...& the End of Summer

As the summer heat begins to die down, the pace in our house steadily picks up. August was a month of fond farewells and glimpses into the school days, holiday madness, and baby preparations to come. It was the last lazy summer for just mom and me, and there is no foreseeable end to the upcoming craziness. Our house is about to double in chaos, and I cannot wait!

As August wrapped up with Labor Day weekend as its celebratory bow, I had to say goodbye to my water wings, big blue slide, and sizzling hot pool days. However, I'll still make use of my super cool "gobbles" in the bathtub. Harper, Aunt Stephanie, Aunt Mallory, and Grandma joined me for one final lazy Friday floating and lounging poolside. Harper, of course, loved the pool just as much as last time, and it was even better because we had the whole pool to ourselves. Next year, I'm going to teach her how to swim, just like I tried to teach her how to ride my tricycle this summer; I guess I should figure out the pedals first. Anyways, after the pool, Aunt Mal read us a naptime story, but Harper couldn't sleep, so she enjoyed my toys while I took a snooze. Come to find out, Harper is a dancing queen, just like me! When I woke up, she was ready to party! We played all through dinner; then she made a final attack, with a little unwarranted bite, before she bid adieu. It's okay though; she's just a baby, so she doesn't know any better. However, I know I better watch out because she is strong!

Unbeknownst to me, Mom let Harper take my little green push/ride on baby toy when she left. As you can see in the video below, they were plotting their thievery while I slept. It took me a few days to realize that it was gone, but when I noticed that it was missing from its rightful place under my playroom table, I threw a 20-minute, hysterical fit over "my little green car". Mom explained that we just let Harper borrow it while she is learning to walk and that she will bring it back as soon as she is done with it, but that did not appease. Every day for a week, I demanded that Mom "call Aunt Steph and baby Harper and tell them to bring back my car"'; however, Mom denied my plea every time and followed it up with talk about sharing. Might I say that I am definitely sick of the sharing talk. After a few weeks of no green car and a final plea to have it returned, which was once again denied, I marched right upstairs, started banging on my drum set while singing at the top of my lungs, "Mom won't let me have my car back" over and over. When she called up and asked what I was saying, I bitterly replied, "Nothing! I am just singing!" Check that out, I am working on my passive-aggressive teen attitude and lyrical skills all at once. That's talent! Harper, I love you, but just so you know, I better get that car back at some point. That being said, good job on the walking front; you are almost there, and then the real mischief will begin!

Dad said goodbye to professional golf for the season during the month of August, and he said goodbye in style by taking Mom and me to the PGA Championship, which just so happens to take place right down the road from us. It was hot! However, we thankfully had club passes to allow us refuge from the heat. Dad and Mom were excited to see Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods practicing on the green just a few feet away from the clubhouse. I was a little confused at the hoopla over a Tiger that doesn't growl or have stripes, but whatever. We also watched Tiger, Phil, and a few others tee off on the first before following them a few holes until I began complaining and begging for ice cream. On our way back to the clubhouse, we ran into Matt Kuchar, who played golf at Dad's Alma Mater, Georgia Tech. I just so happened go be wearing my pink Tech hat that day, so Matt Kuchar gladly autographed it. He also asked me to give him five, but when I became coy and barely touched his hand, he said, "We call that skins". Oh yeah, I talked to a professional golfer and got his autograph; however, that wasn't quite as exciting as the ice cream cone and entire Sprite that I got following my celeb encounter. We also got some cool PGA championship goodies: a hat for Harper, a shirt for me, a shirt for Mom, an outfit for my baby brother, as well as a shirt, golf balls, and a flag for Dad. How did Dad make out the best!? I only made it a few hours in the sweltering heat and forced quiet environment, but don't feel badly for Dad; he got to spend all day Sunday out in the heat, enjoying the tournament on his own.

August also included a few glimpses into my big girl future:

I met my preschool teachers, Ms. Kila and Ms. Cindy, at the end of August in preparation for my first day of school on September 6th! Unfortunately, I am the oldest one in my class by far, so I will have to get these other kids talking...and quickly. Lucas, Madden, and Tyler are all together in the other class, so I at least get to see them on the playground, at music class, and during sanctuary time. Mom and Mrs. Allison figured it would be pretty cruel to unleash Lucas and me on one teacher. We LOVE each other, but we also fight like siblings! Lucas promised to walk me to class on the first day, so we made sure to practice. After spending only one hour in the classroom on Open House, I did come down with a nasty cold, which I passed on to Mom, who refused to take any medication and looked like the walking dead for about a week. Oh, the joys of starting preschool...I am totally pumped and totally ready though; even if, my immune system isn't quite on board! Who's a big girl now!?

We also began my big girl room preparations this month with a trip to IKEA. I, of course, chose a cheery yellow for my new room, and I cannot wait to get the paint on the wall. It was my first IKEA experience, and it definitely lives up to the legend. We found a couple of options for my new bookcase and a dresser for my baby brother. I also found lots of cool extras to go on my birthday and Christmas wish lists. The rotating, hideaway chair will definitely be on those lists! I even tested out a few mattresses, for my new big girl bed of course. IKEA really is where dreams come true! Afterwards, we met Aunt Steph and Harper for lunch. The restaurant didn't have high chairs, - oh, city folks - so Harper got to sit in the booth with me, just like a big girl! We had quite a time sharing food, giving hugs, and banging on the partition behind us. She is totally my new partner in crime now that she can stand up. By the way, Mom wants you to know that Baroni has a margherita pizza to die for, which has become her new craving! IKEA, I will return to you.

Lucas and I made a brief return to Gymboree during the month of August, and it was just as we remembered, but better! There was a little hanky panky under the parachute this time...don't get me started; Mom and Mrs. Allison have banned Lucas and me from playing doctor - long story, but I blame Lucas. Anyways, the first few classes were truck themed, right up my alley, and the last couple of classes were all about farm animals. I make a great galloping horse, just so you know. Lucas did get a little competitive with me a few times, and he tried to knock me out of the way every time I pretend painted during "Find the Color". Don't worry; I just acted like I didn't notice and waited for Mrs. Allison to punish him, like I always do. The wonderful world of female manipulation is grand. Gymboree, it's always a blast from the past! As an added bonus, Gymboree is really close to Daddy's office, so we usually get to go and see him afterwards. Mr. Bart even gave me a tour of the new office addition on his table with wheels!

During last month, I even got in a library read. I'd missed Ms. Andrea and the puppets!

August always seems to be the beginning of birthday season. This month I attended birthday parties honoring Kylie; Micah, the child of one of Aunt Mal's friends; and, most importantly, Lucas! I thoroughly enjoyed hanging with Kylie; she is a year older than I and super cool. Then the slide 'n' slide at Micah's was quite an experience. However, the John Deere-themed, farm birthday party for Lucas took the cake! All of my best friends were there: Madden, Tyler, Parker, Grayson, Selina, and, of course, Lucas! Lucas was feeling a bit competitive with me on his big day, and a couple of fits did ensue, but "it's [his] party, and [he]'ll cry if [he] want[s] to!" I got your back, Lucas; even though, you did hit me in the face with your strawberry basket. We ended with a hug and smiles though. The party included a hay ride, a strawberry hunt, and pony rides, but we all preferred to fight over the little motorized car. That's what friends are for! Lucas' big day was rounded out with an awesome cake - I promise, I did not even look at your candle, Luke - and lots of presents. The party did give us a chance to check on the pumpkins that we planted at Warbington Farms a couple of months ago; ours don't seem to be faring so well, but I'm sure they will grow, eventually. Plus, I brought home a nice, little allergic reaction rash with me - bonus! I love the farm anyways. Happy 3rd Birthday, Lucas! You are my forever best friend, and you know I love you!


I managed to get in a day of choo choo trains, Grandma, and the Buices. Dad, Mom, and I met Grandma for lunch in the Marietta Square, and lunch unexpectedly turned into a full day with Grandma, as well as pool time and dinner at Great Aunt Marsha's. I got to see my three favorite second cousins: Hannah, Haley, and of course, Cameron. Mom and Dad got to actually go to a movie, in the theater, so thank you, Grandma, from all of us! I can't stop talking about swimming with Cameron in the big pool without my water wings; as I put it, "He is so sweet!" The Buices wore me out!

Baby Boy Bump Watch 2011

Week 18

Week 20

* Lucas' baby sister is due only a week before my baby brother! We are super excited!

So, we have a big announcement! My baby brother now has a name! Drum roll, please...

Ethan Christopher Kendig, or as I like to say "Ephen"

Here a few little tidbits about his name: My full name, Olivia Lee Kendig, and Ethan's full name both have a total of 7 syllables, whereas Daddy's full name has 6 and Mommy's has 8. It is perfect harmony, and Mom is a big dork! As you can tell we are sticking with the vowel trend. Also, my brother's middle name is in remembrance of Mom's older brother who passed away before Mom was born. All in all, it sounds like a pretty good name to me!

This month marked the halfway point, and Mom has got her energy back. I got to attend the 20-week ultrasound with Mom and Dad, and the ultrasound technician even let me help take the pictures of my baby brother. Kids under 4 aren't usually allowed in the ultrasound room, but the tech said that I am very mature and welcome back any time. The truth is apparent, people. Anyways, Ethan is measuring a week ahead of schedule, and the ultrasound lady kept saying over and over how absolutely perfect he looks! It was pretty fun to see him; he had his feet above his head and his hand behind his back, right next to his butt. He is crazy in there! We should know his official arrival date in the next month or so when the doctor schedules Mom's c-section. She pushed for 4 hours and still had a c-section with me, so she is not chancing it again! I cannot wait to meet Ethan. I insist on picking something out for him everywhere we go, and I refused to leave Target the other day without socks for his little feet. I am just making sure we are totally prepared, for I know what babies need, and socks are definitely on that list! "Ethan is already my best friend!" I let him know this quite often. Oh, I've been feeling him kick lately too; I don't think he likes when I lay on him, but he'll just have to get over that.

Life is Beachy Keen...

August included my first ever family, beach vacation, and I must say that the ocean is awesome...although, not quite as awesome as a yellow submarine, but not much can beat a yellow submarine, so we'll that slide. Mom, Dad, and I headed to Myrtle Beach at the beginning of August, and the car ride actually wasn't that bad; I mean any length ride that includes chips, movies on the iPad, lemonade, and my choice of gas station snack, zebra cakes for those inquiring minds, is a pretty good ride in my book. We did hit some serious traffic, and I think everyone was a little grumpy when we were forced to spend 2 extra hours in the car; Mom's butt was even bruised. Nonetheless, we finally made it, and I got to see the ocean for the very first time. However, whose dumb idea was it to have me wear a skirt for my first beach exploration - geesh!? The rents are lucky that I am so patient and easygoing, - those of you who know me, let that sink in for a moment - so anyways, I was willing to wait until the following day to submerge myself. Mom and I have been preparing for my first beach visit with books from the library, and I immediately wanted to take off my shoes and wiggle my toes in the sand, just like the little boy in one of my books. We then headed to dinner at the Pier Restaurant, during which I started to crash due to our incredibly long day of travel, but we were able to make it to the pier for a short stroll. A bunch of people were fishing at night - so strange! We did get to see the SkyWheel at night though, and that was very pretty, and I pretended to make an extraordinary shark catch, 'cause I'm good like that. By the time we made it back "home", otherwise known as the hotel, I was barely awake but still very excited to sleep in a big bed all by myself. Don't worry, all of my bed buds were there to keep me company, and the rents caged me in. The next morning was when the real fun began! We don't have a land line at home, so I kept myself thoroughly entertained by pretending to call Grandma every 5 minutes to fill her in on what we were doing. Eventually, Dad had to unplug the phones, just in case I decided to make some expensive real calls. After some balcony relaxation, we made it down to the beach to really experience the ocean. I loved jumping the waves with Daddy and building sandcastles, just like the little boy in my library book. Dad even made me a sand heart - awww! The ocean was great, but I think that my favorite resort amenities were the "fuzzy" river, also known as a lazy river to those of you less creative than I, and the yellow submarine in the kiddie pool. I could not get enough! I even got to float along in the the "fuzzy" river all by myself. The vacation fun continued after a little nap with a walk to the amusement park. I proved my fearlessness and begged Dad to take me on the Hurricane and on the Tilt-a-Whirl. Mom was a little nervous, but she acquiesced, and I enjoyed my Hurricane ride immensely. I even kept my hands up the entire time we were moving forwards, but I did decide to hold on once the ride thrust me in reverse. Other amusement parkgoers even stopped to watch me and comment on my bravery. I did admit that the Tilt-a-Whirl was a "little bit scary", so it is probably a good thing that they wouldn't let me on the big roller coaster; although, I did try without hesitation. The kiddie rides seemed pretty boring in comparison, but I gave a few of them a try and finally gave up after the kiddie roller coaster only went around the very short track once; I feel cheated. The insane heat finally forced us to head to dinner, which wasn't bad at all because I found a new instant love for snow crab! Day three included some more sand castle building, "fuzzy" river floating, and submarine exploring, but we also added beach tent lounging to our repertoire. Thank goodness because that beach is hot! That afternoon we headed to Broadway at the Beach where I got to feed the ducks and fish, high five a bear, cautiously experience a margarita hurricane, acquire a parrot from a scary stilt walker, and enjoy a daiquiri at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Like every night while we were on vacation, I eventually asked to go "home and sleep in my big girl bed". The big girl bed was definitely one of the biggest highlights of this trip, and rumor has it that I will be getting a big girl bed of my own for the big 0-3. We shall see - fingers crossed, which I still don't get! To appease Mom the next morning, Dad and I got dressed up, far too early for my taste, for a photo shoot on the beach with photography student Antowan Gourdine. I must admit that I'm glad we did it seeing as we did get some great family pictures, as well as some beautiful brother bump pictures and even better pictures of just me. Playing under the pier was pretty cool too! We spent a little time at the pool after our photo shoot since we all pretty much preferred the pools to the sand. Later that day, we walked down the strip, did a little shopping for Lucas and Harper, rode on the very high SkyWheel, from which the view was amazing, and tried to check out the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum; however, the ticket lady was nice enough to warn us that the museum was probably a bit over my head, so we skipped it and headed to North Myrtle. Dad decided to attempt a super nice, white table cloth dinner with me in tow, which totally stressed Mom out. I got him back for making me sit quietly for so long though; I totally ordered a $15 hot dog and then didn't even take one bite. On one of my voyages away from the table and out to the patio, Dad and I did discover a sinking sailboat, which was pretty cool, and the bartender, who just happened to be stationed en route to the patio, took a liking to me and told me all about the harbor, so that made my fine dining experience worth it. Before heading "home" to the hotel, we strolled the shops, rode on the carousel, and played a little drumbeat for those shopping in the Earthly Gems Store. After several days of searching, I finally found the perfect shark's teeth for Lucas and me - success! I also tried to buy Harper a beautiful bag of hand-picked gems, otherwise known as colored rocks, but Mom put the kabosh on my choking hazard idea; I thought she would like them but whatever. Unfortunately, the next morning was the end of our beach stay, and we headed home. The ride home was a little rougher despite my cookie selection; I was exhausted and had a hard time falling asleep. Mom finally had to move to the backseat to let me use her arm as a pillow. There was one moment that made the entire ride worth it though. When we were about 30 minutes from home, my current, absolute favorite song, Cee Lo Green's "Forget You", came on the radio; my head immediately popped up from a 2-hour dead sleep, and I began singing the chorus full force with my eyes still closed. "Forget You" moves me, and nothing can stop a star from shinning! Just for the record, I also love singing to the Bruno Mars "Lazy Song" and Adele's "Rolling in the Deep", amongst many others. My first family beach vacation gets 2 enthusiastic thumbs-up, and we even made it home in time, albeit a few minutes late, to pick up my "best friend Opie" from the vet. Next time, I'll have to talk Mom and Dad into letting him go with us. It was one heck of a first family vaca, and all I continue to talk about is toes in the sand, the yellow submarine, the fuzzy river, and sleeping in a big girl bed. I can't wait to go back to the beach again!

Getting Pumped for the Beach
*...and yes, this is my normal level of crazy energy!

Wave Jumping