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!!

 

 

 

 

 

Norah Kate is 4!

On December 29 my sweet baby girl turned four!! I still have a hard time with birthdays. It seemed like yesterday I had her.

Poor thing, with her birthday being after Christmas, I feel like it's all overwhelming for her.  Last year, I had her party in February!!! This year, she thought Christmas was her birthday...

We had a small family party the Saturday after her birthday. She wanted a "Princess theme." I didn't do a full-blown Pinterest party this year! We went to Walmart and picked out plates, balloons and decorations.  I bought the cake from Publix.

I rented a bouncy slide and it was sooo much fun!!! For adults and kids!!

She got spoiled for her birthday day. I feel like I am still putting away Christmas and birthday stuff!

what is she up to?

She is wearing size 4T  clothes. She can still wear some 3T things. Some 4T things are a little long.

Her hair is still super blonde and long. It's amazing how much her hair has grown in the last year!!

She LOVES her baby brother. She is like another little mama to him. She wipes his nose and helps him get dressed.  I love when I pick them up from school and they are holding hands, playing together or sitting together.

NK loves to play outside and she loves animals. She tends to Hoss and Princess just like she does Grant. She loves to play school and teacher. She plays with her baby dolls and Barbies and refusing to part with them. She still loves all thing Frozen. She also loves to color and can color inside the lines so good.

She doesn't forget a thing. She can remember things from last year, which is crazy to me. Sometimes she gets mad because she can remember things and I can't and she gets frustrated.

She loves dancing and singing songs. She sings all the time. She is a sponge.  (Right now, we sing Hello by Adele and Do you Want to Build a Snowman.  And we dance to Whip and NaeNae (oh em gee....).  Oh, and we also sing church songs.  Jesus Love Me.  BIBLE.

She knows her alphabet and we are working on letter recognition.  However, with a 3 sec attention span... it's taking time.  We practice on the way to school.  "What starts with ___?"  She loves it and its fun.

Her eyes are a blue green and she is so expressive she talks.

She talks with her hands and often counts things off on her fingers. She sounds just like me when she talks. 

She is also so considerate of others. She loves giving gifts and we often have to fix goodie bags and surprises for family and friends.

She is still very independent and strong-willed. I had to start laying out about 7 outfits on Sunday nights for her to pick from during the week. We were often changing clothes 3-4 times in the mornings. I have truly had to practice "picking my battles."  And I have also become a pro at "no, means no.  don't ask again."

She loves to go places.  And is always asking---"What are we doing today, mama?"  She loves to go on trips.

We still let her sleep in our bed.  Honestly, I have gotten so used to her being there, that I can't sleep good without her.  She is so cuddly.  Matt has her spoiled though because every night she says "scratch my back, Mama."  It used to take forever for her to fall asleep.  Now, she lays right down and is asleep within 10 minutes (note to self:  it WILL get better with time. and the 1-2 hour getting them to go to sleep does not seem to last forever.  Now, though, we are going through it with Grant!!! Yikes.)

She will just hug us out of the blue and tell us how much she loves us.

Right now, when she grows up she wants to be a snowman (true story...) or a nurse ("like you Mama!!").  That was the other answer I got. 

Norah Kate,
Those blue-green eyes are showing me what life is all about.  You are so observant, sassy and sweet.  You are super smart, and sometimes have  a smart mouth.  In the end though, you are so kind and thoughtful.  I pray all the time for you to be kind-hearted as your grow up.  If you stay as independent as what you are now, then I know you will be successful in life (either as a snowman, or a nurse ;)).  Stay sweet little girl.  I love you!!

A bushel and a peck,
Mama





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

 

Conversations With My 2 Year Old: Cracking, Little Tiny & Vegetable

NK:  I'm cracking.
This translates into "My underwear are up my crack."  So now, when we are picking out panties for her to wear she lets me know which ones "crack."  No, Mama, those crack.  I can't wear 'em.

NK:  Just a little tiny bit (showing just a "tiny" bit with her fingers.)
This is in regards to anything she wants--- water for her kitchen, candy, cookies, diapers for her baby dolls, etc.

NK:  Mama, I want my prizes from the vegetable.
Me: Ummm.... the vegetable?
NK:  Yeah, you know, at GrannaMimi's school.
Me:  Ohhhhh..... the festival!!!  (Bahaha!)



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!