Into Our World . . .

Mommy Bootcamp Time Again

2012-01-19T08:42:00.000-08:00

Ready to get serious about your New Year's fitness goals? Come join us!

Where: The Overlook – 1530 Mossvale Court
What: One hour session packed with both cardio and strength training in a circuit format designed to jumpstart your fitness or put your current fitness into high gear.
When: Fridays @ 9:30am, Beginning Feb 3rd
Who: Led by ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Shannon Galbreath

$35 for 4 weeks or $60 for 8 weeks

For more information and to reserve your spot email shannon@leagueofherown.org or call 678-524-3892.

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Quite the "posers" for pictures this year -- it was funny. I think you go from not getting ANY shots with your child sitting still around 1 or 2 yrs old ... to all of the sudden finding yourself saying, "that's cute but why don't you just go play and look around (aka look natural!)" ha! : )

Making sure Baby Collin feels the love!

They truly are best friends. I can't tell you how much that swells my heart with joy!

A Baby "Sprinkle" for Collin

2011-10-12T03:30:00.000-07:00

I must say, this little guy (*named Collin Adams .. NOT Parker Adams in the previous post... that name journey was a rough road between mommy and daddy and one we don't want to revisit. We are happy with Collin Adams and if anyone has objections or a comment other than "that sounds perfect" then please keep them to youselves!) had a special celebration and truly mommy didn't need that much at all for his arrival. Especially after neighbors and friends literally came out of nowhere and have been dropping items at my doorstep ... literally - bassinets, strollers, clothes, etc. So grateful for generosity!!

Just spending time at an awesome restaurant (Chicken and the Egg) with sweet friends was perfect!

Summer 2011

2011-07-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Seriously?? I let almost a half of a year go by without updating my blog. Pardon me!! I did want to post some pics to recap our summer. I'm going to blame the spring days on the third little Galbreath on his way .... my first trimester YUK had me down and out for this past spring. I'm now over 6 months along and we simply can not WAIT for Parker Adams Galbreath to arrive in November!!

As for our summer days -- we got our beach trip in early this summer. It was a blast! The kids are now old enough for me to actually SIT and talk to my husband for a full conversation on the beach uninterupted ... OR even read a book while they play (gasp!) Trust me, I'm cherishing every second of these days because they are shortlived for a while. Carter was happy as can be if he was either playing evening baseball on the beach or fishing for sharks at sunrise with daddy. Kelsey occupied herself just fine in the sand or especially in the pool.

Truly, our summer can be summed up in one word though - BASEBALL!!
I feel like we went from 5 yrs old to 10 yrs old in one summer. All Stars was intense - we were literally at the ballpark for 5-6 days out of the week. Kelsey could not have been better about it... begging to go to every single practice. A true ballpark rat : ) Carter was the only 5 yr old that played up on the Farm ball AllStar B team. He also never complained one second and would be at the park every night if he had his way.

Birthday FUN!!!

2011-02-16T11:02:00.001-08:00

I get hit with the double whammy every year with two birthdays that are 1 week apart. It's not the hassle of planning two parties that I mind, but rather the realization that BOTH of my children are growing up! So Happy #5 to Carter-man and Happy #3 to Princess Kelsey! They are truly our world!!

Let Us Love One Another....

2011-01-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

In the midst of the big "Snow In", I had to atleast prove I could post a little to the blog while we are confined to the house. I must say, we've loved the family time together!

It's been so neat to watch Carter and Kelsey grow so close together. He is beyond protective of her and she can't stand it when he's not around.

Kelsey was not feeling good recently and she specifically requested to 'cuddle with carter'. Her big brother LOVED this and rubbed her head for as long as she'd let him!

This is a video of Carter's classroom at his Christmas party. His teacher graciously let Kelsey participate with this class. She tries so hard to keep up with a song she's never even heard before.

Not Forgotten

2010-10-28T13:09:00.000-07:00

I wince at the number of days, weeks, months that have gone by since my last blog post. But, the 'blog update' guilt cloud hangs over me not so much because I haven't shared with my readers what is going on in the Galbreath home. It is more painful knowing that because I've kept all these sweet moments and stories of my children to myself, they may just be forgotten in the days to come. A very scarey realization for a mother -- that no matter how large God created her brain, she simply cannot tuck away every word, laughter, hug, facial expression, and "first" in a mommy memory vault. Hence the common phrase I hear, "please say you wrote that down!"

So here I go, onto my virtual journal and scrapbook, so that these sweet sweet days I have with a full of life two year old and a stunning and sensitve four year old .. are .. not... forgotten.

Of Carter -- I do not want to forget that

- He asked me last week as we were saying his goodnight prayers, "When is God going to start praying to ME, Mommy?"

- It takes him more than twice as long to get over one of Kelsey's spankings or time outs as it does Kelsey herself.

- He has become somewhat of a clepto, uh, I mean "collector" I honestly do not understand how he runs around with the contents in his pockets -- coins, leaves, sticks, ROCKS, bottle tops and other 'treasures' (aka trash!) I thought this was going to be a short lived phase but he's hanging on pretty well at this. You'd think the child has no toys to play with the way he covets an old rubberband dropped on the floor of Target. (PS he is dying for a metal detector from Santa so he can pick up even more lost treasures!)

- He can flat out HIT a BASEball! And the fact that we ended up in the ER with a bloody nose from a flyball did not stop him getting back on the field again the same week. He got his first in the park homerun this season and batted a double left handed! (yes Phill is that dad/coach that suggests to his 4 yr old that he switch hit in a game) His focus during a TBall game makes us so proud!

Of Kelsey, I do not want to forget:

- The way she looks randomly at Phill out of the corner of her eyes smiling and says, "You awesome Daddy."

- How she likes to instruct, teach and conduct an audience. She just needs a small stool or box to stand on and people to obey her commands and listen to her. If Kelsey is singing, it is very important that you not join in until told to do so. She does love to hear herself sing.

- When I tuck her in to sleep, her #1 delay tactic is to say, "Mommy WAIT, " I come closer, "Tell me something Mommy" That is code for her wanting me to tell her all the things that she is going to do when she wakes up. The next few minutes (or longer) consist of her asking me if she can take bunny ... and baby... and pillow.. (all the items in her bed) to the places we will go. She will not truly let me leave the room unless she has said, "night night" on her own terms.

- She is still a very picky eater. But a game of family 'I Spy' at the dinner table has done wonders as she has to take a bite before she takes her turn. She gets so excited as to what she picks in her eye spy game that her turn goes like this, "I Spy with my lil eye ... sumfin that is PINK ...... (we try to start a guess) .. MY SHIRT!!!"

- Potty Training has been fun with Kelsey. Yes I said "fun" and "potty training" in the same sentence. She has really taken initiative in this and has been especially good at going #2 on the potty. However, her amusement stems from the surprise shape of her creation in the potty. This week she came running in from the bathroom saying, "Mommy, I poopied a SNOWMAN!!" Yesterday she told me she pooped a rock at school. Whatever works, right?

Ahh, now my mommy brain is a bit unloaded and hopefully I can go forward and be better to update the blog regularly. The next post will have more pictures -- I promise!

A Plug for What's Good for You ...

2010-06-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

I am pretty sure most of my readers know I am a distributor for Juice Plus. I've taken the product for about 8 years now and I believe in it %110! So why not blog about it?! There is truly nothing you can dispute it for - its pure and simple 17 different fruits, veggies and grains in a daily capsule form. Probably more than I love taking the product myself, is that I can give my children the Juice Plus gummies. Oh the comfort of knowing that are putting some real goodness in their mouths at the end of the day - and I don't' even have to bargain for it!

Speaking of Juice Plus and KIDS ... here's good news if you don't already know.

Juice Plus+ established a Children Health Study several years ago to benefit children between the ages of 4 through college. With every new adult Juice Plus+ customer an accompanying child can receive Juice Plus+ capsules or soft chews for free! This incentive was created to heighten awareness in our children today to the importance of nutrition and the impact that it has on our lives today and in the future.

Did you know…?

For the first time in history the U.S. life expectancy will fall dramatically in coming years, a startling shift in a long-running trend toward longer lives.
Associated Press March 2005.

Juice Plus+ not only wants to partner with individuals to provide a tool to assist them in filling the nutritional gap between what they eat and what they should eat, but they also want to provide them educational support to encourage them down that road to better health. The Juice Plus+ Children’s Health Study is a way to track the progress that is being made once a child begins to consume Juice Plus+. Detailed below you can see the longer a person takes Juice Plus+ the better their health picture!

Feel free to contact me with questions concerning this wonderful opportunity! I don’t know of many people today who consume 9 – 13 raw fruits and vegetables a day like we should…Juice Plus+ helps us meet that challenge! What a great way to build the body of a growing child and prepare them for adulthood than to give them foundational nutrition!

http://www.juiceplus.com/+sg55471
skv18@aol.com

When Your Heart Bursts with Pride . . .

2010-05-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Our little guy often gives us that feeling that parents get when your heart literally feels like it's swelling with pride. Not a feeling better in this world! Carter has been such a blessing to us. He's just such the rule follower and has a work ethic that is fueled by a passionate heart. He truly lives life to the fullest and I love it!!

I actually just told a parent today at Carter's school that I wish I could take 'parenting' credit for his behavior and demeanor ... but I believe God formed his little heart this way and its only my job to steer his passions in the right way and just let him be who God created him to be - a strong heart with tender words and actions.

Carter has been most passionate about BASEBALL lately. He just finished his first TBall season and he finally 'gets' the game. He is either playing Wii baseball (VERY passionately of course.. to the point we've had to turn it off several times b/c he starts to cry when he thinks he might lose), or he's outside with Daddy playing catch, OR he's in front of the tv watching Braves baseball. Yes, we have to now record EVERY game so that he can watch it the next day since he obviously cannot stay up to finish all the games. And when I say he watches it as a 4 yr old, he is not merely glancing at it as he colors or runs around and plays. This kids has eyes glued to every single pitch. We have to pause it for him to go use the restroom.

Of course his passion and leadership spill out in school as well. So today my heart did swell as I watched him on stage singing at his preschool end of the year ceremony. (I wish you could have seen the whole performance and stage to know just how 'on point' Carter was compared to the other kids in his class. The class above his row are older kids by the way)

Thank you God for letting us parent this child - so fun!!

ABC'S

2010-04-11T04:42:00.000-07:00

This is Daddy and Kelsey's little acomplishment. They work on it every night when he puts her down for bed. Kelsey has been a little behind on her speech - most likely due to many many months of ear infections in her short life so far. So we are trying to really work with her to speak clearly! She's so proud of her ABC's. Next we will work with Daddy on learning his ABC's- since he skipped right over "J" and "K" without a blink of an eye : )

Spring is in the Air ....

2010-03-27T04:31:00.000-07:00

We feel Spring set in motion. Between egg hunts, Tball games, and lazy afternoon play in our driveway, it feels so refreshing to be outside. And I must say with Kelsey at 2 yrs old and Carter at 4 yrs old, days are getting so much easier and FUN! We are counting down until the pool opens. In the meantime, we definitely are enjoying any sunshine we can get!

These next pics are taken on one of those 'after nap play in the driveway until daddy gets home' days! The neighbors usually congregate and it makes for such a fun way to spend those dreaded hours for a mom at the end of the day waiting on dinner and daddy : ) [Speaking of Daddy, he bought me this new amazing camera for our 7th anniversary this month - I love it!]

Kelsey quickly insists on being "too hot" in the sunshine so she just takes off her shirt. I mean, that is the logical solution, right mom? She loves watching Carter play 'bay ball' and swings her bat around next to Carter.

Go Nationals! Carter (and whole family) are deeply invested in TBall this year. Who would have thought that a 4 yr old would have to be at the park up to 3 times a week with practices or a game. He takes it seriously though - as you can see with that tonque out!

(Again, shirtless Kelsey - we'll work on that. I promise I did buy her shirts this year)

And the "look." Oh how many countless times a day do we see this look. Actually in this picture she had just fallen down outside while trying to push her babydoll in her stroller. So this look is really saying, "do you really think I want you to take my picture right now Mom?" Phill just calls it her prima donna look.

Kelsey Turns 2!

2010-02-06T04:22:00.000-08:00

Kelsey Laine just celebrated two years of life. And that life is FULL in her! In honor of our daughter at her 2nd birthday, I'll share two qualites that I think describe her:

1. Kelsey is fearless. She adores being the star of the room; her eyes are the brightest when people are watching her. This applies to almost every aspect in her little life and an attribute that we are proud of in many ways, but one that we worry about in her too. She is fearless and confident when it comes to strangers. Quite frequently in public she can be found trying to get a stranger's attention to show off her bow or point to Carter to show off her big brother. She is fearless in a physical sense too -- Phill tries to see fear in her eyes throwing her up in the air or flipping her upside down -- but she just smiles and says "again, again".

She's tough and not much can really break her spirit. Especially in the area of discipline. Phill is the stricter parent, and Carter falls right in line at an intense word of instruction from Daddy. Not so much Kelsey. Here's an example:

At dinner table. Kelsey stands in her highchair (eyeing Daddy the whole time, I might add, as if to say, "are you seeing this Daddy? Whatcha gonna do?)

Daddy: "Kelsey, Please sit down and eat your dinner"

Kelsey: Squats down. Then begins to stand up again, cutting her eyes at Daddy.

Daddy: "Kelsey, sit down or you are going to time out"

Kelsey: Pouty face but not sitting down.

Daddy: Gets up from table with a stern look and comes towards her.

Kelsey: Quickly sits down but decides to do it HER way. She turns sideways, plops her bottom down for daddy - but props her feet up on the highchair for herself and eats the rest of her dinner. ('fine, have it your way daddy, but I'll have it mine too)

We just rolled our eyes, and laughed.

An icing eater -- Carter is a cake eater .... does this surprise you?

2. Kelsey is a woman with a detailed plan. Anyone who has babysat for Kelsey knows that if she sits down to do a puzzle or play with a game, she will probably look at you and then tap the spot next to her for you to come sit with her. She won't give it up until you come sit with her either. She has an exact seating chart for the whole family at times. She loves helping me cook or clean and takes that plan very seriously.

She knows how things are done and she wants it done right. By the time she was 15 months, she could climb into the drivers seat in the car (while parked in the garage) and find the correct car key and insert it in the ignition. If she is playing with a doll, I have to get a bowl of goldfish for her AND baby. And of course if she is playing playdoh, I must also get out some for the doll (do I have a 3rd child?) She definately knows what she wants -- this might translate into "bossy" one day, but right now it's mostly cute : )

Here she dressed up in her new princess dress, and of course that meant that Carter needed to dress up too!

She is growing up for sure!
Birth

One Year Old

Kelsey at TWO years old! Happy Birthday!

Happy 4th Birthday Carter!

2010-01-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, Carter turned 4 years old. And I'll tell you what - we are certainly not the same without those 4 years of having him in our lives. This kid knocks our socks off! I am so proud of the little person he is becoming - seeing the qualities God rooted deep in his being, begin to really grow!

In honor of the #4 birthday, I have chosen 4 qualities in Carter that we adore:

1- First and foremost, he has the most compassionate heart I've ever seen in such a young boy. Here is a quick story to display that: Last weekend, Carter and Kelsey decided to have a little popcorn picnic under the kitchen table after church on a rainy day. Phill and I were busying around the house. Carter comes up to me and says, "you know what, Kelsey was trying to eat one of these Mommy!" (as he holds up a popcorn kernel). "Oh no," I say, "yeah, don't let her eat those Carter" (knowing that she does usually spit them out if she ever gets one in her mouth). Phill walks in the kitchen and hears a "clink, clink, clink". Fast approaching the sound, Phill becomes aware of his two little picnic buddies putting popcorn kernels down the floor vent. Afterwards, with a quivering lip, Carter starts to explain his motivation for the unacceptable, you-know-better, behavior. "Daddy," he says, "you know the whole reason I was doing that with Kelsey?. . . . I was just trying to keep her from eating those kernels"

(picture of Carter with Mary Laine - he loves holding 'babies')

2. His humor. This is a quality that is quickly developing over the past year. I started to realize that so many of the preschool class mom's were consistently saying that their child loved Carter because he was "so funny"! He has his father's love of slapstick comedy I do believe and at a preschool level, he has been known to put on a little comedy show for us in the evenings. Laughter does soothe the soul.

3. His competitive nature. Again a quality from his dad and one I've already written about. I hope this is channeled more in sports than anything else. But I must say the boy weaves a good competition into all aspects of his life. Even the smallest of tasks. For example, Pops will ask Carter if he needs to go potty (usually from obvious physical "gotta go pee" signs he is displaying). Carter will say, "No, I don't have to." To make the truth come out, all Pops will say is, "I bet you can't go tinkle by the time I count to 15 ... one.. two.. " Promptly we hear the sound of pattering feet towards the bathroom and the potty lid banging open. : )

4. He's a rule follower. We cherish this quality of course as parents - especially since Kelsey was born and we realized not all children are born rule followers : ) He's been this way all his life -- at 18 months we told him to not ever get out of his big boy bed without mommy or daddy coming to get him. Rule explained, rule followed. In his little basketball league this year, coaches told him to stay in his "zone" for defense and hold his hands up. This was the one rule Phill had to try to break all season - so that he'd actually get out of his "zone" and run to get a loose ball. And everytime I put the kids in the car to just go down the street and tell carter he doesn't have to buckle his carseat all the way since we are just going a few houses down, he always says, "oh but mommy, I sure hope there is not a policeman on the street." Thank you Carter for your honest and simple obedience (in most things, he IS still a kid!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER MAN!

Birth

One Year Old

Two Years Old

Three Years Old

Four Years Old!!

Christmas Photo Shoot

2009-12-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

We believe ...

2009-12-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was one to remember. Not just because mommy and daddy were giddy shopping down the toy aisles multiple times, but because we had a little boy who believed with all of his being in the spirit of Christmas. The "spirit" of christmas, to me, was Carter this year. He came down the stairs every single day in December with a sense of anticipation - searching for "Elfie" and putting up another ornament on the advent tree. Carter was just as amazed in the story of Santa Claus riding thru the sky with his reindeers as he was in awe of the wise men following a star to find baby Jesus in a manger. In fact, on Christmas morning Carter busted in our bedroom saying, "Mommy, Daddy, Santa came.. He really did!" .... then in almost the same breath he said, "oh, I almost forgot to tell Baby Jesus Happy Birthday today" I know that Santa Claus can sometimes taint the "true meaning" of Christmas .. but to see a little boy completely wrapped up in ALL of it - the sweet gift of Jesus and the FUN tradition of Santa Claus - was what brought our family the Spirit of Christmas this year.

Kelsey of course loved all of her GIRLY toys that Santa brought. Daddy insisted on waking her up to open gifts on Christmas morning. She is a little under the weather as you can tell - but enjoyed every bit of it all the same.

We had our annual Christmas Day brunch with Mimi, Pops and Uncle Jon. Carter asked ONLY for a Hungry Hungry Hippo from Santa. And despite GI Joe's, swords and a Leapster -- he'll tell you that Hungry Hungry Hippo was his favorite : )

Sillys

2009-11-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

Starting to debate the Vitamin C and Cold remedy - considering the incredible amounts of orange slices Kelsey has consumed this month and she's had a cold for over 2 weeks. She's happy nonetheless!

Before you report me - let me explain. We do not normally make Carter eat his dinner alone and NAKED at the table (and Kelsey spectate from her STANCE in a chair). However, on this particular night Carter had spilled his water all over himself. He's a slow eater anyways - so by the time we gave him a new plate, took off his wet clothes, etc - everyone else was finished. Carter insisted on finishing his meal at this point and bathtime was soon to follow - so naked he sat at the dinner table. We promise we won't let him do this when we have dinner guests! : )

This isn't a great video of how the "knock knock" rendition usually goes down in our household. Basically Carter is cracking himself up with his own made-up knock knock jokes lately (things like "knock knock - who's there? - chair - chair who?- chair potty car" Phill and I do the appropriate fake "ha ha" to give him a thrill. But we also noticed Kelsey was playing her part quite well too. Turns out, he totally cracks her up everytime!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

A Moment to Document . . .

2009-10-17T06:11:00.001-07:00

I really wanted to take the time to document some things about Carter, quickly approaching 4 yrs old, and Kelsey, quickly coming upon age 2. The blog is just the best way for me to do it. So as it stands now . . .

Favorite Foods:
Carter - Eggs or Pizza
Kelsey - Eggs or Fries

Favorite Songs:
Carter - Berenstein Bears theme song (this is a family ritual. At approximately 7:30pm every night you can find the entire Galbreath family on the couch - milk in hand, pjs on - singing the theme song to Berenstein Bears. Daddy and Carter don't miss a word. Kelsey and Mommy are close behind : )
Kelsey - anything you are singing to her at the time. She truly loves music like Carter does and she'll keep tune with the best of 'em.

Favorite Treat:
C and K - Lollipops!

Least Favorite Things (aka "what really bothers them right now"):Carter - When things are out of place (thank you Phillip for passing on this trait) - like when his sippy cup (though empty) falls over or heaven forbid when his cheese stick is in the same "compartment" as his grapes on his plate. He dislikes spills very much too. If something gets wet on him, we must change it immediately.
Kelsey - When Carter touches her. She is very much a proponet of her own personal space lately. If Carter repeatedly picks at her, it is not uncommon to see her scowl, roar with anger, then lower her head and flat out charge Carter in a tackle/stomach bite. Ouch! Carter then will proceed to back off. This girl will no doubt hold her own.

Our "Works in Progress":
Carter - learning how to lose. IF you know Carter at all, competition is a huge part of his being (we race to finish our dinner, buckle ourselves in the car, get dressed, etc --- another trait that can be found elsewhere in our family, hmmm) This is something that really works to my advantage as a mom trying to get a 3 yr old to accomplish daily tasks. HOWEVER, coming in second place is not alway received well. So we are working on this.
Kelsey - oh the whining... this is especially prevalent when Phill comes home at night. NOT because she doesn't like Phill but Kelsey gets extra clingy to her mommy. We have made a plan to ignore this behavior and in the meantime, even Carter is going crazy with the "mooooommmmmyyyy" whines.

Favorite Article of Clothes:
C - his PJS. For some reason, Carter is really into what PJ's he wears at night. He likes to pick them out and gets excited when he puts a 'really cool' outfit together. Like the other night, his 'bear pants' with his old soccer jersey (#6). He woke up the next morning and came downstairs saying, "mommy.. guess what? #6 just woke up at #7!"
K - SHOES SHOES SHOES! Since 18 months old, the girls knows exactly what pair of shoes she wants to wear each day and if that particular pair does not go on her feet by her mommy, she makes sure I know it. She even loves wearing her shoes after we put her pjs on at night. I wish she felt the same way about bows in her hair!

Favorite Game to Play with Mommy or Daddy:
Carter - the good ol BOY games. He loves playing "special agent Oso" or Batman. Saving people and killing people. Amazing how God enstills that burden to protect in boys, huh? I love it.
Kelsey - she loves to go push the refridgerator toy that plays music, then grabs both my hands, and does the best all out little toddler jig she can muster up -- stomping her feet fast and laughing the whole time. and doing it again.. and again.

Most Proud of:
Carter - loves to do anything that we tell him will MAKE US PROUD. He will clean his plate no matter how full he is or how long it takes, just because he revels in the moment of hiding his clean plate behind his back and whipping it out to surprise us that it's clean (by this point he usually has to come find us in the house b/c we've been done eating for several minutes)
Kelsey - she's pretty self-sufficient in tasks like getting in the car and into her carseat by herself (she'll even attempt to buckle herself in). she also stands on a stool and brushes her teeth by herself - this occurs about 5 times a day.

OK, the novel is done for now. But whether anyone reads this or not - its ok by me b/c atleast I have these fun traits documented of my children. Traits that I know will change in a few months!

September 2009

2009-09-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

So sorry that it has come to providing only monthly posts that really don't do our busy world justice. My guilt lies more in not documenting the precious moments of Carter and Kelsey than it does to my readers (sorry) -- but my goal will be to get back on track this fall!!

As you can see, my kids are really growing up. I feel like Kelsey officially went from baby to toddler this month ... and Carter from toddler to boy!

We had a fun visit with Webb recently. Molly (Webb's mom) became one of the closest friends I'll probably ever have in college. I admire the heck out of her and I pray Carter keeps loving on little Webb his whole life. Webb has full rights to fall in love with Kelsey too : )

Wish we would have gotten the picture of Carter after Webb suddenly spit up his lunch on him. He stayed pretty calm, but was very willing to let Webb go back to his mama!

(Shh.. please don't tell Kelsey she has a bow in her hair. RARE occasion before she pulls it right out. I'm failing at the mother of a girly girl so far! Of course our bow training had been a little delayed since Kelsey's mullet is just now bidding its goodbye.)

More than a few "boo boos"! Carter came literally face to face with the concrete a week ago. His hardcore determination to win a race and show his daddy who can run the fastest is not well combined with CROCS!!! (Note: Mother clearly advised Father to remove crocs and exchange for tennis shoes. Advisory ignored by Father. Result, see below)

Among other excitement this month, I turned the Big 30! My actual birthday night was spent with these two loves of my life!! Nothing better. Of course Phill did not drop the ball - I just returned from a weekend SPA getaway at Reynolds Plantation!

Our Labor Day was spent with our good friends and neighbors at the Atlanta Zoo. It was a great day to be there.

P90X !! Phill (and sometimes me) have recently started doing P90X. I'm so proud of Phill for doing it - it's not easy that is for sure. Carter and Kelsey love joining in with us on Saturday mornings!

Louisville '09

2009-09-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Our annual trip to Louisville, KY for the World Championship Horseshow was every bit as dreamy as Carter thought it would be. Phill and Carter (and Pop-Pop of course) are in absolute heaven in this place. A full day of horses in a ring of green shavings - Carter could not get enough.

Carter's "favorite horse forever and ever" is Sir William Robert. And if you know Carter at all, you have heard this name before. (He names most of his stuffed horses after him). Carter jumped out of bed every morning and got dressed before anyone - combed hair - brushed his teeth and after diligently putting a peppermint in his pocket for Robert, he announced he was ready for the horseshow. He watched for hours on end -- surpassing even my own attention span. No doubt, its "in his blood".

One night as I put Carter to bed in the hotel room, he said, "Mommy I really think that when I wake up I'm gonna be sixteen and I'll be able to ride a horse in the show ring!"

Sir William getting his daily peppermint from Carter.

Kelsey (a whole different story as far as desire to watch the horses), Griffin (a much loved horseshow buddy) and Carter

Maybe the only one to get Carter to smile this big other than a horse ... Miss Kentucky!

Back from the horseshow, and starting school again! Busy boy.

August Travels ... Pigeon Forge, TN

2009-09-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the First Annual Galbreath Family Reunion in Pigeon Forge at the beginning of August. We truly enjoyed meeting many many cousins that we'd never met before. Most of the Galbreath clan live up north. I didn't want to post pics of others kids without permission so here are some pics of my kids while in TN.

Carter is probably the best brother I've seen as far as sharing his snacks with Kelsey.

Quality reading time with Daddy in the hotel room.

Kelsey wasn't as thrilled about Spiderman as Carter was - must be a "boy" thing.

Happy 70th Birthday Gramie!!

Galbreaths in July

2009-07-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

We loved every minute of our vacation in Wild Dunes (Isle of Palms, SC). There is nothing like an sunset evening on the beach with your kids!

Carter joined in the game of Ladders with his daddy and cousins. He never lost attention through three games of Ladders and a couple games of Wiffle Ball until dark on the 4th of July.

Don't be too fooled by Kelsey's previous pictures on the beach. Even until the last day, she would much rather be far away from the sand. Occassionally, we'd get her down on the sand to play.

But truth be told, she'd much rather be playing in the condo - perhaps in mommy's bathroom. (Disclaimer: I couldn't decide if this was appropriate or not but we are all adults and let's face it, it's hilarious that a one year old would rather sort tampons than build a sand castle).

Meanwhile, Carter enjoyed the beach and ocean to the fullest. He was enthralled with the sand shark that he and daddy caught one day!!

One night we somehow got lucky enough to have every cousin in our condo for a movie and absolute inhalation of 3 bags of popcorn.

Carter, Luke and Adam got to visit Patriots Pointe and tour the USS Yorktwon. What a neat patriotic experience for the boys!

Kelsey loving on her favorite boys!! (We are waiting on Adam to turn 12 so he can babysit.. only about 6 more years to go)

The kids and I went to Hilton Head for some great Gramie and Pop-pop time before heading to Charleston. As always, we soaked up their love and quality time!

Staying 'Cool'

2009-06-22T11:39:00.001-07:00

"Hey mommy, is this cool or what?!" (a very common Carter phrase these days)

Sharing popsicles on the deck. Almost everything Carter does or wants lately, guess who wants it too? So Kelsey benefited from Carter's "poopy-in-the-big-potty treat" and got a green popsicle like her brother. Yes they are still in their Pj's because it was probably only 9 am -- it's summertime right?

We made the trek to Cumming to see Ashly and Denny a couple weeks ago. Their neighborhood amenities are gorgeous. We had so much fun catching up with some pizza, pool and playground time!

Laughter

2009-06-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite things is to watch my two children make each other laugh. There is a special little giggle inside each of them that only a big brother or little sister can unleash.

Rodeo 2009

2009-06-22T11:21:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun little date night with Carter last Friday night. My brother and his family invited us along on their annual trip to the Cobb County Rodeo (knowing the horse lover Carter is and how much he loves doing absolutely anything with his cousins). We stayed until the very end (almost 11pm) because Carter had to see the last event -- the actual bull riding!

Photo Scrapbook of our Month . . . .

2009-06-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

Tennis Camp for Carter this week!

Annual Redneck sprinkler bath

The dress doesn't mean much on Kelsey - she's still going to ride her tractor and play in the mud with the best of them

Happy Birthday Grandmama!

2009-06-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

We celebrated a birthday for a very special lady last week. A small breakfast and a handful of cousins made for a very sweet morning at our house.

Kelsey is obessed with babies. I call it "obsessed" but I guess I really believe it is the innate desire to mother/nurture that God instills in girls, at even 1 yr old. I love it.

Above is Kelsey and Mia, the newest 2nd cousin for Carter and Kelsey.

Below is Mia's older brother Sam - a total cutie and best bud of Carter.

To the Delta and B'ham ... Sans Kiddos!

2009-06-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

Phill and I took a long weekend trip to see our best friends, Gary and Kathryn, in Mississippi. I was most happy to just love on their new little girl, Mary Laine, without having any of my own kids needing my attention. Kathryn was SO good to me when mine were babies so it was nice to pay back the favor, in a very small way. We enjoyed not having to worry about anyone but ourselves on the trip - we got so carried away at the freedom that we probably added on about 2 hrs of travel time down there , stopping anywhere we wanted and staying as long as we wanted -- simply because we could!

Our belated anniversary gift to each other was staying a night at Ross Bridge in Birmingham on the way home. A Delightful place I must say!!! I enjoyed a few hours at their spa before a nice dinner : )

After 5 days away from my babies though - it was due time to return. But THANK YOU to Gramie and Pop-Pop for spoiling, I mean "taking care" of, our kids while we were away!

He Lives!

2009-04-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Friends.

Joy: a source or cause of delight

2009-04-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

When asked in our couples' bible study last week "what brings you Joy on a daily basis?", Phil and I immediately responded with, "our children!" This could not be more true for us lately. We've just had so much FUN with Kelsey and Carter. Because of them, our hearts are full and rich with happiness! Here are some pics and a video of what brings that Joy.

I suggested that Daddy and Carter build a fort while Kelsey and I took a walk yesterday. We came back just 30 minutes later and found this massive "Pirate Ship" in my bedroom. (I wish I had taken a picture of the handiwork that went on underneath those sheets - while taking this down I discovered 2 crutches and a swiffer tied together by rubberbands. Never underestimate a father building a fort for his son!)

Kelsey has a new favorite fruit - strawberries!

We had a little petting zoo at our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.

ENJOY this video as much as Phill and I did. I asked Carter to sing his favorite song from choir. And this is what we got:

In case you didn't know, Father Abraham now has many "skunks"!!

Every Penny Counts!

2009-03-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

This is what its like to be a 3 yr old and have a banker for a daddy in an economic recession:

Seriously, Carter did LOVE breaking open his full piggy bank to count his money last weekend. He and Daddy are going to the "real" bank to open in his own account this week!

He's too much like his daddy. He will never leave a project once its started, even if he's dead tired. (Thanks Pops and Pop-Pop for all your generous donations to the piggy bank over the last few years!)

Carter's First KICKS

2009-03-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Carter's soccer season started last Saturday. He had a blast of course - as with any sport he plays!

Carter's 3 yr Old Mind This Month . . .

2009-03-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take the time to share some really funny conversations I've had with Carter lately. Yes, I think they are hilarious and I want you to get a good chuckle too while reading them. But mostly, this is my way of documenting these things that I fail to write down. My virtual baby book I suppose.

Where do you live?

Last night at the dinner table I thought I'd quiz Carter and teach him our street address. A good thing to know in case he's lost - plus the kid can memorize all the verses to a song after hearing just twice so why not have him memorize our address. Anyways, I spend atleast 20 minutes back and forth with him, repeating our house number and street. He's repeating it beautifully. I tell him this is what you say when someone needs to know where your house is. I decide to quiz him after this very long repetition back and forth to check my teaching success,

"So Carter," I say, "Where do you live?"

"China." Carter answers. Without hesitation, just like that.

... We'll keep working on that one.

Claus

Time to cut Carter's fingernails and toenails. He wasn't particulary crazy about this plan. So I gave him a little treat to munch on and tried to distract him quickly with getting into a story.

"Wow, Carter," I say while trying to snip away, "We sure do need to cut these nails. They are like CLAWS!"

Carter looks a tad puzzled but its getting his attention so the plan is succeeding.

"Carter, who else has claws?" I ask, thinking he'd tell me a ferocious animal that I could then tell a story about.

Carter answers, "Santa . . . right?!"

Um, sorta : )

I absolutely love his working little vocabulary mind these days. He's using the word "seriously" quite a bit lately. Telling Phill the other night that he could go . . . "seriously Daddy, you can go."

I feel like I am with an adult for brief moments throughout the day sometimes. Like today, Carter walks outside in the sunshine to play cars with me on the deck and says, "Oh Mom, it's just a lovely day today isn't it?" This was of course followed by a screaming fit just 2 short minutes later because his matchbox car went through the crack off the deck. (Like I said, the adult moments are brief . . . but still lovely) And I can always learn alot from him too I think - especially his genuine childlike faith.

For instance, Kelsey started crawling towards the stairs (going down) at my parents house today. I rush over and scoop her up saying, "no no Kelsey, those are scarey stairs!"

Carter quickly adds, "Yes, but Mommy, God will always take care of her."

True Carter, very true! (And I think God gave us baby gates to help take care of her!)

Capturing Kelsey in March . . . .

2009-03-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

The picture above and below are a great depiction of the horrendous nasal fluid that Kelsey has experienced this month. She wakes up with a lovely hairstyle, compliments of a 'natural' hair gel she seems to be producing in large amounts during the night.

This outfit came with a matching cap - I had to take her picture because I don't believe I'll ever actually put her in this ridiculous hat for public viewing. (That would be cruel).

Giddy-up!

Our Favorite Family Came to Visit

2009-02-26T10:30:00.001-08:00

Gary and Kathryn brought their new bundle of joy to visit us for a couple days. Mary Laine was born 7 weeks ago. They live in Mississippi and we miss them terribly!!! Gary and Kathryn are our best friends and the godparents of Carter and Kelsey. I think Carter thought Gary came just for him - he woke him up each morning and stayed glued to his side (even crying when he wasn't allowed to take a shower with Gary!) In less than 48 hours, I was able to confirm my belief of Kathryn as a mom - she's amazing!! Mary Laine already shows it at just 7 weeks.

"Mary Laine, We will be the best of friends!"

"Ahh - girls are so high maintenance!"

Happy Birthday Carter!

2009-02-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

(Sorry Dad for cutting your head off in the picture, we really do love you too!)

Build-A-Bear Party with my best friends!

(Carter claimed he needed a magazine to go poopy)

Carter turned THREE at the end of last month. He hosted a rockin' Build-A-Bear party with 6 of his best buds. On his actual birthday he once again chose Bugaboo as his choice of dining, followed by a funfetti cake mommy made.

He continues to be such a blessing to parent. He loves chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, choir, his pop-pop and pops, bringing daddy his breakfast or helping fill his ice machine, Felix the Cat stories, snuggling on the couch to watch Calliou, and going tinkle in the big boy potty!

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

2009-02-10T10:54:00.001-08:00

WHAT are we going to do with this hair??

My first baby doll.

Kelsey turned ONE this weekend! Her 'sweetheart' party was so much fun and she enjoyed herself while still remaining a little lady.

Her 1 year check-up went great too. She is growing but holding true to her 10th percentile in weight, coming in at a whopping 18.5 lbs. I guess she'll have to eat some extra cheerios so she can turn around in her carseat! Speaking of eating - she's now fully weaned and on bottles of whole milk now. Sad for mommy, yet very liberating!

Laughing with my Aunt Sandy and Luke - whom I adore!

"Have you tried this stuff Mom? It's not bad!"

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

25 Random Things About Me

2009-02-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

1. I'm a morning person and I completely fade most nights by 10pm.

2. You'd be shocked at how little I know about politics, especially this recent election.

3. I have always wanted to be in a mascot costume or other fully covered costume so I can act completely ridiculous without it embarassing me or looking completely out of my character.

4. In this season of my life, I covet sleep.

5. I have a deep desire to work in a hospital, specifically be a mother/baby nurse. SO, I think I am going to actually pursue that in the next few years.

6. I tell Carter a "Felix the Cat" story every night and I love watching him laugh so hard he can't get his breath.

7. I once pulled out a panty liner instead of my library card at the library and actually handed it to the lady without noticing since I was looking away at my child.

8. I was runner-up for Homecoming Queen and runner-up for Mrs. McEachern High School.

9. In 8th grade, I was on the ESPN show called R.O.C. (Radical Outdoor Challenge) and completely embarassed myself.

10. I hate ironing and I'm no good at it.

11. I hate the planning that goes into hosting guests - once they're here, I have a blast.

12. I consider myself a very patient person. Yet I am very IMpatient when it comes to things like drinking a good cup of coffee or wine.

13. I absolutely hate eating with big spoons or forks. Who wants your cereal gone in 4 bites when you could enjoy it for 10?

14. When I have a cold, I usually fight the addiction to Afrin nose spray because I can't stand to be stuffed up during the night.

15. I was born with a crooked nose - my twin brother was supposedly punching me in utero.

16. I've been hypothyroid since I was 8 years old - which is pretty rare.

17. "Come Thou Fount" is my favorite hymn, and was sung at my wedding.

18. I'm the happiest after a good run or workout.

19. I could watch my kids all day long - (oh wait, I do!)

20. My first words as a baby were "back back" - because I am a twin and my mother was always having to bring one of us at a time and say, "I'll be right back."

21. I backed into a stone lion statue when I was pregnant with Carter, and I completely lied to everyone about the the car damage (including my husband, who spent an hour one night surveying the parking lot of our apartment complex trying to find "the person" who could have hit my car without telling us. I'm horrible!)

22. I take extremely fast showers - I do get clean, I just don't waste time.

23. I haven't missed a single night from nursing Kelsey in almost 12 months!

24. I'm addicted to Diet Coke.

25. It has taken me 5 different sittings to finish this list.

No Limits

2009-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

Our little Kelsey has brought new meaning to "into everything" for me. Carter was never the adventurous climber that Kelsey is proving to be. In fact, I realized just how slack I could actually be with baby proofing when Carter was this age. She's an angel .. but she also knows what she wants and doesn't put limits on herself. (Maybe that trait will take her far in life. That is what I'm telling myself now anyways, as I run across the room every five minutes to get her down from the fireplace or pantry shelves!) Carter is loving his new partner in crime to actually "play" with now!

Congratulations Pop-Pop!

2009-01-16T03:37:00.000-08:00

We are very proud of Carter and Kelsey's grandfather for recently being elected into the Saddlebred Breeder's Hall of Fame! A much deserved honor. When we told Carter, he quickly asked us if he could be in the Hall of Fame someday. (Of course you can Carter!)

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-29T12:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

"Yay, Santa brought me my first bicycle!"

"Um, excuse me Uncle Jon. I believe that bike is too small for you!"

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Kelsey's Signature Moves . . .

2008-12-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

I think we have another dancer on our hands. How my kids inherited their musical genes, I'm not sure. Regardless, it's so fun to watch her begin to move to the beat.

Tis the Season . . .

2008-12-08T13:18:00.000-08:00

Though Carter looks quite frightened, he did tell Santa he wanted a new bike and gave him a big hug and a cheery "Merry Christmas" before we left.

I took a little video of our Santa experience this year - mainly because I was so thrilled to NOT have a child screaming in his lap and I thought it was so funny to watch Kelsey nonchalantly playing with Santa's beard the whole time.

Two Weeks Post Surgery - we're still alive!

2008-12-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

In case you've been wondering where we've been or what happened to us . . .

This happened two weeks ago. Phill's dreaded knee surgery.

He had an "ACI and DFO".. or outside the doctors' terminology... they took his knee cap off to regraft cartlilage in two places (cartilage they took from his last surgery and grew in Boston for 6 weeks) and then they cut his femur bone in half in order to realign his leg. He was sent home after 5 hours in surgery and a whopping 45 minutes in recovery. We have 5 rehab machines in our bedroom and we're almost done with a second bottle of pain pills. My new bed is the couch and if I am up at 4am - it is usually to massage a foot, refill an ice machine, or nurse my 10 month old. Life is crazy but the blessing is that Phill IS improving every day and the surgery was successful so far - meaning within a year, our daddy will be back on the basketball courts running! Any prayers in the meantime are always welcome.

Carter is going to have a tough time not wrestling with his daddy every night. But this kind of Daddy-time will have to suffice for now.

Taking It Seriously

2008-11-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's Sporties for Shorties time again. This season - BASKETBALL. Which if any of you know Carter, this is his favorite sport. We can attribute this to his absolute passion for the movie "Air Bud" and his father's love of the game.

The practice/game/mass chaos is only 30 minutes long but let me tell you, this kid puts in %110 effort into every second. The rest of the team use portable fisher price goals. Not Carter, he goes for the real deal goal (lowered to 6 feet of course).

The poor guy is drenched in sweat afterwards. If anyone on his team earned that Capri Sun, its our boy!!

Again I am twisting your neck around to watch this. So sorry - I'll do better next time. This is a short clip of one of the MANY (Phill quotes 35) goals he made on Saturday. I think seeing Carter do so well as a 2 yr old at basketball ranks in Phill's top 3 proudest moments EVER! Phill makes Carter feel like an allstar every basket he gets - yells, high fives, and a pick up to twirl around the gym are in order each and every time! (In fact, I had to give him the "you might want to tone it down for the other parents" talk afterwards). He said he didn't care what anyone thought, he wanted Carter to feel as proud as he did because Carter deserves that. And he's probably right.

The Galbreath Look

2008-11-12T04:15:00.000-08:00

I have been told by my mother-in-law numerous times since Carter was born that he has the "Galbreath Look" when something doesn't sit well with him. But it wasn't until this picture (three generations of the "galbreath look") that I realized just how well Carter has perfected this trait.

Kelsey's Dedication

2008-11-10T11:51:00.001-08:00

I tried to get a good picture of the two of them. Turned out quite comical.

Carter: "Smile Kelsey!!"

Mommy: "Hug your sister" (Carter: you mean headlock her?)

Kelsey: "Yay for Mommy!"

Shoes and Clapping

2008-11-07T09:27:00.000-08:00

Kelsey is 9 months old today! She sported her first kicks yesterday! She's growing so fast. Still not attempting to crawl but LOVES to stand so I thought some great first shoes were in order!

And Kelsey did what any girl does when she gets a new pair of shoes - she claps for joy!! Kelsey began clapping for the first time yesterday and she can't stop. Out of nowhere she begins clapping and making a "yaaaay" sound. And of course Carter calls me into the room every single time to tell me she is clapping. He's sincerely proud of his little sis.

HALLOWEEN

2008-11-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

"Are you kidding me Mom? I have to be a caterpillar and brother gets to be a basketball player?"

"Okay I can have fun in this!"

Please note the size of this cupcake that Carter BEGGED for - only to eat about half a bite thankfully.

Our poor Kelsey was really sick on Halloween night. She ended up runinng a high fever and turns out she had the Roseola Virus. She was such a good sport.

Carter fully enjoyed Halloween this year with all the candy! Lollipops are by far his favorite as you can see.

Fall Fun

2008-11-04T06:23:00.000-08:00

We had a "Carter Day" last week. He got full attention (well the most I could do and still tend to Kelsey's basic needs) We threw leaves in the air and played much longer than usual outside.

He also got a special trip to the mall. He loves to go to the Pet Store there, see Mickey Mouse at the Disney Store, and get a cookie for the ride home.

October Fun

2008-10-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

Camping with a Toddler 101

2008-10-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Well the "real" camping trip happened. Phill ventured with Carter to the North Carolina mountains with 2 of his best buddies (John and Jason) and John's son, Jack. The plan, which was very well organized, was to stay 2 nights with the boys in the woods. But the rain happened instead. Jack and Carter look more than thrilled to be thrown under this tarp while the men set up the tent.
Still the boys made the most of it and stayed one night. I got a call at 9:30am the next day saying they were moving to a nearby cabin. Phill can answer this his own way - but if you ask me, I think the rain was a good excuse to escape to civilization with 2 toddlers. The long chats by the fire, hiking and fly fishing are quickly dismissed when there are little ones to entertain and watch over.
Kudos to Daddy though, for taking the time to have a weekend getaway with Carter and making it so much fun for him (AND for keeping him safe and warm). Carter still got to roast marshmallows and catch fish at the cabin.

Word Play

2008-10-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

It is a somewhat hectic moment in the Galbeath household. It's lunchtime. Kelsey is hungry and tired - and letting us know it. The TV is on and I am trying to get carter to sit down for lunch so I can feed Kelsey. It's so chaotic that Carter asks for the TV to be turned off. And our little word play begins . . .
"Great idea Carter," I say turning off the TV. "Sometimes it's just nice to have some PEACE and quiet!"
"What'd you say Mommy?" says Carter (this is his 'go to' response when he is confused)
"I said it's nice to have some peace, huh?" I say.
Carter looks down at his plate of food very intently, "Mommy, there's no peas here today."
"Not peas, Carter. PEACE. You have peace when everyone is happy and quiet and calm."
Carter still looks rather perplexed at this explanation but decides to hold up his cheese and says, "Oh, then what does this PIECE of cheese have, Mommy?"
I decide to give up. Smiling, I respond, "That piece of cheese has to be eaten. Now eat up your lunch bud!"

I love interacting with a toddler as they learn new words - or not in this case. We'll try again for "peace" another day.

Kelsey's Giggles

2008-09-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Five ways a mommy knows she has a toddler and a baby in the house . . .

2008-09-23T11:48:00.000-07:00

#1 Your nursing pads become frisbees and you don't even blink because your toddler is safely entertained so you can spoon feed the baby in peace.
#2 You are so deseperate to go on a walk that if the biggest obstacle you have from one of your children is that they refuse to take a bag off of their head (pretending to be a "big scarey monster" of course), then you just let it go and proceed on your stroll, ignoring the odd looks from neighbors who probably think you are quite ashamed of your child.
#3 Pictures of your baby dressed for winter are taken on a sunny day because who knows if you'll remember to snap a photo when it really is cold outside.

#4 Your toddler gives you this "you are just going to sit there, Mom?" look when you bring him to a great big playground and try to sit down to relax on a bench. I guess it wasn't a "watch me play" day, huh?
#5 Your baby's favorite toy is her spoon simply because it is the only object not taken out of her hands by her older brother.

More Pictures to Share:

Kelsey is still "anti bottle" yet she is pretty sure about the sippy cup of milk that her brother is drinking.

Happy Kelsey!

Peeling an orange with Aunt Kathryn and Mommy on the deck.

Happy Birthday to Mommy - dinner plans made by Daddy with her two best friends, Molly and Kathryn. A FUN girls night!
Playing with Cousin Sam. We are loving getting to spend more time with Sam these days since his mommy is at home with him now and we go to the same preschool!

The Little Things We Love These Days

2008-09-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Since kids' favorite things are always changing, I thought I'd post some current things that make Carter and Kelsey happy these days:

Carter Loves:
1. Air Bud (we watch this old movie atleast once a day and now he has to role play this movie in real life, whereas he gets to be the kid, Josh, and I have to be the dog, Buddy. Phill was very entertained last night as he watched Carter talk to me like a dog and me try to hit the basketball with my head into the fisher price goal . . . like "Buddy" of course)
2. Sweet Tea (only if he's eaten well), Cashews before nap and "squeeze beans" at every meal (aka Edamame)
3. To sit on the front steps and peel an orange with me.
4. To jump on the bed with Daddy when he gets home from work.
5. To sing his heart out - currently the song of choice is either Home on the Range or God Our Father.

Kelsey Loves:
1. Carter! anything and everything he does.
2. Table food - eating mystery solved - Kelsey does not like baby food but loves 'real' food. I can sneak in bites of oatmeal while she is sucking on a Wheat Thin. Otherwise she is digging her some cheese, bread, peas, and cheerios.
3. Bath time! She is such a quiet baby until she gets in the water - then its squeal time : )
4. Praise Baby. Or as Phill commonly refers to it, "baby crack" ... both of our children have loved these dvds as a nightly addiction. (Kelsey specifically loves the African American children on the video : ) )
5. To play with her few wisps of hair on the back of her head when she is putting herself to sleep.

That's all for now. I will post some pictures soon.

Successful New Adventures

2008-09-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Kelsey has mastered sitting up in the past week. It's her favorite way to be . . . unless Carter whizzes by and knocks her over (on purpose or accident). Nonetheless, she goes with the flow and will actually let Carter do just about anything to her.
She had her check up at the doctor this week. We are happy to report a climb to the 15th percentile for weight and 25th for height. We are still having major problems with her refusing baby food - any suggestions out there?
We took an evening family hike up Kennesaw Mountain this week. It was absolutely perfect! Both kids were almost silent the entire time taking it all in - and the best part was that Phill and I actually got to have an hour long conversation as adults with the kids awake!

** Carter Preschool Update: He officially LOVES school. He can hardly wait for the 2 days he goes (I'm thinking I should have enrolled him in 3 days). Every morning he's gone, he practically runs down the hall to his classroom and stops atleast once to glance up at me and say "Mommy, I am so excited!" Now, there IS a downfall to loving school as much as he does. And it comes at the end of the day when I go to pick him up. I walk in the church (kelsey on my hip) with excitement to see my son and imagining how his face will light up when he sees me and that "Mooommee!!" run to me to cling my leg (filling my "Yes I must be the best mom ever!" cup full). Well, my dreams are shattered because as I turn the corner to meet Carter at school today, he looks up at me with eyes that say "YOU'RE here already??!!" Then promptly, RUNS (with all his might like I am a big scarey monster) down the halls of the church (yes, in front of everyone) saying "noooo, I don't wanna go!!" Now, let me remind you I have Kelsey on my hip and I am desperately trying to compose myself in this somewhat embarrassing moment with my child. I mean, is his homelife really that bad?? What are these teachers thinking? Now I can't even control or "catch" my kid. I chase Carter for what seems like forever. All the while, I try to get close enough to him to quietly threat a spanking to him (I mean can I even spank him in a church though?) My attempts got as desperate as to bribe him wtih his apple juice waiting in the car. At this point, I just want to get out of here! (Side note: Kelsey thinks this is hystercial chasing her brother and she is giggling out loud as we do our run/walk) I finally corner him in a gym and we have a nice little talk and he decides to go home. We walk very fast out the door, mainly because I am afraid he'll change his mind again and we'll start the whole process over.

The car ride home consisted of Carter repeating to me that he would NOT be running from mommy again and that he was sorry. Thank God for carpool starting next week - in which the teacher will kindly place his hiney in my car for me when I drive up. Needless to say, Carter DOES love school!

Ready for Preschool!

2008-08-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Daddy was in charge of bathtime to make sure Carter was squeaky clean for his first day of Preschool on Friday. This is what I discovered . Daddy obvioulsy took this job to the FULLest! Carter was so excited when he woke up Friday morning. He was beside himself. I was a little worried that he might change his mind when I dropped him off but he proved me wrong. I opened the door to his classroom and he announced "I'm here!" and walked right in and sat at the table of play-doh. I can't believe how grown up our little guy is now. He loves his teachers, "Miss Beff" (miss beth) and "Mrs Flower" (Mrs. Lauer).

Highchairs and Rocketships

2008-08-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Kelsey finally joins the family dinner table!

Since Kelsey is still refusing the bottle, we are moving straight to the sippy cup. We haven't mastered it enough to count on a full feeding from it but we know she won't starve if I were to be away (which is YET to happen... ahh, 6 months is a long time to be attached, literally, to your baby)

This is Carter's "rocketship"! Upon his own creative mind, he decided to make a rocket ship and told me to get on it with him. I helped his creation a bit with some more pillows, I mean "seating".

T-Ball At Its Finest

2008-08-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

A few practice shots before the big "game" (which consists of 20 kids and 20+ parents taking turns on 3 different tees and letting them run bases)
As good as a team picture of 2 and 3 yr olds will ever get!
Enjoy our three shades of green.
BOTH grandparents got to see Carter play last week.

Teach Me

2008-08-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Carter called me into the living room with a fair sense of urgency. I promptly came, thinking I'd be helping him get his ball from underneath the couch or a basket of toys down from the cabinets. Instead, Carter sat down on the fireplace step and repeated, "Mommy, Mommy, come here."
I walked over in front of him, "Yes Carter."
He folded his hands in his lap and looked up at me with very serious and pleading eyes, "Mommy, " he said, "Will you teach me? Will you teach me so I can grow up?"
Mommy's heart melted, of course.

Thinking of that sweet little interchange between my son and I - God has reminded me of something. If I am a child of God, do I look up at my Father and simply ask, "will you teach me?" Hardly ever.
Obviously Carter knows he still has to "grow up," and as a two year old we know this is true. But for me, as a mother in my adult years, I consider myself already grown up (most days). But spiritually I know I have some 'growing up' to do. I'm not sure how I think I will mature myself spiritually if I don't let God teach me. And how does that really look in my life now - "letting God teach me"?
First, I think it means submission. Carter was ready to stop whatever he was doing and even put his hands in his lap so he could learn. As a mother of two, I will seldom be found putting my hands down. I am always "doing" - holding, creating, folding, cooking, fixing, etc. My hands, I believe, show God's labor of love to my children all day long. But if I want to be taught, I must stop my Martha hands and submit at His feet like Mary.
Next, I think we have to be teachable. With Carter starting preschool this month, I've prayed often that he would be "teachable" - that he would listen to his teachers and do what they say. So not only do I need to stop myself before God, I need to listen to him. How does He really see me as a student in His classroom? Am I teachable? Or am I running around so busy with my own thoughts and agenda everyday that He can't even speak?

Teach me your ways, so that I may know you. Exodus 33:13

I don't think we're ever grown up until we can say we know God. And I hope I always want to know him more.
Teach me Lord, so I can grow up.

Happy Birthday Gramie!

2008-08-07T04:37:00.000-07:00

Good to Be Home

2008-08-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

It's been so good to be at home the past couple weeks and not be traveling so much (for now). Carter had a blast with Gramie and Pop-Pop but we are very glad to have him with us again. Of course I'm sure he actually got real baths at gramie's house -- here, we've been caught more than once this week by our neighbors using the sprinklers as Carter's nightly shower. (The boy gets so darn sweaty playing outside at night - "To Carter's Future Wife, I apologize for this trait") Carter had his first T-Ball game this week. (Yes, they have TBall for 2 1/2 year olds.) He did great and played with all his heart! He even scored some new tennis shoes for all his new sporting days.
We were all so glad to have Mimi and Pops back home this week too!
In Carter's mind, if he is going to sit in Kelsey's bouncey seat and that is where Kelsey is supposed to sit - then he'll just hold her and sit in it too! Of course she does not mind. Kelsey has fallen totally in love with her big brother. He is the only one who can make her laugh . . . I mean really laugh hard . . . everytime he tries! If he could feed her, he'd be the only one she'd ever want.
Oh wait, he IS feeding her now! Kelsey is not quite sure about this yet, as you can see - "Are you sure about this mom?!"

I'll leave you with this little future worship director. If you know Carter at all, you know this boy LOVES to sing. And thanks to Gramie -he's got about 5 hymns he performs flawlessly : ) I was able to get him to sing a little for the camera and then Sesame Street won his attention. (I apologize for the crooked neck you'll have trying to watch this)

Be Strong

2008-08-02T03:57:00.000-07:00

"Be men of courage; Be strong." (1 Cor 16:13)

My devotional today really got me thinking. In today's world, we are seldom encouraged to "be strong." Instead, there always seems to be a way out, an easier way to do things or an excuse. This way of thinking carries over into our prayer lives. When our days get stressful or relationships get rough, we often pray that life will get simpler. "Just make it go away, God."

How tragic this must be to God. Here he stands on the throne of the Universe, with more power than we can possibly imagine, waiting to unleash that power and strength to us - and we pray against it. We choose not to witness for ourselves and display to others the "strength beyond measure" that God has for us.

The Proverbs 31 woman often seems so unattainable to me. This woman gets up before sunrise and she works her tail off. She serves her children, her husband and even those outside her home. She does business. She sews. She cooks. She speaks wisdom. She is never idle. She respects her husband and she loves her children. She is not stressed or worried, but "laughs at the days to come." The girl has energy! She "is clothed with strength" (Prov 31:25).

We know we are not born with that kind of strength. So I believe the biggest attribute of the Proverbs 31 woman is that she surely was not afraid to pray for strength. And apparently, God never held it back from her. God tells us that "your strength will equal your days" (Deut 33:25) The well of strength never runs dry for us as children of God. Why don't we drink from it? Why are we so afraid to ask to be strong instead of asking for a way out?

Lord, make me strong. When life seems to be out to get me, let me resist the temptation to pray for shelter - instead, clothe me with strength.

Wrong on So Many Levels

2008-07-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

Ok so I don't know which is worse in this picture . . . the fact that Carter has regressed to being a baby by insisting on having a bottle (a common regression in this house since Kelsey has been born) . . . OR the fact that he seems to have PROgressed to manhood with is hand down his pants, I mean diaper? Atleast he was watching Caillou and not Sports Center or something - geesh!

Kelsey

2008-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Kelsey and I had a whole week to ourselves. Carter visited Gramie and Pop-Pop in Hilton Head and ended his week at a Horse Show in Asheville, NC where Phill met him and brought him home. This picture was taken just before us girls headed out for church - our last little outing without the boys (or atleast one particular crazy 2 yr old boy).

This is my first attempt to do a video. So this is just a trial run of Kelsey playing today . . .

13 Random Facts About Me

2008-07-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

1. I read a magazine from back to front.
2. I hate salespeople bothering me while I shop.
3. I love having a bowl of cereal every night before bed - I usually combine 2 or 3 cereals.
4. Almost every time I come home after a hard run or workout, I am in the mood to clean.
5. I hate it when I step into something wet with my socks on.
6. If I have to pee really bad (usually on a road trip), I can't stand for anyone to touch me.
7. I am almost always self-conscious about what I'm wearing at a social gathering.
8. I hate watching a movie twice.
9. I used to collect banana stickers.
10. I hardly ever make my bed and I have no regrets each night as I climb back into it.
11. I have been known more times than I want to admit, to finish off a whole box of wheat thins in one day.
12. There are very few days that go by that I don't have a diet coke, pretzels, and peanut butter at some point.
13. I love taking the time to write lists like this because it makes me feel like I am less boring than I think I am.

Beach Vacation

2008-07-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

We went on the Vansant family vacation to Isle of Palms, SC last week. Carter woke up every morning saying, "I ready to go swimming now Mommy, let's go!" We kept having to tell him it would be just a little bit longer until we could go out. (We didn't want to be "that family" in the swimming pool in the middle of all the condos at 7am) However, one morning Carter got tired of waiting on me to get things ready to go so he promptly got out all the gear for going out ("fishee diaper", swimming suit, and "sunscreem") and laid on the floor ready for me to get him ready. He wasn't a fan of the ocean this trip (afraid the waves would "get him") but the swimming pool was a big hit. Kelsey was such a little trooper all week. She took a few naps under the tent at the beach and just loved watching all the kids around her all day long.
Here is Carter at the swimming pool. Thank goodness we drove to the coast 6 hours to find a POOL, right? Ha. It was worth it though - he became MUCH more comfortable in the water this week.
Carter loved playing with his cousin Luke. They had a big time playing indoors in a homemade fort one rainy day.

The First Times Are So Much Fun

2008-07-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

We visited Gramie and Pop-Pop in Hilton Head a couple weeks ago. Carter was able to ride his first pony ("Tinkerbell"). He loved evey minute of it and Pop-Pop loved watching him so much that he took him back multiple times for a ride!

Kelsey went to the beach for the first time. It was quite windy so Gramie kept her snuggled up - I doubt she even knew she was in a different place. Nonetheless, it was a first : )

Carter has of course been to the beach before. However, this is the first time he didn't need to be carried and willingly stood in the ocean with a smile on his face!

First tennis lesson! Carter has amazed us with how patient and focused he is at tennis lessons. He loves it! Every tuesday he announces he is going to his "first tennis lesson and it is SO much fun!" He is the youngest out there but very well behaved.

First time to go potty!!! I have not gotten too serious about the potty training - mainly because we are about to leave for another trip (a 4 out of 6 straight weekend travel for Carter). But I must say he takes the potty seriously and tries with all his might to go so he can get an M&M.
** Cute Carter Story of the Day: He's getting too smart for me. Today I was ironing (don't worry you won't catch me doing this often because I'm horrible at it and I hate it). Anyways, I had not checked the video monitor in a while to check on Kelsey sleeping. So I asked Carter to check on Kelsey for me with the monitor across the room. He promptly goes over to it and clicks on the video button to see her. I ask, "Carter is she still sleeping?" He tilts his head and pauses for quite a while, staring at the screen. Then turns to me and says very matter of factly, "Yep, she's stiiilll sleeping" Just his manipulative little smirk made me check the monitor myself. Kelsey was wide awake playing on her back. Clearly, Carter thought through this and knew if she was still sleeping, I'd keep playing with him and not have to go get her. Smart Boy - but busted in the act!

Fun Times

2008-07-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Kelsey tried rice cereal last week for the first time - I'd say she likes it by this face!

We hosted a baby shower for Ashly. Kelsey hung with the crowd past her bedtime since it was too much fun!
Then . . . a day before we were to leave for Hilton Head . . . Carter gets strep throat. He fell asleep on the couch like this while we were cleaning the kitchen.

We are loving the pool this summer. Our good friends Shayna and Andrew joined us!

No Carter is not crying in this picture. He's actually pooping. Sometimes when he gets lazy or into a toy in the living room, he decides to forgo his private spot in the next room and just makes himself disappear the best way he knows how . . . just cover your eyes and go to it!
Carter is doing so great 'trying' to play with Kelsey lately. And she's eating it up. Let me give you some commentary:
"Here Kelsey, play the guitar"
"What is this thing again? I'm not sure I understand what to do""Go like this Kelsey. Like a rockstar" "You're funny brother. Can I just watch YOU?"

Father of the Year

2008-06-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Anyone with kids in diapers are probably well aware of what this is - Yes, Phill has the dirty diapers from the Diaper Genie (the poopie sausage link as we like to call it) around his neck. Any father who does this surely has crossed the threshold into Father of the Year. And before he kills me for posting this, let me just tell you about Phill as a father this year. He's knocked my socks off!

Phill has always put %100 into his job as a father. But since Kelsey has been born, he's stepped up his game even more. Because we have a nursing infant, it just works out that Carter has become his main parental duty. And he takes that role with all his heart . . . and time. Phill gets up with Carter every morning before work and loves his half asleep cartoon time with Carter on the couch before he has to shower for work. But I think the moment in the day that makes me most proud to have Phill as the father of my children is when he comes in from work every day.

Phill meets Carter at the door with the same energy and excitement as Carter has as a 2 yr old who adores his daddy. Even if daddy has had a bad day - Carter never knows it. Because he immediately is taken away to 'jump on the bed' (ONLY a daddy game) - or play golf in the front yard - or go help daddy water the plants or grill our dinner. I know many dads do these fun things with their toddlers. But its the genuine enthusiasm that Phill has for his kids - especially after a long day of work when I'm sure he just wants to come home and sit on the couch and unwind.
Phill puts Carter to bed most nights with these words ( I love listening on the monitor), "Carter, I'm proud of you, I believe in you, and I love you." Carter sometimes says this with his daddy or might even roll his little eyes - but it melts my heart every time.

Recently, Phill told me that Carter has truly become his best friend. I wholeheartedly believe that because I can see it in the way he loves him. I can't think of a better father than one who chooses to be the best of friends with his two year old. I am excited to see the bond that grows between Kelsey and Phill as father/daughter. No doubt she will be as blessed as Carter is to have a father like they have.

Thank you Phill for always putting in the extra effort to not only be a father - but to be a great one! We love you and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

A Little Glimpse at JUNE so far . . .

2008-06-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

Kelsey has become such a great laid back baby (except for that dreaded hour between 6 and 7pm before bedtime). I got to have a little photo shoot with my girl while Carter napped yesterday.

We had some painters do some work last week on our house. I showed Carter what they were doing - before I knew it, he had gone to get his two chairs and lined them up on the driveway. He was ready for us to just sit and watch the painters all day long.

Funny Carter Story: We are still getting a kick out of Carter's 'pretend play' these days. He never fails to take it to the next level of humor. He frequently takes away Kelsey's toy and kindly replaces it with something really exciting like a fish or ball . . . only its a PRETEND fish or ball. This doesn't quite cut it for Kelsey just yet and I don't think Carter understands that. It makes me laugh nonetheless.

Yesterday, Carter brought me a chocolate chip cookie. I responded well and took it from his hand and ate the ball of air out of my hand diligently. Carter started to walk away . . . then stopped and looked at me with his head cocked to one side. "Mommy, " he said, "you have chocolate on your face!" I think I'm in for a long road if I can't even keep my face clean from a pretend cookie.

Anchor

2008-05-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Hebrews 6:19)

I read this verse today. It has always been one of my favorites. I think because no matter what season of life I find myself in, I am always searching for some kind of anchor. Something to keep me from moving, from drifting away from where I should be.

If we, as spiritual children, are fishermans' boats in this big world of endless ocean - I would think that the anchor to our boat is a pretty important thing. It is our tool to keep us grounded to the ocean floor so that we can do what we were destined to do.

For me, in this 'mommy season' of my life right now - I need to be grounded, anchored, daily. If not, my soul will get lost in a pile of laundry or drift away in trying to plan a playdate as good as the neighbor. That is a scarey thing - for our souls to be left without anchors. Our souls belong to God - so to me, if we let them go, we are losing are way to God.

But this verse says we do have an anchor. Our hope in God. Seems like such an intangible thing to be described as an anchor - a 'firm and secure' and very physical object. I think God was trying to tell us something here - that His ability to ground us and keep us still amongst chaos is very real. He is very real. He is our anchor.

In times when the waves of fear rise up, when storms of tragedy come down, or just when busyness keeps our boat rocking - we must know we have a Hope. A God. Nothing will overtake us. He'll reach down, grab our souls, however lost they may be, and take hold of us 'firm and secure'.

It's up to us to throw out that anchor. To believe and hope in God.

And then - our lives will seem calm again. Souls anchored.

Pictures

2008-05-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Rolling Over - Kelsey has officially mastered it. Of course only one way so far.. enough to disturb her sleep and require her mommy to come roll her back over many times a night.

Finally grabbing those toys after many frustrated moments of not getting that darn hand to do what she wants with it.

Carter and Kelsey had a playdate with Sailor (2 months) and Noah (almost 3 yrs old)

Happy Memorial Day!

The Latest and Greatest

2008-05-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to Me.... (poor Kelsey looks a little startled as Carter and I fought to hold her)

Jon (twin brother) and Kelsey

Carter made Gramie her favorite cookies for Mother's Day before she came to spend the week with us! Thank you again Gramie for all the help!!
Yes Carter is chasing ELMO down the hall! This is after pitching a fit to sit in his lap.. then once it's our turn, he pitches a fit to get far away from Elmo.. then Elmo leaves (probably for a potty break) and Carter cries again that Elmo left. I mean seriously! I guess the same holds true for Elmo as it did Santa Claus - we LOVE him.. at a distance : )

Our past weekend was spent divided. Girls got to hang out at home while Carter and Phill headed to Asheville, NC for a horseshow. (aka Carter's heaven on earth!)

Pictures!

2008-05-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

How's this for a devilish grin?

Carter and Hailey sitting by the lake in our backyard

Carter saw Maw-Maw (nearly 88 years old!) with no limits and kept her busy playing football!

Breathe Deep

2008-05-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday. Phill and Carter are at church. Kelsey is sleeping soundly. And I chose to pause. . . . for one hour. . . Put on praise music. . . Open The Word. . . and breathe. Breathe in our God. Drink up His Presence. Sit at His table. . . without speaking, without doing, without even thinking.
This is My God. This is what it means to be a child of His. This is what I lost the past 3 months. Lost somewhere between changing diapers, playing toddler games and middle of the night feedings.
But oh how my soul is starved. Starved for this very Presence. For this peace and comfort. For this vision from His Eyes - a glimpse at how He sees me and my life.
"When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I" Ps 61:2.
Countless times a day, I beg to be led to a higher place. To BREATHE. To realize the smiles I get between overtired tears or hunger whines, are the smiles from the Lord. Reminding me, that this is the glory of God. My purpose.
My purpose is not ultimately to have my children fed, rested and clean. My purpose is to bring Glory to God. And here ... in my arms all day long (probably more than I want them to be) are the instruments God gave me to bring Him Glory.
So I challenge myself - and ask you to challenge me ... to remember to Pause. To Breathe. To KNOW the God I am to glorify. If I don't know Him and feel Him - how will I ever know the song our family is to sing for Him. How am I to sharpen these instruments of mine, my two precious children, to play the music of God's heart.

Pretend Sports and Boxing Barney

2008-04-23T12:17:00.001-07:00

Well I thought I'd just take time to post about Carter these days. Not that Kelsey is not just as important and entertaining - but she's entertaining in a totally different way ("is she going to sleep now? oh wait.. dang, she's waking up AGAIN. is she hungry? i wonder if she'll wake up at 3am or 5am?? yay, she's been playing and smiling for a whole 15 minutes now! sad, she's been crying for 20 min straight.. is it gas?" etc etc)

SO back to my original post .. Carter. He has been into playing "pretend" lately. He'll say "mommy, let's play baseball" as he holds up his bat ready for my big pitch. He'll hit it with all his might, ask me to clap and then 'run the bases' around the kitchen - sometimes crashing on the floor waiting for me to yell, "safe!" I must say this works out quite well for me. Not only do I not have to clean up any messes after we're done - but I can do this while I'm feeding Kelsey. (Thank you kathryn for teaching him this!) He's branching out in the pretend world too. Yesterday he was scooping up air on the ground and throwing his hands towards me. I finally asked "Carter, what are you doing??" In which he replied, "Mommy, I'm throwing grass at you!" Duh.

Carter is also enjoying our new Wii. (Daddy's impulse buy while Uncle Gary was in town). It's actually working out pretty well, especially for Phill. Carter can not wait for Daddy to get home and go "box" upstairs. Before you start to doubt my parenting for getting my 2 year old into 'video games' - let me tell you that Carter gets just as much excercise pretending to box with daddy than he would if he were running around outside (we don't actually give him the controller but he prances around and punches his heart out) Here is a picture of him showing me some boxing moves.

Which leads me to the last cute story... I went to get Carter this morning from bed and he says to me, "Mommy, I saw BARNEY!!" I thought for a moment and then realized he must have had a dream and remembered it. "What was Barney doing in your dream Carter" I say. "He was BOXING with Daddy!.... can boxing Barney come over again now?" I guess that is what the media does to your 2 year old - creates all kinds of fantastic dreams!!

Ok, enough for now. Kelsey will get the next post I assume. But for now - know that Carter has entered the world of imagination.. and the virtual world at its best : )

Our Past Week

2008-04-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Life with a newborn gets 100 times better when they start smiling! This week has been so fun with Kelsey showing off her gums for us : ) Pop-Pop and Gramie came to visit last week. Carter was in heaven knowing he had two of his most favorite people with him to play with ... or ride on. (Thanks for taking one for the team Pop-Pop)
Carter attended his first Braves game with Uncle Gary and Daddy this weekend. Due to uncertain weather conditions, the decision to take him was about 20 min before the first inning began. So Phill woke up Carter from his nap (a normally dangerous act considering how foul our 2 yr old can be if not given enough sleep)... but Daddy asked "Would you like to go to a baseball game Carter?" Carter suprisingly jumped up and replied very matter of factly, "I'd LOVE to Daddy!" And the game was just as successful for the little guy.
Gary and Kathryn spent a few days with us from Mississippi. It made us only miss our best friends and godparents even more. Kathryn jumped right in and helped me out so much - one of the few friends I can relax with and LET her help because I know she truly wants to.
Cute Carter Story of the Day : Carter wanted to immediately hold Kelsey when she woke up this morning ( a common request). After a few minutes, I told him it was now time for me to feed Kelsey. Sweet Carter said, "oh Mommy, ME DO IT!"... after which he lifted up his shirt and brought Kelsey in close saying, "come here baby girrrll, come here" It was quite a moment. He was reinacting it in this picture when I asked him about it. Excuse his horrible busted lip - that would be an accident on Daddy's watch last night when he ate the basement concrete climbing out of a chair.

We Survived!

2008-03-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

I think the Galbreath household experienced some of the roughest times yet. We hosted a BRUTAL virus last week. I'll spare you the details but we were all (except Kelsey) hugging the toilet for days. It has taken Carter a whole week (after 2 visits to Urgent Care) to get back to even putting food in his mouth - so sad : ( Mimi and Pops saved our hineys this week for sure!

Needless to say, we did manage to have SOME Easter fun this year - I was determined to!

Pops and Carter hunted eggs at our neighborhood Egg Hunt. There was a petting zoo brought in and even the Easter Bunny showed up!! ..... (if you are wondering where Phill is in these pictures, he just might be hiding inside that big white furry bunny suit.. haa! he got suckered into doing this about an hour beforehand but he was a big hit and of course Carter thought he was something special when the Easter Bunny appeared in his own house.. and even came out of mommy and daddy's bedroom, hee)

Carter needed to get down on "Bell" the cow's level to have a good long conversation with him

On Easter Sunday we were bound to our germ infested house - except to escape to Maw Maw's for the annual Egg Hunt. Of course I think I get Bad Mom of the Year because for the first time in days, both my kids were sleeping so soundly and I woke them both up and dressed them to go there. (But I couldn't take dissappointing Carter again with yet another 'talked about' event that he missed. Plus, this might be the only year we are able to go since we usually are in Hilton Head for Easter)

(Obviously poor Carter was struggling in this picture after being woken up to hunt eggs - along with his Daddy who forgot to button his pants - and a mom who didn't even notice!)

How Carter Has Adjusted ....

2008-03-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

We are continuing to do very well. Carter still has plenty of patience to gain but overall he's adjusting considering it's only been one month of being a big brother and he's been the star of attention for 24 months.
Here is a 'sweet' moment - don't be fooled though .. these are few and far between. But they definitely make the moments of tears worth it! Since I barely have time to go to the bathroom - we've decided to make Carter handle the house cleaning. Ha! Just kidding of course : ) (but I sure didn't stop him when he wanted to mop)
Again Carter steps it up as a 2 yr old and becomes our 'handy man'. .. Actually Carter wanted to be "like daddy" ( a phrase that is becoming more and more common these days) while Phill hung some pictures in Carter's room this weekend.
Yet Carter still remains the protector of his little sister!

Growing on Each Other

2008-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

Well this is week 2 with Kelsey and of course we absolutely adore her. She is a sweet and good baby. She has really seemed to 'grow on' Carter too. He is very tender towards her. (Now don't get me wrong - there is still countless times in the day when he walks in a room, sees me holding Kelsey, frantically looks around for another adult - usually Gramie - and says "mommy, gramie hold Kelsey . . . ME hold you!" And if I don't hold him within the next few minutes, we see a toddler squirming and whining on the floor. For those of you who have 2 year olds, you know this drill well I'm sure. I must admit I am still quite intimidated at handling it all on my own, when I don't have another adult to hand Kelsey off to.) All in all, we are adjusting well.

Family bonds are not the only things that have been 'growing' in our house the past week. Phill decided to take time off of work AND shaving. These are some pictures of his masterpiece. I still don't quite get the immense pride that guys take in how quickly and plentiful they can grow hair on their face.

Kelsey loved being on her tummy during her sponge baths.

More Pictures

2008-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

no more pictures mom!

Kelsey Laine Galbreath

2008-02-10T12:50:00.001-08:00

Our sweet girl arrived Thursday, February 7th at 7:04pm. The delivery went well and our prayers were answered as she arrived at 5 lbs 9 ounces! Carter is adjusting and he gets a little more interested in her every day. Thank you for all of your prayers in welcoming Kelsey to this world!

Baby Kelsey Update . . .

2008-02-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the decision was made by my doctor today to induce Kelsey on Saturday, February 9th. (Although I will not be too surprised if she comes earlier, considering it's past midnight and I am on the couch writing this in between contractions)

As most of you know, the doctors are concerned she has stopped growing in utero and since she is now at 37 weeks and considered "full term" - it is best to go ahead and deliver her to eliminate any possibility that there could be a placenta problem. I truly feel at peace that this is the way to go and that she will be just fine.

Please join us in praying for Kelsey's health and a safe delivery! Thank you!

Happy Birthday Carter!

2008-01-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we celebrated TWO years with Carter. He had a Gymboree party with all of his buddies. I think all the 15 toddlers had a blast! If you ask Carter about his birthday, however, he will simply reply "birrffday... uhh.. CAKE!!!" So yet again, sugar wins him over : )

Warm Days and Warm Hearts

2008-01-10T12:04:00.001-08:00

Carter has loved playing outside every afternoon with this best buddy Hailey. They decided to sit down together to share some raisans. A few hugs and kisses were thrown in there too!

When You Gotta Go... You Gotta Go!

2008-01-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

I can not resist telling a short funny story from this week.
Shortly after our morning milk and cartoons, Carter proceeds to sit down at his keyboard and immediately pops back up saying, "uh oh Mommy - poopie!"
Knowing he hasn't gone yet, I say, "oh you NEED to poopie, do you want to go sit on mommy's potty?"
"Yes Yes" as he runs in the bathroom where Daddy is also getting ready for work.
I strip him down and of course when his little bottom hits that big black hole of a toilet, Carter tenses up and wants down. No poopies to account for.
So since I'm already looking at a half naked toddler and I need a shower myself - I take the easy way out and suggest we just hop in the shower. Carter is beside himself.
I tell Phill that I'm going to just grab him a clean diaper and clothes for after the shower.
Gone 45 seconds tops!
I return.
Phill is holding Carter once again over the toilet and I think I see a trail of feces from our bathroom floor.
"He just pooped and peed in my closet!!" replies Daddy (somewhat amused but mostly stressed to the max)
I can't help but laugh.
"It's in the corner over there and probably in my drawers . . . I have to go to work now."
My laughter stops. (I mean 'are you kidding me?')
I did persuade Phill to atleast wait 15 seconds and distract Carter from actually picking up his new creation off the floor that he was reaching for fast.
The best part is that Phill realized he was using his side of the closet for a bathroom when he heard the sound of urine hitting his TriColor Horse Ribbon he'd recently won in a horseshow. Oops! And no Carter did not have super power pee that was able to go through his CLOSED drawers to his clothes - that would just be Phill's over-reaction : )

Yes Santa DID Come!

2008-01-10T11:35:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am finally getting my act together and posting some Christmas and New Year's pics ... just a few weeks late.

As most of you know, Phill and I spent our Christmas Eve in the hospital trying to stop my preterm contractions. Kelsey calmed down and cooperated after 3 injections and a few hours later - meanwhile, Carter didn't even realize we were gone as he opened all his gifts and played with his cousins at Mimi's house. We DID however make it home just in time to put out some Pop Tarts for Santa and tuck Carter into bed!

Carter woke up all smiles on Christmas and loved his Kitchen and stocking toys that Santa brought.

Toddler Hide N' Seek is the BEST!

2007-12-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

Carter has been very into the "mommy hide" game recently (otherwise known as "Hide and Seek"). We haven't quite perfected it since if we are playing upstairs he goes to hide in the closet and proceeds to BEG me to come in the closet to hide too.

Now, I just can't explain to him that if we both hide (especially in the same place) there is no one to find us -- still, we play this way and he loves it... over and over again.

Yesterday morning I told Carter it was time to go while he was in his highchair coloring. Considering he could not GO somewhere to hide, he decided (in his toddler logical mind) to simply hide behind the marker he was coloring with. I realized what he was doing and the dialogue went like this,

"Oh, Carter is hiding. Where is he? . . . Is he under the couch?"

"Noooooo," says Carter clenching his whole body behind his safe place marker.

"Oh, he must be in the bathroom"

"Noooooo!"

"Is he behind the MARKER??"

"YEEESSS!" as he whips away the marker and reveals himself. Cute : )

Shutterfly Pictures

2007-12-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

Just an FYI - there is a new shutterfly album of pictures at http://thegalbreaths.shutterfly.com/action the password is march22. Enjoy!

In Honor of our Godmother . . . .

2007-12-03T12:21:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Kathryn and Gary Dyksterhouse are the godparents of Carter and little Kelsey on the way. They recently moved to Mississippi and we miss them very much. I have never thought of Kathryn without being so proud and thankful she is in my life. To me, Kathryn is a sincere example of a Woman of God; she has a dependable grace, a transparent yet growing Faith, and a consistency to love despite circumstances. She has always been insipiring to me. For these and many more qualities, Phill and I are so proud to name our daughter after her. Kathryn's full maiden name is Kathryn Elaine Sturdivant. We know our daughter will love her godmother just as we do, as Kelsey Laine Galbreath.

Thanksgiving In Hilton Head

2007-12-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun in Hilton Head this year celebrating with Gramie and Pop-Pop. Carter was ecstatic to be back at the beach again after being there with Mimi and Pops a couple weeks beforehand. We are very thankful that he started to actually enjoy the sand and run around on his own - a very different reaction than we got this summer.

Happy Halloween

2007-11-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

Giddy Up! What else could Carter possibly be but a cowboy riding a horse this year. He stayed in his costume enough to 'trick or treat' down our little street then the horsey got tired (as you can see in the second picture). Carter enjoyed seeing Hailey in her doggie costume too - maybe a bit confusing but fun all the same : )

The last picture was taken with Carter's Halloween Hero - Shrek (our neighbor's blow up spectacle). We had to take Carter to visit Shrek down the street about twice a day the whole month of October. Has he ever even seen the movie Shrek? Nope.

The rest of the night was spent waiting for little monsters to come to our door. Carter loved giving out candy with Mimi - and was very generous with it too!

October At Its Best . . .

2007-10-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

We have been busy letting Carter experience the season of Fall and Halloween. This year has been so much fun watching Carter explore what it's all about. We picked out our pumpkin with Gramie and Pop-Pop.

Carter's best friend, Hailey, was there too. As you can see, he is in a moment of bliss -- praying to God that this moment of hand holding and pumpkins never end.

Berry Patch Farms

Carter went with his playgroup buddies to Berry Patch Farms in Woodstock recently. There were goats, pigs, and chickens to watch and most importantly a REAL tractor to sit on. The farm was great but I realized that driving 45 minutes on a hot day during nap time to basically sit on a tractor (which is ALL Carter was interested in doing) could have been simplified greatly by going to Pops' tractor down the road. Who knew the kid loved tractors so much?!

The day ended with a fun hayride, which Carter loved because it was of course pulled by another tractor!

Here We Are

2007-09-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, I finally gave in to the peer pressure of doing a blog. This is in part for those people who, for whatever reason, so desperately wanted me to do this. But also in part for me. If you know me at all, you know I love to write - something that has been missing from my life for about 5 years now. So I'm hoping that now with another child on the way, this will be in some way therapeutic for me. We'll see.