In our first week of potty training, when she does a good job, she is so proud of herself!

We had to put the potty in the playroom so she could watch Toy Story.

REALLY?

So, we are at week one of potty training Reese.  I had just finished saying how I didn't expect to even start trying until after preschool started for the year and she was able to watch other kids.  Two weeks ago, she refused to sit on the potty and had no interest in it at all.  Now, she loves wearing panties and gets so excited when she keeps them dry.

I have purchased one pack of Pull-Ups - her Dora panties.  They will be used when we plan to go out in public for more than a couple of hours.  The rest of the time she will be in regular panties and in her "nite-nite panties" for naps and bedtime.  These consist of the thicker training pants type underwear and a pair of rubber pants. 

If the rubber pants were not the largest, bulkiest things I have ever seen in my life, she would wear them in lieu of Pull-Ups when we go out.  But the get the job done at bedtime.  I have ordered some off the internet that look like they may be a better fit, but they have not arrived yet.

I say all this because in my search for better fitting rubber pants, I have been amazed at the comments by parents (mainly moms) with regards to some of the products I searched.  There were numerous negative comments about the Gerber rubber pants (the giant ones) because they were messy.  No kidding.  They aren't diapers.  There is going to be a little mess. 

Almost all of the brands I looked at though had at least one negative comment in common:  They don't hold as much as a Pull-Up.

Are you kidding me??? Really??? Listen, if you are going to use a Pull-Up as a diaper, just stay in diapers.    Why go through the expense of Pull-Ups?  I know why.  Because it is easier.  Potty training is life consuming.

I'll be honest, I don't particularly enjoy having to ask Reese every 20 minutes to sit on the potty and then sit there with her for 15 minutes until she goes, but if I just left her in a Pull-Up and only took her to the bathroom when I thought about it or it was convenient for me, she would never get potty trained. 

Of course, theses are probably the same parents who put Coke in their 3 year old's bottle.  I don't know why I am surprised.  I know they are out there.  I just can't believe they are giving negative feedback on a product, not because of the product's defectiveness, but because of their laziness. 

You want to know what's wrong with kids today?  It is their parents!

Hank turns 1

I can't believe it, but our little Hankie-doodle is ONE!  I am not sure where the last year went.  Our tiny little baby has turned into the sweetest little thing to ever walk around on two legs!

The Beach

We had a great time in Destin.  It rained almost every day for the first few days, but we had time each morning to go to the beach and have a blast. 

Reese loved the "big water" and Hank loved being held and falling asleep to the sound of the waves.

Swimming!!!!!

Today we went swimming.  Hank hung out in his little pool and Reese wanted in the "big pool."  So, we sat in the little boat float for a while and then she decided she wanted to swim.  I put some arm floaties on her and with in minutes she was jumping off the steps into the water and then "swimming" back to the steps.  At one point, she let herself float all the way to the middle of the pool.  We are talking 12'-15' from the steps, and she swam back!!!  By the time we go to Florida at the end of the month, she will be a pro!  I'm so proud of her!!!

I took a short video on my phone and am in the process of trying to upload it to YouTube - hopefully it will apepar over on the side there...

Catching up

Back in March we went to Disney World - - the whole Bing bunch.  All of us in one house.  It was the kind of vacation that resulted in me needing a vacation  when we got home, but we had a blast and already can't wait to take the kids back.  Here are a few pics of our wonderful week:

Poor Baby

On Friday night, the kids went to Nana's, and Drew and I went on a date.  Nothing fancy -dinner at Chili's and then to see IronMan 2.  About 35 minutes into the movie I see my purse light up.  I pull out the phone and its the second of two text messages from mom.  Reese is throwing up and running a fever of 102.4.  Super.  So, we leave the movie and go to get. 

As soon as I sit down on the couch beside her, she sits up and proceeds to throw up on me.  Which wouldn't have been so bad, except I was wearing white.  Oh, well, that's what OxyClean is for!

She ran fever all day yesterday and stayed in bed for the better part of the whole day.  I knew it was bad when she heard Drew in the kitchen in the morning and looked at me with the most pitiful eyes you can imagine and pleaded, "No eat breakfast,"  You know it is bad when she is begging not to eat.

But, even being sick, she still managed to tell Uncle Derek that she loved him.  He came over yesterday for a few hours.  It was the first time he has seen the kids since Christmas.  He got to see Hank stand up and play and be his generally jolly self. 

It looks like Reese's fever broke during the night, so hopefully she will feel better today, or at least well enough to want to eat breakfast!

It Is Only a Matter of Time

My little man made great strides today - - ok, they were little baby steps, but it is only a matter of time before he is running around the house. For the past few days, Hank has been letting go while standing. Each time he stands for a little longer. Today after standing for about 30 seconds, he took two steps towards me. And the best part wasn't even the walking - - it was the magnificent light in his eyes and the giant toothless smile that spread across his face. He was so proud of himself.

Not to be outdone, Reese immediately jumped up and said "My turn!" and then proceeded to take a few steps forward. She then looked at me to see why I wasn't clapping and cheering her on, too. Gotta love that girl!

Long time, no see

Where have the last few months gone? I wish I knew. Its like I woke up one morning (in our new king-sized bed, no less) and it was spring, Reese is 2 and talking and Hank is so close to walking that I've already got a bag ready for our first trip to the e.r.!

Despite only working two days a week (in the office, that is) somehow my days are over before they start. I am hoping now that preschool is out for the summer, I will recover a few hours each week to be able to once again, keep up with my blog. One would think that having a 2 year old go to preschool 2 days a week would actually create time - one would be wrong! Basically I had between 10 and 2 each day to clean the house, run an errands that had to be run, feed and care for Hank, check and respond to all work emails and all work that flows from that...ok, when I type it all out it doesn't sound like much, but it is!

The kids are doing great. Reese won't be quiet and Hank is perpetually in a good mood. My sister-in-law, Amy, has started a blog that I am going to start contributing to, so make sure you check there for updates on us: http://www.everydayisanadventure.net/

So much for keeping up with the blog!

Well, my initial goal of keeping up with a blog that would let those who cared keep up with what is going on in our little world just didn't work out! Life since Hank was born has been hectic, to say the least. Life is finally starting to fall into a rhythm. Even so, I know that a faithful updating here is not going to happen, but for now, here is an update:

Reese has finally started to talk. And she won't shut up! Right now she is repeating over and over "cuh-ring" ("coloring") as she sits in the floor and draws with her left hand. Everything that has writing on it is "cuh-ring" and if you ask what color is it she says pink. She would rather be watching "Cat n Hat" right now but she is grounded from her DVDs. Grounded at 22 months, you say? Yup grounded. That is what happens after the 6th time of playing in the houseplants and getting potting soil on EVERYTHING. Punishments progress with each time the next discipline getting explained. She was told that her movies would be taken away. She tested me. Cat in the Hat, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Yo! Gabba Gabba and all the others now live on the top of my closet. That's how it goes. She hasn't been back in the plants in 24 hours. Lesson learned? Probably not, but at least I haven't had to wash the baseboards today!

Hank is the sweetest little 6 month old that has ever been. I think this is because he knows he has to be since Reese is a limit-tester to the extreme. He is starting to sit up and to get up on all 4's. He will be crawling before he is 7 months. He is about as laid back as they come. He also is huge. I don't know exactly how big - he hasn't been for his 6 month check-up yet because he got off schedule last time when he had to wait to get his shots because he had another ear infection. But we had to go to the minor med on New Years Eve because he was running a fever and I was worried the ear infection had come back (it hadn't) and he weighed almost 17 lbs! I don't think Reese weighed 17 lbs at her 12 month check up!

Work has been keeping me busy. I'm still only going in 2 days a week, but trying to get the things done on my days at home that I need done is not working out like I would like. I am running out of hours each day to try to get in my work, my housework, and personal errands done. It is just not happening.

On a somewhat related note, we have joined Hope Presbyterian. I say related because right now the sermon series is aimed at helping to deal with these problems (well not directly, but this is what i am taking from it!) I finally feel like we have a church home and am praying that God help me find the hours in each day to get more involved.

I must admit the only reason I am on here today is because Drew's Aunt Rita has started a blog to help "keep her honest" as she has set out on a year long goal to make 5000 pairs of shorts for the children of Haiti. Her goal is 100 pairs a day. It really puts things in perspective for me. I am trying to find 20 minutes to take a bath to have some quiet time...she is devoting a substantial part of the next year to doing something totally selfless.


Hank is waking up from his nap... as if he knows that i have had time to myself!

Ok, so its been a while...

So, having that second child has taken a little more of my time than I had anticipated and so to say I have neglected the blog is an understatement. But, in my defense, not only was Hank born, but in August, my grandparents were in an accident which resulted in my grandfather being killed and ulimately, led to my grandmother's passing last week. Things here have not been "normal" since a couple of days before Hank was born.

All that said, things are ok. Hank was born on July 11th after making a dramatic entrance into this world - - I was at the hospital less than 30 minutes before he was born! He is growing like a weed and is probably 15 lbs already.

He has a sweet disposition and is very much a cuddle monkey. He is also all boy - farting all the time!

Reese has started preschool. The first three weeks, she did not like it. She cried when I left and cried when I picked her up. Now, she loves it though. She literally pulls me through the halls at school to get to her classroom.

She is talking more now. "Hank" is her favorite word - it has replaced "hot" as the most spoken word each day.

We have joined Hope Presbytryrian Church and very excited about it. From the first time we went, we have felt like it was meant to be our church home.

The Nursery...Part II

Finally, it is all coming together. Things have been super busy around here (and the days that aren't, it takes all I have to just sit on the couch!) This 95+ degree weather is killing me! At least we have the pool - though it is the temperature of bath water!

The nursery is almost complete. I still have a few little accessories to add, but overall, it is done!

We went and got Hank an outfit to wear home from the hospital (or at least to have his picture made in at the hospital) today. We went to Janie & Jack and Drew had a field day (luckily, they are having their BIG sale right now.) Their line of boy clothes are right up Drew's alley! We ended up spending close to $200 and only about $50 of it was on Reese! But, Hank does have some cute clothes now. I can't wait to see him in them.

Reese had her 15 month check up last week. She is very healthy and has grown like a weed! She went from being in the 40th percentile for height to the 70th (almost 32" tall!)! She is still in the 50th percentile for weight (at about 22.5 pounds). She still refuses to talk, but has definitely master fit throwing!

The Nursery...Part I

The nursery is starting to come together. Drew really wanted a Vols nursery, but I couldn't bring myself to an all orange room with the commercial crib bedding sets out there. So, I set out to make an understated Big Orange room (if that is possible). The crib bedding was definitely the hardest part. I didn't have a pattern, so needless to say, the seam-ripper was used quite a bit during this little project.

The mobile has little Smokies and plays "Rocky Top!"

The stripes on the walls turned out to be more difficult than anticipated, too. The white paint pealed off when I removed the tap so I had to sand the stripes and start over!

My favorite part, though, is the picture. I bought Reese an antique framed print for her nursery and so when I found this print at Tennessee Sports Zone, I didn't hesitate. It is titled "Breakfast of Champions" and has all the SEC mascots in Smokey's bowl! I love it!

Once I get the rest of the furniture in the room and get the art on the walls, I think the room is going to be perfect!

Hank in 3D

I went yesterday and had a 3D/4D ultrasound done at the doctor's office. We got some great pictures of Hank. He was very cooperative and kept making some great facial expressions (some of them I am convinced he somehow has learned from his sister!)

He is a big baby with an even bigger head (though that seems to run in the family!) He is definitely a boy, though we were not able to get any 3D "money shots" - much to the dismay of his dad and granddaddy.

However, when we got home, the video would not play, so I had to call them this morning and we got to go back to do another one. He was not as cooperative today - - he was all balled up with his feet at his head. We did get about 10 good minutes on the video of his face before he decided that his arm should rest across his nose.

It is so amazing what technology can do!

Reese's First Haircut

Reese had her first haircut last week (and I am just now getting around to posting the pictures).

Busy, Busy, Busy

Things have been pretty busy around here lately. Last weekend was Chasity and Jay's wedding. Then, last week we got a new car which resulted in me and Drew finally getting MS driver's licenses, MS car tags and applying for our homestead exemption - - none of which was done at the same place...lots of driving.

I also had a doctor's appointment. Things look good. My weight gain is on the same pace as it was with Reese. I have my gestational diabetes test at my appointment in April. UUGGGHHGH!

Reese had her one year check-up this past week, also. She is healthy as a horse. She weighs 20 lbs, 11 oz and is 29 1/4 inches tall (which means she has grown exactly 10 inches in a year!!!)

This last week has really been the beginning of her being very snotty. She is throwing little fits and not always acting like the sweet little girl that I know she can be. If this is the beginning of the terrible twos then we have a long road ahead of us!!!

1st Birthday Party

We had Reese's 1st birthday party yesterday. Her birthday isn't until Thursday, but with grandparents that live out of town and a huge wedding weekend next week, yesterday was the best day.

I was worried that she would be in a bad mood, not nap or just that something would go wrong, but it was perfect. She was precious. She picked at the icing off her cupcake and didn't even try to take off her party hat! Before she ate her cupcake, she even put her hands together to say her prayrers!!! She wasn't too interested in opening the thousands of presents she received, but she loved playing with them. Her favorites are some pots and pans that Nana and Granddaddy got her for her kitchen and a Mickey Mouse ride/push along airplane from Uncle Tim, Aunt Amy and Audrey. She really likes her purple tricycle from Mimi and Papa, too.

We had so much fun. I am so proud of her. I couldn't have asked for a better little girl!

Time Flies

I can't believe it, but I am half way through this pregnancy! I am feeling Hank's movements more and more each day and am beginning to think that he is going to be as active as Reese was (and still is for that matter!). I have been feeling pretty good the last couple of weeks.

This past weekend, I left Reese for the first time. I went to New Orleans for a bachelorette party. I had a great time, but I missed her so much. Drew had been in Wyoming since Tuesday and didn't make it home until Saturday. I left Friday and came back on Sunday. Mimi (Drew's mom) came to stay with Reese on Friday night. It was her first time to watch Reese by herself. I think they both had the best time.

When I got home, I learned that Mimi had brought some things for Hank - - some new little outfits and some of Drew's baby clothes! They are all so cute. I can't wait to start planning the nursery, but right now, the top priority is Reese's first birthday party. I think that is what I will work on tomorrow...

A brother for Reese

It is a boy!!! I will get pictures posted later, but the ultrasound today was clear - - Henry Peyton Womack will be here in July. We told our families tonight and they were all so excited. This is the first boy on the Bing side of the family since Timothy was born 24 years ago and the first boy on the Womack side since Derek! The girl streak is broken.

Reese is pretty happy. When you ask her to say "Hank," she just laughs. She thinks it is the funniest word. I just know she is going to be a great big sister.

Drew is leaving at 4:30 in the morning to go to Wyoming for the week - - it will be the longest he has been away from Reese. I am leaving on Friday to go to New Orleans for the weekend and it will be the longest I've been away from her -- so we are having a big week.