I arrived to pick her up and let me know that "I took a good nap today Mommy." Well, I verified that with her teacher, especially considering that is what she had told me the prior week and that was not the case. They informed me she slept for 1 hour and as far as I am concerned, 1 hour is much better than none so I will take it.

I rewarded her with allowing her to pick out a sucker from the basket at school since I didn't let her last week when she refused to nap. I have informed her, if this trend continues, we can get rewards for her good behavior. It's amazing the difference in her attitude with even as short as a 1 hour nap. She is just so cranky and exhausted by around 5:00 if she doesn't nap. So hard to be around, especially when I am tired and cranky from my short few hours of sleep myself.

She did nap fabulously all last week on the days she wasn't in school so at this point the lack of naps is not taking a toll on our normal schedule. That is what I am most worried about. I know once this new baby comes that I am going to need a few moments of quiet if at all possible and the long term goal of having them both sleep in the afternoon at the same time can hopefully still be a possibility!

6 years!

Tonight Clay and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary. Mom came out and watch Lilliana so that we could enjoy a nice dinner for just the 2 of us. We ended up going to Buckley's after much contemplation while driving and had a fabulous meal. We were trying to decide between there and Benihana's but we decided since we didn't have reservations, we would probably wait forever at Benihana's. We were able to sit and relax at dinner without entertaining and special little lady and just have some great conversation time. We had planned to go see a movie afterwards but since I had worked the night before, we just picked one up from Redbox and headed back to the house. Of course, I fell asleep while Clay stayed up to watch the movie but he said he enjoyed it!

Lilliana had a great time with her Nana despite the fact that she was still awake when we got home. She kept telling Nana she wasn't tired. It didn't take her too long to fall asleep once we got there and gave her some loving and a little time was spent rocking. I think she is just super used to one of us putting her to bed and she just doesn't want to cave for others.

She was pretty hilarious earlier in the day because I was telling her that Nana was coming over to play with her while Mommy and Daddy went to dinner for our anniversary. She kept asking me why and I told her because we were celebrating the day we got married. She wanted to know why I got married and I was attempting to explain that, not very well mind you, to a 2 year old. I did ask her if she was going to get married when she grew up and she told me she probably would, and it would be to Wilson! She is so silly. I just love my little family.

Splash Day

Today, Lilliana and I headed to Buckhead for a fun day with some friend's from church. Our church was hosting a MOPS day that was full of fun, food and fellowship. I haven't been able to attend any of the MOPS meetings since they meet on Sunday afternoons at our church but I hope to do so when they add a day in the near future. I have meet so many people through our small group at church and know that being involved in an activity like this would help to facilitate even more relationships with Christian Moms.

Lilliana had a great time bouncing in the bounce houses and going down the blow up water slides. It turned out to be a gorgeous day and we both really enjoyed ourselves. There was a snow cone machine, ice cream, pizza and snacks, balloon animals and even face painting. We decided to partake in a little of all of it and came home just exhausted. A great nap was had by all! We had such a fun day together and can't wait to continue to enjoy these last few weeks with just the 2 of us.

Update's

I have been trying to get the blog updated, keep scrolling down for more post's or just click below :)

30 week's!

Parent's Night

Redbird's Game

Preschool 1

Day #2

Day #2

Well, today was day #2 for school. Again, Lilliana was super excited about going but after a long night that included a sleepless little girl who was still awake around 9:30, and one who woke up just after 6:00, I just knew she would nap at school. I mean, I was tired after that little amount of sleep so surely she wouldn't make it all day. Oh yeah, and combined with the fact that I told her she wouldn't be able to get a sucker after school unless she napped. Well, it didn't work! She again ONLY rested. No nap!! I have no idea what I'm going to do with her. I guess as long as she continues to nap at home I am ok with it but I know she needs that nap. Yesterday she took an almost 3 hour nap while we were at home so I will just give us a little more time to get used to the transition and possibly attempt a nap at school. I asked her teachers if she was being disruptive to the other kids and they told me today she decided to sing along with the CD they had playing during naptime and they had to ask her to sing quieter. That's my girl :)

I did get a little note today on her daily report card that said, "please wear play clothes and shoes appropriate for running on the playground". The note said that the new bigger playground she is on now has mulch and I am sure that she doesn't play very well on it when she gets it in her shoes. Well, it made me sad. All she's ever worn to school is smocked dresses and clothes so I don't know what she's going to wear. We don't even have that many play clothes around here because the only time she wears things like that is on the weekends when I am napping and she's with her Dadda. Oh well, I guess that means we have to make a trip to the store for maybe some keds or something like that and I just may have to get the trusty sewing machine out. She still has to be stylish even if they are considered play clothes. I am going to try and be productive this weekend. Clay and I are going out to dinner for our anniversary on Saturday while Nana watches L so maybe we will try and pick up some things while we are out.

We also made a little trip to the pediatrician today because L has had a little cough and runny nose for a couple days and started telling me last night that her right ear was hurting. This is the first time she has told me specifically something was bothering her so I thought we should get it checked out. I went ahead and sent her to school because she wasn't running a fever but combined with the fact that she hasn't slept as well lately and has been pretty picky about eating I was leaning towards the fact that she probably had an ear infection. Well, we were right. Dr. G looked in the ear she told him was bothering her and he said it was full of fluid and probably causing a lot of pressure and pain for her. He wrote us a script for some Amoxil and Clay has gone to get it filled. Hoping we can get this infection cleared up quickly and she will be back to her old self in no time.

I don't have any pics from today because Prissy Pot was not cooperating this morning and I wasn't willing to fight with her over getting a smile :) Maybe next time!

Preschool 1

Today was Lilliana's first day of Preschool 1. I can't believe how fast she is growing up! She was super excited about her new teachers and new classroom and although I was a little bit nervous, I don't think the changes phased L at all. I was late getting out of work so I was so glad I had prepared her lunch, backpack and laid out her clothes the night before for Clay. We had planned to go eat breakfast together at Panera before taking her to school so Clay and Lilliana were just able to meet me there. We all enjoyed some yummy pastries before packing the car back up and heading to PDO.

Lilliana went right into her classroom without a hitch and didn't even look back. She was super excited about playing with the pink piano that she had found in her new room when we were at Parent's Night the week before. Clay and I then left, for me to nap and him to get some LSAT studying done.

I was anxious to pick up my little love come 2:45 so I got there a little earlier than normal. I was told by her teachers that of course the little stink didn't nap so I was preparing for along night with her. They said she rested quietly but did not go to sleep. I am hoping, it's just because it was the first day and that she won't make it a habit. Only time will tell. Her teacher did tell me that Lilliana told them, she liked her new teachers. I thought it was funny because I had really been talking about her teachers changing and all that was going to be new this year and I guess they got her approval!

Here's hoping for a fabulous year in Preschool 1 and lot's of fun days ahead!!



running back to Mom for more pennies to throw in the fountain at Panera



My big 2 1/2 year old!!



walking into school



just checking things out in her new classroom

Take me out to the ball game

Tonight, we all headed downtown to enjoy a Redbird's game. I am sad that we have such a great team here in Memphis and gorgeous field that we never take advantage of. We had gotten some discounted seats online the the other day so decided we needed to use them before the season ended. We had great seats, just on the third baseline and we were on the first row. We were far enough away that we would have time to duck from an incoming ball if necessary but still great seats in order not to miss any of the action! Lilliana had been one other time with Clay and his brother but this was the first time we had taken her this year. Other than the fact that it was 102 degrees outside with a heat index of 112, it was a perfect evening. Just hot and humid!! We spent more money on water than we did on our seats!

Lilliana had a great time but still doesn't like things dressed up in costumes. As soon as Rocky came out she said she was ready to go home. I assured her that he was far away and we wouldn't let him get too close. They have a really neat area for kids at the stadium with a playground area and games. I took Lilliana for a little break around the 4th inning to play on the playground and she had a great time until she got sand in her shoes and then prissy pot said she was done playing. She wanted the sand out of her shoes and to be cleaned off. I have no idea where she gets it from. :) I took her into the bathroom to clean off her feet and then her dress got wet while she was standing in the sink. Luckily, I had a back-up outfit in her bag that got put to use. (The reason for the 2 different outfits in the following pics)

We made it about 6 innings before we were all too hot and sticky to stay much longer. Of course, when we were walking out of the stadium, my pregnancy cravings couldn't withstand the wonderful smells coming from The Rendezvous so we headed there for a late snack and to cool down before trekking to the car. They were crazy busy so we just headed upstairs where everyone was waiting and ordered some drinks and the appetizer cheese and sausage plate. It was just perfect for the 3 of us to share and a great ending to our fun family night.



my 2 loves :)



a pic to prove we really were there and I wasn't just taking pics of my family :)



first time in braids :)



enjoying her ice cream



going down the slide on the playground at the stadium



enjoying some crackers at The Rendezvous



my hot and sweaty little love :)



what was left of the cheese and sausage plate

Parent's Night

Tonight was Parent's Night for the upcoming school year at Lilliana's school. Since I am on the parent committee, I had to be there early to help setup and Clay met me there with L when it was time for it to start. I had really been talking this night up to Lilliana because I was afraid that with the change of teachers she may not be as excited to go back to school. Well, so far that has not been the case. She is super excited about her new teachers and all the new little girls and boys that are going to be in her class. There were a couple of little girls that she asked me whether or not they were in her class again and unfortunately they are not. I think she is going to have a great year though and I really look forward to seeing how this next year of Preschool 1 will go!

We are already packed for her first day including our new backpack and lunchbox from LL Bean and new Snow White and Cinderella sippy cups. We have made sure our name is on everything that is leaving the house and her shoes are polished. So excited about a new year and praying for 2 precious teachers that will guide her for the next 9 month's.

30 week update

Today Lilliana and I headed to see Dr. W for my 30 week check-up. I still can't believe that I have made it this far and I am still on my feet. I am so thankful that I am still able to work and provide for my family along with enjoying this precious time with L. I took Lilliana with me this morning to my appointment because it was just a quick check-up and since it was so early I am typically in and out of there fairly quickly. After getting up and out of the house, we made a quick stop by Dunkin Donut's to pick up some yummy donut holes to enjoy during our wait. I couldn't believe my little love put away 7 of them!!

After a great check-up where all still look's right on track, we headed to Baby Depot to check out a few things. Of course, all I came home with was items for Lilliana including some new plates and cups for school and some fun princess eating utensils that can be tossed after use. We also picked up some Dora crocs because of course we were in grave need of another pair of shoes for L! I was pleasently surprised at how much they had there since this is only the 2nd time I have been.

Lilliana wanted to try out all of the strollers and gave me a good idea if we decide to get a double. I would love to get the Phil and Ted's but since that is WAY out of my price range, I think I will just have to stick to something a little more price friendly for the time being. I have registered for the sit and stand at Target since I have some friend's that have it and have spoken highly of it. I don't love it but since L likes to walk for the most part I think this one is the least bulky for what I am looking for. I need something that is going to fit in the trunk of my car since we don't plan to get another new vehicle for at least another year or so.

L also wanted to try out all the walkers and bouncers that were for babies and I couldn't keep her out of them. It gave me a small taste of what the next couple month's will be like. I have a feeling there will be many instances where she is going to have to give the babies toys a whirl! Let's just hope she doesn't break anything!!

I am still feeling good for the most part, just having some back pain at night and only in the top righthand side of my back. I am assuming it's always there because this baby seems to really favor my right side. Not really sure but that is my thought. I have just been taking Tylenol or using a little heating pad for that area and it seems to work. Still praying for praying for 7 more weeks if possible but so thankful for getting into the 30's!!



Lilliana enjoying her donut's while waiting on Dr. W



Lilliana testing out a walker

Trying to stay cool

That's about all we have been doing around here lately. We have had lot's of playdates at either our house or a friends and have been mostly indoors. The highs in Memphis have been around 100 lately with the heat index much higher than that. Way too hot for Lilliana or I to be outside. We have spent a lot of time at Davis Kidd enjoying story time and just playing with all the fun things there, along with some fun trips to The Children's Museum. There have been many Jammie days where we have just lounged at home all day, played games, colored, watched a little television and just had a Mommy and Lilly kind of day. It has been nice to enjoy these last couple month's with just me and my little love.

In one way, I am so ready for Fall. That will bring lots of changes to our family plus hopefully much cooler temps that we can finally enjoy the backyard some. There is also that small part of me that is not ready for all the changes that Fall will bring. I know Lilliana is going to be a great big sister but things are definitely going to change for her. I have been working on picking her up some fun items while we get out to put in a bag for her from the new baby. I have just been trying to find things that will keep her occupied while were at the hospital and while I am feeding the baby. Mostly things that will help develop independent play.

We have had a slight regression in our night time potty training. We have officially been potty trained for more than 7 month's so I decided about a month ago that it was time to get out of pull-ups at night. Well, after 2 weeks of doing great, L started pottying every night in her bed. She wouldn't even wake after doing so. I just would find out when I went to check on her or in the morning. I decided that since she wasn't even waking up with the knowledge that she had tee tee'd that maybe I should just do the pull-ups some more. My mom had suggested maybe it was because she is drinking so much water since it's so hot here but, of course since I went out and bought pull-ups, Lilliana HATES to wear them. I mean HATES it. She threw the biggest tantrum to date on Monday night when I was getting her ready for bed. She associates them with not being a big girl and just wants to wear her panties, and she's been dry every night since then. Who knows. Not sure if it's the security of the pull-up or if she would be dry if I did panties again. I think I'm going to try again next week. Just give her a 1 week break and see how she does.

Tonight is parent's night at her school. I can't believe it's time for her to start back already. We are going to do the 2 days again this time and hopefully she will nap. We had some difficulties this summer since Miss Sha wasn't always there so with the change of teachers I hope she is able to adapt! If not, we will probably be dropping that second day because I sure don't want to start a habit of not napping!

"Lilliana-isms"

Here is a list of a couple conversations Lilliana and I have had recently, they are too cute to forget so I wanted to make sure I wrote them down ....

While we were driving to eat dinner the other night she told Clay and I; "look at all those crape murdles (myrtles)"
now every time we drive by one she will point them out, which is a lot!

She is constantly talking about her birthday and asking when it is going to be here, I told her everyone in our family that was going to have birthday before her and she actually remembered.

When we were playing dress-up the other day, she ran into the TV stand and bumped her toe, she started to cry and came over for me to hold her. We had plans to go to a birthday party that evening so I asked her if she thought her foot would be better by then or if she thought we just needed to stay home. I was told that, "mom, cake will make by boo boo better, cake makes everything better!" I agree little love :)

While I was preparing lunch the other day, Lilliana was playing on her table and coloring some pictures in her coloring book. I saw her drop her entire baggie of crayons and markers and then she proceeded to say, "my Dadda is going to come in here and say, Lilliana Elise Burchett, you better clean that up right now, he's going to tell me, Lilliana Elise Burchett, you have to the count of 5." I guess she does listen to us at times, whether she minds or not!

When we were at storytime last week she was such a hoot. She was singing all of the songs and would say, "big finish" just like Mrs. Marjorie does at the end of certain songs. She knew just when to raise her voice in "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and used all the right fingers for "Where is Thumpkin". Everyone was laughing at her and I just wish I'd had my camera with me that day. What a site I could have caught!

Then today, when we were at storytime, I asked her why she wasn't singing and dancing around like last week and she told me, "Mom, there are too many kids here today, I can't move around like I like." She was right, the place was packed!!

I bought her a new Dora book called "Dora's Big Sister" well, to say she loves it would be putting it mildly. I think we have already read it front to back at least 20 times. There is one part in the book where Dora says to practice rocking your baby and Lilliana always imitates her with her hands. Then she will sing, "Rock A Bye Baby". She decided she wanted to try this out on Maggie the other night and it was just precious. Of course, Maggie was fighting her most of the way, but Lilliana was determined to rock and sing her 'sister' to bed.

I know there are probably a thousand more things she has said recently that I just can't recall but she has just become so animated these days. I love her soooo much!!