Show and Tell #16 - 11.13.09

Shortly after Emerson's first birthday, Danny had to take a trip to Minnesota.  We think this was one of the first times that Emerson realized that her Daddy had left for an extended period as she often would say "Dada".  Danny decided to get Emerson a little present to bring home for Emerson and since she was (and still is) so into animals, the My First Barn toy was perfect.  Emerson loved pulling out each animal, squeezing it, and hearing the noise that it makes.  Danny, on the other hand, didn't realize that this would be the first of many presents (see previous post) he would be bringing Emerson from his business trips. 

Sunday Brunch

Last Sunday, Emerson, Mimi and I traveled down to Fearrington Village to have Sunday Brunch with Ms. Betsy.  It is always nice to go back to Fearrington, since that is where the Bandy/Cantrell story started.  It is hard to believe that our family friendship has been going strong for over 30 years.

My Mom and Dad (Mimi and Birdie) lived next door to Betsy and Terry when they were all newlyweds in Fearrington.  (Actually, the story started earlier than that for my Dad and Betsy; they attended two years of Gardner-Webb University together, but didn't know they would end up living next to each other years later.)  Naturally, as neighbors, they became great friends, especially when they were pulling their dogs Tucson and Eitzel apart from fighting.  It also helped that my Mom and Betsy had nursing in common and worked at the same hospital...I think, to this day, they probably talk on the phone at least once a day.  My mom got pregnant with me and then after my arrival, Betsy decided she wanted a baby.  Two years later, Katie was born and later Betsy went on to add Jon.  Our families have been through so much together, both good and bad: family trips to the beach, camping, moves to new houses, moves to new states, Christmases, Thanksgivings, weddings, babies (well, baby - we are waiting Katie and Eric), deaths, cancer, dogs, jobs, and the list goes on and on.  We are so fortunate to have the Cantrells as friends and I am so happy that we now have a third generation to join in the crazy fun and Sunday brunches!!

Emerson always has a great time at brunch.  We always eat at The Old Granary and then walk around to all the stores and shops and eventually we make it to the gardens for some running around.  I hope we can have many more Sunday brunches with the Cantrells, back where it all began!!!

Reciting Books

Last Saturday after Tar Heel Town, Emerson and I headed home just in time for nap.  Before nap, Emerson got to pick out a book to read while she drank her milk.  I wasn't surprised when she picked the "Potty Book" for me to read to her.  In an attempt to get the potty training bug in Emerson's ear, we have been reading this book to her frequently (good thing she likes it).  Emerson and I snuggled into the chair and as she started to turn the pages of the book, she also started to actually "read" the book. 

"Mommy got me something, whatever could it be?" Emerson said.  In shock, I said, "Very Good, Emerson!"  I finished the next sentence on the page for her.  She turned the page, and I started the sentence, "I've always gone in diapers, that's what they are for." Emerson chimed in again, "But Mom says when I'm ready I won't need them anymore."  Verbatim!!

I was so shocked that she was actually reciting the book back to me.  I wanted to make sure it wasn't a fluke so we read the "Potty Book" again at bedtime and had Daddy come in to witness it all.  No Fluke here....we replayed the nap time reading. 

I will say the "Potty Book" is pretty sing-songy, but it just goes to show you how FAST kids can learn things.  Let's just hope potty training is as easy as learning the words of the book!!!

Happy Birthday!!

Eleven years ago today, my FIRST baby was born.  Cute, cuddly, soft and so precious; from the moment I saw this little one, I fell instantly in love.  Hogan was originally intended to be a present for Danny (Christmas 1998), but he was really for both of us.  Hogan quickly became part of the family.  He loved playing ball, swimming, doing tricks, and sleeping (he is a great sleeper).  Hogan became the 3rd body in our bed and to this day, still sleeps at (or more like on) my feet.  He traveled with us to Florida in the car (numerous times), and sat in my lap most of the way.  He loved playing in Danny's parents yard and spent hours running after tennis balls.  He even got an extended vacation to Florida when Danny broke his leg, and his parents took Hogan for the 3 months Danny was on crutches.  Hogan would come to my parents house and play with his girlfriend, Chloe (my parents dog at the time).  He and Chloe grew a very close love/hate relationship and it was so funny to see them fight, but realize that they really loved each and missed it when the other was gone.  Hogan was also there, and adjusted, after each of our 5 moves into new places.   

The biggest adjustment Hogan has had to endure, though, was the welcoming of another person into our family.  Yes, Hogan was our baby for 9 years but 2 years ago Emerson came in and that all changed.  Hogan has been a wonderful dog and has really been great with Emerson.  We couldn't have asked for him to be better.  He patiently waits for Emerson to drop her food on the ground, he endures her chasing him around the house, and he has even adjusted to not being the #1 baby anymore.  It's hard, because I told myself that I wouldn't let him become second fiddle when Emerson came, but I was fooling myself.  Although, Emerson is our #1, I still love Hogan with all my heart and I still love it when he jumps on the bed to cuddle.  He has been such a wonderful dog and he deserves a proper Birthday blog post!!!  We love you Hogan...a frosty paws (dog ice cream for those of you without dogs)  is waiting for you in the freezer!!!

Happy Birthday, Hogan!!!

Hogan through the years

Hogan and Emerson

Tar Heel Town(s) 2009

This is the first year we bought season tickets for football.  We figured with Emerson being a bit older that we would all be able to go to the games and really make family outings out of the experience.  This past Saturday we went to our final Tar Heel Town of the 2009 football season (unless I get a wild hair and go with the Hermans solo this Saturday). 

Emerson really has a great time at Tar Heel Town (and the one game she attended) and I am only sad that we couldn't go to more of them this year, having only made it twice. The first was before the Carolina vs. ECU game on September 19th and the second was this past Saturday for Carolina vs. Duke.  We always have a great time when we go.  Emerson loves following Ivie around and doing everything that the big kids do!!  She loves the band, which is evident from the video in one of  my previous posts.  She loves the Old Well Walk and getting on her daddy's shoulders to "hi-five" the players as they walk by.  She also loves all the blow-up play sets like the bounce house and the slide.  At our first Tar Heel Town, Emerson went down the slide with Ms. Amy (Thanks Amy!), but by this past week's Tar Heel Town she was going down by herself. 

I would love to go on and on about our trips to Tar Heel Town but there isn't much that the pictures can't say.  Hopefully we will make it to more than two Tar Heel Towns next year and hopefully Emerson will make it to more than one game!!  Let's hope our Heels finish the season with a bang!! Until next season.....

UNC vs. ECU

UNC vs. DUKE

While we are at it, see how much Emerson has changed since last year's Tar Heel Town!!!