Friday, September 14, 2012
Beach Vacation Dance Parties
When going through my videos, I discovered these two little gems. One from each of our beach vacations. Enjoy!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Summer Beach Vacation: Take Two
A mere two weeks after our first one, we were packed up and headed out for our second week long beach vacation! This trip was to Virginia Beach with my family, and none of us had ever vacationed there before. The area we stayed in was actually a little bit south of Virginia Beach in a place called Sandbridge. Luckily we all loved it! It was calm and quiet, with nice beaches, and a beautiful condo complex. We all commented that we would definitely go back there :)
Saturday was the first Penn State game, and it was a given that Mike and I were going to watch it one way or the other. Either leave NC early and get to VB in time to watch the game at a bar (since it would be too early to check into our condo), or stay home to watch the game and leave for VB when it was over. We opted for the the second plan because, let's be honest, taking a 1 1/2 year old to a bar for 3+ hours to watch a football game would not be fun for anyone involved. So we let the rest of the family head out early to get to VB and our little family stayed back until the game was over.
Out to dinner pre-haircut...
Daddy trying to teach her how to play Angry Birds (Again, pre-haircut). I love this pic because she just sat right down next to him, threw her arm around his shoulder, and snuggled in. It was the cutest thing :)
I cut her hair, and I must say, I should keep my day job. I really kind of botched it, but oh well. The wings and rat tail are finally gone. Although now she looks more like a boy than ever... and even more like Mike. One of Tina's friends texted her the other day and said, "When did Addy become Mike Hetrick with a bow?" Ha ha so true! Next post will be "Addy's First Haircut". I know, I know....suuuuper exciting, right?
Here are a couple other random pics from our week in Sandbridge:
And there it is. Our week in Sandbridge via photos. We had a lot of fun, and it was great for everyone to be able to spend time with Addy Marie since they don't get to see her very often. Mom, Jim, and Tina were there the whole week. Jay came down for a few days in the beginning, and so did my grandparents. We all really enjoyed spending the week together, and times like that make me really miss my family. But I am thankful that we got to spend these weeks with our families at the beach this year. And we are all thankful that I made it through both vacations without going into labor!
So, until next time....bye bye "Osh" :)
Saturday was the first Penn State game, and it was a given that Mike and I were going to watch it one way or the other. Either leave NC early and get to VB in time to watch the game at a bar (since it would be too early to check into our condo), or stay home to watch the game and leave for VB when it was over. We opted for the the second plan because, let's be honest, taking a 1 1/2 year old to a bar for 3+ hours to watch a football game would not be fun for anyone involved. So we let the rest of the family head out early to get to VB and our little family stayed back until the game was over.
Addy engrossed in the game. Penn State purse at her head, Nittany Lion at her feet.
"Let's go State!"
"I give up on this game. Let's eat."
After the game we headed out, and Daddy got Addy all set up with her headphones and DVD player in hopes for a peaceful ride ;)
The view from our balcony :) Nothing beats a sunrise at the beach, cup of coffee in hand, listening to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore. Heavenly :) .... And then your toddler wakes up, the peacefulness is replaced with craziness, and let the day begin! Ha ha!
We were able to entice Addy to play at the beach a little bit....
... but she prefers to be clean and sand free, ha ha!
So we decided to try out the pool.
Our ever cautious girl was skeptical at first....
...but she got brave!
And jump!
Daddy was her favorite pool buddy..until he would dunk her. Then she was done with him ;)
So Daddy grabbed a beer and Grandma took over :)
This was a great place to stay. The pool was right on the beach, and it had a swim up bar and everything! Paradise :) Plus there was a second pool in the middle of the units that had a hot tub, baby pool, and grilling area! We were going to grill one night, but never got around to it.
View of our place from the ocean
So although she had tons of fun at the pool, Addy is no beach bum yet. When we tried to take her down by the water she demanded to be held and then would snuggle in close, in hopes that we wouldn't put her down.
By the end of the week though, we could at least get her to stand down there for a few minutes with us without her having a complete panic attack, ha ha!
We would religiously cart all of Addy's sand toys to the beach every day, and she would play with them for 15 minutes or so before she would decide that she was too sandy and request to go to the pool.
She tilted her bucket just enough so a slow trickle of water would come out to wash her hands....
But then she decided that slow trickle wasn't cutting it so she dumped the whole bucket on herself in attempt to get clean.
One thing about Addy Marie, is that she loves the I Pad. And as of recently, she can operate it herself. Swipe it to turn it on, find the apps she wants, and play them. It's pretty amazing to watch. Here she is playing the "pad"...before her big haircut. Yup, that's right, Addy's first haircut occurred at the beach. It was about time.... or well past time ;)
Out to dinner pre-haircut...
Daddy trying to teach her how to play Angry Birds (Again, pre-haircut). I love this pic because she just sat right down next to him, threw her arm around his shoulder, and snuggled in. It was the cutest thing :)
"Ooooh, this game seems fun!"
I cut her hair, and I must say, I should keep my day job. I really kind of botched it, but oh well. The wings and rat tail are finally gone. Although now she looks more like a boy than ever... and even more like Mike. One of Tina's friends texted her the other day and said, "When did Addy become Mike Hetrick with a bow?" Ha ha so true! Next post will be "Addy's First Haircut". I know, I know....suuuuper exciting, right?
Here are a couple other random pics from our week in Sandbridge:
Addy at her happiest: on her beach chair, snacks in hand :)
One afternoon when she was awfully quiet, I walked into the kitchen to find this:
Shirtless, eating a Popsicle.
Helping to secure the beach umbrella
Snuggling with Daddy down by the "Osh"
Family photo :)
And there it is. Our week in Sandbridge via photos. We had a lot of fun, and it was great for everyone to be able to spend time with Addy Marie since they don't get to see her very often. Mom, Jim, and Tina were there the whole week. Jay came down for a few days in the beginning, and so did my grandparents. We all really enjoyed spending the week together, and times like that make me really miss my family. But I am thankful that we got to spend these weeks with our families at the beach this year. And we are all thankful that I made it through both vacations without going into labor!
So, until next time....bye bye "Osh" :)
Friday, August 31, 2012
August Self Portrait
This month has been all about getting ready for Emma's arrival. Funny how different it is getting ready for Baby Number One versus Baby Number Two. The nursery for B1 is ready and waiting long before the due date. Everything is in it's place, clothes are washed, crib is made, decorations are perfectly placed on the walls.
Then B2 comes along and somehow time slips away from you and all of the sudden she is due to arrive in 3 weeks and you are not even close to being ready. Clothes are not washed, crib mattress still hasn't arrived, and the walls are bare bones.
It's not because we care any less about B2, it's just that with another child already here to look after, you just can't devote the time to getting the nursery ready that you could with B1. And that fact makes every Mama feel guilty. I want Emma to have a beautiful room like Addy does. I just need more hours in the day.
That is where my wonderful sister came in. She came down to visit over the past few days and helped out a lot with Addy so that I could at least get started with Emma's nursery. So here's a little glimpse at what I've been up to:
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Then B2 comes along and somehow time slips away from you and all of the sudden she is due to arrive in 3 weeks and you are not even close to being ready. Clothes are not washed, crib mattress still hasn't arrived, and the walls are bare bones.
It's not because we care any less about B2, it's just that with another child already here to look after, you just can't devote the time to getting the nursery ready that you could with B1. And that fact makes every Mama feel guilty. I want Emma to have a beautiful room like Addy does. I just need more hours in the day.
That is where my wonderful sister came in. She came down to visit over the past few days and helped out a lot with Addy so that I could at least get started with Emma's nursery. So here's a little glimpse at what I've been up to:
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Painting mirrors, letters, and shadowboxes
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I think the "E" turned out so cute :)
I'm no expert at DIY projects, and clearly painting was no exception. I'm just hoping that no one looks too closely at my handiwork, because you will see uneven paint on the letter, little paintbrush bristles that somehow came off and got stuck in the mirror, and drips of paint running down the sides of the shadowboxes.
It's not perfect, but it was all created with love. Your room will be cute Emma.... It just might take me until after you are born to finish it :)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
19 Months!
Dear Adilyn Marie,
Let me just say, the fact that you are a toddler and no longer a baby is becoming more and more apparent every day. You are developing quite a little mind of your own, which is both exciting and challenging.
You never cease to make us laugh with your funny expressions, mimicking, dancing, and playing. You love "helping", and it's fun to watch how proud you are of yourself when you do. You clap and cheer, and it's the cutest thing ever! You dole out hugs and kisses like it's your job, and nothing brings a smile to our faces faster than a kiss from our little lady.
On the other hand....
You are figuring out that you don't have to listen to what we say. You are too smart for your own good already. I find times when I ask you to do something (like bring me a spoon) and you deliberately, slowing start walking in the other direction, while looking at me the whole time. Just waiting for my reaction. Daddy and I are very firm with our expectations, but you are testing the limits already, at the ripe old age of a year and a half. The temper tantrums have begun when you don't get your way, and at this point we just ignore you and usually your tantrums last only a minute or two. Sigh. We're in for it, I think. We have started discussing punishments and we're trying to figure out the best way to do that for a one and a half year old child. Ahh, the joys of parenting are only just beginning :)
Now with all of that being said, for the most part you are a very obedient child. You usually listen well, share with others as well as can be expected at this age, and you have a generally calm demeanor. In fact, every time you play with other children, I am reminded that your occasional defiance is normal. For the most part you are a little doll, and you play very well with other kids.
People actually often comment on how well behaved you are for such a young age. It's funny because at a recent play date you threw your first tantrum outside of this house. One of the moms looked at you and laughed and then said to me, "So she is a real girl! I've always wondered how a child that age could be so well behaved all the time!"" Anyway, Daddy and I are just trying to nip any bad behavior in the bud, because we know how quickly it can spiral out of control.
Speaking of tantrums, you threw your first tantrum in public the other day too. Fun times, as any parent can attest to. The three of us had a little family excursion to Babies R Us to buy a mattress and a few other things for Emma. In general, you were a mess the whole time, and even snacks didn't make you any happier. I was just so glad that Daddy was there too, because he entertained you while I did the shopping. But at one point something didn't go your way (I think I broke your cracker in half and you wanted it whole) and you melted face first into the Babies R Us floor, screaming bloody murder. Daddy and I just stood there not knowing what to do for a second. Who was this child??? Not our little Addy Marie. Anyway, we wrapped up that shopping trip STAT and high tailed it out of there. It's tough to run errands with you at this age, because you are too young to really understand what we are doing, but you are old enough to know that you don't want to be doing it! Ha ha!
One of the things that really sets you off these days is when I deny your request for me to hold you. You know that something is up, because recently you want to be held, by me, all of the time. And since I am currently 8 months pregnant with "Emmy" (as you call her), I cannot pick 25 pound you up all day long. And you lose your mind when I don't. It's heartbreaking seeing your little tear strained face looking up at me with your arms extended saying, "Hold, hold." But soon enough you will learn that you need to share Mama's attention. It will probably be "interesting" for awhile until you are used to it.
Now, onto more fun topics!
You are really starting to learn your family members names, and calling them by name, like Mama, Dada, Pap, "T" (Aunt Tina), "Luke" (Luca), and "La" (Aunt Lauren). Grandma and Grandpa are much harder to say, but I swear that you said Grandpa (or something similar to it) once while we were Skyping with Grandpa Hertzler.
Your vocabulary is getting bigger every day, and you mimic almost any words that we say. Ever since we went to the beach you really love helicopters and boats. Those are two of your favorite words and your favorite things to look for. It's just too bad that you don't see either of those things very much when we're not at the beach ;) Your other favorite words is "Nope". You will deliberately do something that you know you aren't supposed to do and then look at us and say, "Nope." Or you will ask for something that you know you can't have and immediately follow it up with "Nope", before we even have a chance to tell you "no". Like I said, you are too smart for your own good.
As far as a haircut....
You are truly a toddler with your eating habits these days. One day you will love a certain food, and the next day you won't touch it. It's frustrating, but we know that it comes with the territory, so we just keep offering healthy foods, whether or not you eat them. But you do consistently love fruit! Especially melons like watermelon and cantaloupe. You would live off of "lopes" alone if we let you!
But you definitely love ice cream! Any kind. Popsicles, ice cream, Italian ice, frozen yogurt. You love it all. Recently there have been those "fill your cup yourself" frozen yogurt places popping up everywhere, and this family has definitely been taking advantage of them this summer!
As far as potty training....
Recently you have learned how to put your shapes back in the box in the right spot, which was exciting to watch. You get a very determined look on your face, and just the other day you got all of them in with no help from me!
You are learning colors and can often pick out the colors that we say. But if we hand you an object and ask you what color it is, you inevitably say "blue". And just like any color is "blue", any number is "two" ;) But you are great at pointing out objects that we ask you to find, and that is an especially fun game with your little disposable place mats that we take with us when we go out to dinner. They are filled with fun pictures and you love to find all of the things that we ask you to look for. When you do, of course, you clap for yourself. So, so cute!
We have fully transitioned you to one nap a day, but it instead seems as though you went from 2 naps a day to none. Because I would say that half the time, you don't sleep at all. Or you sleep for 10-15 minutes and you're done. I keep you up there in your crib for at least an hour regardless of whether or not you sleep, because you need some down time in your day....and so does Mommy. ;) But I will often be watching you in the video monitor and see things such as this:
Let me just say, the fact that you are a toddler and no longer a baby is becoming more and more apparent every day. You are developing quite a little mind of your own, which is both exciting and challenging.
You never cease to make us laugh with your funny expressions, mimicking, dancing, and playing. You love "helping", and it's fun to watch how proud you are of yourself when you do. You clap and cheer, and it's the cutest thing ever! You dole out hugs and kisses like it's your job, and nothing brings a smile to our faces faster than a kiss from our little lady.
On the other hand....
You are figuring out that you don't have to listen to what we say. You are too smart for your own good already. I find times when I ask you to do something (like bring me a spoon) and you deliberately, slowing start walking in the other direction, while looking at me the whole time. Just waiting for my reaction. Daddy and I are very firm with our expectations, but you are testing the limits already, at the ripe old age of a year and a half. The temper tantrums have begun when you don't get your way, and at this point we just ignore you and usually your tantrums last only a minute or two. Sigh. We're in for it, I think. We have started discussing punishments and we're trying to figure out the best way to do that for a one and a half year old child. Ahh, the joys of parenting are only just beginning :)
Now with all of that being said, for the most part you are a very obedient child. You usually listen well, share with others as well as can be expected at this age, and you have a generally calm demeanor. In fact, every time you play with other children, I am reminded that your occasional defiance is normal. For the most part you are a little doll, and you play very well with other kids.
People actually often comment on how well behaved you are for such a young age. It's funny because at a recent play date you threw your first tantrum outside of this house. One of the moms looked at you and laughed and then said to me, "So she is a real girl! I've always wondered how a child that age could be so well behaved all the time!"" Anyway, Daddy and I are just trying to nip any bad behavior in the bud, because we know how quickly it can spiral out of control.
Speaking of tantrums, you threw your first tantrum in public the other day too. Fun times, as any parent can attest to. The three of us had a little family excursion to Babies R Us to buy a mattress and a few other things for Emma. In general, you were a mess the whole time, and even snacks didn't make you any happier. I was just so glad that Daddy was there too, because he entertained you while I did the shopping. But at one point something didn't go your way (I think I broke your cracker in half and you wanted it whole) and you melted face first into the Babies R Us floor, screaming bloody murder. Daddy and I just stood there not knowing what to do for a second. Who was this child??? Not our little Addy Marie. Anyway, we wrapped up that shopping trip STAT and high tailed it out of there. It's tough to run errands with you at this age, because you are too young to really understand what we are doing, but you are old enough to know that you don't want to be doing it! Ha ha!
One of the things that really sets you off these days is when I deny your request for me to hold you. You know that something is up, because recently you want to be held, by me, all of the time. And since I am currently 8 months pregnant with "Emmy" (as you call her), I cannot pick 25 pound you up all day long. And you lose your mind when I don't. It's heartbreaking seeing your little tear strained face looking up at me with your arms extended saying, "Hold, hold." But soon enough you will learn that you need to share Mama's attention. It will probably be "interesting" for awhile until you are used to it.
Now, onto more fun topics!
You are really starting to learn your family members names, and calling them by name, like Mama, Dada, Pap, "T" (Aunt Tina), "Luke" (Luca), and "La" (Aunt Lauren). Grandma and Grandpa are much harder to say, but I swear that you said Grandpa (or something similar to it) once while we were Skyping with Grandpa Hertzler.
Your vocabulary is getting bigger every day, and you mimic almost any words that we say. Ever since we went to the beach you really love helicopters and boats. Those are two of your favorite words and your favorite things to look for. It's just too bad that you don't see either of those things very much when we're not at the beach ;) Your other favorite words is "Nope". You will deliberately do something that you know you aren't supposed to do and then look at us and say, "Nope." Or you will ask for something that you know you can't have and immediately follow it up with "Nope", before we even have a chance to tell you "no". Like I said, you are too smart for your own good.
As far as a haircut....
In your words, "Nope." It's coming though, I promise ;)
Here you are with your new favorite accessories, your purses. In this picture you have one in each hand :)
You are truly a toddler with your eating habits these days. One day you will love a certain food, and the next day you won't touch it. It's frustrating, but we know that it comes with the territory, so we just keep offering healthy foods, whether or not you eat them. But you do consistently love fruit! Especially melons like watermelon and cantaloupe. You would live off of "lopes" alone if we let you!
But you definitely love ice cream! Any kind. Popsicles, ice cream, Italian ice, frozen yogurt. You love it all. Recently there have been those "fill your cup yourself" frozen yogurt places popping up everywhere, and this family has definitely been taking advantage of them this summer!
As far as potty training....
Another "nope". This is where you prefer to poop. In private, under a table. Word on the street is that I also used to do this when I was your age. Ha ha! Like mother, like daughter I guess ;)
The park is still one of your favorite places and you really love the swings :)
Some of our greatest days are those when all three of us are together. You are inevitably super happy all day when Daddy and I both have off and we all hang out together. It doesn't matter what we are doing, as long as we're all together. For example, in this picture we are going to get the car battery changed, ha ha! But honestly, everyday moments like those, spent with our little family just make my heart burst with happiness and thankfulness for the wonderful life that I have been blessed with.
Recently you have learned how to put your shapes back in the box in the right spot, which was exciting to watch. You get a very determined look on your face, and just the other day you got all of them in with no help from me!
You are learning colors and can often pick out the colors that we say. But if we hand you an object and ask you what color it is, you inevitably say "blue". And just like any color is "blue", any number is "two" ;) But you are great at pointing out objects that we ask you to find, and that is an especially fun game with your little disposable place mats that we take with us when we go out to dinner. They are filled with fun pictures and you love to find all of the things that we ask you to look for. When you do, of course, you clap for yourself. So, so cute!
We have fully transitioned you to one nap a day, but it instead seems as though you went from 2 naps a day to none. Because I would say that half the time, you don't sleep at all. Or you sleep for 10-15 minutes and you're done. I keep you up there in your crib for at least an hour regardless of whether or not you sleep, because you need some down time in your day....and so does Mommy. ;) But I will often be watching you in the video monitor and see things such as this:
Ha ha! Sounds like you are saying "Reach, reach!"
The upside to your essentially nonexistent naps these days is that you are sleeping for an exceptionally long time overnight. We put you to bed between 7-7:30PM and you have been sleeping until between 8:30 and 9AM! That's 13-14 hours of sleep! I try to get up in the 6:00 hour so that I have some downtime to leisurely enjoy my breakfast and coffee before our day together begins. This is also when I write these blog posts :)
Although this stage has it's share of challenges, you continue to bring us daily joy and hours of laughter. Your smile is infectious and your laugh is the sweetest sound I've ever heard. We love to watch you dance and sing and play. You are such a little ham, and you thrive when the attention is focused on you.
Adilyn Marie, you are Mommy and Daddy's pride and joy. You are so gentle and loving. I know you will be a wonderful big sister to this lucky lady in my belly. Watching you learn and grow is truly one of the greatest joys of my life. Mommy and Daddy love you so, so much!
Love,
Mommy
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Baby Shower!
A few weeks ago my friends at work threw Regina and I a combined baby shower to welcome our second babies into the world. It was such a sweet gesture, especially because we are both pregnant for the second time, and baby showers for Baby #2 are not all that common. But my friend Sarah, who organized it, said that every baby should be celebrated :) I am so lucky to have such sweet friends and co-workers!
The shower was held at a restaurant in Chapel Hill near work, and we had our own little room up on the second level. Sarah did such a great job decorating and making it beautiful!
Gift table
Personalized menu!
Me and Regina
All four of us pregnant PICU peeps :)
It's funny because these three girls are my closest friends at work and we are all pregnant at the same time and due within 2 months of each other!
Gift time!
They gave me one of the flower arrangements to bring home. Aren't they gorgeous???
I can't believe that Emma will be here in about a month! Time sure does fly. Before we know it, this Hetrick house will be a family of five (including Daisy, of course!). Here's to Baby Emma!
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