Applesauce

I ask Will this all the time, "When will Laurie be able to really feed herself? When will dinner time not end with an immediate need for a bath?" Do you think she could get more applesauce on her face? I don't see how it's possible.

Happy Birthday, Meg!

Cousin Meg turned two today, we celebrated with dinner and of course cake with everyone. Meg was so sweet loving on Anna Fair, I think she would have been happy just to sit on the couch and cuddle with her all night. Forget giving her a gift, I'll just invite her over to hug on the baby!

Happy Birthday, Meg, we love you!

Queen Bebe

Mother has really enjoyed Mardi Gras in Natchez. She is queen this year and Mom and Dad have had a great time with all the festivities. We attended the Call Out Ball this weekend and they really put on quite a show. This year's theme is Las Vegas; Bette Middler, Wayne Newton, Elvis, Celine and many others were all in attendance, we had a blast!

While we were home, I pulled out my baby cradle from when I was a little girl, Laurie and I had a good time playing house. She is a natural.

3 Months and 2 Years

Last week we had two big occassions, Anna Fair turned 3 months and Laurie turned TWO! What a fun time we've had. It still blows me away how fast our family has grown, in some ways it seems they've been with us forever, and in others, when did they get so big?!




















Laurie loved her cake, we were so proud that she figured out how to blow out her own candle. We've been teaching her to say "TWO!" for the last week. She can't quite manage to get up 2 fingers, so we just hold up one on each hand. It works just as well.















During Christmas, Laurie figured out opening presents. There is always something pretty good in there. It is so sweet to see her joy and enthusiasm over each gift, even when she doesn't seem quite sure what the gift is!

Battle of Wills

Laurie is really, REALLY opinionated about what she will and won't wear. Only white socks, no colors. These shoes, not those. Hair bow, no hair bow. Yesterday, she broke down when I wouldn't let her wear her church dress all day.

Today, for our first outfit, she didn't like the collar and kept pulling at it and shouting "OFF!" For our next ensemble, a precious knit jumper that we have worn happily before. Today, the tiny knit dots were bothersome. After repeatedly yanking at them, I decided it was time for another change rather than ruin the jumper. The third dress is a little polka dot I made. Whew, victory. That is until we play in the back yard and are filthy in 30 seconds, playing in turns with the potting soil and Josie's water bowl. We haven't put on a fourth yet, I call uncle.

And Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Weather

Just as soon as we were getting used to the freezing temps, it warmed back up and Laurie thoroughly enjoyed a much needed day playing outside, running, squealing, taunting Josie and riding on her trike. Ah, 60 in January, this is the Mississippi I know and love.

Arctic Weather

When Bebe first gave Laurie this heavy, thick down jacket, Will and I chuckled, wondering when we would ever have an opportunity to wear it. Low and behold, just a few weeks later, we had to eat our words as we have been blessed with many days of freezing weather. Who knew?

School Days

Much to Mommy's sadness, we decided it was time Laurie started school. Mommy could use one less child to run errands and Laurie could use more activity than I can give her with a baby in tow. It hurt so much to send her off, knowing it is just one more step in my girl growing up. Yeah, yeah, I know it's only 2 days a week for 3 hours, but still, I felt like I was sending her off to college. She's such a trooper, Laurie gave baby Anna Fair a kiss and headed out the door. I have noticed she is extra clingy when she comes home, I guess she is still my girl after all.

Somedays...

You just feel like being cranky.

Happy New Year!

We've all been nursing colds at the Barbour house, well, everyone but Anna Fair that is. That child must have some iron clad immunity. Anyway...so we laid low this new years. Daddy bought us some fun sparklers to ring in the new year at an early 7pm. Laurie wasn't so sure about them, and she sure wasn't thrilled about holding one.

Baby Love

Baby may be the best gift ever. Laurie loves her new baby, I asked what baby's name is and Laurie replied, "Baby Ehn Feh". How nice to have two Anna Fairs in our house! Laurie was enjoying playing with her new Mrs Potato Head when it occurred to her that the eye glasses are a perfect fit for baby! Now Baby wears them everywhere.

Laurie has been having trouble falling asleep at night lately, even before Anna Fair was born. She still naps like a champ, but will lie awake in bed for hours. So, I've started letting her taking things to bed with her. (I know, Momma is a wimp) First juice, then books, now baby. Soon, there won't be any room left in the bed for Laurie.