I Need Your Opinion!

(Oh! The decisions I must make!)

I am going to buy Kieren's Easter dress this weekend. The problem is, we (Kieren, Cullen, Andy and I) can't decide which of the three dresses (pictured above) will be the winner. They are all the same price (you wouldn't believe me if I told you!). They must all be shipped (same shipping cost). They are all gorgeous! This is where you come in. Please vote for your choice of dress for Kieren. There is a poll on the right side of the blog. I will be ordering on Sunday night!!!

Dress #1 (lilac & white)

"This elegant bodice is made of lilac satin and the top layer in sheer organza with embroidered. There is a lilac mix rose flower on the single sash to make this dress more elegant, and the flower is removable. The skirt has 3 layers, the inside layer is white soft lining attached with a netting to make this dress more fullness, the middle layer is white soft lining and top layer is organza with lilac embroidered flowers to make this dress more beautiful. The bottom of the dress is delicately scalloped. The back of the dress has three buttons and a tie sash for a perfect fit at the waist."

Dress #2 (lilac)

- Fully lined
- Tea-length (falls mid-calf to ankle)
- Removable chic handmade rosetts flower band pinned on the waist line
- Zipper back closure with satin bow tying back
-3-layer skirt (shimmering organza layer at top, polyester layer between, and underneath crinoline for extra fullness)

Dress #3 (pink & white)

- Fully lined
- Tea-length (falls mid-calf to ankle)
- Beautiful sparkling rhinestones full of front tank top
- Zipper back closure with satin bow tying back
- 4-layer skirt (top two tulle layers, top tulle layer embellished with small cute matching flowers at front, polyester layer between, and underneath crinoline for extra fullness)

Illness Update

After being up until after 1am, Kieren was wide awake and totally miserable at 7:20 this morning. Yippee... Her fever was still over 101, so it was off to see Dr. Tammy. Thank God for Dr. Tammy!!! After quickly checking Kieren for meningitis (cool thing to know!), it was determined Kieren has a horrible double ear-infection. No wonder the baby is so miserable! Kieren wouldn't even sit upright in her carseat because it hurt too much.

While the Tylenol was effective (for only about a hour of the 4 hour dose), we picked up meds from Target, grabbed a quick bite in the car (McDonald's per Kieren's request), and met Heather at B&N to look at books. That pretty much did her in. She whimpered the whole way home and stayed laying flat on the couch until dinner. Being upright still hurts pretty bad so Kieren is only off the couch about 1 hour for every dose of meds. She doesn't even want Mommy to hold her. At one point, I fed her plain pasta while she lay on the couch. (The rules we break for our babies!!!)

This infection is like the one she came with in China. (Thank God we don't have to deal with the pneumonia she came with too!) It is seriously that bad! Luckily, we were able to be seen by our doctor early in the infection. Recovery should be pretty quick (judging by the elephant-dose of meds!). I just hope the pain stops soon...

Not Feeling Too Well

Kieren is running a temp of 102.3 tonight. We're not sure why, but we are keeping an eye on her and her symptoms (headache, pain at back of neck, not wanting to be held or sit upright). If she still isn't well in the morning, we will be visiting Dr. Tammy.

Anyway, back to the photos. Things that make Kieren happier when she is sick.

1. The Upside-Down Show

2. As many ice pops as she can eat!!! (Ice lollies to my family in the UK)

3. Her favorite blankie and stuffed animals

4. Yi-Yi (White Swan washcloths!)




"Eeeewwwwww!!! What flavor is this?! It doesn't taste like yellow!"

"Are you serious? This is NOT banana. YOU eat it! I'm sick and you give me a yucky ice?"

"Purple tastes so much better!"

"See, I'm feeling better already."

Happy 40th Jackie!

This is Jackie. She is now 40! (I'm only making a big deal out of it because I turned 40 first and she thought it was fun to tell everyone I was older.) I've been friends with Jackie since the 2nd Grade!!! Boy, do I have a lot of dirt on this woman!!!

As you can see, we are so mature.

Oh look! Heather and Shelly were at Jackie's party too! (I'm such a nice person! I softened the photo to give them glowing young skin! Heather will be 40 next!)

We had a great time at Jackie's 40th Birthday Party! (Notice I said it again!!!)

Jackie's soon-to-be-sainted husband Bobby!

(He's a keeper, Jackie!!!)

The band...uh...ummm...let me see...how do I put this? They sounded pretty good before I lost my hearing...ummm...Oh hell! Why beat around the bush! (Jackie, I hope you still speak to me after this!) They were freaky OLD guys!!! I'm not kidding!!! The guy on the right? He wore the same type of loafers that Heather makes fun of Mark for wearing! And he had to take them off after the second song because his feet hurt!!! Not kidding! His sunglasses were bifocals! The guy on the left? He had more wrinkles than an old hound dog! He even had that "waddle-thing" under his chin that old men get! This is how I imagine my brother (3 years older than me) will look in 20-30 years! Bring on the hair dye! Bring on the Viagra! He probably doesn't even remember that he left his glasses on his head! The drummer? Oh I don't think I can go there! If you sat with your back to them, they weren't too bad (they were even better after your ears started bleeding). But when you turned around...ummm...it was "trainwreck" worthy. I think Heather had to remind me to close my mouth and stop gawking. After the first couple of songs, I think they took their hearing aids out and tried to see who could be louder. It was...ummm...an...uh...experience!
.
Anyhow, a happy belated 40th birthday, Jackie!!!! We love you! Thanks for the party!

*SHHH!* I Didn't Post This - GOT IT?!

So I've been asked about Cullen's date. Well, last week Cullen got up the nerve and called London. He asked her if she was available to go to the movies over the weekend. (He did such a great job!) She acted very happy and surprised to hear from him. She was on her way to karate so she said she would ask her mom and call him later. Sadly, London's parents aren't ready for her to go to the movies with boys yet. Cullen was a bit bummed, but we talked about it and he seems okay. But "I didn't tell you any of this". Okay?!?!

The Girl Loves Her BLING!

Some Days She Has Something To Say

Kieren was being cranky with Cullen the other day. Well, he kind of deserved it. He was annoying her. Here is the conversation:


Cullen (after Kieren snipped at him for some reason or other): "Fine, Kieren! You are being Miss Grumpy Gills today!!!"

Kieren (spinning around with her hands on her tiny hips and her chin stuck out): "I NOT GUMPY GILLS!!! YOU GUMPY GILLS!!! DON'T CALL ME GUMPY GILLS!!!!!!!!!"

And Kieren stomped off as Cullen and I laughed ourselves silly!


Some days she gets her point across so well!

(BTW, there are multiple posts tonight.)

"Danielle Is My Best Friend!"

The other day Kieren was asked if Ian was her best friend. In no uncertain terms she said, "No! Danielle is my BEST friend! I LOVE Danielle!" (Sorry Ian! You will just have to be her favorite cousin!)
.
(Sorry these are fuzzy! I didn't have my good camera with me.)

.

This Girl Knows How To Chill

Running errands with Mommy.
Cup of root beer - CHECK! DVD player - CHECK! Headphones - CHECK! Stack of her favorite movies - CHECK! In the car for a couple of hours - NO PROBLEM!!! Gotta love this kid!!!

Kieren

How I love this child!

(More photos below!!!)

Ahp-Sotsh (Hop-Scotch)

Kieren defies gravity as a warm-up for Hopscotch.

.
Drawing her hopscotch grid.

Not too bad!

Pretty darn cool!

(BTW, I didn't have anything to do with this. The neighbor's grandkids taught Kieren how to do this a couple of months ago while they were playing. It seems to have made quite an impression!)

Are You Ignoring Me???

"Cully, I want you to play with me."

"Cully, are listening to me? I want to play!"

"Are you still ignoring me, Cully?! I wonder if I should squeeze a little harder!"

Ballet Class

Watching...

Trying...

Learning...

This is serious business!


I haven't been able to get many good photos of Kieren in ballet class these days. The class is working on learning their new routine for the show in June. Yes, I did say "in June". This is a serious dance school! The girls are required to wear the appropriate uniform for their age level. Hair must be pinned up. No skirts or tutus! Why? Because the teachers must be able to check form at a glance. The girls have spent the last 5+ months learning all the basic ballet positions and how to dance properly. It is now time to focus on their dance routine. Kieren's position is at the far end of the studio. Of course it is as far from me as she could be! I just wish I could get some better photos. Anyway, things are moving right along and Kieren is thrilled. I just can't wait to see her face the first time she stands on the stage!!! (The dance school rents a HUGE professional auditorium for 3-4 nights just for the recital! I've been told it is an awesome experience!!!))

Pink Week and Early Spring Fever

Last week was "Pink Week" at Kieren's school. Yes, Kieren wore pink every single day! On Wednesday, the class had a Pink Party so Kieren took in pink cupcakes with pink frosting and little bags of pink candy hearts. The girl loves her pink! Since it was so nice out, I let Kieren and Ian burn off some energy before we headed to school. They were too funny!!! I think Spring Fever came a little early this year!!!

My Cullen

My baby boy. So grown up. When did that happen?

Cullen got his hair cut this afternoon after his basketball game. He went in looking like a boy and came out looking like a young man. Then Cull came home, changed clothes, brushed his teeth and gargled, spiked his hair, and took another big step. He took a flower, candy, and a card he made to his "friend" London's house (all his idea BTW). No one had answered the phone there before he left, but he was prepared to leave his valentine some treats on her porch. Andy was appointed driver since I was busy. He jokingly threatened to sing London a love song if she answered the door. This totally freaked Cullen out!!! So off the men went - Cullen nervous and Andy snickering. (I guess Cullen did some deep breathing exercises and pep-talking all the way there!)

Andy called me from the car. It seems everyone was home at London's house! Cullen bravely went to the door (while being observed by London's dad and little brother who were playing basketball in the driveway) and disappeared inside the house. A few minutes later, Cullen returned with a big smile on his face. London asked if he could stay for a while. The boy scored! London was elated!

A couple of hours later, Andy picked him up. London walked Cullen to the driveway and gave him a hug. She had a HUGE smile on her face!!! The boy is sauve!!!! He will be calling her later this week and ask to take her to the movies.

*sigh*

They grow up so fast!

( I will have to tell you about how Cullen and London met and married - another time!)