Alaena has reached that nice chatty little age. Some of it is recognizable language, and some of it is jibberish, but she's getting really good at repeating things you say. Well pretty much.
She repeats body parts. If you say nose, she'll point to her nose and say, "NNOOOOOSSSEEE"
If you say belly, she raises up her shirt and says, "BEELLLLLLYYYYY!" This turned out to be pretty funny the other day because she had a one piece outfit on. I said belly, and she spent 5 minutes trying to pull up her outfit so she could get to her belly and point to it. She couldn't get to her belly, so she refused to say the word.
We'll get her to repeat the things she is eating as well. However today mom got her to say butter beans, and it came out "BUTT BEEEEAAANS!" Somehow it doesn't seem quite as appetizing that way.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Night in "Future Daddy" Training
I'm sure all of you parents out there have been where I was last week. Alaena had strep, and she was on several different medicines. And in a word she was ORNERY. She didn't want to be held. She didn't want to be put down. She didn't want her cup. She didn't want her food. She pretty much just didn't want anything. So finally I laid her in her bed because I knew what she really needed was rest.
I must mention that my boyfriend Shawn was at my house while this cry fest was going on. He says he wants children. And he got some training let me tell you. Because he is used to happy Alaena. The Alaena who rarely ever cries. The Alaena who goes to sleep almost the very second you lay her in the bed. But he got introduced to sick Alaena. And sick Alaena isn't the happy-go-lucky baby I normally have.
So as I said above, I laid Alaena in her bed. As most of you can probably guess, the real screaming commenced. And she put up the battle to end all battles in fighting sleep. She would scream, then she would whimper, then she would hold her breath, then she would stand up and yell "MAAAAAAAAA!"
And although it was breaking my heart, I knew that I had to hold to my resolve because I know my child, and rarely does she EVER fall asleep outside of her bed. And she was crying even when I was holding her. So it pretty much was just a wait and see how long it takes her to cry it out.
And through it all, Shawn was saying, "I can't stand it. Pick her up. Let her play."
And I would say, "She needs her rest. She was screaming before I put her in the bed, and it's not playtime, it's sleep time."
To which he would say, "I know you're right."
This conversation went on at least every five minutes for two hours. That's right I said two hours. When she finally fell asleep Shawn said, "I know that's what's best for her, but I sure am glad I'll never be a MAMA because I sure couldn't do it!"
And I just laughed thinking he sounded pretty much like a typical dad!!
I must mention that my boyfriend Shawn was at my house while this cry fest was going on. He says he wants children. And he got some training let me tell you. Because he is used to happy Alaena. The Alaena who rarely ever cries. The Alaena who goes to sleep almost the very second you lay her in the bed. But he got introduced to sick Alaena. And sick Alaena isn't the happy-go-lucky baby I normally have.
So as I said above, I laid Alaena in her bed. As most of you can probably guess, the real screaming commenced. And she put up the battle to end all battles in fighting sleep. She would scream, then she would whimper, then she would hold her breath, then she would stand up and yell "MAAAAAAAAA!"
And although it was breaking my heart, I knew that I had to hold to my resolve because I know my child, and rarely does she EVER fall asleep outside of her bed. And she was crying even when I was holding her. So it pretty much was just a wait and see how long it takes her to cry it out.
And through it all, Shawn was saying, "I can't stand it. Pick her up. Let her play."
And I would say, "She needs her rest. She was screaming before I put her in the bed, and it's not playtime, it's sleep time."
To which he would say, "I know you're right."
This conversation went on at least every five minutes for two hours. That's right I said two hours. When she finally fell asleep Shawn said, "I know that's what's best for her, but I sure am glad I'll never be a MAMA because I sure couldn't do it!"
And I just laughed thinking he sounded pretty much like a typical dad!!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Being Me, Being Free
Last night I went to my niece and nephews end of the year program, and if you've never been to a program where 60 to 70 three and four year olds sing and say parts, well let me just say, you haven't been living life!
Anyway, it was all really cute and sweet about how each of us have a promise from God that He has a plan for our lives. They had little lines about what they wanted to be when they grew up, and my nephew said he just wanted to be bigger. This drew a lot of laughs from the audience because he is quite obviously the shortest child in the class.
But the best moment of the program came during a song called "Being Me." Apparently my nephew really took the words of the song to heart because he broke out of his shell during that song. He was the loudest one of them all. Literally, and it was quite obvious because he held the notes at the end of each and every line at the top of his lungs.
So it went something like this:
BEING MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
BEING FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
BEING ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL I CAN BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
The entire crowd was almost in tears with laughter. Bad part about it? The battery on the video camera died. Hope we can find a copy of it somewhere!! Because it was so adorable.
And of course Alaena danced during the whole thing and clapped her hands. Which I think probably nudged Trace on a bit more. Ahhh, to be three and carefree again!
Anyway, it was all really cute and sweet about how each of us have a promise from God that He has a plan for our lives. They had little lines about what they wanted to be when they grew up, and my nephew said he just wanted to be bigger. This drew a lot of laughs from the audience because he is quite obviously the shortest child in the class.
But the best moment of the program came during a song called "Being Me." Apparently my nephew really took the words of the song to heart because he broke out of his shell during that song. He was the loudest one of them all. Literally, and it was quite obvious because he held the notes at the end of each and every line at the top of his lungs.
So it went something like this:
BEING MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
BEING FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
BEING ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL I CAN BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
The entire crowd was almost in tears with laughter. Bad part about it? The battery on the video camera died. Hope we can find a copy of it somewhere!! Because it was so adorable.
And of course Alaena danced during the whole thing and clapped her hands. Which I think probably nudged Trace on a bit more. Ahhh, to be three and carefree again!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Once Upon a Time in Raegan's World
Since moving in with my sister a few months back, I have been driving Raegan and Trace to school each morning. This has led to many interesting moments...some good, some bad. Some mornings the begging not to go to school lasts the entire ride to school. Other mornings the two are totally happy little campers who joke and tell stories. And on mornings like that, I hear Raegan's once upon a time stories. Here are a few snippets I have overheard from the backseat in the last few months:
"Once upon a time there was a princess who had to kiss frogs, but it was gross."
"Once upon a time Goldilocks went to see her grandmother, but the wolf ate her and said my what big teeth you have."
"Once upon a time there was a little baby named Alaena and she had a sister named Raegan." (Raegan is fully convinced that Alaena is now her sister because they live in the same house.)
"Once upon a time there was a little girl who had a tooth growing in from behind that went to the dentist." (Some of her stories are based on real life. Her permanent tooth is growing in behind her baby tooth. In her mind this was apparently good story making material.)
"Once upon a time Raegan and Trace went into the forest and saw deers, and they dropped the hammer on the four wheeler." (This story was a bit disturbing to my mom since she's told my dad in no uncertain terms that "dropping the hammer" on the four wheeler is strictly forbidden)
The best thing about these stories is the tone of voice she takes when telling them. She could definitely have a career at Disney one day because a story teller she is. I'm just glad I get the chance to smile at these little stories now!
"Once upon a time there was a princess who had to kiss frogs, but it was gross."
"Once upon a time Goldilocks went to see her grandmother, but the wolf ate her and said my what big teeth you have."
"Once upon a time there was a little baby named Alaena and she had a sister named Raegan." (Raegan is fully convinced that Alaena is now her sister because they live in the same house.)
"Once upon a time there was a little girl who had a tooth growing in from behind that went to the dentist." (Some of her stories are based on real life. Her permanent tooth is growing in behind her baby tooth. In her mind this was apparently good story making material.)
"Once upon a time Raegan and Trace went into the forest and saw deers, and they dropped the hammer on the four wheeler." (This story was a bit disturbing to my mom since she's told my dad in no uncertain terms that "dropping the hammer" on the four wheeler is strictly forbidden)
The best thing about these stories is the tone of voice she takes when telling them. She could definitely have a career at Disney one day because a story teller she is. I'm just glad I get the chance to smile at these little stories now!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Moon Sand: A.K.A. the Ruin of All Things Neat and Tidy
If any of you have children around the age of 5 or so, I'm sure you've heard of Moon Sand. Nifty sand that molds into shapes and gives children hours of enjoyment. But this wonderful invention for children is the cause of many hours of cleaning for parents.
My sister had the idea to get an outdoor table for Moon Sand that had a lid. A great idea in theory. But a 3 and a 5 year old get little enjoyment out of keeping Moon Sand IN the table. It looks better to them on the Carport. Because who doesn't love a multi-colored sandy carport?
Especially when it starts raining? My poor boyfriend. He had just blown off the carport and had everything looking really good. He said, "We'll have to make some ground rules for when I clean off the carport." But he was laughing.
If he can lay down ground rules on getting Raegan and Trace not to make any messes on the carport, we're gonna get him to lay down some rules for the inside too. For example, "Don't take your change banks out because Alaena may try to eat pennies." Fortunately she's never swallowed any, but it hasn't been for lack of opportunity.
Aahhh life with kids. Definite fun times!!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Don't Drink and Drive
Well, Alaena is only 14 months old, and I thought I had raised her better, but she had a drinking and driving mishap today. My mom babysits her, and she gave her some milk, and Alaena was sitting on her little car drinking it.
She has a habit of leaning way back when she drinks her cups. Well, this time she leaned a little too far back and fell off the car.
So my mom said, "Alaena, don't you know you shouldn't drink and drive?"
My nephew heard this, and he is now following Alaena around the house saying, "Don't drink and drive, Laena. Don't drink and drive."
At least she's learning early I guess! Guess I'll have to check that milk...
She has a habit of leaning way back when she drinks her cups. Well, this time she leaned a little too far back and fell off the car.
So my mom said, "Alaena, don't you know you shouldn't drink and drive?"
My nephew heard this, and he is now following Alaena around the house saying, "Don't drink and drive, Laena. Don't drink and drive."
At least she's learning early I guess! Guess I'll have to check that milk...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Ha! Ha! Ha! Grammy!
Well, yesterday I learned that my child has quite a sense of humor. My mom didn't quite see it that way, but everyone else got quite a laugh out of it. My mom comes to mine and my sister's house to keep Alaena everyday.
A few weeks back we re-did all of the locks at our house. And the new locks don't have to be unlocked to open the door from the inside. Which may not be a good thing apparently.
We have a gate that closes on our driveway where we can let Copper roam the backyard. Yesterday morning my mom went out to close the gate to let Copper out, and she left Alaena standing at the kitchen door watching her which is what she always does.
However, just standing there wasn't enough for Alaena yesterday. She wanted to play with the door. So she pushed the door closed. Unfortunately mom hadn't unlocked it to open it.
So she got locked out, and her key was on the kitchen table beside Alaena. Thankfully the next door neighbor was home and was nice enough to allow mom to call me. So I ran home on my break and let mom into the house.
Alaena was standing at the door laughing at mom when I got there. Here I was expecting her to be screaming or to have fallen down the steps, and she was standing there laughing. So I laughed with her!
I believe I have some quite interesting years ahead of me!!
A few weeks back we re-did all of the locks at our house. And the new locks don't have to be unlocked to open the door from the inside. Which may not be a good thing apparently.
We have a gate that closes on our driveway where we can let Copper roam the backyard. Yesterday morning my mom went out to close the gate to let Copper out, and she left Alaena standing at the kitchen door watching her which is what she always does.
However, just standing there wasn't enough for Alaena yesterday. She wanted to play with the door. So she pushed the door closed. Unfortunately mom hadn't unlocked it to open it.
So she got locked out, and her key was on the kitchen table beside Alaena. Thankfully the next door neighbor was home and was nice enough to allow mom to call me. So I ran home on my break and let mom into the house.
Alaena was standing at the door laughing at mom when I got there. Here I was expecting her to be screaming or to have fallen down the steps, and she was standing there laughing. So I laughed with her!
I believe I have some quite interesting years ahead of me!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
She Made a Break for It
During the last month Alaena has become quite mobile. She's only slightly slower than a bolt of lightning when she gets down and going. This becomes a bit of a problem at church.
Yes, she has definitely hit that age where the nursery is a heaven sent blessing, but Sunday night was a bit different because Alaena's dad came to church to meet her for the first time. So the nursery wasn't really an option.
I learned that my child she has learned some conniving skills. She can turn her beautiful baby blues on some unsuspecting person (a.k.a. Papaw) and slide down to the floor during the church service because she just looks so cute that you want to give her what she wants. And she can within 5 seconds flat be at the front of the church trying to climb onto the stage.
However, when mommy gets ahold of her again, she can also get her little leg popped for using her cunning skills during church time. Mommy just has to avoid that accusing look in those beautiful baby blues! Hard as it may be!
Yes, she has definitely hit that age where the nursery is a heaven sent blessing, but Sunday night was a bit different because Alaena's dad came to church to meet her for the first time. So the nursery wasn't really an option.
I learned that my child she has learned some conniving skills. She can turn her beautiful baby blues on some unsuspecting person (a.k.a. Papaw) and slide down to the floor during the church service because she just looks so cute that you want to give her what she wants. And she can within 5 seconds flat be at the front of the church trying to climb onto the stage.
However, when mommy gets ahold of her again, she can also get her little leg popped for using her cunning skills during church time. Mommy just has to avoid that accusing look in those beautiful baby blues! Hard as it may be!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Promised Pics of the Snow
Monday, March 02, 2009
Don't Even Think About Taking Our Snow, Mister!
Well, it finally came. A few weeks before spring, we here in NC finally got a big snow. To all of you out there who get "real snows" don't laugh when I say that this 7" of snow is a big snow. Because to me, and all of my fellow North Carolinian friends, it is. And it is GORGEOUS! I will post the pics in a couple of days.
But for now, a couple of funny Raegan stories. Before our beautiful snow came freezing rain. An entire day of freezing rain. The temperatures hovered close to freezing, so it didn't really affect the roads much, but the powerlines and trees were covered in ice. And you know what that means, power outages. So while I was in church yesterday morning, our power went out. Much to my sister's dismay, since she was at home in the cold house because she now has the bronchitis funk.
We had plans to make Sunday dinner at our house, and I had my mind all set for the roast, pinto beans, deviled eggs, creamed potatoes. The roast and pintos weren't a problem, because they'd been in the crock pot since the afternoon before, but I didn't get my deviled eggs!
The funny thing was that as soon as my dad pulled into the driveway, our power came back on. And Raegan said, "Paw paw turned our power back on, LOOK!"
Because apparently just working for a power company makes you all powerful at turning power back on, and all you have to do is simply pull into the driveway of the house you want to have power! LOL!
Then later last night the snow started pouring down, and we were watching it out the window (because that's what people who rarely ever see the white flakes do, we watch this rare marvel as it comes down!) And the man across the street started putting salt out on his driveway.
Raegan said, "What is he doing?" And I said, "He's melting the snow on the driveway."
Raegan almost went into hysterics. She said, "But I want the snow, don't let him take our snow!!"
I assured her that the tiny bit of salt in his bucket couldn't possibly take our snow. And we wouldn't let him in our yard with the salt. It's a shame I have to work today and miss so many silly little comments I'm sure that Raegan and Trace will be making about their first big snow!
But I plan to be home early enough to let Alaena see it for at least a few minutes!!
But for now, a couple of funny Raegan stories. Before our beautiful snow came freezing rain. An entire day of freezing rain. The temperatures hovered close to freezing, so it didn't really affect the roads much, but the powerlines and trees were covered in ice. And you know what that means, power outages. So while I was in church yesterday morning, our power went out. Much to my sister's dismay, since she was at home in the cold house because she now has the bronchitis funk.
We had plans to make Sunday dinner at our house, and I had my mind all set for the roast, pinto beans, deviled eggs, creamed potatoes. The roast and pintos weren't a problem, because they'd been in the crock pot since the afternoon before, but I didn't get my deviled eggs!
The funny thing was that as soon as my dad pulled into the driveway, our power came back on. And Raegan said, "Paw paw turned our power back on, LOOK!"
Because apparently just working for a power company makes you all powerful at turning power back on, and all you have to do is simply pull into the driveway of the house you want to have power! LOL!
Then later last night the snow started pouring down, and we were watching it out the window (because that's what people who rarely ever see the white flakes do, we watch this rare marvel as it comes down!) And the man across the street started putting salt out on his driveway.
Raegan said, "What is he doing?" And I said, "He's melting the snow on the driveway."
Raegan almost went into hysterics. She said, "But I want the snow, don't let him take our snow!!"
I assured her that the tiny bit of salt in his bucket couldn't possibly take our snow. And we wouldn't let him in our yard with the salt. It's a shame I have to work today and miss so many silly little comments I'm sure that Raegan and Trace will be making about their first big snow!
But I plan to be home early enough to let Alaena see it for at least a few minutes!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
You're Not Taking Her!!
Well, it's been another week that I haven't posted, but Alaena and I have both been down with the bronchitis funk. No fun at all. I stayed home from church on Sunday, and I stayed out of work Monday and Tuesday. Due to the fact that I work for a company who has laid off workers this year and may lay off others, I decided I was going to drag my sick butt to work on Wednesday. So my mom offered to let Alaena spend the night with her Tuesday night so that I could get some rest.
Now this was not an easy offer to take. Alaena has NEVER stayed away from me overnight. I cried at the thought, and I cried when mom and dad took her. But Raegan's reaction was classic. She carried Alaena into the bedroom, locked the door and said, "You're not taking her!!"
So my daughter has now been part of a hostage situation. Crystal negotiated Raegan out with the promise that Alaena would be back the next day. But it was still a very begrudging handover.
Now this was not an easy offer to take. Alaena has NEVER stayed away from me overnight. I cried at the thought, and I cried when mom and dad took her. But Raegan's reaction was classic. She carried Alaena into the bedroom, locked the door and said, "You're not taking her!!"
So my daughter has now been part of a hostage situation. Crystal negotiated Raegan out with the promise that Alaena would be back the next day. But it was still a very begrudging handover.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Watch That Attitude Baby 'Laena
Well it is official. My child has my attitude. Send up the prayers now, would you please? And if I haven't told you lately, Mom, I'm really sorry for all that backtalking when I was but a youngster!
Alaena and I are spending some time at my sister's house, and unlike my house which is one level, Crystal has stairs. And the stairs draw Alaena like a beacon, saying "Climb me, Climb me!" So she flies towards the stairs oh about every second and a half.
I've said "NO!" about a million times. I've picked her up and carried her elsewhere. I've popped her hand and even her little backside. But still the stairs have a pull that seems to be unconquerable.
But what's worse is that the other day I pulled her away again and then turned around, and my sister said that Alaena gave me a look and mouthed toward me some undistinguishable baby talk.
So pretty much, she told me off in her little language I guess. And she's just one. Boy I've got some interesting times ahead of me. I just pray that I can keep from laughing while I'm trying to teach my little girl that it really is in her best interest to listen to me!!
Alaena and I are spending some time at my sister's house, and unlike my house which is one level, Crystal has stairs. And the stairs draw Alaena like a beacon, saying "Climb me, Climb me!" So she flies towards the stairs oh about every second and a half.
I've said "NO!" about a million times. I've picked her up and carried her elsewhere. I've popped her hand and even her little backside. But still the stairs have a pull that seems to be unconquerable.
But what's worse is that the other day I pulled her away again and then turned around, and my sister said that Alaena gave me a look and mouthed toward me some undistinguishable baby talk.
So pretty much, she told me off in her little language I guess. And she's just one. Boy I've got some interesting times ahead of me. I just pray that I can keep from laughing while I'm trying to teach my little girl that it really is in her best interest to listen to me!!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Christmas Pics
Getting some love from Mommy!!
She liked the bows better than anything.
Getting her great uncles to let her do whatever she wanted!
Tearing off that first tiny piece of wrapping paper cautiously since we'd been telling her "No, No!" for days!
How 'bout you hold the box, Ma?
Another dress? Really?
Really ripping into it!
Showing off her new "pony"
Trying to find a way to escape the Smith clan!!
With my Grandma Smith
Trying to figure out if the bag is worth her time!
With the Hurd cousins.
With Aunt Crystal
Colby trying to sleep amidst the chaos!
Playing with some of her new stuff before opening gifts from Grammy and Pawpaw!
Okay, Ma! I know how this works now, get these little people OUT!!
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