Life/Blog Update

Ok, so I know I haven't written in a while and I can't lie and say that I feel bad about that, because I don't really.  But I have another high school friend who's a mom and keeps a blog (it's secret I think otherwise I'd share it here, I don't want to let out any clues to her identity:) and she recently wrote about how she didn't feel like she had a lot that was "important" to write about but that really her blog was like a journal of her and her kids lives.  I realized that is why my blog is important to me.  I feel like I have some awesome documentation of my kids young lives which I'm sure I will never remember in 10 years, so I want to try to get back to it.  I was putting it off because for some reason, I thought I would become this totally famous blogger who was funny and wrote about topics people cared about, but I'm not and I don't.  And that's ok because this blog was really for my friends and family who care about what is going on in our lives.  So if you are following hoping I write something enticing, I suggest you look back less often because it will most likely be just updates and posts about things we've done and how the kids are growing.

I have been trying to get more into my photography in hopes I can start up a little side business so that is keeping me busy.  I also started making invites, cards, etc for friends through photoshop and I'm kinda loving that so I might see where that goes too.  Needless to say, I've been busy.  But here's a semi quick update on the kids!

Brody is really transforming into a little person at this point in his life.  He understands so much more and does things with more intent.  He started saying "apple" (side note: how weird is it that this was both of my kids first word besides mama and dada?).  I also started giving kisses and blowing kisses this week!  (I have a really cute and funny story about this down a little further.)  He's walking/running and climbing all over the place.  All those people who told me boys were so much harder were right.  I'm realizing how easy Kayla was when she was little now that I have Brody.

He's pretty attached to Mommy, which sometimes is very hard.  I try to make time for both kids individually, but sometimes I feel like I'm failing.  In the last month, Brody has gone through an ear infection, croup, getting a molar at 1 year old, and pink eye.   The poor kid.  Despite all this, he's been sleeping pretty well.  I was talking with a patient about my kids constantly getting sick, and she made a good point.  She said that kids tend to "get sick" in the same place all the time, i.e. Kayla is always getting ear infections and Brody gets SO congested and all his sickness is in his sinuses/throat/nose etc. I think she's probably right.

Speaking of sickness, I don't remember if I talked about Kayla going to see the pediatric ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor) in May, but she did after having 5 double ear infections in 6 months.  At that point, he told us we wouldn't even think about tubes since her ears were clear and we were heading in to the summer months, therefore fewer colds, therefore fewer ear infections.  I was kinda hesitant at the time but agreed to wait since she didn't seem that "sick" to me.  Then she got a double ear infection in July, in the middle of summer.  Then another in September and then another in October (or the on in September never went away.)  So the pediatrician we saw finally referred us back to the ENT and for a hearing test.

So this last Wednesday we went to have Kayla's hearing test and then her appointment with the ENT.  Between May and now, I also emailed the ENT to ask him at what point I should start being concerned since I'd heard about hearing loss, etc from frequent ear infections.  Well, even though Kayla wasn't interested in participating in the hearing test, she still came out with mild hearing loss (even with the completely objective tests.)  Her ear drums aren't vibrating at all (how you hear) due to the amount of fluid trapped behind them, and therefore she is failing the inner ear test as well.  Then ENT then recommended tubes and told me, "Here I was thinking you were just an overbearing mom, and you were right.  I hate when that happens."  Um, ok thanks, I guess I'll take that as a compliment.

So this Tuesday Kayla has a physical prior to her outpatient tubes surgery next Tuesday.  I realize tons of kids get tubes and it's really a short, relatively easy procedure, but I'm worried about my little peanut.  Looks like I'm getting the week off of work for Thanksgiving week even when I wasn't planning on it.

Oh and the story I promised about Brody learning how to kiss...

While at the ENT appointment this week, Kayla was clearly getting tired of being asked to do stuff and being poked and prodded.  She was sitting in my lap and Brody was getting antsy as well so I picked him up too.  He was standing behind Kayla on my lap and he just kept leaning over and giving her kisses (even making the smacking noise) on top of her head.  This is the first time he ever has done this and I thought it was so special he was trying to comfort her.

Anyways, there is a quick update.  I will also be writing a post soon about my updated priorities and my new life goals soon.  Here are some pictures of the kids while we were raking leaves last week.

Christmas Wish List

So since everyone is always asking me what to get the kids for Christmas, I'm making a pseudo list for your assistance (family).  Feel free to only use the list to get ideas of what they like, etc.  Also, please let me know if you do decide to get something from the list so I can let other family members know it is already being purchased. :)

Kayla:

Kayla is very into drawing/coloring/art and is in the thick of learning/writing her letters, sight words, and spelling her name!  I also have a lot more ideas for Kayla than Brody, but she also has a birthday coming up.

• Balance Bike :  I would really like to help Kayla learn to ride a bike.  I've heard these things are excellent for helping them learn to balance on two wheels.  
• Easel All this Ikea stuff is perfect and pretty cheap.  (Also, something to store all this art stuff in would be nice...)
• Chalk
• Paper roll(s)
• Felt Tip Pens
• Apron
• Paint Box Set
• Paintbrushes
• Dry Erase Markers
• Watercolors
• Stamp Pens
• Learn to read/write things (LeapFrog items or something of the sort.)
• Ergo Baby doll carrier : I'm thinking about getting this for her because I know she will love carrying her baby dolls.  (Side note, baby dolls and accessories would probably be a favorite of hers and don't take up a lot of space, therefore a favorite of mine.  She has a Target My Generation doll - Ashley - so accessories (i.e. new clothes for her to change into etc) I'm sure Kayla would love.
• We are thinking about moving her to a queen bed around Christmas or her birthday.  Her room is peach colored and we will hopefully eventually paint some hot pink and orange polka dots on one wall.  I have found one duvet cover I love here.  It's on clearance and hard to pass up, but then we would need to get a duvet, which isn't that big of a deal.  At least then as she grows and her tastes change we can just change out covers.)

Brody:

Brody loves cause/effect things such as things with buttons he can push to make noise or for something to happen.  He loves music and cars and blocks.

• Tool Bench and tools :  I'm not sure if he would like this or not but it's hard to come up with toy ideas for a second child, except trying to find more "boyish" toys...although the kid loves the play kitchen and Kayla's baby dolls...
• Train set : Another random thought.  Not sure if he would truly be able to appreciate this yet.
• Puzzles : We already have quite a few puzzles, but Brody is pretty interested in them.
• Tobbles : He loves stacking and knocking things down.
• Maybe some more toy storage for his room.  His room is pretty bare compared to Kayla's.  He only has a teeny tiny dresser, so maybe another storage item.  
• Refrigerator alphabet
• Drum/maracas: He loves to shake and bang things...
• Wagon : Would be nice to have seats for the kids. 

Combination:

• Magna Tiles : I love these and of all the toys on this list...these are at the top of mine.  I've heard kids love them!  I'm pretty sure mine would.
• Clothes:  Both kids need snow boots.  Brody needs a winter jacket and snow pants.  And they can always use more clothes.  
• Foam Letter/Number Tiles
• Gift Certificates to the Park District (Arlington Heights)
• Membership to the Shedd Aquarium
• Membership to the Kohl Children's Museum
• Kiwi Crate Subscription
• Christmas Movies

If you know me at all, you know I would prefer small, easily storable toys.  But really, I would prefer clothes, the memberships or money to go towards classes or activities we can do together.  In my opinion, that is a better way to spend money. :)  Or use the money to come visit us and play with the kids!

P.S. Melissa and Justin would like money to replenish our dwindling account. :)

Conversations with Kayla: Second Installment

"Kayla, do you see the airplane?"
"That's not an airplane!  That's a shark!"

"I need to go get my camera, so I take pictures of Brody in the tent."

"La la lala (singing), I like puuuuurple and pinkkkk!"

Mommy: "Kayla, put the potty (step stool) back in the bathroom."
Kayla: "No I need to get my food up there (on top of the play kitchen.)"
Mommy: "Why don't you just ask me to help?"
Kayla: "No I need to get it.  (Me giving her a look.) IIIIIII.  IIIII need to.  Kayla."  (As if I didn't understand.)

Mommy: "Kayla can you count to 20?"
Kayla: "No.  I did it at school.  I don't need to do it right now."

"No no syrup.  I just want butter on my pancakes.  I want A LOT of butter on my pancakes."

Mommy: "Kayla, what's your baby doll's name?"
Kayla: "Baby."
Mommy: "Oh, well are we going to leave Baby in the car while we get lunch?"
Kayla: "No! Baby comes with us."
Mommy: "Oh, is she hungry?"
Kayla: "No!  Her mouth isn't open!"  (Giving me a look like I'm crazy.)

"Don't talk to me, Guy!!"  (At Target after being greeted at the door.)

"WAAAAAHHH! Brody bite me!"
Mommy: "Well I'm sorry but he's just a baby and he doesn't really understand.  Just keep telling him no biting."
Kayla (to Brody): "No biting Brody! No biting!"
Kayla (back to Mommy): "It just really hurts (whimpering.)"

Kayla on the phone: "Ok.  So just come here and eat lunch with us."  Pause. "Yeah, so just come here and play with toys then go eat lunch."
To Mommy: "Mom, that was Miss Jordann."

Mommy trying to convince Kayla why she needs to take a nap:
Mommy: "You need to get rest so that you have lots of energy to play with Nini and Pampy when they come visit you."
Kayla: "Nini and Pampy don't play!"
Mommy: "They don't?  What do they do?"
Kayla: "Just sit on the couch.  They don't play."

What a Difference Four Years Makes...

Four years ago, we were laughing at this...

Just the other day, we were laughing at this...

Back story:  We can use the cameras on our phones to see Kayla in her bed under her door.  On Wednesday, she was up and singing in her room for an hour and a half at nap time.  I was checking on her and she could see my camera under the door.  CAUGHT!  Justin and I were in tears laughing at this.

I wouldn't change a thing, but sometimes I miss those old days.  I can't wait to spend a weekend with just my husband for a change!  

Justin,

You make love look and feel so easy.  There is no one I'd rather be walking next to on the road of life.  :)

1437.

Family Yearbooks

I've been meaning to create Family Yearbooks for some time now.  With buying a new house and adjusting to our new situations, unnecessary expenses have been put aside for now.  But we got a coupon from Target for a FREE shutterfly 8x8 photobook.  I figured, what the heck, I might as well give it a try.  I did pay abou 4 dollars for extra pages (you know me) and then like 5 bucks for shipping or something.  Overall I am pretty pleased.

Pros:

• The book designing software was easy to use
• Pretty customizable (some extra "things" were extra money and weren't covered under the coupon)
• Good quality
• The have an option for lay-flat pages (kinda pricey though I'm not sure what they may cost on other sites)

Cons:

• This particular size book is a bit small for my liking (especially because some of my pages have a ton of pictures on them)
• Some "extra" things cost extra money (certain stickers etc, they have an option for a pocket in the book)

Overall, it was definitely worth the price in this case.  I'll try to do some pros/cons of other sites I might use for photobook printing!  (And hopefully I will be back more regularly soon!)

Check out the book I created on Shutterfly:

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.

A Letter to My Son on His First Birthday

Dear Brody,

Today marks the day we have survived our first year together, although the word survived doesn't seem to fit in your case.  I had so much fear before you were born.  Would I love you the same way I love Kayla?  Would you know I love you?  Would Kayla love you?  They all seem silly now. 

Of course I don't love you the same way I love Kayla.  You are different people.  And of course Kayla loves you, you are just SO easy to love.  From your simple and quick entry into the world, to our  nursing relationship, to your transition to solid foods, to each milestone you have achieved, life seems so simple with you.  

"Sons are the anchors of a mother's life."

You exude joy.  More joy that I think any other person I've met.  I feel that even though it seems that you get the short end of the stick a lot, you still flash that amazing dimple-y smile that melts my heart and cheer me up on my very lowest days.  We have had an indescribable bond since the very second you were born, and probably before.  

Friday's child is loving and giving.

It's not to say you don't want or need things, but you really give a whole lot of love to our family and the people you meet.  Kayla taught me what true unconditional love is, but you have taught me something different and equally as important.  You have taught me the amazing capability of the human heart to love.  Just when I thought there was no room left in my heart to love anyone more than the people I already had, I was trying to figure out how I would "split" my love.  Little did I know that the heart has an AMAZING capacity to grow and love.  Now only that, but how it can love in completely different ways, but completely equally.

"There is an enduring tenderness in the love of a mother to a son that transcends all other affections of the heart."

Thank you for being not so great of a sleeper.  I got so much extra special time to spend with just you and me in our busy lives.  Yes it was hard.  But it was worth it.  Thank you for teaching me that life is all about joy and how much you can squeeze out of the simple things.   Thank you for bringing so much joy to your sister and for making it so easy for her to love you.  Thank you for loving her as much as I do (I can tell you do and I'm going to have to remind you later in life.)

I thank God every day for bringing me you and will continue to thank Him for the rest of my life.  

"Son, you will outgrow my lap, but never my heart."

Brody Lawrence: 11 Month Update

One day before his birthday.  I've been busy editing photos and plan on posting tomorrow and possibly Sunday or Monday.  :)  We are going apple picking for Brody's birthday.

Weight: Not really sure.  I'll have to put him on the scale later to see, but I'm guessing maybe 22 lbs?

Length: No way this is happening.  I'll do a stats update after our doctor's visit next week.

Head Circumference: See above.

Physical Milestones:  He loves his "walker" toys and he can pretty easily stand on his own and maneuver around the furniture and toys easily.  On my mom's birthday, Brody took his first steps and we managed to catch some of them on video.  For the week after that leading up to his 11 month birthday he decided that wasn't for him.  Crawling was faster and easier.  He climbs up on EVERYTHING.  I love the little smirk he gets when I look over at him and he's somehow standing on the ottoman.  OOO he is going to be so much trouble.

Eating:  Still a champ in this area.  He eats everything and puts everything in his mouth like he's surprised not everything he touches is food.  #fatkidproblems  He has started trying to "use" things as they are intended (i.e. brushes, the forehead thermometer) so I started giving him a fork/spoon.  He definitely doesn't get it, but that ok.  He has to learn somehow.

Verbal:  He says Mama and Dada pretty clearly, and I think something that he says means Kayla, but it's definitely not clear. 

Sleeping:  At some point between 10-11 months, Brody caught on.  It's cool to sleep.  He rarely wakes up before 5 am now (occasionally he will fuss/cry a bit but always puts himself back to sleep pretty easily).  If it's 5 or later I will feed him.  If I feed him he will sometimes go back to sleep until 7-7:30.  If he doesn't wake up, he is usually up for the day around 6-6:30.  He is still consistently napping twice a day at home.  The times very a bit depending on when he wakes up in the morning.  Through all this sleep difficulty, I am very very thankful I have a baby boy who EASILY goes down for naps and nighttime, rarely any fussing/crying and I lay him down awake.  And it's been this way since he was born pretty much.

Likes:  Peek-a-boo, clapping, waving, eating, pushing buttons (mine included), Kayla, love bites/open mouthed kisses

Dislikes: me telling him no

2.5 Year Update: Kayla Marie

I feel the need to write about Kayla as I am almost always writing at Brody.  Mostly because ALL I'm writing is monthly updates which are going to end soon!  So here's a little late 2.5 year update on our little peanut/peewee (my favorite nicknames for her, which actually sometimes I call Brody and she always looks at me like I'm crazy.)

Potty Training:  We did the three day potty training thing last November.  Kayla was catching onto things really quickly so I thought I'd stick her in underwear and give it a go.  Since day 3, she's been probably the easiest kid to potty train I can imagine.  She had a little set back when we moved into our house and changed her daycare, but overall she's been pretty great.  She now only has accidents if it's been a while since she went and she literally can't hold it any longer.  She even goes to the bathroom, wipes and flushes and everything by herself now.  I always get a little stab of pride when I tell someone she's been pretty much potty trained since 22 months, with an occasional accident here and there, and they are always shocked.  Honestly, I think it was mainly easy because Kayla is pretty astute and loves to do what I am doing.

Sleeping:  For the most part Kayla has been sleeping for at least 10-11 hours straight at night and for a while was taking some LONG naps (like 3-3.5 hours).  She stopped sleeping until 7 at least and has now started waking up at 6 am pretty much on the dot almost every day no matter what time she goes to bed (7-9:30 pm if we are out and about).

She has recently stopped napping at daycare for some reason but always consistently takes at least a 2 hour nap at home easily.

At night, we've been struggling with on and off fears at night.  Not exactly sure what of, but sleeping with "mommy and daddy's pillow" and daddy "catching the scaries" in her room before bedtime seem to help.  Overall she's pretty great, I just wish she would sleep in a little later, but she usually just comes to my bed and watches educational videos on youtube while I rest for another hour or so.

Gross and Fine Motor "stuff":  Let's see, she's learned how to really jump now.  She's pretty adept with running, climbing, etc.  She loves to dance and sing.  She's pretty awesome with a spoon and fork and loves practicing cutting with a knife.

She also LOVES cutting with scissors at school.  Like, loves cutting so much it's a little disturbing. :)  She loves coloring and is actually great and tracing her letters.  I bought this dry erase cards with a little pen in the dollar section at Target.  They are amazing and she loves them.  She is definitely right handed, but will occasionally put stuff in her left hand.

Likes:

• Baby dolls
• Pretending to cook in her kitchen
• Singing
• Youtube videos of nursery rhymes
• Playing with cold water in the bathtub (man she really gets a kick out of that)
• Bubbles
• Parks
• Cereal
• Our monthly activity box that comes with stuff to make and do
• Making Brody laugh
• Being the first one to get Brody when he wakes up
• Her friends at school
• Nail Polish
• Pink and Purple
• Dresses
• "Taking" pictures
• Being just like Mommy
• Doing everything "myself"
• Airplanes
• Fountains
• Shoes (trying on shoes at every store we go to, even the grocery store, because doesn't EVERY store have shoes?)
• Getting her hair braided

Dislikes:

• Justin sometimes (you should hear her say his name)
• Sleeping in
• Going to bed
• When you tell her no (Daddy LOOK at Mommy!; Don't talk to me!)
• The scaries in her room (the truck across the street)
• Loud noises that she doesn't understand (the lawn mower, thunder, sometimes the vacuum cleaner)
• When you tell her what to wear
• When you tell her she can't wear shoes in the house
• "Strange" foods
• The "skin" on food (crust, apple peel, for example)
• Leaving her hair up in any form of ponytail (unless it's a braid)  Note to self: learn to French Braid

Verbal:  Kayla's verbalization, sentence forming, etc really exploded after Brody was born.  She enunciates really well (I think) and she's actually very insightful.  She really uses a lot of "sayings" I use and you should hear the way she says Justin's name when she's mad at him! :)  "JusT-in"  I don't know if it's because I'm her mom and I'm always around her, but I think she really speaks very clearly for her age, compared to the other kids I've been around.  Again, not sure if it's just because I hear her ALL day every day and I only hear other kids sporadically or what.  She still has some trouble with tenses of tough words (geese-geeses) and some trouble with words that have multiple meanings.  I have realized in watching someone learn the English language at how hard it really is in comparison to other languages.  She is really doing great though.

Kayla is really a little mommy.  She wants to do everything I do, she wants to help me with Brody.  She's more likely to eat something if she "helps" me cook it.  For the most part, she's really easy to be around.  She doesn't have a ton of toddler meltdowns, or maybe I just know how to deal with her better and I know how to pick my battles with her.  I'm still trying to mainly lean towards positive reinforcement for discipline.  I think the most frustrating thing for me as a mom of this particular toddler has been the extreme fear and anxiety I can see in her (that is one of my worst traits which I've actively tried to not project onto her), and the way Brody always wants to play with her or see what she's doing and sometimes she wants to play be herself.  She kinda whiney in those instances and is a bit of a "tattle tail."  But if that's the worst, I'll take it because those two kids are seriously like soul mates. :)

Here are some recent photos I've taken of Kayla.  I've been working really hard on my photography and am hoping to be able to continue to progress towards maybe taking some photos of someone other than my kids.  Maybe I'll offer up some pregnancy/family photos to my little sister. ;)

She isn't always happy, but she's always beautiful :)

Eating corn at the WI State Fair

Playing with the focus and depth of field

Lovely profile :)

My little girly girl 

MMM Cream Puffs...except Kayla doesn't think so.  She's loves the "puff" part though.

This kid loves slides...and swings.

Hard to catch her NOT talking.

More slide joy.

Chasing bubbles

Practicing my composure.  This sidewalk get's AWESOME light in the morning.

Hands up on the rolly slide.  This momma doesn't want any pinched fingers.

So pissed this is out of focus because I love the framing I go.

This is my favorite recent picture of Kayla.  She is singing "Skin-a-ma-rinky-dinky-dink."  "I love you in the morning..."

Justin seriously rolls his eyes when I pull out the "model" photos.  Sometimes she loves the camera, sometimes she hates it.

Love her laugh.