August 2009 Archives

In March, one of our 8th graders was gone for a week of school while he went to Florida to cheer competition with his family's studio.  He talked on and on about how great it was, and how much fun he had, and how much Carter would love it.  I emailed his mom at the studio, just to inquire about summer classes, but never heard back.

Amy emailed me back last week (they'd had some computer issues), and invited us in to check out a cheer class for free.  So after a long day of daycare/preschool and school, following dance and Triad, we headed to Iowa All-Stars cheer studio to check out the situation.

Carter fell in love with the studio!  She had a blast from start to finish!  The instructors helped her get into things, and she latched on to them and did great!  Mid-way through her class, I spoke with Amy.  Tonight's cheer practice lasted an hour, and there would also be a tumbling class she'd be required to take, Sunday's from 1 - 2.  The group she would be in, the Fuse, particpates in six competitions through the year, mostly close to home with one in Omaha.  They have little cheer outfits, cheer shoes and cheer bags.  They learn sportsmanship, teamwork, cheer and tumbling techniques.  And they have a blast - and they were pretty stinkin' cute!

Carter had a great time, but it's a big time commitment.  We talked at home, and ultimately decided that Triad was our way to go, at least for another year.  At the end of the this dance season (next summer), we're going to re-evaluate where we are, and at that point, maybe make some choices about what she'd like to continue and what she might have to drop. 

 

Tears of sadness.  Tears of excitement.

Today, Carter began her years of education (like her first four years haven't included plenty of that!!).  She moved to the 4-year old room at daycare, and started their "Creative Children" pre-school curriculum.

She was pretty excited about the new move.  There were new books to read, new centers to explore, and old pals to play with.  Her teacher also has a disco ball that she turns on during nap time (meaning Carter doesn't nap, Carter goes to bed earlier, everyone wins!!).  And there's a fish.  Does it get any better?!

We were pretty excited, too.  But it's so hard watching your little punky grow up every day.  She's more than ready for preschool, but that didn't make the day any easier.  I started school at JMS, Carter started preschool, and Andy started his final week at Principal.  It was kind of an overwhelming day for me.  And it was sappy-music Monday on the radio (my drive to work was kicked off by "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing," our song), and I spent most of the drive in all teary.  What a mess!



Off to (pre)school we go!

Today was Carter's actual birthday, despite having nearly a week of birthday excitement!  As birthday tradition goes, she got to pick out dinner and what we did that evening.  She wanted to have a picnic at the park and play. 

So we all packed our lunchables and Cheetos, and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon at the park.  Then, we came home to cake and presents.  Carter liked her new outfits (including a new Triad "jumpy"), the Pinkalicious series of books, and a couple new games.

Happy 4th birthday, "Little" Girl!  It's amazing how quickly four years can pass, and even more remarkable how those four years, and one amazing little girl, can change your life in so many ways.

We love you, Birthday Girl!!!



Carter and Daddy snuggling at the park after our picnic



Happy 4th birthday, Carter Kay!!!



"Ohhhhh ... what is it?!" 



Pinkalicious, for our little PInkalicious Princess!

Guilty confession: Andy and I both agreed that we really only went to the fair for Carter fun and food.  Next year, we're going to be more ambitious! 

We hit our favorites: the giant slide, fried pickles, the petting zoo, pork chops on a stick and corn dogs, and the midway.  We did a little people watching, and we had fun.  It was a nice evening, very low key and dull - perfectly peaceful!

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Carter wasn't 100% sold on Clifford, but I did convince her to walk up and say hello.



The Giant Slide, a Chalupa tradition.  Carter and Andy are center/right



Here they come!  Carter was "just a little scared" this year, we think because she's understanding that actions have consequences and accidents are painful.  But she still had fun!



Riding the pony.  I asked the attendant for one ticket, and he asked if I was sure, inquiring if I wanted to ride.  My response: "Oh no, poor pony!"  But I did make sure Carter was safe and sount



Carter now wants a pony.



Feeding the rascally goats at the petting zoo



If Carter were an animal, she'd totally be one of these goats!  Earlier, I had made the mistake of showing Carter the goats were okay, holding out the cup so they could nibble from it in my grasp.  She so badly wanted to the cup, do to it herself, so I finally let her have it.  She shared the cup with the goats (right photo) and the goat snatched the cup from her hands, tipping it back and chowing down on all he could.  Carter went hysterical!  She thought it was the funniest thing ever!  I finally managed to pry the cup away, but the goat had made off with most of our food!



At the midway, Carter's ride choices were more Big Girl this year, and she rode them all by herself.  The motorcycles went round and round, but also up a ramp and a little faster than she was used to.  At the top of the ramp, she'd hoot and holler, giggle and laugh!  We'd never heard her so excited before!



The car ride, just like Swiper at the Mall of America, would whip her around the corner, pushing her to the outer side of the car and putting her into fits of giggles!



Chalupa tradition #2: the carousel.  Due to my "condition," I was picture taker while Andy and Carter snuggled and enjoyed their horsey



Chalupa tradition #3: Fair treats all around!  Andy had a pork chop on a stick (his fair staple), a bag of salt-water taffy we're still working on and an Iowa-grown ham sandwich.  I had my fair staple: fried pickles, a big ol' corn dog and fresh squeezed lemonade.  Carter was the smartest kiddo ever, having nibbles of our treats, her own corn dog and some cotton candy.



Carter played photographer, catching Mommy and Daddy hanging out



After Incredible Pizza with our pals in the morning, and the Iowa State fair in the afternoon/evening, we were three exhausted (and FULL!) Chalupa's!  Homebound!

This morning, Kelsey, Shane, Grant and Collin came up from Coralville, and Janine, Madi, and Carter J. came down from Garwin, and our little offspring tore up the town together!

We took everyone to Incredible Pizza (Saturday's mini-golf spot) for fun and friends, to celebrate Carter's birthday.  She got some wonderful, sparkley princess books from the Bumsted's.  She loves them!  Maybe she connects with the princess ;)

After pizza and cuppy cakes, the kids took off in all directions: Grant and Collin played games, Carter Kay, Carter J and Madi played mini golf.  Well ... played, not so much golfed!  We met up with Grant for some bowling, then we all mingled around games and goofed, laughed and had a blast.

By 2:30, everyone was exhausted, kids and adults alike!  But it was fun, and we had the BEST company we could ask for!  Thanks guys!  WE LOVE YA!



You know it's never good when THEY outnumber YOU! 
Kelsey get Grant and Collin settled, while Carter Kay, Madi and Carter J chow down on mac and cheese.

 

Collin and Grant enjoying Carter's homemade cuppy cakes



BIRTHDAY GIRL!



Carter J and Carter Kay mini-golfing.  It was a tie for who had the worst grip, but they both had a blast, so it didn't really matter!



CARTER'S 4 NOW!!!  4 and CRAZY!



Carter Kay, Carter J and Madi, the next Tiger, Mickelson and Singh!



Next up, bowling!  Look out!



I don't know WHY she does this, but Carter has this super-weird habit of yanking up the backs of her shorties, giving herself a wedgie!  I've tried to break this habit ALL SUMMER LONG, with no luck.  So now, I'm taking a different approach: she embarrassed me with this all summer, I'm going to embarrass her when she's 16 years old!  Paybacks, sweet girl!



Grant steps in for a helping hand ... WAY down the alley!



Smiles on the horsey



Skee ball balls should never be air-borne! 



Tickets, tickets, tickets!



Carter x2: Carter Kay and Carter J, enjoying goldfish (we TOTALLY got our $$$'s worth at this buffet!)



3/4 of of "The Girls": Kelsey (with Grant's alien), me, and Janine (with Carter J stepping in to hold Mackenzie's place!).



Belly bumps: Kelsey, 35 weeks, Kelly, 30 weeks

I haven't posted much on my big ol' belly bump, but it's starting to pop more and more.  I'm looking pregnant from the front, not just the back!

I had my monthly check up with my doctor last week, and all is going well.  No stress over weight (I've gained about 15 pounds less THIS time than I did with Carter - yeah me!), and we're measuring about a week ahead of schedule (better sooner than later is my motto!). 

I was cautious about not eating a whole lot prior to my appointment, because I didn't want to catch it over weight.  In my efforts to save myself a lecture, I had a strawberry soda before meeting with the doc ... and I think that put my sugar levels just over the "normal" range.  So I was invited back to take the test again, this time in full length - 3 hours, with 4 blood draws, instead of last week's hour session with 1 blood draw.  BOO strawberry soda!  Results to come on the extended glucose test tomorrow or shortly after.  I'll keep you posted.



Finally!  My belly's bigger than my butt!

Sunday evening, all I wanted was a belly picture with Carter.  Easy, right?  Carter seems to think my belly is funny, and it would make a super bouncy, good old time.  She wanted to belly-bump me, then would giggle as she half-way managed.  She was so wound up, this is all I got, which is still pretty adorable:



My BUMP is bigger than Skinny Minny's entire body!



Lovings from my sweet girl



The family - all 4 of us!

Carter received an adorable little baking set from Zack, Stephanie, Isaac and Ian Friday, and she's been beyond excited to test it out. 

She told me Friday she was going to make breakfast: "Eggs for you (Mommy), macaroni and cheese for me, and ice cream for Daddy."  I think I got the short end on that deal!

Today, during her party, she told me she wanted to bake something: "Let's make something yummy."  When I asked what, she suggested Cheetos.

So this evening, we made cupcakes for birthday, round 2 Monday.  She was so excited to dump in the mix, measure the oil and pour in the water.  She even got to help crack eggs (we were very cautious!).  I dipped out the cupcakes, but she got to spoon out her own little cake. 

Bree Van de Kamp would be impressed!



Making her own "little cake"



Our little baker, already better than Mommy!



So if you don't  watch Desperate Housewives (you're missing out!), this is Bree.  She's a crack-pot red-head with mean baking skills.  We're sure she got her start just like our little red-head!

We celebrated Carter's 4th birthday today with our family and friends.  Carter had a fantastic time, and I was reminded again how truly lucky we are in life.

She started her "big day" at 6:45am and cartoons.  Andy and I didn't stir much until about 7:30am.  We got cleaned up, and Carter and Andy went to pick up her cake, while I prepared birthday beans and lunch goodies.

Around 10:30am, our friends started to show up.  Neighborhood pals Elisa and Ally, Cousins Courtney and Marissa, daycare BFF's Ava (the other hair cutter!) and Allie, and buddies Isaac and Ian.  The kids ran and played, inside and out, and had a great time!  Adults watched with smiles, and chatted, catching up.

Andy grilled a tasty lunch, and Grandpa couldn't wait to break into the cake (which everyone wanted a piece of Tinkerbell!).  Then a very impatient Carter moved on to presents, which she loves.  She received some wonderful new books (we're all looking forward to something new!) and some fun new toys and games.

It was a beautiful day, and a perfect party.  Thanks everyone, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Carter Kay!  We LOVE you so very much!



Happy 4th Birthday, Carter!



Carter's pals: Ava, Elisa, Allie and the Birthday Girl



Chalupa's enjoying the day



Note who's breaking into the cake.  None of the kids!!



After Happy Birthday to Carter, she blew out all 4 candles ...



... then the heard of surrounding cake-vultures dug in!



Carter had some great help opening her super presents!  Allie and Ava are showing Carter their favorite part of Fancy Nancy



Our favorite Lensch girls: Carter, Ava and Allie (she adores these 2!!!)



Neighbor pals Elisa and Carter



Cute cousins: Courtney (4 next month) and Carter (4 on Wednesday)



Future boyfriend, Isaac and Carter

Carter wrapped up her "cuppy cakes" this evening, finishing them off with love!



Armed and dangerous!



Taste testing, for YOUR safey



Carter's cuppy cakes, made with love and a WHOLE LOTTA sprinkles!

What to do on a Saturday night? 

We decided to try "Incredible Pizza," after much hype from some Johnston/Urbandale friends.  Think "Chucky Cheese," but buffet and on crack!  It was chaos! 

Andy and Rory joined us (Andy 2: "I'm at Incredible Pizza with Rory, Andy, Kelly and Carter.  Best birth control ever.").  We all settled in for dinner, Andy being last.  He later told us that some little kid behind him in the buffet line sneezed on the pizza.  Thankfully, he was the last of our group to go.  Eww.  Eww.  Eww.

After dinner, we headed back into the World of Insanity to the mini-golf area.  It was fairly busy, and crazy, as well.  We got our balls and putters, and ventured into the black-lit area.  Carter had a great time!  She has a funky grip on her putter - we think she may be a lefty in the golfing area.  But she got a little better with each put (not Tiger Woods "better," but better!).  She did a great job of listening, and we had a great time.

Our problem arose when we attempted to make our way from mini-golf (clear in back) towards the door (clear in front - coincidence???).  Everyone played skee-ball, Andy and Andy tried to win claw-toys, and Carter and I played a hodge-podge of kids games.  Andy cashed out her tickets, and he and Andy and Rory headed out.  Carter and I followed.  She wanted to run and wasn't being a super listener (it was also 8:45pm).  I patiently talked to her about it being busy and needing to stay right by me at all times.  Not seconds later, she jets off around a corner.  I forcefully made her hold my hand, which she was not a fan of.  Even then, I let her watch other games and see what was going on.  Patient to a T, I was.  She watched a boy play a game for candy, and she wanted to play.  I told her we'd have to wait our turn, until he was done.  She slapped my arm.  I told her hitting was not okay, and ushered her out the door.  She got mad and started hitting me again.  I picked her up, and she started slapping my arm and screaming.  I flipped her, popped her bum (just enough to get her attention), and we hauled her out of there. 

Stimulation overload. 

Until the last 5 minutes (and half of the car ride), it was a great time!  We'll come back .. we'll just come earlier .. and stay for the candy game!



Andy teaching Carter how Tiger does it



Carter's own wappy-jaw put



"Mama!  This is so cool!"  I think we've got another Mickelson on our hands!



Rory, Carter and Andy



Andy, Carter and Kelly



CRAZY DRIVER!



CRAZY DRIVER x2: playing a racing simulator game with Andy, she was ALL OVER crashing her car, flipping her car, or making sparks fly out of her tailpipe!

Today Carter and I road-tripped it to Newton (which is actually closer than it feels when we're headed home from home) to hang out with the Alexander clan.  Isaac, aka "Ikus Marcus," was his usual gentleman'ly self, and he and Carter hung out and then played independently (she couldn't pass up his LOUD drum set!) while Stephanie and I talked all things baby.  Speaking of "baby," little Ian isn't as little as the last time we saw him, but he's still all smiles!

Spoiled little Carter received her first birthday gift: a baking set, from Paula Deane, I mean Stephanie herself.  She was very excited about it, as she enjoys cooking with me.  She may already be a better chef than I am!  First on her baking agenda: "Eggs for you, Mama, macaroni and cheese for me, and ice cream for Daddy."  This is Saturday's breakfast menu.  Come on, come all!

We had a wonderful breakfast-lunch (chocolate chip pancakes and bacon - pregnant woman's delight!), then headed to the Newton pool.  Now, the Ankeny pool is cool.  The Newton pool rocks!  Love it!  The kiddos headed for the deeper end, Mommy's close at hand, and enjoyed watching the divers jump off the diving board.  Isaac and Carter splashed and played, and they had a wonderful time! 

Thanks for inviting us to play, Alexander's.  We had a fantastic time, as always! 



Little swimmer pals: Carter and Isaac



Carter and Ian (just days shy of 6 months).  When we arrived, Carter wasn't really interested in him, she was all about the toys!  But as she settled in, she kept an eye on him and watched what he was up to.  Before leaving, she asked to hold him, but he was a little fussy.  When we got back, she was very excited to hold "the baby."  She's got BIG SISTER going already!



A trouble-making trio: Carter, Isaac and Ian

The nursery is DONE!  We're ready to bring him home .... maybe we should wait a few weeks!

Andy has finished up all the painting and touch up work, and the colors are perfect!  I cleaned all of Carter's old furniture (the changing table, bookcase, rocker and crib), disinfected it and scoured off all the residual spit up (let's hope #2 is a little better about NOT doing that!).  The bedding has been laundered and is all snuggly fresh for him, and Carter and I sorted through her old toys for things he'd enjoy in his first few months (along with some things she still enjoys messing with!).  The bottle warmer, peaceful CD's, and Diaper Genie are ready to accommodate; he's got a closet with diapers, wipers, and itty bitty clothes just waiting for him.  We are ready! 

But ... ya gotta wait, little Chuck Norris.  Don't show up quite yet!  We'll patiently await your arrival in October.

 

Doorway, near the changing table and from his corner out into our bathroom



The toy and book shelf and his closet



Changing table and crib



The sweet snuggle spot: books, toys, rocker and crib



A big boy crib, await its sleeper



My final project: his name.  THIS is all you get until he arrives.  He has a C somewhere in his name.  I got the wooden letters, painted the sides and back wall brown, and covered each letter in coordinating paper to match his room.  It turned out perfectly, and I can't wait to hang them ... but if we do, it'll spoil the surprise!  So it's our final baby project, pending arrival.

This evening Carter was invited to a Princess Party for a neighborhood friend turning 3.  Nikki went all out: pink cups and plates, heart sandwiches, pink flowers, princess attire, the whole bit!  And the girls loved it!  They played for a bit, had a princess feast and opened gifts.  It was nice to see our neighborhood pals who we've missed, due to busy summers. 

Happy 3rd birthday, Stella!  



Princess Carter, enjoying her pink birthday cookie



Prince DJ, along with princesses Carter, Bailey, Elisa, Malin, Birthday Girl Stella and McKenna, ohhh'ing and ahhh'ing over gifts.

This evening we headed to Marshalltown to see our favorite photographer and BFF, Mackenzie.  She did Carter's 4-year pictures, and also some great family and belly photos!  Carter displayed her "cheeser" smile for a few pictures, but Mackenzie got that great Carter-smile out and there are some wonderful photos.  How do we choose?!!

You can check 'em out at: http://www.stalzerphotography.com/photocart/index.php?do=photocart&action=myPictures&PHPSESSID=e54caa0cb2e131d84f163f87d9aedb1a
They are GREAT!  I don't know where to start, but I LOVE #18, 19, 20, 26, 35 and 41. 

After pictures, we met Janine and Carter J. at McDonald's to catch up and play.  The kids had a great time (chicken nuggets AND play place - woo hoo!), and it's always fantastic to see my girlies again!



Carter Kay, Natalie and Carter J.: BFF's!

Our babysitters, and wonderful friends of our family, were married Saturday.  Carter got to be one of two flower girls, and she was beyond excited!

We talked all week about our expectations and her role in the wedding.  We talked about her pretty princess dress and putting flowers along the aisle.  I attempted to take her shopping to get a "nice outfit" for the "wedding," meaning something pretty for the rehearsal.  She thought I meant a different dress, other than her "princess dress," and freaked out.  Once that was solved, all was good!

Friday nice was rehearsal.  Everyone did a great job, Carter and Madelyn (the other flower girl) included.  The ring bearers, both sons of a fellow teacher, were adorable little gentlemen, and the wedding party was great.  After rehearsal, everyone headed to Spaghetti Works for dinner and conversations.  It was nice to see other teachers again, and meet new Schippers/vonGlan friends.

Saturday brought The Big Day.  Other than being hotter than hades, it was a beautiful day.  Carter didn't have to report until 2:00, so we putzed around the house, playing computer games and watching cartoons all day (saving our energy for a long afternoon/evening!).  We headed to the church and changed into princess attire.  She was nearly as gorgeous as the bride herself!  Both girls danced around in their fluttery dresses while the beautiful wedding party took pictures.  Once the little kiddos were up, they too did a super job.  Smiles all around! 

The wedding itself went off without a hitch.  Carter listened to every direction, from myself or others, perfectly.  She held hands with her ring bearer Luke, and they headed down the aisle.  She didn't really toss her flower petals (which is surprising since she'd talked about it all week!), but she looked like a mini-princess, so all was forgiven!  The kids sat during the ceremony, then walked back out with the wedding party.  Amazing job!

Then it was time to eat, drink and be merry!  We headed to the Hy-Vee Conference Center, which was beautifully decorated: twinkle lights, lovey music, crayon table for the kids, it couldn't have been any better.  We had a delicious dinner (Carter was served Jell-O when adults were served salads; I was served sparkling grape juice when others were served champagne - how attentive to detail is that?!!).  Carter was the first out on the dance floor, trapezing along to the slow music while others arrived.  She got to dance with both Von and Angie (who she adores!), as well as Luke (her fellow ring bearer), Madelyn (fellow flower girl), and Kyra (a daughter of a fellow teacher).  She had a great time, but was exhausted when we headed home at 9:00.



The bride and her little followers



Sorry, Carter.  No weddings in your future.  Ever.



Carter (nearly 4 years old) and her ring bearer Luke (just turned 8). 



Carter loves Von!  If Angie hadn't married him, Carter may have been considering it!



A spaghetti dinner made for a princess!  Thankfully, this mess was Friday, not Saturday in pretty dresses!

As a reward for a great dental check-up, Carter got to pick our afternoon activity.  She wanted to go to Recess, the Chucky Cheese-like play place in Ankeny.  So we headed that way ... only to find it was out of business.  No sign, no pretty window pictures, nothing.  Carter's face registered her comprehension: she was surprised, then crushed.  She was so upset!  So we ventured out to West Des Moines to Chucky Cheese, at 3:00 in the afternoon, instead.

She got $5 in tokens, and ran wild!  But, she did a great job of listening to my directions and sharing with others.  She got to try out some of the "big kid" games, too, like a dinosaur fighting game and a surfing simulator.  She wasn't any good at them, but she enjoyed trying!  She ran the show, and had a blast!  We wrapped up our adventure with "Deal of No Deal" for tickets.  Once she understood the premise, she was all over bargaining.  She'd yell "NO DEAL!" when the buttons flashed!  We ended up with 13 tickets, not winning the "big prize" of 50, but winning smiles and giggles instead, which to me was worth much more!



Riding with Chucky

 

Such concentration!



"Oh man!"  Carter just missed the puck, scoring one for Mommy



Chucky, Carter and Mommy



Who says Carter lacks focus??  THIS is focus if I've ever seen it!

Seriously.  Who in the hell tells a child they're not completely familiar with that they have "Sugar Bugs" around their teeth?!!  Carter had a dental check-up this afternoon, which she did great at (because there's a TV over the dental chair, and cartoons!  She'd sit through anything in that fashion!).  As the hygienist checked out her teeth, she said she had to use her "tooth toucher" to get the "sugar bugs" in the back.  Then she scrapes some of the plaque off her back tooth and shows it to Carter, calling it a "fuzzy bug."  The look on Carter's face was indescribable: total confusion and disgust over "bugs" being in her mouth.  I heard about it in the car, and twice this morning. 

She's very literal (the hygienist also said Carter "knew the ropes."  Carter's response: "There's no rope here," with a total DUH look on her face).  Tell her to brush better.  Tell her she'll get cavities if she doesn't brush daily.  But don't tell her she's got an infestation in my mouth!



Carter and her Sugar Bugs

Carter and I spent the weekend with Grandma and Poppy.  Saturday, we went to Burlington to do some shopping (duh!) and swimming.  I'd promised to take Carter to Fun City if she could have a great week at daycare - bribes are good.

All was good until she saw and heard the humongous bucket of water over the play area spill all over.  "Spooked" doesn't really cover it.  She plugged both ears and refused to go into the water.  This, from the kid who's afraid of nothing!  After some convincing and conning, we finally got her in, but she was having none of the dump bucket!



Cutie-Patootie, splashing in a "safety zone"!



Why does she always back  into water?  She does this with the sprinkler, too.  She likes to get just her bummy wet - is that normal?!