Kindergarten, here we come!

Max and Claire's last day of Prek was May 19th.  This last year went by so fast.  I'm really sad they weren't with CEC, the preschool they have been with since 10 months, but the end of the year program at St. Pauls was nice.
The PreK classes had a little program singing songs then got a certificate from their teachers afterward.

They will miss seeing their buddies every day! They really made some great friends at their new school

Ms. Gwen and Ms. Pam

I had an end of the year conference with their lead teacher.  Claire got all M's (mastered-see most of the time) and only had trouble with recognizing three lower case letters.  She said she is prepared for Kindergarten.  I did find it funny that she said Claire really liked talking to the teachers and often had to be redirected to go back to her center or with her peers.... that didn't surprise me one bit. I'm thinking she was getting bored.  Her favorite part of the day was anytime she was doing something art related.  I know she will do great in Kindergarten and love the new challenge.

My big girl! 5 going on 15!

 Max did well on his review, too.  He got mostly M's but a few E's (emerging - see occasionally) He had a bit of trouble recognizing letters.  I think he knew more than they said, he just isn't as confident in himself. Teacher also said he gets along well with peers but had to be redirected at times.
We have decided to put them in different Kindergarten classes next year.  I will be interested to see how they flourish when given the opportunity to be themselves.

Kentucky Derby

Just a few short weeks ago, Justin and I packed up and went to the Kentucky Derby!  We left on a Thursday and had a fun filled weekend, returning Sunday morning.  One of his vendors invited us. Every thing was thoughtfully planned out.  As soon as we arrived we went to a delicious lunch on the river then met up with the rest of the group for a Bourbon tour!

Thursday night we went out for a fun dinner then back to house to rest up for Friday's festivities - The Kentucky Oaks.  That's the big race on Friday. It's for the fillies (female horses). I had only brought one hat, so thankfully one of our friends let me wear one of hers from previous years! We had amazing seats. We were right at the finish line and at the winner's circle.

There was record breaking attendance this day. 

Our group

Next up: The 142nd Kentucky Derby!

The Oaks day was a blast. Lots of drinking and people watching.  I did, however, learn not to wear heels the whole time. My feet were blistered and hurt so bad.  So I started the day in my flats and actually ended up wearing them the whole time and whoever was in charge of the shoe bag.... left it somewhere and my heels are gone :( thank goodness they were just from TJ Maxx and I didn't spend a lot on them!

Bourbon and Biscuits before heading the the tracks

With my stud of a husband :)

Definitely one of the silliest hats we saw!

Delicious mint juleps!

The Derby

We had sent my parents pics of the program and told them and the kids to pick a horse for us to bet on.  We bet on 7 horses and did not win one! Justin had picked the Exgerrator to win the Derby - he did not, but won the Preakness. Right horse, wrong race!  It truly was a bucket list experience.  Justin has mentioned wanting to go back again!

Oh, and must add the pics of the hats Max and Claire made with my mom.  She bought hats and decorations at the dollar store and they each made hats to wear while watching on TV!

Kate's First Birthday Party

I'm a lot late posting about her special day, but here we are!  Since we haven't lived in Cary long, we just kept it small and had mostly family.  Our babysitter and one of our best friends came as well.

Her theme was pink and gold.  I loved how everything turned out and liked how intimate her day was.

I decorated these cool wine glasses with glitter and mod podge!

cute glasses from Target

birthday chair!

Our baby!

Fredrick Five!

My number one punkers!

Waiting patiently for cake :)

Yummm!

sharing cake with Mom!

Presents are fun!

Love my new wagon, especially riding with my cousin, Ann Grace!

Cruisin in my new car!

Love Nanny and Poppy!

A whole lotta pink!

Grandpa and Grandma are the best!

babysitter Lisa!

One of Mom's best friends, Liz!

Her party was great! I still have a hard time realizing our baby girl is ONE! Time slow down!

Kate is ONE!

Our little punkers is ONE! How in the world can she already be one? I think this has been the fastest year ever.  She is amazing.  She has very much picked up the third child role.  She is in the car a lot, taking the big kids to school and practices.  Claire is her second Mommy so she is used to others doing for her. She is our baby!

Number One Punkers!

She is a happy girl! LOVES her Mommy! She is finally sleeping through the night! A little after 11 months, I decided I had had enough of getting up every 2/3 hours. It only took three nights for her to get the memo.  She now goes to bed around 7 and sleeps til around 5:45, with a morning and afternoon nap (a/b two hours each)

She is still nursing.  I can't believe we made it a year! She has weaned herself down to about two/three times a day and I don't mind.  I love our bonding time and will probably miss it when she stops.  She has tried whole milk, but threw her cup.  She is a great eater and can put down some food! She loves eggs, pancake (plain), yogurt, cantaloupe, apples, any squeeze pouch, green beans.. really she eats everything we eat.

She loves bath time!! This rubber ducky is always in her mouth. It's hilarious! She likes to climb stairs, cruise the furniture, play in the pantry, and swing at the park.  She waves and claps and plays peek a boo! When she gets fussy in the car we sing, "If you're happy and you know it" and
"The wheels on the bus" and that always makes her happy.  She got a car that she sits in and we push and a wagon for her birthday (another post) and loves being pushed around in those!  She's not walking yet and I'm not sure I see it happening soon.  She pulls up on furniture and will stand with her walker, but could care less about walking. I'm OK with that! Max didn't walk until he was 15 months.

Max can always make her laugh.  He is so great with her and I love watching them!  Claire is her second Mommy.  She is constantly trying to pick her up and carry her around the house. She loves her so much.  It drives me nuts that she doesn't leave her alone, but I love how much she adores her.

I just had my first weekend away from her. Justin and I went to the Kentucky Derby! (post to follow) My Mom and Dad came to watch the kids.  Mom said she did great.

She had her one year appointment today.  She's still our little peanut!
17 lbs ~ 10%
27.75" ~ 7%
She is wearing mostly 9 mo clothes, but some 12 mo.
Size 3 diaper
Her feet are tiny! I had bought some summer sandals in a size 4 (that's what claire was at a year) and her feet aren't even close to fitting!
She has four teeth but a lot coming in ~ including a molar!

She isn't saying many words yet.  She says "dadadada" and sometimes it is while looking at Justin, others just randomly.  I'm still waiting for her to look at me and say "mama". I think she says "bye bye".  We've been trying a few signs for her, put she hasn't seemed to pick up.

I love my sweet girl so much.  There aren't enough words.  I wish time would slow down. I love every single moment I get with my beautiful girl (and her brother and sister) and can't wait to watch her grow into a little girl!