Mills is 2

How is my baby 2 years old?!?! It really did happen so fast! Mills is such a sweet little guy. He does, however, have more of an attitude now that he's two. If he doesn't like something that's going on, he'll hit you, throw something down, or just run away in a screaming fit. Where did this come from? Welcome to the "terrible twos", I guess. Despite all that, he's still my little love bug. He makes us laugh a good bit, and he loves belly laughing along with us. Perry can get the best giggles out of him. Mills has such a kind heart--when he sees Perry having a fit over something, Mills will often try to fix the problem by giving up whatever he has that Perry wants. I mean, how many of US actually feel like doing that? I think I could learn a thing or two from my two year old! As far as development goes, Mills has continued to be a master of fine motor skills--feeding himself with fork and spoon, working puzzles or other games, building blocks. He's still not talking much, but his vocabulary is growing, and I'm confident that with time (and a little work) he'll catch up. His favorite thing to do is to read books. I think he would sit for hours if I was reading to him. He also loves being outside, playing with cars/trains, and he loves dogs (but is allergic to them). Food allergies are still a big issue. He eats a pretty healthy diet, but I'm always concerned he's not getting enough fat and calories for a growing boy. Maybe he's just prone to being a skinny guy like his Daddy. He has started enjoying having Daddy put him to bed. They have a silly and special bed time routine that I know nothing about, but that Mills really enjoys. However, for the record, Mills is still very much a Mamma's boy. I do love it!
On Mills' birthday, I made his favorite breakfast--allergy-friendly pancakes. Since Alex was out of town, Perry was my right-hand man. We prepared Mills' special plate and sang "Happy Birthday".

 He sees something he likes!

 some birthday love from big brother

While Perry was at school that morning, I took Mills to the toy store to pick out a couple small things as a special treat. Mae Mae took us to Chick-fil-a for dinner. Mills didn't nap that day (the first time in his life to do that!), so it was a quick dinner and early bedtime. The following night we wanted to celebrate with Daddy, so we went to The Frozen Frog for some sherbet/frozen yogurt.

 We sang and lit another candle so Daddy could participate.

 Afterwards, Mae Mae came over and brought Mills a present.

A shopping cart!

We will celebrate again at the end of the month with a joint party for the boys.

Happy Birthday, Mills! Your two years of life have brought everyone around you so much joy!

Perry Goes to the Dentist

I recently took Perry to his first ever dental appointment. It was at Pediatric Dental Partners--basically the same practice I went to growing up. He was a pretty great first timer. He got nervous when he saw what was going on in the back, but when his time came, he was very brave. I was proud of him for being cooperative in a situation where he was a bit uncomfortable.

Ready for x-rays

 He got a really good report along with several prizes. I think you can call that a success!

McNeel's Visit

Joanna and Connor made a trip to Shreveport in September. We loved having them spend a few days with us. The main point of the trip was for Joanna to see Beth and new baby Catherine, so we spent about every waking moment with them! Beth was such a trooper keeping up with our social excitement while working on very little sleep. It was a wonderful few days and I really didn't want it to end. I'm so so thankful to God for the amazing friends I made in college. We have shared so many moments together, good and bad, and are still doing the same 10 years later. Thank goodness Catherine was only a few weeks old and didn't realize she was surrounded by all boys.

L to R: Perry, Benjamin, Mills, Connor, John Rives

our precious little gang

The three Mamma's had a night out at Wine Country. I found out that day that I passed my board exam, so it was a pretty awesome night for me! This picture makes my heart happy.

City Bus Field Trip

Perry is going to St. Paul's Day School this year. He goes on MWF mornings and is having a fun time in Mrs. Sevier's Safari Scouts class! Today was their first field trip and I was glad to be able to join them.

 waiting at the bus stop

ready to go!

 As we were walking, Chloe ran to find Perry and insisted on holding his hand. Right after this, another girl joined in and grabbed Perry's other hand. Love these sweet friends!

Other Summer Happenings

My summer was pretty much marked by studying for my PA recertification exam. I originally thought I would take it at the end of July, but Perry's surgery threw that option out of the window. I then scheduled to take it in late August, a few weeks after my Baton Rouge trip. Long story short--I showed up in Tyler, TX on my exam day, but I couldn't take it because my driver's license was expired, and it was one of the required forms of identification. Big bummer! So, I scheduled it again for mid-September, after my Colorado Springs and Hot Springs trips. It wasn't easy stopping and starting the study process so many times, but it finally paid off when I learned that I passed! I'm so happy to not have the pressure of studying all the time now!

Now, more about Colorado Springs/Hot Springs:

My mom, Perry, Mills and I went to Colorado to visit Helen and Jeremy and to attend Helen's baby shower. The boys were both sick (Mills recovering from Hand/Foot/Mouth and Perry coming down with it) so it wasn't the easiest of trips, but everyone was so helpful with the kids. The shower was really sweet and Helen got lots of great things for baby girl. I don't have any shower pictures yet. 

 Mills with our excellent hostess, Helen

 Looking at the pretty mountains! Such a nice view to have in your back yard.

Sweet little Millsie boy loving the Colorado outdoors

On our last day there, we went to the zoo. I was glad we had the chance to go again this year. Perry's favorite thing was riding the horse; and Mills' favorite was seeing the ducks. Maybe they'll appreciate the more unique animals when they are older!

 Perry was excited to feed the giraffes

 Mills needed a little convincing to participate

 Another one of Perry's favorite things--the choo choo

 Trying to feed the birds. They weren't as cooperative as last year.

 Horse back riding

On to Hot Springs:

We went up to the Mills' Hills House for Labor Day weekend. Some of our favorite people, Anna, Travis, Josiah and Samuel Smith, joined us. It was a very laid back weekend, but perfect chance to spend time with one another. When our pool time got rained out, Anna and I took the big boys to the fire station. We all got a pretty special tour that included riding in the fire truck, turning on the lights and sirens, and spraying the hose.

 Perry dressed as a fireman

 Perry pulling the loud siren

 turning on another siren (or maybe it was the lights--can't remember)

trying out the big hose; they were a good team!

Trip to Baton Rouge

The boys and I went to Baton Rouge/St. Francisville in July to visit some of my best friends while we were all in one state. It was such a great trip! We stayed in St. Francisville with Katharine at her mom's house for the first three nights. I've always loved their historic home, but coming back a little older, I appreciated it's beauty and charm even more. Perry made himself right at home on the front porch immediately upon arrival.

Perry relaxing right after we arrived on Thursday

On Friday we packed up and went into BR to meet up with the others for the day. A play date/lunch at Mauree's in the morning, naps at Lee's, and dinner at Zippy's. It was super fun and the kids did great! We had to laugh at how much had changed since our college days at Zippy's.

Phelps, Mills and Anna Caroline hanging out at Zippy's

Saturday was a lazy morning with nothing planned, so Katharine and I just entertained the kids around the house. That afternoon, the other girls drove up to hang out (more like--help us bathe, prepare food, and feed our kids!) at the house before we went out for our Mommy's dinner.

Phelps and Ella Anderson bathing with Burke boys

 We ate at the delicious "Ma Mamas Kitchen" in New Roads. It was such a sweet time together!

On Sunday, my kids and I went into BR for church at South Baton Rouge Pres. I always love returning and visiting with several special families. Thanks to sweet DeeDee Donald, we did lunch and naps at their house with Ashley and her kids. That evening, the boys and I slept at Alex's cousin's (Amy and Trae) house while they were out of town. I was exhausted from packing everything up that morning, having a full day, then unpacking at a new location. Lee came out and visited with me for a while, which was the perfect ending to our day.

Monday morning, I packed up once again, but this time for good. We all met at Chick fil a for a morning play time and then said our goodbyes!

Attempt at getting a pic of all nine kids...with three more babies due to arrive this year, I doubt this will get any easier.

I couldn't have asked for Perry and Mills to be any more cooperative those 5 days. They traveled well, slept well, and played well. We can't wait to do it again!

Love these girls!!! Me, Virginia (Lee), Ashley, Katharine, Mauree

 

Tonsils and Adenoids

After about a year and a half of repetitive tonsil infections that were getting more and more frequent (like every 3 weeks), we decided it would be best to have Perry's tonsils removed. Even though adenoids have never been a problem, Dr. Beal recommended removing them at the same time. The surgery was on July 9th at an outpatient center. I'm so glad I didn't know how hard the whole thing was going to be because I likely wouldn't have gone through with it. Perry was perfectly happy and content that morning, but when he came out of surgery, he was UPSET...and the next 7 days were no better. He was clearly in a lot of pain (only able to take tylenol and motrin for pain relief) and night time was by far the worst. He would wake up screaming and we were seriously unable to calm him down or get him to take his medicine. It was terrible. We are now 2 months post surgery, have all recovered physically and emotionally, and are thrilled that he hasn't been sick since surgery (except getting Hand/Foot/Mouth disease from Mills). I guess it was worth it!

Before surgery

A special get-well present from Mommy and Daddy

Sweet picture from Aubrey. He got several other special gifts from friends and family. 

Eating some of Mae Mae's custard. He lived off of ice cream, popsicles and custard for the week.

I'll always remember how hard those days were on us, but on the flip side, I'll also remember all the encouraging support and prayers from others.