5 Year Old Well Baby Check-Up

Cassidy had her 5 year-old well baby check-up this past week.  I'm going to have to get out of the habit of saying "well baby check-up" and into the habit of saying "well child check-up" instead.  It was painfully obvious during today's visit that we've entered the uncharted territory of the school-age child.

How?  Count the ways...

Exhibit A - Cassidy had to pee in a cup for the very first time.  When the nurse told me this, I was shocked.  I had been mentally preparing myself for the inevitable shots, and it never occured to me that she would have to pee in a cup.  Explaining that to my prissy princess was quite a treat.

Exhibit B - They gave her a hearing test, which they've never done before.  She had one at the ENT before she got her ear tubes, but never had one at a regular check-up.

Exhibit C - They gave her a vision test.  Another first!

Exhibit D - They pricked her finger to check her blood, but there were no vaccinations.  I don't recall ever having a well baby appointment without a vaccination!

Cassidy's stats were perfect, and she's right below the 50th percentile for height and weight.

Your child is 38 pounds, and that is at the 37th percentile for weight.

Your child is 42 inches, and that is at the 39th percentile for height.

She's doing fantastic.  The only downer was the scar tissue in her ears... the doctor called it "battle wounds" from all the ear infections she had as an infant.  She's come such a long way since those days!!

Hearing test

She did her homework while we were waiting for the doctor.  It's never too early to learn the art of multi-tasking.

An Amazing Start To The Day

When I checked my email this morning, a reader had left the following comment:

快樂的微笑是保持生命康健的唯一藥石，它的價值千萬，卻不要花費一文錢..................................................

Because the Evil Empire is a global company, I have friends from lots of different countries.  A co-worker translated the comment, and it means "A happy smile is the only key to keep your life long and healthy.  It's worth millions of thousands, but you pay nothing".
 
What an awesome way to start the day.  Thank you, 瘋狂的 for such a wonderful comment!!

His Name Is Brady

And he's her boyfriend.

On the bus yesterday afternoon, she drew this picture of her and Brady ice skating.  Brady is the one with no arms somehow holding Cassidy, the Ballerina Ice Skating Princess.

And she drew this one at school today.  She's the princess in the castle, and Brady is standing on the ground next to the castle.  Brady was supposed to be the one standing in front of the castle, but she decided she couldn't see him and put him off to the side instead.

When I told Sergeant Sexy that Cassidy has a boyfriend, all he would say is "No. No. No."  We have a long road ahead, Sergeant Sexy.  Better buckle up now!

Breakfast With The Goofball Girlz

The morning is usually a super-hectic time for us.  We always sit the girlz down for breakfast, but they don't always focus on eating.  Sometimes they're more interested in playing...

And sometimes Mommys with cameras are too much of a distraction...

A Crazy Fun Day

We had a crazy fun day today.  After Gymboree and dance, we went to Chuck E. Cheese with Marissa and Lily.  And to make a great day even better, they came to our house to play after lunch at Chuck E. Cheese!!  The weather was GORGEOUS (halleluiah!!) and we got to spend lots of time in the backyard.

It was a truly awesome day... we had a BLAST and the girlz are completely worn out.  It really doesn't get much better!

Campbell kicked off our Chuck E Cheese visit by counting her money.

Cassidy and Marissa playing some kind of shooting game.  Awesome.

BFFs on the tandem swing!

Lifelong friends are the best friends.

The girlz weren't content to play WITH  the sand and water table, they needed to sit ON the sand and water table so they could get their toes in the sand.  I let them do it because I'm cool like that.

So you may be thinking "This sounds like a fun day, but where does the crazy part come in?"  Enter sweet, precious Campbell.  After Marissa and Lily left, Cassidy and Campbell played by themselves in the playroom for about 30 minutes.  When I peeked in to check on them, I realized Campbell had been up to no good.

This is what CRAZY looks like.

Full view of CRAZY.

Daddy cleaning like CRAZY.

You may think the red somehow came from the Twizzler, but you'd be wrong.  Campbell got into Cassidy's red Hello Kitty stamper, and rubbed it all over her hands, face, shirt, and the carpet.  It stained her face and hands, which has the makings of a very interesting drop off in the church nursery tomorrow.  Thanks, Campbell!

I have to admit, she redeemed herself shortly before bedtime.  When she tugged at her diaper and said "I poop", I decided to take the hint and put her on the potty.  The old girl actually peed in the potty!  CRAZY!!!  We made a HUGE fuss over her, and brought out the special Dora Pull-Ups I'd been saving for this very occasion.  We're now in wait-and-see mode trying to determine if this was a fluke or the start of a new diaper-free chapter in our lives.  I've been buying diapers since 2004... could the end finally be in sight?  We'll see... CRAZY!!

Game Night

Cassidy had another basketball game to cheer for tonight, and she got a special treat - Nana Jill and Poppie Bill stopped by to watch the action for a few minutes!  Hooray!!

She did a great job again, and got through the whole game without crapping out.  She did decide to kick back and take a short break about midway.

I took a picture of it, which shouldn't come as any surprise.  You should know by now I take pictures of EVERYTHING.

Carry on, don't mind me...

The Most Wonderful Sound

I heard the most wonderful, glorious, precious sound outside my office window today.  It was the sound of a bird singing.  For some reason, I always take special notice the first time I hear a bird singing each spring.  It's a sound that starts to blend into the background by May-ish.  But it's a pleasant shock to the ears after a long and freakin' cold winter.  I do love the spring!

In other news, the girlz were looking extra cute this morning.  Campbell has learned to say "cheese" and make the obligatory silly face.

And Cassidy is just as beautiful as ever.

Although the day-to-day routines around here are totally hectic and crazy and rushed and frazzled, I love the life Sergeant Sexy and I have built together.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Take a breather from it every now and then?  Heck yeah.

Give it up?  Never.

There Are No Words...

... to describe the cuteness in our house.

I'm just sayin'.

Welcome, Baby Isabella!

We have a new baby in our family, and she's GORGEOUS.  I'm in love already!

I love fresh-from-the-oven babies, so I relished the time I got to spend loving on Isabella today.  We brought some gifts for Isabella and some for Gabriel, too.  It's important for big brothers to get gifts!  Not only is Gabriel a new big brother, but we slacked off and didn't get his birthday gift out in time (oops).  We definitely had some making-up to do.  I think he approved.

We had a great visit.  I still had that new-baby glow on the drive home when Sergeant Sexy suddenly called out "Poe-leece".  It was two seconds too late... they finally got me - I haven't gotten a speeding ticket in nine years, but I got one today.  True to form, Sergeant Sexy's idea of "help" was to instruct me where to pull off the road and fetch my registration from the glove box.  Thanks, Babe.

Back to happier topics!  Everybody, meet sweet Isabella...

Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?!?

Strollin' The Neighborhood

The weather finally warmed up enough for us to get outside today!  While Sergeant Sexy was watching the first NASCAR race of the season, I took the girlz out for a stroll.  Cassidy rode her bike and Campbell rode in the buggy.

We had a GREAT time.  We stopped by Mary Grace's house, but they weren't home.  Cassidy introduced Campbell to some of her favorite neighborhood spots, and we just enjoyed being outside.  FINALLY.

Oh, Spring... how I've missed thee!

Girlz in the prissy rose garden.

Girlz on a bench.

Girlz in a Caddy.

Chill-Eater Cutie Pie

Today was Game Day!  Cassidy did a great job with the cheers and halftime routine.  She's also getting better with her stamina... she didn't start crapping out until the very end of the game.

It goes without saying that she was the cutest chill-eater on the floor.  I know I didn't even have to say that, but I did.

She was all smiles after the game!

I cannot wait until Campbell is old enough for this.  Cassidy has an absolute ball in this program, and I'm so anxious for the day Campbell can share in these experiences!!

This Post Is Brought To You By The Letter 'P'

Cassidy's class was focusing on the letter 'P' this week.  Many of the crafts the class does are super-cute, but this one is definitely a favorite of mine.  It's a sturdy paper plate and paper bowl painted pink and glued together.  If you look closely, you'll see a spot on the top of the bowl between the pig's eyes... that's a hole.

Can you tell what this particular craft is?  I'll give you a hint - it's more than just a cute pig.

It's a piggy bank!!!  There's money in that pig's nose!

The Bird Is The Word

Mama and Papa are throwing me and Sergeant Sexy a life preserver... they're taking the girlz Saturday night so we can finally celebrate our anniversary BY OURSELVES.  Thank you, thank you, thank you... we really need a few quiet minutes without the constant tugging of demanding people - big ones at work and little ones at home.  I can't wait to dump them off hand them over to Mama and Papa Saturday afternoon!

Sunday is Valentine's Day, and the Valentine Bird will be visiting the girlz at Mama and Papa's house.  You can find a refresher on the history of the Valentine Bird here.

I dropped off the supplies this morning - it's not much... they'll each get a few coloring books, a Hello Kitty, and a package of Peeps hearts.  I also made sure to bring the special Valentine Bird key.

Papa was okay with the supplies until I got to the key.  "Why does the Valentine Bird need a key?"  he asked.  "Because birds can't fly into the house when the doors are closed." I answered.

He just stared at me for a few seconds, so I finally had to state the obvious.  "Cassidy is alot smarter than Uncle Butthead and I were.  She knows Santa, the Valentine Bird, and the Easter Bunny need a key to get into the house."

And to be completely honest, I didn't give the girl enough credit when I said that.  She knows we have a gas fireplace with a return on the outside of the house.  She mentioned the other day that Santa couldn't get through the return because he's big.  But a bird is small and could possibly fit... hmmm...

I nipped that one in the bud, and told her everybody needs a key.  Period.

I've said it many times before, and I'm 100% certain I'm right.  Papa's freakishly high level of intellegence skipped a generation.  Papa's children didn't think to question how the Valentine Bird got into the house.  Who cares how he got in here?  We got candy!!  And presents!!  And did I mention we got candy?!?!?!?

The grandchildren are too busy analyzing the fireplace return and solving math problems to even notice the candy.

Curlz

Cassidy decided she wanted me to curl her hair before school this morning.  Even though the morning is the busiest time of day around here, I agreed.  I figured it would be something fun and different.

She LOVED it.  Even though the curlz had fallen out by the time she came home, it was still 10 minutes well spent.  She looked like an angel!

Somehow, she loses that angelic look when she covers her sister with a laundry basket and drags her around the kitchen.

The Cold Is Getting To Us

This is what happens when it's too cold to go outside.  Boredom sets in, and you start doing crazy stuff.  Like wearing a Pull-Up on top of your diaper and pants, even though you're not potty trained.

Or perfecting your Daddy impersonation. "Ma'am, turn around and put your hands on the wall.  Spread your feet apart.  Do you have anything in your pockets I need to know about?  Crayons? Toys?  Hypodermic Needles?  Relax.  I'm doing this for your safety and mine."

Hurry, Spring.  I can't take much more of this cold weather!

20 Months Must Be The New 3

We must have hit a milestone when Campbell turned 20 months old yesterday, and didn't realize it.  20 months must be the new 3.

Last night she decided we needed to get the potties out so she could use them.  She insisted on taking off her diaper to sit on the potty like a big girl.  Did anything end up in the potty? No, and I'm glad.  If she'd actually pooped or peed in that potty, I'm certain I would have had heart failure.  We were expecting these antics a year from now.  She's 20 months old - how is she already interested in the potty?!?

This morning it was the shoes.  I chose a beautiful pink and brown sweater dress for Campbell to wear to church.  She was okay with the dress and tights, but decided to take charge when we got to the shoes.  Instead of wearing the cute pink and brown clogs I had chosen, she insisted on wearing her hot pink and electric purple Crocs.  Lovely.

This afternoon, it was her lunch.  I heated up some frozen pancakes, but didn't realize pancakes were not on the royal menu today.

Sergeant Sexy: "Here, Campbell.  Eat this delicious pancake your Mommy lovingly made you".

Campbell: "No, Daddy.  YOU eat it".

Daddy: "Oooohhhh, alright."

And a slimy baby kiss sealed the deal.

Her cuteness makes it hard to be frustrated... but it sure would ne nice if she'd slow the pace down a bit!

Hello Kitty is Toast

Well, not exactly.  Hello Kitty is ON toast, at least at our house.  Cassidy got the most wonderful gift from her Godparents for her birthday - a Hello Kitty toaster!  It's perfect for her in every way... it has Hello Kitty on it, it makes toast (one of her favorite breakfast foods is cinnamon toast), and it actually cooks Hello Kitty's FACE into the TOAST.

Seriously, does it get any better than this?!?

Here's Cassidy waiting anxiously for her first piece of toast!

Look!  Hello Kitty is on the toast!

Fascinating!  Hello Kitty is on the toaster AND the toast!!

2010 Recital Costume

The dance recital costume choices have been made, and the orders have been sent to the supplier.  Because Cassidy is in the 5 & 6 year-old class this year, the class will be doing two routines instead of one (like last year).

The costumes are precious.  I've pasted the picture below... the leotard will stay the same for both routines, but the class will wear the tutu for the ballet number and switch to the pants for the tap number.

Early February is when dance class starts to get really exciting... the recital planning is well underway, the skills the girls have been practicing all year start coming together, and the routines start to take shape.

This is so much fun!!!

My Personal Hell

I'm tired of the snow and rain.  It's cold and my body can't handle the chill.  I have to wear a coat, and I don't like wearing coats.  I like my flip flops and t-shirts and jackets and sweatshirts... they've done fine for the last 21 winters.  But it's not just cold here, it's FREAKIN' COLD.

The snow from last week's terrible blizzard still hasn't finished melting, and the weather people are calling for more.  Luckily, we're just south of the snow line and should get mostly rain.

So this is what I want to know - is hell really hot?  Is there a reference in the Bible to hell being hot, or are the flames of hell something pop culture has created?

Because right now, hot doesn't seem so bad to me.  It's cold in my office, and I have to wear my Snuggie blanket to keep warm.  My feet are cold, and I have my thickest socks and boots on.  I'm thinking of putting on a hat.  I'm FREAKIN' COLD.

I'm starting to wonder if hell isn't based on personal preference.  I have to believe that my personal hell would have freezing rain and snow swirling around and blowing in my face, making it hard to see.  The wind would be so frigidly cold, it would hurt to breathe.  The air would have a chill so cold you can actually feel it in your bones.

Yes, my personal hell would look like winter in Albany, NY.  Or perhaps like this...

Thank you very much, Old Man Winter.  You've overstayed your welcome and are free to leave any time now, mmm-kay?

A Papa and Cassidy Afternoon

School was closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week, so I worked while also watching a princess or two.  It was hard, but Cassidy has been a real trooper... I've been on the phone all day every day since Monday, and she's been very understanding.  I know this week couldn't have been fun for her - she couldn't go to school, couldn't go outside, couldn't cook anything, and couldn't go to her friend's houses.  Snow SUCKS.

I digress.  I was in back-to-back meetings all week, and that was bad enough.  But I had a VERY IMPORTANT meeting Wednesday and it was imperative that I be allowed to focus completely on the conversation.  This is impossible with Cassidy in the house at all, because I'm always listening for any hint of an issue even when she's at her best and quietly watching TV.  When she's constantly in and out of the office at her worst, I completely lose focus on what I'm doing.

Losing focus for even a second during this 30 minute conversation just couldn't happen.  But never fear, Papa rescued me.  Hooray for Papa!!

He took Cassidy to Pizza Hut for lunch, and then they went shopping.  He bought her an adorable dress, a pair of jeans, and a bag of candy.  The candy also happens to be my favorite, and I want it duly noted I haven't eaten one bite of those Reese Cups even though they call out for me every time I pass through the kitchen.  I'm just sayin'.

Papa's effort was worth it.  They had a blast together, and I've been told my meeting went exceptionally well.  School was open Thursday (thank you, sweet baby Jesus) and Cassidy wore her new dress.  She wore the jeans to school today.  Great choices, Papa... and thanks again for your help!!

The dress...

The jeans...

The cute-as-a-button little sister!

Happy Anniversary, Sergeant Sexy!

As of today, we've been married for 8 years and together for 9.  I don't know how to top last year's post, so this year I'll keep it simple. 

Thanks for the loving home we provide for our family.

Thanks for the time you spend with me, your Smokin' Hot Wife.

And most of all, thanks for our two little bugs.

Happy Anniversary!