LIMP DOG CRAWL...

Don't make fun of the name, it is so true. When I was recently visiting my friend Meghan she said her son Matthew crawled like a limp dog (I think that's what she called it), then she saw Evan and said that is it. So, I thought it was funny and have carried on the name. Judge for yourself... Not that I am complaining because he can get from point A to point B, which means I don't have to carry him. By the way he is REALLY fast, I am soooo in trouble!! Enjoy!!

"WASH ON - WASH OFF" with Drew

As I have said many times, Drew LOVES to help! You can turn around just about any bad behavior with him when you give him a job. I am not saying this is 100% effective, but pretty close. I often have to remind myself this very thing! Drew was a big helper last weekend, working with Daddy to clean our vehicles. He had a BLAST!!

Our McKinney Kitchen

Okay, I know you are probably getting bored with my house pictures, but I am trying to get better at documenting things. This is the first house I have ever purchased curtains for, and I feel like I am actually decorating. I know curtains can be expensive, so I was beyond excited to get these on clearance for $2.99. We got the cabinet and table/chairs from Craigs List.. I think we did okay... you be the judge.

These were a steal... from the dollar store!

Who says you have to spend a lot do decorate? NOT ME!!!

10 MONTHS = EVAN!!

WOW, it almost hurts to say that Evan is 10 months. He is still such a sweet little boy and is all of a sudden doing lots of stuff. I remember when I went to his 9 month appt and the doc asked me if he was pulling up or holding his own bottle and I answered "no" to both of those questions. Well in the last month the boy is:

*Holding his own bottle (happened just a couple days after 9month appt), he practically rips it out of your hands.

*Pulling himself up to his knees

*Goes from a laying to sitting position (this was just a couple days ago).

*Up on all fours rocking, moves one knee then slides to his belly. However, this boys gets from point A to B by rolling or pushing himself on his belly with his feet. He is one very determined little guy.

*He surprisingly eats just like Drew did and will eat pretty much anything you put in front of him. He is menu now consists of: Peas, Green Beans, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, White Potatoes, Apples, Mandarin Oranges, Pears, Peaches (his least favorite), Grapes, Puffs, Crunchies, Cheerios, Chex, Banana (he eats one by himself), beans, Avocado, Bread, Cantaloupe (he LOVES), and I am sure I am forgetting some. By the way if I have not mentioned it before, after attending a lunch at our friend's house a couple weeks ago and Evan's screaming during lunch because he didn't want to be fed, we immediately went to all finger foods, and he is LOVING it. Makes meals so much easier that's for sure.

Evan has such an endearing smile and wonderful laugh! I love listening to David getting him ready for bed and all the cackling he gets out of him. It brings back wonderful memories of Drew at this age to. Evan is a great sleeper a majority of the time, which is one way we can tell something is wrong with him...if he is not sleeping well. He loves his big brother, who he smiles at constantly.

We are beyond blessed by our little guys, and pray God will add to our family someday.

"IF YOUR HAPPY!" by DREW

Drew knew this song at a very early age, well we have been singing it a lot to Evan who is finally really getting into it. So, Drew has taken it upon himself to sing it to Evan, SOOOO CUTE! Enjoy this little video from our songbird, with help from the peanut gallery!

OUR TX HOUSE Part 3

I just realized that I had not given you any updates on our McKinney House. Let me say that it is still a work in progress, but we are getting there. We are going through each and every tub and box to downsize and it is taking time, but we know it will be well worth it in the end.

I have been working on the boys bathroom off and on, but I thought I would share with you where we are at so far. I have to say I fell in love with the ocean theme from my friend Angela. The bathroom she did for her boys is SOOOOO cute, she is such a great decorator! So, I thought I am going to steal her idea.. thanks Ang! Enjoy a few pics below!

This last pic is of painting Drew did at a party he went to. I thought their had to be a way I could keep his first painting masterpiece, so I ordered the W is for Whale Decor Elements from Stampin Up! and Wha La!! LOVE IT!!

Crawling? Who Needs Crawling?

Okay, so Evan is sooooo close to crawling, but he just gives up. But, boy can he roll all over the place. So, I finally got a video the other day, it gives us a good chuckle! He may have a future in the Circus, whatever works right?!

IT SNOWS IN TX?????

Wow, I thought we were moving to a WARM climate, but oh how I was proven wrong this week. The week started fine, but then Tuesday happened. We got a down pour of Sleet, which turned into very thick ice on the roads, I almost took a dive a few times and had to hand onto the truck for dear life. I wasn't about to be someone else's comic relief, lol!

So, David left work early on Tuesday and has been home the every day since. I have realized that Texas has no clue how to handle anything winter related and mix that with the Super Bowl in town and NOTHING happens.

If that wasn't all bad enough, we got 6" of snow today on top of all that ice...eek! I did promise if we got another snow this year that we would take Drew out to play, so thankfully Daddy was home to make good on that promise... to cold for me!! They had a great time throwing snowballs at each other and getting balls stuck on the roof.

So, here is the positive, since we are in TX, as soon as that sun comes out the snow and ice will melt in no time, so thankful for that. Plus, we had 70 degree weather last weekend when everyone else was freezing, so I can't complain to much! Anyhow, enjoy a couple pictures!

First Up, Cleaning the Snow off Everything... REALLY?

A Little Snowball Action

EVAN is 9 Months, BOO HOO!

Well, Evan is not listening well and continuing to grow. Time always baffles me because it just goes way to fast. Sometime I feel like I am hanging on by a thread!

He is such a sweet boy and does not know a stranger. He will lift his hands to anyone who reaches to pick him up. This could be a problem later on, hmmm. He has the sweetest smile and little laugh. Evan doesn't fuss about much and when he does you know he wants something or something is wrong.

We recently had his 9 month appt, so here are his stats:

Weight: 17lbs 6.5oz (6%, little guy)
Height: 28" (38%)

It was so funny to see these numbers because early on Evan had a huge growth spurt in height and was in the 90%, now he is a shrimp. I have to say he has made progress from his 6 month appt where he wasn't even 14lbs and had gained less than a pound from the previous well visit. I have start supplementing with formula, which I didn't think I would have to do this time, so the hope is that will bring his weight up more. After my kidney stone attack, then the gallbladder attack and surgery my milk considerably decreased and I have not been able to get it back to where it was. Plus, Evan is quite the biter is you know what I mean, so neeldes to say, you just do what you have to do.

Now on to some fun facts...

FOOD: Evan loves to feed himself and goes crazy for finger foods. He loves puffs, wagon wheels, biter biscuits, banana chunks, cheerios, Ritz crackers, bread chunks, etc. As far as other food he still loves Sweet Potato's, and also likes: peas, green beans, squash, and the jury is still out with carrots. All of which I make at home, so much cheaper. As far as fruit goes, it is just not as cost efficient to make it, so I admit to buying them, he likes just about any fruit: bananas, pears, mango's, apples, and the jury is still out on prunes & peaches. I have a lot more foods to introduce in the coming months... this is such a fun time.

VERBAL: We have no real words yet, although he almost has "Dada" down. I could of swore the other day he almost said Bella, but you know us Momas think we hear all kinds of things. He is babbling up a storm and has found his voice since the holidays. Him and drew often get into a screaming match as the last video showed.

PHYSICAL: Evan is rolling all over the place and wants to crawl so badly. He has the rocking motion down, but just can't put it all together quite yet. He is so close and I think it will be no time at all until he is mobile. He loves to throw things, don't all babies love the drop game? So much fun, or just a good ab workout. He is clapping his hands and waving from time to time. he is very much into grabbing faces and snapping straps.. can you say OWIE!!

We are continually amazed to watch our boys and see how completely different they are. I can say Drew and Evan love each other very much and it shows! Evan just lights up when he sees his big brother.

BOY TALK!!

Boys will be boys! Evan has recently found his voice and listen how the boys communicate. This is super cute unless you are in public.. lol!

Drew TURNED Three- More Catch-Up!

Okay, so I am not doing very good with catching up the blog, but I am determined to make a schedule for 2011, which will include a blog day, so I can have consistent weekly posts.

Anyhow, we are going back in time a bit with Drew's 3yr update.

We went to the doctor about a month late, so I will start with his 37month Stats:

Weight: 37.2 lbs (89%)
Height: 39" (79%)

After the doc looked at his weight he said. "you have a big boy, but that is okay because he is also tall." Drew's mouth is continually moving and producing sound. Sometimes it's a good sound and sometimes not so much. I know many of you will relate, but I am just not sure where he learns some of the stuff he says. His newest things are:

KNOWLEDGE:
*ALL ABC (with song, which is has been doing for a LONG time)
*Knows all the vowels
*All letter sounds
*Recognizes many words like: book, dad, mom, evan, drew, pie, truck... the list goes on
*Is starting to sound out words
*Pronounces his last name better than most, knows his whole name
*Knows lots of shapes including octagon and hexagon
*Knows several songs, some I didn't even know
*Says sweet prayers
*Is in major pretend stage and I think has an imaginary friend
*Counts to 11 consistantly sometimes up to 15
*Know Right from Left most of the time
*Knows how to point you home, Emma's house, or little Airport close by.
*Knows what CVS & Starbucks look like (sad huh?)
*Is starting to learn names of planes
*Figures out most gadgets/toys better than David and I! He finds things we didn't even know they did.
*Can work my IPhone... scary
*Can select a movie off Youtube

Okay I have to stop with this list because I didn't know I had a 12 yr old....lol!

Makes Us Proud:
-"I want to hold Evan."

-He wants to always give Evan a kiss and hug before bed

-He loves to be the first to talk to Evan when he wakes up. He opens his door, turns his light on,
and talks to him. He even sometimes gives him toys.

-He is such a helper: helps with: laundry, emptying the dishwasher, gets Evan toys, throws away diapers, brings boxes in from the front porch, helps clean up toys, etc..

-He is our resident ant smasher

-Potty Training, he is in big boy underpants most of the day, except when we go out or at night. he is going pee pee atleast 80% of the time on the potty.

-Gives wonderful morning snuggles

-Drinking out of a big boy cup, even filling his own cup with water

-Puts his dishes and silverware in sink when done, after throwing his trash away

Not so good:
-"I am not going to be your friend."

-"I am not going to listen to you, I am a mean boy."

-Throwing things...ANYTHING

-Doing things even when he is told no... looks at you and does it anyhow.

-He has started saying he doesn't like food, so we are learning how to be polite at the dinner table.

-Potty Training, he has these moments when he doesn't want to go on the potty at all and we have yet to conquer the poop! If any of you have tips for that I am VERY open to it.

-Temper tantrums

FUNNY RECENT DREW COMMENTS:
*"Daddy you can't do that it is impossible." This was when David was getting Christmas tubs down from the attic.

*Me-"Drew look there is another excavator," Drew-"No Mommy, it is a Mini Excavator, you know like tiny."

*"I am going to smash that ant with my pee, and blow it up."

*"No, Mommy I sad no Starbucks, you don't deserve it." He says this when we get close to a Starbucks, even before I turn into it... so sad!

Birthday Kisses from Emma

Here are a couple pictures from his birthday party! I would put more, but my computer is not working quite right, so this is all you get for now.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

One of my BIGGEST WISHES!

As many of you know we are aggressively working to pay off debt, but that doesn't mean I don't have a few things I am dreaming about. One of the items I have been dreaming of for awhile is a Tassimo T20 Brewpot...no not for the coffee, but for my tea addiction. I was first introduced to a similar product over a year ago at a Bunco party, then again recently when my at my friends house where I enjoyed a yummy and quickly made cup of hot cocoa! I am IN LOVE.

So, I just entered to win one at one on a fun blog: mamabmy.blogspot.com. Pray for me and keep your fingers and toes crossed because it will be awhile before I can even think of affording this. Check out the giveaway details by clicking here!
I wish us all luck!! Christie

A BLACK FRIDAY BIRTHDAY!

Drew is officially THREE! He had the opportunity of sharing his day with Black Friday, like he knows what that is. We had the opportunity to celebrate his special day twice, once with friends here in TX and the other with Uncle Mark, Hannah, Abby, and his birthday buddy Aunt Sherri in LA!

Drew's first cake, to the left, was made by one of my bestest friends Courtney. I just sent her a picture and she totally recreated it. I am totally jealous of people who bake. I am blessed to know her. The second cake below Mark & Sherri got Drew. Isn't it awesome? Drew is still playing strong with his cake toppers!

Drew is seriously three going on 12! We are often amazed at the things that comes out of his mouth or even the things he remembers. I remember the other day I was nursing Evan and he bit me and I yelped a little. Drew came rushing in to my aid and put his hand on my arm and gave me this serious look. He said," Mom, are you gonna be okay?" Or the other evening we were outside and from no where Drew looked up and said, "Look Mommy, its a planet." He was right! When we drive by a Starbucks he often asks me if we are going to get one (could be a bad thing), or he I ask if we can stop and he says, "No Mommy, you don't deserve one." I could go on and on with Drew statements. He keeps us on our toes and laughing!!

Drew is beginning to get a little picky with food, which I hoped would never happen! He has started telling us he doesn't like things and he doesn't want it. So, I am trying to see this as a learning opportunity, as I grit my teeth. We are now learning how to ask to be excused and to politely say, "I am full, thank you." Or, "It is delicious." I didn't think he was hearing us, but when we went to Louisiana he sat quietly and ate all of his food with no complaints.

Now potty training....what can I say we are still doing it. We are going to take away the diapers New Year's weekend and go from there. David is home for 4 days, so here goes! The only reason we are going to do this is because Drew knows exactly when he needs to go and tells you. He is just choosing to take the easy road and potty in the diaper! So, pray for success!!

Now onto some more pictures from the birthday celebrations! We had a great time and we can't thank you all enough for the blessing you are in our lives as well as Drew's!

LOUISIANA BIRTHDAY!!

TEXAS BIRTHDAY

Back Track... Evan 7 Months

Okay, well one of our family New Year's Resolutions will be setting a family schedule. Somewhere along the way I lost my rhythm... the good thing is I can only go up from here.

Evan turned 7 months on November 9th, and is growing like crazy. He is eating up a storm and loves:

Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Green Beans, Squash and is learning to love carrots. For fruit he is eating Prunes, Apples, Peaches, Mango, Banana, & Pears. If you were to give him his favorite combination it would be Sweet Potatoes and Apples. He continues to be allergic to dairy, I tried to eat a little ice cream the other day and well it back fired with Evan having gas, which came with lots of screaming. Yes, I am still nursing and it is going as good as it can. After my two emergency room visits & surgery this fall (more info to come), my milk has decreased a little. I am working hard to build it back up! My goal is still 1 year!

Verbal: Well, he is still alot of babbling... what can I say!

Other: Evan is such a snuggler, which I love because I really didn't get that with Drew. His little face is starting the fill out and he is getting cuter by the minute. He has found his jumping legs during this month and is a rock star in the jumperoo. He is very ticklish, pretty much EVERYWHERE. Evan has the sweetest little laugh, almost like a whimper. The most exciting thing is his BM is regular!! Who would of thought such a thing would make me so excited?! One of the funniest things Evan does is grab his pacifier out of your mouth or hand, pretty agressively. We get lots of laughs out of it!

Evan loves his big brother and often searches for him it is so cute! Drew tends to get a little crazy with him, but he truly loves his little brother.

I am looking forward to his 9month appt as we should see a huge difference in his weight. We will be switching doctors because I am just tired of his appt's taking 2 hours for no good reason. I guess I should make that appt, oh and Drew's to.

We are truly blessed by our little sweetie!!

Drew's 3rd Birthday Thank You Notes..

Topsy Turvy Thanks Thank You 3x5 folded card

Click here to browse hundreds of thank you card designs.

View the entire collection of cards.

2010 Christmas Card

Joy Magic Story Christmas 5x7 folded card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

I LOVE Shutterfly, they have been the company I go to for a majority of my photo gift needs. I just received another great photobook! If have a special photo gift to make Shutterfly is the place to go. They often offer % off your order and sometimes even FREE items! Christie

TWITTER PARTY- Pampers Love Comes Early

Hello All! I am such a slacker with posting. I couldn't help, but share this amazing Twitter Party coming up called Loves Comes Early, which is sponsored by Pampers! I always said I would never do Twitter, but well.. as you can see that did happen!!

Join us tonight for a touching story and a chance at great prizes!! It starts at 7:00pm CT and you will need to enter hash tag #LoveComesEarly. It will last an hour, no RSVP needed!

Click here to watch the movies about Baby Addyson before attending the party because there will be questions asked and the answers are in the video!

I hope to see you there!! Christie

Drew the "BRAINS"

I am going to try to be better at blogging all around because I know I am missing key things that I will regret not blogging about when it comes to scrapbooking. Anyhow, those of you who know my Drew Boy, know he is smarter than he should be at his age. He is the most verbal 2 year old I have ever met. It has been getting even more fun lately because his imagination is in full swing. We put him in his room for quiet time and just listen to the stories he tells.. CRAZY! I will have to start documenting some..

So, he will be turning "THREE" next month, which is when we will start some basic school stuff. He already knows:

*ABC's
*Counting 1-10 (and sometimes more)
*Colors
*Some Shapes
*Songs/Games: Marching, Twinkle Little Star, ABC's, Songs we make up, Ring around the Rosie, Itsy Bitsy Spider
*Potty Training (some days are good some days are not so good)
*Amazes us with things he remember from months earlier
*I am sure I am forgetting tons more

He loves to fix things like daddy, helps with housework (dishes, laundry, letting Bella out and feeding her) helping with Evan,

I am currently in a Women's Bible Study at church where we are learning about the Five Love Languages for Children and it has been priceless. Drew's Love Language is Quality Time, FOR SURE.

His ears often need adjustment because he doesn't seem to always hear us (lol). Overall we are beyond blessed with our two little men. Drew is a determined boy who likes things his way on this time schedule. He often reminds of of things we shouldn't say just like we do to him. Aren't kids such a reflection of ourselves? So, David and I are also getting our share of life lessons!

Okay, that is it for now, but stay tuned for more updates!!

EVAN is 6 Months!!

Wow, time flies! Evan is already 6 months and changing daily! Out little man is growing leaps and bounds and I have to say it never gets old looking at life through your children's eyes.

Evan had his 6 month appt yesterday and it was LONG just like the last two. After an hour & a half we were finally done. 90% of that time was pure waiting, which would be fine, but there was no one else in the waiting room. Needless to say we will be looking for a new doctor that was just way to stressful!

Okay now on to stats:

Weight: 14.38lbs (gained less than a lb-4.53%)
Height: 27.5" (85%)

As you can see his weight increased less than 1lb over the past 2 months, which has raised some red flags for the doctor. Everything is progressing fine. We are not sure why he didn't gain much weight. Evan has had trouble having bowel movements for most of his little. He only has one about once a week and a lot of times that is assisted by a suppository. Poor little man! We have tried solids with him two separate times, but he is not having it. He literally throws his head back and screams at the site of them. So, we are trying to be patient and just try it here and there. He is so different than Drew with food because Drew could get to solids soon enough. The doc actually told me I could solely nurse for 2 years and that would be sufficient... Ummmm NO WAY, that is totally not for me. My goal is always a year, but I don't think I could make it much past that.

So, anyway please pray for Evan that his little system start processing everything better!!

On the fun side here are some of Evan's updates:
*Almost sitting up completely by himself (sits for several seconds)
*Rolls all over the place
*Babbles
*Kind of waves
*Can stand up, if leaning on something (by himself)
*Chews his toes
*Giggles
*Solids.... A NO GO
*Very distracted nurser... if someone is talking he pulls off and lifts himself up to see what is going on... so STRONG. This is especially true if Drew is the one talking.
*He loves Drew
*Grabs at faces
*Holds you hand
*Takes his pacifier out & puts it back in
*Sleeps 8-10 hours at night & rarely wakes up
*Uses Bumbo
*First Cold (with an everlasting cough)
*Figured out how to jump in the jumperoo
*If he wakes up, you can just put his pacifier back in and he is instantly back to sleep
*Loves the song David made up & Drew often sings (to the tune "Where is Thumbkin"):

Evan Michael, Evan Michael,
You're a stinker, you're a stinker
Yes you are a stinker, yes you are a stinker
Evan Michael, Evan Michael

Okay that is all I can think of right now! I hope you enjoyed this update. Check out my photography blog for more pics of Evan... joyinthejourneyphotography.com

DREW- The Scientist!

Drew amazes us every day, which I know you have heard me say a million times. It's when other people say the same thing that we know we are not crazy. He has been potty training off and on for a few months now and just when we think we are on the home stretch he tricks us and decides to skip a couple days... talk about frustrating especially when he tells you he is peeing in his diaper.

So, the point of that story was to tell you when he fills up a row of sticks for going potty he gets to pick a prize from a basket. One of the things he has LOVED is a bug catching kit. His favorite tool is the magnifying glass, which is SOOOO tiny. Don't tell him, but I found a big one for his birthday.

We went outside so he could use his new tool and find some bugs or other stuff. He was fun to watch him explore! I will post another "DREW-ISM" post really soon because I know you are missing them.

In the meantime enjoy his bug exploration!