Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Summer Reading Program

Today we wrapped up the Summer Reading Program at the Arlington Library. We took our books back to the library and turned in Ally's reading hours (we've been keeping a reading log since the beginning of June). I was amazed as I counted her hours--a whopping 24 hours and 10 minutes!! She was given several prizes including stickers, pencils, erasers, bubbles, (and her favorite) a coupon for a free ice dream at Chick-fil-A! Ally's name will also be put into the grand prize drawing 3 times (not sure what the grand prize is) and will be displayed on the wall at the library.
My little bookworm

Monday, July 28, 2008

HOT Summer Walks

I've been working hard to lose the baby weight that I gained while pregnant with Claire and I've been pretty successful. To date, I have lost 44 lbs. (I gained 40 so I now weigh less than I did when I first got pregnant)!! For about a month now I've been walking the neighborhood instead of walking on my treadmill. It seems to be a better workout and it's certainly not as boring. The girls go with me so I'm pushing around 63 lbs. PLUS the weight of the stroller! And the heat here is unbearable--today it was 85 degrees while we walked but the weather report said it felt like 96! (Memphis humidity is horrible) And it's supposed to be in the 100s later today. Uggh! Needless to say, we walk in the morning and drink LOTS of water!
Like mother, like daughter!
ready for our walk
one quick picture of the 3 of us
Our walk from my perspective . . .
. . . and from Ally's!
There is this HUGE hill in my neighborhood that I insist on walking--it's quite the challenge--especially while pushing both girls in the stroller.
While on our walk Ally decides she wants to walk, too!
It doesn't last too long, though. She can't keep up with my pace--I walk about as fast as you can without actually running.
And the highlight of our walks--finding a sprinkler to walk through! Ally is always on the lookout for one and boy do they feel good in this heat!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Claire's 9 Month Checkup

I took Claire on Tuesday for her 9 month checkup. I can't believe my baby is growing up so fast! She weighed 21 lbs. 8 oz. (85th percentile) and measured 29.5 inches long (95th percentile). Her head measured at 46 cm. (95th percentile). She now has 4 teeth (2 top, 2 bottom) and has been standing up and cruising!! This blows my mind because Ally didn't even start crawling until she was 9 months--Claire started crawling at about 6 1/2 months. As the nurse called us back, Claire started waving to her and saying, "Bye Bye!" The nurse commented that Claire shouldn't be doing that until her next appointment at 1 year! She was impressed!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Pictures of Griffin!!

YAY!! I received pictures today of my nephew Griffin! He looks just like his big brother Grayson! Isn't he adorable?!

Monday, July 14, 2008

I'm An Aunt. . .Again!!

My mother-in-law just called to let us know that Jill (Brent's youngest sister) just had her baby!! Griffin Caleb Wright was born at 12:28 p.m. weighing 8 lb. 10 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. The proud parents--Jill & Dave Wright and the proud big brother--Grayson!! This makes the 4th boy cousin for Ally & Claire (they are the only girls). Jill & Dave live in Fort Worth, TX so I don't know when we'll be able to meet Griffin--so I can't wait to see pictures!!! Congratulations Jill & Dave!! We love you!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Zoo Party

Tonight we went to the Member Party at the Memphis Zoo! It's a private party exclusively for zoo members with live music, a sea lion show, free kid's rides, and a dip in the "Nile". We really enjoyed ourselves.
Ally & Daddy
We couldn't believe how close the gorilla got to us! He came right up to the glass to check out this little girl.

orangutangiraffe
Ally received several compliments on her top. I had only wished that it came in Claire's size as well. Roll Tide!
sea lion
waiting for the sea lion show to start
Mommy & Ally
WOW!!
polar bear
This was the highlight of Ally's night--being able to wade in the fountain!!
Claire smiling behind her paci

American Girl

Ally received her new American Girl catalog in the mail this week. Boy was she excited! This is how I have found her many times throughout the day.She's already created both her birthday list and her Christmas list (it certainly makes shopping easy)! Here she is showing me the new Bitty Twins. . .. . . and the new Bitty Twin kitchen! Here is all the new Kit and Ruthie stuff!!She so badly wants a "big" girl doll--particularly Kit. The past month we've been reading the 6 books in the Kit series and the new Ruthie book in preparation for the "Kit Kittredge: American Girl" movie. We read one chapter a night until we were done. I was amazed how Ally clung to every word and how she comprehended each story. She was so excited when we finally were able to go see the movie last Sunday afternoon after church. Daddy and Claire dropped us off so it would be just the two of us. Or should I say THREE of us! Ally brought her Bitty Twin, Emmy, who pretty much goes everywhere with Ally. (Ally takes being a "mommy" very seriously)



I highly recommend the Kit movie. It was excellent! It was such a clean, family-oriented film and that's rare--even for a G-rated movie. We laughed, I cried (several times--take those tissues!), and everyone clapped and clapped at the end. Ally's already asking when it will be out on DVD!! Oh the joys of having girls! I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Swim Lessons

Ally has been taking swim lessons for the past 2 weeks from a school teacher who teaches lessons out of her home. Her teacher (Mrs. Kristi) is excellent! She incorporates songs and stories into each of her lessons. Ally has really enjoyed herself and has amazed me with all that she's learned. Today was her last day and the kids put on a show for all of the mommies and daddies. floating on her back
swimming to Ms. Natasha and back to Mrs. Kristi Ally showing her prize the proud sister

Friday, July 11, 2008

My new blog!!

Well, I finally took the plunge and decided to create my own blog! (thank you Leah for the name) I think it will be a much easier and efficient way to share pictures, stories, events, etc. with everyone. Needless to say, I'm excited to get started!! So be sure to mark this page as one of your favorites and check back often! :)