September 30th; Madison's First Birthday

Madison was so cute on her actual birthday.  I picked the girls up early from school and we spent the afternoon making cupcakes.  I made Madison's favorite meal consisting of macaroni and cheese, green beans, and applesauce.  Of course the best part was the cupcakes.  Luckily, Andy just pulled in as we were getting ready to sing to her.  Both my kids can only stand to sit at the table for so long.  So I was really happy that Andy pulled up right in time.  We put a candle on her cupcake and sang.  She definitely tried to catch the fire instead of blowing it out.  We blew it out for her and she went to it.  Madison really dove into her cake eating mostly the frosting.  She was very happy!

Of course that morning, Reagan wanted to wear a special outfit just like Madison.  Then when we came home she wanted to Model in front of the camera.  I didn't mind as she looked so cute.  She is so "feminine."

Meet the Heels

I have been meaning to sign Reagan up for the Carolina Kids Club.  I've always thought she was too young even though there are parents who sign up their newborns.  She is almost 3 and its the perfect age for her debut as a Heels fan.

Our first event this year was Meet the Heels more specifically Meet the UNC Football players and coaches.  When we arrived we had dinner provided by Jimmie Johns and cold stone ice cream.  The parents are not suppose to eat; however, by 5pm there was still plenty of food.  I then took Reagan down on the football field.  The club gave all the kids a small size football.  The older kids were tossing the ball mostly with their Dads while waiting for the players.  Reagan and I enjoyed going down the slides and jumping.  We also enjoyed people watching (a favorite of ours).  Andy gets so embarrassed when we go places because we love to sit and just watch people, :).  I then took over Madison and Andy spent some Daddy time with Reagan.  She got so upset on the field when she saw all the other Dad's throwing the football with their kids.  "I want my Daddy and my football!"

This year we didn't listen to the head coach, Butch Davis' speech.  We also did not stay to meet the players or get autographs.  Maybe in years to come, but for our girls they were tired and ready to get to their beds.  A good nights sleep was had by all!

The Baby Bed

       When I was little, my Uncle Buster made me a wooden baby bed.  He had a very special talent when it came to wood working.  I remember him giving me this bed for one of my birthdays.  It has had a baby in it ever since.  My American Girl doll Samantha (retired) has lived at my mother's house in this bed since middle school (1990).  My mom is in the process of cleaning out her home and remodeling each room.  So everytime we see her she always has something to give me.  On this occasion she brought me my baby bed.  Immediately Reagan was drawn to it.  She has claimed it hers ever since.  However, this was until her she brought it into the living room where her baby sister Madison spotted it.  I was washing the dishes and all of a sudden I heard Reagan crying and my husband saying, "Honey, come quick, you have to see this."


When I got into the room, this is what I saw.

Madison, thought it was made just for her.  Even though she is now 

too big to lay down, she loved sitting in it.  Of course, to Reagan it was the end of the world.

Not pictured here is Daddy explaining to Reagan that Madison is simply just sitting in her baby's bed and is not taking it over.  Too bad I couldn't fit all this in the picture.  I just caught Madison looking over with her innocent expression.  I have a feeling I will be seeing this expression a lot in the future. 

Finally, Daddy's talk worked and Reagan decided to sit in the bed with her sister.  It was a great laugh for us all.  I'm just glad that Reagan decided to share and I got a great shot of my girls.

So you think you can Dance?

Reagan has started taking dance class at Stage Door Dance.  Reagan was invited to try a class by her friends at school.  She is currently taking ballet and tap on Friday evenings.  Her favorite is tap.  She loves music and movement.  I must say that after the first visit my hopes for her was to be able to take direction.  The students are suppose to stand on polyspots.  However, Reagan on her first visit decided to pick hers up and put it where she wanted to...touching her friends Aurora and Emerson's dots.  Then last Monday at a make-up class she has progressed to keeping the spot on the floor and even staying on it.  In three short visits she is already taking direction so much better.  I am going to have increase my personal goals for her since she is already reaching my first expectation.

She hasn't quite mastered leg kicks (I call this the Frankestien walk) or many other skills in the class.  However, she at least now tries them and stays more on task.  In June she will have a recital.  I am very eager to see how well she progresses and if she remains interested in dance.  Right now, I must say that she "practices" in our living room while singing with her microphone.  Her moves our much more graceful now and she has learned more ways to move her body.  Here are a few pictures I got.  Not great, since taken through a small window.

After so much hard work, it was only natural for Reagan to come home starving and fussy.

Swimming with the Jansen's

JANSEN FUN

Everyday when we come home Reagan looks to see if the Jansen's are home.  She absolutely loves their entire family!  The Jansen's live across the street from us.  They have three kids: Kathryn (8), Matthew (5), and Stephen (3 in November).  Reagan adores Kathryn!  She calls her her "best friend."  It's very cute.  Madison enjoys exploring all their toys inside and out.  She hasn't quite warmed up to everyone, but will definitely go to Mrs. Michelle.


Reagan use to be very scared of Mr. Thomas, but as she has gotten older she now runs up to him and gives him hugs.  I have often joked with the Jansen's that they are my kids second set of parents.  We are so thankful that Mrs. Michelle lets us play at their house weekly in the afternoons.  It is so great and we are very lucky to have awesome neighbors!