the journey of a giraffe

When I was pregnant with Amelia, I looked at every baby item i could find. I would veer off any road to any store, big or small, to look at their baby items. At one of these stores I found a super soft, plush lovely lovey. It was made by a company called little giraffe. It was perfect for a baby to have with him, hold onto, be their lovey.

i bought it for her. I read the tag and it said for the parents to sleep with it so the baby would latch to it easier. done. threw it in our bed for 2 nights before she was born and packed it for the hospital trip. After she was born, we kept it near her, covered her with it while feeding, etc. As she grew, it was evident it worked. She HAD to have it to go to bed. Don't try to sneak her into her crib with out it, she would loudly vocalize her displeasure.

After Amelia became mobile, there were many nights that we had to search high and low, in closets, under couches, in cabinents and behind animals to find that blanket. At some point I decided that I should go back and buy her another blanket because she loved it so much. I washed the second one, we slept with it too and it worked! we had a spare.

When Amelia was approaching 5, we noticed the blanket was disintegrating right before our eyes. Originally, the blanket was velour and chenille. It was the velour side that she loved and it was falling apart. It has been sewn back together about 12 times, but it was clear this time it was simply not going to happen. And I had one sad girl on my hands. I had tried to get her to like another blanket, but they were not as soft, not as plush, just not her lovey.

What's a mom to do? I had to do something so while in Springfield, we ran across a "big girl" version of her blanket. it was velour on both sides with zebra trim. I asked her if she would like that lovey and she said no. so we compromised. we took her lovey and attached it to the new lovey. we (know when I say "we" in any sewing capacity that i mean Lori Dale!) put the chenille side up, and then took every scrap of chenille we could muster from that blanket and put it on the top. so it was kinda tripled layered. It has held her over, but even still, the chenille is falling off. Luckily she is OK with the new side now. Here are some pictures through the years of her giraffe blanket.

flashback: purple day

"Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness."

While we were unable to host an event this year, it has crossed my mind to try for the upcoming year. something simple - sell baked goods? sell purple ribbons? sell purple pens? I want to do something to bring awareness to epilepsy, but what? What would you be most interested in?

Our first field trip

Today we went to the Mills Apple Farm with Amelia's class. I had never previously been, so I was excited to see what it was like. It is a very nice, family run farm. The tractor driver spoke about how apples were made, how to pick them and encouraged the kids to pick up any apples they dropped or knocked off. Then we went to make apple cider, taste our apple cider and enjoy a picnic lunch. Amelia and I had such a good time! i think Amelia's favorite part was riding on the bus!

how he rolls

this is how ferd rolls! This kitten is so mellow and laid back, he really didn't mind being carried around in Amelia's giraffe purse!

Do you see what I see??

Can you spot the kitty?

Pixie and Pirates

the 3rd annual Pixie and Pirate in the park was yesterday. This was our first time being able to go and we had such a good time! here are some pictures, because really, that is why we take them. cute boys dresses as pirates and cute girls dressed as pixie's and pirates!

Being a Daisy

My sweet Rose is officially a daisy! I am so excited for her and secretly I am really excited for me too. I look forward to attending meetings with her, camping with her, and helping her earn her badges. She is currently learning her girl scout promise:

GIRL SCOUT PROMISE

On my honor, I will try

To serve God and my country,

To help people at all times,

And to live by the Girl Scout

Law

Here are some pics of her first meeting where they are learning about the flower, petals and what we will be doing. And talk about lucky, our leader is wonderful!! I think she will make this a fabulous experience for Amelia and the other girls. Her name is Amy and she is fab!

howdy partner

meet my new nap partner.

it was almost like he discussed this with Amelia. they determined that she would now be in school so he could scoot right in, which he did :) he is such a sweet snuggler. he puts his little arm around my neck, grabs a lock of hair and off to slumber land he goes! I am usually not far behind :)

grant's farm

Last week my friend Angela and I decided to brave the heat and go to grant's farm. I love love the free things that there are to do in St. Louis! While parking may be a little steep, there are a few free places to park within walking distance.

The only downside to our trip was that Maddie and Angela got stung by bees!! They were both troopers about it and didn't complain much at all. Angela got some personal attention from the EMS guy, who was conveniently located bear the goat pen! And the end of the night, Amelia was so tired she climbed into bed on her own and fell asleep! Was a great day despite the injuries and heat!

looking back

When Lucas was born he had a sacral dimple. I saw it, asked the ped (who figured I had seen it) about it, and she reassured me that it was benign. not a big deal. so i brushed it off. and then the postpartum crazy hormones kicked in and i worried about it for almost 2 months. I asked her about it again. she realized I had been worried about it for almost 2 months and she sent us to SLCH for an ultrasound. and it was benign!! no big deal. But while we were there, i got this picture of Lucas. in the old stadium chairs, seat #3.

Fast forward 3 years and we are back at SLCH for another test, this time an xray. I remembered the last picture, so I put him back in chair 3 for a comparison picture! What a beautiful boy he was and a handsome boy he is now!! The three years in between has flown by but one thing has not changed, I love him so!

ready!!

I am sure you can see amelia, and that she is holding Ferdinand. But look close, can you see what she has on? It is an art cape that her nana bought her when she was 2 i think. and in the pockets? cat toys!! hahaha!!! She stuffed all of Ferd's cat toys in her pockets so they could play at a moments notice! love this girl!

Lucas goes to Pre-three!!

chandler??

He may be the chandler bing of our family! this is what I got when I said "look over here lucas and smile!"

look out Picasso, here comes lucas

For Lucas' 3rd birthday we decided to have an art party. I decorated with primary colors, ordered the cake and bought one of every item that crayola makes with the label "washable". We had finger paints, regular paints, markers, crayons, paper and some fun canvas' for the kids hand and feet prints. Overall, the kids did very well, especially since the median age was 4! They painted and colored and made masterpiece's that their families will treasure forever! One of my favorite pics is lucas opening his presents, look how he is hugging his squinkies! he loved them. And then look at how happy he is over getting money! he thought that was the best!

yummy!

birthday #3

Henning here we come!

The day has come. S-day, which is like D-day fo rme. School day. While I was so excited for Amelia, I was bummed for me. My best shopping buddy, my nap partner, my baby was going to school. She was more than ready and excited enough for 5 kids! She was really happy she would know one other person in her class, her friend carter. When i say his name it's more like carrrterr. She likes him. really likes him, a lot. it's so cute! her teacher's name is ms. rennegarbe and this is her first year teaching. Which works out very well because this is Amelia's first year of school! And if you are wondering, yes, i cried when i dropped her off. And i do miss her, but i love love love picking her up and hearing all about her day!!

the night before

kindergarten

the zoo

the kids in their zoo attire - i know i need a 12 step program, as i just can't help myself!!

Lucas checking out the pretty girl next to him. i think he was smitten with ellie and her long golden hair.

and lucas looking bashful when i made mention of it...oops!

more zoo fun!

adorable