First Day of CPA

 Well, my "vacation" is just about over. I have really enjoyed every minute of being home with my kids, but there is also a piece of me that misses my students and teacher friends back at Pleasant Knoll. So, since I start back work officially on Thursday, we thought it best to try and start getting back into the habit of getting the kids ready for daycare. Today was our first trial run. Riley walked right into his class and started playing immediately without a moment of hesitation.  Maggie wasn't quite as confident as you might can tell from her photo above, but she didn't cry either. Chris and I got her unpacked and put her in a swing while Miss Haley fed some of the other babies. I realized on my drive over that I had forgotten one of the most important items needed for today---Maggie's bottles!! Luckily, I had plenty of time to go home and get them.  Ms. Sharon (Maggie's main teacher) was there when I got back and said she was doing well. I thought about both kids frequently throughout the day and almost picked up the phone to call and check on them, but after I got finished at the dentist my entire left side of my face was numb from getting a filling and talking felt rather weird. So I did a few loads of laundry and picked up around the house before getting the kids. Ms Sharon said Maggie had a good day and that she enjoyed being held! She took 2 short 15-20 minute naps and 1 hour nap in the afternoon (which isn't very much for her, but figure it's because she's having to adjust to a new place with new sounds and distractions). She ate both of her bottles and was generally in a good mood. I went to go pick up Riley and he didn't want to leave! I guess that's a good sign! It's nice to know that my kids are having fun and being cared for and loved on when I'm not around.

Maggie Pie Turns Five (Months that is) and Superhero Tripp Soars to Six

 Our sweet girl is almost half a year old! My, my, my...time flies when you're having fun! "Maggie is such a good baby"... I hear it all the time (at the Y, at church, from friends and family) and I have to agree! She only really cries when she has to get her nose wiped or she's really hungry/tired.  Other than that, she LOVES watching everything around her (especially her older brother and the cool cartoons he watches on TV, although we try to limit her exposure as much as possible). She is very content most of the time to lay on her play mat and bat her hands at the whale and other toys dangling above her. Her hand-eye coordination is really improving! She can easily reach out and grab objects now (and of course, puts them straight into her mouth!).

 A few weeks ago, our darling little one had to get a helmet to help shape her cute little head. I decorated it with a few scrapbook stickers. The front, as you can see, has her name and the back has little "flair" buttons as I like to call them. The stickers say things like "Good Hair Day," "If the Tiara Fits Where It", and "Super Star." Besides having a small flat spot from laying on her back for most of her life, the therapists at Cranial Technologies in Charlotte believe it's possible that Maggie's head was stuck in utero in Tabitha's pelvis.  So, they suggested some neck exercises and a DOC Band helmet to be worn 23 hours a day for the next 6-9 weeks. The helmet doesn't seem to bother Maggie at all. She still sleeps with her hands up by her head and taps her head with her hands when she eats.  We think she looks just as cute as ever, with or without her helmet! Here she is spending some bonding time with her brother. They got to take a bath together for the first time last week.  Maggie loved all the dozens of toys that Riley had floating in the bath. It's going to be such a joy to watch these two grow up together!

 Calling all Superheros!! Tripp-tastic has turned six! Here we are at Tripp's birthday this past weekend down in Charleston. Maggie was dressed as WonderWoman. Tripp recycled his Halloween costume and became Spiderman again. Edward (who I really think gets more excited about these themed-parties than his sons) turned himself into the Incredible Hulk. It took Liam a few minutes to recover from the shock of seeing his dad painted green. Riley and I were Superman and Chris was "Bo Weevil" (a superhero of his own creative imagination)! Kelly and Joel also earned some major creativity points with their Incredibles costumes. We had a great time celebrating this new milestone with everyone!

We spent Saturday night at Edward and Amanda's and then met Carson and her two precious girls (Camryn and Reagan) at the aquarium. The highlight of the afternoon was watching a 15 minute Polar Express movie in 4D. Riley is absolutely glued to the screen every minute and gets a big kick out of the real bubbles and "snow" that were falling all around him. His favorite animals to see were the sharks and jellyfish. He also enjoyed his outdoor picnic on the lawn with his "butter and jelly" sandwich.

Ahh, these are the times that make a mom's heart happy!

Some more Remarkable "Riley-isms"

Here are just a few more unique phrases that Riley has entertained us with lately:

• While potty training, I have learned that when Riley needs to go to the potty instead of asking he always announces: "I pooing, Mommy!".  This means his underwear is still dry, but I better get him to a potty fast!  Once on the "big" or "little" potty, Riley typically has a few seconds delay and then we'll hear..."I doing it! I doing it!" and see a big smile spread across his face! He really has done a great job with this in general and I'm truly proud of my big boy!
• While eating supper the other night, Riley got some food on his face and promptly asked for a napkin to wipe his "chinny chop"! It's amazing what he remembers! I'm pretty sure Chris has used that phrase a time or two and Riley recalls it at the funniest times.
• While shopping at Dollar Tree for some craft items, Riley is going up and down the aisles telling everyone, "This place is really nice!".  My goodness, I don't know what he'd say if I actually took him to a high-end shopping establishment! 
• While eating breakfast one morning, Chris was holding Maggie and remarked that she is a happy baby. Riley replies, without missing a beat, "She sure is!"
• While taking a bath this week, Riley let out a little "farkle" (Chris' word, I prefer "toot") in the bath water.  Riley noticed the bubbles and tried to do it again. Upon succeeding, he smiles at Chris and says, "That's rarious (hilarious)!"
• While reading a book that same night before bed, Riley sees an angel in the Toddler Bible. He says, "That's silly, that guy is pretend butterfly."  
• While playing with just about any microphone, Riley's favorite phrase to yell is "Mickey Clubhouse". Not sure why that's the phrase he uses all the time, but it's pretty funny watching him do it! 

Happy Halloween, Mateys!

Yesterday (Wednesday), we celebrated Maggie's 1st and Riley's 3rd Halloween! We had a great time getting dressed up in our pirate gear and roaming the streets in search of candy treasure! Riley managed to find the most (go figure!). Maggie was our little Tinkerbell (her pirate costume didn't quite work out as planned). She did great the whole 20-30 minutes we were outside, even though it was rather chilly.  

Riley and Maggie's buddies, Delaney and Blake, came for a quick visit around 6 pm to get our party started. We love their homemade Lego costumes!

Riley was especially excited to say "Trick or Treat" and "Happy Halloween" to everyone he met! He managed to say "thank you" most of the time, but was busy trying to persuade us to let him eat his candy right away.

We carved a pumpkin Wednesday night as well. Riley refused to get his hands dirty with the "goo" on the inside, but he did say it smelled good. He picked the shape of the eyes and a nose and helped me carve the 2-toothed smile as well.  Pete the Pirate was also created to go along with our pirate theme.

 Once back at the house, Riley dove right into his first treat of the night--a Tootsie Roll lollipop. As you can see from Maggie's face, she was quite envious!  

                                                                                                                                      She sure did look cute all dressed up in her little black dress and fairy wings!  One of my favorite things about staying home for these 6 weeks is that I'm  actually able to create some of the cute ideas I see on Pinterest. Here is a Halloween Ghosts painting that we can use to decorate with each year and it's a sweet reminder of my two precious "ghouls" and how fast they grow! 

Fall Fun List of Things To Do

So it's been about 2 weeks since I began my maternity leave and I have to admit...I'm LOVING IT! The kids and I have gotten into a routine of going to the YMCA (or "Y" as Riley calls it) about 3 times a week in the mornings around 9 until 10:30 (so Mommy can get a shower too and be ready for the day). I've had a great time trying new classes and trying my best to get back in shape. We head home and fix lunch and then it's time for both kids to nap. During naptime, I've tried to set realistic goals about deep cleaning one room each week and then doing other things like catching up on my blog, updating Maggie's scrapbook, clipping coupons, and researching freezer meals (my new favorite way to cook!). On Thursdays, we go to the Fort Mill Library for Toddler Time which Riley thoroughly enjoys! We did this some over the summer and Chris continued it while he was home as well.  Riley loves participating in the songs, dances, finger plays, storytime, and craft. In the afternoons, we usually eat a snack and Riley gets to watch one show on TV. Then I try to do a special activity with the kids.  I finally had the time to look through all the cute ideas on Pinterest and was able to compile a list of some of the activities I thought would be fun to try. So...here's the list. I'm going to work hard to keep updating it with dates and pictures (if possible) to keep a record of these precious moments that I have the luxury of being able to enjoy right now with my darling family!

Our Fall Fun List of Things to Do

·         Have a picnic in the park 10/26/12 ...we played and ate at Elisha Walter park in Fort Mill

·         Go to a pumpkin patch-10/14/12 with Nan and Pap

•  Decorate pumpkins using Mr. Potato Head Pirate and Paint

·         Collect leaves for leaf art project (suncatcher, rubbings, etc.)

·         Tire tracks art with toy vehicles and paint 10/19/12

·         Egg Carton Caterpillar 10/24/12 after reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar we made a caterpillar and a butterfly

·         Attend Toddler Time at Library each Thursday from 10-10:30 10/25/12 Riley and Maggie got to wear their costumes as they listened to monster-themed stories and sang songs 

·         Make a paint (or hair gel) gallon bag to draw on

·         Learn letters using computer games

·         Make an A-Z Letter Art book (see Pinterest)

·         Experiment with baking soda and colored vinegar water 10/17/12 on front porch

·         Create multi-color crayon discs

·         Blow giant bubbles with wand or cut-off water bottles 10/12/12 with Mom and Dad

·         Shaken Ball Art (need marbles or golf ball)

·         Write a thank you note to the mailman

·         Visit a nursing home-take cookies or another small gift

·         Build a tent

·         Put colored ice cubes in bath

·         Make homemade Play-doh

·         Make a marshmallow shooter

·         Wash the car together

·         Play Dress Up

·         Play Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders

·         Write letter to grandparents and great-grandparents 11/8/12 we mailed a "hug" to Nan and Pap, about a week earlier we mailed a get well soon bandaid card to Great Grandma Condra who was in the hospital recovering from a stroke and broken arm

·         Get a head start on Christmas crafts

·         Make an Ice Sun Catcher-fill a pie pan with leaves and other small objects, freeze, and then hang outside and let it melt

·         Do a Mummy Wrap out of tissue paper-10/18/12 with Blake and Delaney

·         Microwave a bar of Ivory soap to make a soap cloud

·         Design a picture using colored Elmer’s glue 11/6/12, Riley got help writing his name

·         Make an A-Z book by taking pictures of everyday objects/activities 11/04/12 

·         Blow glow-in-the-dark bubbles 10/08/12 kind of a dud...bubbles didn't glow

·         Design plates with Sharpie markers and bake to lock in artwork

·         Visit museum and/or children’s museum

·         Go see a fire station 10/26/12 with the 2nd Graders from Pleasant Knoll Elementary on their Community Field Trip

Potty Training Boot Camp Day 1

 Armed with a bowl full of M & Ms and a few sheets of stickers, I decided to launch a Potty Training Boot Camp for the next few days. Riley woke up at 6:30 am and after breakfast we made a big deal of picking out his first pair big boy underpants to wear. He debated quite a while in the store yesterday, but finally decided on a 7 pack of Mickey Mouse and a 7 pack of Toy Story with Buzz and Woody! I rolled up the rug in our living room since it's easier to clean up accidents from the hardwood floors than any kind of carpeted surface and set the plan into motion. Chris went off to school, wishing us good luck, but going on the record saying that he thinks this might be too premature. I promised that I wouldn't force the issue, but just wanted to see what the day would hold. I have been pleasantly surprised and it's only half over!

Riley got to finish drinking his milk (and then another cup of juice that I handed him in an effort to fill his bladder) while he sat on his froggy potty (his choice, not mine) and watched a Potty Pirate DVD that I bought a few months ago and was waiting for just the right time to introduce it. Riley enjoyed it and then got to watch his new favorite show, "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood", and there just so happened to be an episode saved (thanks, Daddy) all about how Daniel and his friends go potty! Riley put on his potty watch that sings a song every 30 minutes to alert you that it's time to try and go potty.  Around 8:30, I decided to make some pink lemonade to give Riley something else to drink besides milk and juice.  He was climbing up in the "tower" to help me when all of the sudden, he says, "I go pee!".  I look up and sure enough buckets of pee are coming out of this child! I couldn't get him to stop, so I just let him finish and then gently reminded him that we're supposed to pee in the potty and try to keep Mickey and Buzz dry, not wet. I cleaned up the mess and got back to our day of playing, reading books and hearing songs about the potty that I found on YouTube, and entertaining Maggie. Riley had another small accident where he wet his underwear just a little. Shortly after (around 9:45), he saw the container of M & Ms on the counter about an hour later and really wanted some. I let him know that as soon as he makes the pee pee go in the potty, he could have some. He walked over to the potty and tried hard. Before I know it, he started peeing! I start squealing with excitement and yelling. It seems like he is peeing forever and sure enough when he finally finishes, the froggy potty is half full! That's quite an accomplishment for a boy his size.  We cheer our way to the big potty and Riley helps me flush the pee down the toilet. Then we do a silly potty dance and watch our hands before getting the coveted prize of 2 M & Ms! We go back into the den and celebrate some more by watching Elmo do the potty song and then we go back to playing (this time with a balloon). Around 10:30, Riley starts getting tired. He asked for a pillow from the couch to lay down on the floor with his blanket. All of the sudden, he stands up and tries to pee into the potty from a standing position. I help him take off his wet underpants quickly, but unfortunately nothing comes out. We clean up a few drops on the floor and get some dry underwear. Riley starts talking about the M & Ms again and I remind him that the pee has to go into the potty. He's been earning stickers this whole morning every time he sits on the potty and tries, but I'm saving the candy for the actual act. He walks back over to the potty and tells me he wants to go again. Somehow he's able to make it happen again and this time fills the potty about one quarter of the way full. We repeat all our crazy actions and dances and cheers from before and I can tell Riley is really proud of himself and even said he wants to tell Daddy! I let him play with his favorite Talking Dog app on my iPod Touch and he tells the dog, "I a big boy! I wear underpants." I LOVE IT!! Now, I know it's only been a few hours, but I'm quite hopeful this may just stick! He went down for his nap (with a diaper on because I read that this is a natural progression and not something that needs to be achieved right away with initial potty training). I can't wait to see how the afternoon unfolds!

UPDATE: Riley made it through the rest of the afternoon with flying colors. He wet his underwear just a tiny bit and stood up and went straight to the potty. A little later, when we were outside (with froggy potty on the porch), I went to go get Riley's slide out of the garage and come back and am greeted with his enthusiastic little voice shouting, "Mommy, I'm doing it!" And he sure was! Even if he was peeing through his Mickey Mouse underpants, he had taken the initiative to sit on the potty himself.  Hey, I'll take it! Today (Saturday), we went to the Fall Fesitval at church.  Riley was able to pee in the potty this morning with no issues. We made a big deal about putting on special Pull-Ups that need to stay dry or the soccer balls will disappear. Somehow, he managed to stay dry for the 1 1/2  hours that we were at church and even though he visited the bathroom twice, didn't sense the need to go. I tried to get him to go before his nap, but he was so tired he refused. That's okay...small steps are just fine with me!

Officially a Fisher and Funny Phrases

On September 11th around 4 pm, our little Maggie was officially deemed a Fisher in the eyes of the court! We had our finalization hearing in Greenville, SC and were accompanied by Grandmama and Papa to this special event.  Ray Godwin, our attorney who helped us with both Riley and Maggie's adoption, was present as well as our Guardian ad Litem, June Bond (who was also appointed to Riley's court appearance as well back in October 2010).  What we have known to be true in our hearts since the moment we met this precious girl was verified by Judge Jenkins; Margaret Grace will forever be a part of our family! The 15-20 minute proceedings included Chris giving his testimony about why we wanted to adopt, how we will continue to meet Maggie's needs emotionally and physically and how we would honor her cultural background. I then took the stand and verified that I agreed with Chris' remarks. I was asked to describe our marriage and to which I replied it was based on faith, love, and hard work.  The judge seemed impressed by the fact that we were both teachers and talked about how 1st and 2nd grade teachers especially leave a lasting imprint on how children remember school.  Towards the end of the hearing, the judge asked Riley to approach the bench and he gave him a lollipop. Riley couldn't have been more thrilled! We were able to take a few pictures with the judge and have him sign Maggie's baby book.  He signed his name and then wrote: "May God bless your family!" He certainly already has and I know He'll continue to do so!

 Maggie has become increasingly more alert of her surroundings and people around her.  She now gets upset if she is left in her swing or in a room by herself.  She loves to watch her big brother play with his toys and she is also mesmerized by the TV shows that Riley likes to watch.  We try to limit her exposure to this the best we can, but the little gal seems to always find a way to turn her head or body to see the screen.  Speaking of turning...Maggie now scoots all over her crib, especially at night.  She slides down in chairs and is constantly on the move when she is awake...kicking her feet and wiggling around.  She is also picking up on Riley's constant chatter and is becoming quite the talker herself lately.  She makes all kinds of coos and sticks her tongue out at us as she smiles and laughs. Riley loves dressing her up and posing for pictures with her now. He's really doing a good job in his big brother role!

Riley is learning so much! He can count up to 13 or 14 without any mistakes and then skips ahead to 17 through 20.  He is learning to count objects and the other day had 1 to 1 correspondence counting 8 cars.

 Now, I've been collecting some funny phrases for a few weeks and finally have some time to share them.  Here they are in no particular order:

• While eating spaghetti one night, we asked Riley how he liked his noodles.  To which he replied, "It's not noodles, it's pasta!"
• He dives right into eating supper now and we have to remind him to stop and pray.  He's still doing his usual "Dear God, Thank you. You're welcome. Blessings. Thank you for the food. Amen." prayer and as soon as he finishes he adds loudly, "Let's eat!" and picks up his spoon or fork and digs in again! 
• With all his crazy antics, we often say, "Riley, are you a silly goose?" Every single time, he answers, "No, I a Big Boy!" 
• A week or so ago at dinner, Riley was eating his chicken and dipping it in ketchup.  Once he finished those, he ate his apples and because he loves ketchup so much, he started dipping THOSE in ketchup up too.  Once his apples were all gone, he picked up his spoon and started to eat the ketchup all by itself.  When it was gone, he turned to us and said, "More ketchup please!"
• Sometimes we'll say, "Riley, you are hilarious!" He's started picking up on this word and will see something that's funny himself and say, "That's rare-ri-ous!"
• His language continues to build at a rapid speed. The other day, he was playing upstairs with Daddy.  There's a certain Little People toy that Riley is especially fond of and has nicknamed "Person Boy." Chris asked Riley, "Is Person Boy going to drive the car?" Riley responds confidently, "Of course, he will!"
• Our church had a fundraiser at Bruster's ice cream not too long ago and had some special visitors dressed up as Snow White and Cinderella. When we introduced the characters to Riley, he was particularly fascinated with one of them and kept asking to see "Cind-umbrella" again and again.
• While playing football or any other kind of ball with Daddy, Riley has invented a new game in which he falls down on the floor every time that the ball is thrown back to him and announces: "Riley get tackled." I think someone has been watching a few too many sports!
• Bedtime has become a more drawn out procedure in recent weeks as our little rascal has learned new stalling tactics.  He must first gather at least 6 different toy cars, trains, or trucks to sleep in his bed with him. In fact, he even has a matching set of twin dump trucks that he calls "the Brothers" and they are frequent visitors in his bed. Other guests include Grover, Thomas, Henry the red train, Mater (Tomater from Cars movie), and a hodge podge of other vehicles he has managed to collect over the years. Next, he has to make sure he has he green and blue blanket in his bed and ask that you "cover up" his body with it. Then he might say he needs a drink or remind you to "leave door open". And 9 times out of 10, once we're all settled downstairs we'll hear a little voice start crying out "Mockingbird song, Mockingbird song". I didn't realize he would grow so attached to this silly little song, but he knows all the words and when Daddy tries to change them or make up his own version, Riley is often quick to correct him! The trick after we finally get our dear boy to sleep is figuring out how to keep him asleep. Riley's internal clock has somehow been waking at 5:45 or 6 am and no amount of trying to convince him to go back to sleep, it's dark outside and the toys and TV are still sleeping work. He eats repeating the same thing: "Go downstairs, eat breakfast. No Mommy and Daddy's room." We also were unsuccessful in putting him in our bed and trying to get him to fall back asleep. So for the time being, we're all very early risers right now.
• This precious child loves to make us laugh! And I'm not sure where he got it, but he has learned to do a really deep laugh and cover his mouth with his two hands when he thinks something is really funny. David (our friend/neighbor down the street) loves to egg him on with this! We have to admit, we think it's pretty cute ourselves too!