Preschool Dropout

Sad, but true. As of today, Parker is an official preschool dropout. After months of denial, I finally owned up to the reality that my 2-year-old doesn't belong in the same class as 4-and 5-year-olds. Better luck next time, little buddy. As much as I hate "missing out," sometimes it's the only option. Is there still hope for the future? Hope so...I'm looking at the bright side!

• No more sleepless Thursday nights preparing for my Friday morning turn.
• No more Parker-hysteria as he's forced to share his toys with 5+ others.
• No more forcing Parker to sit still to "learn" when all he wants to do is play. Playing is learning, right?
• No more feeling like a failure because Parker's not writing his name like the 4-year-old.
• No more feeling sorry for myself when Parker's left out. He's an oblivious-I-still-love-solo-play two-year-old. Why can't I be so oblivious?
• No more Friday-from-10-12 commitments.

Play date, anyone?

Robyn Needs...

I saw this on facebook, and thought I'd give it a try. I googled "Robyn Needs." The internet didn't disappoint with the results.

1. Robyn needs to be replaced immediately!
2. Robyn needs a home.
3. Robyn needs help.
4. Robyn needs another sandwich now!
5. Robyn needs a boyfriend.
6. Robyn needs to go home.
7. Robyn needs you!
8. Robyn needs absolutely no introduction.
9. Robyn needs to start considering a solo album.
10. Robyn needs to turn 3 more or gain 73 more Zombie points. (What?)
11. Robyn needs some education.
12. Robyn needs a few parenting classes.

So, so true. What do YOU need?

Skiing Shmiing

Before two days ago, the last time I went skiing was 5 years ago. My husband and I were just dating, in the marriage-discussion mode. We (along with my younger brother) were taking a ski class together. If ONE thing almost caused an end to our courtship, it was this ski class. You see, when I get nervous/feel insecure/wish I could crawl instead of ski down a mountain, I get a bit snippy. Don't try giving me advice. Don't tell me what I'm doing wrong. I'll bite your head off. After one particular ski class, mi esposo vowed NEVER to go skiing with me again. But he did again the next week. And I tried really hard to be nice. I guess it worked, because he still has his head, and we're married!

When my brother suggested a President's-Day-Ski-Trip, I had mixed feelings. Read On

Parker's newest fashion statement

Two years and two months ago, Parker received a pair of pajamas for Christmas. He was 7 months old. He refuses to stop wearing them. He'll be 3 in May.

Every time he insists on wearing these too-small-a-year-and-a-half-ago-jammies, I pray that no unannounced visitor stops by. So if you ever happen to be that visitor, I promise he has PJ's that fit. He just prefers short-sleeves, a scoop neck, and wedgie heaven. That can't be comfortable.

When will he realize that?

Avery's First Year In Review

My sister-in-law, Marci asked me if I was going to write 100 Things About Avery for her 1st birthday like I did for Parker on his. As much as I'm sure you'd all LOVE to read 100 things about a one-year old, I'll spare you. Instead, Avery's going to take you on a little sentimental journey through the fastest year in history...2008!

1. I, Avery Diane, was born on February 1, 2008. I arrived much more quickly, and much less painfully than my older brother. Unfortunately, I had to learn patience right at birth...my mommy was dilated to a 10 for an hour and a half before the doctor finally came to deliver me! Although just a small package (weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz.), I held my parents' hearts in a BIG way.
2. With a dimple on the chin, a bow in the hair, and chubby, squishably-kissable cheeks, how could you not love me? (I'm pretty sure I've been kissed at least 1,000 times EVERY day thus far. And I love giving wet, mushy kisses, too!)
3. My mom has had probably TOO MUCH fun dressing me up. And I've had a lot of fun un-doing her hard work. I hate having bows in my hair...I rip 'em out the first chance I get. On my blessing day, however, I was a good girl and left the bow in place.
4. Thanks to me, our home is filled with talk of blow-outs, constipation, and Bumbo miracles!
5. I'd like to think I'm a well-traveled baby! I've been to Nashville (twice), Cedar City, California, camping, the zoo, Lagoon, baseball games, Cougar football games, and Wheeler farm (to name a few)! I've even had a snake wrapped over my body (unbeknown to me) during my blissful slumber!
6. I've spent a lot of time with the person who makes me laugh better than anyone can...my big brother, Parker! He's not very nice to me all of the time, but I know how to fight back! And I know that he really does adore me...these pictures prove it!
7. I've chosen a toothbrush as my object of attachment. Not a blanket. Not my stuffed animals. Not even a binkie. A toothbrush. (Any toothbrush will do, but I especially love my dad's...he just loves me sucking on it and dragging it around the house)!
8. I celebrated my birthday football-princess style. (Yep...my birthday was on Superbowl Sunday!) If having my birthday on this special day means pink football sugar cookies, chips and salsa, and a princess crown cake, I'll take it! I was dressed to impress, thanks to my tu-tu-onesie-making-aunt (who claims me as HER baby). And as much as my mom would love to take ALL the credit for the cute, delicious cake, she owes Family Fun for the brilliantly easy idea.
9. I'm anxiously awaiting spring, so I can really discover the joys of exploring. I've uncovered every mystery inside the house. Now I need to uncover the outside!
   Happy Birthday to ME! Maybe now that I'm ONE, I'll start sleeping through the night! I'm making progress...but not fast enough!

Avery turned ONE!

Avery turned 1 today! I canNOT believe it. More on Avery later, but here's a sneak peek into today's festivities (for those in MY family not here...namely ALL of you...besides Michael!) Happy Birthday, Princess Avery! We love you!!!!