Catholic School Christmas

Our Angel

Christmas 2013

Christmas 2013

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9 Months

Corben enjoyed his first Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday) and even sampled a bit of turkey.  We hosted our first house guests, Pop Pop and Grandma Cathy, at our new home.  The new playroom/guest room combo worked out well and the kids loved all the extra attention.

 Bryan and Corben are almost identical - it's scary

This was our first Thanksgiving without Nina.  Even though she was here 91+ years, Thanksgiving week was also her birthday - I can't seem to separate the two.  Nina and Thanksgiving.  I made Orange rolls for breakfast on Thanksgiving.  Nina would make those for us every time we stayed with her - and sometimes just for lunch.  I am so lucky to have had her for almost 35 years - and Thanksgiving with family is a great reminder.

On to happier news.  Auburn won the Iron Bowl and in truly dramatic fashion.

Still cannot believe this game

I let Bryan and Colin go to the game with the other football fanatics while my Mom and I stayed back with the kids and Colin's step mom.  Mom and I were wine sipping, muffled yelling (to make sure the kids got a nap), football fools.  I'm sure Cathy was truly horrified that women can act this way over football!  I have seen people videoing themselves watching sporting events.  At first I thought this was really odd - ok, it is still really odd but I really wish I had been videoing my kids when Davis ran back that missed Field Goal.  Cora had on her precious Auburn dress, Connor was wearing his lucky Auburn "Moorhouse" shirt courtesy of one of our favorite Alabama fans! and both were double fisting shakers screaming "AUBURN" - pretty much like maniacs.  Corben didn't cry with all the excitement so he must have really understood the importance of this game.  Sure, it was an amazing win and I would love nothing more for Auburn to win 2 more games this season - but in Alabama winning the Iron Bowl isn't the only thing, or even everything - but it sure makes the next 364 days tolerable.  We believe that the sunset the night of the game foreshadows the winner  - we also joke that "You Can't Get To Heaven in a Red Canoe, because God's favorite colors are Orange and Blue - see the sunset the night of the game at the lake . . .

And the sunset from the stadium - looks less orange but I'll just blame the photographer (ahem Colin) - it was truly Orange and Blue.

Over the weekend Corben turned 9 months old.  He is cutting his top two teeth and one of them was pretty painless (from my vantage point) and the other one has been hurting all week long.  Why do teeth take so long to come in?  I used to joke that I would pay 100K if I could have children already born with teeth.  On top of the teeth Corben got a double ear infection.  These boys and ear infections.  He's been sleeping ok considering.  Some nights are perfect - other mornings start early and occasionally he is waking up at 1:30am.  The tooth is almost thru so I am hoping we are back to a normal routine soon.  Mama is tired.  All.the.time!

He is cruising and thinking about taking a step but isn't quite steady enough yet (thank goodness)!  We are slowly introducing foods but it is much slower than usual because there is just so much else going on that sitting down to feed the poor baby doesn't happen usually unless we are eating dinner.  Puffs are his friends.  Everyone calls him the "Happy Baby".  He isn't happy all the time but he loves people so he is happy about 99% of the time around new people.

Corben weighs 19 pounds 13 ounces and is 29 inches tall.  So that is 55% for weight and 75% for height.  To compare . . . Connor at nine months was 20 pounds 2 ounces and 29 3/4 inches tall.  Cora was 16 pounds 3 ounces and 28 inches long (at 9 1/2 months).

We got our exterior work done to the new house - finally!  Honestly, it didn't really take that long and it wasn't really disruptive but the kids couldn't play outside safely until it was finished.  Well, it is finished.  Now that it is cold, rainy and all my kids caught colds.  Perfect.  Ready for Spring now!  Oh, and our backyard - which used to be a pool and is now a beautiful green yard - is covered in leaves.  I mean covered.  Kicker is - we have no trees in the backyard.  Seriously.  Can you imagine what it was like to clean a pool in a yard that has no trees but gets covered in leaves?

Oh Cora - is all of terrible 2 but has her endearing moments.  She loves her Corbie and is always looking out for him - like when she makes sure he gets enough puffs so that she can give "One for Corben, 20 for me!"  He he.  

Corben - 8 months plus some

So, Corben is 8 months old.  What happened between 6 and 8 months?  Well, I didn't take the usual photo at 7 months.  I like to do it on the exact day.  And that didn't happen.  And in fact it didn't happen on any of the days from the exact day until today, which is the 8 month mark.  Terrible, I know.  But so much has happened in this 7 month of Corben's life that I feel like I might get a pass for month 7.  Colin was upset because he reminded me several times about the photo and was worried that I wouldn't have the photo for the month frame (like Cora has).  Luckily Corben doesn't have a monthly frame.  Anyway, back to what has been happening around here in place of the monthly photo shoot.  I'll sum it up.  We moved.  The last time we moved was 4 years ago and before that I moved to college and then from dorm to dorm to apartment but those don't really count.  When you can move all your stuff yourself - doesn't count.  The last move was a slow move and very organized (or that is how I remember it).  This move - started off organized and methodical and ended up crazy fast chaos.  I'll just give this one example and it should explain everything:  Colin packed most of our bedroom - the morning of the move I went to put on some make up - because that is what I do in the mornings and no make-up bag.  He packed it.  Honest guy mistake.  Took over 1 week to find it.  Located in a box labeled "Books/Misc - Dining Room" Obviously.  So I wore 2 year old Clinique bonus make up for a week and that is why Corben doesn't have 7 month photos - among other reasons.

As our baby approaches his first Thanksgiving and Christmas here is what he is into - EVERYTHING.  He is army crawling - fast - and regular crawling occasionally.  He doesn't need to crawl because army crawling is such good exercise and it takes him where he wants to go.  He started army crawling right when we moved in early October so he followed that skill with pulling up to standing - on anything and everything.  He isn't walking or even really cruising yet - thank goodness but it is going to happen soon.  Corben is sooo funny.  He smiles at everyone and everything but he sure loves his big brother and sister.  He loves to eat and would probably eat all day like his sister but I don't have time to sit and feed him.  Last night he had yummy mac and cheese with vegetables (Gerber style).

Corben talks all the time.  Babbling of course - but all.the.time.  He must know he is going to have to fight for a voice in this family.  Poor baby.  He is so sweet and smiley - he can brighten up my day with just one look.  He has been napping really well twice a day and sleeping at night still.

Cora has not been napping well or smiling well or really doing anything much other than whining and saying "no" all.the.time.  Connor didn't have terrible twos but oh I think I have 2 terrible twos packed into one strong-willed little girl.  She wants to do everything by herself "me do it" and apparently I was the same way - shocking, I know.  Her favorite pastime is looking at photos on my phone and especially identifying Auntie Cait and Uncle Neal on Instagram.  She has finally, finally started singing the ABC song.  She can do it easily now but I'm not sure she can identify any letters other than X and C, O, R, A.  Well, at least we are making some progress.  Apparently some kids in kindergarten are still learning letters so I guess at 2 she is doing fine.  Cora loves tea parties and all things baby.  She took care of the babies in the childcare the other night when we went out for Wine Night.  In the time it has taken me to write this post we have some updates - Cora is now doing well for naps and at night and staying in bed until her light turns green.  Corben has started screaming bloody murder when we put him in bed at night - well not when he gets in the bed but when he watches me leave.  Super upset.  Not sure if it is separation anxiety/ teething or a combination but it is so sad.  Praying the two top teeth get in soon!

Then we had Halloween in our new house and new neighborhood.  Of course it started raining an hour into trick-or-treating but that was ok- we were tired anyway.  Due to the overwhelming popularity of Toy Story in our house.  We had a theme this year - ok, we always have a theme.

First bath with all 3 kiddos.  Successful but not a nightly routine yet.

Connor got to go to his first Auburn game of the season.  My mom stayed at the Lake with Cora and CB and the big kids got to go to the Auburn/Georgia game.  Finally a 2:30pm game that turned out to be a truly amazing event.  We were sitting in the end zone where Louis made the unbelievable catch - call it luck or whatever you want - it was literally unbelievable.

 Victory Visor - Connor is undefeated at home games - he may have secured a spot at the Iron Bowl!

 Connor played soccer this year.  He was pretty uninvolved in the first few games.  Then we suggested that he be aggressive.  He told me he planned to be "progressive".  Ha! So we explained aggressive and he scored 4 goals the next game.  This is a shot of his final goal in his last game.

 Cora loves her baby brother.  He isn't so sure.  She doesn't care.  Devilishly Cute.

Quotables

My kids say so many things that I should write down or video and I never do.  Before I forget, this weeks quotes:

Connor in the car yesterday: "I know, Mommy, you are in charge of my WHOLE life".  I asked him if that was a good thing.  He said he wasn't sure but it was definitely true.  Ha!

Cora at the table eating crackers and noticing I snagged one of them: "OPEN your MOUTH!"

I am determined to get a video of Cora's best phrase - "Oh! Please" which is said in an exasperated voice similar to "Give me a break" but more polite??

Dancing with Twos

So, I decided Cora needed an "activity" this year with Connor taking piano, soccer and golf.  I talked to our friends down the street and decided that we would enroll Cora in dance class at Childrens Dance Foundation.  The same CDF where I took dance 100 years ago.  The class is only once a week and is 50 minutes long - which seems long for 2 year olds but Cora seems happy so far.  Fingers crossed!  Our friend Mary is in the class as well as Reem, the daughter of one of my friends from Advent - who is newly back in town!  So fun!  I sort of thought that the girls might have a problem leaving their mamas outside the studio.  We have a one way (or 2 way?) mirror so we can see them, and they see, well, themselves.  Anyway, I told Cora, no crying and you can have candy after dance.  Every other child, except Reem, was screaming bloody murder, like they were being stabbed, repeatedly.  They were feeding off each other and the crying never seemed to stop.  Cora just stood there looking at the teacher, listening but not copying the dance "moves"  just a zombie amongst terrorized kids in leotards and ballet slippers.  I quickly realized she had to "zone out" just to avoid crying along with the rest of the kids.  But, she was a champ, even if not a dancer.  The second week was marginally better for some of the girls and Cora knew "no crying - candy"  and there was no crying from Cora, and maybe a little "dancing".  By this week Cora was dancing and only one little girl was crying.  I think we have turned a corner!  And we have a good little dancer too!

Pretty in Pink

Unfortunately I think Cora may have picked up a stomach bug from dance - damn germs!  She was puking for my mom yesterday and she slept well but today I am on puke patrol - you know where you just sit around and watch and wait for your kid to puke - good times!

Cora Goes To the Dentist

I waited to take Connor to the Dentist until he was 3.  But, they recommend you take kids to the dentist at like 6 months or something completely ridiculous.  I mean, Corben has 2 teeth, barely.  I was taking Connor anyway and I figure we have a family dental plan so why not take Cora and at least appear that we are listening to advice.  Ha.

So, Monday Cora and Connor went to the dentist.  The office is pretty fun for kids.  Tons of toys.  Cora didn't want to leave . . . the toy part.  She did NOT love the hygienist brushing her teeth - which is a little odd considering how much she loves brushing teeth - maybe it was the laying down, brushing that she didn't like?  But after a few princess stickers and watching brave brother Connor, she calmed down and took this sweet photo with the dentist and let her look at her teeth without any problems.  Whew.

Cora's Minnie Bubbles and Bow Bow Party

I've been slacking on the blog.  I know.  My aunt, Cathy keeps reminding me - as if I have forgotten about my precious baby's 2nd birthday.  I didn't forget.  She had a party.  And, maybe, if the kids nap simultaneously for 15 minutes I can share the details. . . First up, Cora's birthday lunch at McDonalds - she let Connor choose but apparently enjoyed every last bite.

So, Cora turned 2 back at the beginning of August.  I knew I had to have a big birthday bash for Connor just a week later since he turned 5, and lets face it, 5 is a bigger milestone than 2 - well, at least I think it is.  And since Connor's party was going to be big and take up a majority of my time I decided all "mutual" friends would be invited to Connor's party and Cora would invite 2 friends.  She is 2 (and last time I checked 2 at 2 is the "Rule" although I've never met anyone that followed that rule).  So, I decided Cora would have a super small party but it would be fun.  Cora was really into Minnie Mouse during the summer (now she still loves Minnie but has moved onto Cinderella).  I found a Minnie Mouse Bubble Bowtique and had to have it.  Theme of the party decided"  Minnie Bubbles and Bow Bows.

Cora also loves bows.  This is funny to me because there was one point where Cora refused to wear anything in her hair - and now she wakes up asking for a "bow bow".  Probably because she can't see through her mop of blonde hair without a bow . . . but anyway it is pretty cute that she asks for bows.  I decided to be crafty and make "bows" for the guests.  Luckily for me I only invited 2 kids and Connor doesn't wear a bow.  So, I didn't have to make very many - which was also a good thing because although the bows looked ok - I do not have a future career on etsy.  I did splurge and buy a Minnie Mouse Wall Cling (and then let another friend borrow for her daughter's party too).  Cora thought Minnie Mouse was actually at her party.  It was so worth every penny spent on Amazon.

The Birthday Girl and her Minnies

 Gifts from Aunt Cathy - she went a little crazy with the Minnie Mouse theme

 The Cake - courtesy of Publix - I got the delicious Raspberry Elegance cake that Selene and Kelly got me hooked on years ago.  Yum!

 Birthday Banner similar to one I saw on Pinterest but even better and made with love from Aunt Cathy

 The real Minnie Mouse

 More Decor

 I pretty much used all the pink and Minnie stuff I had to decorate

 I got these feather hearts years ago at Brombergs (a great local jeweler) and they are really random, I know, even for me - but I have used them sooo many times.  One of those, what would I have done without these? purchases.  Still love them!  And I made the Mouse ears from yarn and those knitting loops?  Anyway, It didn't look great up close but from far away it did the trick!

 The gifts.  Dollar Tree has so much Minnie Mouse - even wrapping paper!!

 My Pin the Bow Bow on Minnie Game

 The party favors (Minnie Mouse Explosion from Dollar Trees - yes, plural I went to 3 in one day) and my Bow Holder, handmade with my handmade bows - they aren't as great as they look! But the bow holder was just an inexpensive picture frame and I screwed hooks in the bottom to hold headbands, etc.

 The food.  Costco has Minnie Mouse (all white meat) Chicken Nuggets - perfect, right?  Along with Minnie Mouse Pudding and  . . . .

 Minnie Bow Bow Strawberries and Blueberries (in the shape of Bows - for those of you who don't get it, ahem . . . Colin)

 The Minnie Bubble Tea Party

 Dance Party with Minnie

 Happy Birthday Cora!

 The Bow Bows

 Yum!!

Connor, Mary, Cora and Evelyn 

Evelyn and Connor (and Mary)