Pat, Pat, Pat

This week continues to be crazy. We went to Grandmama's and Granddaddy's again this morning while Katy taught swimming lessons. Tripp and Tucker love playing with "Baby!" Tucker just says, "Hi baby, hi baby, hi baby," over and over again! It's so funny.

Josh called while we were playing with Tripp and Tucker to let us know he was in a wreck! Josh and I have both already had "wrecks" this summer and have both just gotten our vehicles repaired! I guess I should just be thankful he was not injured. He and Marty had gone to Cookeville, and some crazy man caused about 5 vehicles to wreck. The man was arrested, and now, we are just waiting to see if he had any insurance. Crazy! Annistyn wanted to send her daddy a picture to make him feel better after he wrecked, so she smiled for my phone.



Annistyn's Nana and Pa came over this evening to look at Josh's truck. Cindy took Annistyn to hold her, and Annistyn started screaming with tears rolling down her face. Cindy handed her back to me, and Annistyn started giggling! What are we going to do with her? She is so rotten!

I'm not sure if Annistyn is trying to hit me or love on me, but her latest thing is to pat me. She is constantly patting me. Tonight, I was sitting on the floor next to her while she was playing, and she patted my leg for about 10 minutes. If I moved to where she couldn't reach me, she would cry!

I tried forevery to upload a video of her patting me, but I couldn't get it to work. You will just have to use your imagination! ha ha! That's what I always tell me students when I can't get something to work, or if I forgot to do something.

Fun Day

We had another packed day today. We went to Grandmama's and Granddaddy's about 8:30 this morning while Katy taught 3 classes of swimming lessons. Tripp went to his friends', Bray and Kate, house, so Annistyn and I played with Tucker. Tucker insisted that Annistyn play with the babydoll. He kept putting it in her lap.



I was trying to get a picture of Tucker and Annistyn together, and as soon as I snapped the picture, Tucker stuck his paci in Annistyn's mouth! ha! Good thing I'm not a huge germ-o-phobe!



After Katy's morning lessons, Annistyn went to stay with Pet and PopPop again while I taught 1 afternoon class. They said she was good again today and took a nap. We went back to Grandmama's and Granddaddy's while Katy taught her 2 afternoon classes. I had a pretty easy afternoon, because both Tucker and Annistyn napped. When they woke up, we went to pick up Tripp from Bray and Kate's and came back to our house to play. Annistyn loved getting to swing!



We got so hot, so the boys decided to cool off with a popsicle.



Yes, I did take off Tucker's shirt. I figured he would be easier to clean up that way! After popsicles, we came inside, fed Annistyn, and then ate supper. Josh got home after the boys ate, and they went back outside. They boys helped Josh feed and water Jake and then played with the water hose. It may have been busy, but we had a fun day!

Busy Bees

Today was a busy, busy day! Tripp and Tucker came over this morning around 8:30 while Katy taught swimming lessons. We couldn't stay at Grandmama's and Granddaddy's like we normally do, because Ms. Linda was cleaning today. Katy had 3 classes this morning. Tripp was going to take lessons in the 11:00 class, so all the kids and I went over for Tripp's lesson. It only took us 30 minutes to get all the kids packed up and loaded in the car. I worked up a sweat by the time we left!

After Katy finished with her morning lessons, I took Annistyn to Pet and PopPop's while I went to teach some private lessons. Annistyn ended up staying longer than I had planned, because I went with Katy to one of her friend's houses to look at little girl clothes. Annistyn got several cute outfits for this winter and next spring.

After we picked up Annistyn, it was back to Grandmama and Granddaddy's house for 2 more swimming classes. Tripp went to his friend Ocean's house, so I just had Tucker and Annistyn to play with. Even though it was just the two of them, they wore me out!

When we got home, Annistyn had a few puffs. We have really been working on her trying to feed herself. She's getting pretty good.





Now if we can get her to want to hold her bottle. She has not interest in doing this. If we put her hands around the bottle, she immediately pulls them away. I do not mind holding it for her at all, but I would hate for her to be 5 and still have to have somebody feed her! She is already spoiled rotten! We don't need to make it worse.

2 in 1

Yesterday I did not have time to blog, so today will be a 2 in 1 specical.

Saturday, June 26:
Annistyn and I came home from our trip to Franklin. Josh had to work today, so Annistyn and I stopped in Cookeville and met Josh on his lunch break. Annistyn had been fussy for the last 15 minutes or so, but as soon as she saw her daddy, she got extremely excited!

After lunch, Annistyn and I came on to Sparta. We went and swam for a little bit with Pet, Katy, Tripp, Tucker, Corrie, and Kayli. We didn't stay long. I really just wanted her to be in the water long enough to make her tired. She has been a little off schedule due to traveling and shopping. This helped her to take a nice long nap.

We had a 1st when I was giving Annistyn a bath before bed (and hopefully a last!). Annistyn was just splashing around and giggling, when all of a sudden, little things started floating to the top of the water. Annistyn had gone poopy in the bath! So gross! I starting screaming, and Annistyn started dying laughing. She thought it was so funny! She is definitely her daddy's girl!

While I washed her bath tub, Annistyn watched her new Minnie Mouse movie that her daddy gave her. She gets so excited at the beginning when Mickey Mouse comes on and talks to you.



After Annistyn went to bed, Justin came over, and we all watched a movie. It was late when he left, I was tired from all the traveling, and I didn't get to blogging.

Sunday, June 27:
We got up and went to Sunday school and church this morning. Annistyn was ready for her nap before we even went! She was sitting with her Grandmama during church, and ended up falling asleep lying on the pew.

After church, we all went to Grandmama's and Granddaddy's for lunch. Granddaddy grilled some yummy burgers, and then we had grilled peaches with vanilla ice cream for dessert! So good!

I laid Annistyn down for her afternoon nap a little before 4:00, and I actually fell asleep too. She did not wake up until 7:00! She must have been one tired little girl. She went back to bed a little after 8:00. Maybe this means she will sleep in tomorrow morning! One can only hope!

Annistyn definitely slept until 8:30 this morning! How awesome is that? After we got up and had breakfast, we walked down to the pool to watch Kayli at swim team practice! Well...we didn't really watch her practice as much as we laughed at everything she kept saying. At one point, we overheard her telling one of her coaches, "My brother has furry armpits! I told him he needed to shave them!" HA HA! If Alex were there, he would have died!

After swim practice, Corrie, Kayli, Annistyn, and I went to Kayli's doctor appointment. It felt like we were there forever, but both kids were very good! We then went to lunch at Bosco's and went and got gelato for dessert. YUMMO! I also had to make a stop to Target. Target, oh how I miss thee! As we were walking in Target, I decided to go change Annistyn's diaper. When I looked in her diaper bag to get a diaper, this is what I found!



Do you notice anything wrong with this picture? Yep, you guessed it! An entire container of Puffs spilled in the bag! Ok, so not exactly the entire container. There was 1 puff still hanging on! And yes, we did just open it today! UGH! Is it bad that I put them all back in the container and plan to still feed them to my child? It's not like the spilled on the ground or anything.

Tonight was Terah's and Michael's wedding. It was beautiful. It was so nice to be able to see my friends and have a nice little night out. Josh had to work, so he was not able to go, but I still had a good time. Corrie sent me this picture while I was at the wedding.



Braden came for a sleepover with Kayli, and they were all playing Hannah Montana! What fun! Corrie said she was very good and giggled quite a bit! We are heading back to Sparta tomorrow. I'm sure Annistyn will be very excited to see her Daddy, and I will be excited to see him too!

Annistyn and I came to stay a couple nights in Franklin. We spent the afternoon with Aunt Corrie and Kayli. Kayli has Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls, and Annistyn loves Mickey Mouse. I decided to take her picture with Minnie. She didn't really care for it when I was trying to take her picture, because she was too busy trying to stand up. I got a cute one anyways.



We did a little shopping this afternoon, and Annistyn got some cute new outfits for this fall/winter. Her Aunt Corrie and Kayli played with her while I got ready to go to my friend Terah's rehearsal dinner. She hadn't really had a good nap, so she got really fussy. She actually threw one of the biggest fits ever. We tried to lay her down to take a short nap, but she wasn't having it. That is so not like her either. Usually if she is tired, she wants to lie down.

Carrie and Adam met us and rode with us to Christiana. The rehearsal dinner was at Miller's Grocery. It worked out perfectly, because Natasha and Jarred were able to keep Annistyn while I went to the dinner. Their house is just minutes from Miller's Grocery. Natasha said Annistyn was pretty good. She just got a little fussy at bedtime. Thanks again Aunt Tasha! Seriously, Annistyn is extremely blessed with such amazing people in her life!

The dinner was very good. I ate entirely too much! I feel like I'm about to pop. I'm going to let my food settle a little, then I am off to bed.

Paint and Pool

So there was no painting at the pool, nor was Annistyn involved in any painting. After Annistyn went to sleep last night, I painted a new 4th of July painting for my mom. I finished it up this afternoon.



I had "Let Freedom Ring" written on it, but my OCD kicked in! I couldn't get the letters to look like I wanted, so I painted over it.

Annistyn and I did some swimming today. Pet came over to swim with Annistyn and the boys. We LOVE Pet! Here are some pictures from our day of swimming. Of course, Tripp made me take his picture as well.






All that swimming must have worn Little Bit out! She took a 2 hour nap this morning and then a 3 hour nap this afternoon.

Annistyn and I leave in the morning to go to Franklin for a few days. My good friend Terah is getting married Friday night, so we are going to stay a few days at Aunt Corrie's. Since Annistyn won't get to see her daddy for a couple days, he bought her a present. Can we say spoiled rotten?




Annistyn was so excited about her new DVDs that she tried to eat them when her daddy gave them to her!

Social Studies

Well, it looks like I will be teaching Social Studies next year! Do I know anything about 6th grade Social Studies? NOPE! I did find out that it consists of world history. That still doesn't help me at all. I am far from a history buff! Who knows, I may learn to love it. I had very similar feelings when I was told I would be teaching 6th grade language. I quickly came to love this and have loved it for the past 2 years.

As predicted, today was very HOT! I kept Annistyn inside all day. She is getting very good at sitting up on her own! She gets tired of sitting after about 5 or 10 minutes and will let you know, but she isn't falling like she used to.



Her right hand looks funny because she couldn't hold it still. She is such a busy-body.

Annistyn's grandmama bought her new butterflies for her bedroom. Her granddaddy came and hung them above her bed tonight. When I put her to bed tonight, she just stared at them. She really likes them.

Carrots

Annistyn had her first taste of carrots today. She seemed to really enjoy them. She ate every bite and pretty quickly.





We didn't do anything exciting today. This morning we played with Tripp and Tucker, while Katy taught swimming lessons. After swimming lessons, Tucker stayed and swam with me and Annistyn. Grandmama and Granddaddy even got in and swam with us. It is so hot outside, there is not much else you can do. It is supposed to be even hotter tomorrow. The forecast is saying it will be 99 degress tomorrow. Looks like another day at the pool for us!

First Father's Day

Happy 1st Father's Day to the best daddy!



Annistyn made her daddy a card for his 1st Father's Day. (Thanks Aunt Corrie! ha Long story!)




After church this morning, we went to the Lowery family reunion. It was very hot outside, but Little Bit was a trooper. She needed a nap, but she just sat in her stroller and laughed at everyone.

Later this afternoon, we went to Cookeville so Josh could pick out his own Father's Day present. Annistyn just gave him money. He picked out a new pair of tennis shoes and a pair of pants. Like he really needed a new pair of shoes. I think the man has an addiction to new tennis shoes. He probably has 10 pair that don't have a single scuff on them. Oh well, that's what he wanted.

We went to John and Cindy's for supper. Annistyn loves spending time with her Nana and Pa. She is extremely lucky to have such wonderful grandparents! By this point, she still had not had a real nap. It was pretty much a napless day. She took about a 5 minute nap at church and then about 10-15 minutes on the way home from Cookeville. I figured she would be a "Grumpy Guss," but she was still just as happy as ever!

After Annistyn went to bed, I made up some more baby food. Cindy gave us some squash from the garden, and I bought some carrots and peas. I'll let you know if she likes them.







We also want to wish a big Happy Birthday to my daddy! Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day to you! Sorry you had to work, but we will see you tomorrow!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream

Ok, so I don't really know if she's screaming for ice cream or not, but Annistyn has learned how to scream. Josh mowed all day, and Annistyn and I just hung around the house. All day, she would just scream really loud, then look at me and laugh. She thinks it is the funniest thing ever. Uncle Jarred and Aunt Natasha came by for a quick visit this evening. They got to hear Annistyn's new favorite thing...screaming. I really hope she learns a new trick SOON! ha Even though I think it's absolutely adorable right now, I'm sure I'll have different feelings in a few days.

Josh, Annistyn, and I went to Panda Garden to have Chinese for supper. After we finished eating, the waitress always brings you your check and a fortune cookie for each person. She brought 3 fortune cookies, and I just kind of looked at her. She pointed at Annistyn and said, "One for baby!" So I guess Annistyn got her 1st fortune cookie tonight.

Sleepy Girl

Annistyn slept until 8:00 this morning! It was so nice! It's amazing what a few extra minutes in bed can do. I felt like I was sleeping in!

After we had breakfast, Annistyn and I headed over to my parents' for some pool time. I put Annistyn down for her morning nap, and I had some very nice quiet time by the pool. I was hoping for just an hour by myself, and little bit decided to take her longest nap ever. She napped from 9:45 to 12:45. It was wonderful.

We ate a bite for lunch, then Annistyn and I went out for some pool time together. Annistyn gets so excited when we get in the pool.



I also realized that Annistyn's new baby float is so good, that I can get a little work out while she sits in it. I held on to her float and swam laps for about 30 minutes.




After our little swim, Annistyn and I went inside for a little snack, before she took a nap, and I taught a couple classes of swimming lessons. I was giving her some of her banana puffs, and I couldn't give them to her fast enough. If I didn't get a puff to her quick enough, she definitely let me know. She would look at me a squeal. It was so funny.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

I fed Annistyn an early lunch and put her down for a nap, because we were meeting some of my friends for a late lunch this afternoon. As soon as I put her down for her nap, her daddy surprised us both and came home on his lunch break. It melts my heart to see Annistyn's reaction everytime she sees Josh. He went into her bedroom to see her real quick, and she just starting kicking and squealing with excitement. How is it that she can be such a daddy's girl at only 6 months?

When she woke up from her nap, we went to El Tap to eat lunch with Lauren and Keleena. Lauren is in town for a few days, so we all decided to go eat lunch. We miss Lauren, and hope she and Justin get to move back this way in the next couple of years! It was also good to see Keleena. Even though we both live in Sparta, we don't get to see each other nearly as often we would like. Maybe next time the twins will get to come too! Keleena said it is still just too hard to get Kolt and Kylee out on her own. I can't even imagine!

Tonight, Annistyn and I went with Grandmama to Tripp's t-ball game. He had an entire cheering section. As soon as he hit the ball, he would turn and look at all of us to make sure we were cheering (as if we weren't loud enough)! Here he is in action!



What 4 year old already knows how to lift their leg and step into it? Check out how he has his leg lifted. Katy and Dave are teaching him to bat left-handed, because if you bat left-handed you are that much closer to 1st base. I mean, don't all parents think of stuff like this to teach your children? ha

I Can Do It All By Myself

The title of this post is meant for both me and Annistyn. Josh had a hole in the pocket of his shorts and the pocket of his pants. He asked me to fix them, so I decided to try and figure out how to do it on my own. So, don't judge me by these pictures I'm about to show you...I did my best. I honestly had no idea what I was doing, but they are fixed. It doesn't look the best, but it gets the job done. Why did nobody ever teach me how to sew? Note to self: I need to learn some basic sewing!



Annistyn also decided she could do things by herself too. When I was feeding her tonight, she grabbed the spoon and fed herself. I asked her what she was doing, and she just started dying laughing. She is such a mess! Josh and I couldn't help but just laugh at her. She is so stinkin' funny (and she knows it too)!

No Paci or Lovie = No Nap

Tripp and Tucker came over this morning to play, while Katy had basketball practice. Then, Annistyn stayed with Katy and the boys, while I did my last day of swimming lessons with Caydra. Annistyn took a 2.5 hour this morning, and then she took another 2.5 hour nap after lunch. She must be growing!

After her 2nd nap, we went swimming for a little bit, and then played with the boys again. Annistyn needed to take another short little nap while Katy taught swimming lessons this afternoon, but her crazy mommy forgot her paci and lovie at home! What was I thinking? I hope to never do that again. She was so tired and threw the biggest fit. I found one of Tuck's extra pacis (after I washed it) and tried to give that one to her. She did not like that one as well as hers. I was going to give her one of the boys' lovies to use, but after touching them, I quickly changed my mind. They were all soaking wet from being in their mouths! Yuck! Needless to say, I just held her, rocked, and watched Praise Baby. After about an hour or so, she finally stopped crying and screaming. She had cried so hard, she could barely catch her breath. It was not fun. After I finally got her calmed down, she was fine. Of course she was giggling by the time her daddy got home from work!

Here she is playing in her exersaucer, while I tried to do a little cleaning.



She is getting so big, so fast! Josh and I talked tonight about how much she has grown. It's crazy how fast these last 6 months have gone by. Before we know it, she is going to be running around the house. It makes me sad just thinking about it. I have extremely mixed feelings about it. While I can't wait to watch her grow and start crawling, walking, and talking, I also feel like I want her to stay little as long as possible.

Monday, Monday

Today was an uneventful day. Annistyn and I went to Grandmama and Granddaddy's house this morning to play with Tripp and Tucker, while Katy taught a class of swimming lessons. We ended up staying all day and just playing. We swam for about 30 or 45 minutes, but then it started to thunder some.

Tonight, Josh, Annistyn, and I went to Tripp and Tucker's house for hamburgers. Annistyn didn't make it long. I ended up laying her down in Tripp's bedroom to rest for a little while, until we left. She didn't ever fall asleep, but she never made a sound. It was around 8:30 by the time we got home and in the bed. We didn't take any pictures today, but I'm sure we will have some tomorrow.

Sunny Sunday

Not only did we survive the sleepover, but we all made it to Sunday school! I laid down with Tripp, and he probably fell asleep between 10:30 and 11. Tripp and Tuck slept until 8:20 this morning which was very nice! This gave me time to feed Annistyn and get myself ready before they were up. After all the kids were dressed and ready to go, Tripp insisted they all sit together on the couch and get pictures taken!





In the first picture, Mickey Mouse was doing something much more important than I! Tucker and Annistyn love to LOVE on each other! It's so sweet.

After church, Josh, Annistyn, and I went on our weekly date to El Tap. Annistyn was perfect as usual. Then we ventured to Wal-Mart. We bought Annistyn some banana flavored Puffs.



Then Annistyn's daddy bought her a new float for the swimming pool.



When we left Wal-Mart, we had to go to the pool to test out the new float! Annistyn loved it. It is so much better than the other 2 we have. She doesn't lean forward in this float, and the "canopy" part actually keeps her in the shade.



It was so hot outside today! It was a nice day to go swimming. Josh took Annistyn under the water for the first time today. I was not expecting it, and did not have a camera ready. She did really well! She wasn't too sure at first, but she was fine after about 5 seconds.

Slumber Party

Well, the night's not over, but so far, I've survived. Annistyn and Tucker both went to sleep without any trouble. After watching Toy Story 1 & 2, eating 3 cookies and 3 popsicles, Tripp is in the bed. He is not asleep, but atleast he's made it to the bed. I'm hoping he falls asleep soon. While I love him to death, my ideal sleeping arrangements do not involve sleeping with a 4 year old. Josh just went to bed too! I guess having 3 kids in the house wore him out! ha ha

Annistyn and I stayed around the house today and played. Tripp and Tucker got here around 3. Tripp fell asleep on the couch, and Tucker and Annistyn played with each other. Tucker LOVES Annistyn.




I love Annistyn's face in this picture! It's like she's looking at me, saying, "Mom, who is this kid, and why is he playing with my toy!"

I'll let you know how I make it getting 3 kids up in the morning and ready for Sunday School and Church. I struggle with just getting 1 up and ready!

I better go for tonight. I hear a little four year old in the other room crying. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night.

Exercise Class

This morning, Annistyn went with her grandmama to exercise class, while I taught swimming lessons. Apparently she was a big hit, and everyone loved her. Mom said she just giggled the entire time. Don't worry Annistyn, I probably would have giggled too.

We spent the day at Grandmama and Granddaddy's with Tripp and Tucker. While Annistyn was taking a nap, I told Tripp and Tucker they could swim a little bit before lunch. Tripp was all about it! He couldn't get in the pool fast enough!



As I've mentioned before, Tucker doesn't share the same excitement for swimming. He was all about being outside, but this is what Tuck wanted to do while Tripp swam.




Annistyn and I swam with Grandmama for a little while after the boys went home. Annistyn did not take a very good afternoon nap, so when we came home, we decided to spend some time outside to keep her happy. She loves being outside! We went for a walk.



Can you tell how tired she is in this picture? After our walk, we came back inside, and I gave Annistyn a bottle and some rice cereal. She took a bath, then helped me while I cooked supper!



Tomorrow night, Tripp and Tucker are coming over for a sleepover. Katy and Dave are going to Dave's niece, Macey's wedding. Maybe everybody should say a little prayer for us tomorrow night! ha ha No, I love those boys, and I'm sure we will have a blast. I'll let you know how it goes!