Still here...

My my where does the time go it's almost August. There will be no pictures with this blog as we haven't really taken any this summer. We have been pretty busy. We went on our annual pilgrimage to Helen, Ga. for our Setzer Family Vacation. It was fun. This was the first time I have been since before Riley was born because I always had to work. (See there are perks to unemployment.)

Riley has had her four year old check up complete with 4 shots and a finger stick. It was as awful as it sounds. Luckily no more shots until she is 11. She had her first trip to the dentist. She came home and brushed her teeth six times that day. She has a pair of red white and blue flip flops that have stars on them. She informed me that they were her "Barack Obama flip flops". Where does she come up with this stuff?

Lyla is blazing new trails every day. She is up on all fours crawling at top speed in an effort to keep up with sister. She is pulling up and holding on while walking along the furniture. I also noticed she disappeared today while we were in the hallway. She has apparently learned to climb up the steps and was half way to our bonus room. Bring on yet another baby gate. She adores her big sister and wants to do whatever Riley is doing. This causes much frustration for Riley. Riley informed me she would rather have a big brother than a little sister. Lyla has no interest in baby food she wants only people food. She is still VERY clingy to mom and is in fact screaming for me as I write this. I am hoping this will pass. I packed away the co-sleeper and she is sleeping in her own room about half of the night.

I hope everyone is well. Come visit us if you are in the MB area we love to have company!

4....

Well I can not believe that four years ago today I became a mother. What a whirlwind it has been! Riley, you have filled my life with love and laughter. You are so smart, funny, and strong willed. Daddy and I are so proud of you each and every day.

You have, and I am sure you will always be, your own person. You have become such a great little personality. You remind me a lot of myself. I also think you remind me a lot of Tissie. Some days I think you are channeling her. God help me!

You have become such a wonderful big sister. Although, you did tell me just the other day that Lyla was getting on your nerves! Sorry, honey but I think that is what sisters are supposed to do. You two will have a long road of strained nerves at times. My hope is that you will one day become best friends.



Sorry to everyone for not blogging in a while. We have been so busy. You would think that when you are out of work things would not be so busy. However, we manage to stay busy each and every day.


May's happenings have included: Riley getting her ears pierced. My sister Tiffany got married May 23rd. Riley and I were both in the wedding. Riley came down with some crazy rash while at the wedding and it turned out to be Fifth disease. Riley danced her you know what off at the reception. She literally danced EVERY song. We all thoroughly enjoyed the fondue fountain! Lyla had her 9 month check up and is only in the 5% tile for weight weighing in 15lbs 11oz. We have to work on bulking you up little lady. Riley's 4 year old check up is coming up soon. There will be four shots I am already dreading it.

We have been anxiously awaiting the hatching of 14 duck eggs from "Mother Duck" that laid eggs out side our neighbor's front door. Riley and I check on her everyday. We figure she is due to hatch any day now. She began laying on Mother's Day and continued until she had 14 eggs to sit on. We take her bread and water although she is not thrilled with us when we get close!Hopefully, our pond across the street will be full of baby ducks within the next couple of weeks.

John has been really swamped at work for the last month. He is studying for another test at the end of next week. We had a great time last night at our neighborhood cook out. Riley swam and swam and swam!

Once again, Riley, Happy 4th Birthday. I love you! Here is one of your first pictures. June 14th, 2005 12:45pm 7lb 2oz.

Dancing Queen

Riley is the 2nd from the end on the right side. We had our very first dance recital this afternoon. It was great. Riley did wonderfully. 364 days of the year Riley wants to wear make-up. On the day of the recital when she is supposed to wear make-up.........SHE REFUSES. Oh well the show went on with out lipstick just the same.

This is Lyla's new favorite face. She loves to scrunch up her nose and snort through it at the same time. Not sure what this is about, but it is cute non the less. She is currently cutting the top two front teeth. Which causes her to wake up every 1.5-2 hours to nurse. Or at least I hope it is the teeth and not a sign of a new trend. It is wearing me out.

And here are more pictures of our ballerina. They did a cute number and they had dolls that matched their dresses. It was TOO cute. Riley proclaimed to all within earshot that "I am the star of this show." Get ready world!

Dress rehearsal with Ella on the left and Laurel on the right. We are so proud of Riley and glad it is over for this year! Watch out summer here we come! Mom is here for the week and we plan to spend as much time at the beach and pool as possible. I hope you all have a great week!

Out of the Mouths of Babes....

I just wanted to share the conversation I just had with my sweet almost 4 year old this fine morning.

R: Momma what comes on next?

M: Clifford the Big Red Dog

R: DAMMIT!!!

Don't worry we had a discussion about how even Mommy's and Daddy's should not say that word.