Just a Check-up

This past Monday, I had to take Reagan to the doctor for her Pre-School checkup. Before going I tried and relieved any fears that she had, by telling her they were only going to check her weight, height, hearing and vision. I assured her she wasn't going to get any shots. BIG MISTAKE!
The visit starts traumatically when we discover that Reagan needs to pee in a cup. She is totally freaked by this and to top it off, she is so tiny that the automatic toilet keeps flushing, which sounds as if it might suck her down the bowl. She absolutely refuses to cooperate. Next as enter the examining room, we are told that she needs to strip down to her undies and put on the paper gown. At first, she is on the verge of tears, but Daddy and I make a big joke about it being her beautiful dress up gown that she starts laughing and puts it on.
Finally the Doc shows up and announces that she is going to go ahead and do a Kindergarten physical and that meant that Reagan would be getting shots. SHOTS, not A SHOT. Reagan looked at me immediately and I thought I would cry for her. All went well with the check-up and the doctor said she would send in the nurse for her hearing and vision exam. I calmly explained to Reagan that she would have to get a couple of shots, but that it would be okay.

After, completing the vision test the nurse nonchalantly said "It will be four in the arm." Reagan, knowing exactly what she is talking about, looked at me and said "Four shots??!!" Oh geez, this tiny little child is going to get four shots in her arms?? So again, I calmly tell her that yes, she is getting four shots, and yes, they will hurt a little, but it will go so fast and she will probably get to go to the treasure box. That brought a brief smile.

In comes the nurse, asks me to hold Reagan in my lap, wrap my legs around her waist, hold her arms down, pinning them in place. Talk about freaking a child out. But I stayed calm, telling her I would cover her eyes and she would not have to see. The nurse, on the other hand, was loudly pronouncing that it was going to hurt and she could cry as loud as she wanted, and that Mommy would buy her a treat when we were done. What??? Oh well, there goes the little treasure box trinket.
In goes the first needle, Reagan laughs. Second, third, and fourth...."That one hurt Mommy." That was it. No tears, not even welled up. Wow!! Poor John, was in the corner, not able to even watch. Reagan looks at me, "Can I get a Barbie?" Yes, baby, you certainly can. What a brave little girl.

Oh and by the way, she is now 41~1/2 inches and 33~3/4 lbs. Doctor said she is always going to be petite. There goes my super model....

Hero in Training of The Year Winner

You may remember from a previous post that earlier in the year Peyton was nominated as a Hero in Training for starting her Little Hands, Big Heart Fundraising Project. Well, last Saturday she was invited to attend a Luncheon at Concord Mills in honor of all the Heroes for the past school year, where she won the huge title of "Hero of the Year"!! What a great surprise! She received a certificate, a plaque with her name as well as a $250 gift card to Concord Mills. She said later that when the speaker was describing what the winner would receive, she thought to herself 'Wow, I wonder who will win that money.' So needless to say, we are so very proud of our littl PeyPey.
And call me a bad parent, but I let her spend her money. She was very thoughtful in her purchases. She bought some too cute outfits and shoes. She even bought Reagan an outfit (with Peyton's help in choosing the perfect one) and Bailey a pair of earrings she had been wanting. The photo is of Peyton with her teacher, Ms. Smith, who nominated Peyton as a Hero. Thanks Ms. Smith.!!

Back To School

This past Monday, Bailey and Peyton started back to school. I can't believe the summer is over already. I am torn between being glad to have some peace and quiet and missing the constant chatter of little girls in the house. It has been a great summer. Although we didn't get to go away very much, we truly enjoyed our neighborhood pool. And with all the new friends we met, we had plenty to do.

This year we made the decision to put the girls in our neighborhood school instead of CIS. It was a tough decision, the girls loved their old school and I felt we were so lucky to get into the school when it first opened. However, after much discussion we decided to make the switch. So now instead of driving nearly 2 hours everyday to drop off and pick up the girls, we are now walking 10 minutes to school!!! And instead of getting home at 4:30, we now are home by 2:15.
At first the girls were none to pleased to be leaving their friends behind, but after the first couple of days of seeing the same friends that they saw at the pool in their classrooms, they think its pretty cool! Already, Peyton has a playdate with one of her new friends who lives just down the road. In their words "It's sweet!" Another bonus, no more uniforms! I will probably be missing those uniforms shortly, but I love shopping and I have to admit it was fun shopping for cool school clothes instead of boring navy blue and white.

So now the home is quiet, well not completely, I still have Reagan for one more week and then she will be off to pre-school. And then, an empty home (for the morning hours anyway). I've forgotten what that sounds like.

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Photos from the Lake House

Last weekend we visited our Aunt and Uncle's lake house. My cousin and his family came down from Virginia. We had a lot of fun. It is amazing how quickly children become friends. My girls hadn't seen their children since Easter, but within five minutes of us being there they were fast friends, ready to play. As always, it was great fun. Relaxing on the boat, or at the pool, or just sitting at the house playing cards. It was the perfect little getaway before the girls go back to school. Sharing the photos....

Happy Birthday To You...

Today is Peyton's birthday. She is turning 7. How can this be? Where does the time go? I can remember getting everything ready for her arrival. She was scheduled c-section, so we knew exactly when she was coming. It was kind of strange, because there was no labor at all. But what a cutie. Before having Peyton, I couldn't imagine loving another child as much as I did Bailey. But as soon as I saw her, my heart grew with a love I never knew was there. Peyton Michelle Cullen. The child her Nana called an angel. At times she is the most difficult of my three, but this child has a heart of gold. She takes everyone into her heart. She has the uncanny ability to know when you are hurting and need one of her special hugs or kisses. When I look at her, my heart swells so much it hurts. As we all do, I often get caught up in the days and forget how lucky I am to have her in my life. Thank you God, for bringing this special child into my life. She brightens my day just seeing her sweet angel face. Happy birthday sweet Peyton Girl. I love you so very much.

Butterfly

Walked outside yesterday morning and found this beauty feasting on my flowers.

My beauties...

Aly & AJ Concert

Photos from our beach trip

Every summer we go to the beach. Just Cherry Grove (North Myrtle Beach), but we always have fun and as the girls get older we get to enjoy more and more things together. Mostly we hang out at the beach or the pool, but in the evening we usually try to enjoy some of the activities. We play putt-putt, ride the rides, go shopping, see a show, ride bikes. Its just great being together without the daily distractions.