Things Anna Says

Today Anna woke up early & the things she said just had Bill & I in stitches. She comes out of her room and says, "I cannot find my sister." I tell her Emily went and laid down in Autumn's room. "She says Oh My it's really dark walks over to sliding glass door and says, "it's dark. Where's daddy? Is he taking a shower? He can't take a shower. It's dark." She was just totally thrown off by waking up before the sun rose! Bill walks out and asks her if she wants to go watch the sunrise. She says, "yeah and the rainbow." Apparently she thinks sunrises come with Rainbows. So sweet. Bill tells her she can ask God to make a rainbow. Then aS Bill leaves for work she says, "why didn't daddy make noodles? I tell her it's the morning and he has coffee. Anna replies, " I don't like coffee but when I was a daddy I liked coffee."

Anna Banana

As I watched my little Anna walk down the hall today; it struck me how grown up she is...She picks out her own outfits, knows what colors and toys she prefers best, can count to 14 sometimes, loves to read, and LOVES, LOVES pretending to be a mommy and take care of her babies. She says she wants to be a fireman, doctor, and mom! I want to remember her in this moment because everything changes so, so quickly...I LOVE you Anna!

So Close!!!!

Autumn! Today I went for an ultrasound and I am dialated at 3 cm. Last week you measured in at 8lbs 3oz. I have some extra fluid but the Dr. said not to worry. You could be here at any moment now! I cannot tell you how excited we are that you are joining the Kratt Clan. You are a wonderful and most amazing creation from the Lord Jesus Christ! You are moving around ALOT in these last days of wombhood! Emily is just waiting to be able to hold you!

First Fishing Trip

We had a wonderful 4th of July this year! The morning was laid back we made American Flags out of construction paper and talked about Independence Day. After nap we took the girls on their first fishing trip. In NC on the 4th you did not need a license to fish and Crowders Mountain State PArk had a special event where the rangers provided bait & poles and the kids could go fishing. Emily & Anna each caught a tiny blue gill! Then it began poruing down rain so we headed to one of our favorite spots to eat Hillbilly's!!! Kids eat FREE on Mondays. It was the first restaurant Bill & I ate at when we first visited Gastonia & the girls LOVE going there if only b/c mommy& Daddy do so much!
We headed home watched Yogi Bear the movie, bathed and PJ'd the girls & headed out to watch the downtown Gastonia fireworks display! This year we parked at BB&T and sat in the hatch of the van we ended up parking right by some friends from church. the display was very nice!

Counting the days...

It is July 6th, 2011 9 days until my due date. I am literally counting the days until you arrive Baby Kratt!

Cookout with the Revels

On July 3rd we enjoyed a cookout with our wonderful neighbors the Revels. We spend lots of time including holidays with them. Nancy is like a sister to me. She has eased the pain of living so far from my family for sure! Bill cooked his FAMOUS chicken (he makes the best in the world hands down!), Brian grilled yummy shrimp shish ka bobs, and Nancy and Sheila (Brian's mom) prepared lots of yummy sides. Another nice couple from the neighborhood joined us as well. We rounded out the evening playing Disney Scene it: Boys vs. Girls The boys made a big comeback and almost won but the girls won in the end! It was a great night. I always enjoy my time with these sweet people. So glad that God has blessed us with such sweet friends!

The Day That Potty Training Clicked

Anna- this is to remind me of the day that potty training seemed to click for you! We were at Preschool Mother's Prayer Group and I helped out with childcare that day. All your little peers were using the potty and clearly in potty training mode. We had given up a month or two before b/c you just didn't seem to get it. My friend Kristin shared how she was just going to put her daughter in underwear while they were at home and see how it goes.

I decided to do the same thing after nap that day. I figured we'd try for a week or two again. What could it hurt? You did AWESOME!!!!!!!!! I asked you if you wanted to wear underwear and you said yes. I asked you if you would tell me when you have to go potty and you said yes. And then I asked you please to not pee on the floor. That Tuesday you peed twice in the potty and were dry all day! The next day you peed several times and pooped in the potty. You only had one accident right before bedtime! On Friday same thing most of the time you made it to the potty on time!
MOTIVATORS: Stickers & marshmallow or piece of candy.
So hopefully we can look back on this when it's time for Autumn to potty train to give us hope b/c I was feeling kinda hopeless about you several weeks ago...Anna was about 2 years 8 months when she began to undrestand the potty training process :)

Roomies

We have 6 more weeks until our next little bundle joins the clan. We have been busily preparing our home for this transition. We painted the kitchen a washable blue color so it's easy to clean the little ones' messes :), picked up microfiber(supposedly easy to wash)couches we can all recline on together which we love, love. We have added organizational items like the storage cubes and shoe cubby...fun times.
Last week we painted Emily's old room Sonic Lime green. Saturday night Anna moved in!!!!!! Anna we put you down for bed a half hour before sissy so as to cut down on night time girl chatter...We were so proud of you. You were wonderful bedfellows! Emily told us in the morning that Anna said she was scared so she sang her a lullaby and proceed to recite a Hush Little baby remix that Emily put her own personal touches into :)
I am so thankful for you girls and your daddy and so happy for this sweet time that the Lord has allowed me to take care of you! Love , Mom