Georgia Aquarium

This past weekend we took a trip to Atlanta for the night and went to the Georgia Aquarium.

It was a big deal, because Matt was able to go with us.  With him farming, family trips are few and far between.  I savored every moment!!  The kids also enjoyed spending time with him.

The weather was supposed be yucky though!  It was flooding at home that morning, so it was about lunch time before we left.

We had a hailstorm along Forsyth, and that was scary.  The kids napped most of the way.

We checked in to our hotel (the Ritz!!) at about 4.  We let the kids run and play (yeah, we probably won't be allowed back....) and it started snow flurries outside.  NK was SO excited to see the snow.  We went for a walk downtown around 5.

Downtown Atlanta is a little scary.  The tall buildings are so neat, but there is homeless people that will come up and ask you for money.

We ate at the HardRock because it was right next to our hotel.  My sister met us for supper which was great because we don't get to see her very often now since she is living up there.  We were in a corner table and the kids were able to dance.  They loved the restaurant.  It was my sister's birthday and they sang happy birthday to her and Norah Kate.  NK's face was priceless!

G was dancing all over the place and was being quite the entertainer.

The next morning we got up to more snow!  We packed up and went and had breakfast at Waffle House.  (I know right, we go to Atlanta and eat at Waffle House?)  However, with the cold weather it was super yummy!!

In Atlanta, you have to park in public parking places (pay to park) and then walk to your destination.  Or at least that is how it is downtown.

Every where we went people talk about how cute G and NK are.  It never fails either, that my children are putting on some kind of entertainment for people.

Due to the weather, the aquarium didn't open until 11.  We got there right when it opened (again, parked and walked in the snow and freezing wind!!).  The kids were layered up with long sleeve shirts, sweaters, and then heavy jackets.  With a blanket!

I also learned that Matt is not a cold-weather man.  It was a wimp.  haha!!  I was prepared though with gloves, toboggan and heavy coat.

The kids LOVED the aquarium.  It wasn't very crowded at first, so that was nice.  We watched the dolphin show and then walked through the different tanks.  They have a tropical fish tank, a freshwater fish tank, a cold weather fish tank, and then a BIG fish tank with sharks, sting rays, etc.  They also had fish in with the sharks and I wondered why the sharks didn't eat the other fish?

It got super crowded, so we left without seeing a few of the activities.  The kids were also tired and hungry.  Overall, I would say it was a success.  On our way out we stopped in the gift shop.  They each had $10 to pick out a toy.  Grant and NK both got a sea otter.

We ate lunch at Johnny Rockets right by the aquarium.  It was SO good.  It was like an old-fashioned burger/shake dine-in.  We had a juke-box at the table.  My hamburger was yummy...or maybe I was just starving.  We also all shared a vanilla milk-shake.  I really think eating there was one of my favorite parts!

We walked back to the car and was trying to decide if we were going to go somewhere else and stay another night or just head back home.  While Matt and I were weighing "pros and cons," we looked back and the kids were sound asleep!  We decided just to drive on back home.

I know this trip may not sound like anything special, but I want to remember it forever.  Matt works so hard and we rarely get to spend weekends away with just our little family.  It was so nice.  The kids were also so well-behaved.  (which they usually are anyways).

NK can't wait to go back!

First Trip to Disney

The kids, Granna-MiMi, KyKy and I all went to Disney in the first weekend in October. I must say, I think I was more excited than the kids were!! I haven't been to Disney since I was a little girl!

I was nervous because my whole house, starting with Grant, had a stomach bug the week we were leaving! I was still feeling kinda puny Friday and Saturday while we were there.



Of course everything lived up to our expectations.  I decided we would just do and see what we could this time, and not have a particular time line.  We got down there Friday night and ate at Rainforest Cafe.  This is a MUST if you have kids!! (Although, if you have kids that are scared of thunder, animals, or loud noises.... Then no.). There's so much to see and do!! And it had an awesome gift shop.  Norah Kate loved looking at all the fish and animals!!!  I got a steak and shrimp combo and it was yummy.  

We stayed at the Port Orleans resort and it was Beautiful!!!

The next morning we woke up earlier and went to eat at Chef Mickeys, but the wait was over an hour so we settled for a quick service breakfast right next to it. The waffles were so good!!! I have been craving them since. We were tickled at the kids because they were literally liking the syrup out of the container! Yikes!

We rode the monorail to the park which was neat! We got in the park early (I am thinking like 9 am). And we were able to ride a few rides before lines got long. I did have a few fast passes, but with it being our first trip I wasn't sure how everything was laid out in order to know how to set up the fast passes!



 

We rode the teacups and the Dumbo flying elephants first. It didn't take NK long to get used to the crowds and rides, but the first couple her and G were both shell-shocked. Haha!! We also went to see Ariel in her Grotto. The Disney Princesses are all so beautiful.  The waits were long to see them (expect about an hour!!) unless you have a fast pass. In the end though, it was well worth the wait to watch Norah Kate's face.  After we saw Ariel, Norah Kate jumped up in the air and did a "air punch" with her fist!

 

 



In the morning, we rode the teacups, Dumbo, Under the Sea and saw Ariel. Then we had an 11 am reservation for Be Our Guest.  It was so pretty inside.  I may be the only person that thinks this, and I also think it was because my stomach wasn't "normal" yet, but I wasn't crazy about the food at BOG. I really think it was just me! Everything looked and smelt wonderful though!!

I also love how everything is Enchanted-like in Disney. It was truly like the castles were alive inside.

After lunch, we rode more rides like the carousel, the boat ride through the jungle, it's a small world, and the Country Bear Jamboree.  We also watched the parade and ate the famous Dole whips (now, those are good!!!) Next time, I will go ahead and get a seat close to the street for the parade.. We were in the very back and it was hard to see the parade :(

Grant loved the Small World ride!! He danced to the music and kept saying "look!"

He was also so funny on the boat ride too. He was fine the whole time, even with loud noises, but we went under a waterfall in the boat and he FELL APART!!

At about 2, we hit a rough patch. NK asked all morning to see "Frozen" and while we saw them in the parade, that wasn't good enough. She wanted to talk to them. Every time we checked the time though, it was an hour or 90 minute wait!! We finally walked by one time and it was "50 minutes." But we got to see BOTH Ana and Elsa. In line we got. (We didnt have a FastPass for this one.). NK was having a MELT DOWN. She didn't understand why we were waiting, but she DIDNT want to get out of line (believe me, I asked)!  I finally held her and she went to sleep (thank you Jesus.)

So she got about a 45 minute nap while we were waiting in line ( and Grant fell asleep too ).  She woke up and was so excited to see them!!! She just looked up in a w e....  I also love how the princesses made my little princess feel special. They give the little girls their un-divided attention and I loved that. We had a fast pass next (thanks to KyKy!!!) to see Cinderella and Rapunzle! So one hour and 4 Disney Princesses. Pretty good if I must say so!!

After the little power-nap they were rejuvinated, but by this point wait times were about an hour for everything. We ate a little snack and watched another Mickey Mouse street party. 

Then we headed out. I think we could have stayed longer, because the kids were good.

We were so tired though, we didn't even go out to eat that night. We played on the playground at the resort and ate beignets. We got some quick service food and ate in the room.

The next morning we had breakfast with Tigger, Pooh, Alice, Madhatter and Mary Poppins at 1900 Park Fair. This is in the Grand Floridian Resort which is B E A U T I F U L!!  The breakfast was S O good!! This was probably my favorite of the whole trip! It was worth every penny!!!

We headed back home after breakfast. The kids slept the whole way home!!  It really was an awesome trip! The kids did so good considering their young age. 

I really can't wait to go back!!

 

 

 

 

 

Conversation With My 3 Year Old: Dress Me Pretty

While sitting drinking my morning coffee...

NK: Mama!!! Come dress me in something pretty.

Oh Baby Girl, you are pretty in your PJs with your bed hair. 

Conversations with my 3 Year Old: Classrooms and Babies

Miss NK the Teacher

NK and G were playing Saturday and all I heard was "Grant, do this. Do that. Stop. Sit down. Stand up. No, Grant." 

Me: NK, don't be so bossy or Grant will not want to play with you.

NK: But I am the teacher!!

Me: Well, you don't have to be so bossy. Grant won't want to be in your class.

NK: Why. Would. He. Not! Want to be in my class?! It's a beautiful class. I have books, and chairs and toys. It's a beautiful class mama!!!

Bahaha!! She was so offended that I would even mentioning the fact that Grant would not want to be in NKs class and her as a teacher!!

Babies

NK is sitting on the couch with a baby under her shirt.

A second later she looks up so surprised.

NK: Mama!!! This baby just popped out of my tummy!!!

(maybe I need to watch a little less TLC and discovery channel around the house...)

Norah Kate is 3!

Better late than never.... right?  I am way behind on my blogging.  Between finishing my Master's, studying for NP boards, and starting a new job.  It has been so chaotic.  I hate that I have let myself get so behind on blogging though, because I thoroughly enjoy it.

Norah Kate turned 3 on December 29.  We had a small family birthday party at a local pizza restaurant.  I did a manicure and a pedicure on her.  My sister came to visit.  We baked cupcakes.
After her 1st birthday, I have since shied away from having a big party on their "birthday." I feel like if I do that, then I can't truly enjoy their day.  It is selfish, I know.  But I want to enjoy my babies all to myself on their birthdays.



Then (almost TWO months later!!!) I had her 3rd Birthday Party.  (I felt like a terrible mama, but it seriously was make or break time studying for my NP boards!!).  It was worth the wait though!!  She wanted a "Frozen" birthday.  Which was super easy to decorate for with the time of year.

 



We had her party at the local gymnastics gym.  The kids had a blast. 

Ever since then, NK keeps asking when she will get another "Frozen Birthday."  I have a feeling that she will put in for another Frozen themed party this year too! Haha!

Clothes:  NK is still wearing a 2T-3T clothes.  She weighed 30 pounds and was 3ft tall at her 3 year check up.  She is perfectly "average" size in all her percentiles.  She wears a size 9-10 shoes. I usually buy things a little "big" because I hate her only being able to wear something for a month or two before we outgrow it.  (I must admit, it is nice not having to buy a new wardrobe every 3-6 months.)  And with her having two older girl cousins we get beautiful hand-me-downs!

School:  NK started going to "school" (daycare) again in January.  Her and G are in the same "daycare" which makes it nice, but the daycare also has a 3K and PreK.  They get to go outside and have a schedule.  She is learning tons.  She really is such a smart girl... she also has a smart mouth which is starting to get her in a little trouble ;)
She knows her colors, shapes, she can count to 20 and is "reading."  She picks up a book and pretend reads.  It is so much fun listening to her imagination.  She also is huge into pretend play.  She plays with her babies and is all about being the "mama" or the "teacher."  I love sitting outside her room and listening to her talk to her babies.  I must say---she is a bossy little thing.  (I don't know where she could get that from?)

She likes:  Her daddy to tell her bedtime stories (We started telling her make-believe stories about a princess names Tiana.  That is a request every night now.)  Being bossy with her brother.  Swinging.  Eating candy.  Swimming.  Letting Hoss out to go potty.   Painting/coloring/crafting.  Going to Chick-fil-a.  Reading books.  Playing mama or teacher to her babies.  Peppa Pig.  Sleeping in Mama and Daddy's bed.
 
She doesn't like:  For me to pick out her clothes.  Grant playing with her toys.  For me to leave her at school (she is still clingy, which is ok with me.)  Sleeping by herself.  The dark.  Being told "no."  Being told "be quiet for just a minute."

I told her the other day to be quiet for just a minute (because she had chattered and asked questions since her feet hit the floor).  She told me, "No, Mama, I am talking." (Bahahahha!  I know, Baby,  hence, please be quiet!!)

NK doesn't forget ANYTHING.  I almost feel bad, because if I ever discipline her, she will bring it back up the next time.  Which hurts my heart a little, but at the same time, it is important to me for her to mind and be respectful.  She is very strong-willed and "spirited" if you will.  Very stubborn.  And I am a control-freak (I will be first to admit it).  So we bump heads often.  She also has NO patience.  None of this is unexpected though, for her to just be 3. I handle it the best way I can.  Sometimes I am not as patient as I need to be though, and I pray for God to help me raise her the best way.  It's hard, you know, wondering if you are doing a "good job" as a parent....  There is no "perfect" way to do anything, because each situation, child temperament, and home life is different.

I learned a while back to quit comparing my situation to everyone else.  What I do, in regards to raising my kids, may be different than what someone else does.  Because, I work full-time, and I am by myself with the kids most evenings because Matt works late.  Therefore, my kids may not be in bed at 7:30 every night.  If so, then they wouldn't get to see much of me or Matt.  And they may eat fastfood one night and sandwiches another because I am too tired to cook when I get home.  I may be more strict with my kids, because I the main one home with them so I need for them to half-mind for my sanity.  Then there may be times when I just let them eat the dang cookie because I don't have the energy to battle the falling-in-the-floor-kicking-and-screaming fit that would most likely follow  or because the cookie is the perfect distraction while I get supper started.  There is no perfect manual for me to follow.  I just have to pray and follow my heart.  I try to show them as much love as I can, all while encouraging a balance of respect and independence.

As exasperated as I may get with her, I can't help but have pride in that sweet, stubborn girl.  When I watch her work through a task (assuming she doesn't fold to the frustration of not being able to do it at first), I am in awe.  I know, that her strong-willed, determined personality is going to help her become a strong, independent, confident young woman, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

Norah Kate,
You did it Baby Girl.  You put up with Mama while she finished her Master's and studied for her boards.  I love you so much, and I am SO proud of you.  Your teachers at school always have wonderful things to say about you (I believe you are a favorite of theirs, which I completely understand why.)  You are smart and beautiful.  You know what you want and don't usually settle until you have it.  It's exasperating, but it's just like me.  I believe we are truly cut from the same cloth.  You love your baby brother and are quick to tell someone he is your baby.  You are a sponge and I pray that your Daddy and I are doing the best job of raising you right.
I love you a bushel and a peck,
Mama

 

Norah Kate- 2 1/2 Years Old

Two and half going on 12.  My little girl is a D-I-V-A.

She is really quite hilarious.  I swear, the stuff she says is so funny.

Norah Kate is talking SO good.  She can say and knows words that I feel like are advanced.  Her articulation is really good too, except when she gets excited and things kinda run together.  She can also be very convincing with her statements. For example:

My Mama: Norah Kate, you need to settle down for a nap.
NK: Ummm... my mama and daddy said... I don't have to take a nap. (haha!! yeah right!  that girl knows she is supposed to take naps!)

Jori:  NK, what do you want to drink?
NK:  Coke. I like Coke.
(Again, she knows that she isn't allow to drink Coke.  She is a mess!)

 

What is she up to?

More or less, what is she not up to?
She can run, jump, climb up stuff, open the freezer and refrigerator, go get stuff. 
She will do small little chores like picking up her toys, taking something to her room, putting stuff in the trash or sink.
She can dress herself.  With this has come some new found independence of wanting to pick out her own clothes.  She is going through a stage of wanting to wear regular clothes to bed (picking my battles on this one).
We moved a full size bed in her room and I am in the process of re-doing the theme/colors.  We lay down with her at night though to get her to fall asleep, but overall our sleeping arrangements are MUCH improved!
She can sing "Jesus Love Me, Jesus Loves The Little Children, Father Abraham, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle, and her ABCs."
She is recognizing colors- she still gets some confused though.
She has started naming her baby dolls.  We have Mollie, Sadie, Mr Giant and PrettyGirl?
We take a baby doll with us EVERYWHERE we go.  I have my baby (Grant) and she has hers.
Her memory is sharp.  She can remember if/where she left something at GrannaMimi's house/my car/Stephenies etc.
Instead of "I forgot" it's "I almost got"
I gave her another hair cut myself about 3 weeks ago... it was kinda scary.
We are utilizing time outs and spankings a lot less... she is really well behaved.  Every once in a while she will throw a fit or be really whiney, but usually its late in the evenings.
She wakes up with her go britches on... we are supposed to get ready and go somewhere within the first hour of her being awake.
She likes driving her "Barbie Jeek" (Barbie jeep)
She has learned to use my iPhone. uh-oh.
She is in size 2T or 3T clothes depending on brand/style.

WE ARE OFFICIALLY POTTY TRAINED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I started two weeks ago (when the Almanac said it was a good time) and just broke down and took her out of the pull-ups, set my timer, and put her in panties.  I have ONLY been trying for a YEAR (off and on).  I would always try for a couple days, but I think I always gave up too soon and I really think there is something with that Almanac doings.
The first day was a mess... she would sit on the potty and not go, then pee in her panties 30 seconds later.  The second day was a little better... the third day about the same.  Then honestly, by the 5th day she was coming to me and telling me that she needed to go pee-pee.  She can pretty well do everything on her own, except wash her hands.  I was afraid poo-poo was going to be the worst part, because she always kinda had a phobia of pooping in the potty and would scream if we tried to put her on the potty to poo poo.  I really think though that after the second time pooping in her panties she didn't like seeing her panties/clothes messed up.  So she would come and get me after that and go on her own! Yay!!!  So if I could offer any advice (not that I am an expert seeing as it only took me a year to figure it out!  haha!) but I think panties did the trick for us... she could feel when she was wet much more so than in pull ups and she didn't like being dirty.  I also had to pray for patience every day and not scold her when she had an accident (which was something I shamefully admit I had done in previous attempts).  She is so PROUD of her panties now and she gets a trampoline for her prize!!

 

Norah Kate,

You are so smart and so sweet.  You warm my heart so much when you give me a big kiss and tell me "I loves you!"  You really have a kind, tender heart and don't like to see people upset.  I hope you remain kind, and that I can teach you how to be a genuinely, sweet girl.  You are so well-behaved and people tell me that all the time.  You are my whole heart Baby Girl, and mama and is SO proud of you.  You already take such good care of your little brother.  I am always amazed at how much you know and pick up on. 

Love you a bushel and a peck!





Conversations with My 2 Year Old: Miss Southern Belle

Norah Kate has acquired some true southern language... and I LOVE it!!

NK:  Bless his heeeeaaaarrrrttt.

NK:  That's pitiful (with pouty lips).

NK:  Oh my gracious/goodness.

My little southern belle :)

Some other cute things she is saying-

"Daddy, ye got kentils (chemicals)" Because make walks in a lot and can't pick her up because he has chemicals on him... so she has learned to ask.

We laugh and say she talks like an Amish or Old World person... everything is "ye."

Everyone needs a check up, and she knows we go to Dr. Griffin for check ups :)  When I was talking to my friend the other day, she was talking about her little boy being sick and NK was asking me about it afterwards.  She said "He go to Dr. Griffin for a check up?"  Smart girl.

"Who you talkin?"  "What you talkin?"  "What you sayin?"  When I am on the phone she is a nosy-rosy.

Conversations with my 2 Year Old: Princesses

While reading a book before bedtime tonight:

Looking through the Disney Princess Book, 

NK: She's a princess! Like me!

Me: Yes baby, just like you :)

Because all little girls should grow up believing they are princesses, that's all part of the fun!

Conversations with My 2 Year Old: A Trampoline

Norah Kate is really talking... I mean REALLY saying a whole lot of sentences, stories, and she is also listening to a whole lot of stuff too (time to start spelling out words and watching which conversations we have in her presence!)

It's funny to me how she will ask questions or make remarks that let me know she was listening to a conversation I had with Matt or my mama... Of course not that it's bad stuff or anything but she is very observant.

She has starting asking me:

What you looking, Mama? What are you looking at, Mama?

Who you talking? Who are you talking to?

Why you laughing?

I don't know why but it's so funny to me when she asks me this stuff.  Curious little girl.

It shouldn't surprise me that she talks so much because, bless her heart, I have talked to her pretty well non stop since she was born... Just about any and everything.

Anyways, the most recent conversation that really tickled me went as follows:

Earlier that day she was looking through a flyer that came from Toys R Us with the trampolines and pools and outside toys. Later that night I was getting out of the shower and she was walking in the bathroom.

NK: you hear me, mama?

Me: what is it baby?

NK: I want a trampoline! (Imagine the sweetest little face and voice asking you this.)

Me: you do?

NK: uh-huh. And a pool. And a balloon. A Mickey Mouse balloon!

Me: Oh wow. Ok then. Anything else?

NK: a BICYCLE!!

Uh oh Daddy! We are in BIG trouble now. She has learned to ask for what she wants! I sure love that little girl and my funny conversations with her!

Priceless Mommy Moment: Nursie

NK has been very inquisitive about everything to do with Mommy and Baby Brother. She has checked him and I over since right after I delivered him and she was looking at my belly and peeking at his fingers and toes while we were doing skin to skin.

Well, all parents have those priceless moments where their kids say the darnedest things. Mine occurred today after I fed Grant and put him down for a nap in his bassinet. NK was looking at my belly and belly button them she pulled my shirt up to look at my boobies. She was really inspecting them and pulling my bra back and everything.

NK: That's Grant's nursie?

Me: Yeah baby. That's where he gets his milk from.

NK: Ohhh. (And she was pulling my bra back)

Me: Ow. Don't do that baby. They hurt.

NK: They hurt? Grant chews on them?

Me and my mama: Laughing hysterically until we are crying.

Oh man, I love that little girl and her responses and questions. I sure am blessed to be her mommy and experience such moments. That was definitely one I never want to forget!