For The Record

I want to go on record predicting that Baby Buck #3 is going to be our creative child. We've been thinking about Christmas gifts lately and my creative juices have been flowing like crazy (not normal for me at all). I think this is going to be our creative baby for sure.
As of today, John wants to go on the record as requesting a baby girl AND a baby boy. We'll see about that.

Thanksgiving

We just finished up an exhausting but awesome Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving has always been the biggest holiday of the year for my family. Lots of crazy traditions that I LOVE. The entire Madding side of the family, or as many can make it that year, get together. This year we gathered at Amy's. We enjoyed the standard Turkey Tree, Chinese Auction, and Turkey Hold-em poker tournament. It all started when Daddy and his sisters started getting married off. Grandma didn't want to fight over Christmas, so she said "give me Thanksgiving, and do what you want for Christmas". When we were kids, Grandma and Pop started putting up the Christmas tree while everyone was together. It expanded to giving small gifts and was then called "Turkey Tree". Later we added crowning someone the Turkey and telling the story of Thanksgiving. Maybe my order is a bit skewed, since it all started when I was very young, but that's the gist of it. We also used to have a talent show and hilarity ensued, but we've taken a small break from that. Anyway, I look forward to Thansgiving every year and it was so great to spend time with family. John and Eve (especially John) LOVED playing with Bella and Marco. They played constantly, and all day long...way past John and Eve's bed time. One night we let John sleep over and he had a blast. I really can't describe how much they enjoyed their time together. It was really fun to watch. I was a little worried with John doing his first Chinese auction (white elephant exchange, whatever you want to call it...the one where you can steal gifts). I wasn't sure he'd get the point. We played carefully with him, and he actually did really well, even when his gift was stolen, and when Marco got a gift he really wanted but we suggested he not take it from him. It did help that Eve slept through it, so John got to pick for both of them. The coolest thing we did, though, was go to Hollywild. It's a drive-through zoo that has tons of lights at Christmas and lets you pet the animals...well, some of them. We took carrots and put the top of the jeep down when we got there. In the deer forest there were deer, buffalo, cows and ostriches. John got to feed a deer straight from his hand! It was so cool! We also had a cow come up to the jeep and spend quite some time. It has fairly large horns and was right next to Eve. Everyone thought she'd be a little scared, but she just laughed and laughed. After driving through, there's a walk-through where you can feed and pet all sorts of animals. Llamas, goats, pigs, zebras, camels, donkeys, zedonks (probably not the right name, but it's a cross between a zebra and donkey), the hugest cow I've ever seen, yaks (at least I think that's what they were), and ostriches. Unbelievable! The kids absolutely loved every minute of it! The only problem was the cold, so John wanted me to carry him wrapped in a blanket the whole time, but other than that, they loved every minute. Eve just laughed and laughed when the animals came near and she got to pet and feed them. We'll definitely have to do that more regularly. The kids were so tired from all of the Thanksgiving festivities (and the really late nights) that they both napped about 4 hours yesterday and were still ready for bed early.
Today we planned on putting lights up on the trees outside. We ended up napping quite a bit, but got a good start. John has been talking about it for a while, and I think he actually remembers it a little bit from last year. Today he was so excited and was talking about it on the way to church. He said we'd have to put up lots and lots of lights...THOUSANDS of lights. I chuckled knowing that he can barely count to 20 and has no concept of thousands, but he's probably right with his number anyway. It was really cute. He was so excited all day to help Daddy put up the lights. He helped for a good 2 minutes, then lost interest and went to play with Scotty next door. I guess it wasn't as exciting as he remembered.

Camping

John likes to bring a blanket and pillow into our room sometimes and lay down. He calls it camping. Yesterday while I was folding clothes he started camping. A few minutes later I heard Eve in the other room screaming in frustration (not so uncommon...more of a squeal than a scream I suppose, but it's easily recognized as frustration). I wondered what was going on, but because I recognized tone, I wasn't really concerned. A few minutes later, she showed up in our room with her blanket and stuffed monkey (her favorite), and laid on the floor. Clearly she had been having trouble pulling them through the spindles of the crib, but by golly, she was going camping, too. Something tells me we'll be pitching the tent in the back yard a lot in the spring when it gets warmer.

A Star on the Rise

Today way John's Holiday Program at school. The last "program" they had was technically his first. They had a dinner to support March of Dimes, and when it was over the kids went up front to sing some lullabyes. It was really sweet. Since I didn't think they were doing much, I didn't bother to bring the video camera. Worked out well since as the kids were about to walk on stage we saw the teacher holing him as he cried. Buck went to get him and he never got near the stage...nor did he sing back in his chair. He's just never been one to perform, and certainly not in front of big groups. Lately, though, he's had a rather bad habit of taking his clothes off. We just can't seem to keep them on. On top of that, every time he takes his shirt off (I mean EVERY time), he swings it around. We've joked with our friends that he's going to be a rather talented "dancer". I've already written about his "camping" episode (which was the second time that day I'd found him naked). Yesterday we had the kids from small group meeting at our house while the adults met elsewhere. Right before they came he stripped down naked, in his defense I think it was because he had his halloween costume on and needed to go to the bathroom. At any rate, we explained to him that he needed to wear clothes when we had guests at the house. As soon as they left, he stripped back to his underwear. When we asked why, he said because we didn't have guests anymore...and that's what boys do. With all of that in mind, I didn't think he'd sing, but in case he decided to put on a show, I had the video camera ready this time. We sat in the very back partly because we were running in last-minute and partly because we thought it would be all over if he saw us (he behaves much better for his teachers). The older kids performed, then it was time for his class. Of course, he saw us, but he was thrilled and announced over and over to everyone that we were there. For the first few songs he just stood still, no motions, no singing. As they went along, though, he started to get into it and I think he actually enjoyed it. He almost looked disappointed when they were done. He was just getting started. AND, he kept all his clothes on the whole time. I'm so proud. On the other hand, the kid next to him kept lifting his shirt. Kids programs are so darn cute.

Portland - Day 7

Wow, Day 7, and it's only taken me 2 months to post. It was our last day, and one jam packed with excitement, fun, and family. We certainly ended with a bang.

First, we got up early and took the train (I forget the name. All I can think of is Hank because Aunt Michelle started saying "Hey Hank" back and forth to John and it's been ingrained into my head). John loves trains, buses, and all sorts of transportation.

And we ended up at the ZOO! What fun!

You can't see the sea lions in the picture, but we could, and they were really cool.

There also was a birds of prey exhibit where they flew right over our heads. It was so cool. They had a bald eagle and I got chills to see it fly within feet.

Then, I can't remember, but something goofy must've been going on at our table in the restaurant...
By the time we saw all the animals and ate, Eve was tuckered out
We got on the train to the rose garden. It was certainly a super highlight of the day.

On the way back from the garden we snagged the seat on the very back of the train. Super cool!

This is the train...a pretty big "steam engine"

At the rose garden...

Uncle Greg and Eve

Eve and Aunt Michelle

Eve and Uncle Greg taking a rest

Back at Michelle's house...
We had a great dinner outside
Played some soccer
And had some snuggles to say goodbye (Aunt Michelle)
Kendra (soon to be Aunt Kendra)

Uncle Rob

Cristina

Grampa Bucky



The brothers (Uncle Christopher, Dad, Uncle Greg, Uncle Rob)

And somehow, after all this invasion of her house, Aunt Michelle is still smiling.

Goodbye Portland. We had a BLAST!

Portland - Day 6

Finally a much more low-key day...sort of.

We woke up to Daddy's yummy blueberry pancakes...made, of course, with the blueberries picked earlier in the week.

John and Eve had no complaints. Yum!

On the way back to Portland we stopped at Multnomah Falls (no idea if that's right).

John and Tully SO enjoyed each other!

When we got home, we watched the Clemson football game from the previous day. Then off to Uncle Rob and Aunt Sharon's house in Longview Washington.

We had a great dinner.
Cristina and Isabel setup a Thomas HEAVEN for John. Actually, Sharon came in and said "John, you're in Thomas heaven!" to which John replied "Thomas isn't in heaven". He said something else, either explaining where Thomas was, or that his Iron Man ballon is in heaven. I don't remember. Either way it was pretty funny.

A little karaoke anyone? (Uncle Greg singing, Aunt Sharon on the air guitar, Eve and Isabel dancing)

Next we moved on the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Isabel and Cristina are pros.We quickly learned it's not genetic :)
And not inherited from uncles, either. (Dad and Uncle Greg - Nice pants, Dad)

Eve even got a turn...or took a turn I should say.

Then a dance party ensued. (Isabel, Aunt Sharon, Cristina, and Dad)
Uncle Rob, Cristina, Mama, and Eve

What a sweet sweet picture of Isabel and Eve
What a great great time we had "up north"!

TIME FOR BED!

Time for Potty Humor

Well, I'm kind of surprised it's taken this long, but John has finally started to enjoy potty humor. As much as we, as immature parents, enjoy a little potty humor, we have to try to keep John's to a minimum so he won't pull it out at school or church. Mostly it's just saying poop a lot in a voice that he thinks is funny.
Other things John thinks are funny... using only the consonant "t" as best he can (example: "tree tittle tonteys titting in a tree" - three little monkeys sitting in a tree - this is actually a song he's learned at school, but because he won't say the words normally, we can't seem to pick up all the words to the song). He still like saying "Hey Pete", Hank, Rooty tooty fresh and fruity...you name it. Thanks Aunt Michelle and Uncle Greg! It's funny for us for a minute or two...funny for John ALL DAY LONG!
John has recently discovered tattling. Boo. An unfortunate coordinator...Eve has started doing the same thing over and over in disobedience. SO, she spits (raspberries) at the table. John laughs, and she continues. He tells her not to, she continues. He tattles, she continues (this last one times 100).
Eve has started her own little things, too. Not that she's just started these, but I don't think I've recorded them. She's smart enough to run away and try to hide things behind her back either when she's not supposed to have it or when she doesn't want to share...or when she's taken it from John. She's started to throw rather impressive tantrums. Johns have always been rather boring (crying or screaming, maybe throwing himself on the floor, maybe getting a few good swings or kicks in). Eve bangs her head, shakes it back and forth rather forcefully, kicks her feet, bucks her head (and sometimes her whole body) back, and almost always squeals rather loudly...all in protest. Fortunately it seems like she gets over it a little faster than John.
So, it seems like I have a pair of terrible children, but let me tell you the sweet stuff.
We bought John a new pair of shoes. The old ones were on the counter and he asked if we could give them to somebody. I said sure. He then asked if we could give them to Scotty because he doesn't have any. I had to explain to John that it was very kind for him to want to give them to Scotty, but Scotty has shoes...he just chooses not to wear them. I told Kathy (Scotty's mom), and she got a good laugh out of it.
John has started rubbing my belly a lot, and I love it. It's so sweet. I think he's really excited about a new baby. I don't think Eve has a clue, but ironically, now, when she point to her belly (of which she is still so proud), it sounds more like baby. So cute.
I've popped out a lot faster this go-round than either of the previous two, and at 14 weeks, I'm pretty sure I've actually felt the baby move a bit. Looking down, though, I swear there really are two in there! What a sweet and fun time.
I have a few pictures to post, and one story that, well, the picture is a little inappropriate for the blog. Too bad I don't have software to censor it. Last week John has a rather rough morning, didn't want to get dressed, was pitching a fit, and we finally had to cancel his haircut because I knew I wouldn't be able to get him to calm down and sit still. Anyway, I didn't realize how much of a problem the clothes were until I went upstairs and found him stark naked...TWICE! The second time he called me upstairs to go camping. He was wearing nothing but his green rain boots. I couldn't help but take a picture of his cute little buns with those green rain boots, but I also had to explain the dangers of camping naked. Fortunately I talked him into wearing underwear.

A few weeks ago we tailgated before the FSU game, then came home to watch it (night game). We bought a soccer and football for the kids downtown and introduced them to Peppino's. They had a blast! (and looked darn cute if I do say so myself)

This picture cracks me up every time I see it. Eve's best Popeye impression. Not bad!

John was clearly thrilled to be in front of Howard's Rock. He enjoyed seeing the stadium, but is still not a fan of pictures. They were so cute before we left. He and Eve were passing (or handing off) the football, then running around (down the hill), then yelling C L E M S O N! Eve grunted for each level, put her hand up in the air like she was cheering, and did squats to the beat. HILARIOUS!


I just think this one is sweet.

October

Seems like I'm always catching up, or never catching up, depending on how you look at it. Sometime I'll finish out the trip. Anyway, here's all of October... be prepared...

Eve is about the same. She loves walking around entertaining herself. She's very independent. In fact, if she falls and starts crying and I pick her up, she fights me to put her down so she can give whatever she was trying another shot. She is finally tall enough to climb onto our couch by herself. Bummer. It hasn't been as much a coordination thing as a "vertically challenged" thing. She's taken to the time change pretty well. I can't say as much for John, who wakes up around 6 or 6:15 each morning and comes in to greet me. I try to get him to snuggle quietly, but that only works so long. Eve's hair is getting longer, and I actually kind of succeeded with a pony tail! It's so cute, but doesn't stay for long. She's still talking a lot, but really mixing up her words now. Still obsessed with her belly and shoes. Still hugs John every time we pick him up from school...so cute. She LOVES reading picture books, but is just as happy, if not happier to do it on her own. You wouldn't dare try to read words or turn the pages in order! She's not snuggly at all, but John didn't used to be, and now he's quite the snuggle bug (makes me a little nervous around the girls in school :) ).

John seems to be getting more social, although I still can't get any information from him about school. It just seems like he plays more with other kids. He's really excited about the new baby we're waiting for. I went to the doctor Monday and told him the doctor put a microphone to my belly and we could hear the baby's heartbeat. He had learned about his heart in science class, and he put the two together and thought that was really cool...after I convinced him that the baby did, in fact, have a heart. His excitement was a fun thing to see. Our neighbor said we're having a boy. John sternly disagrees. He wants to have another Baby Eve. So sweet. He still says hilarious things all the time, and I often have a hard time tracking him through a sentence because his mind jumps when he's struggling to think of the right words. I'd really like to just record it sometimes when he starts a long conversation. There's no way I could type it out.

SO, here are October's pictures.

So we went to Target to look for Halloween costumes. No matter how much I pushed for this super hero or that, John was set on "Bad Spiderman". Only my child. Anyway, I let him wear it for fun before Halloween and he LOVED it.

We worked on shooting a web, but he's not quite coordinated enough for that...comes out more like gang signs. Eventually he just gave up and uses his whole hand now and makes a hissing sound.

Finally...with a little help
Grrrr, big muscles. You can't see it well from the pictures, but he's so darn cute with those built-in muscles.

John's first field trip with school was to Niven's Farm. They had a hay ride, apples (although not on the trees anymore), pumpkins (again, already picked), a corn maze that we weren't brave enough to try with 14 3-year-olds, and a few barnyard animals to see. You may be able to tell I wasn't really impressed. It didn't help that John was in a bad mood most of the time and got stung by a bee. Apparently John is much more compliant and less whiney when I'm not around (according to his teachers). I wish I could say we had a blast. Well, Eve seemed to enjoy herself.

Here's his class. Mrs. Page and Mrs. Jackson are his teachers. I haven't learned all the kids yet. Some wouldn't get in the picture.

MOVIE NIGHT! I went to Hilton Head for a girls' weekend with college friends. While Mom's away, the kids will be mesmerized by the TV and eat on the couch. Really, though, Dad did a great job...even cleaned the house while I was gone. They had lots of fun.

Last but certainly not least...HALLOWEENIE!!!! Halloween was on a Saturday this year, so we bought extra dogs and made big plans. Unfortunately the forecast was rain, rain, and more rain. Fortunately, it held off for a little while, so we still had fun.

These are our neighbors, the Ludke's, and their cousins that have lived with them over the summer.

John helped pour drinks (and drank quite a bit-face was still orange after his bath the next morning)...what a good helper

Recognize his "cheese" face? I love this picture.

Grandma and our sweet little ladybug. She actually kept all this on the whole night. I was impressed.

Neighbors Scotty and Piper

In honor of the hotdogs (and 50% sale at Kmart) - Nobody told me my hat was messed up!

Blurry, but still so sweet

John had such good manners trick-or-treating, but didn't get far before popping the candy in his mouth. Notice the change in costume. Unfortunately while we were starting the festivities and playing with the neighbors he was too distracted with fun and had a little accident. Costume and shoes went straight to the washer. Unfortunately I was way behind on laundry and this was the best I could do...too small superhero shirt. People may have felt sorry for having a terrible costume and terrible mother, but I still thought he was darn cute!

He wished them a happy halloween on the way out.


Oh, and I almost forgot. I think this was actually right before Halloween. We went to Table Rock with Mom on a beautiful Thursday. Couldn't miss a day out in perfect weather, pretty close to peak leaf season.

You can't tell from the picture, but John and I made a precarious climb out to a big rock in the middle of the river. It was so cool!

John, Duff, and Grandma

John, Eve, and me. We didn't hike too far because 1. you never know when John's going to get tired, and you certainly don't want to carry him back, 2. Pregnant Katie got out of breath really fast, and 3. 25 pounds of shifting precious weight on my back made me really nervous when I was climbing steep "stairs" made of rocks with slippery wet leaves on them. All in all, a super fun adventure day! And beautiful, too.

So, there you have it. October.