Coming Home

Whoa! Have I checked out this month or what? I had no idea it had been so long since my last post. I will fill in the blanks between then and now soon. Promise.

Over the weekend I met two of my sisters in Chicago for another girls weekend. The nice thing about flying to Chicago from Raleigh is that it is a straight flight, less than 2 hours away (basically take-off, take off the seat belt sign, drinks, and then the landing) couldn't be easier. We had a delish dinner that night in Chicago (me, Leah, Jess, and Leah's beau, Paul), the next day we hit up an outlet mall (shopping opportunities with girls are few and far between for me so of course we all took advantage of our being together), and we got some pizza, and a milkshake (the sign said it was small but it was seriously like 4 regular small shakes). I was stuffed (like roll me through the door kind of stuffed). The next day was spent with me in bed feeling like...umm...I better not say here, let's just say pretty bad (or should I say ugly bad? just sayin....). Could it have been worse timing? I think not. My being sick definitely limited some activities (I thought about trying to rent one of those scooter wheelchairs, but those babies don't rent out as easily as a car, so I had to scratch that idea). I felt a lot better the next day and even better the day after that. All in all, we had a great time (food, shopping, family, movies...), aside from my sick day. No pictures this time though (I thought about taking one of my ugly sicko mug during my sick day, but lucky for you I refrained).

I was anxious to get home though. I had never been away from my little mama's boy, so I was excited to see his reaction, and of course I missed my cuddle buddy, and my little girlie. I got to my gate to wait to board my returning flight and I immediately felt comfortable with the people who were around me. A lot of them were returning home to Raleigh, like me. The south (at least this part of the south) is full of extremely friendly and loving people that will talk to you like they've known you their whole life. Who wouldn't want to be in a room full of instant friends? I know I like it. My flight went perfect (the ONLY empty seat on the flight was next to ....ME!!!), when I got back into RDU I was able to help a lady with a baby (I kinda make it my personal mission to help anyone with kids in airports) and that made my day. Walking through the airport everyone was so friendly and smiley, I would have felt like a movie star, but that is how people here are to everyone. Ahh, it was good to be back to the place I now call home!

I walked out to the 65 degree night air to look for my lova boy, and I saw him standing by our car (he always gets out of the car when he is waiting to pick someone up at the airport and fidgets around doing stuff like opening the trunk and pretending to fix something so that the airport peeps won't make him move). I always miss Trav when we are apart, and I love it when he wraps his arms around me tight to welcome me back. The kids were sooo excited (I was at least as exited as they were). Little Phoenix started to cry when I moved away from him so I sat next to him for the first few minutes back to our house. When we got inside Travis, Audrey, and Phoenix took turns hugging and kissing me, over and over again. Its good to be loved. It was the perfect home coming.

Phoenix Willy's Haircut

Some of you may have noticed that our lil fella's hair has been getting rather long. Last week TWO people thought he was a girl (I didn't bother to correct them)!! We debated cutting it into a full blown mullet and keeping it for a week, but I didn't want to get rid of his long hair on top. So, Phoenix got his way (not that he is talking yet, but if he could talk I am 93% positive that he would be against sporting a mullet). I gave the kiddos a bath while I cut Trav's hair (I wanted Phoenix to see that the clippers were not scary). Then it was Phoenix's turn. We let him go commando (a decision I would very soon regret), I gave him a sucker, Trav held him and I cut fast. After about 10 seconds Phoenix started squirming so me and Trav got creative about holding him down long enough for me to cut a chunk. At one point I felt something warm and tickly on my foot...I screamed...my sweet little fella was peeing on me!! I grabbed his towel, soaked up the excess, and continued with the haircut. The whole things lasted about 5 minutes start to finish. I thought Phoenix was cute before, but now he is a whole new level of adorableness. See for yourself...

The before pictures:

The after pictures:

Andrew/Weekes Family visit...

Trav's parents came for a visit last week. We had TONS of fun! Janae (Trav's sister) and her adorable family came down for the weekend. It was awesome having so much family around (since there is NO family on either side in Raleigh we really appreciate it when we have visitors). I didn't take a ton of pictures but this is my favorite one from the week. Jeff kept saying that they are going to start making more trips out east (they live in AZ....soooo jealous!!) and hopefully that is true. Audrey was so sad after everyone left (I am pretty sure we all were).

Wacky Wednesday

Last week was wacky Wednesday for Audrey. We had a lot of fun dressing her up. I told her that every else in her class would be wacky. I was wrong (either the other moms didnt get the memo or we took it a little too seriously). But Audrey didn't mind.

Mind Reader

I know that you have been wondering the same thing that I have for last 18 months. Don't even try to deny it. You can't hide it from me. The question on all of our minds is: What would Phoenix look like as a girl? Here is a little taste...

He totally loved it. Since he was just a wee little fella if he could get his hands on a brush or comb he would immediately start combing his hair. I thought about putting a dress on, but Travis told me that was too much. I guess he was right...

Merry Christmas!

We had a quiet and fun filled Christmas this year. I asked Audrey what her favorite part of Christmas day was and she said it was that Santa ate the treats all gone (a cookie and a cinnamon roll). Phoenix wasn't aware so much of Santa, but he did enjoy having free access to the tree (we had a cage around it up until Christmas morning). Kids make Christmas so fun.

Kids in their Christmas outfits for Church...umm, and yeah...that little stud muffin is mine!!

Audrey's ornaments that she made in school. So cute!

My Mom gave Audrey a snuggie...and she totally loves it. I put mine on to show Audrey and her face was totally disgusted. Apparently snuggies aren't a good look for me (but that doesn't stop me from wearing one!!).

Christmas List

Audrey has a looong Christmas list this year (I may be to blame...every time she asked for something in the store I would say, why don't you put that on your Christmas list? not expecting she would remember everything...I was wrong). We went to see the mall Santa last Monday. We never actually get the pictures taken, but he is the only Santa available for Audrey to visit. Phoenix started to cry after a minute in Santa's lap. After the kids were done, we went shopping for a few gifts for other people. I have been eyeing these charm bracelets at Gap Kids for a while (like a year) and I asked Audrey what she thought about them. She immediately fell in love with the bracelets and one charm in particular (a globe). She of course asked if she could have it and I said "Why don't you ask Santa for it?" She was a little distraught because she had already spoken with Santa, so I told her that she could write him a letter. Pretty much the cutest thing ever!

"Dear Santa, I want a bracelet and a charm please. Heart Audrey."

We sent it to Santa.

Quotes from Audrey

Yesterday Audrey said a few funny things I thought were worth documenting...

We were watching Polar Express...

Audrey: I don't want to be a policeman doctor when I grow up, I want to be an elf.

Me: Well, you can't be elf because you are a human.

Audrey: Oh MAN!! I wish I wasn't a human so that I can be an elf!

Later on that day....

Audrey: I wish you would put on makeup so that you could be pretty.

Me: Do you think I am ugly without makeup on?

Audrey: Well...just a little bit ugly.

Me: Well, I guess I will go put my makeup on then.

That night as she was getting ready for bed...

Audrey: I am going to live with you when I grow up?

Me: If you want to, I would love it.

Audrey: Well, maybe I won't when I have babies. But I will visit you.

Lately (as in the past two weeks) Audrey has not been getting the sleep that she needs to maintain her usually pleasant personality, so whenever she says something that is not whiny I really appreciate it, especially when it is cute.

Hate Letter

Dear Winter,

I really, really do not like you. Can you please leave and go back where you belong (up north)? I just don't think its fair that you are hanging around like this in the south. People move here to avoid you. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy snow (when I am skiing that is), but I just don't feel that your presence down here is welcome, or acceptable.

To wrap it up, I hate you (once again, except when skiing), and please leave asap...like yesterday.

Lots of...loathing, and definately NOT your friend,

Rachel

P.S. tell Spring that we are ready and waiting

Leah's Visit

My sister, Leah, came to visit for Thanksgiving Holiday. We had a great time with her here, as always. It was the first time that Audrey had been very noticeable jealous of little Phoenix. Leah couldn't give him a hug without Audrey getting upset. Phoenix is at a really fun stage right now so Audrey is starting to look at him as competition.

I thought Leah would enjoy a cookout cheeseburger (which she did) and we took advantage of the nice weather and ate at a park (it was actually kinda cold and very windy but we all pretended it was nice).

coolest thing ever!!!! You can spin so fast!

When we were little me, Leah, and our sister Michelle used to love to make frosted sugar cookies. The kitchen would be a total disaster by the time we finished. By now I have gotten better about cleaning as I go, and we have gotten better at decorating as well.

The visit was over too quickly (as visits always are) and it left me wishing that we lived closer to family (as visits always do).

Spoiled

Yes, I am spoiled! Blame Travis. He went above and beyond to make my birthday special this year. The day started off with me sleeping in (hello?!? there is no better way to start off the day!). When I finally dragged my lazy butt out of the bed there was a candy trail (Trav's signature play) leading downstairs to a spectacular sight. He brought Audrey to preschool and he returned with Dunkin Donuts in hand.

I have been wanting to take the kids to Marbles (kids museum) for a while but I have been too scared to do it by myself because both Audrey and Phoenix are prone to run off...in opposite directions. So I took advantage of the fact that it was my birthday and Travis agreed to come. We had a lot of fun, Phoenix and Audrey could have easily spent all day there.

They had this hockey rink and you put socks on and it was about as close to skating as you could get without the skates. Audrey even fell as if she was on real ice (she didn't get hurt).

We even had enough time for Travis to give Audrey a few surf lessons. She was getting pretty good by the end of it.

The day before my birthday I asked Audrey what she was going to get me for my birthday. She told me "I can't tell you, its a secret! But I will need some macaroni and some string." Because I have amazing detective skills I had a hunch that she would make me a macaroni necklace. I was wrong. She made me a macaroni necklace AND a macaroni bracelet. So sweet!!

Travis isn't a big cake eater and I have attempted to eat an entire cake by myself a few too many times to want to try it again. So we got cupcakes from The Cupcake Shoppe. My favorite is Strawberry. Travis got a red velvet and Audrey got a lemon. When we got home they traded

Travis got me a bunch of thoughtful gifts, but my favorite by far was his coupon book "7 Days of Bliss". Basically for the next seven days he volunteered to put both kids down to bed, wake up with them in the morning and during the night if they wake up, clean the house daily, do all of the dishes, and give me a daily backrub (I have a baad back so this is very useful). For all of you parents, you know how good this is. I am definately going to enjoy my week off!! I had a WONDERFUL day, thanks to my awesome hubs. Love you Trav!!

Phoenix - Willy

Phoenix has developed so much in the last few months. He has 7.1 teeth, and he's not afraid to use them. He can say "hi", and sometimes when he is crying for a really long time in his crib or his cage (don't ask) he will say "mama", but he doesn't say it regularly yet. He can wave, clap, do the signs for "all done", "more", "bath", "bed", and "milk". He is picking up on the signs really well so I am going to have to read up on some more signs to teach him. After he was Chucky for Halloween Trav gave him a bath and made him lay down to get the red hair spray out (it was kinda necessary). It traumatized Phoenix and he was terrified of taking baths for at least a week, but I started working with him right away and I am happy to report that the little man enjoys his bath time again. His favorite foods are the Gerber yogurt puffs, the Gerber fruit snacks, and pretzels. He also loves little spoonfuls of frosting that I give him when I am baking. He is fairly cuddly, when he isn't feeling good he just wants to be held (which is OK with me), and when is plays he likes to come up to me and give me a hug and sit with me for a little bit, then go back to playing. It is so cute. He is climbing up on EVERYTHING. He learned how to slide down the stairs backwards and it is really funny to see how fast he goes. He loves to throw toys in the toilet at any opportunity. He is 1000% busier than Audrey was, but he is tons of fun. On Sunday Travis gave me a kiss and Phoenix leaned in to give me a huge, slobbering kiss of his own. He also gave Travis a kiss, but he wouldn't give Audrey a kiss yet. I am totally loving the stage he is in right now. His favorite show is probably Yo Gabba Gabba. He currently has a mullet, but I am not sure if we are ready to give him a trim quite yet. I am considering making it a little more rock and roll.

p.s. We got a DVD player for our car (2 monitors) and it was the best investment we have ever made, Phoenix loves watching the movies!