What's New - Barnes Crew

The bad thing about only blogging once every 3-4 months.....you miss the "good stuff" that happens each day, each week.  For the past 2-3 years our life has been an absolute blur for one reason or another.  And for the first time in a VERY long time, I feel as if its normalizing (I'm almost afraid to even type that statement!!!!).  Also, I decided this past week that if I spent as much time blogging as I did checking FB ---- there would be at least one post on here a week. 

 So, I thought I would start off with some of the little things that have occurred in our house over the past week.  First, Jenna peed in our neighbors yard.  In case you were wondering ---- you read that last statement correctly.  We were playing with our new neighbors.  Actually, it was the first time we had met them.  Jenna, being newly potty trained, didn't want to go indoors because that meant she would have to leave the outdoor fun.  And she didn't want to have an accident.  What better way to be efficient in both tasks than to drop your pants in the neighbors yard and pee on their lawn.  Either these neighbors will become our close friends, or they will never speak to us again.  I'll let you know how it plays out.

In other news, Katie is now registered at her new school.  And she tried another camp at the Y this week ---- this one was a total fail.  It is the first time she has EVER left a week of camp early.  She cried so much on day 4 I didn't have the heart to make her go back.  I'm pretty sure it was due to the fact that ZERO girls were in her group of 6 and many of the boys were about 10.  But she wouldn't give me many details.  She's a tough one to figure out some days.  I'm a bit nervous, but also hopeful that she can get off to a good start at her new school.

I'm rusty at this blogging stuff.....This one has been a complete babbled list of random thoughts.  More practice needed.  Hope to return soon.

Baltimore - Inner Harbor

Scheduling family vacations is much more challenging once kids start school.  We have to work everything around the school schedule, which isn't always convenient for everyone else (i.e. Parent work schedules).  But, we love to take the girls to new locations so they can experience new adventures.

 

This spring break we decided to do a long weekend in Baltimore for Katie's spring break.  Over the course of the trip we hit the Aquarium, the MASSIVE children's museum, the Inner Harbor with its historic ships, a fun dragon boat ride, the ubiquitous crab cake dinner, and more.

 One of the girls favorite parts of the trip --- the hotel.  They love sleeping in the same room with mommy and daddy, free breakfast cooked by someone else, riding the elevators (this one on the 12th floor), looking out the huge windows at the city lights and harbor below, and of course the hotel pool.

We had a great trip to Baltimore and are now looking forward to our next adventure.  Nana will hopefully join us on our next trip!

Jenna Turns Two

Dear Jenna,

And just like that, you are 2!  This past year has been a turbulent one for our family.  We've all been coping with change and loss.  Despite all the chaos, you find happiness in each day and are rarely without your captivating, mischievous smile.   With you, there is a constant cheerful and carefree approach to life, which is amazing in a house full of serious sorts.

This past year we have watched your personality grow.  You can now communicate --- and oh, the things you say!  You are hesitant around new people, but far from shy.  You are a daddy's girl and rarely cry.  You are a cuddly, loving little girl, with a strong sense of independence.  You love reading books, playing outdoors, all forms of water, and everything to do with sports.  Crafts, not so much ---- but hey, big Sister's got that one in spades.  

Speaking of Big Sister --- you watch, observe, mimic, and virtually idolize all things Katie.  Each day we drop her off at school and you say, "I ride bus too?"  I always answer with "Some day soon, when you are a little older."  And you reply "Yeah.  When I'm older.  I ride bus too."  Then you wait diligently each afternoon, anxious for the bus to start up our street so you and big sister can play together again.  Your desire to be "older" like Katie is a constant push forward.  Your growth, both physical and developmental, feels lightening fast --- an accelerated pace I wish I could slow down.

It is so odd for me, this second time at mommyhood.  With Katie, I could not wait for her to reach her next milestone --- and borderline rushed her on to the "next thing."   I pushed and waited for each stage of development thinking we would never get there.  I look at you now, and realize such a short time ago, Katie was your age --- doing the same things.  I know you will only be little, for a little while longer.  So, there is great irony that now, when I want things to slow down, I have you who refuse to do anything slowly.

I've taken fewer pictures of you, and as this blog can attest ---- the documentation of your life  milestones is seriously lacking.  But maybe that's a good thing.  Because I've spent more time just cuddling and enjoying you.

Sweet Jenna we love you so!  Happy 2!
Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sis Katie

MegaSnow - January 2016

We waited a long time for winter to begin this year.  December was a record for warm temperatures.  I'm pretty sure we could have cooked our Christmas Turkey on the grill outdoors.  But once mother nature took a turn for colder weather, she didn't mess around.  Our first big storm of the year brought us about a foot of snow...official totals have been hard to measure due to drifting.  

So many adults hate the snow.  They view it as the absolute inconvenience.  And, in some ways it certainly is.  But I cannot help but LOVE the white stuff.  With the snow comes snuggling under blankets with my girls, warm cups of hot chocolate, sledding, snowball fights, and homemade soup. Matt, quite possibly, loves the snow more than me.  As I type, he is absolutely itching to get out and drive in this weather even though we do not have a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

This snow was Jenna's first real experience with snow, sledding, and all the trimmings.  Katie is an old pro, and enjoys it as much as Matt and I.  But Jenna is still a little tentative.  She will go outside with us, stomp around, help clean cars.  But she wasn't crazy about sledding.




















With a late start to winter, this may be our only shot at snow play.  So, we are trying to enjoy each moment.

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!!