Friday, July 29, 2011

Mad dash

Sunday July 24, 2011

This is our day to make a mad dash to church.  We have decided that it is best to put Melonee in the nursery during service.  We actually made it to services on time!  Steve Flatt spoke today.  It is always nice to hear a fresh voice.  Melonee did wonderful during class.  Dottie was very quite and calm during services and Sunday school.

After church, we went home and had lunch.  Then we went to Nae and Pop's house.  Mama was there when we got there.  We played and chatted with everyone.  We decided that we needed to go to Wolf camera to develop Dottie's six month pictures.  Dottie stayed here with Ryan, Pop's, and Matthew.  We strolled Melonee around the entire mall. 

Melonee and Dottie had a wonderful day!  They are so happy.

Quick trip to Lovey's

Saturday July 23, 2011

Ryan went out and picked the garden clean.  Lovey called and asked us to come home and help can beans.  We headed to Decherd.  Lovey ironically was finished working when we got there.  We started breaking beans.  Papa, Ryan and Melonee went outside to pick corn and shuck it.  Mom started lunch as well.  Some one called the house and I heard Lovey say okay and she went to the door and opened it.  Melonee was standing there eating a tomato like an apple!  Tomato juice was running down her face and arms, however she was enjoying it!  When she got in the door she ran strait to her chair.  She was hungry!  Lovey just laughed! Dottie was still asleep and slept till we got through eating.

We got all of our canning done!  The girls were having a blast!  We played hard.  Before heading home, we gave the girls a bath.  What a day!

Papa's Birthday

Papa turned 56 on Sunday July 17th! So we decided to go to Lovey and Papa's for the weekend. Ryan had picked the garden clean so we had green beans and butternut squash to can and freeze. Off we go to our grand adventure! Saturday was filled with Kayla, Mom, and I shopping while Dad and Ryan watched the girls so they could nap. When the shopping was over, I started breaking beans while Kayla and Mom cooked supper. The girls finally woke up from their nap and were full of energy. We walked over to Alice's to see the progress of her house. Melonee runs wide open as soon as she is out of the house! Dottie is very observant of her surroundings! We played on the swing set for a little bit.

We finished breaking beans! Mom blanched the beans and I got the girls ready to take baths! Mom helped me give baths. The girls really enjoy bath time. Dottie is enjoying it more than Melonee these days. We start with Dottie and we let her play in the water. Well, when we get Dottie out Melonee wants to get out as well. So we now have to really pump bath time up with songs and toys! Mel does not like her hair washed! By the time we wash her hair off she is doing what ever she can to get out of the bath tub!

Ryan put on a movie and we got the girls to go to sleep. The movie was very slow. It was about a man that rode his lawn mower across Iowa.

Sunday! Papa's birthday! He was the first one up with the girls. I heard Mel and got up to get them ready and feed. Mel rounded the corner and said milk. I went to check on Dottie and Papa had given her a bar of soap to chew on! It was the soap that Kayla and I had made for my wedding. She had just about chewed through the plastic wrap! I got the girls breakfast ready...Ryan got up and helped...Mom got up and got ready....then Kayla. I Was half way ready when she decided that she had to workout before going to eat. She asked if I would go with her. So I found the only casual clothes I brought and a pair of flip flops. I strapped Mel in the stroller and we went walking down the road. Melonee laughed and smiled the whole time. She loves being outdoors!

When our walk was over, we rushed in so we could get ready to go eat breakfast at the sunrise place in Decherd for Papa's birthday. This is a new breakfast place in town...Alice says it is great! I have to say it was good! We enjoyed breakfast as a family. Then we took the girls to the park. Kayla took lots of pictures. Alice played on the slide with Melonee and we all took turns holding Dottie. Melonee did not want to leave, but she was worn out. By the time we got home Melonee was asleep and Dottie was ready for lunch!

The rest of the afternoon, we canned seven quarts of green beans and I put up four quarts of butternut squash to freeze. I also made Kayla Ezekiel bread. Then we all tried to cook supper. While we were cooking, Ryan, Papa, Alice and Kayla were outside with the girls. Melonee was playing on the swing set and Ryan had Dottie. Ryan put Dottie down so she was standing up on the deck and Melonee ran from the swing set over to Dottie grabbed both hands and started to dance with her! I missed it the first time but she did it again when I came outside. Melonee is really starting to enjoy having a sister and Dottie watches every move that Mel makes! After supper Mel helped Lovey water the flowers! Mel really likes getting
dirty!

I had to work on Monday and Tuesday so we left Melonee and Dottie with Lovey and Papa.  Aunt Alice also helped while they were there.  So on Monday, Alice sent us a picture of the girls playing in the frog pool.  She said that they enjoyed it!  I came in on Monday to get the girls.  I thought that I was going to get them and get home quick!  Not happening.  We went over Alice's to look at the paint.  I looked wonderful.  There house is really coming together.

Tuesday, Ryan took the girls to Anita's.  They played and enjoyed Nae, Pops, and Matthew.

Wednesday, was our lazy day!  We just had to get readjusted to our daily routine and being home!

Thursday, we met our friend Elke and Dean at Barfield-Crescent Park.  We had a lot of fun playing!  Dean is about a month younger than Melonee.  This was great child interaction.

Friday July 22, 2011, I had asked Anita to come over to watch the girls while I picked beans.  Well, Melonee came out for a little while. She played on the swing set til she got interested in the garden.  She started getting muddy and then I smelled a dirty diaper.  So I took her in and Anita changed her diaper.  She then wanted to come outside but wanted Anita to come as well and started crying.  I then went to get her.  She played on the deck while I tried to pick beans.  As my back was turned, she fell down the steps!  I tell you what!  I took her in and checked her out.  She had bruises on her face and legs.  I also got the bread out that I had made.  I finished picking the beans and came in.  The girls were watching Pooh Bear.  I ran and took a shower. 

Melonee some sweet potato fries.  We were off to the splash pad!   Dottie looked so cute in her swim suit.  She also had a hat and shoes to match.  Melonee had a cute swim suit as well.  There were several people at the splash pad.  I took Melonee  over to one of the sprinklers and she acted like she did not like it...then when she got use to it she loved it.  She ran around and played in the water for about an hour.  I took Dottie and splashed a little but I don't think she was ready for it.  She played with Ryan and watched Melonee.  When it was time to go, I asked Melonee if she was ready to go and she walked right to the gate to leave!  She strutted all the way to the car.  Then we went to Chick-fil-a to get supper to take home.   We had a wonderful day!

Friday, July 22, 2011

July 13th

July 13, 2011....Dottie turned seven months old!!!  I heard her crying about 6am...as I walked into her bedroom, to my amazement she was sitting up!  She had sat up all on her own...not sure how she did it.  Dottie is growing so fast!   The next thing I know, I hear Melonee saying Mama..Mama.  I now realize that we are up and ready for breakfast.  However this was going to be Daddy's day to get the girls ready.  I have had to work the past couple of days so Daddy has helped out tremendously.  Lovey had kept the girls Monday night and Tuesday along with Alice's help.  Today Daddy was taking the girls to Anita's.  When the girls arrived at Anita's, she had a stroller and baby doll waiting for Melonee.  Talk about excited!  Ryan sent me pictures so I could see Melonee's excitement.  Dottie was also happy.  Luckily, I got off a little early.  Anita had to take Matthew to the doctor and left Dottie with Dan.  I met Anita at the walk-in clinic to get Melonee and went back to help Dan with Dottie.  Dottie was pulling Pops chest hair when I got there!  Melonee took off just playing and running as fast as she could.  Dottie just smiles, coos, and watches every move Melonee makes.  Melonee got her new stroller and pushed her baby in it.  Then she got the baby out and started to feed her and burp her...I think she has watched me too long.  We stayed for supper and got the girls ready for bed and headed home.  The girls easily went down!

Thursday was my day off!!  The girls and I just made a day of it.  We took a walk outside.  Mel loves it outside.  Dottie fell asleep as we walked...so I took her inside.  I noticed that Melonee was entertaining herself so I went to start supper and clean the kitchen.  I didn't hear anything for a while...my first clue...Mel ran up to me in the kitchen with a white powder all over her.  I then went to the living area....and there it was...Dottie's formula  powder  all over the couch, chair, piano, and floor!  She must have slobbered all over as well because it was stuck to the floor.  Now I get to sweep, mop and vacuum!  Melonee had no clue what she had done.  She ran to her bedroom and threw all the books in the floor along with her pajamas.  Today seemed like the never ending mess!  Mel will normally help put things back in a place but not today.  Finally she went down for a nap!  Dottie woke up and the rotation never stops!

Friday July 15th!  I go to work.  Ryan gets the girls ready to go to Anita's.  Ryan and I are excited today because we are taking the girls to see Pooh bear.  This is there first movie@  Ryan got off work at lunch.  Our friends, Michael and Mary Strickland called to see if we wanted their swing set for the girls.  So Ryan and Pops went to get it.  That afternoon everyone met at Anita's.  Even Lovey and Papa came to see the girls before we went to see Pooh.  Papa had to go see his heart surgeon for the last time we hope.  Papa is having PVC's.  Renae was already at Anita's playing with Dottie.  We all socialized for a little while and I showed Lovey and Papa where we were going to build our house.

Off to see Pooh Bear!  Pops, Anita, Renae and Matthew went with us.  We sat at he very top so Mel and Dottie could see.  Mel sat and watched the whole movie in Ryan's lap.  Dottie went back and forth between Anita and myself.  the girls did great.  Not one cry or tear!  After the movie, we went to the Chop House to eat supper.  Between a long day, movie and supper the girls were worn out@  We went home and they were out along with Ryan and myself.

Monday, July 18, 2011

4th of July to Chick-fil-a

I was on-call the weekend of and on July 4th.  Aunt Renae kept Dottie that Saturday night while we got to have some one-on-one time with Melonee.  Lovey, Papa, and Kayla came up for a little while to shop and eat.  We went to Wasabi to eat supper.  Melonee did not know what to think about the hibachi grill.  However, we all enjoyed our dinner.  

Sunday, I went in to work....Ryan and Melonee went to church at North Blvd.  I got off work earlier than usual so I came home and peeled some fresh peaches!!!  Melonee was completely asleep by the time they got home.  When Melonee woke up we headed to Anita's and ate lunch with Daddy's family.  Dottie was so happy to see us.  Renae took her to church at Tusclum with Pop's and Anita.  So we had a wonderful lunch.  We pretty much lounged the rest of the day!  

Monday July 4th.  I again go into work!  However, it turns out to be a pretty quiet day.  I am done by lunch and we get to head to Decherd to celebrate with Lovey, Pops, Kayla, Alice, Kay, Grannie, Candace and Bobby.  We always have a blast!  Food was great...company was wonderful....fireworks were a blast!!!  Melonee was a little leery of the fireworks so we had to really ooh and aah after each one.  Dottie fell asleep right before the action started.  Well, I had to work on the 5th so we left the girls with Lovey.  Alice and Kay helped keep the girls on Tuesday.

The girls did great at Lovey's on Tuesday.  We met Lovey and Pops in Manchester that evening...while we were there we decided to stop by and see Tata and Cousin Cindy.  Tata really enjoys seeing the children.  She gets so excited when we come to see her.  Melonee jumped right in and made herself at home.  She played with Tata.  Dottie was happy to sit in her lap and enjoy being with Tata.  We had just learned that Cindy has thyroid cancer.  However, she looked great and has a very positive attitude.  That is what counts.  

On Wednesday, I tried to take the girls to see a puppet show at the Library.  Well, that worked for about 10 min.  We got there late so parking was awful...in fact I had to make my own spot.  Then we had to make a spot to sit down.  Just when I think that we are going to do good, the puppet master gets an alligator out and it eats the dentist...Melonee cried and got so upset so we had to leave...Dottie and the other children thought this was very funny by the way.  So I took Mel and Dot outside and we walked around outside for a while.  We made it back to the car just in time!  The rain came!



Melonee has learned to push the stepping stool around and get up to the counter.  She is helping me cook here.  She likes to get in the corner where the mixer is and play with Dottie's bottles and her cups.



I think that she is telling me how to do something.  She is very serious when she gets to talking and pointing.


Dottie had just woke up from a nap and was super cute so I had to get some pictures of her!!

Thursday I tried to get ready for Bible study and for our trip to Chick-fil-a (cow appreciation day...dress like a cow and get a free meal!).  So I got our cow outfits ready...nothing spectacular but a fun outing nonetheless.


Melonee enjoying her french fries at Chick-fil-a.  What a sport!



Dottie is a trooper for sure.  She could not eat but that did not stop her from having fun!



Speaking of troopers here is the super trooper here. Daddy was also having a blast.  Look at those spots!


Look it is a tail!  

We had a wonderful week!!!!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Long week leading up to the ZOO

Sunday June 26th we celebrated Aunt Nae's birthday. After church, we went to Nita's and Pop's to eat lunch with the family. Nita had made a roast with all the sides and two plum rolls! Renae decided after lunch we should all go outside and play ping pong. Melonee really enjoyed being outside and running around in Pops shop. Dottie fell asleep during the ping pong battles. Ryan went to check on her and Nita was asleep with her. I believe that both of my children are going to be cuddle bugs!

Monday I got the girls ready to go shopping with Lovey and Great Aunt Kay. Dottie also had to get her six month shots. I always dread getting the shots. For some reason the nurse always bruises her and she has knots on her legs for a couple of weeks. Melonee went shopping and got ice cream while Dottie and I were at the doctors office. Then we met them at Aldi to get some groceries. The girls usually go home with Lovey on Monday nights. Papa and Alice are always ready to see them. I think they took the girls to a Mexican restaurant for supper that night.




Wednesday we went back to Lovey's. We enjoy getting out of the house! Also, Lovey got a swing set for Melonee to play on. Melonee likes to play in the beauty shop as well. That afternoon we got the girls ready to go to VBS at church. They were having the county fair...so Ryan met me at church and we took the girls around and showed them the animals. Melonee loved the ducks. She stood over the cage for a good while. By the time we got home the girls were worn completely out. They went to bed with out a problem!

Thursday we went for a stroll down the street. Melonee loves to get in the stroller when we go down the street! Dottie is also beginning to like this as well now that she is sitting up. When we got back home I thought that it would be nice to go see Ryan after lunch. So sure enough the girls went down for a small nap...we ate lunch...off to see daddy! He took us to the gym at Sunset middle school and we let Melonee loose. She ran all over that gym. We laughed because she shakes her shoulders when she runs and takes the smallest steps. However she is quick! Ryan took Dottie for a run in the stroller and she just giggled. Well, daddy's break/lunch was over and we went back home. On the way home, it came an absolute flood! I could hardly see the road! After we made it home, the rain made for a good napping situation! That meant I could get ready for my Bible study! Ryan came home and as I was getting ready to go Nita, Pops, and Matthew came over to help Ryan with the girls. Melonee gets so excited to see Matthew. When I got home, Dottie was asleep but Melonee saw me come in and she perked back up. Just when I thought I could lay her down she would come alive! I ended up bringing her to our bed...it is amazing how she just smiles when her head hits our pillow. However every time I got up she cried...not sure what is going on but we let her sleep with us that night!

FRIDAY!! Story time day and daddy gets off at lunch!! This is the day that is like a rat race to get the girls ready and out the door to story time by nine-thirty. We make it! They start out with the if your happy and you know it....a story....playing....puppet show...and the freeze dance. We like the freeze dance. Dottie sits in my lap and watches everyone with amazement. On the way home, Melonee falls asleep and Dottie is waiting for lunch.  After Dottie had lunch, she passed out!  Both girls are asleep!!!  Ryan came home and started mowing the yard as I got ready to take the girls to the zoo.  Also, Kayla had call and asked if she could take the girls to Lovey's for the night.  This actually turned out great because I was on call that weekend.  So I had the girls packed for their overnight trip as well.



Melonee finally woke up and ate her sandwich...then we were off to the zoo.  Melonee was so excited to see all the animals!  We put Dottie in the stroller and she also enjoyed looking at everything.  We started off going to the jungle, which turned out great...there were tons of shade and a little breeze.  However, it was still hot so we had to really watch the girls.  Melonee really liked seeing the pink flamingos.  The experience at the zoo is actually quite pleasant regardless of the heat.  The shading makes for a fun day.  We only got to do half of the zoo as it closes at six, however, Melonee loved all the animals especially the alligators and the petting section. After the zoo we flew home to meet up with Aunt Kayla.

Dottie's Six Month Pictures

Dottie is now six months old!!!!  Ilde came out to Cannons-borough to take Dottie's pictures.  I will tell you that getting ready for this is a full production!!  We start out planning about a week in advance for their outfits...usually three changes with hair bows to match (thanks to Aunt Kayla).  Then I start recruiting people to help with Melonee control!  Kayla had plans for this weekend so I asked Renae to come and help.  This was also Aunt Renae's birthday weekend.  Luckily, Kayla's plans were delayed and Renae also came...so I had two fabulous helpers!!!  This really makes the pictures go smoothly.

The morning of the pictures, I got up at 6am to get started.  I try to get half way dressed and Ryan gets breakfast going for the girls.  Kayla arrived with more dresses for me to try on.  For us to get to Cannons-borough on time it takes all hands on deck.  We all pitch in and we made it to our destination.

Dottie did not get her nap in before the picture, but she did wonderful!  Cannons-borough was a great place to go because we could let Melonee run loose.  She chased the geese for a little while and explored every nook and cranny.  Ilde took pictures by the creek to start.  Of coarse five minutes into our session, someone comes up to Kayla and show her a picture of a copperhead that was down where we were.  Needless to say I had to get out of Dodge!  We then proceeded to go to the village area.  The white chair was gone that we had used to take Melonee's  six month pictures.  However, we improvised with the swing and used the walls for backgrounds.  Getting the girls together seems to be nearly impossible.  Ilde seems to be able to get some good shots.  Dottie smiled and seemed to enjoy being outside...we put her in the grass and she really enjoyed picking the grass and feeling the different textures.  She is sitting up so much better.

By the time the pictures were over, the girls were exhausted!!  They both fell asleep on the way home!!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

My girls

It has been a while since I have blogged...so I will just get down to business.

Melonee has learned how to lock herself in her room, which is a little scary since she is just 18 months old.  She is babbling more with some words you can understand.  She will stay on the phone and talk now.  When she sees a cat she immediately says meow.  When Ryan leaves in the mornings, instead of running to the door crying she waves and says bye bye.

Melonee's new sayings: duck, what's this, yes, who's that, hi Dottie, shh, Matthew, Thula, Pooh, watch, eat, rock, juice, oh no, I'm sorry, super, and I am sure there's more.

Dottie is now 6 months old with her two bottom teeth coming in.  She has got the sweetest spirit.  The girl is happy the majority of the time.  I can lay her down in the floor and she will roll all over the place.  She is going to be a go getter.  She also loves to put everything in her mouth.  Dot is sitting up pretty good, but she will dive for what ever is in front of her at the time.  I believe she is going to be very ticklish.  When she gets to laughing, she is a giggle box for sure.

Ryan had to have emergency surgery Friday night (June 17, 2011)...he had to have his appendix removed.  He did well through the surgery, however he needed lots of rest.  So the girls got to stay with Nana and Pops one night and the other two nights they spent at Kayla's with Lovey and Papa.  The girls did great.  Kayla did not have a high chair so she sat a box in a chair for Melonee to eat at the table. 

On Fathers Day, I took care of Ryan and got the house ready to go on the market.  Kayla took Mom, Dad and the girls out!  They went to get popsicles at Las Paletas,  toured Scarritt Bennett, and played at the Tennessee Agriculture Park.  Needless to say, I believe they had a wonderful time!!!  Ryan and I did get to see them for a little bit that night.

Monday morning, I got up to go get the girls at Kayla's house.  This was Kayla's birthday!!!  I brought them Chick-fil-a for breakfast.  Melonee was so excited!!  We ate breakfast and then we headed home to see Ryan (Daddy).  We really hate being away from the girls...however Melonee loves for Ryan to pick her up and he was just not ready for that.  Ryan was feeling better.  So we played with the girls til they tuckered out.  By the time they woke up from their nap, Alice was at the house and Mom and Dad were on their way.  So we went to eat at Culver's.  We piddled around for a while before we went back to Kayla's.  Mandi was having Kayla a birthday party.  The girls were dressed up so cute in the dresses Kayla made for them.  Melonee's personality has just exploded.  Everyone thought she was so cute.  Anne Claire held Dottie for a little while and was impressed that she did not cry at all!  Dottie got the precious award for sure.  Kayla's birthday went great.

On Tuesday, Ryan and I met Anita and Mama at Cracker Barrel for lunch.  We (Ryan and I) had to meet with Lisa (our Realtor) so we could put our house on the market.  Therefore, the girls went home with Anita for the afternoon.   Anita enjoys spending time with the girls.

Well, the pictures of the house looked so good I decided to mess the kitchen up real good the next day!!  I cooked a roast, pinto beans, cornbread, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes.  Ryan decided that it was time for Dottie to sit in the high chair.  As soon as Dottie was buckled in, and Melonee realized that Dottie was in her chair she was not happy.....then Ryan got Melonee's booster chair and tied it onto a regular chair....that made it all better.  Mel is excited to be at the table eating with us.  Ryan has always said the blessing before we eat (Melonee is usually already eating) we hold hands including Melonee and Dottie and  bow our heads.  Melonee has really picked up on this and now says Amen at the end of the blessing.  I fixed her plate with everything on it except the corn.  She usually will not eat it when we cut it off the cob for her, however she saw me eating it on the cob and wanted to do the same as me.  We gave her a little piece and she went to town on it!  She looked like she really enjoyed it.  Dottie was really enjoying her first time in the high chair.  We put a few toys on the tray and she played while we ate.  This has really made our meal times easier!!




Ryan went back to work so I took the day to play with the girls and relax.  Melonee has started this high pitch squeal that feels like it will break glass.  I was trying to get Dottie to go down for a nap when she started into the squeal.  I said shh. Melonee.  Dottie finally fell asleep and Melonee kissed her on the head and followed me sounding the shh the whole way down the hall and trying to climb up on Dottie's crib.  It is amazing that Dottie did not wake up.



When Dottie is awake, she likes to watch Melonee and interact with her.  Dottie loves to pull Mel's hair.  They do get in the floor and Mel will try to put something in Dottie's mouth and Dot will try to pull at her.  I believe that Dottie will eventually get the best of Mel.  Dot has a layed back personality, but is very strong and aggressive.  Time will only tell.