Baggett Bunch

Oklahoma Traditions

2012-01-21T08:26:00.009-06:00

Getting Ready for the Holidays

2012-01-21T08:14:00.005-06:00

Loving our cozy jammies. Or as we call them around here "jams". Especially since most of them have monkeys!
The kids were very interested in all the Christmas decorations and helping put them out.
And getting out the nativity scene which had "two!" sheep... And arranging it just right.
Meghan's ornament.. one of many.

All Meghan's new princess ornaments from Disney world wanted to be together on the same branch. Some ornament reorganization was required with these wonderful helpers, but we tired to let them do what they wanted.
Cooper's favorite Christmas decorations by far were the ones in the front yard. Every morning we asked about baby Jesus and every evening we had to make sure he got "blown up" (the blow up Nativity scene). Our neighbors had Santa - Cooper had to wave at him every night and "hug" - arm open and reaching toward the neighbor's house.
Cooper was very concerned about Santa and Jesus once the holidays were over. Two good little helpers with taking down the ornaments and decorations. Very excited about all the decorations in general. Cooper liked to point and count all the Santas. We had decorations on the front door and window that the kids liked to rearrange. Very fun for everyone - and so fun to get it back to normal around here!

A Blossoming Star

2012-01-21T08:04:00.004-06:00

"Red and green are Christmas colors, Christmas colors, Christmas colors,
Red and green are Christmas colors, Pretty Christmas colors" - sung to Mary Had a Little Lamb.
We heard this sung for about a month and to anyone and everyone who would listen. Meghan did have a big performance coming up at school.
What Christmas play would be complete without a bunny to help decorate the Christmas tree with a special star? They practiced at school for at least a month to have the final performance the week before Christmas break.
Nanny and Daddy were in charge of supporting the little one. "My Nanny is here!" was yelled by Meghan when she saw her special visitors. All the little kids were introduced including Cooper 0 which is good since his daddy didn't even see him up there until this. We were worried about some stage fright when performing in front of all the grown ups, but according to Greg, they all did wonderfully.

Giving Thanks

2012-01-21T07:43:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving this year would not involve travel. We decided this needed to be pared down as usually more time is spent in the car than enjoying the holidays. Thanksgiving this year involved a long weekend at Nanny and Pa's house in north Houston. And yes, Houston was not cold.

Only in Houston is it nice enough to play outside and ride scooters with cousins,

And preparation for shopping deals with Pa. The big kids (aka those with children of their own) headed out late Thanksgiving night and came back empty handed - all but Greg who remains for some reason the luckiest person ever to get his new Playstation - remember I said BIG KIDS.
Yes, we did actually eat turkey and all that... but no pictures for some reason. The turkey carver and stuffing maker this year (moi) did do an exceptional job :) ... Definite group effort on everyone's part.
And the children were mostly in charge of eating the chocolate cake.

Daddy and Coop cuddling - lots of football watching...
And learning that Nanny has a new phone obsession!

A little tired from all the ruckus?
And the tradition continues... Only a few weeks until we start the craziness of the rest of the holiday season.

Mas Tricks?

2011-12-27T21:26:00.003-06:00

Halloween was on a Monday this year so we rushed over to our small group house after work with costumes in tow. A rushed supper with rushed dressing... with Cooper wanting to be out of his costume right after putting it on. Note: don't buy costumes that aren't easily worn or you will 1) end up carrying accessories or 2) end up carrying the child.
After the first house where Cooper realized the point of the costume, he was ready for "mas" after each doorbell ringing. After each house, Coop walked down the sidewalk and asked his daddy for "mas" to head to the next house. We moms headed out with the kids while the dads stayed at the house with the little babies and handed out candy. Except for Greg who went along on kid duty - good thing since he carried Cooper quite a bit.
Meghan, the shy child, right, was witnessed several times "Hi, I'm Meghan and this is my brother Cooper" - cute kid. Safe? Possibly not but very outgoing of you. She was "Jinglebell" - afterall, there is a song for jingle bell and not Tinker Bell. Memma sent us a new princess costume just in time for Halloween - which isn't that big a deal when you dress up on a daily basis already.
We ran into other small groups in the neighborhood, lost several children at times, decided we needed glow in the dark identifiers next year, and nominated the men to take the children - although we know that won't work as they would lose kids and not realize they were missing! One house from church had gone all out, left the front door unlocked, and set out quite a spread of different Halloween treats. We should have stayed there all night - at least there wouldn't have been the mosquito problem!
Cooper still walks up and pets his dinosaur costume - but we haven't put it on again yet. Big enough for dress up fun later on though.
Sadly, minimal candy was consumed in this process. Mean Mommy took it away and hid it in the closet!

Last Swim of the Season

2011-10-30T10:25:00.003-05:00

Our last time swimming at Nanny and Pa's house was over Coop's birthday weekend in September. Cooper mastered counting down which sounded more like "un un un!" when he would launch himself into the pool, jumping in regardless of someone there to catch or not. A little concerning but he was having lots of fun! And so ready to drink out of anyone and everyone's cup... until pouring water down himself!

Meghan's swimming skills change depending on her mood and current confidence level. Sometime she's more than willing to swim across the pool... sometimes doesn't want to even try.... But more and more comfortable all the time.
especially when her Daddy is around to play!
And then there's Cooper with the "dog" - George in this situation. No fear of the giant dog.
And good for cuddles!

Pumpkin Gathering

2011-10-30T10:04:00.003-05:00

Like last year, we went to the church to get some pumpkins. This time with the wagon for carrying them around... which means Cooper kept piling pumpkin after pumpkin in the wagon. Eventually we got the situation under control and each kid got to pick out a small pumpkin and a large family pumpkin.

Meghan had also gotten to go on her first school field trip the day before to a different pumpkin patch and pick out her own pumpkin... the bumpiest wartiest one I think she could find (just like she did last year).
We had also been talking about pumpkins and where they came from. Started with a conversation about squirrels burying nuts, nuts growing into trees... and Meghan declaring that we need to find a squirrel to bury us a tree. But Meghan also decided that we need to bury the pumpkin so we can get a pumpkin tree. She also has declared we need to make pumpkin pie out of our pumpkins... I'm not sure I'm up for that but maybe we can just cut one open to see what's inside.

Sweet hugs...

Tiny little silly pumpkin Meghan found
Now for the trick or treating!

Surprise!

2011-10-30T09:49:00.002-05:00

... unless you go to church with my parents that is at is seems Pop has a big mouth :)
So this little wiggle worm is officially 11 weeks old at the debut this week. Kicking all over the place! Saw the arms and legs and beating little heart and spine and brain and profile - sucking the hand at one point (at least that's what it looked like).
All good for now! Mom's good just even more tired than usual but trucking on. Good excuse to be a little lazy and stop going to the gym :)

A Girl and Her Daddy

2011-09-07T21:26:00.003-05:00

Two Terrific Years of Coop

2011-09-07T20:33:00.007-05:00

We can't believe two years have passed since you joined our family, little man! You are for the most part the happiest, most easy going little guy. Working on your independence, always ready to entertain yourself, looking for ways to entertain us, and working on getting into trouble.
One of your favorite past-times is definitely eating. And a source of many of your words - unch (lunch), beh-ies (berries and tomatoes), ahge (orange), muk (milk), agua, eese (cheese- shredded and sprinkle parm), oose (juice), mas (more in spanish), oosh (chair). You are a good helper, love to dig in the drawer and get out "poons" (spoons) and place them around the table, always making sure to put one out for Pop at his chair in the corner. Getting over the "ice" obsession. Declaring yourself "done", while standing up prepared to launch, wanting to "ash" (wash) or "baf" (bath) with "oap" (soap).And did we mention your good appetite? Just tonight, you ate red bell pepper and tomatoes, ate some ice berg lettuce the other night... Definitely fluctuate on your preferences from meal to meal. Big into meat and fruit regardless.
Love play time on the ground with tickles, climbing all over everything including us, big on the "ump" - which means carrying around the step stool prepared to launch yourself off... including from the top step even if it means full body flop on the ground. Laughing all the while. But wanting someone to be watching you the whole time - as in, "momma, momma, momma, dadash, dadash, mehmeh, mehmeh..." all day until someone is watching to see what great stunt you are doing. On Saturdays, we tend to hear this all day. Or if one of us is gone, you ask repetitively all day long.
Loving your "ook", especially upstairs with you "mulk" - don't know how that became blanket. You were preferring your's from Great Nanny but lately want your crocheted blanket. Love your "moush" - finding the mouse on every page of Goodnight, Moon; repeating when prompted, helping with the "hush" and "mush"... flipping back and forth the whole time to find mouse again. Also loving The Best Mouse Cookie - more with mouse and "mess" and "bush" (brush) and "uhoh" (for the dropped eggs).
You seem to be topless in many of your pictures. Probably because when eating your little shelf collects food and all the juice from your fruit which ran down your arm. Always willing to go to the "doh" (door) and go "si" (outside), wanting to play "car" or have a "push" or play "ball" or "ri" (ride).
The castle in the backyard. And fighting over random outside toys. Preferring the "bush" (broom) and the footstool over balls at times.
And then there's your sister. Ya'll are so sweet together. She loves you so much and you love her too. Always want to be together or asking where each other is. Love listening to you two laugh and play together.
Want to take out the "tash" (trash) in the morning before getting into the "tuck", declaring yourself "eady?" (ready). The tuck comments started with Pop's truck this last visit. Now everything else is a truck.

I've only now picked up on how your singing and songs have increased. Heard you singing The Wheels on the Bus from the back seat, completely indecipherable but with grunts and definite rhythm. Big on the "shhshshh", and waawaawaa's. Grunting along to twinkle-twinkle, wanting to participate in "ashes".
Nighttime routine includes singing Itsy Bitsy Spider - which you ask for with your hands smooshed together - and then some Twinkle Twinkle (complete with your grunts) and some prayers. You push your little hands together and clap when we're done. Lately wanting to name people we are thankful for. Definitely "Ance" (Lance) our favorite family member - at Nanny and Pa's house you don't want to say goodbye to anyone when prompted except for Lance for whom you run over to his room and want a full open mouth. Everyone loves Lance it seems - all the nieces and nephews anyways.
Looking as sweet as you are in real life. Definitely get fussy when tired or hungry. Not very patient for food at restaurants. Some threatened biting, but you know not to and usually look up for our expressions. Not really getting in trouble at school. Some sitting in the corner. Was given the opportunity to clean up or stand in the corner... I heard you upstairs crying after Daddy left you to find you still standing in the corner by yourself crying. Anything other than "cean up" - singing the song of course - to assert your stubbornness and independence.

You insisted on playing ball holding the base of the bat. Very willing to be helped but stubborn enough to go back to your preferred method when we aren't helping you.
I witnessed your blooming imagination the other night for the first time. Meghan was pretending to pour "magic water" out of the empty broom handle. Watching you go "shhhhh" as you filled Mommy's cup and pretending to take a drink. Did we mention your recent fear of the giant stuffed bear in Meg's room? We heard you screaming upstairs the other day and ran up to find you trapped in Meg's room, hiding in the corner, because the bear was next to the door and you couldn't get out. Now we've progressed to saying "bye be-ah" in the mornings.
Love your animals. For some reason able to say "george" before your own dogs. Now adding with "Mags", tobey is still only "do-gh", new emphasis on the last syllable. Loving that last syllable - as in "tuck" (stuck), "monk" (monkey), fo-g (frog). Love to help us read with making all the animal noises. Latest add on with a very aggressive "ribbit", growing, panting, chest beating. Loving to look at all the animals, including the most recent stray cat (very friendly) across the street who you insist on petting all the time.
Such a good cuddler. And definitely preferring your Momma; need some siblings just so Daddy has a shot at being a favorite. Some short attention span but good for a minute or so.
Big into the swimming. See the sunscreen out and starts patting your arms. Love to jump, including at Nanny's pool. "eady?" means look at me I'm going to jump... which progressed to blindly jumping without our hands to catch - now declaring "uhn" (one) for the countdown to start for jumping.
You are such a beautiful and adorable little boy, Cooper. And such a fun age, never knowing what your next word or action will be. You are loved by so many!

Coop's Bday Party!

2011-09-07T20:08:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday to little sweet little boy... who couldn't care less if it was his birthday.
We went to Nanny and Pa's house to have sports themed cupcakes... fits with the ball obsession.
Very helpful to have a big sister who will help you open your presents, eat some cupcakes, and quickly take all your new toys wanting to play with them. Opened the new glow in the dark soccer ball early so we wouldn't have to fight over the one we have... only to fight over the new one.
Very excited about the new tradition of birthday of hats! When someone took their hat off early, Cooper would look at them and ask about their hat! And Meghan declared she wants her birthday party at Nanny's house so she can wear her hats as well, wanted it kept safe.
Balls for everyone. And a T-Ball set for Cooper - once again, Meg more excited.
Coop took some encouragement to open up his presents.

Birthday hats for everyone!
Finally started blowing out the candle - with Momma's help
Eeese!
Tray tossing it back with some root beer... and a snazzy hat, of course!

The new rocking chair - "ash" - for outside. Something else to fight over. ;)

Abilene Anonymous

2011-09-05T20:25:00.005-05:00

Sometime you just need a girl weekend... a get away for tears, laughs, and old friends... The middle of August brought this...
Not to mention, I had yet to mention the newest little group member - Miss Lylah Grace at six weeks old. And the lovely Miss Audrey...
And Mr. Jack... Not seen Adi... you were there I promise! The one lone man of the weekend.

For the most part a seemingly easy little one... easy with lots of us big girls ready to hold her.

We ate a lot in 36 hours. Kristin and I stayed with Kara and woke up to JoDee, Audrey, and donuts. Then off to lunch with hamburgers from Red Robbin - and endless french fries with dip. Then family style chicken fried, potatoes, green beans, and corn. Then some of these crazies went for yogurt... Note I said "some" :)
And then off to the Rideouts for hanging...
Audrey and baby Lylah made the pictures
And another main reason for the trip with in support for the lovely JoDee and baby Cade...
JoDee's story has become all of our story... and it's a good story. Please keep her in your prayers and may you be inspired (read it)... I know we all have been in our own ways.
Sorry, Jode.. These were all just too good... :)

If it takes a village, you girls are my village... And my family. Love you, girls and will see you next month!

Happy Birthday, Daddy

2011-09-05T08:49:00.003-05:00

Greg's birthday fell on a Sunday, and, we headed to Kemah after church for some Mexican food.
Part of the point of going to Kemah was so the kids would have fun. Coop enjoyed looking at the giant catfish and looking at boats. Meghan declared herself hot and ready to go home... didn't see that one coming.
The amazing birthday supper I had planned ended up taking longer than expected... meaning we could have had the amazing ribs at 11:00... or put them in the fridge and have them the next day. That's what happens when you use full size ribs and not baby back - not accounting for the longer cooking time.
And Meg was very excited to eat the "messy meat" including the opportunity to eat naked (mostly). Minimizing the mess with this.

Coop was big into it. In a corn cob phase too loving attacking them with his signature super-fast biting technique.. smiling afterward for appreciation. And insisting on trying to eat in a vertical fashion at time. Good sized belly to pick up the juices and mess :) . I believe he declared "baf" after this!

Happy birthday, Daddy! You're the best Daddy ever and we love you!

Celebrating the Fourth...

2011-08-30T20:56:00.006-05:00

The Fourth of July warranted a weekend trip to Katy for swimming and homemade ice cream...

You might have notice a trend of the above face... that "heese", same little smile everytime. Did we mention he likes to get every last drop out? Messes are no concern with this little man. And just so you know, I plan on retiring this too small 12 month swim shirt at the end of the season... not a good look chubs :)

Big boys with messes... Coop loves Uncle "Ance". On the next visit, Coop had no desire to say bye to Nanny or Pa but sought out Lance.
Trying on Nate's awesome goggles. Swimming skills getting better. In July, made Nanny nervous when wanting to practice swimming. Last trip in one week ago (while Mommy was gone, of course) took off across the pool without floaties to the encouragement of Pa and Daddy. Uncle Lance watched underwater wearing the above goggles and noted that our little mermaid had her eyes open underwater. Oh, and while we swim, we do have to sing "a-a-ah..." like the Little Mermaid.

Aunt Tracy home from college - yea!
Cuddles with cousins and book time. Notice, Meg with the cell phone :)

Water Works

2011-08-30T20:49:00.003-05:00

Like last year, great plans to enjoy our community pool... at this point, made it one whole time.. But that one time was awesome :) For the whole 1.5 hours it lasted back in July.
Enjoyed the kid pool and soaking. Coop caught right on.
And loved the slightly melted chocolate chip cookies... and the ever present water bottle, of course.

So while Daddy stayed with Coop, Meg and Mommy went to practice swimming. With the arm floaties and then without. Doing better at swimming short distances. Until Mommy moves farther away, and she sputters above the water declaring "I'm ready to go home!". Coming up choking didn't concern the lifeguard though... Wondered how many judged me a bad mother. Meg doesn't seem to doggie paddle. More like go under the surface of the water and dog paddle without breathing. Very brave girl!

A Walk at the Park

2011-08-30T20:31:00.002-05:00

Not far from our house is a nature park. I thought this meant go sit next to the lake and watch the ducks. Seems this means, walk a really far way and look through the duck blind... and then haul your tired children, looking for animals, while carting their lunch down the mile hike... all the while wishing they had on sunscreen.
An outing nevertheless...
And good thing Mommy brought her water bottle
Lunch at the only table on the covered pavilion
Big boy wanted to sit by himself... berries are always a hit with this bunch
Sweaty stinky children... Adventure!

While We Were Gone...

2011-08-28T21:15:00.006-05:00

While we were in Europe, my parents watched the kids for two weeks. While we were gone, Mom and Dad had to say goodbye to the puppy of my childhood, Prissy aka Miss Priss. This picture was taken at Round Top this last spring... We're still in mourning...
They had lots of adventures hiding from the heat in the wading pool, going to the farm, playing with Aunt Bobbie... and eating lots and lots of McDonalds and "Taco Casa" - which Meghan would continue to request at Mexican food restaurants.
Cooper learned how to request ice and walk around melting it all over the floor. Meghan learned to call people "pee pots" - which would just continue at school calling people "peepees" and "poops". Meghan rocked some puzzles with Aunt Bobbie. Meghan would come home and say she wanted to call Harla and Hailey to tell them something on her phone. Went and looked at ducks at the museum - that was when they had water in the pond.
Seems they missed us a little bit - but seems more likely that they entertained and were entertained the whole time. Getting to spend time with people who don't get much time with them otherwise. And most importantly, Mom now realizes why I get so little housework done. Mom and Dad said it might become a yearly tradition.
And in usual tradition, the effort to get a group photo doesn't go well with all involved.
And Memma fixed our favorite little orange dress to make it fit for now - most important since it's the one she will even lie about to get to wear it... very much the favorite.
When we got back, the kids jumped and rolicked around us for an hour or so... giddy and excited to see us. Nice to be missed... somewhat...
Thanks Memma and Pop - we know they had tons of fun and glad you survived! :)

C'est La Vie!

2011-07-06T20:14:00.014-05:00

Our first full day trip started at La Havre (pronounced Lu-ave) which means the harbor as it was a major harbor back in the day. Songs from Anastasia went through our heads all day. Wanted to know more French. Wanted to say things in French - our tour guide taught us "coo-coo" which is a way of saying good-day I believe. Her name was Sondrein - sounds a lot better than Sandra in English I think. So on a bus, all day, practicing that photo-through-window talent we all seem to possess. So off on a two hour drive to Paris heading toward the inner part of France. The grandparents had opted for a drive to Normandy as they had been to Paris; said it was a very moving trip. The view of La Havre from the boat. Note: watching the same Anastasia with the kids had this town marked on the map! Who knew?
Remember what I said about Kent being able to fall asleep on command? :)
View of the French countryside. More beautiful fields. They must do lots of farming - at least the patchwork fields of different crops were all over our trip. Lots of sheep and cows. The cities tend to have building codes which keep all the buildings looking similar - seems to be working because they were all very pretty.

Heading into the city. Took one of the loops on the way past the river Seine headed toward the Arc de Triomphe to the building (Palais de Chaillot) across the river from the Eiffel Tower to view it in its entirety.
The first views of the city with the same color building, similar structures, wrought iron railings... persisted throughout the trip. Paris buildings will stand out compared to the rest of the pictures from the trip because these were some of the only buildings that hadn't been stained black because of the pollution. The rest of the trip the buildings were gray and black.
First experience with the bike rental stations. People were riding bikes and motorcycles everywhere, but, it seems when you don't have access to your own, you slide in your card and rent your bike to take you to the next bike rental. This would explain why Paris was the thinnest town we were in perhaps? The idea of the thin European didn't really seem to hold out in Scotland and Ireland. Thinner than us but not as thin as you hear I would say. But, all in all, a very active area with tons of people walking throughout the downtown section. Love towns you can walk around in.
Le Tour Eiffel. PS: it's not black like you think. More like dark brown. And everyone there to take a picture.

The city of love, right? Next time I want to see the City of Lights at night time. And see the lights. And the Lourve. And walk around for a week... And, and, and...

Headed down the Avenue des Champs Elysees...
Headed to the Arc de Triomphe
Which is much huger than you would think. See the tiny people? We heard a lot about Napoleon's ego on the trip and how important he thought he was. All I can say is, he really helped the city's architecture.
See the pretty motorbikes all in a row?
Wish I knew what this was...
Or this... But notice the traffic. See the missing lane lines? More somewhat well coordinated, patient maneuverings. Of course, always pick a big bus to win in the competition.
Along the river there were built in covered boxes that open up to sell antique and used books. Just close right up when not manned by a bored looking bookseller sitting in an aluminum folding chair reading their own book. I think I could sit in Paris by the Seine looking at the town reading my own book making maybe $10 a day. Someone is paying for me to stay in Paris during this though, right?

The Paris Opera House - think end of Phantom of the Opera the movie... the big square they pull up to at the end for the auction?
Looking into the Jardin des Tuleries headed down to the Lourve. Seems its a garden of statues.
The Lourve is an old Palace. With that hideous new Pyramid in the front. DaVinci Code anyone - notice I live through movies? They lady on the bus said if you spent only 30 seconds on each work of art it would take like 3 months to see everything. Greg went through on a speed tour when he was there for his excursion 10 years ago. Guess I'll just watch the movie again :) So huge, seriously we kept passing by parts of it on our drives through the town. They would show us another wing. Part of one of the wings you actually drive through to continue on the road. Note: here and other places, when they are doing work on the exterior, they often hang up big building size tarps that have the facade painted on them to match - so it blends in.
Headed to Notre Dame

Headed to lunch... thought we were headed to the American bistro for our one meal in Paris - I was about to riot until we kept walking past it. Parisians really do walk around eating baguettes in paper wrappers!
Our salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, EVOO, bread. Wine and water already on the table. Tried it again; still not a fan.
This tasty, moist delicious meat was actually turkey! And mushrooms. With potatoes. We ate a lot of potatoes on this trip.
Not-so-sweet apple tart for dessert.

The outside of our restaurant. Why not have a flower garden growing on the roof right above the awning?

It is noteworthy the family from Mexico City who were from our ship and were on 3 of our cruises. We were destined to be friends. Back across the English Channel up to Edinburgh, Scotland - after our first of two days at sea.

Paris Holds the Key to Your Heart...

2011-07-05T20:38:00.013-05:00

After driving around Paris, we ended up with about one hour for the grand tour of Notre Dame - not anywhere near enough time. We didn't have a tour guide so only a photo stop. Loving on the gargoyles, flying buttresses, and general atmosphere of the place. Need to also brush up on my architecture terms before my next European vacation.

The line to get in - present but moving slowly.
Statue in the square in front of the cathedral.

One of the darkest church we went in. Not as heavy on the tombs as the British ones we would tour. Loving the arches especially the cross-overs in the ceiling. Could have just sat and looked for hours. My common thread in the cathedrals was imagining how I would have felt as an impoverished, starving peasant centuries ago entering these cathedrals. I don't know that it would have inspired me toward God - I think it would have turned me the other way in making me mad at the church for demanding my money to build structures and not giving it back to His Church. Did feel slightly atheistic in these buildings I must admit. Felt more like a tourist, architect student... thank you God for these amazing buildings but... maybe different if I were Catholic...
The painting on the ceiling of one of the side chapels.

Guessing this is the famous rose window...

Cute...

Loving the gargoyles
The park behind the cathedral
I admit loving flying buttresses since Zacatecas in college

Greg back for his second time... I'm waiting on mine ;) Good start to the trip

England Adventure Begins...

2011-07-05T19:58:00.006-05:00

After arriving in London at Heathrow airport at 9 AM (3 AM our time) we found our mini-bus and headed out for our mini-adventure on the way to the cruise ship. Destination #1 was a stop by Windsor Castle - which really meant wait in traffic figuring out what was going on and then realize it was the changing of the guard for the castle. We had to wait for them to go into their station which was right in front of our bus. Seeing as how we were about half of the crowd there to watch, not much importance given it seems to others.
The queen was in the castle which meant it was closed to tours - good for us since we didn't have time to stay anyhow. And, no, didn't see the Queen Mum.
So seems Windsor Castle is where she stays sometimes. It is right next to Eton College - the HS where William went I believe. A very large area of the land is actually owned by the queen. The part of the surrounding town we saw looking like a neat little tourist area with 3-4 story buildings, bottom floors mostly stores and restaurants.
First (of many) castles on the trip. And the first gargoyles! Cool thing - the road passing into the gate looked just like a bricked road until the cars passed in and then the posts rose up from the ground to block it.
Remember, we are all still in the nasty airplane clothes, hair, and overall dis-sheveled ness. When you're in a group, it's okay! The flight was nine hours but super fancy seats with built in TV monitors on the headrests, unlimited movies and TV to watch. And since I flew international years ago, the airports have figured out this obsession with electronics. There were charging stations in the airport, and we even had plugs between our airplane seats. Not the only reason for all of us going on very limited sleep. Not the most conducive tight sleeping situation. Unless you're my father-in-law who can sleep on command... Not to mention the lines we waited in for customs. And then the driving... We were tired, and thirsty, and fussy - at least this part of the "royal we" :) .
So let's talk about our first experience with Great Britain life. Green. Untrimmed medians and highways overflowing with wildflowers. Meadows with patchwork of color. These things called trees and lots of them. The round abouts - very indicative of this way of life I think. Americans want the fast way with immediate 90 degree turns; British are good with doing around 270 degrees the other way. Here's the geography lesson (as I understand it) - UK includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland who all use the pound. Great Britain includes the British Commonwealth - aka Canada and the like. Ireland (the lower part of the island to the left) is it's own self, using Euro. Scotland using the Scottish pound. All in all, if you're going there, spend some time brushing up on your British history as places and people will be more meaningful.

Seems when the Baggett parents are in charge of touring, food and fluid is not a priority. As I experience this first day. Greg told me to stop whining - did milk at least a snack out of this and had a very classy first meal at Mc Donald's. Tracy's only experience this trip with our friends here.
On for an hour drive into the country for Stonehenge - right off the main highway, a cross under bridge from the opposite side of the parking lot. Imagine just driving into London past Stonehenge every day to work? What? And it seems there are similar "henges" in the area, but this is the only one people talk about.
Also our first experience with the non-stop moistness that was to accompany us for the next two weeks. Out came the umbrellas. Did I mention Greg feels the need for kissing pictures - this is the only up close I promise. I managed to worm my way out of the others poor guy.
This is the field on the other side. Fields of green grass, yellow wildflowers - my first sheep! On the other side of the highway from Stonehenge (which was narrated Hehnge not hinge like we say) are some ancient burial mounds which looked just like big hills. Imagine having your sheep grazing not only across the highway from Stonehenge but just right next to ANCIENT burial mounds? This proximity with history just amazed me and the nonchalance of everyday life juxtaposed right there with it.
Happy graduation Tracy!
Snazzy little recorders to hold up to our ears for the narration. We plugged in the numbers as indicated on the signs and got led on the tour.
We adjusted to the time change pretty well I think. Can do amazingly well when you just continue to eat every 3 hours anyway and refuse to calculate out what time it really is. Coming back this way in the time zones didn't work as well...

So let's back up. Yes, some of you may be thinking - I didn't know they were going to England. The family didn't decide to go until about 6 weeks before departure, and some of us knew that was crazy to ask of work. So then decided to ask at countdown of about 3 weeks, get a yes, and then have to get passports and tickets and general life in order. All which implementing electronic medical record at work - very bad timing. Had to expedite the passports and shop around for prices and make reservations... stressful but decidedly well work it. Should we introduce the players? Grandparents, mom and dad in law, sis-bro-sis-and bro-in law - in laws :) . Yes, there were ten of us. On to Paris!

You Go, Girl!

2011-07-03T17:18:00.012-05:00

Tracy graduated with her, gulp, education degree - off for the job hunt now!
The whole family showed up. After all these graduations, we are prepared. I brought magazine, and, unfortunately, G decided he needed to bring these monster headphones to play angry birds - he's really reached addiction phase.
Tracy was an amazing line leader. No falls. No problems at all. Lots of skills.
At ACU, one of your parents (usually) sits behind you to hood you, and Shelly was up, again. Hugging after the diploma. --- If someone would just get me a better lens, these would be more zoomed in. Sorry no one thought of you, Tray :)
How many times have I sat next to this lineup? Greg grad school, Sam ACU, Lance HS, Tray HS. I think I missed Lance ACU due to kid duty. It was quite special though when they asked all the alumni to stand up and our group stood - Sam, Jared, Lance, Greg, and me. We've given them a lot of money!

The happy grad - and her happy dance
and her bruder...
and padres...
and her other bruder...
The greatgrandparents - who were then off to support grandson Tyler up in Lubbock. Talk about dedication.
The family - or the nuclear family as us rejects have dubbed them :)

And then us electrons :) - aka rejects, adopted ones... however, you want to look at it
The diploma and the new ring
With Willy the Wildcat
This is how I would look too, Tray, if my family's choice of graduation meals was always Taco Bueno - while your friends have real food!

The Baggetts in their element - too busy for pictures

Abilene Friends

2011-07-03T17:03:00.003-05:00

We went to Abilene at the end of May for G's sister Tracy's college graduation. We had planned to stay with Craig and JoDee, but random fevers happen with children so we crashed at Kara's (beautiful) house - by ourselves. We drove in late Friday night, found the house in the dark, made ourselves at home, and settled down for the night. JoDee and Audrey below
Coop - outnumbered with all the girls!
Adi
JoDee volunteered to watch the kids during graduation, and we got to hang out for awhile afterward. Melissa came over, and we went out to eat hamburgers - proving the point (as I had suspected) that Craig is the most social of us all and knows everyone in Abilene.
Craig and Audrey
Melissa
Melissa and Meghan - I think they look like they belong to each other... same colors and all, right?
Meg and Adi

I'll Be Home for Easter

2011-04-30T19:34:00.019-05:00

Easter brought a three day weekend and, when you take off an extra day, you end up at home for a four day weekend - sadly, the first visit home since Christmas.
Pian-do - this time Bubba was big enough to play along. And, yes, we took our princess dress, of course.
Be-ies? Loving our fruits. God way to keep occupied while doing projects with Memma...
And this time was making an Easter cake.

Cuddles with Pop - although they are both called Memma still...
Big into all things girl including finger nail polish.

Busy, busy. We don't need toys. Just let me go!

The big project of the weekend (the one with all the hype at least) was egg dye-ing. Which it seems Meghan had already done once without much excitement. This time was going to be different. Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Lloyd were ready to help and ready to go. It was everyone's first time in a long time so there was a learning curve.
And my learning curve is not to wear real clothes, esp not white ones. I had blue dye running down my shirts and the same pant leg. Someone was very eager about the egg dyeing and grabbing out cups and dropping back in cups.

Meg pretty much took off on her own like an old pro.

Loving the purple little hands we came home with.

Off for the egg gathering...

And trampoline-ing...

And a LOT of gator riding. And when not in motion, Coop was up in it ready to go.
Uncle Paul!
The boys decided to go for a game of football - Drew is the starring qback on his school team after all. I can honestly say that in my years of this family, I have never seen an impromptu football game with these guys before. I figured Dad went into it begrudglingly, but he said later it was the most fun he had had in a long time. The picture below was of my father, yes the one and only, rolling on the ground.

Aunt Lacey took the kids for a walk around the farm.
Paul and Lacey - they do love to show up on the blog!
Cousins Tanner and Drew were over... and CAREFULLY took the kids for a ride. Tanner was a little fast... but Meg was in love with her cousins.
I love this picture! Great Aunt Bobbie and Miss Meghan
Oh, and the new little kitties that they got to play with.
Family picture after church. Coop in his garage-sale-find snazzy sweater from garage sale-ing with Mom and Dad Saturday morning. Seems to be their weekly routine.

Sunday Easter lunch with Nin.

We could pretend Coop was sad about having to leave, but in reality, he just really doesn't like to be held down! We do love to be at home, but, unfortunately, it doesn't happen often enough.

Our Family

2011-04-29T21:32:00.009-05:00

My sweet babies. Meghan in her dress she insisted on wearing three Sundays in a row. How to get these kids cooperating at the same time is beyond me. Meghan declared "I don't want to take pictures" = bad timing, Mom.

Hunting the Eggs

2011-04-29T21:22:00.003-05:00

This Easter season yielded four egg hunts. This one at church was instigated by me - the one who decided our small group should start a tradition. Our church is, I believe, the only one out there who doesn't do such. So we did our own.
In one and a half year old fashion, this meant finding one egg, plopping down, and inspecting it from every angle.

And there's this sweet little 3 year old girl fashion. The one who only ended up with eight or so eggs after being willing to share them with other little girls who had three times as many as she.
And the picture attempt of the kids in the small group - while Seth started to scream after being plopped down in the ant bed. Poor kid. Seems in the bathroom getting cleaned up he said he was glad it was him that got it and not the "little kids". Sweet kids.

Did I mention he didn't really care what was in the eggs? Just really wanted to play with the eggs.

All Boy - One Year, Nine Months

2011-04-29T21:16:00.011-05:00

We are acting more and more like a little boy in this house. I like to blame Daddy for outfits like the one above - Daddy seems to think what Meghan does about same colors match and look okay :) .
Hard to get angry with a little face like this. A little face that keeps getting better and better at saying "yesss" and "no-o-o-o" - really dragging it out. And running away when you are told to come. And still crying yourself to sleep at night. Wanting to be rocked and even reaching for the bed like ready for sleep - only to start screaming when laid down.
Language skills to include bath, more, mih (milk), (sometimes) doh (dog), tash (trash), mess. Including sitting in the car in your own vomit, crying occasionally as we looked for a place to stop, looking down at your shirt, and saying "mess"? So pitifully. Just on time, Bubba.
Understanding even more including the ever-so-helpful "put your shoes in the bucket", "put your diaper in the trash", "go get the newspaper". Even insisting on helping, with Sister, to haul the trash can in from the street. Loving to read more. Wanting to get in your chair to read whenever in you room - where you love to be and play. Even books I would consider for older kids like the Little Critter books. Asking for "mo" when we're done.
The wrestling with Meghan isn't new. Consists of finding Meg laying on the floor to subsequently come along, lay on her, giggle, and refuse to give up while Mommy sits by, glad of the comraderie, and praying for no cracked skulls on the coffee table. Lately into watching the "bee-bee" with Meghan. Singing "ma I ma" - as in "I'm the map, I'm the map" from Dora. We obviously watch too much TV as you look confused when it's turned off.
Busy. Still much more obsessed with pulling the electric plug off the computer than Meghan ever was. Wanting to push buttons on the TV; the fan remote is our pretend TV remote which you and Meghan sit together and push - found both of them upstairs in her bedroom the other day where you had wandered off.
Dragging the stool around when you decide it's needed elsewhere. Recently discovered how to flush the toilet and finding the toilet brush, using it to scrub the inside. Liking to scrub stuff in general when given a cloth to rub around. Crawling on and into anything you can. Launching yourself onto the bed, onto the beanbag; way too over confident that you will land correctly. Still working on the jumping. Got the bending and the attitude lined up but not yet able to lift those little legs off the ground. And boy can you scoot down the stairs on your belly picking up a lot of speed.
Like to see what happens when we throw anything on the floor while eating, especially it seems the messiest stuff like rice. Eating mostly fruit these days. Love meat when that's all that's available. But all of that stops, the minute we see the availability of any kind of fruit - all of which are "be-ies". Big on going to the fridge and pointing for milk.
Super cute new haircut. And so patient for what would be super frustrating for other kids. Even pointed to scissors the other day and pulled on your hair. Want to have your toenails clipped (for a little while only), sit down in my lap when it's Meghan's turn.
You are getting to be more and more fun. More difficult at times but, thankfully, those times aren't as frequent as the times I just want to cuddle you up!

Someday My Prince Will Come

2011-04-29T21:06:00.005-05:00

Old posts - out of order. I keep thinking I blog this stuff and remember how everytime I try, it freezes and I yell. This is I just caught the irony. My prince will come. My prince Will will come :) And not to be remembered is Cooper, sitting in my lap, watching the kiss and puckering with smooch noises. Too cute. Also, asking Meghan if she was a princess waiting on her prince - "but I don't have one". Someday, my little princess.
Anyways, Greg decided that the royal wedding was one of those events we would remember so we needed to get up to watch it. I was easily persuaded. It was going to be a good idea (per Mom if I do insist) so show Meghan a real princess - along with all the princess acoutrements including carriages and castles. Only, however, if you set to record on the correct type of digital channel - not to be confused with the other 2 or 3 settings we have for the same channel whether it is to be digital or analog or through the satellite. Point being - didn't tape.
I had all these great plans of showing Meghan the wedding. But just settled for seeing her pretty excited as she woke up in time to wait for the kiss. She crawled on the couch exclaiming we were waiting on the princess. And then tonight to sit next to me and watch the highlights as we showed her the carriage, church, music, little princesses, horses, and the tiara - of course.
Greg would point out to me that he also was three (like Meghan) when Diana and Charles got married. Mom to point out she was six when Queen Elizabeth married - yes, do the math.
I personally think Prince William and my brother Paul have a similar appearance...
And does watching the well behaved Brits make you wish you lived somewhere classy? We would have had indecently clad, inappropriately behaving rude people pushing and yelling... probably some protesters. If anyone cared to show up that is. And then probably wouldn't know the national anthem nevermind the national hymns.
No pressure, Will and Kate. But this was the most viewed example of Christianity seen in a while. And a great opportunity to take the vows of marriage seriously. May you be a shining example to the world of happily ever after - a true prince and princess for all the little princesses watching. And note: if I had known I would be in Westminster Abbey not long after this, I might have paid more attention!

Austin Girls' Weekend

2011-04-18T16:50:00.007-05:00

The now biannual get-together for my college roomies (plus Melissa) was this weekend in Austin - sans children. Sort-of. This time as (mostly) thirty year olds.
We stayed in a suite-type hotel, shared beds and stories, went everywhere together, and had lots of time to catch up.
And ate. Lots of eating. Friday night we went to Pappasitos. Saturday morning we pigged out at the hotel and then drove downtown for some shopping. And more eating.
For lunch we ended up eating the best hamburger and french fries ever! Oh so Austin with our fresh ground free range beef and local drinks and cheeses.... Delish! Did I mention the french fries?!

And then drove elsewhere after brief shopping for Amy's Ice Cream and more shopping.
Amber above. JoDee and me below.
Kristin and Melissa
Then we did more shopping, all got new dresses, and drove to Lake Travis to eat supper at the Oasis - where you are supposed to watch the sunset. That is, if you don't spend too much time shopping and get there in time for the sunset. Still pretty cool though.

And then we went to bed, got up and pigged out again, and then had a photo shoot. We usually have Wade to take pictures... so the tripod had to make due! Silly girls for thirty years old. Well, that is, all but me - cause I'm still in my twenties! :) Did I mention we went to eat after this... again?

I love you ladies! We live apart, but you're always with me!!! :) Sap - ug!

March Madness

2011-04-18T16:44:00.002-05:00

Greg, Lance, and their dad jumped on the opportunity for tickets to the Final Four which was to be in Houston this year. Even though he had a wish for Duke in the finals, three games of lesser teams is better than no games. It was a very busy weekend for these boys.

Strawberry Pickin'

2011-04-18T16:35:00.002-05:00

After church Sunday, we drove out into the country for some strawberry picking - our first picking adventure.
You have to pay for whatever you pick so you want to get the best - hard to explain to children who smoosh them to pull them off and aren't too selective about pulling. Cooper caught on very quickly and was very proud of his handfuls of berries... which stained the front of the shirt.
Amazingly, no one popped these right in their mouths.

These five pounds of strawberries sure didn't last very long. And you kids loved every bite! We do love our strawberries.
I love the picture of you marching while following Daddy. :)
Then we went inside the store to get the rest of the veggies - which Meg was very willing to help pick out. However, promises to eat them were short lived.

Friendly Visit

2011-04-18T16:28:00.002-05:00

Hailey and Christine, were in town for a CME which was the perfect opportunity for them to meet Mr. Cooper. We met them and (big:) ) Meghan for supper downtown.

A Walking Tour of New Orleans

2011-04-18T15:44:00.016-05:00

Rockin' Rodeo

2011-03-26T22:03:00.002-05:00

We had a mid-week date to the Rodeo in March to go see Miranda Lambert in concert. And, yes, I know what you are thinking "Why did you drag Greg to that?" The answer, dear reader, is that this darling man who hated country music for 30 years of his life has now decided he likes it. Granted, he has very eclectic interests in music so it's not like this is all he listens to... but still. A good excuse for an outing... and a corn dog.
We rushed through our dinner to get to the rodeo "on time"... which really meant you have to sit through an actual rodeo. If only we had someone with us to explain exactly what was going on. Let me just say that enough people were playing with their phones during this exciting event that I couldn't get a signal to play with my own!
Went with the inlaws... And Lance had a ticket but backed out at the last minute... So not like you, Lance! ;)
And for those of you keeping track, upon reading the blog, Greg just informed me that's he's into hip-hop music now. I WILL NOT be going to that concert :)
And if cousin Pam were in the habit of actually getting on line and looking at the blog, I would tell here thanks for watching the kids! But she doesn't... so pass on the word Melinda... although not sure you look at it either... :)
Post Note: The weekend plans of which I had been mentally preparing for several weeks to take the kids to the animal barn at the rodeo were bashed when the loving husband decided that basketball on TV much trumped a family outing... So is the Baggett way...

Visitors!

2011-03-26T22:00:00.002-05:00

Meghan is always very excited when "Mommy's friends" are involved. As in asking the whole way to Houston about our friends' house, if they have milk, if they have kids with them, where are their kids. Granted, talking to these friends when actually in their presence is another situation. You usually warm up!
Ex-roomies JoDee and Kara were in town for a conference, and we got to have a quick hello! But so sad no kids in tow!

The Start of a Soccer Star

2011-03-26T21:54:00.003-05:00

We have been loving these spring days in Houston. Since we don't have much to play with in the backyard, balls of all kinds tend to be a big hit. Daddy lately was working on teaching Meg how to kick a soccer ball. And he was so impressed with how quickly she was catching on and getting better. Granted, anything is more difficult when your barefoot little feet have to dodge the poop piles. Nasty!
Rewarded with spinning after each goal!

Three.Two Years of Miss Meggie

2011-03-11T21:17:00.010-06:00

Oh, Miss Meghan. How you became three years old in the blink of an eye. You are quite the independent one. Sometimes. Mostly happy. Adorable and, very obviously, much aware of this fact.One of the ones you have wrapped around your finger is (Great) Uncle Barry. We went over to visit Melinda who was in town, and, I'm sorry to say, Melinda's Daddy forgot about her at the delight of entertaining you the whole time. Including playing dress up to play the "piando".

Mostly an obedient child. We do have our battles at times and no mild battles for you. If you are staging war, it's a full out battle. And you know when you've been good. Very proud to report that you didn't bite or didn't "knock the shelf off"... working on teaching obedience at every turn but, thankfully, those lessons don't seem to be that often.
You love to read. And we have a complete melt down at night time when we don't read. You are learning your letters and like to practice tracing them at school. You know about 10 letters and their sounds. Always easier when it's related back to white baby, sissy, Meggie, Bubba, Dora, Nanny... "What something else starts with?" - you like to practice. And you can pick out some letters in our books. Current favorite book would be"Go Dog, Go" which you like to quote and "read". You do have an amazing ability to recall stories and lines in books. And to learn it so fast.
This house is in full out dress up mode. And you have plenty of princess outfits, purses, clackies (dress up shoes), hats, necklaces... There was a one week interval not too long ago in which you wore the Snow White outfit pretty much on a daily basis.
Super content to entertain yourself especially for the opportunity of craft time. Our days are so structured that really the only time for such sit down busy time is on the weekend. We head out the door at 720-730 during the week after a quick get ready and, sometimes, small snack. Daddy usually takes and picks you kids up - and you are super excited when I do it. We usually get home between 6 and 630 for a way-too-often-rushed supper, clean up, playtime, bath, books, and bed. Seems like we never see you which makes us eat you up when we do!

You new songs to request in the car is on your VeggieTales CD where we have the luxury of two Jonah songs. And you want to only hear the first one. I love hearing you learning the lines to the different songs. Sometimes you actually request to hear the old-style church songs again - maybe there is a musician in there! And always a fan of playing with Daddy's "Bih-tar".
For some reason you are regressing. By this, I mean that all of a sudden it isn't "I can do it" but "I need you help me". As in, I can't pull down my pants, I can't put on my socks... and potty accidents at school after going months without. Don't know if it has to do with the younger kids in your class at school, or the adjustment to spending some time in the "big girl" class, or Bubba getting attention. We've been struggling with how to respond to this; you have been promised that you will get spankings and not get to watch Dora after potty accidents. We figure this is okay because it's not really about you not being able as we know you are completely able. You rarely have accidents at home. This is more about your stubbornness... I think.?
The above picture was during one of these stubborn phases. You stayed at the table after all of us all because you wouldn't try the one sweet potato fry. When given the final option of eating it or just going to bed, you opted for sleep.
Speaking of Dora, it's all about Dora and "Ti-e-go" these days. Big into quoting "I know that we can do it" and "Vamanos!".

Speaking of being wrapped-around-fingers... Memma and Pop came for a quick visit while Mommy and Daddy went to New Orleans.

You are our cuddler, singer, entertainment, reader, pig-tailed, shy, sweet little girl. And we love you so!
Note: Pics from February and March, not documented until April.

One.Six Years of Coop

2011-03-11T20:58:00.008-06:00

One and a half fun years to brother and sister, changing our lives even more than before. And you do so love your sissy! And we do so love you. It's very hard to go to work with a smiling little boy waving "bah-bye" and rotating your wrist, opening and closing it. When you want to that is. Never on command, of course.
Your vocabulary is exploding rapidly, Mister! Must say that hearing you ask for "MehMeh" makes me so appreciate your relationship with Meg. You stayed home from school the other day supposedly sick with Daddy, and he said you asked and looked for her all days long! Momma, Memma (for Memma and Pop we discovered)... the always favorite "Buhsh"?
Lately you have learned your body parts - amazingly that I didn't figure out until you showed me your belly. The ladies at school have been working with you I believe. You are more that willing to pull up your shirt to show you "behbee"... and pointing to your nose usually involves finger in your nostril up to your first knuckle followed by showing your mouth by putting that same finger in your mouth. You seem to know your knees. And love patting your head to show us where hats go (in your book). And want to grab "gasses" (our glasses) off our faces.
You get excited about getting in your chair in your room to crawl up and read your "boo"... especially when when your "o-bo" is with you... As in Tobey has become obo... a question that you repeat all day long. You are getting more interested in books. Definitely prefer your big book but will sit semi-patiently to read others as long as their are pictures of animals. Some roars and moos come out at times.
Tobey is your buddy, and you will come up and hug him. Sometimes he's a "daw"... regardless of what you call him, you still insist on giving him all kinds of kisses, leaning in toward him open-mouthed when you are allowed.
You seem to understand a lot more words including "dance party" which can reveal a super fun running-dance which you do on command as well as "cleaning" which prompts you to scrub. You definitely get excited when we suggest at night that you go "upstairs" and are willing (sometimes) to "go put it up". Just tonight I asked you to go put your shoe in the shoe bucket and you did! Oh so proud to run up and hug me afterward.
The other day "Dora the Explorer" was on TV, and you started saying "Mah I mah"... and Mommy and Daddy thought surely you weren't singing... But you repeated it back to me later when I sang "Map I'm the Map". So cute. And we watch way too much Dora, obviously. Then again, you say that frequently when the TV is on so maybe you think Dora is the only thing that comes on that big box.
You've recently had a grumpy spell of about two weeks - possibly worsened due to the recent acquisition of your upper canines. Snotty nose, cough, picky appetite... they even made me come pick you up from school for "pink eye" which meant you had some snotty eye crusting... but you didn't feel too good anyway so that's okay.
You love to sit in laps, backing right up into anyone's lap. But yet not so big into cuddling. That's when we know you are tired, when you put your head on our shoulders. You give kisses. Sometimes willingly lunging forward to give kisses at bedtime. Recently bedtime isn't such a challenge as you may lean forward into your bed, ready to go lay down calmly. You know "baby?" and associate baby with baby blankets and cribs.
Coloring is a new interest. Kind of. Calling your high chair "ash", you ask to be put into it at meal time. And, in typical little boy way, insist on daringly standing up in it when you declare yourself done. You also love digging through my drawers in the kitchen when Mommy is cooking - especially in the Tupperware drawer. Not just anyone finds random lids in their bedroom, and dog balls in containers with the lids put on. It at least gives me an excuse to have an ever-messy plastic container storage method. It's truly a lost cause.
Bathtime is a favorite. You opened the door to the shower the other morning when Daddy was letting the water heat up - did we mention you were fully clothed? :) You do love your baths and using the opportunity to play with different toys. And pretty tolerant of Meghan dumping water on your head. A lot more than she would be were it the other way around.
Very picky eater all of a sudden. Still good with the mandarin oranges, cheese, blueberries, and carbs... but all of a sudden have decided to not like meat or sweet potatoes and definitely not anything mixed like casseroles. And very fussy when late on your milk. And then several days later you will gobble down anything we put in front of you. Overall, pretty good eater though.
You love to be outside. Love all your "ball"s and like to practice making baskets. Love the cars. Love to chase the puppies.
You are pretty shy, little guy. We went out to eat, and you averted your eyes from those strangers... and insisted on sitting in my lap, throwing a fit when attempting to let one of the other ladies hold you. Still a generally happy baby, pretty stoic. But easy and much loved. We love you, Bubba!

We're Going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

2011-02-10T09:53:00.005-06:00

One of the joy of big-city-life... zoos and museums. I had mentioned the zoo to Meg several weeks before and didn't want to be one of those don't-follow-through Mommies.. so off we went!
I guess it was the first pretty day in a while because it was crazy crowded. One of the requests was to see the alligator.. definitely enjoyed the more popular elephants and giraffes. Same as most kids I think. And reptile house was at the beginning... and we had to look at every exhibit. I don't know why we bring the stroller... they want to walk or be carried.
Took some convincing.. but then wanted to go through the tunnel.
Out! Let's see the elephants.

Coop is a lot happier out of the stroller...
Trying to see the chimps. Meg tried to look - hard to see when you close the eye in the telescope and open the other. Kind of a hard concept I'm sure.
It was nearing lunch time and we were getting fussy. Seems once you bring out the snacks, it's all they want. Petting zoo had brushes... "buhsh?"... Not super excited but brief enjoyment...

Off to play! How do you do this with more than two kids when you outnumber the parents... how do you keep track?

Mommy's happy because Daddy snuck off to get me Dippin' Dots. Didn't want to share with those greedy little kids! :) But Coop was a big fan!!
And he's off... Coop that is. Running free!

And we're ready to eat our lunch picnic at the fountain. So tired.

Birthday Day

2011-02-10T09:39:00.006-06:00

Birthday day fell during the week this year... it began with a birthday breakfast complete with balloons - which would be carried around by two little children for two weeks until the "accidentally" were thrown away! We love balloons here.
We had a birthday breakfast and finished making our cupcakes to take up to school that afternoon.
This was the super-cool crown that came with Meghan's birthday card from Memma and Pop. We love crowns these days - all things princess related.
And then another crown at daycare! Mommy took off work early to take up cupcakes for a birthday party... should have known something was up when she declared she didn't want to finish the snack and said she wanted to go home and watch Dora. Of course, if I thought something was weird every time she requested Dora...
Good friend Hailey - the only one that goes back to Meg's early days at school.

New "friend" Callie - these girls are a little fickle. It does seem though (as we have heard though the teachers) that Meg, Hailey, and two of the original boys see each other as a group I guess and stick up for each other. Pretty cute I think...
Her class lined up... I don't even know half these kids these days.
With Miss Martha- one of the owners.
So we had this plan to go run an errand and then go meet Daddy for early supper at Chik-Fil-A before Mommy went to church. That didn't happen... she threw up all over herself in the car right when I pulled up to the store. We stripped in the parking lot, ended up wearing nothing but Mommy's scrub shirt, towel in the seat to cover up the yuck she refused to sit in... and headed home. Requests that swishy dress and clackies would make her feel better. You got it, dude.

And the bear? My child is such a spoiled brat that two of my friends from work brought Meghan birthday presents! And the nose? Just showed up with a scratch getting out of the car at church two days before. When asked, she would say Bubba did it... don't know. Makes her look tough!
Happy birthday, baby girl. Can't believe you are three.... you are at such a fun age!

Meghan Turns Three!

2011-02-10T09:21:00.005-06:00

We've been working on the three fingers for a while... usually required manipulation by the other hand to fold those extra fingers down. When the great grandparents decided to come down for the weekend, we took advantage of the get together to do a family birthday party.
Nate was very adamant that he was still bigger than Meghan... she very much says "I'm big like you and Bubba is little"... not that big, missy. Maybe cause we tell her all the time what a big girl she is... I digress...
The rule for presents this year was no toys (at least for the most part). We got lots of books including the Eric Carle collection complete with a caterpillar toy! Although, I must admit, my child was much more excited about the toys and kept looking through the bags for real presents. Very excited about the pretty purple dress and had to put it on right then. Complete with all the jewelry that went with it. And then wore it all day. And to bed as well for sleep... with pjs pants pulled on underneath.
With lots of helpers.

Got a good picture of Nanny!
This year the birthday singing and blowing was a big hit. Last year she was very hesitant for the attention... bu this year just knew what to expect and blew those candles right out. I'm sure it helped that "happy birthday" is a song she sings all the time, birthday or not.
I made a cookie cake...with the typical bad icing I'm so good at :)
Good picture of me!
You see who has charge of the kids and these yucky hands...
What a cute couple hanging out by the pool during nap time.

Lexi Turns One

2011-02-10T09:17:00.005-06:00

We all went up to Katy to celebrate this little one's early birthday in January!

Cooper's Sweet Sixteen

2011-02-05T11:00:00.009-06:00

Sweet boy. Your Momma could eat you up with that like mischievous smile of yours. And boy are you such a busy boy.
You weren't too excited about the animals at the zoo. But very excited about roaming around and exploring all that you could find at your height. Your favorite position for exploring was bent knee, kneeling on the ground. A big fan of the ropes and wood.. and running away and being your own little man.
Big into climbing up on things. You have discovered how to climb onto the kitchen chairs, outdoor chairs... working on the couch. So proud of yourself. Did we mention climbing the stairs with ease, scooting down on your belly (to the point of getting carpet burn on your belly), and your favorite, climbing on any and all stools. You love to be on the tall stool with Meghan watching Momma cook. You love the fact that there are stools all over for Meghan to potty - you love to carry them to your desired position. But, you are also using them to your advantage to dig in drawers and find treasures. Just last night, you dub in the bathroom drawer to find my iPhone cord and scamper off in here to the living room, directly to the plug you knew didn't have a stopper, attempting to plug it in. So busy. And good job with the memory!
Mostly a happy boy.
You love to sit at the door at Nanny's house (on your knees of course) and look out at the puppies. And then go run after the puppies, pull on the puppies. Kissing our puppies. You love to pull their faces in to give you kisses! They do say that kids who are exposed to germs have a better immune system. Maybe these germ laden animals are why you never get sick! :) You really are a very healthy kid. You have yet to take any antibiotics. Had that rash a while ago. Get really chapped cheeks when it's dry and cold outside. But other than that, pretty good. And you don't get snotty as often as Meg.

Big into the eating. Still your favorite past time. And you do a pretty good job with the healthy food. You love sweet potatoes, "nana?" (banana and general fruit), blueberries... new development with blueberries. You actually have to be directed to eat cantaloupe or pineapple as bribery to get more blueberries. How many other little boys would prefer that to pizza? And loving the milk.
You tend to be shy. Seem to have warmed up pretty well to Nanny and Pa. Still take a little while to adjust to Memma and Pop. Christmas was a trial for you because you were so fussy with all the strangers. You broke Aunt Tracy's heart at Christmas because you fussed every time she picked you up. I think you've adjusted pretty well to the ladies at church and definitely at school. Minimal fussing these days. They still love you!

You have discovered books. Still mainly preferring your big 100 words book - loving to point out the "ball" and "nana".. and phone. Starting to make roar noises at the animals. Your vocabulary is growing - although you still prefer the point method. Daddy said you said "to-ba" the other day in regards to Tobey - I have yet to see it. The big addition was "Mama" - that would be me. A little slow on the uptake, but you've been getting your point across just the same. And lately with "mamma" (yes, they do sound different) in regards to Memma who you want to see on the computer anytime I have the computer open. Cute, yes, but so annoying when you've heard it 50 times in a day. Still saying "hoos" - shoes. You love to put on shoes.
Sorry, little man. But the above picture sure looks a heck of a lot like Uncle Paul when he was your age. Maybe we can find an old picture of Paulie. But unlike Paul, you have the sleeping habits of Uncle Lance! You love to sleep. How many little kids your age would sleep in until 9 or so on Saturday mornings. It's a nice contrast to Meg who insists on waking up no later than 7. You are going to bed about 8 every night - unless you are super fussy at which instance you will go a lot earlier! And you hate being woken up in the morning - if you are woken up, the next hour or so will be nothing but all out whining and fussing. Did I mention you fake little cry-whine? It's not always a sincere fuss.
You love your sissy. And you especially love this car. Every morning, when given the opportunity, you run directly to the car and launch yourself into it... and straight to the radio button.
Sitting like a big boy in that seat. Your favorite toys are you balls, your broom, and any "buh-sh". Somehow, every word you say come out like a question. So its not "buh-sh" but "buh-sh?". In regards to your toothbrush, hairbrush, dust brush... you love to walk into the laundry room and point up to the dushbrushes. And carrying around one isn't enough. You want at least two brushes. Memma and Pop got you your own dust brush for Meg's bday!
The footstool in the living room has been claimed as your own method to crawling up on the big chairs. And the little folding chair Meg got for Christmas? You've decided that they go well stacked on top of the coffee table... no, Bubba! I'm still waiting for "no" to become one of your words. Not yet...
You were so proud of this backpack at Nanny's house.

You aren't really a cuddler. So different from your sister in that regard. You are too busy going to sit still. You are still waking up some nights fussing, and I go up to try to calm you down. Usually ends in you still crying yourself to sleep after I leave. But I do enjoy those early morning moments of cuddling - since they are the only ones we get with you!
You really need to work on liking your Daddy. You and Meghan both seem to prefer me. And the dogs seem to go with me, too - you hurt your Daddy's feelings! Of course, you know to go to Daddy to play and be silly! You curled up with Daddy on the bean bag the other morning when he was playing his video games, leaned back, and fell asleep on him. Do more of that, he thought it was super sweet!
We love you, Bubba! You are truly precious!

Christmas Again...

2011-02-05T10:48:00.004-06:00

Christmas number 4 started on Christmas Eve - the assembling of the fire pit - which has become a big hit it seems! And Nate always eager to help do man stuff.
The wagon at Nanny's house is always a big hit for crawling in, pulling, being pulled, dragging toys threw the house... and mobile jam sessions!

Those Baggetts and their cuddles...

Christmas morning meant even more presents we don't need!
Nice glasses, Aubs!
This was excitement over the Smurf boxers I think
Crazy Nanny loving her hat from Lance
Always lots of help among the cousins to open present. The girls all got matching presents of course...
Hanging out with Pa listening to the antique phonograph? (not sure if that's the right term)
Coop doesn't care what's going on... just give me some food!

Gotcha!

2011-02-05T10:47:00.001-06:00

Sorry, Lance! This deserved special recognition. The once-a-year decent picture of you!

The Princesses

2011-02-05T10:16:00.004-06:00

Princess fever has hit these little girls... not so much this littlest one (or Princess Aunt Tracy :) ) but she definitely deserves the recognition!

So sweet these best friends. I love how excited they get when they see each other!
Thank you Uncle Lance for our new crowns!

And Nate got his cape early so he could go ahead and dress up - my latest craft project.

And princesses can still jam!

Home for Christmas

2011-02-05T07:20:00.006-06:00

This Christmas was our first not only spent at home but in our new house. Well, kinda. Santa managed to find our house first of everyone else and come of Christmas Eve morning. (After we had Christmas "Adam" with the cousins in downtown - Adam before Eve get it?)
Meghan managed to find her way into our bed about 6:30 like every morning, not paying attention to all the toys. And didn't really get it fully until we told her what was going on.
Had to pretty much show her the new "piando" since she didn't see it - while my plans of teaching her something to play haven't really come to fruition yet, they both have lots of fun banging on it.

And the maracas. And night light that only uses batteries - Santa didn't really think that one out!
Cars, computers, headbands, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, new cups...
A Phineas doll for Daddy from Meghan... Mommy spoiled again by Daddy with too much stuff... including a not asked for, not wanted, but now thoroughly enjoyed Kindle.
And lots of paper that Cooper would rather play with than toys...
New boy toys! Cars and slides everywhere! And the puppies in the middle of everything, of course!
And one fun Daddy to get in the tent with us... note: two year old wearing ALL the headbands at the same time :)
And puppies in the tent...
And answering on-call pages on our Christmas, trying to track down a patient, and failing. Next year I'll carry through on the promise of a Christmas morning feast! Now, off to Nanny's house for Christmas number 4!

A Fractured Trip

2011-02-04T10:06:00.005-06:00

The additional Christmas tradition for our weekend in Oklahoma is seeing Greg's other Grandma. We went out to eat pizza for lunch, but before we could open presents at her house, she fell and ended up in the ER with a fractured humeral head! Kinda put a dent in our plans, and her ability to hold the grandkids!
We made due though and went over later in the evening. Cooper's obsession the whole time there was the broom that he had found and wanted to drag around the house - knocking over all the trinkets in the process. Not a happy camper when not allowed to play with it. Thus, the fussing.
Jared and Lexi - another first visit for Lexi!
Did I mention I suggested to Meghan she wear her Santa dress to make Grandma feel better? And in addition with Jingle Bells sung by the girls, I'm sure it worked!
Four Generations of Nelson girls

Meg and Aubs got pretty dresses and a baby!
Just loving the creative rudolph shirt - I'm gonna have to make one with Meg next year!
Nate - entranced :)
Hope you're healing up! Off to more Christmases...

Christmas Visitors

2011-02-02T21:34:00.005-06:00

Memma and Pop came to our house for a New Year's Christmas celebration. For our fifth and final installment of Christmas fun. Bringing also with them the much anticipated electric car for playing outside!
More cars and books and clothes...
And super fun toys from Paul and Lacey - they'll get their turn one day... or at least could borrow ours! This scooter has no home. Just perpetually tripped on! Or used as a rolling step stool! Ug! But oh so fun and clever!
And then there is the much loved umbrella table now taking up the corner of my living room. Coop and Meghan love having kid sized chairs around. Even if he likes to use them as all little boys would - step stools, bed, stacking up on top of the coffee table! And hilarious watching them sit there and assume the adult posture with their bodies slouched and hands behind their head! These kids are way too observant!
And a good place to feed our new Sleeping Beauty Barbie doll on the new princess plate, of course!

Let it be known that I do not remember my father ever making cookies with ME! Se Meg's little knife? She loves to be my helper. And Pop loves excuses
Coop's new word on their trip - "buh-bes"? Always asked as a question. Seems this kid has been taught about bubbles at daycare. Once again, my father would never have allowed ME to blow bubbles in HIS house! Double standards for everyone! Anyways... the oh so cute "buh-bes?" were hidden when the grandparents left.

Not at all a proud grandpa!

A GREAT Oklahoma Christmas

2011-02-02T21:20:00.007-06:00

My apologies to the 5 readers of this blog, but seeing as how the biggest fans are the great-grandparents, I'm sure you can forgive me for the plethora of pictures of their family.

Great Nanny and Pa's house is full of lots of Christmas treasures for the grandkids to see (aka get screamed at for repeatedly trying to touch). However, Great Nanny decided she was ready to share her Christmas treasures and gave out many of them to the kids and grandkids. Greg was the proud recipient of the oldest Santa from his childhood. And I ended up with the bigest one it seems. Treasures for many years to come I'm sure.
Aunt Kathy is always ready to see the babies. This was Alexis' first visit with many of the family as she wasn't around last Christmas.
Gaye and Tyler

Uncle Mark and Kara watching the men prepare a new Christmas supper tradition of steaks! These meat loving Baggetts are alright with this new plan I think.
Cooper, as usual, took some time to warm up to everyone. But okay with Nanny and Pa - everytime he would get adjusted, more family members would show up, and he would become clingy again.
Santa always manages to find everyone in Oklahoma, and this year, he renewed the previous tradition of coming in on the roof. We knew he was there when we heard the sleighbells of all the reindeer.
Meghan was very excited about the prospect of Santa - helped out by cousin Katie. However, this year, the 6'4" Santa towering over her was a little intimidating I think. She wanted nothing to do with actually sitting in his lap. That's okay though since we got to see Santa 2 other times - those were successful.
Meghan was not the exception as Lexi wasn't a fan either...
but a fan of opening the presents!
Coop was barely a fan. Did I mention that all members of the Baggett family from little...
to big... (age wise I'm sure!)
to tall... :) and all in between sit on Santa's lap.

The infamous Uncle Barry - a well known fact that Meghan loves her Barry.
Coop and the Christmas village
Meg and Tyler - then again... Meg just loves men of all kinds I think. A definite preference.
No resemblance at all! :)

Dana and Bill

Naked breakfast donuts - who could beat that?
One last big hug before hitting the road home... See that wall of Santas in the background?
They have now been distributed out! So sad.Did I mention that this year we made everything a little simpler? Seemingly easier as we weren't going to drive around as we have before... off to drive home for a week. Only other trip planned was to Katy for Christmas morning...
Isn't peace one of the themes of the season?

'Twas the Month Before Christmas

2011-01-09T21:46:00.003-06:00

And everyone was running around like crazy getting ready! Meghan helped Mommy decorate the tree... note the decorations all at the same spot at arms reach. Very excited about the whole thing... had to be encouraged to move to a different part of the tree. Very helpful straightening out the string of lights - and helping herself to plugging them in to see how they work.
And laying on the new rug, declaring it nap time. Love the Santa soap... and the Santa towel. And blowing up baby Jesus (the inflateable) in the front yard, including kicking out the manger like Mommy and Daddy do to help set up. Requesting the Christmas tree be turned on.
And making cookies!

And attempting to decorate a gingerbread village - complete with everything but good directions! We had fun at least... although Mommy didn't anticipate someone eating a lot of the candy.

See the houses nicely decorated with "M"s for Momma and Meghan.

Merry Christmas!

Cooper's First Haircut

2011-01-09T21:41:00.002-06:00

After starting to look a little Christopher Lloyd at fifteen months, it was time for the little boy to get a haircut. I was dreading taking him out to a hair salon when Greg suggested that I do it myself... Don't challenge me if you don't plan on me doing it! ;)

Big boy... with a crack :)
He sat surprisingly still. Give the guy a mirror to look at and a comb to play with and all's good.

Symphony, Santa, and Snacks

2011-01-09T21:31:00.002-06:00

This silly Mommy requested that the whole family go to Pa's work Christmas party at the Symphony. Not remembering that the event includes a full length symphony. All I could remember was that Meghan loves music, and it would be a fun, free event to take her to. Only to realize that we were some of the only ones with kids this little...
Coop and Baby Lexi lasted most of the way through the first half - not to say that the people around us appreciated it. A little bit of squeaking. Meghan and Aubrey giggling. Changing seats. Meg squinting into what little ight there was, determined to still color in her book.
At the intermission, we waited in a really long line for a a cookie.... and did some dancing of course. We decided wisely that the kids would have more fun hanging out in the lobby.

The big girls sat with Nanny and Pa for some of the symphony... Cousin Nate cried when told that there was still another half to go on the music. But lots of fun running around...
And seeing Santa... our first of many. The most willing trip.
It seems we climbed a lot of stairs... an event she insisted on doing all by herself every time. When asked later what was her favorite part about our event, she replied that it was the stairs... at least we tried. Exposing her to culture!