I love these pictures so much! :)
Take a look HERE to see last year's Santa photo!
Naughty & Nice
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Santa - The Official 2014 Photos
I took the girls to see the real Santa a couple of weeks ago! That bootleg Santa down in Waxhaw just wasn't going to cut it. Lottie was her typical smiley self telling Santa what a good girl she has been this year and how much she wanted any and all things FROZEN. Stella on the other hand showed no love whatsoever for the big guy!
I love these pictures so much! :)
Take a look HERE to see last year's Santa photo!
Naughty & Nice
I love these pictures so much! :)
Take a look HERE to see last year's Santa photo!
Naughty & Nice
Girl's Day Out - Lottie
I so treasure these days out with Lottie! Man, I love this kid!
Mom guilt (totally took Stella to daycare) so Lottie and I could have some one on one time on Cyber Monday. Let's be honest though - looking after one child vs. two is a no brainer. It is sooooooooooooooo much easier. And because Stella is younger, she generally takes up more of my time when we are home, so days like these are great for Lottie and I because she gets 100% of my full attention.
I usually take Cyber Monday off to shop and regroup after Thanksgiving. Lottie and I went Christmas shopping, got her a haircut and capped it off with a mani/pedi (her first).
She loved getting her toes painted. Every time they went to touch her feet, she would scream out "TICKLES" "TICKLES" "TICKLES". She and I were laughing hysterically! She got the most adorable little flower painted on her big toes. She absolutely lit that salon up with her personality. Everyone loves Lottie! :)
Here's a look back at our girly day out!
Mom guilt (totally took Stella to daycare) so Lottie and I could have some one on one time on Cyber Monday. Let's be honest though - looking after one child vs. two is a no brainer. It is sooooooooooooooo much easier. And because Stella is younger, she generally takes up more of my time when we are home, so days like these are great for Lottie and I because she gets 100% of my full attention.
I usually take Cyber Monday off to shop and regroup after Thanksgiving. Lottie and I went Christmas shopping, got her a haircut and capped it off with a mani/pedi (her first).
She loved getting her toes painted. Every time they went to touch her feet, she would scream out "TICKLES" "TICKLES" "TICKLES". She and I were laughing hysterically! She got the most adorable little flower painted on her big toes. She absolutely lit that salon up with her personality. Everyone loves Lottie! :)
Here's a look back at our girly day out!
Friday, December 5, 2014
Rigatoni With Kale & Sausage
I made this recipe this past weekend. I pulled it out of Food Network Magazine. I love Food Network Magazine. For some reason, this recipe really spoke to me! I would say it's because I have been on a kale kick for about a year. Although this recipe calls for Swiss Chard, I totally went with kale.
It came out very tasty! The only thing I would suggest when making this is to avoid salt. You really don't need any. The sausage salts the entire dish as is.
Enjoy!
It came out very tasty! The only thing I would suggest when making this is to avoid salt. You really don't need any. The sausage salts the entire dish as is.
Enjoy!
Murrells Inlet in November
About a month ago I had a few extra days off work so I decided to pack the family up and drive down to visit my sister. With everything going on with getting our house on the market this past summer / fall, I realized that I had not been to visit her since July 4th. Eeekkkkk - sorry Amy!
Typically we avoid the beach in the colder months. We usually visit Amy in the warmer months and she usually visits us in the colder months.
One of the things we decided to do was re-visit the REDNECK ZOO. OMG - that place is just as I remember. Ridiculous!
Poor Stella - she is VERY skittish around animals. She HATES them! Obviously, I didn't realize just how much until we arrived at my sister's house and she saw her two little pugs. Stella literally jumped out of her own skin. She was terrified of two little pugs. Unfortunately the dogs had to be put up the entire time we were there. If she even heard them bark, she literally would jump up and run to me begging to be picked up.
With that said, I don't know why I thought it would be a great idea to go back to the REDNECK ZOO. With every "BAA", "OINK", "RAWR", she would start screaming and trying to run away. The best part was when we were looking at two HUGE black bears, she was totally calm. Then, she hears and sees a little squirrel several feet away eating a nut and freaks out! Steve and I couldn't help but laugh. Oh the irony!
And because it's a REDNECK ZOO, they give you peanuts to feed the animals. Well, who knew peacocks loved peanuts? Poor Stella - she was harassed by a peacock the entire time we were there. That peacock followed us around the entire zoo. He never came too close, but it was certainly close enough for Stella. She hated that peacock! Every time she looked behind her, it was there. Once again, Steve and I just laughed. Lottie loves animals so much and always has. I guess this confirms that we will not be getting a pet anytime soon!
Typically we avoid the beach in the colder months. We usually visit Amy in the warmer months and she usually visits us in the colder months.
One of the things we decided to do was re-visit the REDNECK ZOO. OMG - that place is just as I remember. Ridiculous!
Poor Stella - she is VERY skittish around animals. She HATES them! Obviously, I didn't realize just how much until we arrived at my sister's house and she saw her two little pugs. Stella literally jumped out of her own skin. She was terrified of two little pugs. Unfortunately the dogs had to be put up the entire time we were there. If she even heard them bark, she literally would jump up and run to me begging to be picked up.
With that said, I don't know why I thought it would be a great idea to go back to the REDNECK ZOO. With every "BAA", "OINK", "RAWR", she would start screaming and trying to run away. The best part was when we were looking at two HUGE black bears, she was totally calm. Then, she hears and sees a little squirrel several feet away eating a nut and freaks out! Steve and I couldn't help but laugh. Oh the irony!
And because it's a REDNECK ZOO, they give you peanuts to feed the animals. Well, who knew peacocks loved peanuts? Poor Stella - she was harassed by a peacock the entire time we were there. That peacock followed us around the entire zoo. He never came too close, but it was certainly close enough for Stella. She hated that peacock! Every time she looked behind her, it was there. Once again, Steve and I just laughed. Lottie loves animals so much and always has. I guess this confirms that we will not be getting a pet anytime soon!
This place is so ridiculous!!!!!!!! I have never seen so many kiddy toys being used by animals! This monkey had his own little playhouse! :)
Stella running away from the peacock crying! :)
This monkey hit the jackpot - he got his very own Jeep!
My sweet nephew! I swear he never stops smiling! He is such a great baby!
We are not sure if this deer was part of the zoo or not, but my sister was almost able to hand feed it. So cute!
Inbred ZONKEY
The majority of the time spent at my sister's house was playing with the kids, doing art projects, cooking, playing dominoes and going on walks. We even squeezed in an hour or so on the beach.
Thanks Aunt Amy for letting us stay and play!
xoxo
Bootleg Santa............
Santa came to Waxhaw and let me tell you, he definitely was not from the North Pole!
Last Saturday my sister and I ventured into downtown Waxhaw to visit Santa. I heard he was going to be hanging out at a quaint little arts and crafts store. Being as my sister was still in town, I thought it would be fun to take all the kiddos to get photos taken with the big guy.
I should have known as soon as we walked in, that we were probably going to get what we paid for. By now, you know what a Frugal McDougal I can be. So, when I heard these Santa photos were only going to be $5, I was all over it. I couldn't have gotten there fast enough.
When will I learn?
Don't get me wrong, Santa was very nice, but seemed very shy and completely out of touch with what the heck it means to be Santa. There was no "HO, HO, HO" and "Have You Been Naughty or Nice". No, pretty sure I had to force Lottie onto his lap for a photo! And Stella - ha, yeah right, she saw right through him. She didn't want to go anywhere near him. But let's be honest, Stella doesn't like very many people. :)
Here's a look back at our encounter with the Waxhaw Santa................... Obviously, we will be going elsewhere for our official Santa 2014 photo!
Last Saturday my sister and I ventured into downtown Waxhaw to visit Santa. I heard he was going to be hanging out at a quaint little arts and crafts store. Being as my sister was still in town, I thought it would be fun to take all the kiddos to get photos taken with the big guy.
I should have known as soon as we walked in, that we were probably going to get what we paid for. By now, you know what a Frugal McDougal I can be. So, when I heard these Santa photos were only going to be $5, I was all over it. I couldn't have gotten there fast enough.
When will I learn?
Don't get me wrong, Santa was very nice, but seemed very shy and completely out of touch with what the heck it means to be Santa. There was no "HO, HO, HO" and "Have You Been Naughty or Nice". No, pretty sure I had to force Lottie onto his lap for a photo! And Stella - ha, yeah right, she saw right through him. She didn't want to go anywhere near him. But let's be honest, Stella doesn't like very many people. :)
Here's a look back at our encounter with the Waxhaw Santa................... Obviously, we will be going elsewhere for our official Santa 2014 photo!
Santa - come on now, let's be jolly!
Hello Santa! FOCUS!
Seriously - Santa, can you please smile?
The last one is a classic!!!!!!!! Santa looks like he is braiding Lottie's hair. The only way Stella would get close to Santa is if I stood directly behind her! Hot mess! And why am I the only one smiling in this photo?
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Stella - 18 Months
Stella's Weight: 28 lbs (96%)
Stella's Height: 32" (58%)
Stella's Head Circumference: 49 cm (98%)
Shots: DTaP, Hep A, Flu
COMPARED TO LOTTIE AT 18 MONTHS:
Lottie's Weight: 22 lbs, 12 oz (50%)
Lottie's Height: 31 inches (25%)
Lottie's Head Circumference: 46 cm
Shots: Flu, Pentacel
This comparison really cracked me up! Stella is 6 lbs heavier than what Lottie was at the same age.
CLOTHING / SHOE SIZES
Tops: 24 months
Pants: 2T
Shoes: Size 5
Diapers: Size 5
TEETH
She presently has 8 teeth. But as of this past week, she has 4 more coming in on the top and bottom.
FAVORITE FOODS
Peas, Lima beans, hot dogs, beef stew, peaches, pineapples, bananas, baked beans, grapes, grits, chicken, spaghetti, strawberries, blueberries, snack mix, oatmeal, milk, juice, water, oranges, apples, etc. Honestly, there is not a whole lot this kid doesn't like eating. She is a pretty good eater. Although, I will say that it has slowed down quite a bit now that she is so mobile and running all over the place.
FAVORITE WORDS
More (she signs and says it at the same time), NO!!!!!!!!!!!, Juice, Nice, Thank You, Please, Bath, Minnie Mouse, Fish, Duck, Shoes, Treat, Apple, Book, One, Two, Bunny, Boo Boo, Diaper, Amy, Mama, etc. She can pretty much repeat anything you say to her. My new favorite name she is saying is, "Lottie". It is so cute!
FAVORITE SENTENCES
"Bless You", "Thank You", "Not Nice", "Love You"
FAVORITE SONGS
"Bah Bah Black Sheep", "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?", "Let it Go"
FAVORITE ANIMAL NOISES SHE MAKES
Dog, Cat, Tiger, Lion, Bear, Shark, Elephant, Giraffe, Cow, Pig, Sheep
But don't let Stella fool you! In reality she HATES animals! She especially hates my sister's two pugs. She absolutely jumps out of her own skin any time she sees a dog, hears a dog, etc. We re-visited the Redneck Zoo while visiting my sister about a month ago and poor Stella was terrorized the entire time and not by the big black bears or the lions and tigers............ No, by squirrels and peacocks! The girl is quite the scaredy cat! :)
BODY PARTS SHE KNOWS AND POINTS TO
Head, Hand, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, Belly, Toes, Knees
SIBLING LOVE
WOW, these girls sure do love one another! But (a big but!) they will not leave one another alone! Actually maybe I should rephrase that. Lottie will not leave Stella alone. She is constantly tackling her, jumping on her, pushing her and knocking her over. She does all of this very playfully but poor Stella is constantly getting beat down. I must say at least 100 times a day, "Leave Stella ALONE!" and "Hands to Yourself!!!" All day every day! Stella probably really appreciates being in her own classroom at school with kids her own size and age because she finally gets a break from being harassed by her sister. With that said, between the pushing and shoving, Lottie is constantly telling Stella how much she loves her and Stella is constantly chasing after Lottie ready to play tea parties, blocks and pretty much anything her sister is doing, she wants to be doing. Yes, they drive me absolutely insane sometimes, but I honestly don't know what I would do without the chaos in my life. It really is the best kind!
LIKES
Stella loves reading books! We have a lot of the first 100 words and pictures books that she loves to go through over and over again. Pretty much anything we ask her to point at, she knows. She is getting so smart. I just love watching that brain of hers learn and grow. It is truly fascinating. She also loves art. She does lots of art projects at school and loves to paint at home. She also loves to go on long walks on the green way and of course loves to swing at the park.
DISLIKES
Riding in shopping carts!!!!!!!!!!! Bloody nightmare!
NAPPING! Little monster is what I call her when it is time to take naps on the weekends. She never wants to give in! She is what I would call a model child when it comes to a bedtime routine and sleeping like a little angel at night. BUT, for some reason - she hates laying down for a nap. Although, at school, she is apparently a little angel for them and will usually nap anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. She also hates when I brush her teeth! My motto for both girls is that I will brush first, then you can brush all you want. She hates that. She wants to do all the brushing. She usually throws a full blown tantrum anytime I put her toothbrush in her mouth.
POTTY TIME
I guess it is about that time to start introducing Stella to the potty. I popped her up on the toilet the other day because she says, "Potty" all the time, but she didn't like it one bit! She normally will pat her bottom and tell us she has pooped. When asked if she needs to be changed, she nods yes. We will get there and not something I am going to push too hard until we hit the 2 year mark. I'll just keep putting her on the potty and hopefully she will start getting used to the idea. I don't think I will be buying another mini potty like I did with Lottie. Uggghhhhh - that thing was gross! I was soooooooo happy to be rid of it!
On another note............ I never had any problems with Lottie playing with toilet paper or sticking her hands in the toilet. Stella does it all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have to make sure that we keep the toilet lids closed at all times in our house because you never know when Stella will disappear into the bathroom! It is disgusting! And poor Lottie - anytime she needs to go to the bathroom Stella is always right behind her. Lottie never gets any privacy. I really cracked up the other day when Lottie went to take a #2. Poor thing was screaming for me in the other room to get Stella out of the bathroom so she could have a little privacy! HA!
HAIR TIE / HAIR BOW STRIKE
You've probably noticed that in quite a few photos, Stella never has anything in her wild, unkempt hair. The girl has been on BOW strike since she was 10 months old or so. I must have 100 different bows, hair ties, etc. at home that I am dying to put in her hair. Every single time I put something in her hair, she pulls it out faster than I can get it in. The exact same thing happened with Lottie and it is still a struggle getting something in Lottie's hair at times. Currently, bribery is about the only thing that works with Stella! She's not too bad with hairbands. But ponytails, pigtails, etc. are OUT!
TANTRUMS
I can't remember who was worse? I am going to say Stella! The girl loves to throw them when we are out in public. She hates riding in shopping carts and hates being restrained in her stroller unless we are on a walk. She hates holding hands and loves running off. UGGGHHHHHHHH - the screaming, the crying, the jerking back and forth and the stares from other people - it is truly a nightmare sometimes taking this one anywhere. But I know it is just a phase. We will get through it - just like we did with Lottie.
*********************************************************************
To wrap it up, Stella is developing into such a sweet little girl with more personality than I think Steve and I know what to do with. She truly is the last piece of our family puzzle! We love you so much Stella! We can't wait to watch you grow these next few months! xoxo
Stella's Height: 32" (58%)
Stella's Head Circumference: 49 cm (98%)
Shots: DTaP, Hep A, Flu
COMPARED TO LOTTIE AT 18 MONTHS:
Lottie's Weight: 22 lbs, 12 oz (50%)
Lottie's Height: 31 inches (25%)
Lottie's Head Circumference: 46 cm
Shots: Flu, Pentacel
This comparison really cracked me up! Stella is 6 lbs heavier than what Lottie was at the same age.
CLOTHING / SHOE SIZES
Tops: 24 months
Pants: 2T
Shoes: Size 5
Diapers: Size 5
TEETH
She presently has 8 teeth. But as of this past week, she has 4 more coming in on the top and bottom.
FAVORITE FOODS
Peas, Lima beans, hot dogs, beef stew, peaches, pineapples, bananas, baked beans, grapes, grits, chicken, spaghetti, strawberries, blueberries, snack mix, oatmeal, milk, juice, water, oranges, apples, etc. Honestly, there is not a whole lot this kid doesn't like eating. She is a pretty good eater. Although, I will say that it has slowed down quite a bit now that she is so mobile and running all over the place.
FAVORITE WORDS
More (she signs and says it at the same time), NO!!!!!!!!!!!, Juice, Nice, Thank You, Please, Bath, Minnie Mouse, Fish, Duck, Shoes, Treat, Apple, Book, One, Two, Bunny, Boo Boo, Diaper, Amy, Mama, etc. She can pretty much repeat anything you say to her. My new favorite name she is saying is, "Lottie". It is so cute!
FAVORITE SENTENCES
"Bless You", "Thank You", "Not Nice", "Love You"
FAVORITE SONGS
"Bah Bah Black Sheep", "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?", "Let it Go"
FAVORITE ANIMAL NOISES SHE MAKES
Dog, Cat, Tiger, Lion, Bear, Shark, Elephant, Giraffe, Cow, Pig, Sheep
But don't let Stella fool you! In reality she HATES animals! She especially hates my sister's two pugs. She absolutely jumps out of her own skin any time she sees a dog, hears a dog, etc. We re-visited the Redneck Zoo while visiting my sister about a month ago and poor Stella was terrorized the entire time and not by the big black bears or the lions and tigers............ No, by squirrels and peacocks! The girl is quite the scaredy cat! :)
BODY PARTS SHE KNOWS AND POINTS TO
Head, Hand, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, Belly, Toes, Knees
SIBLING LOVE
WOW, these girls sure do love one another! But (a big but!) they will not leave one another alone! Actually maybe I should rephrase that. Lottie will not leave Stella alone. She is constantly tackling her, jumping on her, pushing her and knocking her over. She does all of this very playfully but poor Stella is constantly getting beat down. I must say at least 100 times a day, "Leave Stella ALONE!" and "Hands to Yourself!!!" All day every day! Stella probably really appreciates being in her own classroom at school with kids her own size and age because she finally gets a break from being harassed by her sister. With that said, between the pushing and shoving, Lottie is constantly telling Stella how much she loves her and Stella is constantly chasing after Lottie ready to play tea parties, blocks and pretty much anything her sister is doing, she wants to be doing. Yes, they drive me absolutely insane sometimes, but I honestly don't know what I would do without the chaos in my life. It really is the best kind!
LIKES
Stella loves reading books! We have a lot of the first 100 words and pictures books that she loves to go through over and over again. Pretty much anything we ask her to point at, she knows. She is getting so smart. I just love watching that brain of hers learn and grow. It is truly fascinating. She also loves art. She does lots of art projects at school and loves to paint at home. She also loves to go on long walks on the green way and of course loves to swing at the park.
DISLIKES
Riding in shopping carts!!!!!!!!!!! Bloody nightmare!
NAPPING! Little monster is what I call her when it is time to take naps on the weekends. She never wants to give in! She is what I would call a model child when it comes to a bedtime routine and sleeping like a little angel at night. BUT, for some reason - she hates laying down for a nap. Although, at school, she is apparently a little angel for them and will usually nap anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. She also hates when I brush her teeth! My motto for both girls is that I will brush first, then you can brush all you want. She hates that. She wants to do all the brushing. She usually throws a full blown tantrum anytime I put her toothbrush in her mouth.
POTTY TIME
I guess it is about that time to start introducing Stella to the potty. I popped her up on the toilet the other day because she says, "Potty" all the time, but she didn't like it one bit! She normally will pat her bottom and tell us she has pooped. When asked if she needs to be changed, she nods yes. We will get there and not something I am going to push too hard until we hit the 2 year mark. I'll just keep putting her on the potty and hopefully she will start getting used to the idea. I don't think I will be buying another mini potty like I did with Lottie. Uggghhhhh - that thing was gross! I was soooooooo happy to be rid of it!
On another note............ I never had any problems with Lottie playing with toilet paper or sticking her hands in the toilet. Stella does it all the time!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have to make sure that we keep the toilet lids closed at all times in our house because you never know when Stella will disappear into the bathroom! It is disgusting! And poor Lottie - anytime she needs to go to the bathroom Stella is always right behind her. Lottie never gets any privacy. I really cracked up the other day when Lottie went to take a #2. Poor thing was screaming for me in the other room to get Stella out of the bathroom so she could have a little privacy! HA!
HAIR TIE / HAIR BOW STRIKE
You've probably noticed that in quite a few photos, Stella never has anything in her wild, unkempt hair. The girl has been on BOW strike since she was 10 months old or so. I must have 100 different bows, hair ties, etc. at home that I am dying to put in her hair. Every single time I put something in her hair, she pulls it out faster than I can get it in. The exact same thing happened with Lottie and it is still a struggle getting something in Lottie's hair at times. Currently, bribery is about the only thing that works with Stella! She's not too bad with hairbands. But ponytails, pigtails, etc. are OUT!
TANTRUMS
I can't remember who was worse? I am going to say Stella! The girl loves to throw them when we are out in public. She hates riding in shopping carts and hates being restrained in her stroller unless we are on a walk. She hates holding hands and loves running off. UGGGHHHHHHHH - the screaming, the crying, the jerking back and forth and the stares from other people - it is truly a nightmare sometimes taking this one anywhere. But I know it is just a phase. We will get through it - just like we did with Lottie.
*********************************************************************
To wrap it up, Stella is developing into such a sweet little girl with more personality than I think Steve and I know what to do with. She truly is the last piece of our family puzzle! We love you so much Stella! We can't wait to watch you grow these next few months! xoxo
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