Family Ice Cream Night

I hadn't taken the kids out of the house in 2 full days. It rained all day long today, which I loved. And for some reason it put me in the mood for ice cream. So after dinner, we loaded up and headed to Braums. It was nice to get out, but also nice not to be out too long.

 This kid LOVES ice cream.

 Just look how happy he is.

 Elliot liked it too, although I think she would have liked to eat more french fries instead.

 Getting a decent picture of her these days is next to impossible. Part of the reason is my camera being slow, but also because she doesn't give me a genuine smile.

Hot Air Balloons

Last night we went to the Plano Balloon Festival. It's been about 10 years since I last went, but thought Elliot would like it. We knew we were taking our chances with Davis since we weren't even going to get there until 7pm (his bedtime). But the main thing I wanted to see was the balloon glow and that didn't start til 8. Lane's sister and her family came too so that was fun.

 Aly, Chris and Asher

24 Weeks

Had another appointment today. I was in & out in 10 minutes. Absolutely nothing to report, which is good. So I'll just leave you with this picture.

Date Night & Baby Name

   I don't think Lane has had a day off in the past 6 weeks and I have been stressed to the max! For some reason, they scheduled all of his off days at the very end of the month instead of dispersing them throughout.You know that feeling you get when you think--I don't think I can handle one more thing without losing it? That's where I've been at, and admittedly have lost it. I told him this a week ago when I had reached my limit. The sad thing is, there's nothing he can do about it and he too is stressed as well. I'm used to him working all the time, but I'm also used to him being able to help out when he gets home, and lately he doesn't get home til after the kids are in bed and leaves before they wake up, or is sleeping when they wake up, which makes it even harder because he gets horrible sleep & I have a hard time keeping everyone quiet during the day. It's been hard for me to keep my feelings in check because I'll notice I start to feel resentful that he's working so much, followed up with a huge amount of guilt because I know his schedule is not his choice & he would rather be at home. Plus he is completely exhausted running off of a few hours sleep.

  ANYWAY, with all the craziness we decided to plan a date night, which was last night. Now he worked earlier that day, but was home by 1pm. And he still had to work today, but not super early (9am), so we thought we could make it work. What an enjoyable, much needed evening. We went to see a 4:50 movie (The Words), went to the new outlets and browsed around and then ate at Spring Creek. We were home by 8:30pm. I didn't want to stay out too late because of the kids. So we finally got to just enjoy each other and talk. And out of this talking came the BABY'S NAME! We have agreed on...

Perry Leighton Blankenship

  Yes, he's letting me have Perry. Probably because he felt bad, but I'll take it. The thing is, I really felt this baby was a Perry. I told him this about a week ago and he asked what the middle name would be. It was then that I knew I had a chance. I told him he could pick the middle name. I let things sit for a while and then told him last night that our little girl needs a name! Yes I know we actually have plenty of time, but I like to refer to the baby by name. Plus I've almost finished her Christmas stocking, but can't complete it until I have a name. So I'm very excited and can't wait to actually meet her!

Davis at 11 Months

1 more month til my little baby is a toddler! He is doing great these days. Such a busy body and into everything, which makes for a tired mama. He's starting to get a little braver and take steps on his own terms. I can't wait til he's walking. He has become quite the biter. He's not malicious about it, but will just bring my hand to his mouth and start chomping away. And boy does it hurt! He's also at the stage where he does not like to be with anyone but his parents. This makes things a little tough, but hopefully he'll get over it soon. He loves his bath time, but hates when it's over. He also hates to have his diaper changed, which he previously loved. I can now give him lots of snacks like animal crackers, gold fish and saltines.

Today was Lane's first day off in over 2 weeks, so we took the kids to Chuckie Cheese. And just FYI, the one off I-20 & Great SW Pkwy is the nicest. I've been to the Arlington & North Richland Hills one & this one far surpasses those. We met up with my brother, his wife, 2 kids, my dad & niece. Elliot was in heaven. This was Davis' 1st time to go and actually do some things. He seemed to like it as well.

Preschool with Mom

Our rec center usually has a preschool class, but for some reason this was the first time they did not. Big bummer! I looked around town at different preschools but the average minimum rate was $185/mo & we just can't do that right now. Plus, I wasn't too impressed with any of them. So I was left to create my own little school for Elliot. We've been at it for 3 weeks now. She seems to enjoy it. I on the other hand can already feel my enthusiasm fading. BUT, I will push on. Here's what our week looks like:
Everyday- Calendar Time
MWF- Hooked on Phonics Pre-k level 1-2 + Holiday themed Pre-k Packs
TTH- Math from here and here. (These websites also have other great resources); Theme Activity- I've set a theme for each month. Ex: right now we're doing Apples. At the end of September we will do Leaves. I'll check out a bunch of books on the topic & find crafts or activities to go along with it.

What I've noticed so far...She knows all her letters & sounds. She can count to 20. She can't trace to save her life (with her finger or a pen). Why is this so frustrating to me? I need to work on my patience. Next year I'm banking on a REAL preschool to send her to, because I know I will have no time to do it. This will work for now. She is only 3, so I guess I shouldn't worry too much.

Bloody Boy

You know you have a boy when he gets a bloody mouth 3 days in a row! OMG! What is going on with this kid? The first 2 days it happened in the bath tub. He slipped & bumped his lip. The sad thing is I was sitting right there & could not prevent it. Today he was playing in Elliot's room & I think she took a chair away from him. He must have been holding onto it or something and bumped his mouth again! Why does his mouth bleed so easily?! And these past 3 days have not been the only time it has happened. Just the most consecutive. There is nothing more frustrating than seeing this happen over and over. I feel so bad and he's screaming at the top of his lungs swatting my hand while I try to stop the bleeding. No pictures. Not enough time to take it when you're trying to keep clothes from getting stained.