"Heartbroken"

After a week and a half of being with DeeDee and Papa, we had to make our journey home. It was a tearful goodbye. "But I gonna miss you, DeeDee," were words straight from your heart that could melt anyone's. I assured you we would be coming back to visit very soon, and DeeDee and Papa would be coming up soon. Still, it was not enough to stop this:

"Meet the Great-Grandparents"

On this trip to New Orleans, Shelby got to meet the great-grandparents. Mommaw, DeeDee's mother, has been living with them recently, so she got to spend a good deal of time getting to know you, Shelby. She was a great entertainer when Mommy was busy, and she would just eat you up.

We also drove down to Houma, so you could meet Mamaw, Daddy's dad's mom. She was so excited to meet you too. Daddy had already told her so much about you. Pawpaw was there too. He's a man of few words, but I think he thought you were pretty neat.

Mamaw had a little white bonnet made for you that was too cute for words. You weren't too sure about it at first!

But look how cute you look with it on!

"I Gotta Fish, I Gotta Fish!"

One of the activities on our agenda while in Kentucky was to take you, Landon, on your first fishing excursion. You, Shelby, Mom, Dad, and DeeDee all headed to the banks of Barren River Lake to watch Daddy, I mean, you catch your first fish. You watched with such admiration and attention as Daddy baited the hook with those slimy worms. Then he showed you how to cast it in the water and just what to watch for. After a little while of watching and waiting, you grew disinterested, and were off to explore on your own. You really liked how the water lapped the bank and your shoes, and before we knew it your feet were soaking wet. Daddy showed you how to "skip" rocks across the water, and then it was your intent to do the same. You found all sizes of broken shale-like rocks to try to skip, but mostly just throw into the water. And then, what do you know, Daddy got a little nibble on the line. He quickly called you over to help him reel it in. It was a tiny perch, but none the less, it was your first fish! You were so excited and proud. When we got back to the cabin, you couldn't wait to tell everyone your fish tale!

"Kentucky Fun"

Our first full day in Kentucky was warm and cloudy. After breakfast, DeeDee, Mommy, Shelby and you went to the little park there on the campgrounds. There was a beautiful view of Barren River Lake and plenty of play equipment and SAND! You got to meet two new cousins, Kyle and Devon. Y'all had a great time getting to know each other. You were quite fond of Devon; you thought she was pretty cute, even though she is your cousin. We discovered Kyle shares your love of cars. DeeDee made roads in the sand, and you and Kyle assumed the same position and began rolling cars. Y'all climbed on the monkeybars and slid down the slide. Shelby enjoyed the breeze from her stroller. It was a great way to spend the morning.

"Shelby Gets Her Wings"

This afternoon, we headed to the airport to begin our journey to the annual Mallernee (Papa's side) family reunion held at Barren River State Park in Kentucky. Papa drove up with most all of our luggage, so our load was lightened up significantly. Even still, we had several carryons, all equipped with life essentials like extra changes of clothes for Landon and Shelby, snacks, and gripe water. Landon is a seasoned pro, and with Daddy's iphone, he was set. This was your first flight, Shelby, and we were all a little nervous. The flight was about an hour and a half, and for the first 45 minutes or so, you slept. Then you woke up with a very dirty diaper, and the challenge began. We all know how small airplane bathrooms are. Ok. Try changing a poopy, screaming baby in one! Fun. When we got back to our seat, we were almost ready to start the descent. That wasn't fun either. With the pressure changing constantly, your little ears were starting to pop. I tried to nurse you, but you were so uncomfortable, you wouldn't calm to suck. I tried to get you to suck on your passy, but that didn't work either. Finally, you did settle a little, only to start up again as the pressure changed again. I felt so helpless; there was absolutely nothing I could do for you. I could not get you off that plane fast enough. You were so glad to be done with that. You did get a little certificate with plastic "wings" commemorating your first flight. Worth it? Hmm.

You look a little worried.

The calm before the storm.

"Riding Around in My Automobile"

DeeDee got a new car! It's a Mercedes convertible, and she calls it her "baby." It's cadet blue with ivory leather interior, and oh so cool! You couldn't wait to take it for a test ride. So on a 90+ degree day in New Orleans, we hooked up your's and Shelby's car seats (it was a tight fit, and even tighter when the top was up!) and took it for a spin. With shades donned, you were the ultimate in coolness. Your carseat is big, so you sat up extra tall. People couldn't help but notice you and didn't hesitate to float you along with a friendly wave. Oh yeah! The car has two doors, of course, and certainly not condusive to motherhood and carseats. But DeeDee was quick to let me know she wasn't the mother; she is the grandmother. She loves her new toy, and the boy does too!

"You Pooped Where?!?"

Okay, so I mentioned you were potty-trained. I didn't specify what potty. Tonight we got a funny surprise. I was bathing Shelby, and you came in the bathroom and announced that you pooped in the cat box! I called JuJu in to help me handle this situation, as your sister was sudsy in the tub. And sure enough, there in the litter box, was a fresh little boy terd! You were so very proud. I tried very hard not to break out in hysterics; I literally had to look away, so that my laughter would not encourage you to do it again!

"Book It"

I don't know who was more excited, Mommy or Landon, when the first Scholastic Book Order came home from school. Book orders were always something I loved to do when I was in school, and they really haven't changed all that much. We sat together and looked through to see what selections we would make. You wanted to get every single book, but after some negotiation and final choices made by Mommy, we placed our order online (that is about the only difference from when I used to do them!). We cannot wait to bring them home and start reading.

"Park Perfect"

Shelby made her first park appearance today with Mommy, Nina, and Brother. You looked so cute in your little orange and white gingham dress. You were a little underimpressed, however. You and Mommy strolled around and watched Brother and Nina play. Landon, you had a great time with your Nina. You LOVE spending time with her; what's not to love? She is always is right there in the middle of the running and the sliding and the swinging and whatever else might be going on. She's like a big kid herself and you absolutely adore that.

"Success!"

After weeks of bribery, coercion, threats, tears, and downright obstinance, Landon IS FINALLY POTTYTRAINED! You had been tee-teeing in the potty with no problem, but #2 was a different story. It wasn't until we stopped all the pressure and hype that you decided pooping in the potty wasn't that bad. You were so proud of yourself too! And just in the nick of time to start preschool; WHEW! The funniest thing, I think, is the fact that you need "a little pribacy!"


BIG BOY UNDERWEAR!!