2014

I have been such a slacker with the blog, I know it is partly because I cannot figure out how to upload pictures and it almost seems pointless to post unless I can include pictures.

We had a wonderful Christmas, it was nice to spend time together as a family. Ashley and Peyton really did drive me crazy though. I think they are used to being on the go all the time and being on a schedule that over two weeks of no schedule was really too much for them. And too much for me! At least in the summer we can get out to the pool. We were stuck in the house most days and I really thought I would lose my mind by January 5th.

Charlotte turned 10 months on January 18th! In less than two months, she will be one. We had her 9 month appointment last week (a little late, huh?) and she has fallen off the growth chart for height. I know she is short, but I did not realize she was THAT short. She was 26 inches, which is around the 1st percentile. She had been around the 13th percentile. She was 17 pounds, 9 ounces, which is around the 35th percentile for weight. She had been following a curve, a small curve, but a curve none the less and now her height has dropped off the curve. The doctor is not concerned, but she said we do need to keep an eye on it because it could be a sign of a growth disorder. But other than that, she is great! She is still my sweet smiley baby. She is laughing all the time and saying "mama" and "dada" and I think she is trying to say "dog". I don't know if she associates Ryan and I with those words, but it is cute to hear her say them. She has turned into a fabulous sleeper, she may be my best one yet! And she is getting up on her knees, scooting backwards, rolling all over the place and trying to crawl. I stood her next to one of Peyton's classmate's sister today (Charlotte is 10 days older than her) and the other baby is literally TWICE the size/height of Charlotte. Charlotte looked like she was about 6 months younger than the other baby. She may be taking after Ryan's mom, but I really hope she will be taller than 4'11.

Ashley has a new teacher for kindergarten. The last day before Christmas break, we received a letter that her fabulous teacher, Mrs. Garner, accepted a job as director of preschools for Montgomery County. To say I was crushed is an understatement. Ashley loves school, but is having her normal issues of focusing and zoning out and also silly behavior and Mrs. Garner knows how to interact with her and redirect her. I am hoping her new teacher will be able to do the same. Ashley seemed excited about her new teacher, but she did get a little upset last night when I think she fully realized that Mrs. Garner is not coming back anymore.

With everything we have been through regarding teachers and schools, I think I should be prepared for anything by now!

So far 2014 has started out very slow and tedious, but I am hoping for a  fabulous year. We are hoping to take a family vacation (other than the beach) this year and I am trying to convince Ryan to go on a Disney Cruise. More to come on that.........