The "Big Girl Bed"

So, today we finally did it...we put Katelyn in a big girl bed. We have been debating for a while now, and every weekend we decide to wait another week. We were set on doing it this weekend, and then Katelyn got sick! I know we are taking a HUGE risk by making this transition when she is sick, but we couldn't put it off any more. When Greg was building her bed, Katelyn was going crazy! She was so excited to have a bed. As soon as it was built she jumped on it like a crazy woman and then turned to me and asked for her lambie, her blanket and her pillow and then she just laid on her bed for about 15 minutes! It was precious. And then Grandma and Grandpa came over to check it out and she was so proud to show off her new bed. As soon as they came to the door she ran into her room and started jumping on it! We have just put her to bed, and so far so good. We were scared because she started sleeping with her door open (it was the only way we could get her to sleep), and we were sure she would come running out. But we haven't heard a peep. It will be interesting to see what happens if she wakes up in the middle of the night. I will keep you posted!

My little Ballerina

Katelyn had her first dance class today! And she did great! It was so awesome to watch her dance around with all the other little girls...of course I video taped the whole thing! Katelyn loved every minute of it and did such a good job. She loves to dance at home and is always shaking her booty, so I knew she would be good! She does an adorable curtsy (sp?)

Maybe an "overdose" of binkies will help her kick her addiction! Katelyn still has her binkie when she goes to bed, and can't go to sleep without one! At least she doesn't have it during the day! But we are trying to kick the habit!

I can't believe Taylor is already 6 weeks old! It has gone way faster than it did with Katelyn...Katelyn's first 8 weeks were an eternity because she was colic :( I have two little red heads, who would have thought?! Taylor is a really good baby and I am thankful for that!

Sleep...so rare, yet so needed!

Why is it that when you need sleep the most, you don't get it! It's a viscous cycle...the girls don't sleep, so I don't sleep. Then they are awful the next day and I have zero patience to deal with them! Katelyn woke up twice last night, and when she wakes up it is a nightmare to get her back down! Plus she is sick and can't breathe! AND she refuses to take any medicine (any tips on taking medicine would be helpful). So today she was hard and didn't take a nap...great! She just crashed and I am thinking about going to bed early so I can maybe get in an extra hour before she wakes up screaming. But then I have Taylor and she is wide awake! It never ends! I just want to sleep!

Sticker Chart

I started a sticker chart with Katelyn last week (she was out of control!) and I was skeptical about it working and thought she was too young to understand it...but it is working! She get s a sticker for: making a good choice (basically when she listens to me instead of throwing a tantrum), having quiet time (this got her to take naps again-hooray!), and going to bed happy (she was screaming and refusing to go to sleep and now she goes straight to bed!). I know I Am jinxing it right now, but this sticker chart has been magical! Every time she puts a sticker on the chart she counts how many more she needs to get ice cream! We will make the ice cream trip a big event and then I have to think of a new reward for our next chart! Call it bribery...but man it works!

Putting the lambies to sleep

I went in to get Katelyn after her nap and she had her two lambs (the "mama" and the "baby") all tucked in. I asked her if lambies were sleeping and she said "time for night night". I had to take a picture of the lambs all tucked in. It's these adorable moments that make living through the tantrums worth while!

What we do to get that perfect picture!

Here are a few of the pictures that were taken of Katelyn and Taylor...they aren't the greatest quality because I took a picture of the picture. Anyways, it was A LOT of work to get this picture. I first went to JCPenney because they are cheap and I usually have good luck there-not this time! The girl was awful and just stood there, while Katelyn threw herself on the floor and started throwing a fit, refusing to do ANYTHING. We bribed her with candy and even that didn't work. So, after the torture of that sitting I looked at the pictures and there wasn't one good picture. I broke down crying because it had taken me 2 hours just to get these girls ready and out of the house and I had nothing to show for it! My sister saved the day and recommended we go to the picture people. I didn't want to go because they are expensive, but I was determined to get some pictures! The girl there was awesome! And somehow, she was able to get Katelyn to not only sit by her sister, but to smile! I did spend a lot of money, but it is so worth it! I got some good pictures!

Our second daughter

On Tuesday Aug. 21st we welcomed Taylor Noelle to our family. She is now one month old and is such a sweetheart. She lofves to be held and is a good baby. Katelyn loves to squeeze her and give her hugs and kisses. I am so grateful to have two beautiful daughters and to be a mother. I now what what "unconditional love" means.

We now have a blog!

I have had a myspace account, but most of my family does not so they can't see my pictures and stuff. So I decided to finally create a blog where anyone can visit it and check it out. Plus I can write in it, and keep everyone up to date on our life and family. Most of our family and friends are far away, so this is a great way to keep in touch! Plus, I can count this as my journal, since I am awful at writing in a real one!