My little

My little Izzy isn't so little anymore...

She is turning into a big girl!  She is talking so much now.  New words every day.  She is running, climbing and getting into to everything!  She is more like any typical toddler than I ever thought.
We are still working hard with potty training.  Someone told me to try the Farmer's Almanac for weaning. Hey, at this point, I am willing to try anything.  So, November 23rd is the first day following this calendar to start the weaning.  That day, I will hide all diapers, pull ups and bring out the special undies.  Fingers crossed that this works.  Maybe the stars or whatever will be in our favor!  Mama is tired of diapers!
This is the face I most often see when I sit her on the potty...

Yep... Sister with an attitude.  I wonder who she gets that from?!?  Miss thing has a huge personality.  Can you tell??  I sure do lover her!

Photo overload

I have been MIA and my blog has been neglected these last few months.  I know it is ok because I started this blog as a type of scrapbook for my kids.  Lord knows, I am not crafty enough to actually do a scrapbook.  After finding out about Izzy, I took it to a more personal level.  Journaling became my therapy.  I figured it was cheaper than actual therapy.  But lately, I just didn't have it in me to write or share my feelings.  That is life for you!  Sometimes you get busy, sometimes you get down and sometimes you just have to focus on taking that next step on your journey to keep going.

But... life hasn't stopped or slowed down in the Holt household.  With three kids, I don't think I would be allowed to stop.

Here are some pictures of the kids doing their thing... having fun! 

My boys are growing up so fast.  Ethan just had a birthday- the big 11!  I can't believe it.  He is already acting more and more like a teenager everyday.  Lord help me!  Girls, attitude and developing his own sense of style.  He is growing up!

Aiden's birthday is coming up fast too.  He can't wait until October rolls around.  He will be 9.

All I know, is that I love these guys to pieces.  They give me gray hairs and heartache at times but they are all mine.

and then there is Izzy.  She is so full of personality.  This girl is into EVERYTHING. (not sure if this is a girl thing or just an Izzy thing) She has a nickname- Hurricane Izzy.  It fits her perfectly as she leaves a trail behind her wherever she goes.  This makes cleaning very difficult!  Which keeps Mommy stressed out and probably adds to the gray hairs.

Don't kids want to always be treated like grown ups until they are asked to walk around a fair or well any where??  Then, their legs hurt.  That would be Aiden...hence the ride in the stroller.

Izzy came with Mommy to find a dress for a wedding we were attending.  I haven't put a dress on in a very long time and now I remember why.  She thought the process was hilarious!!  Me... not so much!

and here we are at the beautiful wedding.  We all had a blast and were thankful to be apart of Jordan's big day.

Izzy loves taking selfies.  I figured I could use these pictures one day to track how we have both aged.  Silly faces are always fun, though.

Have I ever mentioned that Izzy loves chips?!?  She wakes up requesting chips.  She goes to sleep requesting chips.  I mean... I love chips but really??

Izzy started her new PreK program and we all participated in a Fun Run/Walk to raise money for their new playground.  It is getting set up right now and I know she is excited to play on it.

Like everyone else, I use my phone as my go to camera.  So now, whenever I am looking at my phone, Izzy automatically says "cheese".  Even her babies are saying cheese.

Milo, our dog, ran into the street and was hit by a car a few months back.  Don't worry... he is ok.  We thought it might knock some sense into him but it didn't.  He did get this nice care package from our neighbor though.

Izzy trying to get a tan.  We did make a few trips to the beach and our local water park this summer. This year was so much easier since Izzy is walking.

I don't think I ever posted pictures from Izzy's birthday party.  Sister was spoiled and ate lots of sugar.  No one offered to take her home with them that night so we stayed up late partying.

Our  little fish taking a break...

Izzy got some new DAFO's.  As you can see, she was very excited about it.

Milos' favorite place, the dog park.  The kids enjoy it too since they get to chase other dogs.

Anyone want to play fetch???

More pictures to come...

School 2014-2015

School started for all three kids the middle of August.  This is the only year that they will all be at the same school!  Ethan is in 5th, Aiden is in 3rd and Izzy is in PreK-D.  Everyone loves their teachers so far and are enjoying getting to make some new friends.

I love that all the kids are together this year.  It helps Mommy with Izzy's transition to PreK at the Elementary school.

Izzy loves her backpack.  Mrs. Angie embroidered her name so she shows it off to everyone that she passes.

The first day on the bus was hard for both of us.  Now... she is a champ.  She gets help with the first big step and then after that, Sister becomes Miss Independent.

 That first day, since she was upset on the bus, I stayed at the end of the hallway and watched her arrive to school.  She was smiling and waving at everyone down the hall.  This is the best picture I could get but I see her little piggies swinging in the wind.  She caught my eye and waved and that is when I knew she would be just fine.  Mommy on the other hand- cried all the way to work.  

 Then, when I got to work, I found this little treat at my desk.  Small gestures can sure turn your day around!

 Since Izzy has started school, we have seen a lot of this happening...

She no longer gets a nap since school goes until 2pm.  So she is one worn out little girl by the time I pick her up.  The first few nights were rough and she was a cranky pants but we have gotten into a little better routine which has helped.
Izzy is even trying to dress herself in the mornings...

We still have some work to do but this is progress.

We get a progress report each day- which I love- and from what I hear... Izzy is making a lot of friends at the school.  

Big brothers are doing great as well.  They are pros at the whole school thing now.  This is the last year for Ethan in Elementary school.  I can't believe he will be in Middle school next year.  Scary and exciting!  Aiden is trying the traditional classroom this year and so far, loving it.  We decided to pull him out of Gifted for now and figured we can always go that route again down the road.

It has only been a few weeks into the school year and I must say I would have been lost without Google. My kid's homework makes me feel so dumb!  I definitely will not be going on the show- Are you smarter than a fifth grader?  No sir, no I am not.

Son...you have a name.

This morning, when Ethan came out into the living room he was greeted with the sweetest sound.  His name!!  Izzy has always called him Aiden and this morning she yelled Ethan and ran and gave him a hug (all unprompted).  WooHoo!!
We all stopped in our tracks and then did the happy dance.
Ethan... you now have a name!  Doesn't it sounds so sweet to your ears??

Where did my baby go???

Isabelle turned 3 in May, and on her birthday we celebrated big but we also said goodbye to all her therapists and coordinator.
The Early Steps program ends at 3 years old and the next day, she could have gone straight into the school system.  We decided to hold off until August since school only had a few more weeks.

and now... here is August.  August- you sure showed up fast!
Yesterday, we went to her PreK-D orientation.  She is ready... I am not.  Why you ask?!?  I know that she will do great, I know that she will own the room, I know that she will easily make friends.  What I won't know... is how her day was, did she fall down on the play ground, did she like the lunch we made for her, was someone mean to her?

You see, everyday that I pick up Izzy from daycare- I ask her how her day was and what she did.  Her reply is always- Yeah.  She isn't able to give me details or an explanation.  She's three and we haven't been able to have a true conversation yet.

Don't get me wrong, she makes herself known with what she wants.  Sister is smart but just can't verbalize completely with words yet.  I know she will get there with time and more therapy.  So right now, we communicate the way that works best for us- some signing, some talking, some pointing or pulling us by the hand.

The Elementary school is so big and she is so little.  I just want to protect her from the world but at the same time I want to see her soar high.  Soar as high as she could ever dream possible.

I know those two statements don't go together- me protecting her from the world but also letting her soar. This is where I have to learn to let go just a little bit.  Let her be the independent little girl she really wants to be.
I don't want to but I will... slowly.

Here's to taking baby steps towards this new adventure.  Watch out Bluewater... Miss Priss is heading your way!

Some light reading...

Ethan is part of the safety patrol at our house.  What?!?  You don't have one of those.  I didn't know we did either until I saw him checking the doors one day.  Especially at night, he always goes behind us to make sure the doors are locked.  I wish he was as concerned with the lights.  Maybe our light bill would go down.
Here he is doing some light reading during the day...

Our local newspaper- crime section.  He had to know all the details... who is that, what does that mean??
Maybe he is going to be an investigator when he grows up.  I sure love this kid!!

Traveling...

The last 2 weeks have been a blur but super fun!  I feel like we have been living out of a suitcase- which is not such a big deal because I only have a certain amount of outfits that I can currently fit in.  Big Mama problems!!
So if anyone saw me in Orlando and then in Atlanta- yes... I was in the same outfits just different days.
The family went to Orlando for a little R&R the last week in June.  We decided to take the kids to Disney that Thursday.

Izzy finding out that we were heading down to Orlando

Daddy about had a heart attack before we even entered the park- right there in the ticket line.  Seems like he wasn't listening to me when I went over the cost of the tickets.  He revived about half way through the day and all was well again.

The kid's first ride in Orlando- Bell cart.

Hurricane Izzy was alive and well in Orlando.  She didn't waste any time leaving her mark where ever we went.

Prepping for our first day in Orlando.

We couldn't get Daddy in the picture because he was picking his jaw off the ground and well Aiden... enough said.

 The boys and I waited in line to ride on Big Thunder...

 Someone chickened out.  I won't name names but he is no longer in the picture...

We found out that Olaf and Anna had made one to many desserts and they were kind enough to stop us and give us their extra.  They probably felt sorry for us since we were all drenched in sweat but we were feeling good and stuffed afterwards.

 Ryan finally was starting to get into the Disney mood right before we left the park.  Nothing like waiting until the very last minute to get into the spirit.

We locked the boys up for a while and then came back for them after dinner.  Don't worry... we gave them the leftovers.

This little girl was such a champ.  Who ever decided to book our trip to Orlando in June was crazy!!  It was super hot but she was an angel the entire day.  No meltdowns and all smiles.  I can't say the same for everyone else.

Izzy wasn't too fond of all the rides.  This was how she rode most everything even including the tram to get into the park.  No screaming... just holding tight.

Friday, we went to the Orlando Grand Prix.  We did this last year instead of the Disney parks and the boys loved it!!  They haven't stopped talking about this racetrack since last year.  Seriously!
Izzy wasn't too impressed when she found out that this event was for the boys.  Maybe in a few years Sister!

We hung out and cheered while the boys raced.  Izzy fell asleep and I wished that I had been sleeping.

Our boys left happy.  Aiden too... he was just hiding it really well.

Did I mention Hurricane Izzy came along on vacation with us?!?

The last two days of our vacation was spent at the Resort.  We didn't leave for anything.  We relaxed and swam the days away.

Oh but there was still laundry to do.  Some things never change.

Snow cones, goldfish, juice boxes and swimming.  Every kids dream!!

In case you were wondering ... pouting and tantrums don't stop just because you are on vacation.  He missed the dancing at the pool party because he was in the activity center playing games.  Some how this was Mommy's fault and nothing or no one could make the pouting stop.  Life is rough sometimes!!

 My evenings consisted of this...

A hot bath- with the water pouring from the ceiling.  Yep, you don't see that everyday- and spending my time trying to figure out what that picture is.  Yep, you don't see that everyday either- Thankfully!!
I locked all the doors and soaked.  Mama was happy!
We returned home and unpacked only to pack that same suitcase again in a few days.  Ryan was working all 4th of July weekend and our initial plans changed due to Ryan working so I decided last minute to take the kids to Atlanta.  Chad, Steph, Mom and Dad all had planned on taking a weekend trip.Mom and Dad had to cancel last minute due to my Aunt passing away.  So at 6pm Wednesday night, I had booked our room and taken their place.
All packed in the car and ready to get on the road.

Our mornings consisted of the pool and sun.  Cheap entertainment for the kids.  This trip was all about cheap entertainment (except for the Braves game) but when you are in Atlanta during baseball season- you can't pass up a game.
Uncle Chad spent the morning in the pool with all the kids.  He received a gold star from Steph and I.  Kids in the pool + Chad = Mamas get to relax in the sun.

Friday night, we all headed to the Braves game.  Ethan and I were the only ones probably in the stadium without anything on that consisted of Braves or red, white and blue.  Did I mention that I packed really quickly and that I can only fit into a few outfits?!?

It was a great celebration for the 4th of July!

 Is anyone else brought to tears when you hear the National anthem or flags flying??  

Then there was that time we had to get food for everyone at the Braves game.  Did I mention the game was packed and so were the lines for food?!?  We had some very hungry kids and adults.

After the game- Braves won!!- we were kicked out of our seats since the fireworks were going to be set off behind us.  We didn't mind since we found seats right behind home plate- Score!!

 Everyone was really excited about our seats except Izzy.  She held on for dear life.

I saw her peeking to see the colors of the fireworks but she was not loving the loud noise.  No screaming but she was still and tried to bury her head in my chest.

Do you see pain in my face??  I didn't have a stroller and we parked a good distance away.  Izzy isn't so light anymore and walking in such a large crowd is not something she was too excited about.  So, between Chad and myself we finally got her back to the car.  I only lost feeling in my arms for the rest of the night so that isn't too bad.

The next morning, was some more pool time, of course.  Since I packed in less than 2 hours, I forgot a few things. Swim diapers- we managed- and her puddle jumper- wasn't as easy to manage without.  Aiden is such a good big brother.  He held her tight in the water.  She is Miss Independent when it comes to the pool and doesn't have any fear.  I have enough fear for the both of us.  Lesson learned... puddle jumper will be the first thing I pack next time.

That evening we went to Stone Mountain.  That is some great, cheap entertainment.  We packed dinner and then paid $10 to park our car.  You can't beat that!  We found seats right up front and the kids played for hours until the light show started.

Izzy enjoyed dancing while holding on to my neck.  I tried to tell her this was a choking hazard but she wasn't listening.

 A little cousin love...

When did Sister get so big?!?  

The highlight of the night... Trees caught on fire after the fireworks.  I am sure that this happens often because this is the only picture I could get before the fire fighters had the fire out.

Sunday, was our trip to Ikea.  What is a trip to Atlanta without stopping at Ikea?  Even if you are just browsing.  It is fun!  Well... maybe not for everyone.
He is trying to protest Ikea.  It didn't work.

And these boys... well, I guess they didn't get enough sleep the night before.

This guy was missed while we were in Atlanta.  I am not sure he missed us as much since he had 4 days of peace and quiet.

Sunday evening, we made it home and now... I am not going anywhere for a while.  The boys asked where we are going this weekend and my answer... no where!!  I might not even leave my house.