"Swim Meet" meet "Seizure"

Tonight one of my swim meet fears came true.  Izzy didn't begin her race with the buzzer due to a seizure.  It was an away meet, against Park West.  Izzy was in lane 3 (meaning she was favored to win for her heat).  I was at the far end waiting for her to finish, while Pete was working as a timer on lane 6.   Izzy got into the ready position, but then stood up.  Once she stood up I could tell she was having a seizure.  The buzzer signaled for the start of the race and Izzy stood frozen.  My heart sank - and I tear up now recalling it to type - I knew she would start late, if she started at all?  What was probably only 5 seconds felt like an eternity!  The timer in lane 3 happened to be our neighbor and she recognized what was happening immediately.  A couple other neighbors were standing near me and noticed as well.  Thankfully once Izzy snapped out of her seizure she dove right in!  By golly if that girl doesn't have heart!  She kicked and pulled like no ones business and managed to finish second.  I WISH I would have had it on video just so she could see what an amazing job she did.

I don't think I have ever been more proud (well I probably have but this was a really awesome feeling) of her and how well she swam.  The mom in me wanted to grab her a first place ribbon and give it to her ...cause she certainly swam like a winner that race.

These seizures sure do suck...but Izzy reminds me through her actions that they don't define her.  She sure is one awesome kid.

Love Note

Izzy wrote this letter to her brother while at school recently.



It says:

I love you my sweet little brother Drew. You can make me mad but no matter how much you do I still love you my sweet little brother Drew.

December - Izzy

Where did our December go?

Wait, it is coming back to me...we were moving (for the 2nd December in a row), trying to prepare for Christmas, packing up one house, unpacking at another house, putting up holiday decorations (indoor and out), attending parties, entertaining family/friends, and most importantly trying not to miss out on the joy of the season!

Since I already posted pictures of Drew's holiday concert it seems only fitting that we cover some of Izzy's December highlights.

Izzy had 4 hip hop concerts she was involved in around town. One was at a retirement facility, two were at daycare centers and the big performance was downtown at Marion Square. While we have been less than impressed with the dance company (she will begin at a new place in Feb) she certainly has loved dancing with two of her best friends (who will also be switching dance companies as well). *and I use the term "company" very very loosely! At age 6 she just wants to shake her groove thing to some fun music ...nothing too serious.









This is a video of her dance at Marion Square. Since I can't see her eyes I am not sure when she stops at the beginning if it is because she is confused, looking for me (I moved spots to video) or possibly had a seizure. No biggie though - she eventually figures out what step she should be on.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

and this is how Drew could be found passing the time during all the other dance numbers



I was in charge of Izzy's school holiday party, and was fortunate that many parents offered their time to help make it a huge success! Our theme was "Around the World" and it timed perfectly with Izzy's teacher's unit studying the same. It was really really neat!

Izzy and her teacher, Miss Allan.


The kids started the party by getting a chance to sample foods brought in from all around the world. While some of the kids were very adventurous with trying new foods, most gravitated to the chicken nuggets and cheetos we had on hand just so we knew they would eat something for lunch!


Izzy was probably most excited that I picked up Drew from his pj party at school and brought him along.






After lunch, Miss Allan read a couple books to the class (and Drew) while the adults set up four stations for the kids to take part in.


We played a Santa Bingo game, Dreidel (Germany), made "Year of" bracelets (China), and put cloves into oranges (Denmark).






Another fun moment was our Sunday afternoon trip to the Nutcracker (or so I had hoped it would be). Pete had to catch up on a monster load of work one weekend so I tried to keep the kids out of the house as much as possible. Thankfully it was a beautiful weekend and that wasn't too hard. After church we dropped Pete off at home and then the kids and I went to lunch and then downtown to see a kids performance of the Nutcracker.


While I wasn't too worried about it holding the kids attention (even though it was all dance and no words), what I didn't count on was it being too loud for Drew. Thankfully we were there with some friends so at intermission Drew and I headed out to King Street to do some shopping while Izzy watched the rest of the show.

Drew and I headed right across the street to the boot store. My mom had told me she wanted to buy me some Frye boots (have been drooling over them for a couple years now) for my birthday so it was the perfect opportunity to try some on. While I tried on Frye's, Drew clowned around in the boots I had worn that day.


December also found Izzy loosing her 6th tooth!


More to come, but that's enough for now...

Smile :-)

Here is Izzy's smile on her first day of kindergarten.





6 months later, here is her smile.







About two weeks ago, we had 48 hours of this smile! Creepy!!!





Izzy didn't get her first tooth until nearly 14 months, so we were quite surprised she lost her teeth as early as she did. I don't think she could possibly get any cuter than she is right now with this little grin, though I could take the smile without some of the sass/attitude that comes with it :-)

It is sad to think that once that big ole gap fills in with teeth the beginning of her awkward stage will soon begin :(

Guess Who

...can ride a two wheeler?

Izzy!!!

I don't have pictures, and the video that was shot doesn't even do the chick justice. Pete took Izzy on Sunday for about 30 minutes to introduce her to the whole "no training wheels" concept. She did really well - even riding unassisted for a few feet.

Well today, Wednesday, I took her for her second shot at it (we go to the pool to practice on the flat grassy area) and she rocked it! When we began I would keep her steady while she got on, and then hold on for a couple seconds - well by the end of our 45 min. I was barely helping her start to pedal and she was easily going 500feet. The only reason she had to stop was because she ran out of grass. For those that know our pool area she could go from the sidewalk to the tennis courts. Hooray for Izzy!

In other news - we have now lost out on our second Charleston rental. As it stands we have a possibility, but it won't be vacant until January. Surprisingly I am not all that freaked out by the prospect of spending Christmas in a hotel? ...if we play our cards right then I will get breakfast made for me :-) and my bed made!

Since my head is spinning in a million directions, and I need to finish cleaning (aka: throwing out) the kids old toys while they sleep, I'm gonna sign off now!

Oh, house appraisal is tomorrow. Not worried :-)

Best Friends

When Alisha photographed the kids this year one of my requests was for her to capture their close relationship. These two are certainly two peas in a pod. I am not sure how Pete and I got so lucky with these two, but we are very blessed. Many people know I am quite conflicted with regards to a third...would it ruin this relationship, strengthen it even more, or make no difference?

Check out some of these fantastic sib shots! Just try and pick a favorite :-)











I love love love these next three







And this one is my current favorite. LOVE!

Daddy-Daughter Date

Pete and Izzy had a special date on Sunday. ...and look who is sportin a FABULOUS new do!

IZZY!!!



They went to walk the Wizard of Oz Trail at Castle McCullough. We have this old castle not far from us and they do some really neat things there throughout the year. So far we have only done the Christmas holiday trail (2x) which my kids LOVE! Love so much that we wait in line for nearly 2 hours, in the cold, and sometimes rain/sleet. As you follow the outdoor trail there are numerous skits, carols, and dancing. Once you enter the castle you get to see Santa as well as the Grinch (this is Izzy/Drew's favorite part).

From what I've been told the Wizard of Oz trail wasn't nearly as good as the Christmas one, but Izzy loved it none the less. She was frightened when the witch appeared (tears in fact) but quickly recovered and enjoyed the rest of the story.

I have a feeling the Wizard of Oz movie will soon be making an appearance at the Swyt house ;-)

*oh, and at the castle you can also pan for jems/gold which I really want to do, but Pete always makes me feel like such a dork for wanting to do it. Boo.

Countdown to School

I can't believe that in less than one month my firstborn will be starting Kindergarten. Sniff, sniff :-(

She is ubber excited! I can't help but be excited for her. She desperately wants to ride the bus to school. I told her that for the first couple weeks I will drive her, and then she might be able to ride it home. Her day starts VERY early. If she were to ride the bus to school she would get picked up just before 7. The first bell doesn't ring until 7:35 - with the school being maybe 2 miles away, I think I will drive her.

Her school ROCKS! It is our public school and is a school of excellence. This is saying quite a lot since many school around us aren't so hot...remember we are in the south. The principal is FANTASTIC! He greets the children in the morning and has lunch with them daily. He has been at the school for 5 years and has done some incredible things while there. He radiates enthusiasm and it sure is contagious.

We are fortunate that Izzy will be familiar with about 8-10 kids starting Kindergarten. There will be 4 Kindergarten classes and I am comfortable with any class Izzy is placed in. From talking to the principal, each teacher brings something unique to her classroom. I think Izzy could benefit from any of them and will trust that she will end up with the teacher she was meant to have.

We went to tour the school with Rylie and Stephanie. We were greeted by the principal, of course, and spent 90 min. just touring and talking about the school. I came away feeling as if I had made a real friend. ...and what a great feeling that is!

Look at these two cuties holding hands and getting ready to enter their future school for the very first time!

Drew is leading the pack and attempting to read the signs on the door.

Waiting out in the hall for the principal to give us the grand tour!

Drew was playing the role of the bus driver.

Always a good idea to check out the awards a school has won - and the recognition it has received!


Scoping out the library. While Stephanie and I talked the principal's ear off the kids got bored and decided to play "library". ...the role of the librarian was played by Izzy.


The first day of school is August 25th. Can you believe that? Less than one month away! I am not sure what Izzy will wear for her first day, but I do know what she will be carrying her lunch in :-)

Check out this beauty!


back view:


inside: ice pack and fun containers


Aside from the fact that I can change out the front/back faceplates (the Izzy cover - there are lots of different cover/backs to choose from) this entire lunchbox can go in the dishwasher. I am in no way a germaphobe. Heck, I let my kids eat food that they drop on the floor, drink out of cups a friend has used, eat cookies on the playground after getting off the equipment...you get my drift...but the thought of food sitting in a lunchbox for 8+ hours a day, 5 days a week just grosses me out! Strange, huh? So, this lunchbox is all "eco" friendly and dishwasher safe! SOLD!....even if it was ridiculously expensive. (but we will use it for years - all we have to do is change out the faceplate).

...to top it off, Izzy LOVES it! She wants to use it on a picnic tomorrow and I said "absolutely not! This is for school." Heaven forbid it doesn't look brand spankin new on the first day, right?

Married with Children

It wasn't until last week that I actually questioned whether or not I have my hands full with Izzy. Last week was the "I'll miss my boyfriend when we move", watching Erik pee at school, and the infamous kiss on the lips with Carson. What happened to that innocent Izzy of 2 weeks ago?

Last night while sitting outside watching Izzy and Rylie play I overheard Izzy say the following:

..."well, I'm not gonna have babies until Carson and I have been married for 5 days."

..."Rylie, we can be in rooms next to each other at the hospital when we have our babies."

..."Carson and Benjamin can come visit us while we are at the hospital and bring us berries to eat."

Apparently each girl had a husband and was making plans for their futures together. I was happy to hear that they would both be married prior to having kids (even if it was only 5 days into the marriage - which means they were knocked up before exchanging vows) and that they still plan to be friends for so long that they will be in neighboring rooms at the hospital.

As we pulled out of the driveway for school I noticed this:



I said to Izzy that it looks like two people talking. She replied, "Mom, it is two people! That broom is the boy Rylie is going to marry and the yellow broom is Carson." Of course! She then tells me that they are "guarding the babies". Both girls had twins yesterday and are expecting another baby today. I told Izzy that I thought three babies in three days was plenty cause babies require a lot of work!

As Pete said when I told him...they grow up so quickly :-)

Really? No, Honestly, Really?

This morning I am upstairs making the bed and the kids are downstairs watching tv. A few minutes later I hear Izzy scream, "Moooooooommmmmmm! Mooooooooooommmmmm!!!!!"

me: What Izzy?
Izzy: Mom, I can't SEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! (seriously by the way she was shrieking you would have thought she literally could not see)
me: What can't you see?
Izzy: The TV!!!!!!! (in the most annoyed voice)
me: Why not?
Izzy: DREW.IS.IN.MY.WAY!!! Tell him to moooooovvvvvveeeeee!
me: Izzy, why don't you ask him nicely to move?
Izzy: Oh, okay. (pause) He moved.

Really? Honestly? This child who is so bright and so smart and amazes me daily with her logic and reasoning skills (as well as the skills she uses to manipulate her brother and us) can't figure out that it would have been easiest to ask him herself? Really? Think of the time it would have saved.

Gracious!

Unusual

If I don't type this now then I will certainly forget it. ...and if you could see my Mom Management Center (aka: desk) then you would know that if I write it down, I may never find it again!

So, we were driving to the bank and I look back to see Drew chewing on a toy screwdriver. I say to him, "Drew, is that a screwdriver you have in your mouth?" Of course he says yes. Izzy then says, "Well that is sure unusual."

I begin to try and think if I have ever heard her use that word before? It sounded so odd coming out of her mouth that I didn't think so. Sure enough a few second later she asks me, "Mom, what does unusual mean?"

Oh, they grow up so fast!

That Girl

As many moms know, some of the best conversations happen while driving. Today was one of those days. The conversation wasn't earth shattering in any way, just a conversation that I won't forget anytime soon. However, if I do then it is now documented via this blog.

Lately Izzy has been intrigued by male anatomy. More specifically the "peanut" as she calls it. I have told her repeatedly what the correct name is and so I am not sure if she forgets or just chooses to use the word peanut instead?

So today we were driving to dance class and Izzy and Drew were playing with Disney figurines in the back seat. Izzy had Princess Aurora? and Drew had Buzz Lightyear and they were making their characters carry on various conversations. I heard Izzy start to giggle, but for the way the character conversation was going her giggle didn't quite fit. Things got quiet for a minute and Izzy giggled again. So I kind of giggled and asked Izzy why she was giggling. She says to me, "Mom, do you think Buzz has a peanut?" I was kind of taken back and said, "Well, I don't know? He is a toy so I don't think so. ...and for the record it isn't called a peanut, it is called a _____".

Want to know what her response was..."Well, I think since he is a boy then he has a pen!s." She giggles again, then adds, "and I think it is purple." At that point I just laugh and tell her she is crazy. I think what I found funniest was that she thought she was so funny and just giggled out of nowhere.

Thankfully we were at dance and the conversation didn't go any further.

...okay, so I just reread what I wrote and it really was SO much funnier when it actually happened.

I Sent Him Out For A Cheap Clock...

Isabelle has been getting up earlier and earlier lately. She used to sleep until at least 8, if not 8:30, everyday. Then it was 7:30 and now more recently a few minutes past 7. The last two days have had her up before 7!!! Even while on vacation with, no real down time, and late nights she was still up before 7:30.

Well, I decided she needed a clock in her room. I explained to her that we were getting her a clock and that she could come out of her room and find me once the first number on the clock said 7 or 8. I asked her if she wanted me to cover the last two numbers. No. I asked her if she wanted me to hang a number 7 and 8 on her wall to remind her of the appropriate times she could get up. Her response "No Mom. I know what a 7 and 8 look like already." Well good. She then says to me, "Mom, I can't know when there is a 7 or 8on the clock if you don't put a clock in my room." No kidding smarty pants!

So, Pete's job was to buy Izzy a cheap clock. I'm thinking he can easily find on under $10. Heck, I don't want anything fancy, just numbers. He tried the drug stores and grocery stores. No cheap clocks. The clocks had iPod docking stations and such and were no less than $40. So, he goes online (via phone) and researches kid clocks and where to buy one. He brings home the Disney Princess Alarm Clock Radio which also projects magical stars around your room. It wasn't cheap by my standards. It was $25 or so he says :)

IZZY WENT HOG WILD when Pete gave it to her. She flipped her lid! I swear I can't remember the last time I saw her so excited over something? Honestly I don't know if she was that excited over her bike? She had so many thank yous and I love yous that it was worth every darn dollar. Pete reminded me that she had asked for a radio in her room (I talked her down from the requested tv). He also thought the magical stars might serve as a new nite-light to replace the dimmed lamp she insists on having on.

I put her to bed and she asked if she could play her music. Oh, greatest feature of all...is that you can set it so the radio doesn't play, but some Disney princess music does. I imagine she will figure out how to change the settings pretty quickly, but for now when she turns on the radio it plays princess music so she will never get stuck on loud static. It doesn't get much better than a toddler, twirling around in her ballet slippers while dancing to princess music and laying kiss after kiss on her daddy ;) Pete's little princess for sure!

So, fingers crossed that she won't come out of her room before 7. I think tomorrow will be easy because when she wakes up she will just start playing with her clock.

Oh, and the stars did work as a nite-light. I was told she didn't need the other light on. Although she was perplexed as to how Pete knew that there would be stars that lit up in the dark since he bought it during the daytime?

Keep your fingers crossed!