Oh my goodness...that's what I was thinking, and is what Em continues to say on a daily basis. She is full of thoughts, words, and sentences. Right now, this statement is one of her favorites.
We are blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Auntie Meghan and Uncle Josh (Ellie too) took us to the zoo. It was great.
One of the first animals we saw was a monkey. Unfortunately for the monkeys they have "poop" like things hanging from their buns. Well, Emma says, "He's pooping." Boy oh boy...that was the first of many funny things she said.
Next, we began walking along to see the new baby giraffe. On our way over, there were some anteaters in front of us. From the picture, they do look like a different animal...Em said, "Mom, look, an elzaphent." Too cute!!
We made our way to the giraffes. It's amazing how tall even the babies are.
After the giraffes, we approached the polar bears. The bears were out, and one even walked over to the ledge of the pool. Emma and Ellie were standing there chanting, "jump, jump, jump." Ha!
All throughout the zoo Emma kept saying, "more animals, more animals." She loves anything wild.
Jackson enjoyed the trip in his carrier. We didn't have the good one from Auntie, so we used the handy dandy Bjorn. He enjoyed the views with daddy.
Unfortunate for Jacks, some of the views involved checking text messages...daddy and his phone...some things will never change!
We had the best time!!! Emma even got a pony ride. I swear, if we had a barn, we would buy a pony.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sesame Place
Emma loves Sesame Street. It is the only show she watches at home. She requests on a daily basis to watch Elmo on TD (TV). So, when I talked to my sister about going to Sesame Place (they had season passes), I instantly got giddy with excitement for Emma. We opted to get season passes because we travel to Philly for Halloween, and SP has special events for Halloween.
We arrived to SP as soon as it opened. We met Auntie Meghan, Uncle Josh, and Ellie there. For once, daddy was able to come too. Em was so excited to see Ellie. Jackson was so laid back, he could have cared less. It was hot out, but he was his pleasant little self.
All throughout the park there were shrubs that were pruned so neatly...I loved looking at everything.
Meghan has the park scene down pat. She knows what to do first, and where to go. She even brought her refillable tubs with so the kids could have drinks and snacks all day long. We set up shop at the splash park and were on our way to the rides. We are so smart, and got fast passes that allowed us to go to the front of the lines for all rides...it saved so much time because it was so crowded.
The girls and I started off at the carousel. We then made our way around to the neighboring rides and bounce mat. It was GREAT!!
Until...I took Emma to see Elmo Live. She screamed and started shaking horribly. She was asking me to leave. Of all things, I thought she would love it. Not so much!! We left, and met up with Ellie, Auntie, and Uncle Josh. She proceeded to tell Auntie that she was scared and started shaking. She also shared that she didn't like the monsters:)
The 5+ hour day ended with the park parade. The characters come through in a parade. We had great seats. All the characters came up close to us, gave us "5," and danced with the girls. Throughout the whole thing, Tommy had Jackson while I had Emma. He was great for not getting the nap he needed.
We LOVED our day at Sesame Place and can't wait to go back. Both kids were great...without naps!!!
We arrived to SP as soon as it opened. We met Auntie Meghan, Uncle Josh, and Ellie there. For once, daddy was able to come too. Em was so excited to see Ellie. Jackson was so laid back, he could have cared less. It was hot out, but he was his pleasant little self.
All throughout the park there were shrubs that were pruned so neatly...I loved looking at everything.
Meghan has the park scene down pat. She knows what to do first, and where to go. She even brought her refillable tubs with so the kids could have drinks and snacks all day long. We set up shop at the splash park and were on our way to the rides. We are so smart, and got fast passes that allowed us to go to the front of the lines for all rides...it saved so much time because it was so crowded.
The girls and I started off at the carousel. We then made our way around to the neighboring rides and bounce mat. It was GREAT!!
Until...I took Emma to see Elmo Live. She screamed and started shaking horribly. She was asking me to leave. Of all things, I thought she would love it. Not so much!! We left, and met up with Ellie, Auntie, and Uncle Josh. She proceeded to tell Auntie that she was scared and started shaking. She also shared that she didn't like the monsters:)
The 5+ hour day ended with the park parade. The characters come through in a parade. We had great seats. All the characters came up close to us, gave us "5," and danced with the girls. Throughout the whole thing, Tommy had Jackson while I had Emma. He was great for not getting the nap he needed.
We LOVED our day at Sesame Place and can't wait to go back. Both kids were great...without naps!!!
Patches Creamery
On Friday, I had the day off of work, and it was the best day to be off! Beautiful weather made for a great day. We didn't have any plans, so we decided to splurge and go out for lunch...to a creamery! I was told about the Creamery from a friend who has gone, and said how nice it was for kids. Aside from the ice cream, they have farm animals that the kids are able to interact with and feed.
Em, Jacks, and I got to the creamery around 12:30. We started off with ice cream. Em had strawberry (she wanted a pink one) and I had chocolate chip cookie dough. My ice cream was great, and by the looks of Em, hers was great too!
Poor Jackson couldn't partake, but soon enough.
After our ice cream, we bought 5 scoops of food to feed the goats. Boy oh boy...those suckers are feisty. They kept running and ramming each other. There were a few times I had to yell at them to stop.
Emma loved feeding the goats. At first, she was feeding them out of the cup they provided.
That lasted for a few minutes, until she started feeding them out of her hand. In fact, she would grasp pieces with her fingers and feed them that way.
That was all good-n-well until one of the goat's bit her. She didn't really mind...she just had to let out her fuss to get the attention she needed:)
We all had a great time and will be going back. Emma loved it and Jackson had a good time too!
Em, Jacks, and I got to the creamery around 12:30. We started off with ice cream. Em had strawberry (she wanted a pink one) and I had chocolate chip cookie dough. My ice cream was great, and by the looks of Em, hers was great too!
Poor Jackson couldn't partake, but soon enough.
After our ice cream, we bought 5 scoops of food to feed the goats. Boy oh boy...those suckers are feisty. They kept running and ramming each other. There were a few times I had to yell at them to stop.
Emma loved feeding the goats. At first, she was feeding them out of the cup they provided.
That lasted for a few minutes, until she started feeding them out of her hand. In fact, she would grasp pieces with her fingers and feed them that way.
That was all good-n-well until one of the goat's bit her. She didn't really mind...she just had to let out her fuss to get the attention she needed:)
We all had a great time and will be going back. Emma loved it and Jackson had a good time too!
Jackson is 5 months old
Dear Jackson,
You turned 5 months old on Friday, August 27th. I say this every time, but it's hard to believe that 5 months has flown by already. You are the BEST baby!! Mimi and Pop have kept you, along with going to Grammi's house during the day, and everyone says they don't even know you're there. You are always happy (unless you are hungry), and put a smile on everyone's face. Here are some things you are dong:
Love,
Mommy
You turned 5 months old on Friday, August 27th. I say this every time, but it's hard to believe that 5 months has flown by already. You are the BEST baby!! Mimi and Pop have kept you, along with going to Grammi's house during the day, and everyone says they don't even know you're there. You are always happy (unless you are hungry), and put a smile on everyone's face. Here are some things you are dong:
- you sleep on your belly, and sleep through the night. You sleep for at least 10.5 hours each night.
- you are NO longer napping in your swing. At sissy's 2nd birthday party, I decided to nap you in your crib, and you did great. From that time on, you have been a crib sleeper.
- Rolling over is something you are great at. You instantly roll from your back to your belly.
- along with rolling over, you do a great job of pushing up on your arm's.
- sitting is something you still need some help with, but you have been able to do it for 20 seconds on your own.
- you are eating 3 meals a day. Your favorites are peaches, carrots, peas, and bananas.
- your smile lights up a room...and your dimple on your left cheek is soo cute!
- your laugh is contagious. Grammi told me today how you were laughing hysterically and everyone around you was laughing because it was so cute!
- just as much as sissy loves to swing, you enjoy it too.
- you were 16 pounds at your 4 month check up, so i am thinking you are around 17 now.
- you were 6-12 month clothing...your rolls are the best! Auntie Meghan says she hopes you get more:)
- you use both of your hands to grab at things...mommy's hair, face, and books are some of your favorites
- if you are not getting attention, or someone leaves the room and leaves you alone, you cry. You need to have someone in your sight.
- when I put you down for bed or a nap, you put yourself to sleep...what a GREAT boy!
- you squeal all the time...Mimi and Pop call you Squeakmont
- blowing raspberries is something else you love to do.
- Emma adores you and always tries to make you laugh. You watch her ALL the time. Your eyes are fixed on her and she makes you smile.
Love,
Mommy
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Fair Season
Most people I know, don't refer to fall as "fair season." However, in the Smith house, we do. Emma loves animals of all shapes and sizes, so this will be year #2 that I have taken her around Lancaster/Lebanon Counties to enjoy the fairs. Last year, she and I went as far as an hour to go to a fair. Tommy had football, and wouldn't get home until 6:30-7, so we would get in the car and go.
This year, we have already been to the Lycoming County Fair, Lebanon County Fair, and Elizabethtown Fair.
For the past two days, Emma, Jackson, and I have been to the E-town fair. Tommy couldn't go on Monday, but was able to join us today.
Monday at the fair, was the crowning of the fair queen. We didn't get to see the actual crowning, but were able to see the girls come in. At this point we are trying to eat dinner, and the girls riding in on their fancy cars were one thing that made Em stay in one place, while I could feed Jackson.
The E-town fair has a petting zoo for kids that Em loves!
While she was in the petting zoo, she loved the calves, goats, and "sheeps" (as she calls them).
At one point, there was a big, brown sheep in the animal area. Emma looked at me and said, "Mom look, it's a bear." See for yourself.
On the second night at the fair, she enjoyed feeding the "sheeps,"
being the "sheeps" herder,
and the looker of the llamas...
It doesn't matter how far, I will take the kids wherever they want to go to do the things they love!
This year, we have already been to the Lycoming County Fair, Lebanon County Fair, and Elizabethtown Fair.
For the past two days, Emma, Jackson, and I have been to the E-town fair. Tommy couldn't go on Monday, but was able to join us today.
Monday at the fair, was the crowning of the fair queen. We didn't get to see the actual crowning, but were able to see the girls come in. At this point we are trying to eat dinner, and the girls riding in on their fancy cars were one thing that made Em stay in one place, while I could feed Jackson.
The E-town fair has a petting zoo for kids that Em loves!
While she was in the petting zoo, she loved the calves, goats, and "sheeps" (as she calls them).
At one point, there was a big, brown sheep in the animal area. Emma looked at me and said, "Mom look, it's a bear." See for yourself.
On the second night at the fair, she enjoyed feeding the "sheeps,"
being the "sheeps" herder,
and the looker of the llamas...
It doesn't matter how far, I will take the kids wherever they want to go to do the things they love!
Monday, August 23, 2010
New Toys
Emma and Jackson are so lucky to have such wonderful family members in their lives who care so much about them. Needless to say, they are spoiled on a daily basis by such family members. For Em's birthday, she received a picnic table from Meems and Pop, a bounce house from Grammi and Pa-Pa, and a Big Wheel (blue one) from Auntie Meghan, Uncle Josh, Ellie, Uncle Toddy, and Auntie Jessie. Not to mention tons of other gifts from other friends and family members.
Yesterday, we finally put together the picnic table and Big Wheel. Since then, she has been "driving" in her Big Wheel and insisting upon eating at her picnic table.
Every time we have a meal or eat a snack, she wants to eat it at her picnic table. (She insists that we sit with her to eat too.)
The Blue Big Wheel came out today as well. She has been "driving" in it since daddy put it together. Today, she made the maiden voyage.
Laughing and smiling the entire time.
It was the first time, and it did take some time to get used to it. She was only able to go round and round in circles. She was persistent and will eventually get the hang of it.
All the while Emma is having her fun, Jackson was enjoying talking to all his friends in the playroom. From the horses to the characters on the books, he was yapping up a storm.
This sight is what I walked in to when I walked away from the kids. (I know, I know, I shouldn't trust Emma around Jackson, but I do sometimes. I can judge her moods, and play, and determine whether or not it may be a good idea to walk into the kitchen and get a drink/snack for her.)
Sunday, August 22, 2010
What a weekend
We had a wonderful weekend, and a good start to the week.
Em spent Thursday-Saturday at Mimi and Pop's house, while Jackson and I only spent Friday-Saturday. She was able to go to the Little League World Series parade on Thursday, then Friday we had TONS of fun with Mimi, Ellie, Auntie Meghan, and Pop. We finished off the day with a dip in the Country Club pool with the Maeulen's. Great time.
Saturday we hung around the house for a little, then went to Ellie's Grandma and Grandpa's house to play before coming home. She loved it there! At Grandma and Grandpa's house, the only rule is, there are no rules! She had the run of the house and could do whatever she wanted.
We returned home on Saturday night to join Tommy and all his friends for their annual Fantasy Football draft.
Sunday, we woke up to the rain. I don't mind rain, if it sticks around all day. I can't stand the rain when it ruins my plans. We were only able to go to the Art Show for a little bit. We chatted with Nanny and Pappy, then came home for a late lunch and a late nap. Today was the third time I have given Jackson Sweet Potatoes, and the 2nd time he has been sick. I am going to hold off on the SP until I feel comfortable that they are not making him sick.
The day ended with Tommy putting Emma's picnic table together, Emma jumping in her bounce house, and Emma helping Daddy put together her Hotwheels Jeep that Auntie Meghan and Uncle Toddy got her. She LOVES it!!! She kept telling us, "turn the music on." It doesn't have music, so I put my iPod on for her. I can already tell that car is going to be great around the house!
Tomorrow Tommy has his surgery, and then I work all week. I will most likely be taking Em to the E-town fair this week. We went 2 times last year and she loved it!
Fair season is in full swing!
Em spent Thursday-Saturday at Mimi and Pop's house, while Jackson and I only spent Friday-Saturday. She was able to go to the Little League World Series parade on Thursday, then Friday we had TONS of fun with Mimi, Ellie, Auntie Meghan, and Pop. We finished off the day with a dip in the Country Club pool with the Maeulen's. Great time.
Saturday we hung around the house for a little, then went to Ellie's Grandma and Grandpa's house to play before coming home. She loved it there! At Grandma and Grandpa's house, the only rule is, there are no rules! She had the run of the house and could do whatever she wanted.
We returned home on Saturday night to join Tommy and all his friends for their annual Fantasy Football draft.
Sunday, we woke up to the rain. I don't mind rain, if it sticks around all day. I can't stand the rain when it ruins my plans. We were only able to go to the Art Show for a little bit. We chatted with Nanny and Pappy, then came home for a late lunch and a late nap. Today was the third time I have given Jackson Sweet Potatoes, and the 2nd time he has been sick. I am going to hold off on the SP until I feel comfortable that they are not making him sick.
The day ended with Tommy putting Emma's picnic table together, Emma jumping in her bounce house, and Emma helping Daddy put together her Hotwheels Jeep that Auntie Meghan and Uncle Toddy got her. She LOVES it!!! She kept telling us, "turn the music on." It doesn't have music, so I put my iPod on for her. I can already tell that car is going to be great around the house!
Tomorrow Tommy has his surgery, and then I work all week. I will most likely be taking Em to the E-town fair this week. We went 2 times last year and she loved it!
Fair season is in full swing!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Jackson's First Day
After our fun-filled weekend, we have had a pretty low-key week. We have decided that we eat out way too much, and order in too much, so we have stopped this, and will only treat ourselves to this one and a while. This is also beneficial for Em because our dinners consist of a lean protein, veggies, and fruits...promoting extremely healthy eating habits!!
This weekend, Auntie Meghan offered to take Em home today so she could go to the Little League opening day parade...since I had a meeting this afternoon that I couldn't miss. Needless to say, Emma was filled with excitement. She has been talking about going to Mimi and Pop's house all week, riding in Auntie's car, and seeing Ellie. Yesterday when it was time to go to bed, she was throwing huge fits because she didn't quite grasp the concept of time, and was mad that she couldn't go to Mimi and Pop's right then. When she woke up this morning, she and daddy were walking down the stairs and she said, "Daddy, I so excited!" Then she squeezed her fists and made a noise...isn't she the cutest!?!?! Then after that, she came upstairs and was so excited she said, "Yee-haw!! Daddy, say yee-haw!"
Since Em was gone at Mimi and Pop's house, Jackson got to go to Grammi's house all day long. Auntie watched him there with his friends. He had a great day! Everyone says all the time what a great baby he is. We are told you don't even know he is there. It's a different story at home...all he does is talk and yells for your attention (which he is usually getting anyway). Proof in the pictures that Jackson is such a happy baby...we are so blessed!!
He loved this bird. It chirps and makes noises. When I went to pick him up, he couldn't keep his eyes off it. Auntie took it out of his sight and he started fussing until she put it back in sight.
Auntie gave him sweet potatoes for lunch...can you tell?
On Tuesday, I noticed that he was starting to really push himself up on his arms...I wonder if we will have an early crawler on our hands? Emma didn't start till she was 9 months, so whatever floats his boat!
This weekend, Auntie Meghan offered to take Em home today so she could go to the Little League opening day parade...since I had a meeting this afternoon that I couldn't miss. Needless to say, Emma was filled with excitement. She has been talking about going to Mimi and Pop's house all week, riding in Auntie's car, and seeing Ellie. Yesterday when it was time to go to bed, she was throwing huge fits because she didn't quite grasp the concept of time, and was mad that she couldn't go to Mimi and Pop's right then. When she woke up this morning, she and daddy were walking down the stairs and she said, "Daddy, I so excited!" Then she squeezed her fists and made a noise...isn't she the cutest!?!?! Then after that, she came upstairs and was so excited she said, "Yee-haw!! Daddy, say yee-haw!"
Since Em was gone at Mimi and Pop's house, Jackson got to go to Grammi's house all day long. Auntie watched him there with his friends. He had a great day! Everyone says all the time what a great baby he is. We are told you don't even know he is there. It's a different story at home...all he does is talk and yells for your attention (which he is usually getting anyway). Proof in the pictures that Jackson is such a happy baby...we are so blessed!!
He loved this bird. It chirps and makes noises. When I went to pick him up, he couldn't keep his eyes off it. Auntie took it out of his sight and he started fussing until she put it back in sight.
Auntie gave him sweet potatoes for lunch...can you tell?
On Tuesday, I noticed that he was starting to really push himself up on his arms...I wonder if we will have an early crawler on our hands? Emma didn't start till she was 9 months, so whatever floats his boat!
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