making lemonade this weekend

We have been anxiously awaiting our trip to Watercolor this weekend in order to spend some fun quality time with all of the Kelly crew. We had the perfect trip planned where everyone's needs would be met...beach and pool for the kids, a nice comfy couch for April to rest on, cars stocked with fun things for the kids, and two plane tickets for my Dad and April to fly, since she can't sit for any extended periods of time. Well, after spending a while glued to the Weather Channel, we made the disappointing decision to not drive right into the bad weather in the gulf.

We were the most upset because Madilyn and Ainsley recently had their Disney trip cancelled due to April not being physically up to the trip, so we were sad for them to be disappointed again. But, we know that God's plans are perfect, and that He has a better plan for us in Memphis this weekend. So, what are we gonna do? Have a whole lot of fun right here at home!

We got up this morning and headed to the zoo!

I sure love these kiddos!

I'm gonna say it again, this is the most laid back baby ever born. Even in the super hot temps, this little guy never fussed.

Playing in the fountains was probably their favorite part. Who needs the ocean?

I love this picture of Madilyn.

Honey and Molly

Cheese!

Yep, I could eat him up.

My favorite picture from the day. I am blessed to have such a great brother, and the sweetest little nephew around!

April and the girls checking out the leapords.

Precious!

Down to 1

Well, as of tonight, we are down to just one baby bed in the Pearson house!

Happy 1/2 Birthday

It is hard to believe we are halfway to Graham's first birthday. Time sure flies by quicker with the second child.

We visited Dr. Fesmire today at Peds East, and Graham was a trooper. He cried all of 2 seconds, and wasn't fussy during the day until right before bedtime. Oh, a drama-free boy is such a nice addition to the Pearson family!

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT

19 pounds, 27 inches long. He is surprisingly only in the 75% for height and weight.

SLEEPING

Nights- he is amazing. He goes down between 6:30 and 7:00 and sleeps 12 hours consistently. We haven't heard a peep during the night in about 2 months.

However, he is a terrible napper. I'm lucky to get 2 45 minute naps in his bed, and a little catnap or 2 in his swing during the day. And, all daytime naps are preceded by some serious fussing! Oh well, as long as I get my sleep during the night, I'm fine. Plus, the little guy is so content to swing in his swing and watch his Praise Baby DVD in order to let me get things done when Molly sleeps.

EATING

Still taking formula every 3-4 hours during the day. He is only eating baby food in the evenings, and he hates cereal. I have been hesitant to introduce many new foods due to all of the allergies we dealt with during Molly's first 2 years. Graham has already had his first fairly significant break-out when we gave him cereal with mixed fruits. Oh well, food allergies are to be expected with our kids. We'll just have to figure him out over the next year or so.

PLAYING

Graham's favorite thing is for Molly to talk to him or play patty-cake with him. She simply has to walk near him and he lights up. He loves his brown monkey lovie, and likes his new Johnny jump-up. He enjoys his exersaucer for a little while each day, but still enjoys his swing and a Praise Baby DVD the best. He's not going to be an early mover. He rolls, but that is about it.

He is most definitely my little doll baby!

August Meal Making Party

I would imagine that anyone who follows my blog knows about my monthly meal parties I host each month. August has snuck up on me, but I wanted to post the information here in case anyone who is not on my email list would like some information. Please note we are only having one party this month, so we expect it to fill up quickly.

August Meal Making Party

Are you sick of eating out or tired of not having dinner ready for your family? If so, this party is for you!

p quickly.

Join us on Tuesday, August 23rd** @ 6:30

and you will leave with 8 meals to feed a family of 4. (But if it's just you and one other, simply divide many of the meals before you freeze them, or have plenty of leftovers for the next day).

**please note that we only have one party this month, so we expect it to fill up quickly. Please don't hesitate to RSVP.

Chicken Pot Pie

Beef Stroganoff

Garlic Garlic Breaded Chicken

Garlic Lemon Tilapia

Marinated Flank Steak

Sweet Southern Shredded Chicken

Chicken Enchilada Soft Tacos

Bacon Bacon Cheeseburgers

Where? Anna's House

I am leaving my address and number off due to the fact that my blog is not set to private.

How Much? $125- cash or check payable to ...

-want the meals, but can't attend? For $150 we will do the work, and you can pick up your meals the next day.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, August 10th to

comecookwithus@gmail.com

What to bring?

a cooler and $125

Build-A- Pink-Bear

Well, our little Molly Clare had her first trip to Build-A-Bear this weekend. Her Aunt Amy, Uncle Austin, and cousin Tyler gave her a gift card for her second birthday- and what a great gift it was!

The experience there was a tad overwhelming for Molly, with all the choices and all. Plus, I think the unstuffed bears and animals was a bit concerning for her. She liked the displays, but the "empty ones" were a bit weird. However, she settled on the most obnoxiously pink bear, and was ready to put a little love in her.

She wasn't too sure about the machine to fill her up, but with a little coercion, she pushed the peddle, kissed a heart, and watched her bear plump up.

Her favorite part was giving her bear a bath and brushing his hair. While the trip to Build-A-Bear was enjoyable, the best part is the love she has already developed for that bear. She actually surprised me yesterday and opted to take Pink Bear to school for nap time instead of her faithful green monkey. Oh, poor little monkey! You may have officially been replaced.

Decisions, Decisions....

Kissing that little heart...

She definitely made the right choice!

Bathtime!

This was by far her favorite part.

One more minute under the dryers.

Sweet Treats

This last month has been a busy one in the kitchen. Over the past year, I have developed a love for cookie decorating. It started out as just a fun treat for our family, but over the last month, I have started baking a bit for others. Here are a few of the cookies I have made this month.

Some friends of ours are moving to Costa Rica to begin an exciting new ministry of training pastors in Latin America. They leave today to embark on this amazing journey, beginning with a year in language school. Elaine's mom threw a going-away party for them last night. The cookies added a little Costa Rican touch.

You can follow them at...

http://storyofthesavells.blogspot.com/

These Alabama cookies were made for a shower my mom was helping throw for some long-time family friends. The couple are huge Alabama fans, so I made these to help them celebrate. I see more football cookies in my future this fall!

Molly loves anything relating to princesses. It has really amazed me because I never encouraged this obsession. Not that I mind it, but she is definitely 100% girly girl when it comes to her love of pretty things. So, i thought it was appropriate to make her some princess crown cookies for her special day!

Theses were Graham's cookies for his baby dedication luncheon after church. These are probably my favorite ones.

We will see if August brings as much Baking as July!

Happy Jumping

I have no idea why we didn't get one of these Jump-up toys when Molly was a baby. I picked it up yesterday at a consignment sale, and to say Graham loves it is a huge understatement. You can hear squealing on the other side of the house. The only bad thing is that with this new form of exercise, we may loose a few of those adorable baby rolls.

Happy Jumping, little Graham-Bone!