Reagan's first splinter

Poor little Reagan got a splinter from my parent's deck tonight. Ugh. It didn't really bother her too much, but it was deep into her big toe and we were worried about it getting infected. As daring as she is, she was petrified to have us work on it. We had to hold her down and talk with her. I bribed her with a new stuffed animal (saved for these occasions). I bargained and all sorts of things. She wanted nothing to do with it. She cried so much we thought she'd puke. She almost did. Jim volunteered his hat. That made her laugh.

In the end, she was scared. She was scared it was going to hurt. There was no logic, just mommy and daddy coming at her with a needle and a pair of tweezers. She freaked out like any normal kid. I think the whole thing took us an hour. We started at about 9:40 pm and she got to bed right before 11:00 pm. Ugh. Poor thing.

We skipped bath and just put her straight into bed. No PJs, just bed. I curled up next to her to comfort her. She was so exhausted I do not think she even noticed or cared that I was there.

Time to visit

Tonight, Maddy and Reagan wanted to go visit Mimi and Papa. Jim had taken the Maddy outside and they were calling to them down at their house. They could hear her all the way there. So Jim decided to take a walk and we just went along.

While we were there, Maddy walked around and talked to us about what she was looking at. She'd lean in and point at things like flowers and bushes and tell me what they were. She walked around and just talked the whole time. She was so busy. 

Missing my parents

Tonight, my dad dropped by after the KBC. He came to the door about 7:45 pm. Maddy went with me to answer the door. When she saw him, she threw her arms back and made a bee-line straight to him. When she reached him, she put her arms around his legs and just leaned in giving him a hug. So sweet. He picked her up and she just hugged on him. I think she missed him.

I called to Reagan. She came running.


they missed their grandparents. i did too.

Reagan loves to dance

Tonight, Reagan took Papa up to her room and made up this dance. I had to go up and get them for dinner. When I got up there, they were creating this dance. This dance had batons, it had curtains and it had flair.

When I got up there, she was hiding behind the curtiain - waiting for her curtain call. Cute. She and my dad did this dance. She waved her batons made out of lincoln log things and my dad looked like he was out of the 80s with his short batons (they looked like girly weights).

Not only did she dance, but she sang the whole time about how much she loved Papa. So darn cute. I wish I had my camera.

Going out

Jim and I went to the Pinnacle function last night. We took a ride on the Cincinnati Dinner Train through scenic Cincy. The train rode about 10 mph and wobbled back and forth. I discovered pretty quickly that the slow movement messed with my eyes. Odd. I just didn't look out the window. We enjoyed the company and loved the fact that we were out for the evening without the kids.

My parents came up at 5pm to hang out with the kids. When we got home, the living room was littered with toys and mom was asleep in the guest bed upstairs. All was quiet. Dad was sitting down on the couch watching a movie just enjoying the quiet I bet.

They had a great time playing with the kids. I could tell by the living room.

Parents. Pizza. Fire.

Somehow those three words should not go together, but they do tonight. We went down to my parents for the evening to eat pizza and chill out. The girls and I got down there about 6:00 pm. Dad showed up shortly after that with the pizzas. Jim was right behind him.

I had just pulled Maddy out of her car seat and was in the living room changing her on the ottoman. I realized half way through changing her that there was a weird smell in the house. It smelled as if someone had lit a match right under my nose. I looked at Jim and said "what's that smell. it smells like fire."

We both turned around and saw smoke coming from the oven. Crap! My mom had put the two pizza boxes in the short oven. Ugh! Dad opened the door and flames came out.

I immediately told Reagan to get to the front door and to stand next to the fresh air. She did. She didn't even question. She ran. I grabbed Maddy, half dressed, and put her in her car seat and headed for the door myself.

The girls and I took off and went home. I was the only one that smelled like smoke. That was only because I went into the kitchen to get the diaper bag.

Needless to say, we teased mom a LOT!

Chicken and no bottle

Tonight, we went out to eat with my parents - Me, Maddy and Reagan. Reagan and my mom played in the playroom while dad and I ate. Nice. Once I got done eating, Ms. Maddy decided that she was hungry. Of course, I totally forgot a bottle. Nice huh. So needless to say, we were rushing out of the restaurant to get home. :)

Reagan's having a cow

I am at a loss as to what is up with Reagan's temper tantrums. I'm giving into the fact that she's got the terrible twos that have been going on for quite some time (before two with no end in sight).

Sunday night was glorious. Jim took her upstairs to take a bath and it was a horrible 30 minutes. She kicked and screamed and carried on to the point that we were all wanting to crawl out of our skin.

Monday night wasn't that much better.

Tonight was the topper for me. I had gotten Reagan from school and successfully gotten her to eat and "be calm". She and I were having a great time. Jim tried to get her to take a bath and that set her off for the evening.

Jim had left me at home to care for her and Maddy about 8:15 pm. He had to get Jordan. Silly me thought I could handle it. :)

Reagan had already be a tad energetic (to say it with a positive spin). She was bouncing around, jumping off things etc... She had crawled up on the couch next to me while I was nursing Maddy. Unfortunately, she was kicking her legs a little too close to Maddy, so I moved. That set her off - "Mommy didn't want to sit next to her."

Needless to say that started her "attack" for the night. She was lit up. She wanted this and that - I was unable to comply because of her attitude. I went to the table and threw away her apple sauce and in the next moment her hand was IN the garbage can fetching the previously thrown away cup of sauce. Nice. I FLIPPED! I grabbed her hand and the apple sauce and ended up tossing her onto the floor. The apple sauce was everywhere. Reagan was convinced that she was in the right. HA!

Needless to say, my parents arrived about the right time. I was losing my mind. To add to the Reagan attack, Maddy was hungry. I couldn't stop to feed her and I was stressing out a tad.

They were a tad caught off guard at all the commotion in the house. I was freaking out. My mom said "I would be crazy too" with a smile and sent me upstairs with Reagan to go to bed. Ahhh.

That calmed her down. I think she needs mommy time. I don't know. But that was enough to send me to the funny farm for the day.

Mimi and Papa finally

Today we finally got to see Mimi and Papa. Papa was sick the week before and out house had it the next week. TOday was the first time that we all were well at the same time. Reagan was THRILLED!!!

We got down there this morning in time for a snack of donuts and banas. Then it was play time for Reagan. They wonderfully offered to let us run to the store without her, so Jim and I took off. We got back and she was already eating lunch with Mimi and Papa. We played for a bit longer and then went upstairs for a nap.

She had a fantastic time with them. Once her nap was over, she was up and ready to go again. She played hard until Jim came back to get us. We colored and ran around all evening. I think her favorite saying today was "No ma'am! - time out!!"

:) what a nice day.

Our trip down south

I actually woke up this morning at 5:00 am. I can't believe it at all. I was able to get me and Reagan up and out to Mom & Dad's house by 5:40 am. Reagan didn't go back to sleep but she was very quiet for the first part of the drive. She did absolutely fantastic. She watched TV with mom and colored some. We got out of the car every few hours to let her jump around and also let me and mom take a potty break.

Once we got to Mobile, we made a short stop to Wally world to get a few things for us. But we were at Chris & Lee's by 6:00 pm. So all together, it was a 11.5 hour drive that we made in 13 hours. I think that we really good with a toddler. :)

Mommy went to karate, Reagan had a fit

Wow! Just Wow!

Tonight, I went back to karate for the first time in almost two years. I needed it. And before I go any further, I LOVED IT! I had a wonderful time, probably because I spent over an hour kicking. The cool thing is that I can still kick face high and I still remember my katas. Whew. I just have to knock the rust off a bit.

Before I left, Reagan had a melt down. Mommy was leaving which meant she had a fit. And according to my mom, it was an awesome fit. When I walked out the door, she crawled to the garage door and plastered herself against the door jam. Mom said she wailed for over 20 minutes before quieting down. Once she fell silent, mom got up to look for her. She was standing at the front door just staring outside. Hmmm. It was longer before she would even go cuddle with my mom. poor thing.

When I got home, they were upstairs reading books. As soon as the door shut behind me, she started calling for me. Awwwwwwwww. I felt so bad, but I need mommy time and she needs to have some "non-mommy' time. It's good for both of us.

Hi Grammy

Today Reagan and Grammy had their first phone conversation. I was on the phone with Mom trying to figure out the day when Reagan acted interested in the phone. I asked her if she wanted to talk to Mimi and she said "yes".

So I gave her the phone and the conversation started. Mom asked her questions and she answered them in one or two word sentences. It was so hilarious to watch her walk around and around with the phone up to her ear.

So cute.

Hanging with Uncle Eric

Eric is participating in a journalism circuit to help promote policy across the state of Indiana. I probably didn't get that right... I'm sure he'll correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, he drove through Cincy tonight to hang out with us and also pick up some furniture for his boys to use. While we waited for him to arrive, Reagan and I hung out with Mom and Dad for an hour or so. We walked down to their house about 6pm - Reagan was so happy. All you have to do is ask if you want to go there and she starts bouncing up and down shouting "mimi... papa".

Once he got there, we loaded up the furniture and played for a bit. Reagan started warming up to Eric finally. He just picked her up at one point and she actually stayed with him. It was nice. After a bit, we took off for dinner. Every time we go to dinner, I have to draw the whole family for her. TOnight, I got to draw "Uncle Eric". I drew him with hair, glasses and a go-tee (spelling). She cackled when she saw it and said "eeeiiicc". So now Eric has his own "look on paper" for Reagan. It's cute.

Before we left, she reached out for Eric asking for a hug. I think she finally warmed up!! Woo hoo

Just hangin'

Today was a really nice, easy Saturday. The sun was out. It was really warm and we all got to put on our shorts! Woo hooo. My brother's kids were up for the day, so we planned on spending the day with them. After Jim took off with Jordan for swimming, Reagan and I went down to my parents to visit and play.

After a bit, we decided it was the best to go to our park. That was the best idea - the kids had a blast. We've got a pretty nice park - it's got a spongy flooring and tons of stuff to climb on. The boys play great with Reagan. She's starting to recognize them more since she's gotten older. She loves all of them. Daniel and Zach was really cute with her. Daniel played with her and followed her around the house. At the park, Zach acted like a big brother and made sure she was ok. It was awesome.

Just done

So tonight, I came home tired - just tired. Jordan wanted to go out to dinner with Daddy and after thinking about it some decided I was MORE than happy to let them go dispite my foot. Jim came home to help me out some, but then took off as soon as I got Reagan in her high chair.

Reagan, unfortunately, had other plans. She did not want to eat at all. She wanted to throw her food and play in it. Ugh. I wasn't in the mood at all.

Dad called and suggested I get out of the house - I was more than willing. I packed her little butt up and took off to meet him. We went over to their old house in Lookout Farm and played in the newly renovated diggs. Reagan had a hoot - she ran up and down the halls and hid in all the closets. Then we went outside and let her run up and down the sidewalk for a bit.

We had such a nice visit with my dad!

First day alone part deux

So tonight, after Dad got home, he came up to get me and Little Miss. We packed our bags - toys and food - and headed down to Grammy and Grampy's house for an evening "out". We hung out there and chased Reagan around until about 630 pm when Grammy got home from choir practice. Once she was there, we piled in the car and went to Bob Evans for dinner.

It took forever for them to bring us food - Reagan was getting restless. Thank goodness for toys and crayons. We kept her busy, busy, busy! I was really happy when the food got there - so was she. She ate fairly well - even had turkey (WOW). I have never seen her eat "white meat" before.

After we got back to my house, Grammy went home and Grampy came up to help me out. She wasn't really ready for bed, so he took off leaving us alone for the second time. I wasn't sure how she and I would do because my foot was pretty swollen, but I figured I'd just manage. I couldn't keep him awake any longer - he was tired.

We played for a while and I finally coaxed her into her room about 930 pm. She's up there knocking around and making noise, but I'm not budging. I've got an icepack on my foot, the college tourney games on the tv and beer in my hand. :) She'll go to sleep soon.

The Park Rocks

Today we all went to the park. Eric's kids were at Grammy and Grampy's this weekend, so we had a pretty lively group that needed some serious outdoor time. We packed up the kids about 11am and took off to the new park in our neighborhood. At first, Reagan wasn't real sure about the swing that Grammy put her in. She and I were both being conservative with how high she went. But once Zack started pushing her higher, she lit up. She giggled. Ah!!! I forgot she was my little daredevil.

Once Jim and Jordan showed up after swim practice, Jim took over. He followed Reagan around while the other kids went nuts. She started climbing everything - literally. I of course, wanted to be right next to her the whole time, but couldn't. It was so hard to let her do stuff AND not be able to watch her. Ugh.

She climbed everything. She loved the slides, the climbing wall, the mushy flooring around the stuff, everything. We all had a great time. The awesome thing about it was that it totally wore her out.

Out to dinner

Instead of cooking today, I thought it would be less stressful and less energy to go out to eat with Reagan and my parents. We took off soon after they got here and went to Max & Ermas. It usually is a good place to go with kids.

We sat down in the back (a good idea with a toddler) and ordered food. Reagan did well. We went through my stash of food - grapes, yogurt melts, goldfish - before she got bored. We were still waiting on food. It took them forever to deliver it. Geez!!

Once it got there, Reagan decided she was not interested in eating. Nice. She played and flung food. Thank goodness it seemed to be a child-friendly area (others had kids). She wasn't loud at all. She was very easy actually. Despite her not wanting to eat, she did great.

We did get a game of "slide the cup" going. Dad and I were passing it over the table top back and forth. She screamed and wanted in. She passed it too. It was awesome. Dad passed it to me, I passed it to her and she sent it over the Grampy. We were all impressed.

Ah well. Another fun night with the BB.

So tired and exhausted

Tonight was very busy. I stayed upstairs with both girls after work until Grampy came over. Once he got there, the evening just started to roll along well. Grammy came over, dinner arrived. We ate. G&G took Reagan upstairs for a bath. I gave Jordan a flute lesson. Reagan pooped in the tub. Reagan hit my foot (not covered) with a toy and caused a TON of pain. Love that. Grammy went home. I got to hold Reagan in her rocking chair. We snuggled. Grampy put her in bed. Jim got home. I want to pass out.

That's it. I don't think I could do much more tonight.

Twisting and turning

The weather man actually got it right - this morning we had snow flurries. Because of this, we couldn't get off our hill. So Grammy, who was stuck at home herself, came up the hill to help watch Reagan while Jim worked.

She and I were hanging out in the living room when Reagan started walking around with both of her arms out. She started turning - like an airplane - around and around. Huh? I don't get it. She did it again and again. So darn cute. Then she started shaking her head and then her arms. She didn't do it at the same time, but it looks like she's learning how to twist and turn. How cute!?