Trip to New Orleans

This past month, we drove the long drive from Illinois down south to New Orleans. We always go at least once a year. I desperately want the babies to know the city and learn to love it's charms. We were also there to attend Grand Assembly, which is the annual statewide meeting of the Rainbow Girls. When I was in my late teens, I had the pleasure and honor of leading this wonderful service organization. So, going back each year is always wonderful and truly like seeing family that I have known forever. This year, was especially emotional, because the babies were formally dedicated to a life of love and service to others in a beautiful ceremony.

While in New Orleans, once again, we tried to do it all in what Mike has come to call my "whirl wind tour of Louisiana." We never have enough time to see everyone, but we certainly try. Our itinerary included the Audubon Zoo, a formal banquet at Grand, the Children's Museum, then a visit to my mother's and grandmother's graves to place flowers, to Aunt Margaret's house, the baby dedication and finally back in the car to head home. Of course, we had to slip in a quick trip to the grocery store so I could load up on 20 pounds of Cajun sausage and foods for cooking back in Illinois. The babies even got to eat their first crawfish while at the store.

My sweet family at the opening banquet at Grand. They wore matching outfits with crawfish smocking and Caroline had a crawfish bow. So cute!

My sleepy little crawfish.

Look mommy, no hands! Still loving her crawfish hairbow.

Daddy heading upstairs to put babies to bed so I could attend the meeting. Oh, I love him so!

Angela Cocran, (just past Grand Worthy Advisor) and past GWA's. I love these ladies and am honored to be in their ranks.

We went to the zoo with our sweet friends Danielle and Brad and their lovely kids, Abigail and Noah. We all road the carousel which was an absolute hit with Will and Caroline.

It was H-O-T!!! 99 degrees w/ 100% humidity. Mike and I worked to keep the kids shaded and cool with cold, wet baby wipes. Caroline loved having one on her forehead.

Will has seen an elephant many times in a book, but never in person. He was in awe and loved it when they sprayed water with their trunks.

My little southern belle with her southern momma! My hat was a bargain find at Target...a little large, but completely necessary in that sun.

Our wonderful white tiger. Ahhh, sleep. Too hot to move.

Danielle and her beautiful daughter, Abigail.

My climbing fish loved the playground.

Will coming down the slide with Noah right behind.

Walking to the Children's Museum. I was so tickled when I looked at Mike pushing the double stroller surrounded by my friend Laura's 4 children. I don't think he's ever been in the middle of so many kids. He looked like a daddy duck with his little ducklings. I just love that man!

What a great picture! Four Past Grand Worthy Advisor's of LA Rainbow and our precious children. We all had a great time at the Children's Museum. I would love to do it again, and again. Can't wait to see them next year. It is going to be so sweet to see these girlfriends and their kids every year. I know that their children and mine will become friends over the years and across the miles. Kind of like cousins, growing up together. Makes my heart swell.

Playing with magnetic gears. They loved the museum and I loved the freedom of being able to say "go play, explore and touch everything!" And, it was air conditioned! Whoo hoo.

My little police man and his trusty partner.

Oh, my sweet Caroline. Back in the south, where little girls where hairbows all the time.

Will and Lilea playing engineer with the train set. They were really cute together.

Beautiful Abigail. A great big sister to Noah.

Caroline and Lilea adored playing on the climbing pit. Caroline couldn't get enough of it.

Will and Noah played very well together. They are only a month apart. They'll be buddies for a long time to come.

Crashing the cars is the most fun!

The Golden Girls! My cousins Genny and Dani, Aunt Margaret and Aunt Melanie with the babies. Mom and Grandma would be so proud!

The baby dedication. Aunt Margaret held Caroline and I held squirmy Will. I asked the Bucceri sisters, Cybble, Roxanne and Nelda to join us for the ceremony as they are like family in every way except by blood.

During the ceremony, they played the song by Martina McBride, "In My Daughter's Eyes," which of course made me bawl. I grew up being told stories of my days as baby at Rainbow events. It was very full circle to have my own children there with my aunt. I look forward to sharing these stories with my children, especially Caroline, when they are older. It was incredibly moving and special.

Will found his first Mardi Gras bead.

She was so good while waiting for the ceremony to start.

I made her a rainbow ruffle diaper cover. So, when her dress flipped up, you saw a rainbow. Everyone loved it and I know my family in heaven was smiling.

Taking steps with a little help, and one shoe.

Aunt Margaret holding Caroline, very much the same way she held me when I was a baby. Aunt Margaret was my mother's sister and always there.

Time to go. The babies enjoyed watching and waving "bye bye" to all of the cars in the hotel parking lot while Mike loaded the luggage.

Just a sampling of all of the STUFF we had to bring with us. It's getting a little easier to travel with the kids, but we still seem to bring the whole house. It was worth every minute, though. Already looking ahead to next year in Shreveport, LA!

Father's Day 09

This past Father's Day was Mike's 2nd. Since Will is a little older, I let him help me decorate a cake for Daddy. The kids finger painted a rock for him to use as a paperweight. And I gave him a big hammock for the backyard. I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to be blessed with such an incredible husband and father to my children. He is the man of my dreams. Here are some sweet pictures of that special day.

His #1 Dad cake.

Will putting fruit chews on the cake (with guidance from mommy.)

Throwing on sprinkles. They were everywhere.

Gotta sample the frosting.

Ready for our surprise.

Daddy with his special paperweight.

Caroline loves those musical cards. She loves to dance along.

toddler proofing 101

Mike and I got a hard, month long class in toddler proofing. After many restless nights, near misses, ice packs, and mommy tears, we finally figured out what to do with our little climbing fish. So many of you have given support and advice, we thought we would share our struggles and successes with everyone. Will and Caroline teach us so much everyday. We love them dearly and are blessed to be their parents, but oh, it's been a tough month.

There is a really adorable video of the kids at the end of this post.

It started when Will climbed out of his crib at 20 months old. So, we took off the front railing and lined the floor with pillows. Then we put him in a travel crib for naptime, which he quickly learned to climb out of, then he started climbing into Caroline's crib. Mike and I were eagerly awaiting a toddler rail, thinking this would help him stay in bed and not roll out.



His toddler rail arrived and helped a little. He was still able to get out of bed and wreak havoc in the nursery.



We started out securing all of the furniture to the wall and any loose wires. Then Will learned how to climb open drawers. Mike became "McGuiver" and figured out a way to tie the drawers closed without a hazard of strangulation. Notice the clothes on top. I was not about to undo that rope just to put them away.

My genius husband used rip ties to secure the tall lamp to the wall.

All books or potential "flying objects" had to be out of reach. We had to put the lamp up and down each time we used it.

THEN, one lovely morning, I walked into the nursery to find the destruction Will left behind after an early morning party. (Did I mention that I cried during this fun phase?) I took photos to document and laugh at one day.

When I walked into the room, the first thing I saw was the wall paper torn down.

Then I saw Will sitting in the floor playing with medicines (all closed thank goodness) that WERE completely out of reach. Until he figured out how to climb the knobs of the changing table. They were sick at the time.

While up there, he sprayed baby powder everywhere, knocked down the medicines and unlocked the latch that kept the closet door closed. (All while I was sleeping next door.)

Here is a view of where the furniture was placed. As you can see, the closet is next to the changing table and all of the drawers are tied up.

The fingerprints left behind by our little michievious one.

He also took all of the wet washcloths out of the wipes warmer and flung them everywhere.

So, the solution.... After many pep talks from girlfriends, we decided to get a crib net, but we had to get one that would work with our style of crib. We put it up, then the ring at the top broke and Will fell forward on the floor. Then, Mike fixed it with a stronger ring and put the front of the crib back on. Let's just say after many little trials, we got it right and Will sleeps safe and sound in his crib.

The net tucks completely under the mattress and zips up the front.

He is actually quite happy to go to sleep in his little "tent".

Of course, we had to toddler-proof other areas of the house.

Even through ties and bands, they are able to open the drawers and get things out.

Climbing the stairs together, they like to race to see who gets to the top first.

One of our many stair gates.

Gate to the main staircase. Will can almost climb over this one.

This is the back door to the kitchen that Will opened and walked out of into the backyard before I could realize the door had just closed.

This is the plastic chicken netting that Mike had to put up all around the deck after Will flipped over the middle rail, headfirst, into the gravel below. Just a small bump and another lesson for mommy and daddy.

Mike even made little gates to protect them from going down the deck stairs.

Here is a video of our little darlings racing up the staircase.

Official 1st Birthday pictures

Last week we took Caroline to have her official 1st birthday pictures taken. We just can't say enough about what a great job they do at Portrait Innovations. I was so excited when I found a location about an hour away from our new home. Yeah!!! They always give me a CD with all of the shots taken. Below are just some of my favorites.

We always bring three or four outfits. This was her "southern belle" picture.

I never plan to be in the pictures, but at this age, sometimes the only way to calm the babies down it to sit down with them and hope for smiles.

Oh, but I LOVE this outfit. Her shirt reminds me of one from those 60's beach movies. And finally, she relaxed and starting playing for the camera.

Her first dance with a giant teddy bear.

Cake time! I made her a little birthday cake just for pictures. She grabbed the "1" candle and dug into the icing. So cute in her ballerina bathing suit.
This is hard work mommy!

We are getting ready to take a family trip to New Orleans for a very special weekend. So, of course, they have to dressed for the occasion. I found these matching brother-sister smocked crawfish outfits that are just perfect.

Will was not exactly happy about taking a picture. Caroline was just looking at him like he was crazy. She seems to be saying, "what is wrong with you?"

Here we go, mommy in another picture. I love the place where we take them, because they take a lot of candid shots. Will was in a "hold me" mood and Caroline just made the photographers crack up laughing at her expressions while in my lap.

Ahhh, they we go. There's my smiling little guy.

We'll go back in a couple of months for Will's 2 year old pictures. I'm sure I'll throw Caroline in one of those shots, too. If she'll let me.

Mother's Day 2009

Ever since the death of my mom back in 2005, this day has made me heart a little tender. This year was no different, especially when I look at my little Caroline. I see her and then leap back to when I was younger during my teen years with mom. I was no angel. Enough said. And then, the years in my 20's and how she and I became friends. I look at my children, and I remember her. I see my mother and grandmother in my mothering and swell with pride. Sometimes, being a motherless, mother is a lonely journey, but I just do the very best I can and rely on their wisdom over the years and then I know, that Caroline and Will are going to be just fine. No one is perfect, but my grandmother and mother did a great job. Mom always wished I would get payback when I had children, well...quite often, I am certain that a little laughter can be heard from heaven when Caroline or Will drive me crazy. So, today, I honor their memory and thank God for my beautiful children and the joy they bring.

The day began with a great breakfast at a local restaurant and surprises from the children and Mike. I was given one of those musical cards. Caroline absolutely loved it. She is my little dancer. Below is a video of her opening and closing the card and dancing to the song, "Some kind of wonderful." It's soooo funny, because her face looks so serious while she bops along. I love it. Make sure your volume is on!

After lunch, Will gave me an unexpected present. When I went into the nursery to get them up from nap, he was on top of his crib rail with one foot reaching into a nearby drawer. Oh, my word! We were not ready for that. So, Mike got busy securing furniture to the wall and turning his crib into a toddler daybed. We've entered a whole new world! He thinks he now has the freedom to roam around the nursery, empty all of the clothing drawers, aggravate his sister and steal her pacifiers, only to throw them across the room. He's even working on climbing into Caroline's crib. What fun!


Later in the afternoon, we attended a Mother's Day cookout with a local family.


Caroline was quick to steal a look at a police car that Will was playing with. Thankfully, it didn't belong to us and we left it there...it was complete with lights and sirens!


It was a beautiful day, so Mike and I played in the yard with the kids.
Will loves being in constant motion.

Caroline was still unsure about the grass.

Oh, if only they would sit still for one picture together.

His new favorite thing to do, fill the bushes with rocks!

Loving my angel!

All in the same day, we found a bird nest built very low to the ground. We only took a peek, no touching. It was sweet to see on Mother's Day.

The momma bird was watching close by.

Almost bed time. "Can't we PLEASE go outside one more time!"

Happy 1st Birthday Caroline

Where has the year gone? Has momma's always say, our children's time as babies flies by. And so goes Caroline's 1st year. My youngest, and last child, our baby girl, Caroline Golden turned 1 on the 14th of May. We celebrated with presents, a wonderful visit with grandparents and of course, Cake! My father and his lovely wife, Cheryl drove all the way up from Louisiana.

Our sweet Caroline the day she was born.

I had no idea what I was in for with two babies 10 months apart. This picture makes me laugh compared to the pictures of them together now.

Our Birthday Girl!!!

"Seriously, do we have to keep doing this, I just want to play!"

A present from Grandma and Grandpa in Atlanta.

Will loved playing on the slide they sent.

And there is the official "momma look" for Will, formerly known as my "teacher look". You know, the "you better behave yourself!" look that all mommy's can give.

Will had fun playing with everything that was opened up.

More presents! Caroline kept our little post office busy this week.

"I really don't want to wear this hat mommy!" Ahhh, the things we do to our kids for the sake of pictures.

Getting ready for cake!

I made Caroline a giant pink gerber daisy birthday cake. She just wants to eat it! And so does Will!

Here we all are! Everyone tells us with kids this close in age that we are going to be miserable until they are both 3 years old. Well, Mike and I have survived the 1st year. How many more to go?

Caroline cleaned her plate.

And then, she had a fit, when she couldn't have more.

And, Will put all of his ice cream in his mouth at one time, he then realized it was way too cold and uncomfortable, so I let him spit it out.

Playtime

Heeelllloooooo! (That's me yelling across a cornfield!) Anyhoo, another fun week of watching them develop. I finally joined Facebook this week. It is amazing and wonderful to see people coming out of the woodwork. It's like a flashback of my life. I have connected with people from my childhood, college, First Baptist Atl, and people I have taught with. Amazing! I have even found people that I thought I would never see again after Hurricane Katrina. Up here in Illinois, it's been a little lonely. It's been so great to reconnect with people I have loved and missed. So, for everyone who's been bugging me, we are now on Facebook. No fanfare or applause, please. Tee hee hee.

I am going to upload short videos more often at the request of grandparents. So this post has 2. One video here and one at the end.

This is video of the kids swinging together for the 1st time. We got Caroline a matching swing and Mike put them up earlier in the day. They loved it. Make sure your volume is on.

So funny, it was nap time and Will was trying to pick up Caroline. She screamed and had the look of "Don't touch me!" Love it! So much drama, they get it honestly.

Caroline is proving more and more that she's not a baby anymore. Now she has a regular snack, just like her big brother. They both eat snack and watch the Backyardigans. Except, they steal snack from each other!

Caroline has passed this box for a week and every time, she stops to look at it and try to get into it. It's a little shopping cart for her birthday that I need to put together. She's just asking, "mommy, please let me have it now!" She knows it's something for her.

" I just can't wait to have it!"

This is video of the kids playing in the front yard. Caroline still hates the grass and Will loves to run everywhere. Her expressions are so funny!

Adjusting to Ilinois

Mike, the children and I are finally getting settled in. Last week, I took the kids outside to play in the grass. This was Caroline's first experience with grass, so I was camera ready. Caroline is so prissy. She was not sure about the grass. She was so funny. For about 15 - 20 minutes, she would NOT move and kept her hands up in the air. She didn't want to touch it. Normally Caroline crawls with lightening speed all over the place, but she was not budging in the grass. Meanwhile, her brother Will, was quite happy running around and playing in the rocks. The pictures below really say it all. Even though she wouldn't move, she certainly looked beautiful with her pink bow in the green, green grass.

Looking very concerned about the stuff she was sitting in.

Finally, an attempt at touching the grass.

Ahhh, not so bad, still not moving!

Will agreed to sit for about 2 seconds.

Very curious about the strange tree in the front yard.

Oh, goodness, a little boy's heaven. So many rocks to choose from! Mommy's rules, no throwing at your sister and they have to stay outside. Other than that, have a ball, my sweet Will!

In the playroom in their red truck. Certainly headed somewhere.

Bath time! Their favorite time of day. They both just love the big deep tub. We have the hardest time keeping Caroline seated. She wants to stand up all the time. It takes both Mike and I to wash Will and keep a hand on her. Look at Will's face, he's so animated! Every bath time, I come out of it completely soaked. They both splash like crazy.

Mike and I took the babies for a walk around town. Here are some pictures of our little "village" as they call it. This is Main Street.

The old, still used, coliseum.

Our tiny post office. I walk here a few times a week for our mail. It's a little strange not having a normal mailbox at our house.

The water tower. Notice the boy and girl holding hands.

One of the grainery train stops. Several trains go through here everyday, and night, just one block from our house. Everytime, Will hollers and points in that direction. He's facinated by them. But aren't all little boys. Oh, there goes one now. Toot toot!

Another view of Main Street. Only 3 businesses left, 2 bars and the post office.

Okay, I tried this for the 1st time, it's a short video of Will doing the Nestea plunge on a blow up mattress in the playroom during the first days. Hope it works .