Picnic in the Park

The sun decided to make another appearance today, so we wanted to make the best of the sunny day, especially since it is supposed to rain and get cold again tonight! Robby and I packed a lunch and we headed out to a park to have a picnic with Abigail and Chance in tow.

Instead of going to the dog park, like we did yesterday, we went to a closer park with a much better and more up to date playground. This park has trails, too, so we knew that we'd be able to take Chance for a good walk.

Although we had good intentions, it was too windy (March winds one day early?) to eat outside, so our picnic blanket was unused today as we had to eat in the car to keep everything from blowing away! The day was still a success, though, because as soon as we finished eating, we hopped out to soak up some sun and play.

The first playground was PACKED, so we thought it would be best to take Chance for a walk, then come back to the playground. It was our first time at this park, but we really enjoyed it. There were plenty of picnic tables, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, a fishing pond and a very scenic walking/biking trail. There was a creek that ran through the park and, as we walked around, Robby and I were able to reminisce about the times we spent playing in the creek near our houses when we were younger. After about two-thirds of a mile hike in the woods, we came across ANOTHER playground, and this one even had a specific toddler area!

This playground was still busy, but there weren't that many people on the toddler toys, so we took Abigail out of the stroller to play. The play set was built like a town, with a jail, general store, music shop, and of course SLIDES! There were two side by side slides, so I slid in one while she slid in the other, holding hands. A lady there with her grandkids said, "What a great picture!" but Robby didn't have the camera out at this time! Aw shucks! There were triplets there about 18 months old and Abby liked taking turns (TAKING TURNS! YAY!) playing with the music chimes. It was sweet.

After a while, we headed back to the original playground, where our car was. When we approached the play area, Abby started pointing and squealing, obviously communicating that she wanted to play. I thought she would have been more timid on this playground since it was built for kids 5-12 and there were tons of older children running around, but she held her own and started running up the ramps with Daddy chasing behind her. After playing with the gadgets and sliding down the slide, a little girl, about 5, started playing with her. She held her hands, gave her hugs, protected her from big kids and when Abigail started walking towards Chance, she said, "No! He's a dog! You don't know if he is nice or not!" until Robby said that Chance was her puppy. It was so cute! Abby liked her new play mate, and when I said it was time to go, they hugged each other bye-bye. A lady watching all this said, "Oh, I thought they were sisters!" It made me think, "Hmmm...Sisters? Yeah!" I would love to have another girl someday - a sister for Abby! I know she'll be the best big sister. Robby was even talking about needing to get a double stroller! Haha. This is the best part of being a family, spending time together, without the internet or tv - just being outside and focusing on each other. This has been a memorable weekend!

Yes, a windy day indeed.

I told him to put on his happy face, and this is what I got! I guess it doesn't get any happier than this!

We decided to put Chance to work, pulling the stroller.

Playground #2 - with a toddler playground to the left of it.

On the toddler playground, playing with the music chimes.

On the way back, walking through the woods.

The big playground, packed with kiddos!

The music station on the big playground.

Of course, she had to try the slide! And Daddy is smiling because he is moments away from letting her go down by herself! I ran over there so fast to catch her, that I dropped the camera!

Abby and Chance - all tuckered out from their fun picnic!

Sunshine at the Park!

Wow, what a glorious, sunny day! It seems like it has been forever since we have seen the sun, so in honor of this beautiful day, Robby and I decided to take the family out for fun at the local park. We decided to go to the dog park, since Chance hasn't had much of an opportunity to really stretch his legs lately. This was our first time to a dog park since we moved to Mansfield, and we were really excited to find one so close to our house. It's called Tails & Trails Park and is a HUGE dog park with walking trails around it (hence the name!). Chance really loved playing, and we let him run and meet new friends for nearly an hour.

Abigail and I sat on a bench inside the big dog area, where Chance was playing, and she had a blast looking at all the dogs, especially when one would come near us, which wasn't very often. Everytime Chance would run by she would squeal, point and scream "CHANCEY!" It was fun to sit there with her, name the dogs and colors of dogs, and just enjoy the sunshine.

After Chance slowed down, we hooked him back on his leash and went walking around the trails. Eventually, we came upon a park and playground and let Abigail out of her stroller to have some fun. She had a blast on the slides, and Robby even talked me into letting her go down a slide by herself (after I tested the speed, of course!). The best part was watching her explore the area; she had the most fun not on the toys, but just running around the playground, even though she thought the woodchips were trippy and preferred to walk on the concrete. It was a nice day to be out and let our baby and furry baby have some fun. It was a great family day!

Robby ready to go!

Abigail (and Chance in the back) ready to go!


Putting on her shades!


After Chance had some fun, it was time for Abby's fun!

She LOVES slides!

Sliding by herself!

She could also "pump" the swing by herself! This amazed us, because she doesn't have swings at day care, and we have no idea how or where she learned this!

Exploring

She loved the grass, too.

Fun in the sun!

Double Doctor Visit

Today was Abigail's 15 month well visit, but it doubled as a sick visit because last night she had the highest fever she's ever had - 103.7. Eek! She got sent home from daycare yesterday a little before lunch with a fever of 102.1. Robby picked her up and took her home, but by the time I got home, it was up to 103, and at 7:00 was up to 103.7. That's when I called the doctor.

This is only the second time we've needed to visit this doctor; since we moved pretty far south, I didn't see any sense in sticking with her "original" pediatrician in Frisco, although we all loved him and highly recommend him. Since his doctor's office always had a nurse practioner call back for after hour calls, I was surprised to receive a call back from the DOCTOR herself with this office. I liked that. Basically, all she said was to switch from infant's Tylenol to children's Tylenol, give her plenty of fluids and watch her for changes.

So, I sent Robby on a run to the pharmacy to get the meds, and sure enough, within 30 minutes of giving it to her, her fever was down to 103 and she was much, much happier. It wasn't an easy night, but we made it through and when she woke up this morning, no fever. Funny how that always happens.

Since we had this visit scheduled already, we carried on as normal, but used the doctor visit to our advantage and had a sick AND well visit, all in one. The doctor pretty much said that she didn't show any signs of other illness, no ear infections or the like. (Since Abigail is teething four teeth, I'm wondering if it is related...? The pediatrician, of course, says probably not. I wonder why all doctors say that teething doesn't cause fever, but just about every tooth Abigail gets is accompanied with SOMETHING - fever, runny nose, etc. Hmm. Just a thought to ponder...) Plus, since Abigail had no fever today, she just said make sure that it doesn't come back, and if it does, to bring her in on Monday.

As for her well visit, she gets an A+. Physically, developmentally, emotionally, everything is right on target. I was very, very pleased to know that her head circumference hasn't changed since her 12 month appointment! Last time, her HC was 19" - which is off the chart and labeled >97%! This time, with the same measurement, she is at 95-97%. Yay! Back on the chart!

Here are her stats:
Weight: 22.2 lbs (35%)
Height: 31 inches (75%)
Head: 19 inches (95-97%)

Love, Love, Love!

Happy Valentine's Day! Robby and I decided to spend the holiday with some much needed alone time, and as it just so happened, Abigail said she wanted to spend Valentine's Day with her Mimi! How lucky for us!

We took Abigail over to Mimi's in the early afternoon, then we headed to the mall. We walked around a while, then went to see Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. It's a movie based on the book series that Robby has been reading (he's on the second to last book of the series), so it was sort-of my treat to him. It's a total "boy" movie, but I have to admit, since I am teaching The Odyssey right now in class, I enjoyed the movie and all of its mythological implications, too. I liked guessing who each character was before they said his/her name. Plus, since it's a YA (young adult) movie, it will give me something to talk about with my students. :)

Then, right after that, we went to see the movie Valentine's Day, starring a whole cast of famous actors. Yes, two movies, back-to-back! Since we haven't really gone to the movies in a while (with the exception of Sherlock Holmes oon MLK day - before that, it had been SEVERAL months!), we decided to take advantage of our time! This was the movie I had been wanting to see for a while; it was fun to indulge Robby AND me in the same day. After the movies, we went to eat at Texas Roadhouse and got home around midnight! I haven't been out that late in a while! I know I'm not capturing the essence of how much Robby and I enjoyed our time together, but it was quite refreshing. It's good to rekindle romance every once and a while - thank you, Mimi, for allowing our alone time together!

Robby picked up Abigail today around lunch, and when they got home, we went to Cotton Patch for the family Valentine's Day dinner. While there, I saw someone I work with - this is the second time that I have seen people from my work while we are out and about. I don't know if I'll get used to living so close to work! No more running to the grocery store in workout clothes!

When we got home, we exchanged presents. Robby gave me my present, a Pandora bracelet from Jared's! I was very excited and touched. It's kind of like a charm bracelet (which I have been wanting), but with a trendy twist. Instead of traditional charms, it has beads as charms. Kind of hard to explain how it looks, so go here to see: http://www.jared.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/category%7C10451%7C10001%7C-1%7C21302%7C21300%7C21300.21302%7CY. He got me a bracelet, with two spacers and two charms - one heart charm for Valentine's Day and a ladybug charm from Abigail! Also, I got a beautiful bouquet of flowers!

When we got home, I gave him his present - the final book in the Percy Jackson series, and a video game he's been wanting. I know, not very romantic, but the romance was our date (and after!) the night before, and the present was something he really wanted! We got Abby a Valentine's toy, too - a toddler Magna Doodle - which she LOVES!

Over all, it was a fun, fun, loving weekend!

Robby and Abigail dancing before heading over to Mimi's.

Family Picture - Attempt #1: Abby tickling Daddy!

Family Picture - Attempt #2: In this one, Abby is looking at Chance in front of us! Oh well. One day we'll get the perfect family picture and miss these little moments.

Time to PLAY!

It snowed more on Thursday night - can you believe it? The snow castle that Robby made on Thursday at around 6pm (see previous post for picture) was COMPLETELY covered up with new snow, save the very top of it, when we woke up Friday! I wish I would have taken a picture.

As a result, school was cancelled on Friday, so Robby, Abigail and myself spent the day lounging around the house - Abby and I let Daddy sleep in until 10am! Then, they let me take a nap from 10-11:30! Fun. We played, and played and played yesterday! It was a fun family day. When we got cabin fever, we bundled up the baby (thermals, sweatshirt, two layers of pants/socks, scarf, 2 blankets, and hat!), bundled up Chance (his doggy jacket) and bundled ourselves up to go for a walk around the neighborhood.

It was about 5pm at this time, and a substantial amount of snow had already melted; Abigail's play center in the backyard hardly had any snow on it at all anymore, and the copious amounts that had our trees wilting in the front yard had melted away, too, but there was still PLENTY in which to play. As we walked around, we could see remnants of snow forts and snowmen, and one of our neighbors (about 7 years old) was out searching for buried treasure in the snow (his mom buried it all over the yard). What a fun game! I'll have to remember that for Abby when she gets older - if it ever snows this much again!

Last night, after we put Abby to bed, we downloaded the movie Couples Retreat. While we were waiting for that to finish, we watched Olympic Opening Ceremonies and cheered on Team USA. (The movie was pretty funny, by the way.)

Going for a stroll with baby "Samantha."

Our house after most of the snow had melted from the trees.


Stomping in the snow. My boots are 13 inches tall, and if you look closely, you can see that the snow is almost to the top of them! That makes it about 11 inches deep - and my feet weren't even really touching the ground - too much snow!

I made Robby surprise brownies for the movie - and they had a surprise message: LOVE!

Snow Bunnies

This has been the "snowiest" winter that I can remember! Today was the FIFTH time this winter I have seen snow at my house, and I think today could/should be classified as a blizzard (by DFW terms, not necessarily northeastern terms). There's approximately TEN inches of snow in my yard right now, and it is still coming down!

I had a white yard this morning when I woke up, and when I got to school, I was greeted by dozens of snowmen all around the building/teacher parking lot. Too bad I didn't have my camera then! As I walked up to the building, there were kids running amuck in a HUGE snowball fight! Nearly half the school was outside playing - the building was nearly empty, which is very odd for my campus. It was incredibly fun and uplifting to see this game - I even got in on the action a little! (Not too much, though - I had my laptop!) Thank goodness I wore my rainboots today and carried in my shoes - it sure was slushy.

The drive home wasn't too bad, and when I got here, Robby and I took Abigail and Chance outside to play in the snow. Chance hated it (he always has), especially since it was so deep! It was a lot deeper in Mansfield than it was in Grand Prairie. The depth nearly covered my rainboots here - and it was only about 7 inches thick at that time!

What surprised me was how intrigued Abigail was by the snow. I thought she would be timid; instead, she squirmed to get out of our arms and immediately threw herself into a snow pile! She had a hard time getting back up, but as soon as she did, she jumped into it again! This girl is so funny! Robby packed a few snowballs, and after I demonstrated how to throw them (with Robby as my target) we let Abby have a go. She threw them all right! Of course, instead of throwing them out, she threw them down. Sigh. Cute, nevertheless!

We let Abigail play for a while, but eventually brought her in so the snow wouldn't seep through her clothes and make her cold. It was after this that Robby and I took Chance in the backyard and let him run around (which, of course, he didn't do much of!). Robby then took this opportunity to build a snow fort. He's still a kid at heart. Fun day!

Watching Dad play outside without her.

Robby made a real snow cone. He thought it was hilarious!


Of course, he had to try it!

His snow castle!

Abigail is 15 Months Old!

Hard to believe that she's already so big! Last time I checked her (approximately 2 weeks ago) she was right at 22 pounds and 31 inches, but her height is always a guess because she squiggles so much! She has gone through a growth spurt lately, so it seems accurate to me. She's wearing size 3 diapers and size 4 shoes, has 9 teeth - 3 of which are molars! - and wears 12-18 month clothes.

She says many words, but some of the new ones include: duck, fish, sock, me, Mimi, Chance, Poppy, bubbles, juice, drink. She can pretty much repeat anything we say, but only USES about 15-20 words or so. One of the cuter things that she's done lately is putting motions to songs like Itsy-Bitsy Spider or Little Bunny Foo-Foo. She can blow kisses and plays house, LOVES to read, sing and dance. She's getting in the imitation stage, so when I clean or dust, she wants to, too. Very fun. I think it may be time to get her an ironing board or a vacuum cleaner! Another thing she loves to do is play chase. She will run after us, arms extended, laughing or yelling, then turn right around and get us to chase her.

Her favorite toys right now are her baby dolls and the busy ball popper. She also loves Little People and bath toys. When she's in the bath, surrounded by a multitude of toys, we can say "Where's your duck?" or "Where's your baby?" (she has a bath baby doll) and she can find them out of all of her toys! We're really happy about that. So far, no luck on "Where's your penguin?" or "Where's the starfish?" Ha. She can point out her belly button, but not in mixed company yet - and by "mixed" I mean anyone other than Mommy or Daddy. She'll walk around all day pointing at her belly button, lifting her shirt, pointing at Daddy's or Mommy's, but when we try to show off her cute trick, she acts like she's never heard of it before. Ha. Maybe she's just a private person. Better than running around getting naked in public, I guess!

She likes puzzles, and isn't really interested in TV yet, although she will dance to Yo Gabba Gabba and likes the dog on Blue's Clues. She likes ANY dog! Such an animal lover! Speaking of animals, she laughs out loud when she sees a pig. A pig on tv, a pig in a book, a stuffed pig (we got her one for Christmas) - it doesn't matter. Pigs are hilarious to her!

It's been amazing to see how much she's grown, physically, mentally and characteristcally. I love seeing her personality develop!

Knock Knock

Who's there? Mason and Abigail!

We went over to Randi & Chris' house to watch the Superbowl this year, and Mason has a new toy - a house made from a box! The children loved playing in it, and we had more fun watching the kiddos than the game. It's so neat that the babies are growing up and playing together now - I hope they grow to be good friends!

I was reaching through and tickling Mason, so he laid on the floor to escape! So smart!

Another peephole!


Peek-a-boo

So darn cute!