Procrastination

Okay, so instead of doing the things that need to be done before Christmas, I am pushing them further back into my the recesses of my mind and blogging instead. Not that it is completely my fault (that I'm behind). I am 7 months pregnant and have a two year old, and James hasn't been around for what feels like weeks (I know, excuses, excuses, but whatever makes me feel better, right?). I did get the opportunity to photograph a friend's girls this morning, and I got some precious pictures. A big thank you to all my friends who are letting me use their children for photography practice. Here are some of my favorites.

Is it Nap Time yet?

This is what happens when I try to make phone calls right before London's nap time.
Clothes are removed and London disappears into my closet to find consolation from the dog (luckily, I had the trail of clothes to find her).
Please don't look too closely at my closet, or do, maybe it will make you feel better about yours!

A Star is Born

We had our church Christmas banquet last weekend, and London sang some Christmas songs (along with the other children) up on stage. She was soooo excited, she practiced her songs that entire week leading up to her Christmas debut. And let me tell you, she had those hand motions down (and if I tried to practice them with her she would abruptly tell me to stop, because she was the one singing).

Sticker Fun

"Mommy, I'm putting stickers in the tent" translates to: "I got your two books of Christmas stamps that you were going to use for Christmas cards out of your purse and I am using them to make my tent more festive for the Holidays." I'll have to add 'stickers that look like stamps' to the Christmas list.

She Plays us Like a Fiddle

I had to share this moment we had the other day. London was having a 'moment' as we were getting ready to sit down to dinner the other night. And for those of you with young children, you know how exasperating and exhausting these 'moments' can be (especially at the end of the day). Everything was "that's mine, mine, no MINE!" James finally looked at her and said "London, what's your favorite word?". She contemplated for a moment, and then with a smile and sugary sweetness only rivaled by Disney princesses, she said "Jesus". Needless to say, our hearts both melted. Like I said, totally plays on our weaknesses; oh how quickly they learn...

I've Been Tagged

Is it sad that getting tagged makes me excited?....maybe, but at least I feel loved (okay, that is sad too, but true). Thanks Mariah!

8 TV Shows I Watch
1. The Office
2. 30 Rock
3. Almost anything on HGTV, if we had that channel, I guess I don't watch a lot of tv, oh wait, unless you count
4. Clifford
5. Sesame Street
6. Calliou
7. Backyardigans
8. Super Why
And if you're thinking, "gee, what kind of mother lets her 2 year old watch all of those cartoons?" don't forget her Bride and Prejudice and Bella Dancerella DVDs.

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Fuji (in Edmond)
2. Red Rock
3. Sonic (you can't have to many vanilla cokes or cranberry limeades)
4. Teds (also in Edmond)
5. On the Border
6. Bella Luna (reminds me of lunch with the girls)
7. Ajante (in OKC)
8. McDonalds (okay, not really (although every once in a while a quarter pounder with fries sounds sooo good) but it's great to sit and have a conversation with my husband while London runs around the germ infested play place, without having to worry about her throwing sugar packets at the people behind us (yes, it has happened, more than once)).

8 Things That Happened Today
Disclaimer: this was an extremely rare and wonderful day, don't judge me.
1. I slept in until 8:30
2. I took London to school
3. I cleaned/prepared dinner/ran errands BY MYSELF.
4. I went into Marshmallow Kisses and browsed, yes browsed (for those of you who don't know, Marshmallow Kisses is a beautiful baby boutique store that I love (it is sooo pretty) that unfortunately may be going out of business, I had to check out the sales!)
5. I had a wonderful lunch with James
6. I picked up London/ stopped at Sonic for what else, a cranberry limeade
7. I put London down for a nap and addressed Christmas Cards
8. I blogged

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. James finishing his MBA
2. The birth of our son
3. Seeing London in her new big sister role
4. Traveling with James
5. Family vacations
6. Being in heaven with my family
7. The weekend
8. Watching our Netflix DVD tonight

8 Things I Wish For
1. James to finish his MBA
2. For a healthy baby boy
3. For our children to love Jesus, and love others
4. Continued realization of ALL of the many blessings God has given us
5. A desire to share those blessings and help others
6. Putting that desire into concrete actions that will bless others
7. A healthy, joyful family
8. To be an exceptional wife and mother

8 People I Tag
1. Beth
2. Miranda
3. Emily
4. Jenae
5. Mercedes
6. Kara
7. Stephanie
8. Mariah (it probably doesn't work to be tagged again, but I don't know many bloggers! So, think of it as a hug, unless you can get really creative and think of something to add.....)

Happy Thanksgiving

We enjoyed visiting all our family and friends over Thanksgiving, London especially enjoyed time with her cousins (and Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents)! See you soon!!

To Pooped to Pop

We have had a lot of days like this recently. Not that I minded this rare moment of quiet, sleepy, togetherness (and it is very rare; the last time I tried to lie down with London she pushed me off the bed with both of her feet exclaiming "Get off mama, I sleep by myself", how do you respond to that?) but I feel like we are all running on empty lately (and the Holidays are approaching, much too quickly I might add). As I type this I'm thinking, "shouldn't I be napping right now?", but then the guilt of the unfolded laundry and the empty suitcases starts looming over me. Maybe just a little nap....

Finding Christmas

Wow, it feels like it has been forever since I posted; I don't know where the time goes (not to our laundry basket, sorry James), and I don't even have the holidays to blame yet. Speaking of the holidays, we went against our (well, James really) hard fast rule of no Christmas until after Thanksgiving. James didn't have class last Thursday, their teacher gave them a 'work day', and so he came home, and we all know how much James gets done when he's home with London and me. Since I am boycotting housework until my nesting hormones kick in, I had the great idea of getting a jump start on our Christmas decorating. I LOVE Christmas, and anything that has to do with decorating for Christmas, so James conceded, being the sweet, caring husband he is. If I had really planned it out, I would have made apple cider, cookies, and played Christmas music in the background (and of course, the camcorder charged and ready to capture the moment). But I am not a planner and so we just hit the boxes. But I do wish I had captured some of it on film, London was soooo excited. She thought the idea of a Christmas tree was just amazing, and those things we hang on the tree, sooo cool. My favorite moment was when, upon opening a box full of decorations, she yelled, "Oh Daddy, I found Christmas!"

I apologize for the lack of clothing, this is London's new look. "No, I don't want pants mama" is part of our morning routine. Maybe that's why I haven't been taking as many pictures:).


My happy girl, and another advocate on my side for early Christmas decorating!

Precious Moments

These were pics I took a couple of week's ago, London really loves her Papa!

Beautiful Sister

I just wanted to post some pics of James and my 'official' sister (finally!), from her fun party the other weekend. We are so excited to see you this weekend Elizabeth!

Candy, Candy, Candy!

Halloween was a lot of fun this year. London really got into dressing up in her fairy costume, and she quickly picked up the 'candy' part of the holiday. That actually became her mantra as we walked down our block Friday night, "Candy, candy, candy!"


We started out the week by 'exploring' a pumpkin. It lasted all about five minutes, surprisingly London isn't a slimy texture kind of girl.


Visiting friends at the Fountains. London did a good job going up to people and saying 'Hi'. Although, she did visit the ones with candy several times.


Posing for a group pic at the Fountains.


If you asked London what she was for Halloween you could get any of the following as her answer a)fairy b)ballerina c)purple butterfly
As of Halloween evening she was a purple butterfly ballerina; she just doesn't want to limit herself.


We have 'Trunk or Treat' at our church, and to go along with London's 'fairy' theme, I decided to make a 'forest' reminiscent of "A Midsummer's Night Dream" in the trunk of our van (think way back to high school lit., I know you theatrical people get it, thanks Stephanie!) James is always such a good sport and participates in all of my fun. But he did draw the line this time, he was not about to be Oberon (king of the fairies), he preferred t be Nick Bottom (who if you remember, was turned into an....donkey (Hey, I have some young readers) But me, being so not on top of things, only had time to construct 'donkey' ears for his costume; you look great honey! I love Halloween!

The Girl Likes to Party

I just wanted to share what London looks like after a party. I unfortunately don't have a before picture, but take my word for it, she was 'together', hair pulled back in big (coordinating) bow, cute matching polka dot shoes, clean clothes; you get the picture. Well, several hours, cupcakes, cookies, sprites, and popcorn balls later, ta-da! Why can't I ever remember to take pics at the beginning (which in London's case, would be the first thirty seconds after she's dressed, if I'm lucky). At least she enjoyed herself!

Life Just Got Harder

Well, it finally happened, London discovered how to climb out of her pack 'n' play. I knew it was inevitable, and I suppose I am fortunate it took her this long. But somewhere deep inside I was hoping it would never happen. Granted, she hasn't climbed out of her crib, but that is just the next logical step. So it's after four o'clock, London's still awake (and not a happy camper) and we have trick or treating tonight. This is going to be a great evening; nothing soothes cranky, tired babies like more stimulation and sugar.

Quote of the Day

While at a friend's house, London wandered into an 'off limits' room that had a bunch of small, breakable things. As I escorted her out of the room, I was explaining that this room was not for little girls. She nodded in agreement and said, "Only little boys go in there"; assuring me that she fully understood why she shouldn't be in that room. Whatever works!

Late Night Bum to Walmart

We had to make a late evening run to Walmart the other night, during which, London rode on James' shoulders (one way to keep her from running crazily down the aisles). I kept commenting on how adorable London looked perched on her Daddy's shoulders, and I happened to have my camera in my purse (you have to always be ready to capture a cute, bloggable moment:)). So I snapped a few pictures as we headed out of Walmart (I didn't want to take pics in Walmart for fear of getting in trouble, such a rule follower) and it was then that I noticed that London's new little pants (which are a little big on her), were pulled down in the back, exposing a not-so-adorable view of her backside. Oh well, at least the front was cute (and hey, it's Walmart, I'm guessing people have seen much worse).

And She's Off!

One of London's favorite things to do outside is ride Matthew's scooter. Usually, however, she sits and I push her down the driveway. Then, once we reach the end of the driveway, London pushes it back up herself. I was expecting her to push it back up and wait for me to come push her again, but when I looked up I saw her standing on the scooter, and coasting down the driveway on her on. She even managed to hop on and off while it was moving. London is really just fortunate she didn't wind up with a scraped nose for her picture! She is so like her father!

London and the Pumpkin Patch

We went to Walter's Pumpkin Patch over the weekend with a group of friends, and had such a fun time. I tried not to post too many pictures, but there was so much to do, and therefore so many picture taking opportunities. This wasn't any regular old pumpkin patch, it was like the Walt Disney World of pumpkin patches. So fun!





Our little family:).


Riding the barrel train with Kelsy.


Less than 10 seconds later, London disassembles the horn on the barrel train.



Priceless moment of the day, the Daddies taking their girls on the paddle boat.


Second priceless moment of the day; the paddle boat about to take on water.



James and London zooming out of the tunnel slide (her eyes were as big as the saucer they were riding).


Walking across hay bales (and yes, I did have visions of falling off).



London quickly found the 'perfect' pumpkin, this one in the picture is not it; it had holes and was rotting on one side, so we helped her locate a less decomposed one.



London, Abbey, and Caleb posing in the pumpkin patch, too cute!

Happy Birthday Uncle Taylor!

London and I wanted to send Uncle Taylor Birthday wishes! We saw Aunt Stephanie's blog (which I love), and it looks like she planned a wonderful Birthday for Taylor! We are thinking of you and love you and miss you! Happy Birthday Taylor!

Farmers' Market and Friends

On Saturday we went to the Wichita Farmers' Market with Jenae, Kevin and Caleb. We had such a fun time and got some fresh, local food too. London really seemed to enjoy it, even though it was small by most Farmers' market standards, there was still a lot for her to check out. Her favorite thing of course being the group of belly dancers (dressed like gypsies) in the center of the square. London was completely mesmerized, watching every move. Excellent. This should go along well with her "shake your booty" chant she's been saying lately. Fortunately, because of a ballet DVD she watches (thanks Elizabeth!) all dancing is now referred to as 'ballet', and I have promised her that she can take ballet as soon as she is old enough. And what girl can resist a tutu, not mine!!


London and Caleb holding hands in their car seats, so precious! (This was the sweet moment captured before the not so sweet moment of London throwing her juice box at Caleb's head; it's all in the timing!)


London and Daddy checking out the market.


London and Mommy posing with the dancers. (They were kind enough to pose for a picture with my two-year old!)


London and Caleb hanging out with their Daddies!


What a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, Thanks Kevin and Jenae!

Soda Bottles at Pops! Arcadia, OK on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Soda Bottles at Pops! Arcadia, OK on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Pops

I was very disappointed with myself for not having my camera with me when we went down to Edmond this weekend (or at least I thought I didn't have it, it was actually buried beneath all of the junk in our van, you would think that would motivate me to clean it out!). We had such a fun time seeing all our family and friends, it was a great weekend! Even though I am picture-less I wanted to share a restaurant that we went to with my family that I loved! We went to Pops in Arcadia (which I guess is technically a gas station, with a small restaurant inside). It had refrigerators full of every kind of pop imaginable, all of which were grouped by color (so pretty!). And there was an eating area outside with a fenced in lawn where your kids could just run around. This was very exciting to me, since I NEVER get to sit and eat when we go out; in fact we DON'T go out any more, it's just too painful! (I have to add that James was chasing London around the lawn, thanks honey!). So I sat and ate a jalapeno burger while sipping on a soda pop (black cherry cream soda, yum!), actually having a conversation with my family. It doesn't get much better than that. And of course London got to pick out her own soda, which she was covered in by the end (which really just enhances the whole Pops' experience!). Forget next years family vacation, we're going to Pops!

Baby Brother

James and I had our ultrasound today, and we found out we are having a little boy!! We couldn't be more excited! It was such a surprise, although I am unsure why, maybe because it is a totally new experience; both of us were so shocked (and thrilled of course!). We can't wait to meet him!

Why Mama?

London has three new phrases, that she repeats incessently.

"What you doin' Mama?"

"Where we goin' Mama?"

and "Why, Mama, why?"

I don't always know what the 'why' pertains to but she usually keeps asking 'why' until I figure it out. :)

And then, once I tell her where, or why, or what, she responds with, "oh, okay Mama". That was easy. Oh, and I have to add that her latest phrase when she drops something (or something isn't working quite right) is "Ohhh, man...". I honestly don't know where she learned that one, but I do say a lot of things I don't realize until I hear it repeated back to me by my two year old, kind of scary, I know!

Birthday Wishes

London (and mommy) wanted to send Birthday wishes to Nana and Papa. We are thinking of you and hope you are having a great day! And we are so excited to see you this weekend!