You'll Always Be My Baby

I read a very tearful blog post today, with a quote that followed the entry. "In the words of Robert Munsch, "As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."

It was touching to me not only because of the subject of the post, but because the quote the blogger included is something I've recently explained to Emma. You see, I always call both my children, "my babies." And I always will. Emma, being such the big girl, would challenge me every time I called her a "baby." So a couple of weeks ago, I sat down and explained that no matter how old she and Drew get, they'll always be my babies. Even when she's a mommy herself. She'll always be my baby. Even when I'm old and decrepit - and she's feeding me like a baby. She'll always be my baby.

My goal is that by making my children understand this concept - of always being my "babies" - that they'll always know how much I love them and that they'll always be welcomed, loved, and accepted in my home for as long as I am living on this earth.
 

Crazy Emma

What can I say?  Emma's a trip.  No lengthy explanation needed.  The proof is in the pudding:

 

 

 

Easter 2011

Here it is. The obligatory picture with the EB.

Let's be honest, though. The best part of seeing the EB? The free candy they pass out, and the super-cool bunny ears. 

Sunday morning, finding where the EB had left their baskets: 

Who knew chocolate could bring so much excitement? 

Dentist Appointment

The kid's had their bi-annual cleaning exam at the dentist's office yesterday. While Emma's a seasoned veteran, this was Drew's first time. Little man was just has happy as ever, playing and smiling away! And although I wasn't there, Andy said that both kids were really good for the dentist. In fact, Andy actually had a sad, little story to tell. While waiting for their turn, they were playing together with all the fun toys and books (we take them to a Pediatric Dentist)...then made their way over to the giant fish tank. They called Emma's name first, where she walked right over to the dental assistant, eager to get in the big chair. When Daddy asked if she wanted him to go with her, my 14-year old--I mean FOUR year old--said, "No I'm okay." And she went right in to the dentist's chair herself.

Tear.

I know we have raised her to be a very independent and strong soul (okay, fine....whatever...she may have came out of the womb like that...I guess I can't take too much credit for a hereditary trait), but there are moments every now and then where it stings ever so slightly that she doesn't "need" us to be with her. Andy had one of those moments yesterday.

So, anyway. It's was then Drew's turn to head in. He was very good, just sitting on Daddy's lap, allowing the dentist to look into his mouth. Everything looked fine and dandy, so he got his picture taken with Dr. Fuhrer and picked out a "prize" in the basket of goodies.
 

I love the little report cards that our dentist gives; so cute!



A Visit With The Easter Bunny

I took the kids to get the obligatory picture with the Easter bunny yesterday.  And I'm happy to report that both kids were equally excited (as I was wondering if Drew would even know who the Easter bunny is).  How did I come to that conclusion?  Well, I got a shriek from Emma and Drew wouldn't stop saying "I see Easter bunny." 

So I cleaned the kids up (after being at preschool all day, can you Hot Mess?), and loaded them into the minivan.  Emma, of course, had to bring a bag of goodies for the bunny, which consisted of a little basket she made at school and a painting of a bunny.

And of course, one of the best parts in meeting the Easter bunny is the sucker you get afterwards! 

My Man

Every now and then, I just can't take it.

I just can't take how stinkin' CUTE my little man is. I mean, he is just the sweetest, cutest thing EVER. And I don't have a specific story to tell in this entry....just a few pictures to back up my statement.

The Rockies

Emma started her first practice of T-Ball yesterday.  We signed her up for a co-ed program for 4-year olds at First Baptist Athletics, where she's on team Rockies.  It's a huge program located at 86th & College.  She has practice every Monday, with a couple Saturday practices, and "games" going through June.  And the best part?....Andy was volun-told as an assistant coach.  He signed up to help with field maintenance, but they just assigned him a position as an assistant coach!  I know he'll have fun though, and from what I could tell he did!  However, I was busy chasing around a 2-year old who just wanted to play ball with the big kids.  (In fact, I got my first, "Go bye-by momma" from Drew, complete with a hand push-off.  Poor kid, he just wanted to play ball and be a boy with the rest of them.)

This isn't the best picture, but it's all I could get in, between running around and chasing Drewbie.  I'll be getting plenty more of Emma running the bases and of Andy coaching.



Fun With A Dog Door

Isn't it funny, the things that kids find to amuse themselves with? We spends thousands and thousands of dollars on all these toys, and what do they gravitate towards? A cardboard box. Or the broom. Or the pots and pans. Or a dog door. As seen below.

Spring Break 2011

Andy's incredibly lucky to be able to spend his breaks with the kids. And I know he loves his time with Emma and Drew! He always has something planned for them, whether that's trips to the Children's Museum, or visits to the Indianapolis Zoo, or just a romp at a park. This year, I took Thursday and Friday off to make it a long 4-day weekend. I love spending time all together! We took a trip to the zoo, visited with some friends, went to a movie, and took some fun family walks and bike rides.

Riding the train at the Zoo.  As per usual, Emma's a ham.

Drew loved the drawbridge at the Zoo. Crazy, isn't it? We have all these amazing animals to look at and what do they find fascinating? The bridge.

Saturday evening stroll in Broad Ripple. The kids were fascinated by all the ducks and geese (or geeks, as Drew calls them).

Manager's Meeting

I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I really do love my job. I get to work with people I like, I get to see what some of the top brands in the world are doing, and occasionally I get to see some celebs along the way.

Last weekend, we had our National Manager's Meeting, where all our store managers, district managers, and regional managers fly into Indianapolis for one gigantic meeting. Most of our top brands sponsor the meals, by making an event out of it. Nike always kicks our meeting off with entertainment...and usually they bring a surprise "guest" out to help celebrate. This year they brought Lance Armstrong to talk about his foundation, as we're one of the largest supporters of their Livestrong bands. (I think we donated like $5 million to his foundation over the years, but don't quote me on that.) Then the following night, Reebok brought Erin Andrews and Reggie Wayne in. Erin Andrews did a great job of getting the crowd involved and excited...and of course all Reggie Wayne had to do was just stand there and look good. The kid's not to hard on the eyes!

So just an example what I get to experience at my job. I'm a pretty lucky lady.

Ok, so this is a horrible picture.  Lance is on the far right side.  He was a pretty good speaker.  Definitely got me motivated to do some races this summer!