hockersmith happenings

How Many Ways Can You Decorate A Pumpkin???

2011-11-25T15:01:00.000-08:00

You can CARVE a Pumpkin

This year we dressed up in random costumes for family dinner and pumpkin carving. This might be a new family tradition.

You can DECORATE a Pumpkin

You can PAINT a Pumpkin

Using foil,
Sponges,
& Brushes

Here are some of the other fall decorations the Kids helped me make. I didn't get pictures of the process.

Thankful Turkey-we write what we are thankful for on each feather.

Turkey Handprints
Fall Leaves-done with swirled acrylic paint and shaving cream. Tons of fun, but I have not mastered this one yet.

Melted Crayon leaves, these were time consuming, but they turned out really nice.

These are some other random things the kids did at home, school, and church that they wanted to hang up.

Now I am off to go hunt down idea for Christmas Decorations. Pintrest here I come!

High-YA

2011-11-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

Showin off my moves!
Watch this

High-YA.

Fall Farm Fun

2011-11-12T14:31:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to Schnepf's Farm and had a ton of fall fun.

The plane ride was a big hit with the boys. I lost count with how many times they rode it.

The boys are checking their maps so they can help us navigate the corn maze.

Papa and Kayla went a little off the path. She enjoys her little adventures with Papa.

We had one fan of the petting zoo.

Future Pilots

2011-08-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had the joy of watching my boys experience one of my fondest memories growing up, flying in my Dad's (Papa's) airplane. They always love going to the airport and playing in the airplane. We wanted to wait until we were confident the boys would not be scared of the noise and were able to comprehend and communicate that they were ready to go up. And oh were they ready. They could not wait to take off. Nathan was so ready that he insisted that he could fly the plane himself with no help. I am not quite sure he realizes that if this plane crashes it does not reset like his Wii flights do. He must have asked Papa 30 times "how does the plane work Papa?" For their first flight they sat in the back with Daddy while I flew in the co pilot spot. Next time, Papa will probably let them take turns as co pilot.

Practicing for his solo flight.

Can you find some familiar faces?

In flight, and loving it! The headsets help him to talk to papa and allow him to listen to the tower. Which in case you are interested the tower is the first place Nathan said he wants to work when he gets big.

It was a successful flight of three touch and goes. Everyone is already planning a second trip.

Thanks Dad for another fun flight memory.

Summersaults and Head Spins

2011-06-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Nathan has been standing on his head for weeks now. It does not matter where he is or what is going on he is standing on his head. In his bed, in the store, half naked when he gets off of the potty, EVERYWHERE! As of today Nathans head stands have taken a little spin.

And in true sibling fashion Andrew and Kayla are trying desperatly to keep up. Andrew can balance on his head if he is leaning against something and does summersaults. And well Kayla just puts her forhead to the ground and her little butt in the air.

Here is a little piece of their latest head moves.

Easter Fun

2011-05-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Someone caught Kayla attacking brother with her basket.

She knew she was guilty.

Big Brother sharing with his little sis.

Easter Worship

2011-04-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

Dinner after a hard day...

2011-04-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

look at her...

2011-03-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

Zoo

2011-03-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while people ask me what we look like when I take all three kids out by myself. How exactly do I take all three kids to the grocery store, or the mall and manage to not destroy everything or lose my sanity? The truth is many days we do manage to get out of the house and accomplish something, and then many days I get in way over my head. Today I was in way over my head. I took the three on a fun day to the zoo, just the four of us. What was I thinking?

The parking lot was completely full so we had to park in the back lot. This should have been my first clue to head home. But I decided that spring break crowds and all we would continue on. As soon as we get out of the car and loaded into the stroller Andrew starts to complain that he needs to go potty. Halfway through the parking lot his complaining is more constant and sounding more panicked. So I did as any mother would, start sprinting three kids stroller and all and snapping at my kid that I was doing the best I could to get him there in time. It was one of those reflective moments of wondering "how in the world did I get here? Where did these 3 kids come from and why don't they have any bladder control?" Of course there are no bathrooms on the outside of the park so I begged a ticket lady to let us through and promised that I would come back to purchase tickets. I had to continue making a scene pushing through the crowds and getting dirty looks as I apologise "excuse us, sorry, my kid needs to go potty." Miraculously we made it with no accidents, I am still amazed. After all that my grateful kid informs me while we are in line to buy tickets that he has to go potty, AGAIN! Seriously kid?

The photographer jumped in front of my stroller to grab this shot, completely annoying. But I decided to buy it. It will be a great picture of what our life is like at this stage. It is also an important reminder that amongst all the chaos I am truly blessed, even on days like today.

Kid Talk

2011-03-17T16:15:00.001-07:00

Uncle Trav asked me a few weeks ago what the boys talk about. So I thought I would post this little converstion I had with the boys today.

A: Mommy I have these (beads) I am going to hold and decorate the Christmas Tree.

M: Well Andrew Christmas is a long time away. The next holiday we are going to celebrate is Easter. ----You guys get to do an easter egg hunt.

N: Mommy can we do a bear hunt instead?

I think someone has read Going On A Bear Hunt one too many times.

I love talking with them, they make the most random connections and ask the cutest questions.

Winter Camp

2011-03-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

We spent the weekend at High School Winter Camp. We were so blessed to be able to have both grandma's join us so that we were able to bring the kids. God worked in amazing ways over the weekend.

I I feel so blessed Starting off sweet, but admitidly ending a little creepy.

Video 137

2011-02-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Kayla one arm scoot

2011-01-17T09:31:00.000-08:00

Our 3 and Wild Party

2011-01-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

There was

Sliding

Bouncing

Learning to Slide (a little unsure, but liked it)

Hopping

Pinata smashing (which needed daddy's help)

Flirting

Tickle Attacks

Napping, if you were lucky

Tons of chewing, and drooling,

Baby Mosh Pits

Playing with Fire and with tons of parents to make nervous

Candles to blow out

Fun Monkey Cupcakes to admire

Cupcakes to eat

Oh Lastly there was ice cream.

There was tons of friends, loads of fun, and two very happy birthday boys.

Thank you to all our friends and family. Thank you for sharing in our lives and the lives of our kids. We are truly blessed by you all.

Our Christmas

2011-01-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

This Christmas season was a ton of fun. While my 5+ lists of things To Do, things to make, and things to go buy kept me extremely busy I was able to enjoy most of it and made tons of memories with our kids.

The boys were SO MUCH fun this Christmas. Especially our little observant Andrew. He noticed ever Christmas decoration and any little change we made to the house and always had a very enthusiastic pleasant response. "Oh wow. It's beautiful! I like it." They both loved helping Daddy put up the "heavy" Christmas tree and decorating it. Brad does such a great job at finding ways for them to help and is patient with them as it always make the task take twice as long. Although he did struggle with them decorating the tree since they put all the ornaments on the same 4 branches. They didn't exactly inherit their fathers need for symmetry. The boys also enjoyed painting ornaments, decorating a gingerbread choo-choo train, looking a Christmas lights, and tons of other traditions.

This is the third year in a row I tortured my kids with pictures with Santa. I have no idea why this is always on my must do list. Maybe next year I will figure it out, or give it up. We'll see.

Our Christmas day went a little like this...

Kayla joined us in bed and played peek-a-boo with Daddy. She is so cute.

Once the boys woke up they joined us in bed and we opened stockings. This is definitely going to be a new tradition. Well, as long as they are young enough to jump into bed with us.

The rest of the morning was spent playing with our stockings and relaxing until the family came over. Christmas afternoon we enjoyed reading the Christmas Story and opening presents.

I love this age because they are so excited for each gift that they immediately want to play with it, and forget all about the rest of the gifts they have to open. I dread the day they fly through gifts without saying thank you or stopping to play with them.

"Oh Wow!" was the response for just about every gift.

Kayla's first Christmas was spent playing with the boxes and climbing all over everything.

She loved her music table and couldn't wait to get it out of the box.

Well, at least we all are smiling, even though Andrew looks like an outcast.

I have always loved Christmas. Celebrating it now as a mom means twice as much craziness but it also means twice as much fun. We both enjoy watching our children discover new things and get excited about everything. This year the boys started to learn Christmas carols, and hear about baby Jesus. I am excited for next year when they are able to comprehend even more of the Christmas story and the meaning behind this season of Celebration.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!!!

I love Christmas Carols. Listening to the Christmas station can get really annoying because of all the junk that they plan in between the classic songs. Who really wants to hear dogs barking to a Christmas tune? But I still love a well done Christmas song. This year the boys are really into singing and learning songs. It is fun to hear them run around the house singing jingle bells. Most of the Christmas carols are way to wordy for them to easily pick up the lyrics too, however they are learning Away in a Manger (which in all honestly is kind of a odd song). There is something to sweet about little kids singing, especially when they are singing about our God.
One of my favorite Christmas Carols is Oh Holy Night. Every year I gain a deeper insight into the meaning of the lyrics behind the songs that we all have heard every year since we were tiny. This year these Lyrics have stood out to me. There words speak to the life we now live, all because of God's gift to us on Christmas.

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our Brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise his Holy Name

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night, when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night, divine

We love you all and are missing many of you this Christmas Season.

The 30's are here!

2010-11-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

So it is out with the 20’s and in comes the 30’s. It is probably too early to say how well I am handling turning 30, but so far it has not been an emotional experience. Since I turned 29 I have realized two things. The first is that I have grown a lot more during my 20’s that I had realized. I have a lot more confidence and grace than I did when I was 20. God has done some amazing things in my life over the last 10 years and while being 30 is a little scary I can honestly say I don’t want to go back to being 20. My marriage is amazing and I am looking forward to continuing to grow old with my sexy husband. I love my role as a mom, and God is continuing to guide me as I learn how to love and raise my kids. Getting older has also meant that I am able to encourage and disciple women not just teenagers. My conversations with women continue to remind me of how much God has worked in my life and is continuing to work. Getting older brings a lot of wisdom and clarity.

The second thing I realized being 29 was that I wanted to do something special to celebrate turning 30. So as I approached my birthday I started to plan my own celebration. Brad and my amazing friends heard about my planning and decided to take over and plan it for me. So thanks to my amazing husband and loving friends here is my night out on the town with the girls…

A limo...

Some amazing women and treasured friends.

Riding around in style with some amazing goodies.

Share some love

Take some photos
Share scrumptious Sprinkles Cupcakes.

Finish the night with yummy appetizers at Jalapenos and some more limo fun.

Thank You Tanya, Ashleigh, Stephanie, Chelta, Amanda, Erica, Kristin and Kim for putting together a birthday galls night out that I will never forget. I love you all!!!

Happy Halloween

2010-11-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

Kayla snuggling with some Renaissance Paupers.

Their favorite snack, snow cones (with no syrup)

Carving Pumpkins

2010-11-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to let the boys join in the fun of pumpkin carving. They were both not up for cleaning out the pumpkins. After some coaxing we convinced them to stick their hands in, but once the tips of the fingers found the gooey mess they came out in total disgust. There was no more convincing them cleaning pumpkins was fun. So they made Daddy and Mommy do all the dirty work. However, once the pumpkins were clean and Daddy gave them little carving knives they were ALL IN!

"Daddy I am making you" (Daddy I am carving a picture of you)

Our family masterpieces.
Andrew carved the eyes on the pumpkin on the left pumpkin all by himself. I am already looking forward to next years creativity.

Papa's Birthday Farming Style

2010-10-31T15:08:00.000-07:00

The boys and I decided to take do something special for Papa's birthday. So we decided to drive up north to a Youngs Farm and have some fall fun.

Nathan LOVED leading us through the corn maze. It was the perfect challenge for our little "back street driver" who loves to navigate.

"I go lost Mama, I go lost!"

The boys got a little intimidated by the loud geese that charged at them.

Andrew loved the carousel, even thought it was really old, slow, and small.

Kayla snuggling with Nana on the Hay Ride.

After tons of fun farm activities it was time to pick out the perfect pumpkins from the real patch. I told the boys they could pick out any pumpkin as long as they could pick it up themselves.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPA!
We love you!!!!

Pumpkin Painting

2010-10-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

The fall fun begins!

Kayla loved this. I am sure she would have been covered from head to toe if I let her stay there long enough.

Sorry Jess, apparently I didn't get any of Cruz. I can't wait to see the pictures you took. i am sure you captured the fun better than I did.

Thanks moms for bringing your kids and joining in the messy fun!

I love fall because there is so much fun stuff to do. Stay tuned for pictures from the pumpkin patch, harvest party, and trick or treating. It is going to be a crazy and fun weekend.

Discovering the Hose

2010-10-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

dancing Mario Cart in undies

2010-10-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Cruise Control

2010-10-08T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have realized that we have reached that point. A point of adulthood I heard about growing up, but never really thought I would succumb to. It is that point when you just start coasting, the time where excuses become the response to every challenge. I guess I thought I was above it, or that my generation knew better. But the truth is we are no different. We have fallen into the same trap of becoming spiritually comfortable. Growing up I would hear my parents discuss their frustrations with the multitude of adults who would go to church, do their bible study, pray, and truly love the Lord. Yet they would have a million excuses why they could not sacrifice any time to serve, and would cringe any time someone challenged them to step out of their Christian comfort zone. Just like them I have started to set my life on spiritual cruise control and am just coasting in my own little comfortable bubble. I am convinced that once we are coasting, we stop living the life we were called to live. We stop affecting the lives of those around us, and our focus turns inward rather than outward. Coasting may be safe and easy but it causes us to miss out on seeing the hand of God do amazing things. I am not OK with that, I am not OK with just coasting.
I will be the first to admit that this being a parent has completely rocked my relationship with my father and Lord. Every aspect has challenged me and taught me more about who I really am at the core. I cannot even begin to understand how much I have grown over the past 3 years. But being a parent has also cost me a ton. Prayer has become rare and quick. I have yet to figure out how to continually talk to God, let alone listen to him, when there are constantly 3 voices I am fielding. While my conversations with God are not what I like, I am blessed that the spirit continues to work and show himself to me. However, rarely do I find time to rest in Him. I have also noticed that I hardly ever make eye contact with anyone when I am out doing errands and living life. I try my best to be very polite and nice in passing conversation, but I am watching 6 hands and 6 feet, and constantly doing a head count. If I don’t look at people let alone truly see them how am I able to find opportunities to love on them? Isn’t that what I am called to do? There are tons of other examples of how my kids, whom I love tremendously, have stumped my relationship with Christ. I realize that part of this is the phase of having young kids who I am with 24/7. I mean let’s be real; I have not peed alone in over two and a half years. I want to have realistic expectations, but I am not ok with setting my life on cruise control. I refuse to live in excuses. I refuse to only reach out to the easy to love. I refuse to block out the voice of the HS and avoid conversations because it is messy or runs the risk of hurting someone. Let me also point out that I am not ok with missing it with my own family. I am not going to focus so far outward that I fail to see the little lives that are directly underfoot. I have been called to raise them understanding who Christ is and to live a confident, secure, purposeful life. I can’t do that if I don’t truly see who they are and hear what they have to say. I am convinced that God called me to do both; love on the world and love on my own family. If he called me to do both, he will equip me to do both as well. I want to live the life God called me to live. A life that is not easy, a life that is willing to get messy in the lives of others, a life that is teachable and growing. To be honest I don’t really know how this looks. I am starting with prayer and seeking the Spirit. I don’t want to set up a bunch of “to do’s” because I don’t really think that is what Christ had in mind. On the other hand I am not just going to sit around and wait for God to fix all this and make it easy. I am starting with Abiding in Him, and keeping my eyes, ears, and heart open. So far I am starting by saying; I refuse to simply set my life on Spiritual Cruise Control.

Play Time

2010-10-08T14:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a little peak into our family. We just finished dinner and Brad and I were cleaning the kitchen. The boys ran off to the tickle room to play and we set Kayla at her Tupperware cabinet to play. After walking around and realizing there was not a little girl underfoot Brad looked around to see where she had crawled off to. We are both still adjusting to having her constantly on the move.

This is where he she crawled off too.

She loves joining in with her brothers.

No Kayla, I am talking on it.

Nathan let Kayla push the buttons.

Just a little bro talk.

Brother play time is over, Daddy just showed up. She is always so excited to have Daddy time.

We Love You Great Grandma

2010-10-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

The kids wanted to send you a message...

It is a very important message.

Making sure it is just right.

Almost Done.

Are you ready Great Grandma?

OK here it is..

Ta Da!!!!

Some place in this masterpiece is a hand-print from each kid. Andrew also drew you several doggies.

We love you Great Grandma!!!

8 months

2010-09-30T15:14:00.001-07:00

8 months

This month you turned from my little girl into a little inchworm. You no longer stay in one place and can scoot long distances on your tummy. You definitely move the fastest when you have your eye on something like the remote, my cell phone, or something completely new you have not had your hands on before. Now that you can move on your own, you think it is just pure torture to be left alone for even a second. If we leave the room you try and scoot after us and inevitably get your head stuck against something or just get frustrated because we are so far away. I am sure once you start crawling you are going to be under my feat constantly. You hate to be left alone. If you wake up in the middle of the night I can’t go into your room to check on you. If you see me you get hysterical and take forever to fall back asleep. It is a good thing you rarely loose your pacifier and don’t wake up a lot, because it is so hard for me to not be able to go and check on you. I know that it is only a matter of days before you decide that you don’t want me to rock you to sleep anymore and want to be a big girl and put yourself to sleep. You are growing up so fast and while you love being able to do things and follow after your brothers I just can’t seem to soak up enough of you. You are starting to feed yourself and are getting so good at it you are stuffing it in your mouth and chocking on it. Puffs are your favorite. You light up and scream as soon as you see me with your Puffs container. You jabber the whole time you are eating them. Your jabbering is changing all the time. It is hard to write down the sounds you make, but this month you started to smack your gums together like an old man making abb, baa, baa sounds. You also started to wrinkle your nose up and snuff like a little pig. It is one of the stranger things you have learned to do, but it is still so cute. You enjoyed your second photo shoot this month and as always were all smiles. You take after your brother Andrew and love to smile with your whole face; you squint your eyes and keep your mouth wide open. You have enjoyed standing for a few months now, but you don’t like to do it on your own. You are definitely more cautious that your brothers and find security in having someone help you or simply sit right beside you. You also take things in stages. You spent a few days working on pulling yourself up onto your knees then once you got that down you started to pulling yourself up to standing on your feet. Your favorite place to stand is with Daddy holding on to the side of the bathtub when your brothers take a bath. You love watching them and enjoy getting splashed a little. I know that it is only a matter of days before you get soaked standing next to the tub. We will see what you think of your brothers then. You definitely let us know when you are mad, but you can never seem to stay mad at your brothers for long. They are your favorite people to play with. Nathan enjoys singing Itsy Bitsy Spider to you and Andrew styles your bald head with a hair brush. You are the little joy of this family. You light up all of our lives. I know that your dad, brothers, and I could never imagine life without our precious little girl.

Kayla climbing into Big Brother's lap. If you look closely you can see green bath crayon on her forehead, courtesy of her brothers.

Enjoying a good snuggle before bed.

Nathan Singing to Kayla

2010-09-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

The boys LOVE music right now. They are constantly singing and playing their favorite songs on all their toys. I have been trying to catch their singing on camera but they always get shy and stop when they see the camera. Today I was able to convince Nathan to sing to Kayla. He definitely likes to be a big brother and loves how she interacts with him.

Life is not fair.

2010-09-16T20:37:00.000-07:00

Life is not fair. I know that we all know this, it is one of those lessons we learn in Kindergarten along with sharing and not eating glue. But even as adults is it a struggle. In the last few days I have talked with friend about various losses and struggles. Why does an amazing mom have to deal with the reality of possibly not having any more kids? Or a loyal friend has to be left stranded when a great friend simply walks out of her life. Why do little girls have to grow up to be teenagers and have emotionally hurtful fathers who cause years of pain and therapy to overcome? Life is just not fair. I see daily blessings in my life and the life of others around me. I know God is good and that we have sooo much to be thankful for. But still let’s be honest life stinks some times. I realize that if I really think about it, I don’t want life to be fair. I don’t want to have to live by the lowest common denominator. The reality is I don’t deserve any of the blessings I have and have received more mercy and grace than I could ever imagine. I know all that and I am confident that my friends who are struggling with loose and pain know that as well. But sometimes because we know all that we don’t give ourselves permission to morn, or permission to be frustrated. A lot of times we just need to have a good heart to heart with God, be honest with him about our pain, our fears, our loss. He knows our hearts; he is not shaking his fingers at us because we should be grateful rather than tearful. So if you are dealing with loss, in pain, frustrated, or just simply a sleep deprived mommy, take some time to cry it out. Crawl up on God’s lap and have a good old heart to heart. Let him join you in your brokenness and wipe away your tears. Life is not fair, luckily we know we have paradise waiting for us.

7 months, way too late

2010-09-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well little girl, I feel like you have just out grown the second baby phase. The first was your infancy; the second was small wiggly lump stage. Now, you are becoming more and more like a little girl every day. Now you roll around on the floor and are able to sit up. You definitely see things you want and go after them. People ask me all the time if you are different than your brothers. Yes little one, you are SOOO different than them. You are so calm and content but the second you get upset about something you get really upset. You know how to express your feelings, and you continue to cry and whine until you are convinced that I understand, you are definitely a girl. Even though you are not as talkative as you were when you were younger you are still so social. Every time we are out people comment on how smiley and happy you are. You love being tied to mommy in the Moby and enjoy looking out at everyone as we shop around. While you love being social, you only like to left with people you are really comfortable around. So far other than mommy and daddy that is Babci and Nana. You also did well with Christin since she stayed with us for several days. If anyone else is around and I am not close by you get anxious that I am going to leave you and get upset. This month you mastered the eating solid foods and sitting up. You also officially cut your first two teeth on the bottom. It seemed like you were teething for months, but now they are finally here. This is also the month you started to sleep like a little girl and not a swaddled baby any longer. I tried to stall this change as long as possible, but as soon as you turned 6 months you started to roll over on your tummy when you were swaddled. So you won and the blanket is officially off. You love to be able to move around and sleep on your tummy, but it still took you a few days to get used to sleeping without cramming your face against the side of your crib. You still have a special bond with your daddy and it is growing stronger all the time. I can’t exactly explain it but you light up when he is around. I think some how you already know you are Daddy’s little princess. You know there is something unique about his love for you. I hope you always remember that you are Royalty; you are the daughter of the King. While we love you always and forever no matter what, God’s love for you is so much greater. You are first and foremost His princess. He was the first to fall in love with you, I am proud to be the second.

the joy of boys

2010-09-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

Even thought I wanted a boy and a girl when I was pregnant with twins, I was ecstatic to find out they were both boys. I have really enjoyed having two little men running around my life. For reasons I can't really explain I am glad God gave me two boys and not one of each. However, raising boys is pure craziness. Brad and I are both logical people, and well toddler boys just are not logical. Sometimes it is hard to remember that when they are spraying my ceiling with water, hitting their heads against the wall, or running around with their eyes closed. Recently I set out to find out the answer to one question. "Why do boys insist on throwing everything, and touching every button no matter how many times we tell them not to?" So I turned to Dobson's book "Bringing Up Boys". I have just started it but the first chapter made me smile.

While I joke about wanting to know "Why do boys insist on throwing everything, and touching every button no matter how many times we tell them not to?" The truth is it is very important to me that my boys are boys. I believe that God created men and women unique and different from each other for a reason. I, just like every women can get frustrated by how weird I think men are, but the truth is I love how God designed us differently and the beauty behind two becoming one. So as a mom of two boys, I want to raise to boys. And in raising them as boys I needed a little help in understanding them. Let me clarify that I don't buy into the idea that men don't cry, need to be macho, should be void of all emotion, and are allowed to be rude and disrespectful. I also don't believe that my boys should never play with dolls and should stay out of the kitchen. I just know that I should not be surprised or upset when they launch the doll in the air, or empty the salt canister when making cookie dough. Dobson captured my heart on raising boys to be men in this quote; "Their (parents) assignment during two brief decades will be to transform their boys from immature and flight youngsters into honest, caring men who will be respectful of women, loyal and faithful in marriage, keepers of commitments, strong and decisive leaders, good workers and secure in their masculinity." Obviously we above all else want to raise them with a understanding of God and a passionate genuine relationship with Christ, but that is the same prayer we have for all our kids, boys and girls.
Raising boys is not an easy task. Today was not a great day in our house. The boys and I had to leave there gym class early because one had no impulse control and the other could not stop throwing a fit for no reason. I know it was just one of those days, and I know they happen to every mom. But it still was not easy. Even though I am gaining a better understanding of why boys act the way they do, I still struggle with not comparing them with all the quiet little girls sitting nicely in line acting like perfect little angles. Today was a day I needed to keep reminding myself; they are boys, they are only two and a half, they are leaning, they will get it, you are a great mom, some days are just rough. Today was a day I needed to pray for more grace. Grace to give my boys, and grace to give myself. Raising little men is soooo much fun, and I wouldn't give it up for anything. But some days are just rough, some days just need extra grace.

"Boys have the tendency to leap and then listen... They risk life and limb for no good reason...Boys are slower than girls to learn from calamities. They tend to think that their injuries were caused by 'bad luck'. Maybe their luck will be better next time. Besides, scars are cool."
Bringing Up Boys by Dobson

Kayla's latest noises

2010-09-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

Tummy Scoot

2010-09-02T14:31:00.000-07:00

Learning to Crawl is hard work.

So it turns out she is like her brothers. She is scooting after the camera.

Tutu Much Fun!

2010-08-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

I love playing dress-up with my little girl. So far she is so much more photogenic than the boys, and so much fun to accessorize.

My dear friend Amanda made her Tutu and flower headbands. Thanks Girl, I absolutely love it.
http://joliefillebowtique.webs.com/

Practicing her ballet already.

Let's Pretend

2010-08-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Recently the boys have been getting more involved in pretend play. It is great because they interact so much more when they are doing pretend play than any other activity. There is less fighting during pretend play. They get on their little cars and drive around going to work, to Starbucks, and to different store. The last few days they have started playing house, or maybe it more accurately called putting baby down for nap. They invade Kayla's room and put their stuffed animals down to nap in her crib. I was never willing to buy the boys a doll, even thought it is suggested you buy older siblings one before the new baby comes along to help them adapt. It is not because I have any issues with boys playing with dolls. I just had visions on naked babies being thrown around my house, and decided there was really no point. We have noticed the boys playing with dolls in their nursery class at church and comment on how it is time to buy them one, but have not gotten around to it.
Tonight their pretend play got more involved. Andrew found Kayla's little pink doll and tried to take it's clothes off, (The dolls at church have no clothes) but the dress is attached so he couldn't take it off. I gave the boys some of Kayla's old onesies and Brad helped the boys dress Elmo, Orange guy (Dr. Seuss character) and Scout. The pretending continued and was caught on camera.

The boys rocking their babies in the rocking chair. Nathan is also breast feeding.

Brad decided it was time to give them bottles. =)

They insisted their bottles have water in them. Now Nathan is trying to squirt his baby.
It is night night time for Elmo.

my little jabber box

2010-08-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

Swimming

2010-08-15T12:21:00.000-07:00

Don't Judge Me,

2010-08-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

Why is it as a mom we always assume we are the only ones. Even when we know the phase/situation we are fitting through with our kids is normal we take it personally or let it affect how we view ourselves as moms. When I stop and take a deep breath and reflect I realize that a lot of my stress as a mom is feeling like I should be doing better, or that I should know what to do in certain situations. Maybe you don’t struggle with thoughts like these, but I know I am not the only one who does. There were two ongoing lessons I wrestled with the first year with the boys. The first was giving me grace. I had to learn to take things one moment at a time and allow myself to make mistakes, to not know the answers, and to be ok when I was not able to meet my own expectations. The second lesson was letting go of my fears. As the boys have grown and we have added little Kayla I have done a much better job at letting go of my fear than showing myself grace. Sometimes I don’t like to admit it but; I have a toddler who likes to whine rather than talk, a toddler who tells me “no” and is determined to have his own way all the time, an infant who does not want to sleep through the night and can’t be calmed, a toddler who fights going to sleep, a toddler who could care less about being in time out, a house that is a disaster, a fight every time we get into the car, an infant who has attachment issues, and so much more. Again, I know that all of these things are normal. So why is it I feel like a horrible mom when my infant is screaming on the airplane, my kids is yelling “no” at me in the grocery store, or my son in whining and crying because I won’t let him squish the bag of peaches in his lap? Why do I feel like I have to apologize for their typical childhood behavior? I am not saying their behavior is ok, or that we as parents feel it is acceptable, but it is normal. Not only is it normal but it is a sign that they are growing up and having their own desires and opinions. Why is it I feel like good moms who are attentive, loving, and have good discipline don’t have kids screaming in airplanes or grocery stores? (Yes I know that statement is not at all true, but at times I feel like it is) If I know it is all normal and part of growing up then why do I take their behavior so personally? When will I learn to accept the fact that I am a great mom even when there are tears, fits, and no one is sleeping? I guess the truth is I am no different than my kids. They still touch buttons even when they know not to, and I still cling to my own insecurities even when I know the truth.

I'm a Minivan Mom

2010-08-10T14:45:00.001-07:00

This week I was able to reconnect with an old friend. She was in the area and decided to stop by. The first thing she commented on how I was driving a minivan. Even though we have not seen each other in over a year we have stayed in contact. She knows I have 3 little ones in car seat so driving a minivan should not be a surprise, and yet she mentioned it several times. I was not quite sure why she kept bringing up our van, especially since that is exactly what she was driving around town. I have been thinking about her visit and I keep coming back to her comment on our van, I figured it out. When I stepped back and looked at my life from her perspective I realized this red dirty minivan is a significant symbol of my life and how much had changed over the past few years. This friend started out as a team teacher; she quickly became my mentor s well as a dear friend. She was one of the first few people we told when we decided to try and have a baby. She was there when I was unsuccessful at getting pregnant and started fertility treatments. She would come into my classroom on days I was away undergoing fertility treatment and get the latest heartbreaking medical updates from my mom. (My mom was able to substitute for my class, which was a huge blessing especially when I had to miss more days than I wanted for Dr. appointments). This friend would cry with me and continually encourage me with hope. She said she just knew I was going to get pregnant and that I was going to have 3 boys, a thought that completely terrified me. This friend knew me back when, back when all I wanted to be a mom and I was afraid my dream would never become a reality. Back when a cool Rav 4 was all I needed to get around town in. I am sure my friend did not have any hidden deep meaning behind her surprise about my minivan. Yet her comment reminded me of how a simple everyday item symbolized how far we had come and how many prayers God had answered. Her visit took me back to what sometimes feels like a different life altogether. God brought us through our struggles to get pregnant on our own, fertility treatments, a miscarriage, taking a break from fertility treatments, making the decision to do in vitro, the lovely hormone filled process that is IVF, a high-risk twin pregnancy, and c-section and NICU babies. And that was just the process of having the boys. He has answered so many more prayers by giving us our little girl. My life seems so different now, I am a minivan mom. Although that time seems like a past life not a day goes by when I don’t reflect back to some aspect of our pregnancy trial. As I stay in touch with some friends, and reconnect with others I realize that something unique happens to friendships when they go through trials. The shared pain, tears, trust, vulnerability somehow glue them together. I hope to see this friend again, but even if I don’t she will always be a glue friend because she knew me back when. Back when I dreamed and prayed to have a baby, back before I was a minivan mom.

Kayla has a booger

2010-08-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

beep beep

2010-08-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Breaking Through the Toddler Years.

2010-08-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have figured it out. I have broken the code to the terrible 2s. It is not that toddlers are really bad. It is just that we don't understand and follow their rules. If we as parents could live by a few simple rules we would all coast through the toddler years. All toddlers are a little different so not all these rules may apply to your household. I can only share Nathan and Andrews rules. You will have to learn your own child's rules.

Life Rules According to Nathan & Andrew

-If I deem it yucky, it belongs on the floor and not on my plate.
-It I can fit it in my hand it must be thrown regardless of its shape, purpose, or what it is made out of.
-All rules are allowed to be broken whenever Mommy is busy with Kayla.
-Any and all buttons must be pushed at all times. After all that is what buttons are made for.
-All liquid was created for splashing.
-If I get it first, it is mine. If I can reach it, it is mine. If I am not supposed to have it, it is mine. If you have it and I want it, it is mine.
-If something is funny, it will continue to be funny no matter how many times it is repeated.
-All girls’ hair must be down at all times and should not be played with.
-If Mommy tells brother "No", it means that I am allowed to do it.
-If Mommy tells me “no” it must be because she does not understand what I am trying to do. If she understood then she would let me do it. Therefore, I am allowed to continue what I am doing and don’t need to listen and obey. Mommy will figure it out eventually.

6 months

2010-07-31T15:18:00.001-07:00

You are one busy little girl. Between all your traveling and changing I can’t even keep up with you. You started this month by going on your first trip out of the country. With your passport in hand you traveled with Daddy and I to rocky point Mexico. Over all you were a great little traveler, although you didn’t sleep that great. This was your first time going to the beach although you were not really a fan. You loved lying on the blanket and wiggling around but you didn’t like to get close to the ocean. We didn’t even get a chance to put your toes in the water before you got upset. You didn’t like the ocean but you did love your weekend away with Daddy and Mommy. You were barely home a few days before you went on another trip with mommy. This time you got to fly first class to Los Angeles to visit Aunt Erin. You were not a huge fan of the runway, but the second the plane took off you fell asleep and slept the whole way there. All this extra time with mommy is causing you to be even more of a mommy’s girl. Two trips down and you have one more to go. You got to tag along with Mommy and Daddy on their anniversary weekend. You enjoyed going out to eat and having a lot of daddy time. Now that I am getting ready to start you on solid foods daddy is giving you tastes of his food. You love frosting, bread, and margarita salt. I started you on some pares but you and I agreed we were both not ready for this step. You did seem to like them, but after a few spoonfuls you started shaking. We agreed to wait a couple more weeks. The day you turned five months you decided it was time to grow up on me. You started to roll over both directions and love playing on the floor. You grab at everything, toys, food, mommies water bottle. Everything goes into your mouth and you now know how to put your pacifier in your mouth. You are quickly becoming a little girl, and are no longer a baby. Now that you can more around more you love playing on the floor with your brothers. They notice you growing up and are starting to interact with you more each day. They talk to you and ask you questions. They love to try and tickle you and do anything to make you laugh. I pray that all three of you are close and grow to love and trust one another. I pray that you have a relationship like I have with your Uncle Trav. Brothers have so much to teach us.

Waiting

2010-07-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

Our 12 days are almost over. Brad is coming home from Argentina tomorrow. Brad travels for work and takes a missions trip every summer, so it is not a new idea for him to be away from home. Yet there was something about this trip that kept reminding me of dating long distance. Brad and I started dating his Senior (my junior) year of high school. When he graduated and went to California for school we did a year of long distance. Back in the old days (I know I am not that old, but in terms of technology I am), we communicated by aol IM and maybe a phone call once a month. See I told you I was old. These past few days I felt like I was reliving my senior year. I learned really quickly while doing long distance that the first few days and the last couple days were the hardest, somehow it got easier in the middle. That is still true. I am less than a day away from seeing him and some how I am missing him more today than I was before. The one comfort in going through this and reliving long distance is that I still miss him. It has been 12 years since our long distance days and our lives are completely different now, but we are still the same. I don't just miss him because he takes out the trash or takes the kids off my hands. Life is just more fun when he is around. 16 more hours, I think I can make it. But in terms of next years missions trip, we travel together or we don't travel.

Come Home Daddy

2010-07-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

This is what happens to little boys when their daddy is gone way to long.

We Love You Daddy!

2010-07-23T15:12:00.000-07:00

I thought getting these two to cooperate for the camera was hard. Video is nearly impossible. They want to watch themselves on screen but don't understand that they have to record something first. As soon as they see the camera they run towards me saying "I want to see" Or "I want to hold it". AHHHHHHH so frustrating.

Sorry babe this is the best I was able to do. Thanks again for my Flip, it is a ton of fun, and also frustrating. =)

I'm Stuck-A

2010-07-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Gone

2010-07-20T21:34:00.001-07:00

I really have this desire to write a post right now, but I have absolutely no energy or brain capacity to do it. I am good, really good, but tired out and missing my family like crazy. I have had an amazing few days thanks to my deer friend Christin who decided to brave the craziness that is my life and co-parent with me while Brad is in Argentina. Trav, you have an amazing girlfriend, I was so blessed by her this weekend. Mom and Dad you are on travel restriction. You are not allowed to travel that far away for that long for at least a year, maybe two.

One week till Brad and my parents come home. It is going to be a long one. I know the boys really miss their Dad. Life is just not as much fun with mommy. I find myself having to say no to things a lot more simple because I can't do it all. I am so grateful for Babci, Christin, and my family and friends. But lets face it an amazing husband/dad is not replaceable. Even for a few days.

To my family spread out all over the world you are irreplaceable. We miss you and want you to come home soon.
I am going to bed now, and I am taking Kayla's new bunny with me.

Window Painting

2010-07-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is another one of my crazy ideas. I get these that I know have a high possibility of turning into a disastrous mess but I do them anyways.

This one ended up being a lot of fun. I have yet to get my windows cleaned. Oh well!

Pure Joy

2010-07-18T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here Daddy. We know you miss this laughter so we thought we would send some your way. We love you and miss you tone.

Nana, Papa, and Uncle Trav, We hope you enjoy this too.

Lego Bonding

2010-07-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

The audio on this video is not great but the video was to cute not to post. Nathan is telling Kayla to build a tower. Then he helps her build one. This is the first time I have seen them PLAYING together. She really loves Nathan and is drawn to him. I am looking forward to watching these 3 grow up and interact more.

2010-07-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

Nine Years Ago

2010-07-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

At this moment 9 years ago I was standing beside my family and best friends taking picture after picture. I was both excited and calm as I anticipated the moment of walking down the isle to the arms of the man I loved and saying I do. I didn't think he could look any sexier than he did on our wedding day. Now, nine years later he is dressed down quite a bit in his blue bathing suit and is soaked from a water fight with our two boys. He is sexier today than he was 9 years ago.
Back then he was the man I loved, the man I respected, the man I trusted and dreamed about. Today he is still the man I love, the man I respect, the man I trust. Now he is the father of my 3 kids, our hardworking provider, the man I dream with, the man who keeps this family focused on God, our rock, and so much more. I knew when we got married my love for him would grow. What I didn't anticipate was how my trust and respect would grow along with that love. I absolutely love being a mom and I love my kids, but my relationship with Brad is even more important to me.

Brad, I love you. I can't believe it has been nine years already. I never had any doubts about marring you. However, I know now that I was a little naive about the depth of the commitment of marriage and the power of our vows. After nine years and a greater understanding of the significance of marriage, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to do it all over again. I still take you to be my husband, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part as long as we both shall live. I respect you for who you are as a man, a husband, a father, and am constantly amazed by your integrity, your work ethic, and your constant sacrifice. Thank you for being an amazing man of God and for following Him first as you lead this family.

Filling you in on all the fun

2010-07-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the kids over the last month.

My favorite 3 little people.

Kisses

Andrew giving Kayla a Piss (as he calls it)

Jumping in the ball pit at Gym Class

Trampolines are tons of fun.

Just the 3 of us in Rocky Point.

Kayla is not a fan of the ocean. We didn't even put her in it.

Uncle Trav and Christin came for a visit.

5 months (just a little late posting it)

2010-07-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

You are five months old you have mastered putting everything in your mouth. Your favorite toys are your Exersaucer, Sophi the giraffe, paci with the clip, and pink baby doll. You are becoming more and more alert all the time and therefore you don’t like to sleep when we are out places. If we are out you don’t want people to cradle you, you want to sit up or stand, so you can see everything that is going on. You are still working on getting that giggle out, it always ends up sounding like a scream. You laugh at mommy, daddy, but you just love to laugh at your brothers. Half the time we have no idea what you find so funny. They love that you are becoming more interactive with them and they can’t wait for you to be old enough to play with them. You are still very social, but you are not as vocal as you were last month. You spend more time watching others and learning new things. You have been such a mommies girl that we are trying to get you used to having Daddy, Nana, and Babci to put you to sleep. I love having a mommy’s girl, but I know it is better for you to be comfortable with others. You love everyone, until you are hurt or tired, then you only want me. You sleep from 8 till 3 when you eat and then go back to sleep till 6:30. I should be pushing you to sleep more but I am too lazy. You are starting to wake up and want your pacifier in the middle of the night. You are a little stinker when it comes to rolling over. You want nothing to with tummy time and you are perfectly content to lay on your back and scream and kick. Your favorite new thing to do is to lie on your back and play panda by grabbing your toes. Nana said I did the same thing when I was your age. Some days I stare at you and am still surprised you are my little girl. Our family feels complete now that you are here.

Two Toddlers Talking

2010-07-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

The boys never fail to make us laugh, and the laughter grows the more they talk and communicate. So I thought I would share some of our laughable moments from the past few days.

-Andrew and Nathan are throwing the ball back and forth over the pool fence. Every time Andrew threw the ball into the pool Nathan would yell back "Anew Lee" (Anew is Andrew without the /d/ and Lee is not Andrews middle name but Nathan's. Nathan is mimicking what we say when he gets into trouble which is 'Nathan Lee!'.

-Nathan is sitting in time out yelling "Kristina, Kristina" There is something to strange about your own child calling you by your first name rather than mom.

-The Fed Ex guy dropped of a package when I took the box and closed the door Andrew started to cry for pizza. I guess every person who rings our door bell with a box is supposed to be a pizza delivery guy. Then when I told the boys it was not pizza but papa's coffee Nathan responded "Yeah, Papa's Starbucks".

These two boys certainly have minds of their own, but it is obvious that they are watching us all the time and mimic our every move.

Then & Now

2010-06-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

Today we met some friends at Desert Ridge Splash Pad. It was our first trip of the summer. They reminded me so much of last summer I went home and looked back at our old pictures. I was so surprised at how much they have grown in one year. They are becoming little men.

Mamma's Littlest Helper

2010-06-10T20:29:00.000-07:00

While her brothers run around the house Kayla tags along with me.

Taking a ride in the Laundry Basket

She enjoys helping Momma fold the clothes,

but cooking dinner is her favorite.

She also likes to help do the dishes.

parent pride

2010-06-09T21:20:00.001-07:00

Nobody warns you when you are becoming a parent how “parent pride” really works. People tell you how much you are going to love your child. They warn you how you are going to think they are the cutest newborn in the world even though, in reality all newborns look a little funny. I guess they even tell you how proud you will be at all their milestones. As a parent you expect to be proud when they stand in their little costume on the stage, or make a great play during the game. But nobody tells you how excited you truly are when you son calls to say “I go poop mom. I go poop in the potty mommy.” It’s poop, one of the grossest every day occurrences faced by everyone. It is something my kids have done every day since they were born and lately it has become a big accomplishment. It’s poop in the potty and I am one proud Mommy. No one told me it would be the simply little every day successes that bring so much pride and purpose to parenthood.

Potty Training, my thoughts and observations

2010-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

3 day potty training

Does it work?

I would say yes, but I guess it depends on how you define being potty trained. It took a day or two longer for my two. However, doing two kids at once is supposed to take a little longer. They still have problems pooping, but from what I gather from other moms that part always takes a little longer. Both boys have bladder control and tell us when they need to go. So I say yes, they are potty trained. I am sure we will have accidents, but I think they get it. I do have to add the disclaimer that this method teaches you to potty train for day and night at the same time. So the kid is in underwear for all 24 hours. We did not do nap and nighttime. We just didn’t think it was the best decision for our family. So I can’t comment on that part of it.

What I liked about this method:

I didn’t have to force them to go. I know some methods use a timer or put kids on the potty every certain number of min. I have nothing against that way and I am sure it works. I just know that my boys would have resisted it. This approach gave them a little more ownership and freedom.

It keeps everything positive and puts the pressure on the parents to be patient and does not put the pressure on the kids.

The boys LOVED having our FULL ATTENTION for 3 days. Although it was exhausting to keep them in arms length all day long, it was fun being together as a family and playing with them nonstop.

General Observations and suggestions:

Keep up the fiber and start it before you potty train. Soft poop is your best friend in this process.

Since you can’t really leave your house for three days plan ahead. Buy toys to use for bribes in case you need more. We needed emergency poop prizes as motivations and I had to send my family out to get them.

Make sure you have everyone who is helping out or going to be around read the whole method. We didn’t at first and it made it much harder to explain it as we went.

I went back and reread certain parts after the first day. It helped since I didn’t remember everything the first time. You don’t know before you begin how your kids will react so it is hard to know what parts of the method you need to focus on or remember. Rereading helped make me feel a lot better about the struggles the boys were having and helped me stay positive.

On the third day I gave the boys a new candy for their reward. It helped them stay motivated. In fact I opened a new bag of candy and both boys sprinted to the bathroom to sit on their potties so they could try the new candy.

Closing:

Potty training is not easy and it takes a lot of time and energy. I know there are tons of various methods out there and I am sure many of them work. Even though it has not been easy I don’t think it was as hard as I had imagined. I am glad we followed the three day method and I expect that we will use this same approach with Kayla. We will have to wait and see what she is like when we get there. Good Luck to all you moms as you lose the diapers, just don’t lose hope. I am still in this with you; we have yet to leave the house for more than 30 min. I am sure our potty training adventures are not over yet.

How I Wake Up

2010-05-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

Once Mommy unwraps me this is what I do...

Shoot my arms way up high and stretch.

Then I scrunch up in a ball.

Next I stretch again.
After all the stretching I look around for Mommy...

and give her a big smile. =)

Already 4 months

2010-05-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Didn't I just do this for 3 months?

I feel like I was just writing about you being 3 months, and you are already 4 months old. You are growing so fast. You are quite the social little girl. If you are not sleeping you are talking. I am still amazed at how precious you are. You giggled at me for the first time the other day. It was one of my favorite moments. I lifted you up above my head and brought you down close to my face. You loved it. You tried so hard to keep giggling at me but it always turned into a cute little shriek. I kept lifting you up and down so I could keep catching that little giggle. We even called Daddy on speaker phone so he could hear you. You are such a happy girl. You are still a mommy’s girl and can get upset when someone else puts you to sleep. You are supposed to be working on rolling over but you don’t like to be on your tummy. You are starting to grab objects. You would be better at grabbing objects if you were not more interested in the people handing you the toy than the actual toy. Every time I hand you a toy your eyes light up and you break out a huge smile. When you do play with your toys you prefer your giraffe. It is awkward to get into your mouth, but you love to chew on it. You also love your brothers and talk to them. They keep you entertained with all their craziness. You are so different from your brothers. Having a little girl has changed me more than I ever expected. Even though I know you are too young to watch what I do I am still very conscious of how I act and what kind of example I set. I know I am not perfect, and I am never going to try and pretend I am. I know that how I live my life will impact how you choose to live. I want you to feel the freedom to love yourself, to see how beautiful God created you. I want you to define yourself by who you are as a person; not how you look, or what you accomplish. Having a daughter is a whole new experience for me, and I know it is not always going to be easy. I am so proud of you already and excited about watching you grow up. I know God has blessed me with a truly amazing and beautiful little girl, who I know is going to grow up to be a lovely woman. I am blessed to call you my daughter.

There is no way you can look at that picture and not laugh.

She is a Daddy's Girl

2010-05-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

I may be the one who brings her comfort and puts her to sleep. But Daddy is the one who makes her face light up. He is her favorite person to talk to.

I pray this is the beginning of a very strong relationship.

3 months

2010-04-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

You, my beautiful little girl, are three months old today. You are growing up so fast, but every day you are more fun to be with then the day before. You love to talk, especially to your daddy. I can tell your daddy absolutely loves his little chats with his daughter. You two go back and forth making noises and talking. So far you say; ma, hi, ah, and other crazy words but ‘Whoo’ is your favorite word. You have rolled over a couple of times from your tummy to your back but you don’t like to be on your tummy so you don’t get a lot of practice. You love your wiggle time on the floor and also enjoy swinging. You love to chew and suck on your fingers and hands. I have even caught you sucking on your blankets. I guess that is your way of telling me you are ready for some toys to play with. You are still so calm and mellow, so different from your brothers. You still like to nap, but you sleep much better in your own room, away from all the noises and bright lights. I know you are tired when you start to want your paci and don’t really want to talk anymore. That is also the time you want me. You definitely prefer to have me snuggle you to sleep. Once you are sleeping I swaddle you in your blanket and tuck you in. As soon as you wake up you are all smiles and ready to play. You definitely are a little fussier in the evenings and you will usually spend some time bouncing on the exercise ball with daddy, until you decide you want mommy and nothing else will sooth you. Your eyes are a beautiful blue; Nana says they look like jewels. You have rubbed a big bald spot on the back of your head so you are mostly bald with two patches of dark hair. Bald spots and all, you are absolutely beautiful. Kayla I love you more each and every day. You are definitely our little princess.

She is so stinkin cute!!!

Pee in the Potty

2010-04-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

We are not officially potty training yet. However, we have the challenge of training two boys at once, so we are trying to consider what is the best approach for each. We think Nathan will be easier because he does well with structure and routine. Andrew however seems to have a difficult time in this kind of situation. So we decided to buy two potties to have them practice sitting on before we begin the training process.

The idea: Sit on the potty after bath time each night.

The Goal: Hopefully avoid or lessen the "I won't sit on the potty" fits when we actually start potty training.

Night 1: Talked the boys about sitting on the potty and successfully had two bare butts on each potty for at least 2 seconds. We considered that a success.

Night 2: (Babci was watching the boys so I am going to do my best retelling her story)
Both boys sat on the potty. All of a sudden Andrew got wide eyed and looked down into the potty. He had peed in the potty. Nathan completely shocked joins Andrew in jumping off his potty and both boys stared down into Andrews bowl. Babci poured on the praise and Andrew started to praise himself and clapped his hands saying "yeah". Then he started to reach down into the pot and touch his success, but Babci stopped him before he reached gold. Nathan who has always been the first one to do everything plops his bottom back on his potty with a face of full determination. If it was at all possible to will yourself to pee, Nathan would have done it. My two little naked boys sat with their bottoms glued to their potties and refused to move. Finally, Babci offered them a snack and the boys agreed to leave their posts. Although, if she had not closed the bathroom door they would have returned to their potty's with pretzels in hand. Andrew was so excited to tell mommy and daddy that Babci did not flush his golden success down the toilet. The first think I did this morning before getting the boys out of their beds was to put a little water in Andrews potty, since is had dried up over night. Then Andrew got to show mommy and flush it down the big toilet.
So our second night on the potty proved to be a complete fluke of success. We know that this will not transfer over to real potty training , but I am glad that Andrew was able to accomplish something first for a change. It is good for both Boys to be on the other side of things.

Children's Museum

2010-04-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

Easter picture are coming soon. So in the mean time I will give you some shots of our first trip to the Children's Museum.

The boys favorite room was the kitchen.

Andrew is putting his pizza in the brick oven. "All Done. HOT HOT!!"

The noodle forest was also fun. They hung tons of pool noodles from the ceiling for the kids to get lost in. Mom stayed with Kayla and I tried to keep up with them, which obviously did not happen since I was outnumbered. I thought for sure one of them was going to realize that they were all alone and get scared when they couldn't find me. They both did great and always made it back to see Nana with a huge smile.

There was a 3 and under room which was nice because it was not as crowded and didn't require as much supervision. The boys loved standing on this. It would blow big bursts of air at them.

Blurry but to cute not to post. Nathan was jumping on it to try and get the air to blow.

Nana and her little girl.

No, his book is not upside down. He is learning to count backwards.

It was a ton of fun. I can't wait to go back and try some of the new exibits they are opening up this year. Next time we will drag Daddy along.