Pa and Lily

Pa and Lily had a lot of fun together this week.

They took a walk (in horrible 100 degree+ heat).

They went to the splash pool just the two of them, had lunch together and by the end of the morning Pa had a little shadow.

Pa likes playing around with Lily and she laughs and fools around right along with him. But this trip, Lily began saying "No, Pa". They really became buddies.

Bed Rail

A few weeks ago we made Lily's crib into a toddler bed. I haven't done a post yet because I didn't want to speak too soon...like our potty training trials.

Anyway, Lily slept in a full size bed all week at Nana and Pa's house. They graciously bought a heavy duty bed rail that could not be torn down by our rough and tumble Lily.

And, she did great!

She surrounded herself with ALL of her friends, had her trusty binky and slept just like she does at home. And, didn't get up until I came in to get her :)

Travel Day

Today we traveled to Charlotte to visit Nana and Pa.

Mike drove me and the girls halfway to Durham to meet Nana and Pa. We began our day at 10 as we got on the road. As we traveled down Rt. 58 (the most boring road ever!) we heard from the backseat...PEE-PEE! So, we stopped on the side of the road at 10:26. Next stop was at 10:46 after we heard POO-POO. Yep, another stop on the side of the road.

First and second stops

Our third stop was in South Hill right at Rt. 85. Where I took over driving and Mike braved the backseat. Lily is fine in the back and is very easily entertained. Emma, however, is not a seasoned traveler yet. Screaming and screeching are a common thread in all of our car trips, long and short. So, we take turns wedging ourselves in between their carseats.

Already looking forward to April 2011...to turn her forward facing!

After unloading our car, loading up Nana and Pa's car, a few more stops and 2.5 hours later we arrived at their house.

Didn't take long for Miss Lily to get comfy, cozy with Nana!

Our week with Nana and Pa begins!

A Little Pool Time

A little family time.

And, Emma's first time in the pool.

Old or Bad?

Maci is my/our first daughter.

Maci was 8 weeks old when I got her in college. We (meaning her and me) have been through a lot together. For a long time she was my one and only. Then, came Mike and our house and Maci lived large. She went to the beach with us, on vacation to OBX, she even had her very own pool in the backyard. She was living a grand life.

Until Lily and Emma entered the picture.

Now, Maci has to share us, her yard, her house and has no space to call her own. She likes to play ball but on rare occasion, she likes to take walks but can't make it very far anymore and wants to be outside to protect her yard but can't stand the heat.

Poor thing is 8 1/2 years old and a baby and a toddler are ruling her life.

Or...are they?!?

Instead of just being a lump on a log, like she usually is, Maci is now starting to retaliate! She follows Lily around waiting for falling food and if Lily puts down a bowl of snacks Maci helps herself. If a breakfast or lunch plate is left on the table, you'll hear it hit the floor once we leave the room. And, to top it off, today after running an errand we came back to THREE of Lily's nighttime pull-ups torn to shreds in our hallway. AND, as soon as we opened the door to come in she ran outside and ran up and down the street! Mike finally scooped her up four houses away and had to carry her home.

At her annual check-up the vet said that she was just being old..but I'm not buying it. She knows better, a lot better. But, what are you going to do when you scold your dog and she pretty much looks at you and rolls her eyes.

UGH...life goes on with a spunky, old, grumpy dog here in the Check house.

Rice Cereal

Emma tried rice cereal for the first time yesterday evening.

She enjoyed it and gets really excited when that spoon starts coming towards her.

Although she is just getting used to eating off of a spoon, she's getting the hang of it.

Hopefully soon she'll get more in her mouth that on herself.

First feeding

Big Sissy Lily always ready to help

Second feeding, not as much on her chin this time.

Fun Morning

with a great friend.

Lily LOVES Miss Trish!

Heck, We all LOVE Miss Trish.

I so love our mornings and wish that we could have more of them throughout the year. Lily loves playing with Trish, giving her books to read, shows her things in her room, watches Barney with her and even wants her to take her to the potty :). And to top it off, we get to talk like we used to. Geez, how I miss sitting across the room from her everyday. I don't have a sister but she's the closest thing I have to one...Love Ya Trish!

Reward Time

This evening Lily got an ice cream cone.

She has been so great lately that Mike and I decided we needed to reward her.

She has been listening, sharing and extremely helpful...

without having any major meltdowns.

Lily we are extremely proud of you!

Oh..and you also turn 28 months old today.

Some MAJOR highlights:

*You are COMPLETELY potty trained!

*You are sleeping in a toddler bed

*You talk in 2-3 word sentences

*You amaze us with your athleticism

*You are a wonderful big sister

*You sing songs out of the blue and dance

*You work at things until you figure them out

*You can play by yourself

*You are great at sharing

*You can empathize with others

*You are VERY polite

*You have an amazing memory

*You have an infectious personality

*AND...You have GREAT hair!

All at 28 months!

We Love You Lily!

Shopping and Presents

Today Lily went grocery shopping.

There's a reason why the little carts have a flag reading "Customer in Training". She did great pushing her buggy but definitely needed some training. A few more trips to the store and I know she'll get the hang of it. I was just glad to see more than a few of these at the entrance because in a few years I'll have TWO in training :).

When we got home from the store we found a HUGE package waiting for us!

And, it was for Lily and Emma!

Lily loved pulling things out.

Then she loved looking at everything, putting everything into a pile then moving the presents to entirely new pile.

Thank You Grammy and Poppy!!

Relaxing Sunday

It was finally raining and we were forced to relax and play.

It ended up being a standing...

and fort building kind of day.