Elfie "Fred" - 2015

Elfie "Fred" returned this year to visit the Barnes family.  He was full of mischief, as always --- performing some of his old tricks and some new ones as well.   My personal favorite this year was when Elfie painted everyone's toes while they slept....even Daddy's.  A nice hot pink color, ha!  Fortunately for daddy, Elfie only had time for ONE of his toenails.

For those of you who have not read the book, a special Christmas Elf is designated for each family.  The Elf's job is watch over the girls from Thanksgiving to Christmas and fly back to the North Pole each night to give Santa a full report.  When Elfie returns from his trip, he finds a new place in the house to stay for the next day.  Elfie's location was always a fun surprise.  The girls love Elfie and embrace him with all the magic of Christmas.  Each morning they would awake, practically wiggling with excitement, and launch into a search for Elfie's new spot. 

On Christmas Eve, Elfie goes back to the North Pole with Santa to stay for the rest of the year.  Below is a picture of the girls saying goodbye to Elfie Fred on Christmas Eve.  They sent him back with cookies and the Gingerbread Train they made.

A Return

Blogging has been such a low priority over the last few months.  Our family has been through some major changes --- most importantly the death of my father.  At some point, I may find the strength and the right words to explain how much his passing has impacted me.  But not yet...

For now, I would like to get back to blogging about our little family.  Let's just say Jenna's first two years have not been documented as diligently as Katie's.  

So....I'll start with some October fun, because fall is definitely my favorite time of the year.  Pumpkin Patch fun is a staple for our family.  This year we visited Sinkland Farms and I was very impressed.  The girls wore themselves out trying to cover every inch of the farm, especially Jenna.

One of my favorite parts of the day was when we took a break for lunch.  Inside the barn, they had tables setup for dining and bands/entertainers performing.  The performers happened to be cloggers ---- a first experience for the girls.  Below is a video of their attempt to mimic the cloggers.   Enjoy!

Jenna's Growth

I have been so very negligent with blog posting the past several months.  Between our move, job changes, travel to Richmond and other places, and my dad's health issues --- blog posting has been far down on the list of priorities.

It is such a cliche that the second kid gets the shaft --- no pictures, no documentation, etc.  So, in an effort to treat my girls equally, I'm going to try and catch up on some of Jenna's growth and milestones.  As well as some of the other events in The Barnes Family.

Jenna's 12 Month Statistics:

Weight:  22.6 lbs. (55%)
Height:   30.75 inches (90%)
Head Circum:    18 inches (55%)

12 Month Activities:

- Walking
- Climbing
- Saying a few words (Mama, Dada, Nana, WaWa (Water), Bye-Bye)
- Sleeping Habits:  Takes two naps daily (about 1.5 hours each).  Sleeps nightly from 7:30 - 6:30.
- Hesitant with strangers
- Favorite Books:  5 Little Ducks, Wheels on The Bus, Red Ripe Strawberry and The Big Hungry Bear --- and several others.
- Eats everything (especially paper --- board books are a favorite)
- Loves Water!!!! This includes toilet water.  So, if you visit our house and the toilet seats are locked, you will understand why.
- Favorite activities:  Reading, Peek-A-Boo, Playing Ball, Bathtime (again, the water)

Jenna is a busy baby, highly social, and loves her family --- especially her big sister.  She watches Katie so intently, and tries so hard to keep up with her.

The pictures in this post were taken on Jenna's first birthday.  Some with "Big Bear" and some while we celebrated.  She HATED the icing on the cupcake!!

Jenna - 7 Months

I'm trying my best to mark each month of Jenna's first year with a picture of her and "Big Bear".  This Bear was actually a gift from my grandparents to me when I was a young girl (maybe 5 or 6?).  It has been fun to watch the progress/change.

First Day of Kindergarten

 

I'm so late in making this post, but wanted to document it all the same.

Katie's first day of Kindergarten went extremely well.  She requested to ride the bus, so we let her. And then I got into the car and followed the bus to her school --- no, I'm not joking!  And yes, Matt came with me.

When she arrived home and got off the bus she had the biggest smile on her face.  She loved her first day.  I asked what she did, and her response was "we walked in a straight line.  And we got our table assignments.  Oh, and I got to see the playground where we will have recess."  And that's her summary of the first day.

The first week of school was long, and by Friday Katie was completely exhausted!  She asked me on Friday morning "Mom, do I have to go to Kindergarten all day, every day?"  I said, "Yes, you do.  Why?"  She said, "Well, this Kindergarten stuff is really tiring!"

We are about 6 weeks into the school year now, and it is going so well.  She loves her teacher and has made so many new friends.  It is still rather tiring, but she seems to have adjusted relatively well to the longer schedule.  I'm happy we made the decision to send her --- at this point, I think it was the right call.  But --- time will tell.

Big Girl - 5

Katie is 5!  Crazy, but true.  We celebrated her birthday with 3 separate events.  Grandpa Alfred and Katie have a birthday exactly 1 week apart --- so we had a family celebration for them together.  Just a little cookout and some presents.  Her favorite (as you can see from her reaction) was the slip-n-slide that Uncle John got for her.

Katie's second celebration came on her actual birthday.  We made her favorite meal (spaghetti) and she picked out a cake boss cake.

Then, as a 3rd celebration --- she and cousin Claire had a mini-party together at Chuck-E-Cheese.  Katie had visited Chuck-E's once before, and it was the first time for Claire.  They both loved it!  Especially the ski ball games.  So cute to watch them together....and it truly completed Katie's birthday week.

I had to include these last couple of pictures.  Claire gave Katie a pair of rain boots and an umbrella for her birthday.  Katie, of course, had to model them for us as soon as we got home.  Thanks so much you guys!!

Jenna - 6 Months

Jenna's first year is already 1/2 over.  WOW!  What?  Wait --- Let me write that again.  Jenna's first year is already 1/2 over! Sheesh!  Below are her 6 month statistics/activities.

• Weight:  17 lbs. 7 ounces (80%)
• Height:  27 inches (92%)
• Head Circumference:  16 3/4 inches (60%)
• Clothing:  Outgrowing 6 month sizes.  Wears mostly 9 months, some 12 months
• Sits Alone
• Crawls
• Pulls to knees consistently
• Pulls to stand sometimes
• Claps
• Says random consonants

In terms of personality, Jenna is a happy-go-lucky, CHILL baby.  She laughs and smiles often and absolutely LOVES the outdoors.  She gets upset when you take mommy and her toys away ---- or when she's hungry and you don't get her food to her IMMEDIATELY. 

Her sleep habits could use some work.  She is a good napper --- usually 2 naps daily between 1 and 2 hours each.  At night, she still gets me up twice.  I would be thrilled if we could change that!

Jenna is officially mobile at 6 months --- and quite frankly into EVERYTHING!   

Below are a couple videos of her latest tricks/activities.