Superhero

My hero. Swoon.

Matching Outfits

I doubt I will be able to get away with this for as long as I would like to, but I am loving the idea matching outfits for Branner and Leighton right now! These are my first two coordinating purchases. Precious!

Accessorizing

I think we all know I love a great necklace, and that my philosophy when it comes to accessorizing is, "More is more." Branner agrees.

Sketches

Clockwise from top left: A caterpillar, me, a ladybug, Barry.

At our weekly family breakfast, Branner asked our sweet waitress for crayons and a piece of paper. Lately, he really hasn't been as into art as in the past. I'm not sure what happened. Last year at preschool, he took craft time very seriously. This year, his teachers say he's kind of over it. I know deep down there is a little artist inside because of this picture. So, it made me a little sad that he was losing interest. But, after seeing these little drawings today, maybe he's not!!!

Snow!

The snow storm on Saturday was welcomed with open arms by Branner! He was SO EXCITED! This was not the first time he has seen or experienced snow, but it is the first time he really understood what it was. He was so cute, wanting to build a "nowman" and searching for his boots first thing Sunday morning so he could go out in it again. He's still talking about it, even though it's gone. We had so much fun playing in the snow with him and just experiencing it through his sweet three-year-old eyes. 

Valentine's Day Dance

Happy boy with his best friend, Jack!

My Little Valentine!

Photo booth!

On Friday night, we had a family date (with Big Papa, too!) at Branner's Valentine's Day Dance. It was so much fun! There was a photo booth area (waiting on the pic from that), pizza, games, crafts, cookie decorating and a middle school kid playing music DJ. Branner spent the majority of the time chasing and playing with his best friend from school, Jack. These two have so much in common and are totally joined at the hip! The rest of us spent our time being amused by the kids and eating and laughing. I am so thankful for our preschool and for the friends we have made there! 

Branner's Birthday Party: Space Kidets

The Saturday after Branner turned three, we had a little party at Space Kidets for him. He had an absolute blast! While he was not really in the mood to pose for pictures (hence the lack thereof), he bounced, jumped, ran, and played himself silly. 

This place is a mommy's dream because you are not allowed to bring anything but cake and favors. No drinks, nothing. They do it all: pizza, drinks, balloons, moving your things from room to room (bounce room, party room, FREE game room) during the party. It was truly the easiest, most relaxed party. 

Three.

Dear Branner,

We know we say this every year, but we seriously cannot believe that you, our baby boy, are three. When did you grow up? Wasn't it just the blink of an eye ago when we were seeing you for the first time?! How did you become so big so fast? The toddler years seem to pass so quickly.

You are a funny, strong-willed, mischievous, silly, sweet, fast-talking, observant, smart little boy. You can be the best behaved child in a room as well as the craziest child in public. Every day is an adventure; we never know what is around the next bend! Your laughter and smile can light up a room and often do! The sweetest sound in the whole world is you telling your daddy or me that you love us. We love you so very much, and it warms our hearts and sends them soaring to hear those precious words. You say them often.

You love car washes/playing car wash, cars, trucks, cranes, airplanes and airplane rides, ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, construction crews/vehicles/sites, tractors, garbage trucks, trains, boats, school, your best friend Jack, bounce houses, bossing Bailey, Polar Express, Lady and the Tramp, The Fox and the Hound, Caillou, "cooking," weekend family breakfasts out, singing songs, having fun, and being outdoors. You dislike being told "no," and naps. In fact in the past couple of weeks, you have quit napping all together.

Our wishes for you are pretty simple. We wish you love, health, happiness, safety, and that you choose to be a son of God and put your faith and hopes in Him. We will always, always, always be here for you—no matter what. Our family may be growing, but you, sweet boy, are the one who made us parents for the first time, and that makes you special. 

We love you more than the number of stars in the sky,

Mommy and Daddy

Artiste

My little artist, hard at work.

Handprint turkeys!

Abstract.

He definitely doesn't get it from Barry or I, but Branner loves to create art. He must get this trait from his Gigi, who is a super talented artist! After going to vote, I ran in Michael's to pick up a few supplies to do an art project or two on this cold, yucky day. Handprint turkeys for Thanksgiving and a painting have already been created! We'll see what else we can make after nap!

Love This Sweet Face...

Oh, how I love this little boy!!! There are times when he drives me crazy (hello, he's 2!), but one look at him or the sound of his precious laughter can erase that in an instant! We have been spending lots of time at the park lately; so thankful for slightly cooler temperatures!

Oh, and he is into singing now! Old MacDonald Had a Farm, Wheels on the Bus, Ring Around the Rosie, a few songs he's made up (ie: "Walking up a hill, lalalalala" and something about waking up in the morning that Barry and I haven't quite identified yet), the Caillou theme song (seriously, why do kids love that show? WHY?). HILARIOUS!

Playing Catch Up!

Things have been a little cray at our house over the past week or so, which means I've been MIA on le blog. We had a jam-packed weekend with me going to Asheboro Friday afternoon, having a girl's night out with my mom and her BFFs at Bistro 42. So fun! Saturday morning, there was a wonderful shower for my future sister-in-law, Lindsay, then I hightailed it back so we could take B to Yiasou (the Greek Festival) to "ride rides." Barry and I had a little staycation for our sixth anniversary downtown. We went to the Panther's game and stayed at the Dunhill. We were too pooped to go to dinner, so we are having an anniversary dinner do-over if I can find a sitter this Saturday! We had a super-fun, wonderful time at the game and the Dunhill. I think I'm going to have to go to more Panther's games this year!

This morning, we had Branner's appointment with his new allergist, and got better news than what I was expecting! We did a blood panel at his pediatrician's office a couple of weeks ago, and the results scared me a little. As expected, he is allergic to shellfish (specifically: shrimp). But, the blood work showed possible wheat, milk, soy, corn, and a few nut allergies. However, I was reassured by Dr. Patel today that we have nothing to worry about with anything minus peanuts...possibly. We need to do an in-office food test where B will eat peanut butter to be sure, but my child won't touch peanut butter. So, for now, we'll just carrying on as usual. I was so happy to hear we don't have to make any diet changes!

For now, we're gearing up for:

• Picture Day at B's school next week.
• Dinner with friends on Friday.
• More decorating of the house. Chairs for the den have been reupholstered and will be here Friday! Next up: drapes and a custom couch for the den; bedside tables, lamps, and artwork for our bedroom; B's big boy room. Eventually: Leopard wallpaper for the powder room and antelope carpet for the den/main staircase runner.
• Some volunteer work/events for me.
• A trip to the Grove Park Inn for Barry and I in October for a CMCU board conference. 
• Blake and Lindsay's wedding in October.

What's new with y'all?!

First Day of Preschool!

Today was B's first full day of preschool! His teachers this year are Mrs. Michele and Mrs. Niza and he will be going Monday/Wednesday/Friday this year. So, far, everything is going great and we are looking forward to a fun year!!!

Food Allergy Follow-Up

Keeping B entertained!

This morning, we took B to his pediatrician for follow-up regarding last week's ER visit. We talked for a while, and our plan of action was to take blood and do a blood panel today for food allergies. We'll get it back in a few days. We're also (obviously) seeing an allergist to really dig deep into the heart of the matter. However, this mama wasn't willing to wait until getting an appointment to at least get a few answers! If B is allergic to foods other than shrimp, I would like to have that info ASAP!!!!!

B was a champ at getting blood drawn. He did cry, but we had no problem getting it. It was the most pitiful I've ever seen him. He was crying and saying, "Mommy hold you! Mommy, hurting!!" I had tears in my eyes the whole time. Bless his little heart! I'm so happy we're on the road to getting some answers.

First ER Visit

He wanted to wear his hospital gown this am!

It was bound to happen sooner or later. And, last night was the night of a scary first: Branner's first visit to the Emergency Room. In an ambulance, no less!

It all started about 7:15, when we were eating dinner. I made Barry and I shrimp with a spicy sauce, and I had a few leftover, so I decided to cook them up simply for B. He's been eating shrimp forever now! He loves popcorn shrimp! Well, apparently, it's true what they say about food allergies: they really can develop overnight.

So, even though he did not actually eat a shrimp at dinner (not a surprise), the fork that had shrimp on it did come into contact with his mouth. And, hives and swollen lips shortly ensued. I gave him some Children's Benadryl, and we hopped in the car to go to Urgent Care. As soon as we walked in the door, he vomited three times. They immediately rushed us back into a room, and started getting his vitals. He got an Epi pen and a steroid injection. The doctor said he was slightly wheezing, so he would have to travel to the hospital via ambulance just in case. It all happened so fast, and he was so calm and acting just like his normal self, that I really didn't have time to freak out. He thought riding in an ambulance was cool!

So, we spent 4 hours at the Levine Children's Hospital ER for observation. No further bumps in the road. We watched Nemo and took a wagon ride. The staff was amazing. We got home around 1:30 this morning, and everything is fine. We'll see B's pediatrician for follow-up next week, and he'll have to have the needle test at the allergist.

Luckily all is well. Major prayers were going up from us last night! CRAZY!!!!

Lately...

A random collection of events/happenings at the Kirby house.

We have almost (!!!) rid the house of moving boxes. I think about four remain.

Our master bedroom is on the way to being complete. Headboard installation is Friday! Drapes to follow shortly thereafter!

We're also working on our den. Fabrics have been picked, and we are about to start ordering/reupholstering furniture.

The painter comes tomorrow! YAY!

I am obsessing over antelope carpeting. It's probably unhealthy. I blame Lauren.

I'm getting all of Branner's ducks in a row to start in the Older Two's class the Wednesday after Labor Day! Parent Orientation is next week!

I'll be starting a new placement in Jr League next week, and I'm excited about it!

I've been missing my workout buddy, Stacey :(

We've been acclimating to our new side of town. I haven't switched grocery stores yet, because the HT at Quail Corners is being remodeled and they aren't offering Express Lane services right now. So, I'm floating between the one closest to the gym and the next closest one to home. I'm done with going inside the store! Can't go back once you've online shopped! I also decided that I will not be going to the closest Target after my trip there yesterday. I will switch to Stonecrest. I'm about to start doing the majority of my workouts at Harris Y. I'll never fully leave Siskey, though.

Barry has been traveling a lot on business. It makes us miss him! He's here this week, though, and we're glad!

I just finished Where We Belong by Emily Giffin. Loved it!

We are attending Blake and Lindsay's first wedding shower this weekend! YAY!

What's going on with y'all lately? I'd love to hear any news/happenings!

On a side note, I want to do a giveaway as my 500th post. However, I would really like to get my readership up first. Pretty please with sugar on top, will you follow the site via Google Friend Connect (on right side of blog—where it lists my followers)? 

Mommy's Sunglasses

Last night, before bed, Branner decided to try on my sunglasses. Too cute!

Branner's First Tweetsie Trip!

Tweetsie was quite the adventure for all of us! Branner is really at the perfect age to enjoy everything (except about four rides) that the park has to offer. Honestly, he was least impressed with the ride on the "big" train. He had more fun on the kiddie train at the top of the mountain! He rode everything we rode—including the chair lift and the ferris wheel! He has no fear! He loved every minute we spent at the park, and we will definitely be going back! Pics of our day:

Beech Bums!

Last Tuesday, Branner and I packed up and headed west—to Beech Mountain! We met Kiki and Coco there for several days of fun, cooler temps, relaxation, food, and more fun! I grew up taking trips up to that area, and it's so nice to be able to share and experience it with B. There are tons of things to do that are kid friendly, so I highly recommend it as a great location for a weekend getaway for families!

We made several visits to the Beech Mountain Rec center park, had lunch at Dunn's Deli, went on walks, played, colored, enjoyed the weather, and, the kicker—took B's very first trip to Tweetsie!!! It was another amazing trip; we just wish Daddy could have joined us!

A few pics of our park adventures:

 

Tweetsie pics to follow! They need their own post, maybe two! Happy Monday!

Geese, Mommy!

We had lunch at the Arbo with Big Papa this afternoon, and as soon as we pulled up, Branner said, "Geese, Mommy!" I guess he remembered from our last visit to the pond there way back in April (?!)! So we walked down and saw the geese and ducks before and after lunch. I promised him we would go back with some bread and feed them soon. With his memory, I'm sure it will be in the next few days!

Swimming, Daddy!

Barry and Branner working on swimming at the pool Saturday!