Enchanted Evening

Last week Abby and I went to see Raleigh Little Theater’s production of Cinderella. I thought she may be a bit too young to sit through a play, and I’ve kind of avoided the whole princess thing with her thus far, so I just wasn’t sure if she would even enjoy it. Shows you what I know. She and her buddy Grace got all dolled up in their princess finery, and then we headed to the show.

We parked a few blocks away, and the girls were brought to the theater in a bicycle cab (we pretended it was their coach).

During the actual play, Abby sat mesmerized. She asked tons of questions, and was obsessed with the mean step sisters (who were hilarious and played by men). These are a few pictures from our enchanted evening.

I'm Baaaack

Dear Pumpkin and Monkey (and family and friends),

I’m so sorry I’ve been MIA. How have almost two months passed since my last post? That’s entirely too long, because in these past two months, a heck of a lot has happened.

Let’s see. Miss Em is officially walking! I joke that she looks like Frankenstein because she walks with her arms out in front of her and her motions are jerky. It’s very cute. David is going to figure out how to post video clips, so we’ll record her soon and add that. She’s also been diagnosed with her third ear infection in as many months, and the doctors have brought up the topic of ear tubes. Poor thing. She’s been a bit fussier than usual, so now her temperament is about even with most 11 month olds. As David said the other night after spending several hours with her, “she’s a joy.”




Abby has been a cutie pie as well. She’s working hard on her table manners and cleaning her room. And I’m working hard at being consistent in enforcing these habits. How is she supposed to learn when I keep deciding its easier/quicker for me to just do it myself? She loves to talk up a storm and she certainly keeps us entertained. Today we were in the food store, and I went back down an aisle for a second time looking for something I couldn’t find. She said “Ugh, this aisle again? This aisle is killing me.” She sounded just like me being overly dramatic about something. It’s funny to have a little parrot around mimicking what I say. I need to be very careful!


Well, as I write this, it’s only 3 days until Christmas and we are all so excited. Abby hopes Santa will bring her jewelry. She’s only 3 and a half, but that’s what she wants. I just can’t imagine where she gets it from. Emerson is too young, of course, to want anything at all. David and I are just glad we have our healthy, happy girls and family around us. I just read a quote that says “Isn’t is wonderful on Christmas morning to have everything you want before you even open one present?” That sums it up pretty well.

State Fair

Weeee!

Cutie Pie

My name is Abby, what's yours?

Uncle Erik, can you buy me this pony?

Abby had her first trip to the State Fair last week, courtesy of Uncle Erik. He is a brave man. It was just the two of them, and she had a blast.

It was really the first time Abby did something like that without us. Emmy went to bed at about the same time that they left, so for the first hour or so, David and I just enjoyed the silence.

Then we started to wonder how they were doing. As much as we were dying to call and get a report, we managed t0 resist the temptation.

Later that night as I was tucking her in, I asked what was her favorite part of the night. "Riding the turtle and going in the bathroom" was her response.

Apparently, she had to pee about every 45 minutes, and poor Erik would take her into a porta potty and hold her suspended in the air over that giant, smelly hole. I can't image he enjoyed that experience as much as she did!

And isn't that just typical. He spent loads of money buying her ice cream, a pony ride, and several stuffed animals. She went down a giant slide and into the petting zoo -- but her favorite part was the bathroom. Kids are so funny like that. Sometimes it doesn't take much to impress them at all.

A big thanks to Uncle Erik!

xoxo

Fall Update

Fall has been great so far. Abby is enjoying her pre-school and has now added the words “probably” and “definitely” to her vocabulary.

Emerson is crawling all over the place and pulling up on everything she can get to. She got her first two teeth at about the same time as her first ear infection – it’s tough being a baby. We had her 9 month check-up this week and she weighs 18 lbs even and her length is 27 ¾ inches. She is in the 30% for her weight and 55% for her length. Tall and skinny, though it’s hard to believe because she appears so plump!

We took the girls to the pumpkin patch this week, along with the Canoe Court gang and Mama Jo. It was a perfect fall day and really got the kids excited for Halloween. And tonight, as I type, Abby is at the State Fair with Uncle Erik. It's bittersweet that she is now old enough to do stuff like this without us. David and I don't know what to do with ourselves. Wait, what's that noise? Oh, the couches are calling. Gotta run and relax while I can!!

Lake Gaston

We’re already well into Fall, but I'm finally getting around to posting some pics from our visit last month to Angie’s lake house. She was kind enough to host the whole family and we had a blast – going on boat rides, making s’mores, and just being “on lake time.” It was the perfect way to end the summer.


Mama Jo with her girls

Stay-Puff Marshmallow Baby


I could get used to this

All of the Sun

Last night I was tucking Abby in for bed and as usual these days, she has her choice of hearing three stories (that Jill and I make up and usually have to contain some sort of talking animal/dragon/insect) or we can read her two books. Last night she chose to hear the stories which happens 90% of the time. So I told her a story and she said "tell me all of the sun". Not knowing what that meant I inserted the words "all of the sun" somewhere in my story. "NO, when something happens - ALL OF THE SUN!" Abby said. At that point I called for reinforcements. "Jill, do you tell her a story about a sun?" "Um, what?" I think was her response. I repeated myself and got the same response. Jill then came in the bedroom and Abby said frustrated "Mommy, tell me a story with All of the Sun". And Jill smiled and said "Ohhhhh - ALL OF A SUDDEN!" I think Jill then made up a story with her swinging Abby in the tree swing and all of a sudden she flew out but of course Mommy caught her just in time.

Day at the Lake Part II

We have so many good pics from this weekend that I wanted to post a few more:


Relaxing with Caroline



I will not smile for the camera, no matter what.









Our first boat ride of the day.


This tree is really heavy, but maybe if we all work together....

Day at the Lake

This weekend Kim and BJ invited the Canoe Court gang and some other friends up to the Lake. We had a blast hanging out by the water and riding around on the boat. Believe it or not, we allowed our 3 year old daughter to go tubing! (with her father holding on to her). She really loved it at first, but then we hit a few waves and she was a bit scared to say the least. A picture is worth a thousand words - in this case, a sequence of pictures. Be sure to look closely at her expression as the shots progress.

We had a great time and plan to celebrate the end of summer/beginning of fall with one more Lake trip to Angie's house next weekend. This time I think we'll keep Abby off the tube.

September Update

September has been a busy month so far. Abby started school right after labor day -- so far so good. We're keeping our fingers crossed for a positive experience. She has her first "show and tell" today, and she had to bring something red. She brought her red dragon and is planning to tell the class about how she and her daddy often go dragon hunting in the woods. I'll be interested to hear how that goes!

Last week the teacher told me Abby is her little helper and definitely the class leader, but she also got in trouble for telling an "untruth." According to the teacher, they were having teddy grahams for snack and Abby's plate was clean, so the teacher gave her a second helping. Abby finished that serving too, and the next thing the teacher knew there were more teddy grahams on her plate. Ms. Ruthann asked Abby where she got them from, and Abby replied "Daniel gave them to me." Only problem is, the teacher had already noticed that Daniel had no teddy grahams left. When she pressed her, Abby confessed she had hidden her first batch of teddy grahams on her lap so she would get more. I have to confess, when the teacher first told me my first thought was "Damn, she's smart!"

When I dropped Abby off this morning the teacher and I were chatting, and she looked over at Abby and said "She's a mess. She keeps us laughing, but she's a mess." She said it in a very friendly way and had a smile on her face, but this is a southern expression and I'm not exactly sure what it means. To me, a mess means she had dirt all over her! Mama Jo or anyone else -- can you translate? (Just post it in the comment section).

And now on to the little one. Wow. Emerson starting crawling a few weeks ago and she is fast and furious. On her second day of crawling I left her in the TV room and walked in the kitchen to make a bottle. Next thing I knew, I almost stepped on her. She had followed me all the way into the kitchen! She loves her newfound mobility and just goes all over the house, checking things out. She's also pulling up into a standing position, which has caused some (hopefully temporary) sleep problems. She loves pulling up in her crib but doesn't know how to sit back down. Once she's up, she's stuck there until I come rescue her.

Both girls are doing great and just love playing together. Abby taught Emmy to shake her head back and forth as if to say "No" and it's so cute watching them interact with one another. Girls, when you are teenagers and fighting over clothes and boys I'm going to make you re-read this!

A Bittersweet Day

Today is the 7th anniversay of the attacks that occured on September 11, 2001. It was the most horrific day imaginable, and I know how lucky I am to have been so close to ground zero and not have lost anyone.

I tried to write about my feelings today, but nothing seems right. Instead, I'm going to post an email sent from Mama Jo one year ago today. Abby and Emmy, surely by the time you're reading this you'll know how wonderful your Mama Jo is, but here's just another example:

From: Jo Dykes
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 9:37 AM
To: Erik Dykes; david; Jill Dykes
Subject: 9/11

To my children,

Six years ago, I, like the rest of the world sat glued to the tv, waiting for the latest news, watching tragedy unfold. As devastated as I was, there was a part of me that selfishly kept saying, "Are my kids ok?" "Dear God, please don't let anything happen to Erik and David and Jill." Throughout the day, half of me mourned for others and half was totally focused on you. Each time the phone rang, and you guys were wonderful about keeping me informed, I said a prayer of thanks.

I don't know if I ever told you that when I got home, I think everyone in Martinsville called to ask if you all were all right. I know it was their way of reaching out to New York, but it was very comforting none the less. Now, here we are.....six years later. I turned my little desk calendar today and there is a picture of a mother holding a baby and it says "Count your blessings." So not only am I counting my blessings, I am telling you that you ARE my blessings and I thank God for you every day.

Boys, you have each brightened and enriched my life since the day they first put your tiny bodies in my arms. Watching you turn into the wonderful men that you have become is awe inspiring. I love you both so much.

Jill, my love and admiration for you grows daily. I truly believe that you and David were pre-destined for one another and I am so grateful. You are everything I could ever want in a daughter and I am so thankful that Diane and John share you with me.

And finally, our precious Abby. What a joy! Who would ever have thought, six years ago, that 2007 would find you ALL living in Raleigh, our lives revolving around a tiny bundle of energy, and anxiously waiting for another little soul to love. How blessed we are. I love all of you so much and am so grateful for you, and that you include me in your lives. Today just seemed a good day to say so.

Mom (Jo, "mazjo" (the grandmother formerly known as Mama Jo )) :o)

---
Like Mama Jo, I feel so grateful and blessed by my wonderful family. I'm so lucky to have such loving, helpful parents, in-laws, siblings, grandparents and of course my sweet girls and husband. I love you all!

PS -- Emerson, your name actually came out of 9/11. One day soon I'll write about the story of your name. I'm a bit too emotional today to do so.

The Curse of the Internet

In my excitement over our recent vacation, I broke the number one rule of this blog. Never, ever brag about baby's sleep habits -- or you will be punished.

Right now, I'm listening to my sweet little baby scream her head off and I'm self-medicating with Amstel Light. It's been a long day of her not sleeping well, and at this point she's running on fumes but won't give in. David and I have tried all our soothing techniques but nothing is working. She won't take a bottle, won't take a paci, and she'll only stop crying if I hold her.

Emmy, I love you to pieces but I can't hold you for the next 12 hours. Since I know the best thing for you right now is sleep, I'm going to let you cry it out. Even though it kills me.

So, for now, I'll crack open another Amstel and turn up the TV to drown out the noise. Sorry kiddo. I hope you still love us in the morning.

End of Summer

One cool thing about being a parent of little ones is that you get to experience things through the eyes of a child. Things like Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. all take on a different meaning as a parent. Summer is no exception. Although summer has always meant time outside, beach, camp, etc. - it's fun to experience it with kids. With that said, here are a few random pictures from this summer that haven't been posted. So it's time to close the books on Summer and get ready for football season!

Vacation!

August has been a busy month so I haven't been on the computer much. A few weeks ago we took our annual beach vacation. We all had a great time -- David and I loved every second of it. Papa Sonny and Deb were nice enough to lend out their fabulous ocean-front condo, and Grandma and Pop were brave enough to take the girls for the first few nights. That means David and I got to enjoy late-night dinners, the movies, and sleeping in. It was wonderful but to be honest, we began to miss the little buggers after a few days without them. The rest of the week the girls stayed with us at the condo, and we got in tons of beach and pool time. Abby is becoming quite comfortable in the water, and I've officially realized that Emmy truly is the most happy, easy baby. Honestly, everyone who comes into contact with her tells me so.

Here are some highlights from our vacation:

- We took Abby to her first Japanese restaurant and the child ATE WITH CHOPSTICKS (ok, training chopsticks) while the rest of us stuck with forks.

- As we were leaving the beach one day around 5pm, a wedding party was arriving for a beachfront wedding. Abby saw all the bridesmaids gathered together and gasped "look Daddy, princesses!"

- Emmy slept like a champ both at Grandma's and at the condo. We put her down around 7-ish and don't hear a peep until at least 12 hours later. YIPEE!

All in all, we had an amazing time and we're already excited for next year's trip. A big thanks to Papa Sonny/Deb and Grandma/Pop!

xoxoxo

Emerson's First Word

Dear Emmy, We had your 6 month check up this week, and the doctor agrees that you’re perfect. Here are your stats:

Weight: 16 lbs, 1 oz (50%)
Length: 26.5 inches (70%)
Head Circumference: 42 cm (25%)

You had to get three shots this time, which made Abby and I sad. Abby covered her ears so she didn’t have to hear you cry. You were pretty loud at first, but you quieted down just as soon as I picked you up and kissed you. Little girl, you are too sweet for words.

You also said your first word this week: Dada. How’s that for a birthday present for your father? The first time you said it, your father and I looked at each other and were like “did she just say Dada? I think she said Dada." Then the next night, Mama Jo and Uncle Erik were over for your dad’s birthday dinner. I said “Emmy, can you say Dada?” And clear as a bell, you said it. This time there was no denying it. We all started cheering and I’m pretty sure your dad and I high-fived each other. (We’re officially turning into those dorky parents we used to make fun of). Anyway, by the end of the night you were babbling like a brook and your dad said you were just showing off now.

For the record, Abby’s first word was also Dada, which I always thought was so ironic. No offense to your dad, but I’m the one who did all the work here. I carried you girls around for nine months and endured heartburn, backaches, hemorrhoids, restless leg syndrome (yes David for the last time it IS a real syndrome) and many other discomforts, and that’s all before I got my stomach sliced open! Then I fed you both using my own body. And then, a few months later, you open that sweet little mouth and utter dada as your first word. Unbelievable.

But the truth is, I loved being pregnant with both of you and I truly believe that women are the lucky ones. We get to carry you and protect you before anyone else, and even after you’re born, no one knows you quite like your mother. So since the moms get all of that, maybe it’s nice that most babies say Dada first. Girls, I feel so lucky to be the one you call mommy. And Emmy, I’ll take it whenever you decide to say it.

33 Years Ago Today...

This man was born!

David, I know you stress about money and don't want me to buy you anything for your birthday, so instead, here are the Top 10 Reasons the Dykes Girls Love You:

10. You often get up with the girls on Saturdays and let your wife sleep in. Pure bliss.

9. You scratch letters on Abby’s back when you tuck her in at night.

8. Your acting lessons in NYC have paid off, making you one cool dad. You do a great big bad wolf impression and make a wonderful “mean pirate.”

7. You always get up early to walk Scooter before work and never complain about it. Not even when it’s cold and rainy.

6. You eat pizza three times a week to feed your wife’s pizza addiction.

5. You’ve learned to toss homemade pizza dough in the air to satisfy said addiction. (By the way, this is very sexy).

4. Your home is full of pink frilly items, dolls, and more shoes than you can count. And you think it’s cute.

3. You share your iPod with your wife and aren’t embarrassed to download Justin, Beyonce and Madonna so she can have a good running mix.

2. You are the first face Emmy sees in the morning and your smile is contagious.

And the top reason the Dykes Girls Love You….

1. You take great care of us!

Happy Birthday David/Daddy! We love you!

Love always,

Your girls

Pop the Snowman

The dog days of summer are here and it's downright HOT. The girls and I were lucky enough to spend last week at the beach with grandma and pop while David was traveling for work. One afternoon while we were there, pop was mowing the lawn and Abby was sitting on the back deck watching him while eating an ice pop, which was dripping all over her. Pop took a quick break and came over to sit with Abby for a second. He dropped his head down, and sweat just rolled down his face. Abby looked at me wide-eyed and said "Pop's melting!"

Silly Girls

One of the fun things about being a stay at home mom is that my days are always full of surprises. For example, the other day I left Abby quietly coloring with markers and a coloring book. When I returned to check on her a few minutes later, this is what I found. At least she didn’t decide to use her sister as a canvas…yet.

And yesterday I left Emmy laying on a blanket in the middle of the floor. I came back in the room a few minutes later and the blanket was empty. I found her several feet away, on top of the dog. Scooter seemed happy to have someone to cuddle with, and didn’t even mind that her feet were dangling in his face. By the time I grabbed my camera she had moved a bit, but you get the idea.

July 4th at the Beach

Like most North Carolinians, the July 4th Holiday means beach weekend for our family. We typically head to Grandma and Pop’s house in Calabash and get to spend time with Nan and GG (Jill’s grandparents) and Aunt Shannon, Uncle Mike and of course little Mikey. This past holiday was no exception, complete with two days of playing on the beach, two cookouts, 7 temper tantrums, 1 trip to Urgent Care, Abby’s first trip to the movies (Kung Fu Panda – Abby got scared and left early with Pop) and margaritas on the beach (for Jill and I of course!).

But the real reason I’m writing this to recount the early-morning events of Friday, 7/4. We arrived on Thursday and Emmy (almost 6 months) slept GREAT much to our surprise that night. However, the next night was a different story. Emmy was sleeping in a port-o-crib next to Jill and I when she started fussing around 4:30AM. Jill got up with her and tried to feed her/comfort her. No luck. By this time it was close to 5AM and Grandma is usually up at this point. So Jill left the room with Emmy hoping to have Grandma sit with her while Jill slept. Only problem was that Grandma was nowhere to be found (she was sleeping with Abby). So Jill brought her back to the bedroom and in the kindest possible way (sarcasm) said to me “Your turn.” Half asleep, I said – “what should I do with her?” Jill responded with, “I don’t know. Put her in the swing I guess”. Well that made sense to me as rocking/swinging usually gets a baby back to sleep. Since I was half-asleep and only vaguely aware of the new infant indoor swing at Grandma’s, I assumed Jill meant the OUTDOOR swing. So I started walking towards the door to place Emmy in the outdoor swing by the driveway and I would go back to bed. That’s right – outdoors in the pitch-black of early AM. Being the sharp guy that I am (sarcasm), I thought I should double-check this plan with Jill. So I went back in the bedroom and said to her “The outdoor swing? Really?” Jill immediately sat up in bed and exclaimed, “NO DAVID! The swing by the TV!!” Well that made more sense. Responding to Jill’s quick and harsh response, I shot back with “Just CHECKING…Gosh!” So I put Emmy in the swing next to the pull-out couch with Pop and went back to bed.


It wasn’t until the next morning over breakfast that we all realized I ALMOST put our 5 ½ month-old outside in a swing at 5AM. In the dark. By herself with no supervision. We had a pretty good laugh at that point. So if you’re reading this Em, you dodged a bullet kiddo!

Sweet Potato

We started solids with Emmy a few weeks ago, and it’s something she puts up with but doesn’t seem to love. In fact, I have to trick her into opening her mouth – she doesn’t willingly accept the food. But today we had a breakthrough. We tried sweet potatoes for the first time and she gobbled them up.

Emmy, as your mom I feel like I’m pretty in tune to your emotions. If you could talk, here’s what I think you would have said about each of the foods we’ve given you so far:

• Rice cereal – yuck


• Oatmeal – ick


• Applesauce – better, but not great


• Sweet Potatoes – now we’re talking!

The funny thing is, the only way I can get Abby to eat sweet potatoes is when I puree them and hide them in her pancakes. I wonder if you girls will be as opposite in your tastes as my sister and I. Only time will tell I guess. If my mom is reading this, I bet she’s getting a good chuckle and thinking “payback’s a $*@%#.”

Race for the Cure

This year marks 7 years my mom has been cancer free!

In 2001, the year she was diagnosed, I signed up for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in New York City and participated in my first 5K. It was such an inspiring, emotional and empowering event that I have participated in it nearly every year since. It’s an amazing day – supporters line the street cheering on race-goers, and the number of women wearing pink race shirts (the sign of a breast cancer survivor) is both shocking and inspiring. These women have been through so much and here they are – some with bald heads, some needing assistance to walk, some completely recovered – but all with smiles.

On June 14th, for the first time ever my mom and dad participated. I’ve been telling my mom about it what it’s like for years, but within minutes of getting there, she got pretty choked up after seeing a young girl with a sign on her back saying “In Memory of Mom.” But the good news is, the percentage of “in memory” signs was quite small compared to the “in celebration of” signs. I am so thankful that I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to wear an “in celebration of Mom” sign. And I promise to bring my girls to this event when they get a bit older so they too can see how strong these women are and get a taste of what their grandmother went through.