ABC's and 123's

One day a couple of weeks ago, Addyson busted out with the ABC song, or at least her version of it.  Since then, she has been singing it all the time.  We were a bit surprised...and proud, of course.  We sing it to her, but couldn't believe how well she picked it up.  Here is a clip of it. 

And of course, to make her mother proud, here is a clip of her counting.  So cool =)

Let the professionals handle it

We decided it was finally time to take Addy to a photographer, since she is almost two and has never been.  We figured now was a good time, so we could take Addy's birthday pics, Carly's newborn pics, and some Christmas pictures.  I new it would be a stressful event, so I planned it for when my mom could go along to assist (thanks mom!).  We thought the pictures were amazing (although we are a little biased).  However, I'm not sure how it happened, because, needless to say, Addyson was less than enthusiastic about having her picture made, or having Carly in the photo with her for that matter.  The rocking horse worked best, since she was more than happy to play with it.  She also enjoyed climbing the ladder, so that worked well also (even though she is climbing on the wrong side of the ladder...the side that on real ladders says 'do not climb').  However, when it came time to change her clothes and put her dress on, that's when the fun began =)  I honestly have no idea how we got any decent Christmas pictures.  I guess that's why it's best to go to a professional!

But, we made it through and I'm truly glad we went.  Below are the pictures that we liked the best...I had to narrow about 65 total shots down to 7...yes 7 and for those who know me, that was not an easy task!!!  Anyway, here they are...

Addy and Carly

I wanted to share what is, perhaps, my favorite picture of Addy and Carly taken thus far (thanks Jane).  Aren't they just so adorable!

I have decided that I'm going to TRY and treat this more like a true blog, where I have periodic entries of just updated information as to what is going on in our lives.  We have so much happening all the time...new experiences, Addyson learning and saying more each day...it's hard to keep up with it.  So I'm hoping to record it here, since I've failed to record it anywhere else to this point.  So, for those of you who just enjoy looking at the pictures and watching the videos, keep doing so as we will keep them coming.  But for those of you who are interested, I HOPE to provide more of the moments not caught on video.  Like I said, I have very good intentions, but we do have a newborn in the house... =)

So here goes...please remember I'm a 'math' person, and my writing skills are not up to everyone's standards...

We brought Carly home from the hospital on Wednesday, October 27.  While trying to adjust to night time feedings and little sleep, on Friday, we noticed Addyson was wheezing.  (We had taken her to the Dr. for a cough the previous week, where we were told nothing serious was wrong, but the cough would just have to run it's course...the Dr. actually recommended we give her honey for the cough.  But the Dr. said to look out for wheezing, as that could be a sign of pneumonia.)  Jeff promptly took her to the Dr., where they found no she did not have pneumonia, but ordered that she receive breathing treatments via a nebulizer, ever 4-6 hours, around the clock.  Well add that to night time feedings and we've got our hands full! 
After a week, we took Addy back for a followup visit, thinking they would say all was well...not so much.  She was still wheezing, AND had developed an ear infection.  So now we were doing breathing treatments for another week, and a steroid, and an antibiotic!  The good news is that she got a clean bill of health when we took her back for her 2nd follow up visit.  I must say thank you to Jeff, who handled ALL of Addyson night time breathing treatments AND some of Carly's feedings as well.  I don't know what I would do with out you...you are wonderful!  Also, I must say thanks to my mom and Jeff's mom who have been invaluable in the last three weeks...I'm sure I'll continue to say thank you, since you are both coming back for more =) 

Here is a picture of Addyson taking a breathing treatment.  She was a champ during each and every treatment...although it might have had something to do with the TV being on during her treatments... 

Now that Addy is well, we are still adjusting to life with a newborn, but things are going well.  Carly is such a good baby!  She will be three weeks old tomorrow and already has a 'decent' sleeping schedule.  I say decent, because she likes to get up around 4-5 am in the morning, which is a little early for her mother!!!  But we are working on it.  

And, lastly, something cute from Addy's world.  She amazes us with the pace at which she is learning to talk.  Her vocabulary expands daily.  She learned the word "no" fairly early, but yesterday, I asked her if she could do something for me (who knows what it was) and she said "no way", but in a cute little voice.  I figured this is much better than simply "no"...at least for now.  Jeff and I laughed when she said it, so of course, she's continued to do it all day today.  

Okay, so this entry was a little long...I'm sure they won't all be this way.  Stay tuned for more cuteness from these two precious little girls!

Second cousins come to visit.

Allison, Audrey, and Avery came to visit, play and see Carly for the first time.  Everyone had a great time, especially the girls.  Addy was able to show off her trampoline and swing set.  The three girls ate lunch together and watched " Go, Diego, Go."  Overall it was a great time and we can't wait until they come back to visit.

Here is a video of Addy's favorite indoor activity.

Here are some photos of the girls jumping on the trampoline.  All three played really well with each other.

Look how high Audrey jumped.

All three girls jumping and running together.

Here are pics and videos of the girls on the slide and swings.

 Above is a picture of Avery hard at work buckling and pushing Addyson in her swing.

 Avery did a back flip off the swing (sorry Allison and Iain), because Jeff was too busy taking pictures and videos of all the outside fun.  Addyson was very concerned about Avery, but Avery is a very tough girl.

Above are two cute pictures of Addy and Carly's second cousins.


Here are some videos of the girls playing together outside on the "Addy and Carly's Park Playground and Entertainment Equipment."   "For all to enjoy."

The trip is coming to an end so here are a few pictures of the girls watching "Diego" and some pictures of the entire family together.

I think Audrey is ready for another sibling.



Now it is time to say good bye, so give everyone a hug and kiss.

Pictures of Carly

Here are some more pictures of Carly by herself.  It is not easy taking pictures of just Carly when Addy is around.  Addy wants to play with Carly all the time.

See "Baby Mumble" ...... and Carly.  Addy likes to share her little penguin with her sister.

Carlean is very calm after having her bottle.

Carlean has really long legs.  Hope it helps her jump high when she plays volleyball.

Big Sister with her Little Sister

Here are some videos and pictures of Addyson and Carlean together.  Addyson has been amazing with Carly since the day we brought her home.  Addy loves to give her kisses and hold her whenever she gets the chance.  In this video Addy is sharing her old toys (and her "Baby Mumble") with Carly.

Here are a few pictures of Addyson with Carlean. 

That is a cute picture of Addy kissing her little sister on the head.  Everyday as been wonderful with these two beautiful girls.

You just got to see Addyson in action with Carlean.  These two make great sisters, we just hope they stay this way when they are teenagers.

Fun at the Swing Set

Here are three videos of Addyson playing on her swing set. Playing on the swing set is one of many activities that Addy enjoys doing outside.  Addy's newest activity to do outside is to jump on a trampoline.  I think she maybe the only girl to get a trampoline for her second birthday (it is an early present).

Watch Addy do the "Gator Chomp" in this video.