Ho Ho Ho

Andrew and Abby with the Legendary Santa

Honest Andrew

Andrew and I were at the mall a few days ago and he wanted to go talk to Santa. I strolled him over, and he and Santa had a few minutes of conversation. Then Santa asked Andrew if he'd been a good boy. Andrew answered, "I have a time out."

At church someone asked Andrew if he had a haircut, and Andrew said he had. I asked him if he was good for his haircut and he said, "No. I cry like baby."

2 1/2

Andrew was officially 2 1/2 years old on Saturday. I took him to his check-up today. He is in the 95th percentile for weight and 75th for height. (36 1/2 pounds and 37 inches tall) I asked if I should put him on a diet! (The doc said no, by the way. He is just a big boy!). She was very impressed at his verbal ability. He told her all sorts of things--what is was for Halloween, where Abby was, all about the Cars movie, and he counted the flags he could see from the window. Andrew wasn't too impressed with his flu shot, but the sucker he got made it all worthwhile!

Halloween part one

Our friend Becca Hatcher turned 2 on Halloween. She had her Halloween-themed birthday party a week before so Abby and Andrew got to dress up for that. Abby decided not to debut her Egyptian princess costume and chose to be a cowgirl (thank goodness we already had cowgirl dress up stuff!)

the firefighter and cowgirl are more interested in TV than taking a picture

firefighter Andrew with his "fire dog"

pretty in pink cowgirl

the cowgirl and the birthday girl!

Beginnings

Beginning First Grade

Beginning football season

Beginning a new Bible Study

Beginning Fall

Heard on the monitor

Approximately 6 AM, Andrew singing. His selections included "Mighty to Save", "Life is a Highway", "Do the Look Around" (From Sid the Science Kid), "Blessed Be Your Name" (From the VBS CD), "Real Gone" (Cars), and "All of Creation". I'm very proud of his diverse musical taste.

Approximately 6:45 AM, Abby enters Andrew's room. They chat for a few minutes, then it sounded like Andrew was giving her a book to read (he's in his crib). She says, "No, Andrew, I'm going to read you Nursery Rhymes because you are a baby". She begins reading. Andrew very nicely says, "Read Bible. Read this. Read Bible, please" (He has a book about Jesus, he calls it the Bible. At least he makes the connection, right?) She ignores him and keeps reading the book she chose. He starts getting louder. "Read Bible PLEASE". Again, she ignores him. He's quiet for a few minutes while she reads. Then it's, "Read Cars. Read Cars. Read Cars, please". More ignoring and reading of nursery rhymes by Abby. "Read Cars PLEASE!" Then thump. Obviously he threw the book at her.

At this point Rick decided he better intervene.

True Stories

The following has all happened WHILE I AM TRYING TO TAKE A SHOWER!

1. Abby comes in the bathroom to use the toilet. I tell her to go in the other bathroom. She says she can't because Andrew locked that door. Okay, first I really don't want someone pooping in the room where I am trying to get clean. Second, she did not mention that Andrew had locked himself in the bathroom. Thank goodness the light was on in there and the toilet seat was down.

2. At least one and usually both of them come in while I am in the shower to inform me they'd like something to drink. Because, sure, I'll hop out of the shower dripping wet with shampoo in my hair to go to the kitchen and pour you something.

3. It never fails---they are always either both engaged in something different and leaving each other alone or playing nicely together when I sneak away to take a shower. But the minute that water turns on it's "Mom! Andrew took such-and-such away from me" or "Mama! Abby!" (meaning Abby did something he did not like). I really don't care kids. Let me please wash my hair!

4. Abby comes in to tell me she has tried to get something out of the fridge and accidentally knocked something over and now it is spilled everywhere. Okay, that's worth telling me about. But could you just be patient and wait for me to get out before you get something in the kitchen? And didn't I specifically tell you NOT to even go in there and to keep the gate locked? Because of course since the gate is open Andrew went upstairs and is wreaking havoc in your room, dear!

I should really get my rear out of bed and take a shower before they get up.

Vacation Bible School

Last week was Vacation Bible School at our church. Our theme was Joseph: From Prison to Palace. Abby had a great time in "Egypt". Andrew did, too. He loved his little class. I had a fun week with 6 sweet little babies.

Andrew talks about Cars

Enjoy Andrew talking to us about his favorite movie. Excuse the fact that he is eating baked potatoes with his hands.

http://vimeo.com/12456713

The Cars Movie

Here is Andrew's summary of the big race scene:

"Cars race. The King--uh oh! Lightning push. Yay! Mater ride 'copter. Lightning see Sally."

Andrew's 2nd Birthday

Click here to view these pictures larger

Andrew is 2!

Andrew turned 2 on May 13, 2010. He had his check-up on the 14th. He weighs 34 lbs 2 oz and is in the 95%tile. Big boy! His vocabulary has really exploded in the past two months. He can now call all of his family members by name (Grammy, Grandmom, Aunt Becca, etc). He also knows the names of all his little friends--Ben, Ella, Becca, Ashley.

He is saying 2 and 3 word phrases like "thank you", "I love you" (I wuv oo), "Play bball outside", "read book please", and "Go Tech". He also loves music and sings a long with many songs. He still wants to climb in my lap and be read to.

He has discovered the Cars movie and wants to watch it all the time. He also loves playing with his little cars. He says "Cars race!". For his birthday he got a train table and lots of Thomas stuff. He has been enjoying playing "choo choos".

He still wants his way and will throw a tantrum when he doesn't get what he wants. But he is such a sweet boy and we love him so much!

Favorite Kids Books

I am participating in Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Life" this week. Her theme is favorite children's books. I could list at least a hundred, but I'll stick to just a few:

Abby's favorites (5 year old girl)--

Dooby Dooby Moo and others by Doreen Cronin

Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis

Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird (there are many)

Lilly's Big Day and Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten and others by Joseph Slate

Andrew's favorites (2 year old boy)--

My Car and Planes by Byron Barton

Jesus Loves Me by Debby Anderson

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo and My Truck is Stuck by Kevin Lewis and Daniel Kirk

Speedy Little Race Cars: A Zippity Zoom Colors Book

Sports Books by David Diehl--Slam Dunk, Touchdown, and Home Run

Easter 2010

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Upward!

Abby is cheering, Rick is coaching, and Andrew is longing (to play ball with the big boys!) We are having a great time participating in the Upward program at church.

Daddy being introduced as the coach of the Hokies

and running through the tunnel.

Cheerleaders in action.

Andrew snagged the ball at halftime.

Slam dunk!

And for your viewing pleasure, click on the link for a video of Abby the Cheerleader!

http://www.vimeo.com/9885766

What's your name?

Cute story. My kids both love the show Super WHY! on PBS kids. Andrew in particular will REALLY tune in when it's on. When the "super readers" introduce themselves, they ask the viewers "what's your name?" Of course, Abby always shouts "ABBY!". I noticed yesterday when Abby was at school that Andrew answers too...he says "ABBY!" I thought it was so cute!

Little Andrew had a farm....

http://vimeo.com/8967047

Enjoy!

Jingle Bell Rockin'

Enjoy!
http://www.vimeo.com/8103225

18 month check-up

Andrew weighs 30 lbs 9 1/2 oz (95th percentile) and is 32 3/4 inches tall (75th percentile). At Abby's 18 month check-up, she weighed 24 lbs and was 32 inches tall. Dr. Mapp is watching his toe-walking, but said everything else was great!

Seeing Santa

Abby had a great time at the Children's Museum seeing the Legendary Santa. Andrew enjoyed seeing the Christmas trees and running around. He was not thrilled about Santa.
Enjoy the video, pictures to come!

http://vimeo.com/7989750