Goodbye Texas!

Just when life gets comfy and you think everything couldn't be more perfect...we decide to mix things up!!  Anthony was interviewing with different dental practices in Dallas.  The hour plus commute each day was getting old so we knew sooner or later, we'd have to leave the city and go to one of the new growing 'burbs.

One of the companies mentioned they were also expanding into Kansas City -- conveniently located in the same 'burb as my bro and sis.  This got us thinking (and praying) and ultimately, came to the conclusion this was the best decision for our family.  Bad timing with just having a newborn, but hey, why not add to all the craziness?

I grew up in Kansas City and love the amazing sense of community, nationally ranked schools, wide open spaces, and homes.  Anthony is looking forward to experience real seasons and maybe even some snow. In order for us to come, we joke the laws changed allowing corp dental practices and were lured by the new LDS Temple and new performing arts center with our favorite "shows" now traveling through on occasion.  But honestly, there's nothing better than being close to family.

But all of this meant leaving Texas behind. 

I'll miss Saturday morning bike rides around senic Whiterock Lake, an oasis in the middle of the city:

Bookclub was always my favorite night of the month.  Seriously, nothing could keep me from going.  Ok, maybe a hospital stay after giving birth..but it was a tough decision.

Visits from "Aunt Nell," our favoritest neighbor who would regularly bake us cakes just because, always have goodies ready for Tanner when he visited, and would rightfully claim she was the sole reason Anthony got into Dental school.  She was the neighbor you would always dream of having.  Nell just turned 90 years old and sadly, moved away into a nursing home just a few months before we did. 





Food galore -- real tex mex at Chuy's, ice cream at Braum's, the poo-poo platter at BoBo China, tacos from Go To Go Taco, fries and milkshakes at In & Out -- and I have to stop cause I'm getting hungry.

Tanner will certainly miss all of our regularly scheduled outings:

Feeding the animals or watching the lion pounce at the Dallas Zoo 

 

The "Firefighter" Museum according to Tanner (aka Dallas Children's Museum)

Mommy and Me Art Class at the Dallas Museum of Art

Preschool at Ridgewood Park UMC -- Tanner had the best teacher and best friends this past school year.  Trust me, cause we weren't always so fortunate.  On the last day of school, I got tiery-eyed thinking how he won't be returning with the same group of friends or teachers.  But when I asked Tanner how he felt, his reply, "I'll have a new school with new friends in Kansas!"  I'm still trying to make that a reality, but I don't it'll ever compare to the incredible year we've had with Ms Kennedy and his 5 classmates.

Playing with our neighbors -- Farah and Azam for impromptu visits 

Dallas Arboretum for the Fall Pumpkin Festival or Dallas Blooms! in the Spring

Texas State Fair in Texas where Tanner got to be in a rodeo, watch pig races, and eat amazing deep fried food

And despite being in KC, Anthony is going to make sure our kids grow up to be Rangers/Cowboys/Mavs fans.  Despite my dad's best efforts, none of us ever followed the Phillies or Eagles.  But indoctorating at a young age might help him beat the odds:

But most of all, we were dearly miss our friends and family. 

We hope Tanner will always be close to all of his cousins!  We plan to visit and do everything to make sure that happens.

When we were leaving Dallas, it felt like I was leaving part of myself. And while we'll be further away, we're hoping for visitors to come visit!! You're welcome at any time!!

Swim Lessons

This summer, I had the crazy notion to sign Tanner up for private swim lessons.

I felt like I was paying money to have my son turtured. He hated it! On Day One, he told me, "I was drowning Mommy and you didn't save me!" The teacher said that response is typical and that the next few days would get easier. Well - Day two he didn't fight it at all - and barely cried. But Day three and on was just a replica of Day One. When we tried to go swimming for with some friends just for fun, he refused to get in the water. So instead of making progress, we moved backwards. Personally, I didn't love his teacher, but she did come highly recommended from several close friends -- so who knows.

With us moving to KS, this was one of the fun summer "sports" activities he could participate in start to finish. With the addition of Brooke, I wanted him to swim more independently. Our new home has a neighborhood swimming pool just down the street so I envisioned all my summer freetime being spend poolside (although that is yet to happen!).


He did make some progress, but it was minimal. When the teacher was there, he knew he had to do it. On his own, I can't get him to do anything as he'd make a run for it the first chance he got. For now, I just want him to have a love of the water and not be scared so I haven't been pushing him to do more.

Tanner "floating" on his back:

Tanner's 4th Birthday

We celebrated Tanner's 4th birthday at Pump It Up bounce house.  We wanted an excuse to have one last hoorah with all of our Dallas friends and family just a few days before we moved away.   Looking back, it was a little crazy squeezing in a party a day before our moving truck was loaded up.  But if was so fun to celebrate with so many friends and we wouldn't have it any other way.

According to Tanner, when he turns 4, he'll no longer be scared of fireworks, be able to swim, won't need to wear a pull-up at night, will always choose the right, and will be older than all his friends.

Happy Birthday Tanner!!  May all your wildest dreams come true!!


Pictures of the festivities:

Our own "Spidey"

Let's sing happy birthday!!!

PALS

Easton has a man-crush on Tanner.  These two are practically inseperable...and when they are seperated...Easton will come running over asking where Tanner went.  

Johnners

Stockton was dancin along to the music -- he has moves like you've never seen before.  

 
Brnylee and Caden

Presents

It's not a bday without presents, right?  Well, kinda.  We asked guests not to bring presents, but mom/dad got him is own real drill and spiderman scooter.  He was so excited!!

 For more pics, you can view the entire album here.  

Brooke's Baby Blessing

Just over a month old, Brooke Adeline Callison was blessed on Sunday May 27th. Coincidentally, Brooke was blessed in the same church building and same blessing gown as myself  - the gown was made by my Grandma Knickerbocker.  Isn't it absolutely gorgeous??   

Anthony gave her a very simple, beautiful blessing inspired from the Lord.  Here were a few thoughts captured:

• Health, strength, and happiness
• Know and follow the spirit
• Be a peacemaker in the home
• Know what the Lord desires of you
• Live in manner of happiness

I was joking wiht Anthony when I told him he should have elaborated more -- but Anthony felt that she would have a very simple, happy life.  We're so grateful to have the knowledge of the Gospel to provide us with the peace and joy. 

We were fortunate to share this special day with so many family and friends.  We must have filled up 3+ entire rows at church.  It made me realize just how lucky we are to be surrounded by so many wonderful people -- and how much we'll truly miss them when we move to Kansas City.

Tannerisms

We're a little obsessed wtih babies over hear.

Tanner is still taking the big brother role very seriously.  When her beloved pacifier falls out, Tanner is the first to run over to her and put it back in.  "That's my job!" he'll respond.  He also likes to whisper sweet nothings to her, telling her, "You're so precious."  

Remember the Beyonce song "All the Single Ladies".  Tanner chants "All the Little Babies" to the same song-- just like his dad taught him.  It's pretty cute.

He also likes to help with diaper changes -- he'll help grab a diaper and gets a few wipes ready to use.  And some days, he'll even insist on helping wipe.  Now if I could only teach him to do it all by himself.

"Wow, she has a beautiful big flower on her head!"  The way he said it you couldn't tell if it was a good or bad thing. 

But afterwards, when I wasn't looking, I caught him sporting one of her newest hair bows.  Apparently, he feels like he's been missing out.

Forever Small

I wish she'd stay like this forever.  But the other day, I caught myself.  I saw a mom and her teenage daughter taking a walk together and laughing as they went.  I thought to myself, "Oh, that'll be Brooke and I someday.  We'll be best friends sharing our secrets together.  I can't wait until she grows up!"

But then it hit me.  What was I thinking?  No, I don't want her to ever grow up.  I want her to be my little girl forever.  period.  And I looked down at her, holding her tight in my arms, inhaling the sweet smell of her skin, caressing her fuzzy head of hair and baby soft skin, and whispering sweet nothings.  Just when I didn't think this moment couldn't get any better, she gave me the widest smile --and on purpose.  That's the joy of motherhood -- it just keeps getting better!!

Despite my wishes, she does keep growing -- and way too fast!!  At her two week appointment, she was an ounce shy of her birth weight, but has done more than enough to keep up since then.   Newborn clothes never really fit, and now at 6 weeks old -- 3 month clothes are getting to be too short.  Her dresses are mini skirts and barely cover her diaper cover.

Brooke is just the happiest and sweetest baby.  When you talk to her, she'll bat her eyes and smile with her whole face.  And if you're lucky, she'll coo back at you.  You'll wish you had a video of it to play over and over cause it's the cutest thing ever.

Of course she loves to be held, but a close second would be her swing.  She also loves to stare into lights and ceiling fans.  And baths always calm her down and she gets right to kicking those little legs.

When it comes to sleeping, she's a bit of a princess.  Or she has a noisy brother who doesn't know how to not wake her up.  She loves to be in an inclined position -- and if you try to lay her flat on her back -- well, you're just asking for her to be wide awake.  She loves to sleep in her car seat, swing, and my favorite --Rock N Play sleeper by Frisher Price.  This is SO much better than any cradle or crib.  At night, she's gone up to 6 hours (once) without waking up to eat, but usually sleeps anywhere from 3-5 hours at a time.  It took Tanner at least 6 months to do this -- so I consider it a HUGE blessing.  But when she wakes up, she gets right down to business and wants to eat.  Really, it's the only time you might hear her wince or cry. 

Brooke's Newborn Pics

4 weeks old