Thanksgiving and Mom's 60th Birthday Bash

I am really behind on blogging! I am going to try and post one new entry every few days to catch up. Thanksgiving and my mom's 60th birthday bash were November's big Scott family events. Thanksgiving was really laid back...a nice lunch at Kyle's parents and then a relaxed dinner at my mom's house. Both meals consisted of turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings. I ate a ton and enjoyed every single bite. My mom's stuffing is seriously the best...I tried to make it one year and failed. I am convinced only my mom will ever be able to prepare it right. My stepdad (Kiwi/Kevin), sister (Brooke), and I planned a pseudo-surprise birthday for my mom's 60th. Four out of my five siblings and their kids were able to be there. Friday night was a pizza/smores roast night at my brother Matt's house. He lives on three acres in Lucas, Texas...lots of room for all the kids to run around. Every one of my mom's grandkids was there! Needless to say...I saw Max in flashes. He was too busy running around with his awesome cousins to speak to me. Cora loved trying to keep up too. It was amazing seeing all the littles together:). Saturday consisted of a mother-daughter lunch at Jasper's, shopping, and a surprise dinner. All the adults met at a restaurant named Mignon in Plano. We had a set menu and some yummy wines picked out. I put together a photo book and letters from each kid for my mom. She loved it and cried quite a bit! The food was delicious and it turned out to be a perfect evening celebrating my momma. She is a wonderful lady who deserved to feel special. I included some of my favorite photo book pictures.

Tough Mudder

Kyle and I completed the Dallas Tough Mudder on October 26th. This was my first one and Kyle's third. Tough Mudders consist of 20-24 army-like obstacles spread out over 12-13 miles. The goal is to get through safely. Our team was named the Wet Bandits...in honor of Harry and Marv from Home Alone. Team Wet Bandits consisted of Kyle's friends, brother, me and another girl (Juliette). I will say I was very glad to have Juliette on the team too...too many boys otherwise :). The obstacles ranged in difficulty and "scare factor". For example, one obstacle named "The Artic Enema" had you jump into ice water, swim under a small tunnel, and then several feet to the end. That one shocked me for sure. I panicked coming out under the tunnel but had Kyle by my side to pull me out at the end. Some of the obstacles were there to enforce teamwork. My favorite two were a series of mud hills that your team had to help each other over. I really did not know what to expect before the race. I really just hoped my training would pay off and that I could complete the entire event (running between each obstacle). Our team did well...lots of team work, focus, and fun. We were one of the only teams that I saw to all make it across the hanging wall. Basically it was a small ledge hanging over a huge mud pool. You had to use only your hands to scoot across. I think that was the highlight of the entire thing for me. I did not think I could do it but managed to get across. Overall, I am extremely glad that I was able to do this with Kyle and the other team members. It was a new challenge and a bonding experience for Kyle and me. I still have bruises from the event but am going to sign up next year!

Cora is Two! Medical Updates and More

Cora turned two years old on October 20th! This little girl is full of life...a toddler for sure:). We had her two year check today and received mixed news. First though...the good stuff. FAVORITE FOODS: bread products, hummus, chicken nuggets, grapes, yogurt. FAVORITE ACTIVITY: puzzles, reading books, singing, playing outside. FAVORITE BOOK: The Nose Book. FAVORITE SONG: Anything from the Lion King. FAVORITE TOYS: Books and her Little People Princess Castle. FAVORITE SHOW: Mickey's Clubhouse, Yo Gabba Gabba, Pociyo SIZE CLOTHES: 12-18 months, 9-12 months in shorts/pants. WEIGHT: 20.3 lb. HEIGHT: 32.75 inches. LOVES: Kindermusik and Story time LOVIES: Baby Elmo and Bunny. SCHEDULE: 7:30/8-up, nap at 1, bed 7:30. MILESTONES: Cora can put several words together but prefers to use one or two words to get her point across. She can walk and tries to run. She can go up small steps only. Cora can sing several songs and loves to have music playing. PERSONALTY: Cora is very social...she loves to say hi and wave to people. She is always up for new things...loves to be in the action. Cora can be very focused on what she wants...which leads to some pretty funny mini-fits. I usually have to hide my laughing face when she is throwing one. She is very affectionate and has a special love for her grandfathers:). Cora is easy to put down to sleep (yeah!) but does not always go to sleep right away. She likes to roll around in her crib talking and singing...sometimes for over half her nap. I think she just has lower sleep needs than Max did at this age. MEDICAL UPDATE: Cora is doing great with all her mental milestones... she is a smart girl:). I feel blessed that her language, communication, and problem solving skills are strong. However, there are still concerns over her growth and physical milestones. Her pediatrician will continue to monitor her growth until she is three before deciding if it is her genetics at work or something else. Luckily her height and weight have increased proportionally to one another which is a positive. Cora is not a big eater so it has been a huge daily endeavor for me to get in enough calories. I have a gut feeling that her genetics are mostly why she is so petit. We will see. Her gross motor skills were of moderate concern...she is stiff when she runs and has a harder time climbing and going on the steps. She is also still constipated and gags easily. We are going to have her evaluated again at Children's and see what they say. They may send us to neurology as well. I expected some of this today but still feel sad for my girl. She hates going to the Dr. and screams the entire time usually. :(. However, when I look at the big picture I could not be more proud of my baby girl. She has conquered so much in her short two years...she is smart, happy, and loves her family. What more could I ask for? I will confess the past couple of months have been tough for me as far as being a mom...doubting myself, wondering if I am doing the right things for my kids, and trying to control their trials. This landed me in burn out mode...I was attempting all this on my own strength. NOT possible. I need God to supplement me, renew me, and strengthen me as a parent, wife, and friend. He will give me wisdom and endurance to be the best mom and wife I can be. I am so thankful that I do not have to be a parent on my own...I have a wonderful husband and family… but most importantly a heavenly Father who loves my kids more than me. Amen.

Fall Fun

We have had a fun-packed time this fall. The weather in October/November really is the best as far as Texas goes. It is less humid and cooler compared to the summer. We have spent a lot of time outdoors. Some of our favorite fall things have been visiting the Dallas Arboretum, some pumpkin patches with friends, and Texas State Fair. We love the new children's section and pumpkin village at the Arboretum. You feel like you are in another world there. Each year we go to the State Fair with the Conner family. Our kids are 5 months apart and get along well. Max and Zoe are so sweet to each other...holding hands and hugging. They rode several rides together and had a blast playing games. I am grateful for their sweet friendship. I suspect Chase and Cora will follow in their footsteps soon:). Cora had a blast at the Fair too. She loved the petting zoo and watching Max with Zoe on the rides. She wanted on too...next year crazy girl. The State Fair wouldn't be complete without a Fletcher's cheese corny dog...seriously amazing. I also tried fried Thanksgiving...I give it two thumbs up. Overall, this fall has me ready for the holidays. Christmas music 24/7 coming up!