An Ohio Thanksgiving

This year we spent the Thanksgiving holiday in Ohio.  Since Madilynn doesn't exactly like riding in the car, we decided to leave Tuesday afternoon after I got off work.  We were on the road by 2:45 and made it to Ohio around 11:30 or 12:00.  It actually worked out perfectly.  We stopped for dinner, changed the girls into their pjs, and almost as soon as we were back in the car, Madilynn was asleep and Reagan was watching a DVD.

Wednesday we spent recooperating from the long drive and late night.  Grandma took Reagan to the park, which she absolutely loved, and we spent time catching up with family and friends.  Thursday of course was Thanksgiving!  We spent the morning eating cinnamon buns and watching the parade.  Then it was off to Aunt Mary Ann's for a delicious dinner.  We also celebrated Reagan's birthday that night with cake and presents.  Everyone had a great time.  We have so, so much to be thankful for and too many blessings to count. 

We had big plans for Friday, including meeting up with Julia and little Christopher to play with Reagan and Madilynn.  Unfortunately, Grandma was not feeling well, so we ended up packing the car a day early and heading back to Virginia.  Even though our visit was cut short, it was a great couple of days. 

Here are a few of my favorite pics from this visit:

Thanksgiving 2011

Two Peas in a Pod

The Cousins!

Chillin' with Uncle Chico

Alyssa's Blog Debut!

Party Time!

We can't wait to dig in to the birthday cake!

Yummy icing!

Presents! (I love princesses!)

Today was exhausting!
Snuggling with Aunt Mary Jo

Peanut's Living Up to Her Name...

Happy Belated 9 Months, Madilynn!  I know I am way behind on this post, but I wanted to share information about Madilynn's 9 month appointment.  The Peanut is living up to her name!  At 26 inches long and 17 pounds, 10 ounces, she is in the 30% for weight and less than 10% for height!  But the great news is that she is perfectly healthy, despite her small size.  She is crawling all over the place, getting into everything...and we wouldn't have it any other way!

Playing Doctor and the Real Deal

It has been two weeks since I last posted.  Both of my sweet girls have had sickness after sickness, which means no one in the house has gotten much sleep lately.  First, Madilynn was diagnosed with her first ear infection.  Then, Reagan came down with croup.  Since we always encourage Reagan to share with her sister, she did just that and shared her croup with her!  So Madilynn was diagnosed with croup, bronchiolitis, and a horrible yeast infection.  Throughout it all though, both girls have been troupers. Madilynn heads back to the pediatrician tomorrow, so I am crossing my fingers and praying to God that she is showing some improvement.

 I thought it was fitting to post some pictures of the girls playing with Reagan's doctor kit, one of her favorite toys, as well as one of them cuddling on the couch.  Everyone in our household is looking forward to a much needed vacation next week!

 

A Wizard and A Cheerleader...and Grandma!

Happy Halloween 2011!

We started off Halloween weekend with the arrival of Grandma from Ohio on Thursday afternoon.  Everyone was so excited to see her!  Unfortunately, I had a negative reaction to the Tdap vaccine, so I wasn't feeling great upon her arrival.  But after an evening of rest, I felt much better and was able to enjoy the weekend.

On Friday, Trey and I went to work, so Grandma stayed home with the girls.  I came home to an amazing surprise--Grandma had done all the laundry! That night we enjoyed pizza and Halloween cupcakes--two of Reagan's favorite things!  Although I was feeling better, it was clear that Madilynn was not feeling good.  We called the nurse on Friday afternoon, and she said her symptoms (low-grade fever, fussiness, wanting to be constantly held) sounded like teething.  However, after a long night and little sleep, we decided to take her to the pediatrician Saturday morning.  We were so happy we made that decision because my poor baby was suffering from her first ear infection.  We immediately started her on antibiotics, but Saturday was another long night.  It was horrible listening to her cry in pain and not being able to do anything about it. 

My mom and I were able to cram in some quick shopping and some errands, so it was nice to have a few hours with her on Saturday afternoon. 

Sunday morning we all went to church, then Trey worked for a few hours.  We were able to relax around the house that afternoon.  Trey also carved the amazing haunted house into the pumpkin to get ready for Halloween the next day!

In our Sunday best!

Monday morning Trey and I were off to work, Reagan was off to school for some Halloween fun, and Madilynn stayed home with Grandma.  That afternoon we all met at ACP for Reagan's Trick-or-Treat party at school.  All of the children dress up in their costumes and trick-or-treat to each classroom.  It was so much fun!

"Abracadabra!" Reagan kept exclaiming!

My little cheerleader and wizard!

Halloween night we headed out trick-or-treating around 5:45.  We left a little earlier than expected because rain was in the forecast.  We had only gone to a few houses when it began sprinkling.  So Grandma took Madilynn home, while Trey and I continued on with Reagan.  Even though we got wet, Reagan had a blast.  She yelled "Trick-or-Treat" at every house and remembered to say thank you.  And as soon as we were leaving one house she would immediately ask, "Are we going to another house so I can get lots and lots of candy?!"  After nearly an hour in the rain, we decided to call it a night and head home.  Reagan enjoyed one treat before it was time for bed.  It was a great Halloween!

All bundled up on Halloween night

"Trick or Treat!"

The loot!