Just Being 3

Sometimes there is no other way to say it, except she's 3. And, I will have to say that yes, "the threes" are probably worst than the "terrible twos".  Not that I think that Kiley is bad...she is just 3!  We hear a lot of "You're not my best friend!" and "No? You don't want me to touch her!"  referring to helping with Ally.  Occasionally, we do get the "No!" and we have seen numerous fits complete with tears, melting to the floor ...you get the picture.

What I was not really aware of was the manipulation of a three year old.  The other night, Kiley and JC were "fighting" over a spot on the couch.  Kiley wanted to sit where dad was and he simply wasn't having it.  Kiley gave up and went towards her playroom.  Within minutes, she came running out, yelling for daddy to come and get the monsters.  She was scared they were going to get her!  As a good daddy should, he went to scare the monsters away.  All the while, Kiley climbed up on the couch in daddy's spot.  "Ha! Ha!  I took daddy's spot!" stated Kiley complete with a slyish grin! I couldn't control my laughter at this.  I was so taken by surprise that all I could do was laugh. 

I have found a great side of being 3 as well,  the conversations are fantastic.  However, I'm not sure just how much is true.  We hear all sort of stories and then when she really has our attention and we want to know the answer, she will start talking in gibberish.  Which I have no idea where she learned this from or why she does it.  At three, I guess you are trying to see how far you can push mom and dad's buttons, find some independence, fight for attention  (especially when mommy and daddy are trying to have a conversation) and soaking up every word of our conversations (even when we don't want her to listen).  JC and I are learning oh so much about our daughter being 3!

At 3, Kiley is also still a great helper with Ally.  I can already see the bond growing between them.  In fact, I was told by her school teacher, that when Kiley gets upset,  they let her go see Ally.  I know just yesterday, Kiley fell on the playground, skinned up both knees, and baby Allyson helped to make it all better by simply giving Kiley a big smile and hug.  I am having so much fun watching them grow. 

And yes, the 3's are challenging, but I know what is ahead of us....and it is really, pretty much terrifying!

2010 Stone Mountain Chili Cookoff

The F & L Chili crew of 2010! It's been five years since F & L was established. Thanks for the memories!

A bunch of first timers: Bites to Flights

Aug. 23 First Bites for Ally
Ally hit the four month mark. What a sweet baby she is! I am not just saying that, even the daycare staff said she is a very happy and easy going baby. (Like me, of course! He He) I also received comments at the mall last week about how much she smiles. Anyway, at four months, I was reminded, that I needed to introduce solids. So, rice cereal was introduced. Wow! I had forgotten that I actually had to teach Ally how to open her mouth and eat. Oh, how much you forget! Since this adventure started, I have now also introduced sweet potatoes and bananas and squash. Sweet potatoes are by far her favorite. I could not spoon them in fast enough. She was grabbing my hand, shoving the spoon in her mouth. She ate ½ the jar! Go Ally. The bananas… not so much. Kiley was quick to finish those off. In fact, Kiley has tried all the different kinds of baby food. I am so very proud of my older daughter, she is patiently waiting for the day she will get to feed Ally. Which she was able to spoon in one bite, yesterday Sept. 13th.

September 10 : First Dentist Appointment for Kiley
For those of you that know my daughter, she can act a little shy and can be very stubborn. JC and I were both dreading this day, because you never know how she is going to act (or react). At home, Kiley was not real keen on brushing her teeth, nor did we really set up a good routine for this. (Bad Parenting , I know.) However, she did ask on many occasions for me to floss her teeth. Which I was happy to do! The big day to the dentist arrived and my wonderful husband had the honor of taking Kiley to her first dentist appointment.

The experience was amazing and the dental hygienist was nothing less than outstanding. The first order of business for the dental hygienist ( before Kiley even sat in the chair) was to identify every tool she had on her tray. She allowed JC is practice with Kiley and touch every tooth before she began. Kiley actually sat on JC’s lap the entire time (reason there are no pictures). The dental hygienist showed Kiley how she was going to clean her teeth on her fingernail before she began because it was going to tickle. The experience was fantastic. Kiley came home with her bag of goodies, equipped with blue latex gloves, kid floss, a new tooth brush, toothpaste and extra little flossing tools that were wild in color and texture. Let ‘s hope in 6 months, we have the same experience. When I walked in the door, Kiley was quick to put on her gloves and show me all her tools. What a big girl! I am so proud!


Sept. 18: Ally’s First Plane Ride
We will see how it goes!

We are traveling back to Illinois this month (Already traveled by car Labor Day Weekend) for my 15 year class reunion. JC and I are excited for another night out without kids. (Not that we don't enjoy spending time with our kids, but in 4 months, we have been out twice. JC has been many late nights and this working mom is tired!) We have babysitters lined up and a designated driver, just in case.(Thanks, Mom and Dad!) Our last trip home we also had a night out thanks to my in-laws. We feel very spoiled as do the kids! More to come later!