In the Genes?

I know everyone thinks their child is smart. That is what makes all of us such proud parents. BUT...there is none like Lilley "ever in the world." Below is a picture she drew today of a cat. She is always pretending to be a cat. So much so, that Tripp's first word is going to be meow. I was never a child development student, but I was impressed that she drew 2 eyes, 2 ears, and whiskers. Of course, I may be stretching it to see a cat (more like a frog) but Mama Bear couldn't help but post.

Additionally, we have a bit of a tattletale on our hands. Today, L & T returned from a 6 day trip to McClees Camp. Before Mamaw had made it to the beltline, Lilley had reported that, although the rule is 1 Mickey per day, she saw "lots of Mickey" AND "lots of Barney!" "I like Baby Bop; she is so cute!" My child has seen exactly what I vowed never to allow....the big purple dinosaur!!!! And then..."Mom, I can take 1 pacifier downstairs? Cause Mamaw lets me take one." We had an early lesson on the different rules at different places in our lives...and lets be honest, if that is the worst that happens when loving grandparents take my children (plural) for 6 days, then we are doing pretty well! Oh, I almost forgot.... "Lilley, what was your favorite thing about Richmond?" "Hmmm....ME!"

Where Children Sleep

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/04/where-children-sleep/

Happy 7th Anniversary!

If I am going to have a blog and it be more than a photo book, I must follow up about the information I share (I really thought my parents were the only ones that check the blog for updates). So...thanks for asking about Winnie the Pooh and Lilley's defiance. She stayed in her bed that evening, and every night since!!!! She decided she did, in fact, want to go to the movies. We ran into Pooh and Eeyore enjoying Chick-fil-A. This was her 2nd time ever having popcorn, which she now refers to as "incredible popcorn."


Out on the town! Does everyone in North Raleigh have a Volvo, 2 kids, and shop at Costco on Friday mornings in order to save on diapers?

Lunch with the Girls

First Kanki experience with GH & Kelly

Is that my husband or son? I can't tell...

4th of July







This weekend, Michael and I will be married 7 years. Wow! Law School, Birmingham, Grad School, Lilley, Tripp, Raleigh...the best years! Not to get too sentimental (I am a cynic and roll my eyes when info is shared unnecessarily), but I am so thankful for my loving family that adores my kids and watches them while I work, and my husband who works hard and learned how to balance life with 2 kids and billable hours (time at home is recognized in 6 minute increments). I am so thankful for Lilley's strong spirit and Tripp's grins. There is nothing else I would rather be than daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend.

July

I try to practice at home what I preach in parenting sessions every day. However, it is sooo much easier to parent your children than my own! Lilley has been getting out of her big girl bed for a few months. At first, we said she couldn't watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse the following day...still got out of bed. Then, we made her give up a pacifier each time she got out of bed and she had to put it in the trashcan...still got out of bed AND began rummaging through the trash cans. She now has 0 pacifiers and no longer sleeps with one (a pleasing and unexpected result). Now, she has begun getting up in the middle of the night and wanting to sleep in our bed (thanks to Camp McClees in Richmond last week). So, tonight, after I ruled out all the feelings associated with waking up and wandering to my room (fear, worry, anxiety, etc.) and realized it was control and power struggle (shocker), I upped the ante and told her if she chose to get out of bed in the middle of the night tonight, then tomorrow she could not have her girls' date to see Winnie the Pooh with Mom and Aunt LaLa. Michael was silently pleading with me to cut her some slack. She said she understood, and we told her goodnight. I returned a few hours later to check on her. She was asleep, but rolled over and said, "Hey Mom, you came to check on me? Well, I decide I not want to go tomorrow to see Winnie the Pooh. I will go to your bed now." And we are back to the drawing board!

I have added pictures and videos from the past month to http://jenniferbirch.shutterfly.com

It's Been Awhile...

Chillin' in the crib


Marbles with Finley

Summer Camp with GHPS

Father's Day





Ballet Class with Grace


Trip to Zoo



Visit from Aunt JoEllen

Play date with Hudson


Cousins

Cafe Carolina Cupcakes... "I so excited!"

Happy 4th of July!


"I...WANT...MY...MOMMY!"

Laura's 27th Birthday

Visit with Day after Knee Replacement

Hope you are well! We are enjoying a summer of family, friends, and the pool!

Sleeping

Until last night, we had not gotten much sleep. Tripp has been waking up every 2-3 hours since birth. At 7 months, we were ready for that to end! Last night was our first time letting him cry it out at bedtime and it was torture. It worked! He only woke up ONCE the entire night. I actually got 6 straight hours of sleep which hasnt happened since...well...I was out of the country! Thank you Tripp!

This Week

Tonight: "Lilley, Let's check on Yo Yo when we get home."
"Okay Mom, that's cool."
seriously????? My 2 year old says "that's cool"


Lilley (top) and Tripp (bottom

Lilley's Last Day of School Party


Playdate with Maggie

Artsplosure


Michael's 30th Birthday






Birch Men