Missy Moo & Cade-O Too!: July 2009

Muffin Tin Picnic

Today was our first muffin tin lunch. What is a muffin tin lunch you ask? Well, it is one of the best things that will ever happen to you and your kids at lunch time. All you have to do is grab anything in your pantry or fridge that is fast and easy, and then just place it in a muffin tin and call it lunch.

I got this idea from my friend AJ who is an amazing mom! I have always wanted to try the muffin tin lunch, but couldn’t yet because Eden wasn’t quiet old enough.

Well, today was the perfect day for our first muffin tin lunch. It was a nice sunny day and fairly cool. So, after Eden’s nap we got our muffin tin full of goodies and headed to the backyard for a little picnic.

Eden loved this idea. She had free rain of anything in the muffin tin. Her first choice was the bananas, then the cheese, a bite of pickle, the dried fruit, a few crackers, a nibble of the turkey, and of course the chocolate chip cookies.

I of course helped her because it was my lunch too.

I must say our muffin tin lunch picnic was a success. I must also say it was a great time for Eden and I to share some laughs.

I can’t wait till our next muffin tin picnic.

I’ll leave you with a cute picture of Eden playing in her element.

15 month vaccinations

Today was the dreaded 15 month check-up.

Now I say dreaded, not because of the MMR shot they get at this age, you know, the one everyone has been hyping about, but rather just her getting shots in general. Just the thought of my sweet little baby girl getting stabbed multiple times by needles makes me want to cry. But, I know she needs them.

Well, Eden is at the age where she has the doctor’s office figured out. We walked into the office, and she saw all these fun toys. I cringed as I allowed her to play with the toys (you know, the ones with all the germs) knowing that in just a few minutes her face wouldn’t be as happy as it was at that moment. After a few minutes, the nurse called our name and we marched back into the examination room. Eden was content to play and push her stroller in the small room.

She even picked out her own snack. We had decided to forego lunch due to a late nap, and early doctor appointment, but I had packed Eden a yogurt snack. Since Eden is a big girl, she has started wanting to feed herself. So to keep her temper at bay, I held the yogurt while Eden used her spoon to ineffectively feed herself. Andrew took pictures of her trying in vain to put some of the yogurt in her mouth.

Soon after the yogurt was gone, Eden’s temper flared up once again, just in time for Dr. Wright to walk in…perfect. Go ahead and nominate us for Parents of the Year 2009.

Anyways, Dr. Wright handled the situation like he had been doing his job for years. Eden finally calmed down and the examination began only after I pried her off daddy’s chest.
The outcome of her exam was great. She is a happy healthy girl who is growing like a weed.
She is in the 50th percentile for her weight, 90th percentile for her length, and 75th percentile for her head.

Set those percentages to side and lets move on to the part that broke my heart…the shots.

Eden got three shots today Hib, MMR, & PCV. I’m just going to say that I’m so glad they are over with. The look on her face when she was pricked three times almost brought tears to my face. The screaming and crying lasted only a little bit, but it just breaks my heart every time. We told her as we were walking out the door, that mommy and daddy know that those shots hurt, but you need them so you won’t get really sick. I know she understands. It’s just hard to see your child go through pain, even if the pain only lasts just a little bit.

Now, we are back home. Eden is taking a nice nap that has lasted a good hour so far. It’s a beautiful day today. I think when she wakes up we might just have to run through some sprinklers before dinner time.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

All vacations must come to an end

Our vacation has ended. I never look forward to the end. As we were pulling out of Destin, I looked jealously at the cars just arriving, ready to start their vacation.
Like the old saying says, “All good things must come to an end,” so I will just have to look forward to the next time my toes meet the sand.

I will say that good times were had though. Memories were made and pictures were taken.

It was so wonderful to be with family. Family is one of God’s greatest gifts. I cherish every moment I get to share with my amazing family.

Here are some of my most favorite moments.

Eden loved the pool and her new swimming vest.

Aunt nut-meg and Eden enjoying the alligators at Fudpuckers.

A great place to eat by the way.

Thanks nut-meg for treating us all to a filling lunch.

The alligators just bathing in the hot sun.

I even got one to smile at the camera

Amanda attempting to feed the lazy gators.

Having way to much fun posing with the gator.

Eden found the playground equipment at Fudpuckers and went to town...

climbing

and convincing me she should stay and play.

Later on we took some great family photos

We spent more time at the beach

playing in the sand (kind of)

Watching pap pap slowly get in the cold water.

Eden enjoying a few waves with due-dah

Later on in the week we ate at another good restaurant

The Crab Trap.

Eden didn't mind helping herself to the crab dip we ordered.

I didn't get a really good picture of the dress Eden has on, but Nana Niece made one for her and veve. They looked so cute in their matching dresses.

Thursday night Andrew, Eden, Mark, Renee, and I ate at Elmo's Grill.

Highly recommended.

The food is great and the atmosphere is so fun.

We enjoyed listening to music and we definitely enjoyed eating till our tummies were content

This was our last night before we had to leave.

The whole family went for a walk on the beach and a quick toe dip in the ocean.

So long beach...

We'll truly miss you.

Our Florida Trip Begins

Our trip began Sunday afternoon around 5:00. We left Texarkana and headed toward our favorite vacation spot, Destin, Florida.

Our trip was cut up between two days. We ended up spending the night in Baton rouge, Louisiana hoping to get some extra sleep.
Well, extra sleep was just in our dreams. Eden ended up sleeping in our King size bed with us, which means she tossed and turned all night.

So with our lack of sleep, we got up and headed toward Florida eager to get there.

What seemed like forever later we had made it to Florida, a place I had been longing for since I found out we were going.

Let me share with you our first two days.

Eden went stright to do-dah when we arrived