This Unfamiliar Road

It's little sister's turn to head off to school!
Eliza is attending the same church preschool that Peyton went to- we just love the program and all of the teachers!



Because Eliza still has some separation anxiety, I was totally prepared for a dramatic first day of school. E totally surprised us as she hopped out of the car and ran inside! I sure hope it stays that way this year!


It's hard to believe my baby is big enough for school! Reach high, Boo!

Oh... I have been so naive in thinking this day would never come. My sweet P is off to Kindergarten and this Momma is a complete wreck. Why is it that we have such trouble letting go? I know P is more than ready, but it's hard to imagine her navigating through her day ALL by herself!

Of course, we read "The Night Before Kindergarten" at bedtime. And I could barely make it through.






I hosted a "Mommies and Mimosas" gathering afterwards so we could all cry together...and have an excuse to drink at 7:30am! I think it's going to be a GREAT year for Peyton. I can't wait to see her blossom. Go Colts!

I cannot even believe my first baby is already 5 years old! It truly seems like yesterday that Ben and I found out we were going to be parents. The last five years has been a most rewarding, challenging, and precious time!

Peyton woke up to balloons and streamers decorating her room, then we headed to Dunkin Donuts for our traditional birthday donut.



 Afterwards, we spent the day at The Georgia Aquarium! Did you know admission is free on your birthday?!










We continued the celebration that weekend with a ballerina birthday party for our girl. The local Rec Center and Miss Sandy did a fantastic job! The party guests enjoyed dress up, games, and a little dance lesson. And of course, a fancy "tea party" because this Momma just needed a hand in something.









Peyton, you are the most generous, caring, strong-willed, and intelligent child I know! Every day with you is a blessing, and I am so lucky to be your Mother. You were born a true leader...Shine on, my girl!

HOW is our Bean already 2 years old? It seems like yesterday, I was waddling around trying to naturally induce labor...and here we are two years later!


Eating: Eliza is definitely a picky toddler, but we are slowly having success with more variety. She loves the usual kid food: PBJ, mac n cheese, cereal, cheese, fruit, hummus, and yogurt. Her favorites are fruit snacks and chewy bars. Lately, I've had luck with salad with dressing, black beans, ham roll-ups, and green beans!

Sleeping: Bean sleeps well from 7:30pm-7:00am and takes a 1-2 hour nap. She is starting to fight naptime on days her sister has school. I think it's because we get a late start to nap.

We filled Eliza's room with balloons during the night. She loved her birthday surprise!!



Skills: Eliza surprises us with her vocabulary-she communicates all of her needs well. She currently responds to the question "WHY" with the same answer: "Because I am that hero." (a line from a VeggieTales movie). She certainly keeps us laughing!
Eliza has great fine motor skills, and likes to color teeny tiny circles, or "ladybugs"

Happy Times: Our Boo loves iPad time, playing outside, baby dolls, dress up, playing chase, and "cooking". Her favorites are The Lorax, and Veggie Tales. She works hard to keep up with her sister.

Unhappy Times: Eliza has quite the temper, and lets her preferences be known!! She is still clingy to Momma, although the separation anxiety is improving a lot!



Eliza loves animals, and had a great time feeding the goats!





Miss Eliza Cate,
YOU, my friend, are a handful. We have some very challenging days, but then you hug me and say "I luh you too Mommy" and it's all better. There will be a day when a hug from Momma doesn't make it all better. There will be a day when things are too quiet in the house because you're off to college. I am learning to cherish the crazy, loud house now! Eliza, you are a stubborn girl but can be very sensitive too. You have perfected 'sadness'. I hope your will remains strong!!
We love you :)

Junebug is another year older. It's hard to believe 4 whole years have passed since this little lady made us parents. I can't even remember life before she was here (nor do I want to!).

Peyton has brought us so much joy, entertainment, love...and yes anxiety :) I will say it a million times-being a parent is the hardest yet most rewarding job in the world!


For her birthday this year, Peyton decided she wanted to do the same things she did when she turned 3. Yes, her memory is that good. So, off to Dunkin Donuts and the mall we went to celebrate our new 4 year-old.






Right now, P loves Rapunzel, Shopkins, and arts and crafts. She is an exceptional artist, and her detail in coloring is amazing! She enjoys writing notes on post-its...all over the house, and is starting to read, too.

Her favorite foods are cereal, mac n cheese, yogurt, sugar snap peas, carrots, hummus, taco salad, breakfast burritos, and cheeseburgers with pickles.


Although she takes the occasional nap, P typically just has rest time every day. I think this time is really important for her to enjoy some time to herself (and to give Momma a break!). She colors, plays matching games, reads books, and has some iPad time. I think rest time will continue until college, maybe :)

Peyton is still quite the social butterfly, and will tell you her life story if you ask her name...just a fair warning ; )



We ended her birthday with a sleepover at GiGi's house. But first, cake!





Oh Sweet P/Bug/Magoo/Peyton Caroline,
You have the kindest heart and you truly care about the well-being of others. You are so inquisitive, and your specific questions continue to amaze us. This past year has been a challenging one, but now it seems you are better able to express your feelings and needs. You are the best big sister, hands down and Eliza adores you. Mommy & Daddy love you so so much!