It's Potty Time

A few months ago I had seen this potty chair and thought it was so cute. Carys has been playing with it on and off since we got it. Now that she's walking, Tim and I thought we might see if she's interested in trying to use her potty. Last night before her bath she sat on it and pottied and again this morning. Tim and I cheered and cheered for her last night. She looked at us like, "what are you so excited about you crazy people". This morning was so neat because after breakfast I asked her if she wanted to go potty. I was carrying her and she pointed us right into the bathroom and was trying to get out of my arms to her potty chair. Once I put her down she was trying to get her pj's off. I helped, we took her diaper off and she sat on the potty. She looked around for a few minutes, played with the shower curtain and then.....she pottied. When she potties her chair sings to her. I made such a big deal of it that we woke Tim up. Carys was so proud of herself - she was smiling and clapped. We will take this whole potty training slow and let her take the lead. As long as she shows interest...we will too! She such a smarty!!

P.S. I did take a picture of her peepee in the potty, but we'll save that for Carys, Tim and I. I'm sure you appreciate that.

Eighteen Months

Carys turned 18-months-old on June 29. Today was her 18-month check-up. Dr. Noble was very pleased with how well she is growing and how well her skills are developing. Here's the stats:

Weight: 22 pounds 10 ounces

16 percentile

Height: 31 1/2 inches

35 percentile

Head Circum.: 17.91 inches

21 percentile

Body Mass Index: 15.9 kg/m2

Virginia Beach

This year our family celebrated the 4th of July in Virginia Beach. The Davis side of the family make an annual trek to Virginia Beach to enjoy the boardwalk, beach, fireworks and seafood. Tim and I haven't been there in years and thought this would be a perfect time to go back to experience the beach with Carys. Carys loved the ocean. She would crawl right in and would sit in the sand while the waves broke around her. She loved playing in the sand and people watching. It was really hard keeping her eating healthy on the trip. I guess that's what vacations are for...according to my sister-in-laws. One morning the only food Carys would eat for breakfast was chips. Now that is the sign we see the most. Right before we left for vacation, Carys started walking. We have been waiting for this milestone to happen. I had set a goal and prayed for her to start walking by vacation. God was listening and my prayers were answered! She walks everywhere and all the time. Her little legs have to be so tired. It's so amazing to see her develop from a 2 pound infant to a toddler that is walking.

Daddy, this is so fun!

I don't have this much sand at home.

The water isn't that cold, mommy.

Mmmmm...crab legs...can't wait 'til 3.

I love chips.

Father's Day

Tim was given the choice of what he wanted to do on his father's day. I guess this is only fair since, after all, this is the day to honor father's. He didn't want any special breakfast, lunch or dinner. How easy is this for me! Tim decided that he wanted to spend his day outside working on building our new barn. Carys and I have been outside with him watching, swinging, playing in the pool and playing in the sand. We are planning on wrapping up the day by making a stepping stone with molding Tim's hand and then placing Carys' on top of his. Once the stone is dry we are actually going to put it on a stand with a piece of glass on top for a table between the rocking chairs on our front porch.

"Nope. Not me. I don't eat sand."

To Grandpa & Grandma's We Go

Last week Tim had to go out to Chicago for work, so Carys and I tagged along. It made for a perfect mini-vacation and a birthday celebration for me. On the first day Carys and I took a walk through the neighborhood across the street from our hotel. We could hear this very loud noise that kind of sounded like crickets, but much louder!! It turns out that this was the year for the 17 year cicadas to reemerge. The cicadas were everywhere. They were huge and disgusting. I don't do well with any type of bugs, especially when there are millions above my head and below my feet. I was educated about these bugs by some of the people living in the neighborhood. I also had to do some research about these cicadas online when we got back to the hotel. Michigan had the reemergence of the 17 year cicadas in 2004. Thank God they weren't around me!! On our second day we took Carys to The Rain Forest Cafe for dinner. Carys loved the place. Every word out of her mouth was "Look! Look! Look!" Tim and I took turns showing her around the restaurant. She was amazed by all the fish tanks, moving animals and sounds!! Having a child sure makes me "stop and smell the roses".

After our stay in Chicago, we headed up to Fond du lac, WI to see Tim's parents. It was a great time. We attended the local Walleye Festival. This festival was hug and family-oriented. Carys got her face painted, her first animal balloon (which was a pink ladybug she could wear on her wrist), touch Scooby Doo and had her very first carousel ride.

The festival was a blast. Even though Grandpa Davis and Tim tried ditching Grandma Davis, Carys and myself. Just kidding. We were separated for over an hour because they wanted to look at some of the boats and us girls wanted to go to the kids area. Saturday, Grandma Davis took us to Oshkosh shopping in the morning and then Grandpa Davis took us for a boat ride in his new speed boat in the afternoon. This was a nice getaway...but I must say, it's nice to be home too!!

TROUBLE

See what happens when I turn my back for one second, literally!!

90 degrees and rising

We had a very family-oriented Memorial weekend. On the home front we did a huge home improvement project. Tim, along with our friend Tim, laid hardwood floors throughout the upstairs. It looks and feels so nice!! There is a little area left to be finished this coming weekend. Guess what daddy will be working on. Saturday we purchased...get this...a.......minivan. YEP...I'm now a minivan driver. Go ahead and laugh. When I'm in the inside I still feel like I'm driving a SUV...that is until I'm backing up. At that time I feel like I'm driving a bus. Thank the Lord this vehicle has back-up sensors.

Sunday Carys and I attended a cousins graduation party while Tim stayed home working on the floor. Amy graduated from MSU. Congrats to her!! Monday we celebrated cousin Kaidyn's 8th birthday. At the party Carys could not get enough of playing basketball with her cousin Holden. They were too cute! We also grilled burgers with our friends that helped out with laying the new floor.

Carys just loves to be outside...but why on a 90 degree day. I complain, but I always give in. So, today Carys and I went to a local deli and picked up some lunch to have a picnic at a local park. She loved looking at the flowers and the birds. Every time she would see a bird she would say "bird"; I would say and sign bird and; I would hope that she too would do the sign too but she would just keep saying "bird, bird, bird" or "dog, dog, dog". Most animals are "dog". After waking from her nap we were right back outside. She played with one of her little pals that I kept filling with water, just for her to dump it out. After about an hour of that I decided to I bring out what is really supposed to be a sandbox and put some water in it to make a pool for Carys to play in. The water was freezing, but she loved it!

TIARA, TOES and dishes

This year the Easter bunny brought Carys a pair of sunglasses, making her the proud owner of 3 pair. Last year she wouldn't have anything to do with wearing them...probably because they were twice the size of her little head. This year she can't get enough of them. She puts them on while in the house, while outside, while in the car, puts them on top of her head, wants a pair on her face and a pair around her neck and even wants me or her daddy to wear a pair of hers (now that's a sight to see). Grandpa Greg calls her Hollywood when she is sporting her shades. The other day she was playing in her crib with her sunglasses and tiara while I was putting her laundry away. I looked over at her and she had her tiara on her head and her sunglasses on. I raced to get the camera hoping she'd still be sporting her glamour gear when I got back. This girl is such a girly girl...but she also like to play in the dirt. She is so into wearing play jewelry, putting on her pretend lipstick and carrying a purse. I love it.

Since she's so into these things right now I thought...I wonder what she would do if I tried to paint her toenails. I tried. She watched. It was a success. I wasn't sure how I was going to get her toes to dry without smugging, so outside to the swing we went. It worked perfect. Throughout the day I will catch her touching her teeny tiny toenails.

She has also started to get the confidence to climb and climb on everything she does. One of my friends and her sister-in-law shared pictures of there little one's climbing on the dishwasher, so I am too.

Biker Girl

Here I am getting ready to go for my very first bike ride. I'm not sure about this helmet deal, but mom and dad tell me "safety first".

March of Dimes WalkAmerica

On Sunday many of our family members and friends joined us in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica in Jackson, MI. We all wore bright yellow shirts that read "Miracles Happen" "team miracle girl". Tim and I decided to join in this walk to honor Carys, our miracle girl! Our team raised around $1700.00 coming in 2nd place for the family team division. I am so proud of our team. The walk was 7 miles. Carys spent 6 of the miles in her dad's arms even though she could have ridden in her stroller or wagon. The weather on Sunday was perfect...sunny, in the 70's and a nice breeze. Tim and I hope to make this an annual event and hope that our team miracle girls gets larger and larger each year. Thank you to everyone that donated to our team and a special thanks to everyone that walked: Grandma Barb, Grandpa Greg, Grandpa and Grandma Davis, Uncle Geri, Aunt Jennifer, Cousins Kennedy, Holden and Kaidyn, Aunt Tami, Cousins Teige, Rourke and Macyn, Aunt Emily, Cousins Jarren and Reese, Jeannine, Tim and Melissa!! You were all troopers during the 7 mile trek!! I hope you all are able to join us next year!!!! Also, thanks Aunt Jen for sharing Carys' story with The Jackson Citizen Patriot when they had asked you.

Grandma Barb & Grandpa Greg's House

Today was an absolute beautiful weather day!! Tim was planning on helping a neighbor with building a garage for the day and I had wanted to take Carys to the zoo. I had asked different people to join us but no one was able to go. The day was going to be beautiful and Carys and I had to do something outside. We ended up driving over to my mom's house. We had so much FUN!! First we sat on a blanket in the yard and ate our lunch. Then we got out the riding lawnmower and I took Carys for a ride. We did more playing in the yard, went for a walk and Carys rode in the stroller (which is very RARE) and then...we played in the pond. I put Carys' feet in and she just kicked and kicked. We were sitting down trying to skip rocks and then she had to splash with her hands. After that we moved to sit at a different spot on the ground by the pond and she proceeded to try to crawl IN the pond. This kid loves the water. Last week she started to put her face down in the water while taking a bath. After all the fun with the pond, Grandpa Greg hooked up the wagon to the lawnmower to do some work. When he was finished, Carys and I hopped in for a ride. It's so fun being a mom because it gives you the perfect excuse to do kid things all over again (and you won't look silly). We were outside with Grandma and Grandpa for three hours. Needless-to-say, Carys fell asleep on the drive home. Once she woke up we went over to the neighbors to see how the building of the garage was progress. We sat outside for another two hours (or a little more). Thank God for SPF 50!! I put it on Carys throughout the day, but not myself. I now have a farmer tan! Yeah!! Enjoy the photos!!

Dress Up

"Girls just wanna have fun!"

"Fun's over."

All Aboard!!

I don't want to wear the yellow hat! I wanted the pink one.

We have had such a fun day! Carys had her very first train ride!! In Blissfield there is the Adrian & Blissfield Rail Road. The train typically has Friday, Saturday, Sunday train rides where passengers are treated to dinner and a murder/mystery play. At times they also have some fun family events. Today we boarded the Cottontail Express. We enjoyed cookies, punch, singing, coloring and a special visitor...the Easter Bunny!! Carys was a little scared of the bunny...I must say...I was a little myself. We were able to get a picture with the Bunny. The train ride took about two hours. Our friends, the Geha family, joined us on the Cottontail Express. It would not have been as fun without them! We are glad they came along. If anyone is interested in tying out the dinner train call 1-800-GO RAIL 1.

This evening Carys was treated to the Easter tradition of coloring eggs. We put her in the bathtub with pink, yellow and blue coloring. She knew exactly what to do. I'm so glad we decided just to strip her down and place her in the tub. This was so messy, but soooooo fun! She really got a kick out of it.

Happy Easter everyone!!

Pittsburgh, PA

Greetings everyone! We are so sorry that it's been so long since there has been a new post. The weather has been beautiful on and off and when it's on...we are outside enjoying it. Carys has had wagon rides and rides in her little car. We have been experiencing some other things besides the nice weather.
Carys now has her eighth tooth. That makes four on the top and four on the bottom. She recently bit her cousin Reese and even drew blood. We are so sorry Reese. Carys didn't know that biting you would hurt!! Our little princess is still consistently signing. She signs eat, more, bye/hi, diaper, sleep and all done/all finished. She is now doing all the signs exactly how we have taught her, which is awesome. Tonight she did the sign that looks like mother. I'm not sure if this was a fluke or if she meant it. I guess well see.
Last weekend Tim had to go out to Pittsburgh, PA for work again. Last time he went alone and we went to see the Anthony family. This time Carys and I tagged along. We had so much fun. We left last Saturday and came home the following Tuesday.

We had planned to go to the zoo on Sunday. The weather that day was perfect for zooing it. This zoo was so nice. It was clean, the exhibits were close together, and was set throughout on one of the local mountains. All of the animals were out enjoying the nice day too. When we went to the zoo last summer, Carys was too young to really understand to look at the animals. Not this time. She would look and point. I think her favorite was the aquarium. There was this tank that you could walk under and she was super excited about that. Tim and I thought we needed to get Carys something to remember her zoo trip so we got her a mommy and baby penguin puppets. She held them right up and hugged them all the way out to the car. People were commenting on how cute she was. That's our girl.

On Monday Carys and I walked to Cracker Barrel for lunch. In their little store we bought this bubble kit so after lunch was sat outside at the hotel blowing bubbles. When daddy finished up with work we drove to Mango Park and drove around. There were some covered bridges, a river and some beautiful scenery. Carys enjoyed the relaxing drive so much she fell asleep. She did, however, wake up just in time to have some ice cream.

Once we got back home it was back to our daily duties. We are still trying to get her back to taking her naps. She is now only nursing at bedtime and we are down to only four minutes at that. She must be growing too because she eats all waking hours. Last Thursday she had an appointment with her audiologist. She had her audiogram and is still have normal hearing. I pray all the time that she hears as I do and that her hearing continues. Thank you God for hearing my prayers.

On Tuesday she has her 15 month well baby visit. I'm anxious to see how much she has grown. I know her pediatrician will be pleased with how well she is functioning overall. She gets more and more fun each day!!

Get Well Soon Grandma Barb

Carys and I arrived home late Wednesday night from our trip up to Ubly. We enjoyed our visit with the Anthony family. It was very, very cold and windy during our stay. Carys has chapped little cheeks to show for it.
We unpacked and relaxed on Thursday. We took a two hour nap together in the morning and a one hour nap together in the afternoon. While on our mini-vacation, she decided not to sleep after our first night there. I must say I was very pleased with the naps on Thursday. We enjoyed dinner and catching up on Tim's trip to Pennsylvania on Thursday evening too. We sure missed him.
Friday I left bright and early as my mom had surgery. We have spent a lot of time at the hospital this weekend. Daddy and Carys had a lot of one-on-one time together so I could be with my mom. Her surgery went well and recovery is taking its toll. Hopefully she be able to be discharged Monday. She will be staying with us for a few days so that she doesn't have to be home alone during the day. Poor Tim, at home with three women!!
Just a reminder to visit our March of Dimes link. We would love your support in our walk on April 29. Please pass the link onto others in your email address book.

Nap-on-the-Go

The four of us girls went to Sandusky today. We had lunch at Dairy Queen and then went to WalMart for groceries. Carys fell in love with a babydoll in the store, Zipity Do Dolly. While riding in the cart she was hugging her and talking to her. She will encourage Carys to button, snap, zip, stick, tie and buckle. You can see her new dolly in this picture. You can already tell she is loved because Carys put some cookie on her. On the ride home the girls needed a snack. My little princess was so tired, I think she got more on her face and car seat than in her belly. We made one other exciting purchase. Carys got some hair pretties. She now has just enough hair that small barrettes with stay in her hair (somewhat).

Just a reminder to visit our March of Dimes WalkAmerica site. We have less than 60 days to raise money for research to help prevent premature births. There is also a picture of Carys there taken on the day she was born.

Breakfast with Taylor

We made it up north to visit our friends. The girls are having fun playing with one another. I have said before how much fun it is to watch them with one another. Today we braved the cold and went to Saginaw shopping. Taylor even shared her little car with Carys. It gave Carys a much needed break from the stroller.

This isn't the best picture of Carys, but as you can see, she is signing eat. Her hand is really supposed to be at her mouth. She is slowing making her way there. Daddy and I know what she means when she does this.

Up I Go

This is what happens when I turn my back for a minute. Climbing up the stairs is new for Carys. Today she also signed sleep for the first time.

New Shoes

Daddy, I think Mommy has issues...she bought me another pair of shoes today. Good news...these were on sale. I really like them a lot and think they are pretty. We miss you Daddy!!!!

Hey everyone...check out the March of Dimes link on the right. My family is trying to raise money for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica walk that we are participating in on April 29. The money will go for premature birth research. Please donate to our team and feel free to join us in the walk. You can donate right online. If you need help, click on the word comment below this post and leave a note to my Mommy. This is really important to us so I hope you will help us raise money to reach our goal.

Thank you!!

Love~ Carys Eva-Marie Davis

My Pink Pony

Carys received this pink pony chair for Christmas from her Aunt Tami and cousins Teige, Rourke and Macyn. Today is the first day we brought it out of her room to sit in while watching one of her movies. She would bounce in it and the bounced herself right out of it. I guess this pony has a new home.

Today Tim left for 7 nights in Pennsylvania. We will try to do daily postings so that daddy doesn't get home sick. We miss you honey!!