...& 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.