Cinderella, Taekwondo, and Crawling, oh my!

Here’s a little montage of the happenings since Taylor’s birthday (June 1st), plus some pictures!

My Montage 8/16/09

Look out!

This post is dedicated to my sister, Trish and  my brother, Sean.

Many of you know I’m an arachnophobe.  Its not a mystery why I have this fear.  The story has been told around the dinner table for years of how the siblings tortured me by yelling “Spider! Lauriann, look out!”  And as my 4…5…6 year old little body jumped and screamed and begged for them to pick me up, they laughed and left me helpless.  Of course, there never really was a spider, but the fear was still deeply entrenched.  And after all these years I don’t think I’ve properly thanked them….

But I digress.   

Last night Craig came in the house and said, “come here, I think you’ll want to see this”.  Always the tight-lipped mystery man, I’ve gotten used to not asking questions, and dutifully followed him outside.  It was dark and I asked him if I needed shoes, and he said, “ no, it shouldn’t be a problem”.

Shouldn’t be a problem. Hmmm.

As we rounded the corner of our house and crossed the driveway, I caught sight of it as Craig flashed his headlamp on our garage door.  A huge, giant, creeping, very ALIVE…

 

 

 

 

TARANTULA.  Trying to get into our GARAGE.  Let me repeat that.  A tarantula trying to get into an arachnophobe’s garage.  Terrifying.

But even in my paralyzing fear, I thought quickly.

We caught that Tarantula. And I’m keeping him.  And one day, I’m gonna have my payback when my siblings are least expecting it. You better watch your back, sister.  You better check your sheets, brother.  Cause someday soon, this guys is gonna be waiting for you!       

Mooooaaaahhhahhaaaahhhhaaa!  (Exit with evil laugh!)  

(Someday when I’m not trying to be intimidating, I’ll post the shaking, jumpy video I took of this impossibly gargantuan creature!)

Summer Rainbows

I love the monsoon season.  I’ve written about this before, but there’s always something new and facscinating when watching these storms roll in.  This year has brought the best rainbows I’ve ever seen.  Often the sky is filled with multiple rainbows, showcasing themselves against the grey sky.  And when you locate 1 or 4 and point them out to your kids, you’re hard pressed to find a stranger who doesn’t stop and look to appreciate the sight as well.  Rainbows are such an undeniable metaphor for life (as most things in nature are). 

Of course, the storms also allow for slowing down and t.v. days.  Sometimes when you live in a place where the weather is nice all the time, its great to have an excuse NOT to go outside.  So, in July, as the monsoon rolls in, we have a few fun days.  Pitch an indoor tent, make some popcorn and have a movie marathon!  The break is much needed.  The beginning of July was very busy with much celebration. As usual we went to visit Nana and Pops in Georgia for the 4th of July family reunion.  This year was a little different as we had a lot of special occasions to celerbrate. 

First and foremost, we had a fabulous ceremony to celebrate mom and dad’s 40th wedding anniversary.  Those 40 years will be official in December, but while we were all together we decided to commemorate the feat!  As most of you know, mom and dad did not have the wedding of their dreams the first time around.  So 40 years later they rectified that by renewing their vows at a meaningful ceremony with family and friends, complete with two baptisms welcoming Quin and Reagan into the family.  It was a wonderful way to highlight how the communion of two people can transform many lives, and their legacy lives on through their grandchildren.  We were so fortunate to have Jane and Mike present as well as all the Baratians–my mom’s sister’s family and all their kids.  It made for a great time catching up, reliving memories and celebrating how two people can bring together so many people. 

As mentioned above, we also celebrated Quin and Reagan’s baptisms, which were perfectly injected into the vow renewal ceremony.  Its amazing how at just 7 months old, Quin and Reagan can have such different personalities–both of which were on full display in the pictures.  Quin, the laid back, happy little baby with the huge smile on his face.  Reagan, the pensive, reserved little baby with the pissed-off look on her face.  In the pictures they were side by side, one with a giant grin, the other with a furrowed brow.  My dad would say the furrowed brow is definitely from me, but at this point, I think she’s totally Craig’s baby! 

Both girls are doing fabulously well.  I can’t believe Reagan is 7 months old.  She’s scooting around on her bottom, rolling across the living room and getting her second tooth.  Yesterday Craig told me she said, “Hey, dad”.   Seriously, though, I swear she says all done.  I mean, how else would you interpret “ahhh dahhh” after she finishes a bottle?  Granted, its like 30 minutes after she finishes the bottle, but, I mean, she’s a baby, you have to allow for the slow processing! 

Oh man what parenting brings out in you….

I am so proud of Taylor.  She is really growing into an amazing little girl.  This summer she’s been focusing on learning how to swim as well as taking Karate classes.  She has done well with both.  We got ourselves a ghetto pool for the backyard as it offered more convenience than swim lessons for about the same cost.  In just three short weeks she was swimming across the pool with her head under water.  And she did a lot of it on her own.  She’s extremely independent AND stubborn, but when she puts her mind to something she works hard to accomplish it.  I wasn’t allowed to help much, but it turns out she didn’t really need me after all. 

She’s also made leaps and bounds in Karate.  She LOVES her classes, which she attends 3 times a week, and we love how they’ve brought more focus, manners, and awareness into her life.  It has been a great investment for us and we hope she continues to enjoy it as much as she does now. 

Happy belated Birthday to Jane!  Her birthday was the 17th and fortunately we’ll be able to see her this week when they trek down to Arizona.  I’ll be getting a highly anticipated break from the girls as Grandmama and Papa venture into the world of caring for two…on their own!  I know Taylor and Reagan will have a great time!  And I plan to clean my house from top to bottom (and quite honestly, I can hardly wait!)

I’ll post more pictures as soon as I can figure out this new Picasa program.  Shouldn’t take long…

Here’s to less time inbetween posts–and health and happiness to you out there!

Hello, again….

Need I say more?  Things have been great here!  We are thoroughly enjoying life.  Here’s a rundown of happenings:

Went to GA, girls saw real, make-a-snowman, snow for the first time!

Met new nephew Quinn—he’s a buff and handsome guy.

Mom and dad will be celebrating 40 years together in July and we’re having big party that I can hardly wait for!

Craig built his fabulous garden that is beginning to produce a plethora of yummies! We are enjoying picking and immediately eating!!  Way to go, Daddy!

Sold the car, got a van—mom for real now.

Live in a world of princesses, where I’m having to choose what Princess I’ll be for the day.  I thought I was clever choosing Cinderella, as I often had to excuse myself to do my “chores”, but then the “other” princess “ruined my evil stepmother and stepsisters” so I would be free to play instead of work.

Taylor will be 4 in two weeks and I should enjoy this princess world right now.  My little girl is growing up and it is bittersweet.

Fielding difficult questions daily, like: “how do they make fabric for clothes?” ,”how are shoes made?”, “why do some people say mean things?” ,”why do we have to pay for stuff?”, “how do they make Maleficent come to life in Sleeping Beauty?” ,”why are dinosaurs big?”, “why would Spencer call me a stupid girl, he loves me?”etc. etc…(these are all questions from today)

Doing the Dave Ramsey  way of life, and the simple life feels good. 

Business is picking up and we’re hoping its not a fluke. Craig is working like a madman, and I think its paying off–prayers accepted.

I’ve had a fabulous winter with Jane and Mike just a short drive away and they have been an awesome help with Taylor and I’m dreading their move back to CO for the summer…boohoo for me!

Reagan is eating solid foods–hates pears, loves sweet potatoes.  Sits on her own, only really giggles when Taylor is around, and HATES rolling over.

Still working on getting back to pre-baby weight.  Again, prayers accepted. 

Nikki took great pictures of the girls for me again, so now I’ll end my update and leave you with a montage of pictures from the past few months (I had so many it took too long to upload to the blog…)

Cheers! Thanks for keeping the faith and continuing to check the site for updates!

Three months’ time in 2009

The Javelinas’ Return

 

Hi guys! Its been a while since my last post.  You thought I was bad about posting BEFORE two kids, you didn’t even know the half of it!  HA!  We’ve been doing quite well, though.  The economy has hit the business pretty hard, but we are getting through it the best we can.  Whatever happens, I know we will be O.K.  Sometimes it takes times like these to help us remember what makes us truly happy.  And our two little girls make us VERY happy. 

Craig has been busy in the backyard this spring getting ready for the growing season.  He built a great little garden inside a screened in shed that I”m sure will get even bigger next year.  We’re looking forward to lots of tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant, onions, and hopefully even some strawberries.  I LOVE that Craig has a green thumb, there is nothing like fresh stuff from the garden.  Plus, he and Taylor enjoy it so much. Its a great outlet for both of them.

 

As the title tells, we had another visit from the Javelinas.  This time they sniffed out Craig’s old tomato plants that he threw over our fence.  And it wasn’t just two of them, they brought the whole gang.  They truly are gross, but it was kinda interesting to have nothing but a wrought iron fence between us and 10 or 11 large rodents.  I’ve included pictures for those who still have no idea what a Javelina is. 

 

Reagan has been growing like a weed.  3 months has flown by, and I had forgotten how quickly they change in this first year.  She’s a chatty Cathy with a penchant for attention (sound familiar?).  She likes to be where the action is and is happiest when “standing”.  Her new favorite trick is blowing raspberries.  I can already see her stubborn streak, as she refuses to lift her head when I put her down for tummy time.  I know she’s strong enough as she’ll sit and stand for 45 minutes at a time…she’s got her preferences already. 

 

Taylor is a princess.  Literally.  From the moment she wakes up, she’s in a dress.  When she doesn’t want to do something she says, “Princesses don’t…(fill in the blank)”.  She’s been pampered with regular visits to Grandmama and Papa’s house since they’ve been down here for the season.  She always has a blast with them and I love that they are able to be close and shower the girls with extra attention!  Yesterday we took Taylor to the Gap as they were putting on a ”live manequin” show, where they had little kids dress up in their clothes and stand in the window.  Taylor enjoyed it immensley.  A little too much, if you ask me.  She didn’t skip a beat as she twirled and waved and curtsied to all the passers-by.  When her 15 minutes were up, she asked if she could stay a little bit longer. Oh, man.  She is also a great big sister.  I’m very proud of her thoughtful ways and caring spirit. 

 

That’s all the news with us.  I’m am doing great.  Dad came to visit at the beginning of March, and of course, I didn’t get a single picture.  We will be headed back to GA at the end of the month, so hopefully we’ll catch up on the pictures, then.  The girls had a great time with Pops, as usual and are looking forward to seeing Nana, and new cousin Quinn soon (and, of course, all the rest of the family as well).  I’m still thoroughly enjoying staying home with the girls and watching them grow.  We hope everyone else is enjoying life and the ones you love!

Coming up for Air

Well, we’ve finally gotten the hang of this baby thing. Reagan is getting used to this world and we are getting better at understanding her.  Taylor is doing great as a big sister, if not a little TOO affectionate.  Since most of the past six weeks was spent hibernating at home, there’s not much to report.  Those of you with children know what my days (and nights) have been like.  So instead of boring you with the eat, play, sleep cycle, I’ll just post some pictures for now. 

In my opinion, newborns are not too photogenic, BUT, I still think she’s cute.  These first pictures were taken right before Christmas:

 

 

 

 

Here are some pictures taken about a week ago.  I call it Taylor’s photoshoot with Reagan cameos:

 

 

 

 

And here is Reagan today:

 

 

 

 

A special thank you to all of you who have sent gifts and special sentiments.  Please forgive me for not getting out my thank you notes yet, but expect them soon!

Taylor and Reagan get to know each other…

Taylor and Reagan meet

Here’s a video montage of the first few meetings between Taylor and Reagan.  As you can see, while the first meeting was a little overwhelming, Taylor definitely warmed up once we were home.  Big sister and little sister are doing great!

We also want to announce Taylor and Reagan’s new cousin, Quinn!  He arrived in the world on December 3rd, so today marks his 2 week birthday.  If I was a better, less self-involved aunt, I would have officially welcomed him much sooner.  It was actually pretty cool because even though we were across the country when Quinn was born, we were able to check in on Trish throughout the day via Skype.  Then, we were able to see him just minutes after he was born–it felt like we were a part of the action.  The beauty of technology.  Check out www.hoffshouse.com for Quinn’s pictures and to see how big sister Lyric is handling the addition.  They all are doing wonderfully well and we all feel so blessed this Christmas.

Welcome Reagan Lee Jones

Born Monday, December 8th 2008 at 5:10 p.m.

7lbs. 1oz , 19 3/4 inches

We are so happy to welcome Reagan into our family and feel so blessed that mom and baby are doing great.  She made a bit of a dramatic entrance and was delivered via emergency c-section due to a prolapsed umbilical cord.  While being a about a pound smaller than Taylor, she is identical to her big sister.  Taylor is IN LOVE and so involved in taking care of her.  When I have more time, I’ll post the video of their first meeting (Taylor was a bit overwhelmed, but has definitely warmed up since then!)  Here are some pictures:

Alright, Already!

I know, I know.  I should change our blog title from “keeping up with the Joneses” to something like “30 second snipits covering 3 months of life”….I’ve been horrible about blogging.   I just find so many other interesting things to do with my time and its not fair to you, so I apologize.  I’m not gonna promise that I’ll do better, but I will continue to be guilt ridden and stressed when I don’t post for a while.

So…we’re just a few weeks away from our new arrival, and I’m getting antsy.  As Tom Petty says, the waiting is the hardest part.  If only that were really true when it came to having kids…especially newborns.  I should be reveling in the ease of caring for one, measely 3 1/2 yr. old and shut my mouth! 

My days of just Taylor and I (and Craig, too–but you know what I mean) are coming to an end and I think we’ve enjoyed the ride.  We spent a great week in Colorado visiting Grandmama and Papa, then we spent 2 weeks in GA in October.  The fall leaves were unbelievable and Taylor had such a blast with her cousin Lyric.  We went to the GA Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo,  picking Pumpkins, and to the famous Apple Festival in the North GA mountains. It was a great time.  It was also great visiting with my college girls even if the weekend was brief.  Below are some pictures Nikki took.  She is amazing and I absolutely take advantage of her photography skills when she’s around.  She was gracious enough to take some updated photos of Taylor and of the cousins which are priceless to me.  If anyone in Georgia is interested in utilizing Nikki’s skills as a photographer for weddings, family portraits, etc., feel free to check out her website at nicolepuckettphotography.com

Finally, Halloween was a great time this year.  Taylor was very excited about dressing up and going trick or Halloween-ing, as she called it.  We went door to door and she did great until Batman answered at one of the houses.  She tried to hide her fright at first and waved at him vigorously while standing otherwise motionless.  But when one of the moms suggested a picture she bolted and the rest of the night was over.  She got plenty of goodies though, and everyone loved her Snow White attire. 

The next post will probably be baby Reagan’s announcement, so stay tuned.  Also don’t forget to check out Trish’s website for the arrival of baby Quinn, Taylor and Reagan’s new cousin!

The official end of summer

Well, here we are at summer’s official end and while we still have another month of hot weather ahead of us, our activities will be picking up.  Its been pretty slow for us here at the Jones house.  We’ve been taking advantage of the joys of “just the 3 of us” this summer and have spent many lazy days at home just being together.  We are super excited to welcome our 4th, though, and Taylor has been a great help in that arena.  She’s been very generous in sharing her books, toys, and even her time to get ready for baby. 

Like I said, things will be picking up soon…we are headed to Colorado at the end of the week to visit Grandmama and Papa.  It’ll be great to get out of the heat and feel the brisk Colorado air.  Jane and Mike are always so generous about flying us to the mountains at least once a year to visit, and I always look forward to the trip.  Then in October we’ll head back to GA for a long visit.  We thought we were going to have to postpone our trip this year with the economy as it is, but it turns out we got the best deal we’ve EVER gotten on flights and Taylor and I were able to get to Atlanta for the price that we usually pay for just one ticket! Even still, we couldn’t have done it without Nana and Pops as our sponsors–I feel so lucky to have two great sets of parents that make it possible for us to travel as much as we do!  Its really important to me to visit family and it wouldn’t be possible without them!

Once we get back from Atlanta it will be the whirlwind of the Holidays–which starts at Halloween when you have little kids!  So we’ll be running through those last two months before our new little girl arrives.  I will do my best to keep you updated on the happenings, until then, here are a few pics:

Taylor helps paint baby’s room:

Craig and Taylor have been “playing” golf up at the club getting ready for the Itty Bitty Open that’ll take place at the end of September.  I just think its cute that they both have their Golftec hats on:

Taylor LOVES to read and I’m catching her in all sorts of places around the house reading, in her bed, in the closet, in the nude, and in this pic…in her toybox(I previously posted the nude picture cause it was really funny, but after a comment from an unknown person, I felt compelled to delete it):

Happy Labor Day!