Whatever works

Filed Under Clothes, Three Years Old, Two Months- Taylor | Leave a Comment

Yes I know Taylor looks terrified. Or like a turtle… Anyway. Bailey has been insisting on wearing this Dora nightgown to sleep in or hang out around the house regardless of the weather. So we started letting her wear it OVER her other pajamas. She thinks it’s great. I have also noticed when we are at the store, she loves things that are way too bright, or super sparkly. She calls any kind of rhinestones etc “diamonds.”

Who could ever understand the fashion sense of a three year old…

Video Game Systems

Filed Under Input Needed | 2 Comments

I have been bugging Jonathon for a while to get a Wii. There are a few reasons so if you have a Wii please give me your opinion based on these reasons.

1. I think it would be really fun to play as a family. The downfall to this is that Jonathon thinks we will “waste” a lot of time just playing video games when we should be doing other things.

2. I would like to use the Wii Fit or whatever else is available for weight loss/fitness. Do you think it is worthwhile for that? If so, please tell me what you have used and how much “gear” would be required as far as games, controllers etc for the specialty things.

3. Would Bailey be able to play any of the more basic games yet? She just turned three.

(I know there are other popular gaming systems like xbox 360 and Playstation but at this point we are just specifically interested in the Wii. Thanks!)

Teddy Bear Picnic

Filed Under Parents as Teachers, Posing for Pictures, Three Years Old, Two Months- Taylor | 1 Comment

We went to the end of the school year Teddy Bear Picnic at Bailey’s early childhood center. Although she’s not in preschool yet (and won’t be in the fall either, but that’s a topic for another day) she does take a lot of classes there through Parents as Teachers. We’re not sure yet how the state budget cuts will affect that for next year, but we have enjoyed the classes so much.

Of course I dressed Taylor with the teddy bear theme in mind.

Bailey was so excited to see her parent educator. She had been talking about getting her picture taken with her, but then she changed her mind once she got busy playing. Her favorite stations was the one set up with doctor stuff.

We ran into her friend Kaitlynn and they ate ice cream together. Bailey always chooses vanilla (she calls in banella). She does not like sprinkles or chocolate syrup or anything else on her ice cream. Just plain.

On the way home it rained really hard. By the time we got home, it had stopped so we played outside for a little bit and Bailey splashed in the puddles. Then she wanted to pose for some pictures again. She’s really into funny poses lately.

Swing Around Fun Town

Filed Under Friends, Outings, Three Years Old | Leave a Comment

A couple weeks ago (I think it was that long ago already!) we met my friend Emily and her girls at Swing Around Fun Town for a playdate. We had a really fun morning until Beatrice burned her hand on a piece of pizza. It was awful, we ended up leaving and meeting Emily at the Urgent Care Center to help her out and keep her company. But up until then, the girls really had a great time. I would probably go there again and just avoid the food.

It was a really hot day, but we waited in line to do the bumper boats first thing. I think the girls asked when it would be their turn at least fifty million times!

Bailey is still at the age where she thinks she is playing all the games and we don’t have to put money in. I will be sad when she outgrows that. In the meantime I just can’t send her to an arcade with her Grandma or I know she will pay for her to “really” play the games. Kinda like she busted me on calling the ice cream truck the Bell Truck. But that’s a story for another day.

Ella wearing her mom’s sunglasses- too cute!

I love when Bailey hangs out with Ella. They have such a great time together and can find fun in just about anything. They were having a blast playing on the doctor’s table together. I am thankful for their friendship.

Just About My Kids

Filed Under Being a Mom, Thoughts, Three Months Old- Taylor, Three Years Old | 3 Comments

I haven’t been spending as much time blogging lately, or reading, or doing any of those “me” things. In fact, some days I am lucky if I shower before noon. But I am so completely happy just being a mom of these two great kids. I love them more every day. Don’t get me wrong- Bailey can really be a stinker, and Taylor can have a horrible crying jag- but they are just the best things that have ever happened to me despite all that.

Bailey is really growing up to be a beautiful little girl, both inside and out. She does have her “terrible three” moments, but she is so loving. She tells me that I’m her best girl. The other day she made a horrible mess- it was so bad that I broke down crying- and she said, “It’s okay mommy, I will wipe your tears away.” She has a heart of gold and I hate to see her hurt. Some little girls left her out the other day when they were playing and I just wanted to let one of the girls have an earful. But she said, “Thats okay, I don’t want to play with you!” and went off and played animals by herself and had a great time. She is so independent and strong and oh my gosh, so stubborn. She is also crazy info fashion now. She loves to shop online with me and help me choose custom hairbows (we order from a few different ladies- if you want websites let me know- they are fabulous!) and put together outfits on the Gymboree website. She also sees things in the store and will say “Oh mom, I really need that purse to go with my popsicles outfit!” or something similar… A girl after my own heart. Sometimes I realize how much she is a small version of me, and it makes me smile and also makes me scared of the teenage years!

My little fashionista-

Taylor is quickly becoming the sweetest little boy ever. He has a smile that could light up a room. When he sees me, his whole body gets happy. He kicks his legs, flaps his arms, grins, and makes the sweetest little sounds. He is really putting on some chub lately (he was just over 12 pounds when I weighed him yesterday!) and he has the squishiest, most wonderful little legs. His belly is round and pudgy now too. He loves to be held and to watch the big kids playing all around him. He is so bright eyed and alert- everyone comments on this, and he’s been that way since the beginning. His new fascination is the dogs on the wall hanging by his changing table. He will squeal at the dogs and wave his arms whenever he sees them. Same with his dog mobile above his crib. I am starting to enjoy his personality so much. He has gone from floppy, fun to snuggle with newborn, to a “real” baby! He has deep blue eyes like his daddy and sissy, and looks so much like Bailey did at that age. I always look forward to him waking up because I know I will be greeted with smiles!

My sweet little man-

Disney Vacation

Filed Under Disney Vacation, Future, Input Needed, Travel | 2 Comments

I am so excited! We have decided to take the kids to Disney World for the first time next fall. My parents are actually going to come with us, so we will have help with the kids and also other adults to hang out with. We are planning to go for at least ten days probably two weeks so that we have time to do “everything” (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, maybe Hollywood Studios-Jonathon and I aren’t crazy about HS but I know my dad will want to see it again, Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, Downtown Disney, and probably a day trip to Sea World and I want to go to the alligator place!) Also I want it to be relaxed and not having to go from sunup to sundown with two small children. We will either stay at a value or moderate resort (definitely on property) at this point I am thinking either Pop Century- I have heard horrible things about bus rides from ALL Stars- or Caribbean Beach. We stayed at CB once a long time ago and liked it. We are starting to save now so that we don’t have to put anything on a credit card. Although I am thinking maybe we should get the Disney visa or whatever it is to start earning points for our trip!

If you have any input on doing Disney with little kids, please comment and share with me. I have been reading Disboards and All Ears as well. That helped me a lot with our last trip but it was two years ago.

Papa is 89

Filed Under Birthdays, Grandparents, Three Years Old, Two Months- Taylor | Leave a Comment

We celebrated my grandpa (Papa) 89th birthday!

Bailey loves her Papa and was so excited to celebrate

I love this one- so sweet- I think I am going to get it framed for her.

Her first smiley face EVER!

Happy birthday, Papa! We love you!

Taylor is 3 Months Old

Filed Under Being a Mom, Three Months Old- Taylor | 1 Comment

To my Honey Bear,

I can’t believe how much I love you. I have always been intrigued, yet skeptical, about having a son. I wasn’t sure if I would know how to love you, how to play with you, how to be a mom to a boy. Well, I’m learning. It’s been fun so far. I apologize if at some point in the future you have to teach me about cars and trains and tools and all that stuff. Your daddy will be better at the boy things. But I am just amazed at how completely different you are from your sister, and how I love you just as much in different ways.

I am a different mom to you than I am to your sister. You have been a much “needier” baby. You don’t like having a dirty diaper, whereas she never cared (and still doesn’t). You like to be held, you sleep in my bed, you love to be around people all the time and you are happiest when there is a lot going on and you can just sit and watch. You are definitely a lover, and you are outgrowing your constant fussiness and turning into a very pleasant and sweet baby. I can make faces now and get smiles from you a lot more easily. You look for me when you hear my voice, and you watch me when I’m across the room. You’re now doing tummy time a little better and you are close to rolling from your back to front!

You still hold your right hand up next to your ear most of the time. You have the deepest blue eyes. You take Mylanta every eight hours for your tummy. You are starting to get snug in some of your 0-3 outfits. You wear Size 1 diapers and have just entered the blowout stage. Pampers are not our friend. Your hair is growing in a little fluffier, but it’s still in a big patch on the top of your head for the most part. You have been sleeping in your swing at naptime for the last week or so. You like to have the tv on in the background so that it’s not too quiet. You went to the zoo for the third time today and loved riding in you stroller and looking up at me. You are just a joy for me and I am so thankful for you. I can’t wait to see what the future holds! I love you, my little Fuzzy Wuzzy.

Love, Mommy

Indivisible

Filed Under Books, Sponsored | 2 Comments

I started reading a book and it seems like it’s going to be really good… I just wish I had more time to read! I get maybe five minutes here or there. (Confession: I turned the shower on the other day, locked the bathroom door, and sat on the floor and read for a while. Then I jumped in enough just to get my hair wet. You gotta do what you gotta do for a break, right?) I am only a few chapters in to this book but it’s one that I think I will end up staying up late at night to finish! It’s called Indivisible and it’s by Kristen Heitzmann.

Here is a quick summary:

Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness.

From best-selling author Kristen Heitzmann comes a spellbinding tale of severed connections and the consequences of life lived alone.

If you want to start reading, you can download the first chapter HERE

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Bailey’s first real headband

Filed Under Clothes, Firsts, Three Years Old | Leave a Comment

I know, what a milestone. ha ha… most of you (okay all two of you) are probably laughing. But to a clothing-obsessed mom, this is a milestone. It was the first day Bailey wore a plastic headband- not like one of those soft ones she wore as a baby. She looked beautiful, but just way too grown up! She was also really excited to be wearing her new princess shoes with “diamonds” on the top!

And not to be left out-

Party at The Little Gym

Filed Under Bailey's Birthday, Friends, Gifts, Gymnastics, One Month- Taylor, Parties, This Rocks, Three Years Old | 1 Comment

Bailey had her 3rd birthday party at The Little Gym, where she takes classes. They did a fabulous job and really took care of everything, including cutting and serving the cake. The kids all had fun. She went crazy opening her presents this year and couldn’t do it fast enough. It was fun to watch- she was just so full of joy the entire party. Constant smiles! Tons of pictures so I am uploading them small. You can click on them to enlarge.

My brain is drained

Filed Under Diapers/Potty, Difficult Stuff, Into Everything, Sleep, Slinging, Three Years Old, Two Months- Taylor | 2 Comments

I feel like I need to tell you why I haven’t really been blogging– just posting pictures with a few captions here and there. It’s because when I finally get to sit down, I usually don’t have both hands free. And I get sick of typing with one hand. My brain is tired, but I’ve been getting enough sleep. (Shocking, right? I really have though). My brain is tired because of what happens during my awake hours.

I have a very feisty three-year-old who flat out refuses to go potty. We actually attempted potty training last week, as recommended by our pediatrician. It basically resulted in my child peeing everywhere but the toilet, mostly on purpose, throwing wet undies, and telling me she was NOT going to go potty. In her words, “It’s just for other girls.” Can we say strong willed? We have also had a few incidents involving spitting, kicking, squeezing her brother’s face, and just general disobedience. Oh, and let’s not forget that she dumped the entire thing of fish food into the aquarium, clogging the filter and requiring and emergency evacuation from the tank. Because I had nothing better to do that afternoon. When we were at the store she grabbed a barcode scanner and tried to play “store lady.” She has also recently climbed onto the countertop and played with the dish soap and colored with a sharpie, as pictured here.

Taylor likes to be held all.the.time… he is starting to like other people besides just me, so that is refreshing. Although I’m still his favorite (and I secretly hope I always am!) but he is just a much needier baby than Bailey was. He wants constant comforting and bouncing and eye contact. Until last week he was almost inconsolable unless he was nursing. We finally figured out that he was actually uncomfortable and not just being a pain. Yes it took me nine weeks to realize that, and yes I feel guilty. So he started on Mylanta last week and it has made a world of difference. He still wants to be held but at least he is pleasant while being held and not screaming or fussing. But basically I have a constant companion. He nurses anywhere from every two to three hours during the day, but more like every hour in the evening. He’s cute though, isn’t he?

A few days ago it was SO bad though. Bailey was screaming, he was screaming, the house was trashed… I sat down in the kitchen and cried and called my mom. She came and rescued me and it was wonderful- but sometimes I feel like I am not cut out to be a mom. I just honestly suck at it sometimes. I love my kids like crazy but between the two of them it’s just exhausting emotionally.

At night, he sleeps with me so I have no idea how often he nurses. Honestly, we go to bed and get up eight hours later. Sometime during the night I know that he eats, and we flip over so he can eat on the other side as well. I know sometimes he goes longer than others because sometimes I leak and other times I don’t. But I think it’s all subconscious for both of us- it’s just like an instinct. I know that sometimes I feel his feet starting to move next to me and then I snuggle up next to him so he can eat and then we are both back asleep before I know it. Eight weeks ago, this was making me crazy. I had never planned to co sleep. But we get such good sleep, and I can function normally during the day. Someday I will worry about getting him into his own bed. (Yes, he does sleep there on occasion for an hour or so). It’s amazing how I am such a different mother with him, because he is such a different child.

All this to say, when I have my hands free, it is probably my only free half hour in a 24 hour period. Or Jonathon is holding Taylor so I can get something ready to ship, or I am making dinner. Taylor likes the Baby Bjorn but it’s not practical to have him in there all day. The sling makes me crazy after a while. But this is our life for now. I’m happy, just drained and so blogging is last on my list if it involves thinking.