New Years Eve Blurbs

The last day of 2008. First thing this morning Steven says to me, "geesh, I don't  know if I can stay up until midnight." We really know how to party it up these days! 

How cute is THIS!

Madilyn Mae (Madi) 7 lbs 60z and Samantha Rae (Sami) 7 lbs 10oz. Aunt Amy knows how to grow some babies!!! 

All of this house stuff is driving us bonkers. We feel like we are in total limbo! We are still waiting for the people who are buying our house to schedule an inspection. The inspection makes me nervous. The timing of everything is causing Steven to flip his wig b/c tax season is approaching. But we did a walk through of the new house yesterday figure out what all needs finished and we are getting EXCITED! And since everyone keeps asking, here it is! 

How cute is Sophie's new gymnastics's bag! LOVE IT. And Aunt Jeff bought her a customized leotard with "Sophie B" written on it. I'll get her to model it and post a picture soon.

Miss. Thing LOOOVES her new scooter. Luckily it was warm this past Saturday so she got to break it out. 

Happy New Year!!!!!

Braveheart?

I'm just sayin.

A Girl and Her Dog

I had to work on Friday so Sophie B. stayed home with her daddy. I think it was the first time in the history of us joining the workforce that Steven has had a day off and I haven't. Thanks a lot Governor Joe for not giving us Friday off.  I bet his arse wasn't in the office on Friday. 

So Little Bit spent the day playing with her new toys, dressing up, and putting on make-up (picture of that to come later).  But I had to share this one first. Is it me or does she look like she's four in this picture!? 

Christmas Eve

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas! We got another special gift yesterday too. Anut Amy had her twin girls on Christmas Eve. Want to hear the crazy thing? The 7 year old twins, Jacob and Steven were born on Christmas Eve also!

So Sophie B. woke up this morning and was shocked that a certain someone had came into our house during the night and left a scooter, a cash register, and a baby doll set! But getting ready for him last night took quite a few preparations. Here's a few snap shots from last night. We also did Christmas at GiGi's last night, those pics will come later. 

Opening one present at home before calling it a night. 

And she gets, new PJ's for Christmas morning. And monkey slippers. 

Tossing some reindeer food into the yard with daddy. 

Laying out some cooking AND a tomato for Santa.  

33 Months

Dear Sophie B.,

I know I'm a little late getting your monthly letter posted this month. Blame in on the fact that when you turned 33 months old, your fat mama was laying pool side in Mexico. But don't think for one second that your daddy and I didn't think of you the ENTIRE time we were gone. We talked about you non-stop. Geesh, I'm sure that the Mexican waiters who spoke almost zero English loved us telling them that we only spoke "Dora the Explorer" Spanish because of our two year old back home.

This past month has been one big build up for Christmas. You are soooo excited. You even like eating "rice Christmas" (rice krispies) cereal because, duh, it's a Christmas cereal. Although I'm not 100% positive that you know what's gonna go down come Christmas morning. You are a big fan of Santa and you've sat on his lap no less than 4 times. It took you awhile to figure out the meaning of "naughty or nice" though. For the longest time when we'd ask you if you had been "naughty or nice" you'd proudly answer "naughty or nice." Yeah, it's not one word ding-a-ling. Finally, you caught on and you now declare that you are "nice." Hmmmm.....I beg to differ. 

There have been times when you been naughty, sassy, ornery, and down right psychotic and vicious. But there have also been times that you are the sweetest, funniest, most loving little girl on the planet. I guess we have to take the good with the bad. 

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas lately now that you are getting a little older and starting to understand. Of course it isn't about ten tons of presents. It's about kindness and love. I think we have shown you love and how to love.  But I have to admit that I'm not exactly sure how to go about making you kind. Of course you are sweet and kind but I worry. For instance, on the way out of Walmart today, the "kind" thing would have been to walk you over to the Salvation Army bucket and let you drop in some money. But instead we zipped on by because it was cold.

Of the many many faults that this here mother of yours has, it's that I'm not the kindest person on the block. In fact, for the most part I can be a selfish turd.  Call it a major human flaw. Your daddy on the other hand is more of a kind soul who would give a stranger the shirt off his back. Your mother would not.  I guess I'm telling you all of this because I want to put it all out there so that you know that I am aware of this part of my character.  And if 20 years from if you find yourself  feeling guilty for telling a homeless dude to "get a job", you can blame it on me.  

So Little Bit, if I can give you anything for Christmas this year, it's not those "Dora presents" that you ask for every day. It's for your mama to be a better person. In the words of Jack Nicholson, "you want to make me be a better person." Right now, however, I'm feeling like Ebenezer's wife.  

Love, your feeling down on herself but ever positive, Mama. 

Man is it COLD!!!

We're back from Mexico! I have to say that the BEST thing about getting married in December is the fact that we have an excuse to visit 80 degree weather when it's bitter cold here.  We actually only left the resort twice. And can you believe that we ran into some people we knew while we were there! Small world! We did a zip cord tour and we headed down to Playa del Carmen to do some shopping. We didn't last very long shopping because it got a little annoying being pestered to death by Mexicans trying to sell you anything and everything! Sorry no pics. My camera didn't even go with along with us. Although I do wish I had some pics of the zip cord action. They literally give you a "stick" as a break. Only in Mexico. 

But we did find Little Bit a pink sombrero. Doesn't everyone need a pink sombrero and pink maracas to go along with it? Please excuse the blurry pic. 

While we were Mexico we also got word that someone wanted to buy our house. Only four days on the market too! SWEET! But from Tuesday on we constantly were checking our email and calling our realtor. BUT pending the inspection our house will soon belong to someone else which totally blows my mind and makes me a little sad. 

National Lampoons

We'll we are in Mexico. After...

1. Getting a flat tire on Friday evening, 10 minutes before pulling into Steven's parents house. However, we couldn't have had a blow out in a better spot. Right in front of an auto body shop and the owner just happened to still be there. In less than 10 short minutes he had our tire changed. THANK GOD. Steven and I would probably still be on the side of the road if we had to change it ourselves. 

2. I suffered a concussion thanks to the trunk of the car slamming down on my head at airport. We were SHOCKED that there wasn't blood. I have a lovely knot on the top of my head.

3. RUNNING to our gate in Dallas thinks to a late start in Pittsburgh. It was so cold in the 'burg that our plan had to be deiced.

4. Getting an insane van driver from the airport who tried to drop off one of the  other couples in our van to the WRONG resort. 

But we are here now. The resort rocks and the weather is beautiful. We are missing Little Bit like crazy but luckily this place is "adults only" so we aren't reminded of her every time we see another kid. We talked to our crazy kid and she's having a blast with Grammy and PapPap.  Although she apparently refused to put her PJs on last night.

Video Time

Ok so these are pretty long. "Tony Chestnut" is almost 3 minutes and Jingle Bells is 1:32. But if you make it through "Tony Chestnut" and on to Jingle Bells, you can see the Soph pulling some "More CowBell" like Will Farrell. 

Here's Tony Chestnut. I love the little boy standing beside Sophie at the end. He takes one good looking bow. 

And for the record I do see one kid in green and 2 others with red shirts on! So Maria, Jennifer, Paula, and Jenny, SUCK IT! I received confirmation today from the PJ that red party dresses were perfectly acceptable. So my conscience is cleared! HA! 

All the World's a Stage

And the Soph is one serious player. The chick loves her some stage time. She started in the back but worked herself up front and center to rock out to Jingle Bells and Tony Chestnut. 

So the theme was "Penguins." And the memo said to wear black pants and a white shirt.  I figured, why buy a $40 red party dress and not get some use out of it. My husband called me an asshole. And Sophie wore her dress. 

Here they are singing "Tony Chestnut." Yeah, the red dress sticks out a little don't you think? 

And girlfriend getting ready to rock out to Jingle Bells. 

I'm not sure what part she was doing here. I'm thinking it was part of Tony Chestnut. But it could have been Little Bit just working the stage.

And a star is born! 

Video to come tomorrow! 

10 on Tuesday Eve

1. On Saturday, we headed back to the Capitol Market so I could take some Christmas pics of Emmy and Harley: 

and wouldn't you know it, this guy:

was there!

2. Little Bit sat right on his lap. But she was having a bad day, hair wise and mood wise and didn't have to much to say. Although she did swipe plenty of candy canes from him. Please excuse her refugee like appearance. 

3. We had a little cookie making par-tay yesterday with five of Sophie's peeps. I didn't get to snap any photos during the party but here's an "after" shot. Little Bit was way more interested in playing with her friends than making cookies.  I think she made one cookie and then said "I want to go play."

4.  She played a little "too hard." I found this on the couch after the party. Daddy passed out watching football and Little Bit past out from being the hostess with the mostess.

5. Tomorrow is the Christmas show at daycare. So stay tuned for some footage! They will be singing "Tony Chestnut." Get it, "toe, knee, chest, nut." It took us forever to figure out what she was singing. Thanks to YouTube we finally figured it out.

6. Just 5 more days and we'll be in Mexico! Is it sad that we are telling Sophie that we have to go out of town for "work?" I guess we will be working, on our tans that is! We do feel a little guilty, so she may get a trip to Cinderella's castle as an after tax season gift.

7. Sophie's "Super Sophie" cape came in the mail today from Etsy and it is ADORABLE! Definitely check out Superfly Kidz. 

8.  Who out there buys a real Christmas tree? I've NEVER had one. But I am dead set on getting one next year. 

9. Steven and I actually watched "Children of the Corn" last night. What a movie. Parents should NOT be allowed to name their child  "Malachai." It's just creepy. 

10. Mr. Elf now has a name. Chewy. Yep, Chewy. And Chewy was caught in the bathroom this morning. I guess everyone has to poop. 

Elf Watch 2008

Well he made is debut on Friday night landing on top of our Christmas tree. He doesn't have an "official name" yet. She calls him "Mr. Elf." I know, original right. He's a huge hit. First thing this morning the hunt began.  And Mr. Elf was chilling on top of a picture. Where will he be tomorrow? Only Mr. Elf knows the answer to that question! 

Ubber Cute

So I didn't even try to take Christmas pics of my own kiddo this year. She doesn't listen to anything I say and when I take Steven along with me he gets frustrated because I want to take a million photos. Jordan on the other hand is not mine so I was more than happy to try to snap a few of her this past Sunday. So off we headed to the Capitol Market for some free Christmas scenery/greenery! She looked so cute in her little Sherpa dress AND Sophie B's red coat! She was in such a good mood but girlfriend is FAST! Here's a few that I don't think Katie is using for her Xmas card.  For some reason though blogger is taking away from their sharpness. Hmmm. 

We Give Thanks....

for snow on Thanksgiving. Ok not really. That SUCKS.

For towel heads. :) 

For cousin time.

For daddy time. 

And for giving a helping hand.

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. I haven't quit eating since Wednesday night! 

A Year Later

And she still treats him like he's a tiny baby. The identical twin girls will be here SOON  and Little Bit will get to spend an entire week in PA while we are in Mexico. Our Sophie B. will be in her glory. I have a feeling that if the girl could change a diaper, Amy wouldn't have to lift a finger the entire week! 

Sometimes....

I think he'd rather play the odds at Michael Vick's house.

 Yeah, that's tape. Scotch tape. Happy Turkey Day!!!

Always crackin' us up

So the new thing around here is to do "stunts." Acrobatic/Cirque du Soleil/cheerleader stunts. I think she must have seen some cheerleaders on TV while Steven was watching football. No matter, something ignited a spark in the randomness that is her brain. So you'll occasionally walk in our house and see a lot of this: (please excuse my computer generated cheerleaders here.) 

Or this:

How she manages to keep her legs straight is beyond me. The girl can balance like no body's business.  But anywho, my favorite "stunt" thus far has to be the "foot seat" (that's about the only name I could think of for this one.) And you can see why.

Lovin' Me Some Edward

So I joined thousands upon thousands of people (probably the majority of which was 14 year old girls) over the weekend to catch a peek at Twilight. I would say "holy crap" but since the Sophie police has banned that word, I'll stick with an old fashion, "Oh my god!" Sure it wasn't as good as the book. When in the history of cinematography has a movie ever been better than the book? But it was pretty darn fantastic. Even the soundtrack was perfect! I'm glad I have Janice to share my obsession with!  I have a serious crush on a certain 22 year old. I wonder if he would be interested in an older woman? 

I know I've said it before, but if you haven't jumped on the band wagon yet, then there is a void in your life. HA! And here I thought that it didn't get any better than the Harry Potter series. Ol' Harry has a serious flaw. He's missing the hotness factor. 

And here's what I'm getting for Xmas. FedEx is delivering him straight from London. 

Look who made the list!

This is soooo cute!

The List

Photos don't always tell the whole story.

By looking at these pics one would think that Little Bit is highly concerned with her dental hygiene. 

Wrong. As bed time nears, Miss. Sophia B. Carr is the queen of stalling. This is the girl who hated to brush her teeth. I've literally sat on her so I could brush her choppers.  Now it is THE most important part of the day and a process that takes a loooong time. She's just growing up waaaay too fast. 

Santa Baby

Yes it's only November 18th. Yes I already have my tree up. Yes it is too early to talk to the man. But when your two year old says she has the nerve to talk to Santa you have to listen. There weren't a lot of kids in line so off we went to talk to the man. Now the entire time we were standing in line debating on whether or not to pay the $12 minimum for a picture I kept saying "it's not gonna matter, she'll chicken out." Then when we found out that the computer was on the fritz but we could still sit on his lap and take pics of our own (of course i didn't have my camera), I kept saying "it doesn't matter, she's not gonna do it." Wrong. Just  goes to prove that my daughter's goal in life is to prove mama wrong. Here's the evidence to prove it. Granted she was a little only the shy side, but she did it! And told him that she wanted "Dora toys." Our mall Santa ROCKS, real beard and all!  

GUARANTEE you that if we take her back in a few weeks, she'll stand at the gates of hell before she sets on his lap for an actual picture. Then again, she might life to prove me wrong.  I wish that stupid You Tube wouldn't make my videos so blurry. Grrrr. 

Thirty Two Moths

Sophia Carr, 

Holy crap. That's what the title of this post should be because this past month those two words, have been your favorite  two words in  the whole wide world. "HOLY CRAP, Max and Ruby is on!" Or "Holy Crap, my hands are dirty." Or just "holy crap" for the sake of saying "holy crap." 

I guess I can go ahead and add your second favorite phrase o'the month while I'm at it. And that would be "And what do you think you're doing?" Doesn't matter what we are doing. Eating breakfast, brushing our teeth, taking a poop, it's like we are being questioned by the Gestapo. I'm gonna take a stab in the dark and say that you hear adults asking you that question A LOT. And 9 times out of 10 you are doing something you aren't suppose to be doing. 

You no longer like your  nice comfy, pillow top, big girl bed. PERIOD. It's nothing for us to find you laying on the floor, laying on the couch, or laying in the floor of our extra bedroom. And if we ask you why all we get is, "I don't like it." Reminds of of that scene in Cast Away when Tom Hanks finally makes it home and he'd rather sleep on the floor instead of a bed. Nutty kid!  

This was also the month that you scared the living daylights out of me. Daddy and I were busy cleaning the garage with the garage door open (mistake numero uno). I turn my back and step inside the house for a nano second and all of the sudden hear Oscar the Boxer barking his head off. I immediately knew that I had royally screwed up. I run outside and there you are are. In the middle of the road down past our neighbor's house, on your tricycle, no pants on, staring down a Chevy Suburban.  No fear on your face. Instead, from what I could tell with tears in my eyes, you appeared to be starring down the driver like you wanted to shout, MOVE IT. Holy crap, talk about giving me a heart attack!

For the rest of the day I couldn't help but think about "what if." What if that Suburban would have ran over you like a speed bump? What if some one would have kidnapped you in the nano second that I turned my back (however, i'm quite positive that they would have returned you by the time they made it out of the hood)? I'm positive that  a part of me would disappear too. You, in all of your two year old craziness mean more to me than any thing in this world. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

Love Mama. 

A New Tradition

Have any of you heard of the "Elf on the Shelf?" He's a scout elf for Santa. Basically, he helps Santa find out if  kids are being naughty or nice. Every night he reports back to the North Pole and tells Santa what's been going down in your house. The next morning the elf is hiding in a different spot! Oh and there's a rule. Children aren't allowed to touch him or his magic wears off. Doesn't that sound fun! Our elf will be arriving soon! I'm thinking that this year we'll wait until a few weeks before Christmas before we pull him out, any longer and I'm afraid that  the "coolness" of him may wear off on a certain little two year old. 

10 on Tuesday

1. I have the day off! Yippie!!! One of the many advantages of working for government. The month of November ROCKS. Poor Steven who is a Vet had to work today. As he headed out the door this morning he said "your welcome." I promptly rolled over and went back to sleep.

2. Our house is officially FOR SALE. If you know of anyone wanting to purchase a lovely home in the Winfield area send 'em my way. How I'm going to keep my house clean and ready for potential showings is beyond me.

3. Tis the season! Since this is the first Christmas that Little Bit actually "gets," I'm making it my mission to really get into the Christmas spirit this year. We've already watched the old school Rudolph movie.

4. In a month, Steven and I will be heading to Mexico! Actually, we were going to cancel our trip since we are trying to sell our casa. BUT even with buying trip insurance, we can't cancel unless someone is sick or dies. C'est la vie. I guess I'll be forced to board a plane and fly to a tropical paradise with no kids and all the margaritas I care to drink.

5. In a month we'll hopefully be meeting Sophie's first girl cousins!!! She's totally perplexed that there are 2 coming at once. 

6. Little Bit asks to go trick-or-treating every other day. Poor kid doesn't get that it's a once a year thing.

7. I have a weakness. And that weakness is the Baby Gap. So ol' girl will be wearing this ensemble for her Xmas play and pictures. I like that is says "party dress." It is Jesus' birthday after all so why not wear a party dress! I'm calling it now that Sophie will want to buy him a cake. And I'm just crazy enough to buy one b/c I love cake. Think the peeps at the Walmart would find it crazy if I asked for a "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake?

8. Oh, this is big. I'm gonna be a God Mother. Yep, crazy huh? The pool of candidates,  as with this past election, must have been pretty shallow. HA! Just kidding. But the lucky kid is little Jackson! My friend Andrea said that she'd have to bow and kiss my ring the next time she seems me. Right on sister!

9. Although I wasn't a supporter, it is pretty cute to hear Little Bit scream "OBAMA" when you ask her who the president is. Lord if he gets his girls a puppy to take to the white house my GOP heart just might crack and grow like the Grinch.

10. Did I mention that I have the day off? I'm off to watch the Food Network!

And here's one snapped by Daddy-o (he kills me with that flash!). I haven't taken any pics since Halloween. 

Fort Sophie

When mama is away Little Bit and daddy-o have some serious fun. Namely, fortress making takes place. And it's not a fort, or a tent, or a den, it's a "fortress." Period. 

On a side note, Sophie B. was sicker than a d-o-double g on Thursday night. She came into our room around midnight to tell us that she was sick but before she could get the words out, she hurled all over Steven. Nice. And she kept hurling until late afternoon on Friday! It made for a LONG day. Turns out that 4 other kids and a teacher had the same virus. I'm hoping that they bleached and boiled the entire classroom!