Craft Show Saturday

 After weeks of preparation and countless hours of hard work, the first craft show for Lil' Bows & Things has arrived.  We are all so proud of Sara / Mommy because she has been working so hard and it all came together in the form of this awesome table.  Being the first time out for anything has its own "butterflies" associated with it, even more so when you are selling and competing with other vendors.  Needless to say, Sara did awesome and we couldn't be more proud!

Teaming up with her friend Amy also helped not only fill up the table, but also gave Sara some company throughout the day. Sara has all the accessories to the right of the picture (Hair bows, snack bags, bow holders, card wallets, boo-boo bags, and headbands were just a few of the things Sara focused on for this time out), while Amy took care of all the baby items.  Good way to expand the market without having to tackle everything. We are starting to learn these shows can be quite the mix of products and patrons, but Sara did good! We are so looking forward to the next one!

And of course, we couldn't let Mommy not go a few hours without us dropping in to bother her ;-).  Here's our craft show helper-in-training straightening out the merchandise.



Busted!

Emma's two new favorite things in the bathtub:

1. Lining up all the princesses like they are going somewhere.

2. And sneaking a sip of bathwater when Daddy isn't paying attention. I've told her not to, taken the play cup away (she just bends down and laps like a dog), gave her a cup of "suitable to drink" water from the kitchen, she still does it. Not continuous, just once or twice a bath. I think she is just loving to test us!

Bribe Reward

Last night, the sickness bug hit our Mommy. The sore throat, tired, achy body stuff that just makes you feel blah. Not sure why this happened, I was always under the impression that moms were not allowed to get sick. Unfortunately, I had to go to work and couldn't miss the day due to some meetings I had scheduled. I told both girls that we could get a special treat if they helped Mommy and listened.  In true fashion, Lily (as most days) was her usual helpful self.  Emma on the other hand decided that meant to get up early (6 AM, usually sleeps until 7:30) and then have one of her "I do what I want" days. Since Daddy making dinner takes longer than normal, we went up the road to get Frosty's instead of Dairy Queen.

As you can see, I'm all talk.  Emma got her Frosty. Between the hair and the (now) stained shirt, she's a mess.

Give Us Food

Not quite sure what has happened recently, but for some reason, these two ladies are just putting the food away.  It may be a simultaneous growth spurt, maybe just them finally feeling better and making up for lost appetite, or expelling more energy outside.  Whatever it is, they are putting a hurting on our food budget.  Even little Emma has seemed to gain pounds over night.  She has now reached the point after almost 2 years where you pick her up the wrong way, you let out a random "grunt".

Today for dinner, both ate huge bowls of spaghetti, few slices of garlic toast, and relatively big salads. It was quite the quiet table and the two systematically worked their way through the dishes. We even let them have some pudding and Cool-Whip since they ate so well.  The pudding cups looked like they had been washed they were so empty.

Lazy Weekend Mornings

Lets hear it for rainy day weekend mornings.  Nothing beats lounging around in your pajamas, playing doctors and talking on the phone!

Where Did Spring Go?

Such crazy weather. It was a pretty mild winter, guess we may be skipping over spring. Little warm for March don't you think?

Return to Routine

Today was a big day. After missing the last two school days due to being sick (which is a week when you go only three times a week), Lily was finally able to get back to school. Need less to say, both girls were in a much better mood.  Lily got back to her friends and Emma got her morning "Mommy time" back.

Today was also a big day because it was soccer day.  Lily's school runs an afterschool program through a company called Soccer Shots. A quick, 30 minute soccer clinic that is held on the field behind the church.  Last week, we watched from a distance since we didn't want to distract Lily on the 1st day.  This week, Sara and Emma hung out on the sidelines to see our little girl in action.

A little "action" shot ...

... and being the line leader on their way back in ...

... and telling her friend AJ all about it afterwards ...

Boyfriend Fight for Violet

Just to show you how popular "our" duck is.  The boyfriends returned today.

Emma Being Too Quiet

Here's Lily, feeling better and ready to do some errands (Disclaimer: She would later puke in the parking lot of the nice Hilltop PetSmart, sorry PetSmart and Trader Joe patrons). Guess the stomach bug was still lingering around, who knew? Needless to say, we proceeded to come back home.

So, we can back home and had a low key afternoon. Sara had a dr appt in the afternoon, so daddy and his girls had some quality time. As I was getting things ready for nap and finishing up a few chores around the house, I noticed that little Emma was being awfully quiet. This usually means that she up to no good (she is definitely the mischievous one of the two).  After looking at her usual spots to get into things, I stumbled across this in the den. Guess I was wrong ... this time.

Stomach Virus Goin' Around

It seems like these two little girls have had something going on for the past two months.  First it was strep floating around, then the colds, then the weather changed and on came the allergies, and the latest is a stomach virus. We seek some solace in the fact that mostly everyone with kids are experiencing similar issues, but still doesn't help. Pediatrician said the mild winter failed to kill off the germs and they have seen an unusually high amount of traffic through the office.

Well, the latest stomach virus first hit Emma on Thursday and then hit Lily on Friday night. I'll save you all the gory details, but lets just say the Popsicles and B.R.A.T. diet for us. Emma tends to take full advantage of being sick. First thing to go is the shirt, followed by her onslaught of "pop-eekle peeasse, pretty peeasse".



Family Fun Outside

The weather has been full cooperating this week, highs in the 70s and sunny (with the occasional showers). This area tends to be a little inconsistent this time of the year with the weather, so you have to take the opportunity when you get it. With that being said, Lily and Emma have been trying to get the most of the yard.  They tend to hop between front yard and backyard, whether it is playing with the sidewalk chalk, driving their cars, on the swings, playing tag, or just mindlessly running. Oh to be a kid! Little sample of what I can only guess are their model / action poses.

Meet Violet

Introducing the newest member of the Check family .... Violet! One of the days while the girls were playing outside, up walked three ducks (2 male, 1 female).  The female duck has the most distinctive patch of bright purple feathers on her one side, hence the name Violet. Wile the two male ducks have appeared a handful of times (mainly to try to do some courting, all PG-rated to this point, we just tell the girls they are fighting to be her boyfriend), Violet pretty much comes around 2-3 times a day for food and just to say hi.

So, if you drive by our house and notice bread, bird seed, peas, and carrots (yes, we Googled what ducks eat), now you know why!

Play Date Fun

Nothing like a day of playing with friends to break up the week. Emma and Logan doing their own thing up top, Lily and AJ (who I assume is hiding) doing their own thing, and both mommies enjoying their time while the kids are occupied.

Daylight Savings Time = Return of One of My Favorite Things

Although I hate losing the hour sleep, the time change enables me to do one thing ... playing outside with my ladies.

Daddy loves you Lily & Emma!

Daddy Blogger 2.0

You have probably noticed the the relatively sparse blog activity.  Sara is so crafty and we are so proud of her and all that she whips up in her little corner. Sara and her friend Amy (AJ & Logan's mom ... refer back to the multiple posts chronicling the Check girl's crushes) have decided to go all in and showcase their talents at craft shows. Check out the one they are gearing up for here (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cox-HS-Spring-Craft-Bazaar-March-31st-2012/148756015241261?sk=wall)

I know the girls take it for granted and just simply expect accessories and handmade items at ease. So for the girls, thank you Mommy, we are so impressed and proud of you!

So, I will try to be stepping up my game with the picture taking and the blogging. Don't expect it to be as good as you are accustomed to, but I will try my best.

Let the Swim Lessons Begin

Our trip to Great Wolf Lodge was our test to see if we could push Lily & Emma towards the world of swimming. They both loved the water, getting splashed, and jumping from the side. Both Sara and I grew up always having a pool nearby, so we are firm believers for knowing how to swim. We actually contemplated placing the girls in the infant swim classes; however, since we don't have a pool, figured they would lose any skills gained. We were waiting for Lily's evening dance class to finish up and that day has come.  For the next 2 months, the Check Family will be spending every Friday night at the Great Neck Rec Center pool. The class is just an introductory geared towards "Mommy & Me" type stuff, but that's all our girls need to start. Once this finishes up, Miss Lily will be signed up to "go it alone". Lets hope all those Little Mermaid viewings have rubbed off.

First Dentist Trip for Lily

After discussing it for the past few months, we finally pulled the trigger and made an appointment for Lily's first dental visit. Neither of us are fans of the dentist, guess it goes back to all those awful trips for the braces.  Well, today was Lily's first trip to start the the dreaded "6 month" routine. 

Lily is one that takes to things better when you prep her to some degree.  It is always a delicate line between "preparation" and "talking it up too much" that it scares her. We thought we did a good job this time. All was good until we got back to the chair. Pretty much a factory of 6 chairs all lined up in the open, little clinical for our tests.  Everyone was really nice and even let Lily sit on Mommy's lap for the examination. Well, whimper turned into all out scream when they pushed Lily backwards on the lap and proceeded to shove the metal crook and mirror into the mouth. No prep, no introductions, no "here are my tools" .... nothing. A 30 second examination, few stickers, a bag of dental goodies, a cheap carnival toy and we were on our way.

Needless to say, we think we may try another dentist for Round 2.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Our agenda today changed a bit once Miss Emma got up. As I was heading out to go to a yearly one-day consignment sale, Mike was calling our pediatrician to get Emma in. Her cough was our only concern since it sounded worse this morning than it has and she has had for almost a solid two weeks. Everything else has been normal with her except for the cough, but we always like to be safer than sorry. As I was in line, Mike called to say they were on their way in and to meet them there. After a clean bill of health, a negative strep test and a Tylenol as needed med remedy we were on our way.

Social Event 1: Maeve's Birthday Party at Young Chef Academy

So much fun! And, so much more fun to watch Lily with all of her friends from school. As her teacher has told me, these kids have really started to jell the past few weeks and are completely in love with each other. I feel kinda bad for their teacher next year since most of them will be in the same class again.

They all got to help make their own personal Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes! They each cut up their own strawberries, bananas and grapes too! The moms loved that we were able to clean up after them :) So delicious!

As you can see, these kids go love each other. We all could not believe the amount of hugs! At one point Lily and Maeve were holding hands waiting for their turn to stir and help. The middle picture is of Lily and her lovely boyfriend, AJ (who is Logan's brother!). They looooove each other! :)

Amy, Logan's Mama, and I agreed that this will be their Save the Date card picture

in twenty years!

Second Social Event: Dylan's Birthday Party at My Gym

All four of us got to go to this party and Emma played just as much as Lily did. Unfortunately, camera batteries died mid-party so didn't get the chance to capture many moments but the kids had so much fun!

Social Event 3: Dinner with Amy and AJ

Yep, we went to Baker's Crust, yum! for dinner. And, Lily and AJ HAD to sit next to one another. They played tic-tac-toe, tickled each other and Lily received many kisses on her cheek...gasp! They held hands and seem to be pretty smitten :)

Today gave us a glimpse of what it is like to have your weekend and social calendar dictated by our girl's activities. Hmmm....interesting.

Foto Friday

Emma and Her Man, Logan.

When I got her up this morning, before she even got out of her bed, I asked her who she was going to see today. She gave me a "Huh?" So I told her Logan. With her sweet little head still on her Minnie Mouse pillow she started whisper yelling "Yay!" and clapping.

These two are ever so cute together.

Happy March!

remember last March?