Time for your check-up, time for your check-up!

Friday afternoon Brent and  I tag teamed and took the girls to their 18 month and 3 year check-ups.  Ella loves Doc McStuffins and they both love their doctor kit, so the were all about going to the doctor that day.  Our doctor's office was recently remodeled so they got to play in the new tiki hut play house over on the well side so they had a blast.  Ella breezed through the appointment and was very relieved she didn't have to get any shots.  Ava Jane on the other hand, was really upset about her 3 shots.  Poor Baby, I felt bad.  BUT we are in the school of thought that vaccinations are for safety and that we are extremely lucky to have vaccinations readily available because they save lives.  So while it's no fun, we are SO grateful that our children have access to protection that so many children in impoverished nations do not have.  I wish every child could have the same chance.  Not trying to spark a debate here-- it's just something I feel strongly about as a parent and since this is a family/parenting blog thought I'd share my thoughts.

Anyway, the check-up went pretty well.  A couple of minor things were brought up by our doctor. Ava J has been referred to a pediatric allergist for her ongoing dairy issues. Our Dr. is hoping that an allergist will provide us with a very specific list of do's and don'ts when it comes to her eating dairy.  So we'll make that visit in the new year.  And then, Ella was referred to a pediatric opthamologist because one of her eyes is showing some weakness and may need something like a patch.  We're hoping it's nothing serious, but we will see about that too :(.  Hopefully she won't need a patch or glasses and it will be something that corrects on it's own.

As far as the stats:

Ava Jane was 95th percentile in height and 75th in weight.  She's back on the chart...her height had been off the charts, but it had slowed a little.  Ava J is starting to talk (and use 2-3 word sentences), loves to play with baby dolls, be held, and be read to.  She is an incredibly loving child with a funny sense of humor.  I think she gets her sense of humor from Brent :)  She also loves bath time, being outdoors, and still LOVES to eat.  She's SO much fun!!

Ella was 85th percentile in height and 75% in weight.  Both are girls are tall and solid!  Ella loves to read, color, paint, dance, sing, play with her friends, ride her tricycle, and play dress up.  She has a WILD imagination and loves to make believe!  She talks a mile a minute and uses phrases like "actually, I think this is a better idea" or "I don't really agree with that actually."  Sometimes I feel like I'm talking to a middle schooler.  She's something else and such a joy!  Her birthday was last Tuesday and I'll post more on that another time.

All and all, we had a good check-up.  Thankful to have healthy, spunky kiddos who think that visiting the doctor is a treat.  Maybe it's because their doctor is so sweet she sang "time for your your check-up, time for your check-up" just like on Doc McStuffins.  Ella thought that was pretty AWESOME!

family photos

 It's been busy, busy around our house lately, but wanted to take a quick moment to share some of our most recent family photos! At the end of November we finally got around to getting family photos.  It felt like it had been forever since we had any taken even though it was just since April.  So much changes every 6 months with little ones that capturing life as it is happening is so special so we were due for some pics.  It's kind of become a joke at our house because I'm family photo obsessed.  Lauren Drummond shot our photos and did a fantastic job as usual!!  So fortunate to have a "friendtographer"(I totally just made that word up) as fabulous as Lauren!  Here are some of our favorites!

The Herrin Family: Ava Jane 18 mos, Ella 3 years

The BIG 3!

WOW!  Today is Ella's 3rd birthday.  It seems like only yesterday we were in labor and delivery anticipating Ella Grace's arrival-- one month ahead of schedule.  We weren't too worried... at that point we were actually relieved that she was making her debut at 36 weeks instead of 32 like she first tried to come.  The day was marked by remarkable calmness as we waited on her.  It was a Friday.  A really cold Friday in Dallas, TX.  Ella was the baby I never knew if I was going to be able to have.  With a slew of "female" issues it had always been kind of a question mark how things would play out.  But, she meant for us.  When we found out I was pregnant we were thrilled.  When we found out she was going to be a little girl, as a mom, I was even more thrilled.  A little girl to dress up and be girly with--yes please!  We chose the name Ella because we loved it and Grace because it was by God's Grace she was chosen to be ours.  Three years ago, we learned what love at first sight really meant.  Thinking about seeing her for the first time still takes my breath away.  She was everything we had hoped for and so much more.  Our little dynamo consumed our soul from the moment we saw her.

Three years ago we became Mommy and Daddy and three years ago our hearts were opened to a love we had never known.  Her spunk, sparkle, determination, curiosity, spirit, and zeal keeps us on our toes and reminds us to be you in a world where everyone tells you to be someone else.  Her big heart and love for her family and friends reminds us to love each other a little more.  The way she calls Avie Janie her baby and looks out for her first most of the time, reminds us to take care of each other.  Her wild imagination reminds us what it was like to believe in fairy tales and that dreams do come true.  And her head strong approach to each day-- each day she proclaims is beautiful-- reminds us every day is a gift from God; embrace it.  So thankful for our BIG 3 year old!!!  Thankful for the many lessons she has taught us already.  So thankful God gave us her.  Happy Birthday, Bells!! xoxo!

Thankfulness and Empathy

My Kindergarten teacher was named Mrs. Lovegrin.  I kid you not-- her name was straight out of the movies and she was too.  Warm, kind, compassionate, and caring.  She is also proof to all you Kindergarten teachers (especially you, Julie) that a wonderful teacher stays with you no matter how little you are when you have him or her. I had an amazing Kindergarten year!

Flash-foward to the present, we have had many blessings this year and are thankful for MANY things--things I will save for another post.  But, I think there is more to Thanksgiving than just being thankful.  I think it's about having a caring heart and also caring about where others are at this moment in time-- even people we don't know.  It just got me to thinking-- and I wanted to share a few thoughts-- I guess this blog post is more of my personal thoughts on life--- sorry I try to stay away from these for the most part but tonight I'm going for it...

Back to Mrs. Lovegrin and empathy.  I think that thankfulness should always be accompanied with empathy.  We are grateful for the things we have, but also aware that at this time other people may be struggling.  And that this time of year can be hard for many people.  Empathy has always been an intense personality trait for me.  I literally think about things that happen to others to a point it consumes me.  I hate when something tragic or sad or heartbreaking happens to others.  I've always been that way.  I want our girls to be empathetic towards others too.  I want them to realize that compassion and empathy are part of the whole package to being a good person.  We are grateful for what we have, but are aware of others who struggle.  Maybe I'm this way because people like Mrs. Lovegrin and my family (especially my Mom) who taught me it is important to care.  My first memory of explicit teaching of empathy was with Mrs. Lovegrin when I was 5.  Until I was in the 3rd grade I went to a private Christian school in California.  We prayed there.  We went to chapel.  We learned about the Bible.  Something that sticks out in my mind is a simple act that Mrs. Lovegrin asked us to do.  Our school was located off a major road in the city.  Ambulances and firetrucks would often come down the road and we could hear their sirens.  Every time we heard the sirens,  Mrs. Lovegrin asked us to stop what we were doing and pray for the people that the helpers were going to help.  We would pray for their families.  And pray for the helpers.  A simple prayer, yet it was acknowledgement of genuine concern for others-- even though we would most likely never know who we were praying for.  So simple, yet so profound. She was teaching us to care about others-- people we didn't know, people we would never know.

Tonight I heard sirens which is rare while I was doing laundry and found myself stopping to pray for the people just like I had over 25 years ago.  Mrs. Lovegrin, what you taught us in Kindergarten transcended the ABC's and counting, you taught us something even more important that we will also carry our entire life-- the ability to care about others.  The belief that the things that happen to others are important and worthy of our time and prayers even if we will never stand in their shoes or meet them.

I was reminded tonight of this simple, yet amazing lesson-- taking the time to show compassion.  How can we have a truly grateful heart if their isn't room for care and concern for others?  Thanksgiving is about being thankful but is also about caring for your family, your friends, your colleagues, the people you know, the people you don't know, the people you will never know-- humanity as a whole.

Grateful for this lesson in empathy and will certainly try to teach our girls how important it is to care about others-- and stop to pray or think about those in need.  And to aspire to take it a step further-- to be someone who helps those in need or stands up for what is right or is a friend when someone is hurting.  With a heart of gratitude, I thank Mrs. Lovegrin for this priceless lesson.

Fall Happenings...

It's hard to believe fall is almost over and winter is upon us!  What a busy few months it's been. The girls have been sick on and off for the last month, so that's put a big damper on the things we had anticipated to do this fall.  Fortunately, we were able to squeeze in some fun despite being sick and have enjoyed lots of time with our sweet girls.

Halloween was the main event of fall for Ella.  She LOVES trick-or-treating and (shall I whisper it so Brent doesn't hear?) candy so it's pretty much like her favorite celebration. Our neighborhood had a great little pre-party with pizza and a costume contest and then everyone headed out to trick-or-treat.  Both girls had been sick so that was definitely a downer.  Ella rallied for the occasion and gave it 110%.  Ava Jane on the other hand was less than enthusiastic.  In fact, she wouldn't even wear the costume she was suppose to wear.  She was suppose to be a teddy bear (the same thing Ella was last year), but she went ballistic screaming and crying and wouldn't stop so we had to take it off.  Which I was SO bummed because she looked SO cute.  Ella suggested Ava J wear the cowgirl custom I had bought for $10 to play dress-up in.  I took Ella's suggestion and Ava Jane did wear that costume.  But, I must admit, she did look pretty comical.  Especially with her tiny bald head in a large white hat.  Oh well, it will be another memory for the books.  Ella, however, was all about dressing up and was adamant about being a kitty cat. She was the cutest cat ever and loved every second of it. She would even put up her hand like a cat paw and say meow (examples are provided in the pics below). Sweet girl must have gone to 20 houses before she tuckered out.  Ava Jane only made it to the party.  Luckily Nana came to see the girls in their costumes and help us out and she was able to take Jane home while we trick-or-treated with Bells.  That was very fortunate for us because Ava Jane would not have enjoyed the experience that night.  She was too tired and still feeling not her best.  Brent and I had a blast taking Ella around and got to spend some time with our sweet neighbors too.  I love that our neighborhood is so kid friendly and made Halloween so fun.  It was a great night!

The rest of fall has been kind of hit or miss.  Some days the girls have been sick.  Other days we're able to enjoy the nice weather.  Ella moved to a big girl bed which is actually my daybed from when I was a little girl.  It was slightly (well very) emotional for me.  She on the other hand was VERY excited...little Miss Independent.  She's just growing up so fast-- she'll be 3 in less than a month!!

We're hopeful that everyone is finally well and feeling good as we head into the holiday season.  The girls are growing closer and closer each day.  They are the BEST of friends which makes my heart overflow with joy.  We are just SO blessed by both of them.  Life is good and so much fun I just couldn't be more grateful for being fortunate enough to be their Mommy and Brent's wife.  Hope fall is finding you healthy, happy, and blessed!  Enjoy some pictures of Halloween and other random occasions when the girls were well enough to have some fun.  And try not to judge us for the bottle Ava J is holding in a couple of the pics.  I know she is way too old for a bottle-- but it's been a tough transition for her.  We've given ourselves 18 months as the final deadline-- she's down to 2 bottles a day.  I just had to make that disclaimer!!  And yes-- it is a picture overload!!