Addie's big day

Addie decided yesterday that she was suddenly ready to get her ears pierced. We've talked about it over the past few months and she's always elected not to pursue it. Yesterday on a whim, I asked and was shocked when she said "Yes! Let's go now." We actually waited for Daddy to get home, since he wanted to be with us too.

Then off to the mall we went.

She was so excited.

Hair all pulled back to expose those hole-free lobes.

She WAS not a fan of the smell of the alcohol wipes the lady used to clean her ear lobes!

Getting ready for the pinch, which we assured her would be brief.

And instead we got this.... she flinched at the lady squeezed the trigger, which makes the earring jar in the gun and makes it harder to get in place. Of course.

After much cajoling, she finally calmed down enough to get the other side done, but this time with Brian holding her. It at least was a split second and she was done.

Afterwards, she is trying to act like she's hurt, but she wasn't really.

The shock is wearing off and she's thrilled with the results.

We went to dinner afterwards and she had to call everyone. Watch how excited she was with her call!

She's really excited about all of the earring options they make for little girls. We purposely chose the CZ so she can wear them for Aunt Kim and Uncle Tom's wedding in a month.

Easter 2011

Easter morning started with Addie and Ben wearing their Easter outfits that Muddy made.

This picture is so funny. Muddy hadn't finished Ben's waistband all the way yet, but I didn't realize that. So this picture is Ben's response, just as he opened the cabinet while hunting for eggs, as his shorts fell to his ankles. I couldn't have timed the picture better. Muddy quickly grabbed them and fixed them on the spot, so there were no more wardrobe malfunctions.

Then the Easter egg hunt continued

Then we went to MomMom and PopPop's house, where Graham was.

They all blew bubbles out back.

In "ways to prove Addie is my daughter" news- she came into the kitchen and told me "You need to come take a picture of Ben and PopPop. They are sitting so cutely together." So of course I did.

As we drove back to our house, we got to the corner of Concord Pike and there was the Easter Bunny!! It almost seemed like she was waiting just for us. Ben actually said, "Well that was good timing!"

By the time we got to our house, the Easter Bunny was at the front door, indicating she had hidden some goodies out front.

At dinner Muddy surprised us by putting Ben in the Easter suit that she made TJ over 31 years ago!! She had to let out the legs and sleeves, since Ben is taller than Onkteb was, but other than that- it's the same suit! It's also the suit that Uncle Jeremy wore for Halloween when he was Don Johnson from Miami Vice!

Overall, it was a wonderful Easter. We lucked out with fantastic weather. It was a great family gathering, and we had lots of discussion about the family members who weren't here physically but with us emotionally.

To everyone, Hello...Happy Easter!

to the "supernational" class....

Onkteb teaches a class on Supernatural........things. This is a shout out to them! Thanks for following us!

Addie's first Phillies game

She's been waiting for this night for weeks. Brian got a partial season ticket package with a co-worker; so he's got a pair of tickets for four games. She was soooo thrilled to wake up this morning announcing "It's time for the Phillies game!"

I don't think she even cares that it's raining.

And apparently she doesn't even realize they are in the highest section at the stadium- Brian texted me "my nose is going to start bleeding."

I took Ben to dinner at whatever restaurant he wanted- we went to Olive Garden. He was happy to have some alone time with me too.

Writing Letters

Addie's class is working on learning how to write proper letters to others. Her printing is so wonderfully clear, it's amazing. Below is what her latest letter to Peter Rabbit says.

April 15, 2011

Dear Peter,

If you go in Mr. Mcgregor s yard then you will be in trobl. Peter dont loos clows. Do not be a thef. Do what your mothr ses. Be a good little rabbit. Lisn to your sisters. Stay owt of troble.

Addie

What they look like right now

Maturing

This afternoon Addie and I went out to run some errands. On our way home, I pulled into the Dunkin Donuts parking lot and got ready to take her inside for my evening pick me up. Just as I opened my door, I said to her, "do you want to go in by yourself and order my coffee?" I would've thought I just asked her if she'd like to sing on stage, she was so excited. We rehearsed my order a few times and ultimately I wrote it down on an old receipt. She headed inside the Dunkin Donuts and I sat in my car and watched with anticipation. She stood in line behind a woman and once the lady caught a glimpse of my big girl grinning from ear to ear, she looked at me and smiled. Addie proceeded to do a dance the entire time she was waiting, waving sporadically to me, and just jumping with eagerness until it was her time.

She walked to the counter, pulled out the receipt and read off the order. She gave the man behind the counter her money and I got to watched as she tried to corral a handful of dollars and change. Then the man behind the counter handed her a bag and she tried to manage that, the coffee, and the change and proceeded to drop the change on the floor. The woman (who let Addie go in front of her!) helped her with her change. I hopped out of the car, and helped her with the goods. She was beaming. She was so thrilled.

As we walked outside I asked, "how did it feel? do you feel so grown up now?" Addie looked at me with a sense of pride that's unparalleled and said, "I bet they thought I was a six year old! That's what six year olds do."

Oh and in the bag, the guy gave her a free donut-- not just a munchkin, but a whole donut!

Addie's song

Anyone who knows Addie knows that she has always aspired to be a song writer. As her writing skills have improved, I'm encouraging her to write her songs down.

Here's what she wrote last night. I am typing it exactly as she has and I will write the correct spelling in paranthesis.

Babby (baby) my temper chr (temperature) is gowing (going) slow. I'm gowing (going) slow. I am a huny (honey) I am a sweety and I love you. I wrck (work) hard to be strong and you are my laty (lady).

I predict #1 hits in the future!

Before and After

Tuesday before the surgery last week.

Tuesday, the week after surgery.

Not sure you can totally "get" the difference, but the scab that's left is just flat. It's so nice to not see anything protruding from his face. He's such a little love.