The F______ Fours?

Okay, so I don't mean the "'F-Word' Fours." Well, maybe some of the time. What I mean is that, "Hi-my-name-is-Kristen-and-I-expected-some-kind-of-180-in-my-child's-behavior-on-her-fourth-birthday." I admit it. I had always heard about "the Terrible Twos," and even "the Trying Threes." I suppose I figured that since I had never heard about the Fours (and in fact, could almost swear that I had been told "Four is SO much better/more fun!"), then it meant that my sweet, but SUPER-headstrong little girl would magically outgrow the tantrums. Haha. <--- (that is me laughing at myself)

Dealing with Addie as a four-year-old has been a challenge lately. She is so sweet and loving, but can also be...well...(for lack of a better term): a brat. To say that she is stubborn would be the understatement of the year. She's quite happy-go-lucky, until she's not getting exactly what she wants. Then it is a complete 180 and the tantrums, meltdowns and defiance begin. I am at a loss, to be quite honest. I've gotten mixed advice from other moms & dads: "Be stricter." "Maybe you're being too strict." Who knows what to do?! But I never thought I'd have the kid who others watch and think, "Man, that kid is being obnoxious!" Guilty. Is she spoiled? Yeah, probably. And this is where my working mom guilt comes in a little bit. I choose my "battles" in what little time I have with my children. Maybe that means she's been told "no" fewer times than she could've/should've been. But what can ya do?

I think I should've taken better notes at her four-year checkup, because John Michael has reminded me a few times that Dr. Hood said, "Four is when girls start getting really whiny, so be prepared." So perhaps this is just a phase? I hope so. I mean, I'd be lying if I said she has always been "easy." In fact, the traits that wear me out are many of the traits I am so proud that she has, knowing/hoping she'll be a strong young woman. But GOODNESS! Some days I think I won't survive four years old with sanity intact.

Good thing she's cute :)

("exercising" with Daddy and the Wii/EA Active. With Christmas tights on. Love this girl!!!!!)

I fibbed.

I had the best intentions to post these right away, but just didn't get around to it. But here they are - better late than never!













p.s. In my mind, we had taken LOTS of pictures. Turns out, not so much. I guess that means we were too busy enjoying ourselves. I'll take it :)

Beach babies

We went to the beach with Mimi and PawPaw a couple of weeks ago and had such a good time! We arrived in St. Augustine on the 19th and stayed til the 26th. The kids did amazingly well on the flight down (Addie watched her DVD player and Landon slept the whole time), and we hit the beach Sunday morning! Addie and Landon LOVED the beach, which made us all so happy. Addie had been afraid of the ocean the past couple of times she had been near it (too loud), so we were thrilled that she wanted to play in the water. Landon was completely fearless. That was a little exhausting, but adorable nonetheless!

We spent most mornings out at the beach and most of our afternoons taking it easy inside while Landon napped. Addie, Mimi and I did go shopping at the outlets one day (um, hello HUGE Carter's sale! I wish we had had extra room in our luggage...) and then we saw my Uncle Buddy and Aunt Bobbi two afternoons - so awesome. We also took Addie and Landon fishing for the first time, and Addie caught a fish on her first cast! She was so excited until she dropped her bunny ring in the ocean and it was allll downhill from there. I ended up pacing with her on the pier until we decided just to cut our losses and head out for ice cream. But let's be honest - ice cream was a better time had by all anyway :)

The best part - and the worst part - was that I got completely spoiled by getting to spend so much time with my sweet family. We had such a good time! The kids were (for the most part :)) absolutely adorable and well behaved, and although Landon started the week with a cold, and JM ended the week with a tummy bug, I'd say we could classify it as a near-perfect vacation.

Here's a few pics to hold you over (missing the camera and only got some of them off the other day...odd, I know...).

Airport play area - GENIUS!


Landon had trouble sleeping our first night there and ended up in our bed. The humor in this photo is that this was a KING bed, and little mister had me pushed all the way to the edge. Ha!

More to come!