Happy Holidays!
In May, I decided to go back to a part-time status at The Container Store. As helpful as the salary was, there is something about the summer-time that brings out the kid in me. Maybe it's all those memories that were created at Camp Casa Rio (house on the Guadalupe,) but I yearned to be able to create those same memories for Lucy and Connally. Not to mention, the part-time hours were necessary for when Lucy would start Kindergarten (details to follow.) Needless to say, Lucy perfected her swimming techniques at both the swimming pool, Splashtown and in the river. And yes, goggles were worn at all times. I wish I could count the times that I stood at the bottom of a water slide and watched her approaching with a big smile, arms up waving (with her "go horns go" of course) and sporting her hot pink goggles. Of course, I thought she was just the cutest thing around. But wait...not seconds later would come Connally just-a-hooting-hollering-and-giggling her way down the slide. I'm sure people thought I was nuts to let her go down those big slides by herself...but how could I have the nerve to tell Connally that she's not 5 years old?
Lucy turned 5 and had a fabulous blow-up-waterslide birthday bash (goggles included.) She had quite a turn-out. Friends from her pre-school, playgroup, my friends' kids, and her new neighborhood friends. What a way to celebrate a monumental birthday.
Connally turned 2. We had a family get together in our backyard. As Connally loves puppy dogs, even the family dogs were invited. They all ran around and played in the sprinkler. We ate her favorite meal (spaghetti.) This would be the last time that Connally was photographed for at least 3 months. That next day, she took it upon herself to cut herself a nice mullet; literally cut her bangs to the scalp (this is where I am thankful that she did not get hurt.) In October, just as they were about grown out, guess what...she did it, again. Needless to say, the scissors are under lock and key. It opened my eyes to the fact that perhaps she needs a little more arts and crafts time with mom. Maybe she could then concentrate on cutting paper, not hair.
Garrick started playing softball, again, so we also spent many Thursday evenings at the softball park cheering for him. There is nothing cuter than Connally yelling to Garrick "I love you daddy" when he's in the middle of a game. He has no choice but to yell it right back to her...I'm sure that only gives the opposition some ammunition. Lucy was finally old enough to go to the snack bar by herself (or so she thinks,) so she spent most of our money on push-up-pops and gatorade.
Lucy started Kindergarten. If you haven't read the posting for the first day of school, be sure to do so. It's hilarious...all the way from us following her to school behind the school bus, Lucy being mortified that I was at school to greet her, and then Lucy getting off at the wrong bus stop.
Lucy loves Kindergarten. She loves the idea of homework (I know, let's hold on to that as long as possible.) She's learning to read with sight words (to, play, what, white, red, yellow, he, and, on, etc.) She also loves the social part of it (hmmmm...I don't know where she gets that from.)
Lucy played her second season of soccer. Garrick was coach by default; weeks before the season started he was bad-mouthing the coach, as we had not heard from him. To Garrick's dismay, he received an email from another mom wondering when Garrick was going to start contacting everyone, as he was the coach. Never-the-less, he ended up loving the job. Yes, even despite his competitive nature. There were only a few times that I could see the smoke forming in his ears and nose, as the other team dribbled right by us. Lucy might not have all the skills, but she is a feisty little player. She can hand-check those boys all the way down the field and drill a goal! Connally kept busy by collecting pine cones, rocks, and eating the team snacks. She also learned how to "pop-a-squat." Great, I know! Oh, and I only had to run my hiney out on the field and grab her a couple of times (ha!)
Connally has also had quite a year. She potty-trained herself (I wish I could take credit, but I really can't.) She wants to be just as big as Lucy. She transitioned herself into a big girl bed. She is singer, dancer and loves make up (see below! this was on daddy's watch!) She does not know how to walk, as she only runs. She is not a natural sleeper. (Lucy always slept two hours during the day and begged for bed at night time- and still would like to take naps.) Connally takes short naps and we still struggle with bedtime. She likes to come visit and make sure that we're still in our beds at night.
Connally also would like to get right back into my belly. She and I could do a little number of "me and my shadow" as she is always in my arms. She is a good hugger and snuggler (a trait that she takes from her daddy.) This makes it hard to get frustrated when she is under my feet at all times. She will look up at me with a sparkle in her eyes and smile a smile that envelopes my heart!
During the course of the year, Garrick and I made the rule that the girls can not wake us up on Saturday mornings. It started out as a joke, but Lucy and Connally usually adhere to it. It's so much fun to hear them playing in the other room. Usually Lucy gets both of them dressed in Lucy's clothes, and they've even attempted to make cereal by themselves.
Both girls love to help cook, so they are in the kitchen with us constantly. Breakfast for dinner is one of their favorites to prepare. Lucy breaks the eggs and scrambles while Connally and I make the waffle batter. Garrick fries the bacon. And I bring it home in a pan (just kidding!)
Christmas is fast approaching. We decorated the house the day after Thanksgiving (I know, a little too soon, but the girls love it!) Lucy asked Santa to bring her more Polly Pockets (as if we don't have enough,) an Easy Bake oven, a cupcake maker, and more coloring/arts and crafts. Connally would like a new baby doll (as if we don't have enough) and bubble gum.
Lucy loves to watch TV. Connally can't sit through a show.
There is no doubt that Lucy and Connally are like night and day (or as the Christmas card says, "they are like snowflakes." Similar in appearance, but no two are alike.
As I sit here and wonder where to start this Christmas letter, I have come to the realization that I can't remember what we did last year...Perhaps a defining moment for me. Could it be true that I've become a multi-tasking, real mom and have lost my memory?
Here's a quick snapshot of our year...
Summer 2008
In May, I decided to go back to a part-time status at The Container Store. As helpful as the salary was, there is something about the summer-time that brings out the kid in me. Maybe it's all those memories that were created at Camp Casa Rio (house on the Guadalupe,) but I yearned to be able to create those same memories for Lucy and Connally. Not to mention, the part-time hours were necessary for when Lucy would start Kindergarten (details to follow.) Needless to say, Lucy perfected her swimming techniques at both the swimming pool, Splashtown and in the river. And yes, goggles were worn at all times. I wish I could count the times that I stood at the bottom of a water slide and watched her approaching with a big smile, arms up waving (with her "go horns go" of course) and sporting her hot pink goggles. Of course, I thought she was just the cutest thing around. But wait...not seconds later would come Connally just-a-hooting-hollering-and-giggling her way down the slide. I'm sure people thought I was nuts to let her go down those big slides by herself...but how could I have the nerve to tell Connally that she's not 5 years old?
Lucy turned 5 and had a fabulous blow-up-waterslide birthday bash (goggles included.) She had quite a turn-out. Friends from her pre-school, playgroup, my friends' kids, and her new neighborhood friends. What a way to celebrate a monumental birthday.
Connally turned 2. We had a family get together in our backyard. As Connally loves puppy dogs, even the family dogs were invited. They all ran around and played in the sprinkler. We ate her favorite meal (spaghetti.) This would be the last time that Connally was photographed for at least 3 months. That next day, she took it upon herself to cut herself a nice mullet; literally cut her bangs to the scalp (this is where I am thankful that she did not get hurt.) In October, just as they were about grown out, guess what...she did it, again. Needless to say, the scissors are under lock and key. It opened my eyes to the fact that perhaps she needs a little more arts and crafts time with mom. Maybe she could then concentrate on cutting paper, not hair.
Garrick started playing softball, again, so we also spent many Thursday evenings at the softball park cheering for him. There is nothing cuter than Connally yelling to Garrick "I love you daddy" when he's in the middle of a game. He has no choice but to yell it right back to her...I'm sure that only gives the opposition some ammunition. Lucy was finally old enough to go to the snack bar by herself (or so she thinks,) so she spent most of our money on push-up-pops and gatorade.
Fall 2008
Lucy started Kindergarten. If you haven't read the posting for the first day of school, be sure to do so. It's hilarious...all the way from us following her to school behind the school bus, Lucy being mortified that I was at school to greet her, and then Lucy getting off at the wrong bus stop.
Lucy loves Kindergarten. She loves the idea of homework (I know, let's hold on to that as long as possible.) She's learning to read with sight words (to, play, what, white, red, yellow, he, and, on, etc.) She also loves the social part of it (hmmmm...I don't know where she gets that from.)
Lucy played her second season of soccer. Garrick was coach by default; weeks before the season started he was bad-mouthing the coach, as we had not heard from him. To Garrick's dismay, he received an email from another mom wondering when Garrick was going to start contacting everyone, as he was the coach. Never-the-less, he ended up loving the job. Yes, even despite his competitive nature. There were only a few times that I could see the smoke forming in his ears and nose, as the other team dribbled right by us. Lucy might not have all the skills, but she is a feisty little player. She can hand-check those boys all the way down the field and drill a goal! Connally kept busy by collecting pine cones, rocks, and eating the team snacks. She also learned how to "pop-a-squat." Great, I know! Oh, and I only had to run my hiney out on the field and grab her a couple of times (ha!)
Connally goes to school 3 times a week and is apparently a wonderful pupil. Garrick and I keep questioning the teachers...They say that she is a fast learner and yes, minds the rules of the classroom. They also say that she's quiet compared to Lucy. There is no doubt that little Miss Connally has them fooled!
Connally has also had quite a year. She potty-trained herself (I wish I could take credit, but I really can't.) She wants to be just as big as Lucy. She transitioned herself into a big girl bed. She is singer, dancer and loves make up (see below! this was on daddy's watch!) She does not know how to walk, as she only runs. She is not a natural sleeper. (Lucy always slept two hours during the day and begged for bed at night time- and still would like to take naps.) Connally takes short naps and we still struggle with bedtime. She likes to come visit and make sure that we're still in our beds at night.
Connally also would like to get right back into my belly. She and I could do a little number of "me and my shadow" as she is always in my arms. She is a good hugger and snuggler (a trait that she takes from her daddy.) This makes it hard to get frustrated when she is under my feet at all times. She will look up at me with a sparkle in her eyes and smile a smile that envelopes my heart!
During the course of the year, Garrick and I made the rule that the girls can not wake us up on Saturday mornings. It started out as a joke, but Lucy and Connally usually adhere to it. It's so much fun to hear them playing in the other room. Usually Lucy gets both of them dressed in Lucy's clothes, and they've even attempted to make cereal by themselves.
Both girls love to help cook, so they are in the kitchen with us constantly. Breakfast for dinner is one of their favorites to prepare. Lucy breaks the eggs and scrambles while Connally and I make the waffle batter. Garrick fries the bacon. And I bring it home in a pan (just kidding!)
Christmas is fast approaching. We decorated the house the day after Thanksgiving (I know, a little too soon, but the girls love it!) Lucy asked Santa to bring her more Polly Pockets (as if we don't have enough,) an Easy Bake oven, a cupcake maker, and more coloring/arts and crafts. Connally would like a new baby doll (as if we don't have enough) and bubble gum.
In closing, here are a few things that girls differed on this year:
Lucy loves to watch TV. Connally can't sit through a show.
Lucy is patient. Connally isn't.
Connally loves to eat anything. Lucy doesn't eat at all (strictly carnivore and carb-lover.)
Lucy still loves to play dress up. Connally only loves the makeup.
Connally climbs on anything. Lucy tries to catch up with her.
Lucy has a soft voice and a wonderful giggle. Connally articulates and won't stop talking.
Lucy moves at a snail's pace and takes in every detail. Connally is blurry-eyed and runs everywhere.
This year, we are thankful for each other, friends, family, good schools, good health and good food.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.
Love,
Garrick, Courtney, Lucy and Connally
OK... I promise there were really snow flurries... you just can't see 'em in the picture!
