Boo at the Zoo 2009

Addie Kate had a great time at Boo at the Zoo this year. It was a little different than last year -she could walk last year, but she couldn't run! This year she was everywhere! But, she was having a good time, so I guess that's all that mattered! We only had one meltdown - when she wanted to sweep the ground with the backscratcher she was given, that she thought was a "bloom" (broom). That wouldn't have been a problem except that she was pretty much planted in the middle of the walkway - she was holding up a ton of traffic and was going to get trampled on at any minute! Other than that, all was fun!

The best picture I could get with my girl:

And trying to get a pic of Addie and Cody: (I love how she's looking at him here!)
And she's still holding on to that first piece of candy -she didn't even realize what it was she just knew it was hers!

And finally, a "cheese" from both of them!

She loved all of these inflatables!

Me helping her trick or treat - by the end of the night she had the hang of it!

She was a little intimidated by the older kids who knew what they were doing.

I loved how she would watch the people put the things in her bag - everything was such a treasure!

I love how my little strawberry still has a baby face with this hat on!

My two favorite people!

She would try to give most things "five!" That's how we taught her to get over her fear of certain things, including shadows.

Trick or Treat!

Not the best family picture, but at least we got one!

So sweet!

Addie's First Clemson Game of the Year

Tommy and I were so excited because the Wake Forest game was supposed to be low 70's and sunny - a far cry from every other home game so far this season (of which she and I have stayed home). Well, it was hardly 70's and sunny - more like 40's and rainy. But, we tredged on, and hoped for the best.

Well, it didn't fare so well for us. We just couldn't expect Addie to sit out in that kind of weather for an entire football game. So, we did the next best thing, and stayed in TD's to watch the game. By halftime though, Addie had gotten restless, so we shopped for the second half, which we also loved! Addie's MawMaw had also had enough sitting through rainy games this season, so she was able to stay with us too. Nice for me as well - I needed her help!

Addie getting her paw - check out these facial expressions!

This is BY FAR my favorite!

And enjoying our lunch and game watching at TD's (please excuse both my outfit - there is nothing cute for that kind of weather, and my open mouth!) (And rest assured, Addie Kate had on a few outfits! Not just one thin one!)

A close-up of my girl! Check out those gorgeous eyes! (And yes, that is paint in her ear! And on her sweater, and shirt, and arm...)

And dancing to the Tiger Rag!

TOUCHDOWN!!!

While waiting on the guys to come back, Addie Kate had an absolute blast playing in the back of the car. This girl cracks me up! Luckily, we always have a ton of toys with us, including extra for this day!

(These are her "cheese" faces!)

Sesame Street Live

We were so excited to go see Sesame Street Live a few weeks ago! We had planned to take Addie Kate to a show in December, but Tommy came home from a Clemson game saying that Littlejohn was having Sesame Street Live there in October! I'm not sure if we (the parents) were more excited than the kids or not, but we sure acted that way!

Being leary of Addie Kate's fear of people in costumes, we bought mid-level seats. Next time, we'll have to do front row! She did great!

In the entrance to Littlejohn, Chick-fil-A, Papa Johns, and Dunkin' Donuts all had their mascots out greeting the kids and handing out coupons. As soon as we walked in, AK freaked! I was terrified of what the night would bring. But, she warmed up and actually went to see the cow, pizza, and donut!

When the show started, Addie Kate jumped right into my arms. That fear didn't last long though. She stayed in my lap, but she loved it! About halfway through the first half, she and Cody were dancing in the aisle and loving it!

It was a priceless evening and we definitely plan to go again!

Loving some Ancheaux before the show:

Mommy and her girl!

The whole fam:

My girl just chilling before it started!

And now mesmerized because it started:

One of the few prohibited pictures that we took:

In awe:

Doing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" - this was our FAVORITE part!

This is what she does for "washed the spider out!"

Getting a little sleepy... but won't give it up of course!

Look!

And my AK dancing!

A super happy girl (and Daddy) on the walk back to the car!

Happy 2nd Birthday to My Sweet Angel Baby!

Happy Birth-Day: 10.22.07, 9:21 AM

Happy First Birthday, 10.22.08
Night before 2nd birthday: 10.21.09

My dearest Addie girl,

Oh, you are two. And I believe it more and more every day! You have acted like you were two since you were about 18 months old. You are trying your hardest to grow up too fast! I'm so glad that you catch on to everything so fast and that you have new skills and things to do, but I wish you'd slow down the growing up!

You have taught me SO much my sweet girl. Since becoming pregnant with you, I have truly become a changed person. It is no secret that I have always been quite uptight, but now that I have you, I take time to "smell the roses." I guess I'm too afraid of missing a moment with you and never getting it back again, that I drop it all, for you my girl!

I no longer sweat the small stuff. All I have to do is look at you and know how fortunate I am, and all that small stuff just goes on by! This, I know for sure, is a gift, from God, and was given to me through you.

You have taught me how to play again! For some reason, many adults forget that life is fun! Not with you around! You make it ALL fun, my girl!

Ever since you were born, I have always said that you never cease to amaze me. That is proven more and more each day. Here are some things that you can do now:

- sing every word of "Jesus Loves Me," "Happy Birthday," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and a few other songs.
- you know all of your ABC's, can recognize them all in upper case and most in lower case.
- you can tell me something(s) that start with every letter of the alphabet ("Z" for zebra, etc.)
- you can almost count to 20! That blows me away!
- you are the most compassionate, encouraging, and caring child I have ever met at your age.
- you love to sing and dance (I'm SO excited about this!) (Just this week in Kindermusik, I was swinging you while singing/listening to "My Bonny Lies Over the Ocean." I couldn't see you. The director came over to me and asked me, "Do you know she's singing?" And you aren't even one of the older kids there!)

You can turn the gray-est day into the happiest in a matter of moments. Your happiness and love is contagious. Everyone around you feels it and I pray that that kind of happiness continues to radiate through you throughout your life.

Addie girl, I am sure one day, as you are writing a letter to your two-year old, you will then know how much I love you. At least I pray that you will. I love you so much, and my heart is so full, it feels as if it will burst. Unfortunately, I think it takes something big, like motherhood, to make you realize that kind of love and that someone has that kind of love for you.

I pray that you are always as happy as you are now. I pray that your daddy and I do everything we can to teach you how to continue to be a respectful, kind, sharing, courteous, giving, and happy person. I pray that you always know what is important in life and keep it in perspective. I pray that you keep God as your center and your focus, and that everything falls into place because of that. And most of all, I pray that you know how very happy you have made me.

My dear sweet girl, happy 2nd birthday. I can't wait to celebrate many, many, many more with you.

I love you with all my heart and soul!

Mommy

While Daddy's Away....

Addie will play,

Mommy will not clean up the house,

We will eat out for every meal,

We will relax and play together and not worry about a thing!

Tommy had to go to Vegas a few weeks ago (I know, bless his heart.). On the last night, after I put Addie to bed, I decided I better clean up before he got home. This was what I was facing - and this was only the living room!

Her new love is coloring in coloring books! Luckily, I'm a teacher and have an endless supply of bulletin board paper to cover all destroyable surfaces! She's also loving changing all of her babies diapers - hence the diaper changing materials in the middle of the floor!

I never get sick of this...

She loves to put them on top her head, just like Mommy!

Addie Kate put on my glasses the other day. I was, of course, laughing at her. She looked at me and said, "N0 - Hollywood!" She was upset with me because I wasn't calling her "Hollywood" like we always do when she wears "da-kes." Such a mess, and I love it!

JellyBeans Haircut

I took Addie Kate to get her second haircut at this children's salon, JellyBeans. I have to be honest - I lied and told them it was her first haircut, because then it only cost me a penny! She didn't need much taken off - it just was looking a little unkempt, which drives me insane. I strictly instructed the stylist to just trim that top layer of hair. She followed my directions well!

I thought she would love it - they have cars or animals that kids can sit on instead of the typical chair, but for whatever reason, she freaked out about that and chose to sit in the chair! That was after the stylist gave her a toy, which she loved.

She did great, just like before. She wasn't a fan of the blowdryer. Thankfully, that's not something we have to use regularly (yet).

She did love waiting for her haircut. That place has more toys than I've ever seen. They also have a chalkboard wall - which is on my list to do for her for her next playroom. They have the V-Smile video game systems, and since it wasn't mine or my television, I let her go for it! Then, an older kid came up and asked her (politely, not that it mattered) if she'd quit so he could play it. I told her, not him, that she was fine and she could continue playing (no, she was not actually playing it correctly, but I didn't see where that mattered). Then he came up and asked me if she actually knew how to play. I told him that that was how she learned. I guess he finally figured out that I was a teacher and meant business and he left!

She didn't get her balloon or jellybeans when it was over - I guess because I really wasn't a paying customer. I was fine by that, since she didn't actually see or know that everyone else got them. I did think it was a nice touch though.

I doubt we'll be going back - I'd just rather my stylist cut her hair, that way I know it's going to be cute! I do recommend it for anyone else though!
Below are a few pictures of her while there:

(The V-Smile that caused me to bust out my teacher-voice in public!)

She kept saying "I write Addie!"

The toy that made it all better!

Getting a little frustrated!

And trying to get away from that blowdryer!

One happy little stinker! (And Mommy!)