Kindergarten

Having a real-life Kindergartner has been such an experience for me.

I taught Kindergarten for several years before getting out of the classroom and now my first born is in Kindergarten and it has been so awesome to see this grade/age from a parent perspective.

Ryan is so smart, observant, proper, and most importantly she is a thinker.  I love watching her because it's like you can see the wheels turning in her head to make sense of the situation and then she always asks a question...that I did not see coming.  (I give much of the credit to Ms. Cindy and Ms. Terri her teachers at Little Rock Montessori School for 2 years)

Witnessing your intelligence is pure delight for me and even her Daddy.  Ryan and her Daddy have the most mature conversations about everything.  It is the best thing to witness.  Makes me feel like a million bucks plus infinite. Hopefully one day I'll catch them at the right time so I can record one of these conversations.

My favorite favorite thing right now is when she writes something.  As a teacher I LOVED teaching writing. It was the beginning of my students ability to express their true thoughts and feelings.  Not to mention you see so much growth from the beginning to the end of K by reading their writing.

Recently Ryan's awesome K teacher decided to take another position out of the classroom.  As a teacher/professional I totally understand her decision.  But as a parent I was, let's say, a bit disappointed.  My baby was adjusting to her new school and class and teacher so well and now she has to readjust. Ugh.
Sidenote: So far I can't really get a 'read' on the new teacher and I can't really tell how Ryan feels about her...sigh..smh...fingers crossed.  Anyway...

Ryan,

You are the best reader and writer.  You are beyond any Kindergartner I've ever seen (and I'm not just saying that because you're mine!).  Daddy and I are so proud of you.  You have no idea.  You rock.  You are the bomb.com (even with your morning attitude and smart mouth!).  You are my sweetheart.

Here is something she wrote at school a couple of weeks ago.  I love love love this.  I have framed it, dated it, hung it in my office, and taken a picture of it, and sent it to lots of people.

Big Girl Bed

This weekend Reagan's transformation into an official big girl began.

How?

Daddy converted her crib into a toddler bed!

I almost cried.  But somehow kept it together.  My baby girl is growing up too fast.

Every night before she climbs in she says, "Daddy did dat" and points to the bed.

She loves her new bed.

The first night she slept in it, you could tell she didn't know what to do with the freedom.  It was so funny because she would lay down, then sit up, then step down and then get back in.  She was a little confused.

Then after we said her prayers and tucked her in and turned out the light, and left the room - 3 minutes later she miraculously disappears.  Out of her bed.

She goes wherever she can find light.  Our bedroom, the family room, her big sister's room, and even came downstairs to find me in the laundry room one night.

I 'fuss' at her and then walk her back to her bed.  One night this happened 5 times.  It was really cute.  Finally her daddy scooped her up and rocked her to sleep in his recliner (love him).  Sweet sweet sweet.

Reagan the big-girl-toddler.

#sarahorcharles

"If it's a girl her name will be Sarah and if it's a boy his name will be Charles."
-Ryan Claire

Girls Trip....TSU style

Instead of doing our usual pilgrimage to Nashville for our college (TSU) homecoming this year, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my college friends last weekend in Scottsdale, Arizona.

We chose the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for our own little TSU homecoming celebration to do something different - relax and just enjoy each other's company.  It was great to catch up with everyone.

Our Story:

We met 17 years ago in Wilson Hall at Tennessee State University.  4 of us were neighbors in the dorm and the other 2 were roommates with friends of the 4 (if that makes sense).  Since our inaugural freshman year most of us have been roommates either in subsequent dorms or in our first little apartments off campus and for me they have witnessed first hand the Russell and Natisha love story from the very beginning.  Throughout college and beyond we all managed to stay in touch and continue our friendship-sisterhood over all these years.

Breakups, babies, jobs, moves...LIFE.

These are my girls.  My Ride or Die chicks (and I can hear Sherrie laughing at me for saying that!).  Now I will say that while we enjoyed our party in the desert we were constantly on Instagram and Facebook trying to see who was in Nashville at the official homecoming...we love TSU!!

I love each of you and am so thankful to have you in my life.  I'd say we are the friends that have made it through all the seasons and I pray that we continue to do just that.

~Tish

High Five!

Coming April 2016...

Our little '4-Family' will soon be a '5-Family!!

So far,

I'm starving.  I eat like a cow.  My first trimester was great.  A few hints of morning sickness but nothing compared to the first 2.

This little surprise baby seems very quiet.  If my stomach wasn't growing I would almost question if anything was in there!

We are a bit anxious (gender???? biting my nails), excited, and worried.  All normal when you're expecting.  At least for me.

Only time will tell and only God knows what we're in store for.

Stay tuned...

*Oh, and another interesting detail - there are 5 friends of mines who are expecting also.  We must have all drank the same water this year.  It's an epidemic!  We will have to charter a bus for playdates now! LOL

Terrible Two's - Reagan Style

Waaaaay back in the day I blogged about RC1 being a 'Terrible Two'.

Now here we are 3 years later and I'm back in Terrible Two mode again.

Here is an on my little baby girl Reagan...

We celebrated her birthday in September.  We started with the day-of celebration which included her opening her first birthday present (a new baby doll) that morning before work/school/Nana's house.

 Over the weekend we had her non-traditional birthday party.  We just had a family brunch at the Purple Cow with some of her favorite people (Shammie, Papa, Gammie, JaideNel).  Those purple shakes are a favorite with me and my girls.

She was trying to put up 2 fingers!

It was the perfect little celebration for my baby doll.

We've been trying to potty train for a while now.  It is not going well.  She is just stubborn.  Wish us luck on this endeavor because it has been a challenge.  She straight up tells me "no toyet (toilet), I wan go 'dis one" - as she walks to her dresser/changing table in her bedroom.  I downloaded an app this weekend thinking that would help me help her.

Fail.

She did not pee pee or poop on the toilet/potty at all.

The entire weekend.

Maybe she's not completely ready yet? I don't know but I need a break from diaper changing before April! (more details on that in my next post)

Dear Reagan,  

You make mommy and daddy laugh all the time.  You are so funny and SO ACTIVE.  You can never sit and just 'be'.  Daddy has always described you as rambunctious.  He is absolutely right.  You tend to bully your big sister and you can tear up a room in under 10 seconds.  I don't remember what our hour used to look like....before you or Ryan!

You love:

• pineapple - "pineup"
• grapes - "gapes'
• apples - "abble"
• Ryan - "Wyan" - in a very whiney voice!
• baby dolls - "my baby"

There aren't many things that you don't love. I guess I'll say that pizza is a hit or miss with you.  Unlike the rest of us pizza lovers you can do without it.

You are infatuated with changing your babies diapers.  I'm sure this is because we are potty training you so at least this tells me that you kind of 'get it'??

You have begun to sing and recently now love for us to read books with you which equates to you pointing at the pictures and saying, "what's 'dat".

Your language has EXPLODED over the past 2-3 months.  I was worried for a while because you didn't say much but now you are about equal with the rest of us and I can't get you to be quiet! :-)

You are a determined little girl.  It has to be your way otherwise you will fall out in the floor and cry/scream.  You are a very fast runner!  I really can't catch you most of the time.  You are sneaky and when around new people very serious.

I love when you say, "Iwuvyoumommy" (I love you mommy).  My heart melts because you say it in such a way that I know that you really know what that means.  And you always follow it up with the best little hug.  

You are my baby girl.  You have your own little personality and style.  You are definitely a 'terrible two' but I understand your desire to assert your independence...whatever!!! (I'll be glad when this phase is over)

Love and kisses,

Mommy

Vacation 2015

We spent our family vacation on the beautiful San Destin beach in Destin, Florida.  It did not disappoint.  My in-laws joined us and we spent a fabulous week away. Full of rest, relaxation, and fun.  The girls got to fly on an airplane again which was definitely an adventure - airports, connecting flights, rental vans, car seats, lots of carry ons, a stroller...with a 5 year old and an almost 2 year old was, well...you get the point.  But I wouldn't have it any other way.

The girls LOVED the beach.  They loved the condo. They loved being on "vacation".

I loved the same things except I'll add that I was overjoyed to see them having such a good time.  Simply overjoyed.

Sisters playing in the sand...my favorite picture from vacation

Birthday Trip

I had a work conference in Chicago in July which worked out for me because it was also during my birthday week.  So my work trip turned into a birthday trip getaway with my honey.

If you recall (or not because I'm not sure I ever blogged about it :( ) we visited Chicago last summer for my family reunion which also doubled as our family vacation.  We had a good time then hanging out with the family but I'll tell you, Chicago was a GREAT time as a weekend trip with my love.  Just the two of us.  It was awesome.  The conference was at a beautiful hotel in a beautiful little Chicago suburb with easy access to the train.  It was a 20-30 minute ride into downtown so for us it was not a problem.  Before my honey arrived I even had time to have lunch with an old college friend who lives in Chicago.

We went out to eat.
We rode the train.
We tasted food at the world famous "Taste of Chicago" food festival.
We ate Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
We saw Cub and White Sox fans galore.
We visited the Magnificent Mile.
We did a boat cruise on the Lake Michigan and took in the fabulous views of the Chicago skyline.  We even took a detour into some random neighborhood while riding the train back to the hotel one evening.  Just because I wanted to see what's at this stop that seemed popular with lots of 30-somethings because every time we rode the train they seem to be all getting off at that stop.

It was great to get away.  Just the two of us.  I believe that once you're married and have kids, it is important to not forget about each other.
  
I love my Russell.  For sure.  Forever.

Catching up with the Hamptons - 35

July we celebrated the 4th with the usual barbecue, fireworks, and fun.  I celebrated my 35th birthday, a milestone in my book because now I'm closer to 40 than 30.

Here is the birthday card Ryan made me with my 'initials' - Tisha Forte Hampton.

Catching up with the Hamptons - Ryan turns 5!

We enjoyed an Annie themed celebration for Ryan's 5th birthday.  The kids had a blast jumping at Altitude Trampoline Park.  She was so happy and I was happy to see her happy.

19 months and counting

Reagan,

You are my baby.  You have grown up too fast.  It brings me joy but also makes me very sad.

Lately you have been a daddies girl.  You get all excited when he comes home.  You are more likely to climb into his lap than mine.  I must admit I am a little jealous BUT I know this is just a phase. :-)

You are beginning to talk.

A LOT.

I don't know if I've ever mentioned it before but I was worried because you didn't seem to have as many words as your sister did at your one year old check up.
(Sorry for comparing children, kind of can't help but to)

The doctor assured me that you would be fine and as long as you had some words by your 18 month check up then you were on the right track.  We showed up at that appointment with...5 words.  Again, the doctor was not worried but I was freaking out!!!  Soon after this appointment I left for a work trip to Toronto, Canada.  We FaceTime'd every night that week and you began to talk.  I mean, you had plenty to say when I wasn't there.  You were babbling and gibbering and putting together sounds - it was like your own language.  I guess you just needed me to not be around.  I don't know what your daddy said to you when I left but it worked.

Now you just talk up a storm.  When you want to.  You are kind of stubborn like that.

Here are some things that you say:

"Where's Ryan?" - you kind of sing this and it sounds more like  a hum and "Ryan" is actually "Wyan"

You also say:

"Want snack?" "I want more" (in your singing/humming voice)
"Mine!"
"Top!" - Stop
"No, no, no"
"Shoes"
"Joos" - Juice
"Mama"
"Daddy"
"Shammie"  - Daddy's mom
"Gammie" - My mom
"Daden" - Jaiden
"Choc" - chocolate
"Nanny" - great-grandmother

You are a bit feisty.  You know what you want and are determined.  You also have a bit of a temper, I knew this from the time we brought you home from the hospital.

You like  love to eat.

You love your Nana and Ryan and Jaiden and Daddy and Mommy and Evan.

You are a bit of a cry baby.  I guess I just breed crybabies because your sister was and still is one.
(Told you, can't help but to compare)

You DEFINITELY KEEP ME ON MY TOES and keep my weight down.

We love love love you so much.  I can't imagine my life without you and your sister, my two girls.

"Sushi Roll"

Once upon a time (this evening) as I was in the kitchen cooking dinner, my girl Ryan came in to talk to me.  Reagan is screaming in the background because it's dinner time and well, that girl likes to eat.

Here is how this story goes.

Ryan - "Mommy do you like sushi rolls?" remember Reagan is still hollering

Me - "No baby, I don't like sushi.  Do you like sushi rolls?"
In my mind I'm wondering what does she know about sushi.  I just assumed that maybe there was a birthday party at her school and someone brought sushi to share??  I asked if she had tasted sushi before and she said yes and I was a bit confused but I was also busy trying NOT to burn the veggies so...I don't know, I rolled with it.

Ryan - "Well mama, I like sushi rolls. They taste so good.  I really like sushi rolls."

Me - "Okay, well maybe one day we can go get you some sushi rolls."
and I finish cooking our wonderful dinner of tilapia, rice, and sautéed veggies (zucchini, broccoli, carrots, and spinach) - one of the RC girls favorite meals.

Fast forward to the dinner table....

We all sat down to eat our lovely meal.  Reagan had finally stopped crying - food is one of the only things that makes her be quiet  and we are all having friendly dinner time conversation.

Ryan - "Mama, I'm full.  Can I be done now?"

Me - "I need you to take one more bite of your fish and then you can get up"

Ryan - "O.k., then can I have dessert.  You promised me that I could have dessert after dinner today"
Because at the House of Hamptons, dessert is not an everyday thing.  I do not want my girls to get in the habit of thinking they are supposed to have something sweet every evening after dinner.

Me - "Yes, baby.  I promised you could have dessert. What would you like?"

Ryan - " I want something out of that bowl", as she points to the candy/fruit dish sitting on the counter.

Me - "Okay, what would you like?", as I take the bowl off the counter so that she can reach what she wants.

Ryan - "I want that sushi roll", as she grabs a Tootsie Roll from the dish.

The End.

Just like that.

I hope you are laughing as hard as R and I laughed this evening.

Easter

We haven't had a professional family picture taken since Reagan was a newborn.  So sad.

Many reasons for this travesty but mainly time.  I mean, I can't even schedule a hair appointment let alone booking our photographer for a family photo session.  Not to mention the crazy weather...rain then sun then snow then sun then cold then warm then - you get the picture.

I am working on scheduling a photo session sometime in May or June for sure but until then we will make due.

Now, back to Easter.

Since I do not have a good recent family pic of us, on Easter Sunday I decided to put an end to it.  While snapping pics of the girls in their pretty dresses and Easter baskets I decided to try and get a family picture in.  But who would take the picture?

The couch.

And I think my sofa (the photographer) and simple camera with the help of the timer did a pretty good job.

Unfortunately I don't know how to edit the screaming toddler but then again this is a TRUE representation of us so whatever. :-)

Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Ice Days

We FINALLY had a snow/ice day.  3 days at home with my 2 girls was heaven on earth for me.

(for some reason I cannot get this pic to upload correctly!)

It was like a dream come true. We slept late, played, napped, cooked, baked, sat by the fire, and cuddled and hugged and gave kisses ALOT.  

I can't say it enough, how wonderful it is that God chose me to be the mother to these two miracles.

Stay warm,

Natisha

Sickness and Health

As particular as I am about using hand sanitizer, touching things, cleaning and all things that prevent the spread of germs - you would have never thought that my girls, MY GIRLS would be the ones to catch EVERYTHING.

Literally, if a bug even passes by them I'm convinced at least one of my girls will catch it.

Since Thanksgiving Break, between the two three of them, they have had:

1. Several (too many to count) of what most people would call a "cold", I just say "bouts of snot-nose-ness"
2. Fever Virus
3. Pink Eye
4. Flu
5. Sinus Infection and
6. STREP (as of this week)

I have spent the past two days nursing my #1 and sanitizing everything in my house. I'm sure I went through an entire can of Lysol, went through LOTS of Clorox wipes and poured more bleach than I ever have.  

The good thing about my little mini sick-cation is that dinner was prepared for the week, all of the linens are changed (in every room), all of the laundry is done (this lasted about 2 hours), and #1 got to watch all the TV she wanted and color and cut and glitter and she was able to get away with being slightly rude to her mother and talking back (because she's sick, right? I can't punish her when she's sick??).

Back to school and back to work tomorrow.

I'm thinking I should invest in some vitamins.  Or invent stronger hand sanitizer.

8 Years and Counting

Happy Anniversary to my love.

The father of my children.

Most importantly, the one God made just for me.

I love you more now than ever before.

1-6-07

Thanks for the impromptu dinner date tonight....
a weeknight date...

thanks Evan the sitter...

for sleeping little girls.

NYE - Little Girl's Style

First of all,

Happy New Year!!!

Now, the good stuff...

My good friend had the BEST idea to have a New Year's Eve Party for our little girls.

Right up my alley....I mean, I knew Ryan would totally enjoy such an event.  Lots of sparkle and dancing and playing and just a little girly fun giggling time.

Go here are the details Party like it's 1999. .

Reagan was sick with an infamous "fever virus" (but you best believe I had her sparkles ready too!) so she stayed home with Daddy while big sis and I had a mommy/first born date.
(*sidenote - poor Reagan missed Breakfast with Santa AND the NYE party because she was sick - pink eye and fever).

Here is my doll all dolled up.  I just adore her.

I pray blessings to all with a happy, prosperous, growing 2015.