Tiny Talk Tuesday

It's been awhile since I wrote about some of the things my kids say, but boy does my memory function at a low capacity with 3 kiddos.  If I don't write something down that instant, the next minute it's gone.  Yes, I'm afraid what my brain would do if I had 4 children!!  Anyway, here are a couple of the cute things they said, that I remembered:

While in the car:
Mom:  Hey Katie, can you tell me what the colors mean on the stop light?
Katie:  Sure, geen means go, red means stop, and yellow means slow poke.
(Uh huh!!  There you have it.  Kyra would have said slow down, since she's a stickler for the rules, but this is how the second one rolls!!)

While at the park:
(We were a little weary of letting our kids play at the park because there was a teenage couple hanging out and showing a little too much PDA.  Fortunately they left soon, but we were prepared for some questions...)
Kyra:  Daddy, how come you and mommy don't show each other that you love each other like that?
Dad:  Well, Kyra, we do...but we just chose to do it in a non public place like our house.  You've seen us kiss haven't you?
Kyra:  Ewww...yes in our kitchen, but that's not appropriate in front of children.
Dad:  And where would it be appropriate?
Kyra:  At the park.
(I guess we aren't showing appropriate examples of affection....according to our affection police!!  I'm so glad those teenagers were there to set a more fitting example-enter sarcasm)

If you'd like to read more tiny talk, just visit Mary's.

Andrew Update: 11 Months

Ever since Andrew discovered that he could take a few steps on his own, he doesn't want to stop.  The minute he falls down, he grabs for your hands to pull himself back to a standing position.  The child simply isn't happy unless he's walking.  The problem is...he doesn't know how to fall well.  In the month that he's been taking steps, he still is wobbly as ever.  He'll take 8 steps forward, and 3 steps back until he falls straight back and bumps his head.  Someone really has to watch him or he could really get hurt.  They already overestimated his capabilities in nursery last week, and he scraped the side of his face pretty good.  Yup, I think this boy will be in for some scrapes and bruises (comes with the territory right?).

Andrew still hasn't shown any interest in crawling, but he recently learned how to sit up from a lying down position.  I found him playing in his crib one day, and a few minutes later he figured out how to stand up.  The problem is now that he has this newfound trick, he has been falling asleep sitting up.  It was funny the first couple days, but now his naps have been cut short because he won't lay back down.  I think he's going to enjoy throwing us for a loop.

As far as eating goes, he is a human garbage disposal.  I think a few months ago I mentioned that he was a picky eater, but now I can't seem to get him to slow down.  He eats oatmeal, grapes, bananas, chicken, cheerios, and just about any kind of veggie.  I think the only thing he doesn't seem to care for at this point is cheese (which I'm sure will change).  I even have to be careful when I get a snack out for the girls, because if he's around he starts screaming at the top of his lungs to let you know he doesn't want to be left out (I'll never do that in the grocery store again!).  Yes, he's a boy of few words, but he certainly let's you know when he wants something.  In fact he's so impatient, that often just to be able to converse over dinner, we have sent him into the other room to watch a Baby Einstein video (obviously we won't do that forever, but for now it works, and he loves them!!)  And transitioning to a sippy cup was a breeze (unlike Katie who wouldn't start until she was nearly 18 months old).  He even sipped out of a straw the other day. 

In a month, he will be turning 1!!  My last snuggle bug is growing up and not wanting to snuggle so much.  But we are having a blast watching him learn so many new things.  The girls love to help guide him in his walking adventures, and give him bite size nibbles too.  Yes, we love ourselves some Andrew! 

A Visit from the Tooth Fairy

During yesterday's events at Tulip Time, Kyra finally lost her first tooth.  We have been anticipating this loss for a very long time now.  Over 6 months ago, her dentist said she had a couple of loose teeth.  And seeing as how I had a special pillow to put my lost teeth when I was a child, I felt like she should have one too.  So last fall I started my quest for a cute pillow.  I saw some chincy ones, and some very cute ones (although they were way too expensive).  Finally, I decided I would make her one and give it to her as a Christmas gift.  I found a simple pattern online and bought all the material.  Now I don't sew very much, but the pattern seemed simple enough, so I decided to go for it.  Needless to say it took me a little longer than anticipated.  It was made out of felt and required a bit of glueing which is where the problems came to play.  Whip stitching over felt glue is not easy work.  My fingers were paying the price, but I was determined to see the project through.  In the end I was very pleased with the fruits of my labor, but I'm not sure I would ever do it again.

With the pillow complete we simply had to wait for her little tooth to fall out.  So we waited, and waited...until finally this past month her tooth clearly became very loose.  We encouraged her to wiggle it, and teased her about tying it to a string and door while slamming it shut.  But in the end we let her do it in her own time.  My hubby said, just be careful not to swallow it!  I said, well surely that won't happen.  She'll certainly feel it when it comes out.

But this afternoon, she ran to me and told me she lost her tooth.  Oh congratulations, I said, where is it?  No, she said I lost it and can't find it.  Funny thing is, once we told her daddy, he knew exactly where it was.  At the restaurant today she was eating a corn dog and had bit into something crunchy.  When she showed her dad, he said it must be a piece of a bone from the hot dog!  Come on, a piece of a bone?  Now when have you ever found a bone in a hot dog?  Those things are as processed as they come.  But he didn't think much of it until she told him she lost her tooth.  So, now her tooth lies at the restaurant with the corn dog!

This evening Kyra wrote a note to the tooth fairy, hoping that she'll take a note instead of a tooth.  And maybe next time if she bites into something crunchy, we'll have a better idea of what it really is!

Tulip Time

It was an exciting day for us today.  We were headed to Tulip Time to enjoy some fun activities for the kids and look at some beautiful tulips.  The kids were excited because we haven't done a whole lot of fun activities in awhile.  Spring cleaning, planting, weeding, gearing up for surgery, and trying to build a bathroom in our basement has been our focus for the last couple of months so I think they are feeling a little cooped up.  And this momma wasn't feeling too different.  I was ready to take a day off and enjoy the great outdoors.

Although the day started off rainy, the sun made its appearance later in the day and made for a pleasant afternoon.  The tulips were some of the best I've seen in years.  There were such vibrant colors and they were so incredibly tall.  They looked like tulips on steriods!  Being outside and seeing all the flowers really does wonders for your soul.  I know it doesn't produce food like a vegetable or fruit garden, but seeing so many variety of colors just brings out the beauty in God's creation. 

The fun part of the day though was taking part in the kinderplaats festivities at Tulip Time.  Although we have gone to the festival a couple years in a row now, we have never done Kinderplaats.  It basically consists of  booths with activities or crafts for kids, some dancing for entertainment, a petting zoo area, and a hand full of bouncy rides.  Yet, there were so many things to choose from, we had to leave to get lunch and come back again.

Kyra and Daddy holding a Boa Constrictor!  Didn't know either of them were that brave!

Speaking of lunch, that was one of the best parts as well.  We went to New Holland Brewing Co. for lunch, and it was wonderful.  I had one of the best pulled pork sandwiches I have had in a long time.  Of course spending the day with good friends we don't get to see very often made the day as well.  There really isn't much I could say that went bad today.  Perhaps it's because we haven't gone out as a family in awhile, or perhaps it is because the weather is turning around.  Either way, it was a very fulfilling day.

In Your Hands

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds, in Christ. -Phillipians 4:6-7

Dear Lord,

You know my heart.  You know I am a worrier.  I worry about my children growing up to know you.  I worry about what their lives will be like as teenagers.  I worry about their little self esteems and falls and spills they might make.  I worry about predators lurking around ready to prey on their innocent souls.  The list goes on and on.  But worrying never accomplished anything.  I am aware of that, and try daily to put their lives in your hands.  I am asking that you be especially with Andrew tomorrow as he heads to surgery.  I am trusting you with his care.  I am trusting that you watch over his surgeon and give him steady hands.  He is your child and I know you love him more than I can love him.  I trust that you will help me through the week and give me the patience and strength to care for him.  I pray that you give him a speedy recovery.  You are in control Lord, and I pray you help me surrender my heart and give us peace.  I put my son in Your hands. Thank you for your unfailing love.

Sarah

Andrew Update: 10 Months

This past month, Andrew finally rolled over from his back to his tummy, and is now rolling all over the place (hallelujah!!).  Talk about a late bloomer!  I continued to have concerns of him having delayed development, but the pediatrician didn't show any concerns.  He is pretty much on track in all other areas of his development.  So I guess I'll try not to be too concerned and count my blessings that he is still somewhat containable.  And although he may not be crawling yet, he is showing some interest in walking!  He might just be one of those kids who learn to walk before they crawl.  He has stood up for at least 10 second intervals and has taken up to 5 steps on his own.  However, I think it will still be a little while until he really takes off, because his tummy muscles are still not strong enough to keep him upright for that long (not to mention he doesn't know how to pull himself up on objects either).  He definitely looks like a drunken soldier.  The problem is, he thinks he can take off on his own, and wants us to let go of his hands.  We figured that between the Johnny Jumper and the Exersaucer, they have both given him a false sense of security.  He thinks he can walk without help because he was able to walk around in little circles with the aid of his toys.  It really is quite funny to see how independent he wants to become though.  Even if we put him up to the couch, he won't hold on.  His whole body shakes with excitement at the thought of taking off.

So for a long time, I thought that maybe he might just be this laid back kid, with an easy going type of personality (since he showed no interest in rolling over or crawling toward any objects).  But after seeing his newfound joy in walking, and especially his frustration when I set him back down, I don't think he'll be relaxed.  This kid is determined and he definitely lets you know when he is upset that he is on the floor.  He instantly scooches back to my hands to grab on and pull himself back up to a standing position.  He has places to see and he wants to go now!

As far as eating goes, he is finally done nursing.  It was a bit of a bittersweet event.  Like I wrote last time, I was getting a little frustrated with the biting, and distraction he was showing while nursing.  It was taking me forever to feed him because he kept whipping his head in another direction to look at something else.  Although he had nursed better than the girls had, and I was glad that it had been a more enjoyable experience this last time around.  In a weird sort of way, I was a little sad to think that this would be the end of my nursing experience forever (seeing as he will be our last child).  But just like pregnancy, this phase of my life has finally ended.  Oh the emotional roller coaster us women put ourselves through.

I am enjoying the new found discoveries Andrew is making, and am excited to watch him grow.  Life is rarely boring with this little guy, or with any of our kids for that matter.  And although the crying and uncertainties may weigh heavy at times, I am very thankful that God entrusted us with his care.  He is a joy that keeps spreading in our life. 

Thankful Thursday

I'm not one for having a clean house.  Sure I often keep the house straightened up, but unless we have company coming over, you can often see a layer of dust covering the tables and dust bunnies parading across the floor.  Needless to say my temperment leaves for much to be desired while cleaning.  My hubs would rather turn around and walk back out the door if he knows I'm trying to beat the clock by packing in 3 weeks of cleaning in 3 hours worth of time.  And you would think I would learn over time, but the vicious cycle has continued throughout my whole marriage.  I am simply a bear.

I had hoped that the girls had a little more type A personality ingrained in them, so that they would not procrastinate like myself and only clean when they knew it was only absolutely necessary, but so far that trait isn't showing through.  We go through daily struggles of trying to put away Polly Pockets and Barbies in their correct spot or eating over their plate so as not to have crumbs all over the floor and table.  And I try and remember that they are just kids, and training them is a slow process, but I don't want bad habits to go by the way side either.  More often then not though, I get frustrated that they aren't cleaning on my time table, and I end up cleaning it up for them, so I get things done when I want and how (which I realize is a disservice to them, but hey I'm being honest).

But the other day I was in another one of my mad dashes to clean a lot in a short period of time, when Kyra asked if I could play a game with her.  I hastily reminded her that we had company coming and if she wanted to enjoy her time with them, then I had to focus on cleaning at the moment.  She walked away looking somewhat defeated, but I blew it off while thinking to myself..."if she would clean up more of her mess more often then maybe I wouldn't have so much to do right now!"  About 1/2 hour later, I went into my bedroom to find that she had folded all of our laundry.  I had never even taught her how to fold laundry, or asked her to do it for that matter.  And you know what?  She didn't do half bad.  I burst into a huge smile and told her what a fabulous job she did, and how proud I was of her.  She told me that she wanted to help us out and that she even organized it by person and season.  At that moment I was honored to have such a thoughtful daughter, especially after I had snapped at her in such a way. 

I am trying hard not to get so worked up over cleaning these days, and remember to ask my children way in advance to clean up and do their part, so they are learning responsibility too.  And I am trying to exhibit some of the grace to my children that God and Kyra have so earnestly shown me.

Andrew Update: 9 months

It's hard to believe our little guy is nearing 1 year old.  It seems like just yesterday we were planning on whether or not to have a third child, and now that third child is 9 months old!  Part of me wishes he wasn't growing so fast, and the other part of me (the part of me dealing with the teething and not knowing what all the fuss is about) can't wait for him to grow a little older.
As far as his daily routine goes.  He is doing wonderful.  He pretty much eats the same amount and at the same time every day (8:30 am, 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:30 pm).  When you have to be flexible with a baby, it is nice to have something predictable in life.  Now I definitely feel more comfortable going out in the evening with friends, since I know when his last feeding will be and when he'll go to sleep.  However, although he eats on a pretty regular basis, he isn't the best eater.  He's probably one of the pickiest eaters I've had.  He doesn't like most of the vegetables I've tried, and lets you know by shaking his head "no" and persing his lips shut.  I guess we'll just keep trying.

I have started to wean him off of nursing too.  I have kind of always had a love/hate relationship with nursing.  Nursing never went well with my girls.  I had infection after infection, and the process was mostly just painful.  The only reason I went as long as I did, was to save money.  But with Andrew, nursing has gone fairly smoothly (maybe it's a boy thing?).  I had periods of low milk supply, but I have just learned to suppliment.  But now that he is beginning to bite, and rips pulls off the bo*ob whenever he gets distracted (which is quite often), I think I am ready to start weaning him off.  The only problem is, I'm not so sure he's ready.  I thought he was ready, since it seemed to take him close to an hour now to nurse and that he seemed disinterested.  But now that I'm trying, his cues (ummm...turning his head in an obvious direction) tell me otherwise.  I guess we'll just take it slow and see how it goes. 

As far as Andrew's personality goes, he still seems to be a bit of a Momma's Boy.  Along with still being fussy in the evenings, he's also taken up the separation anxiety thing.  He will go to very few people, but if he does go to someone, he is very affectionate with them.  He has such a loveable, cuddly personality.  And the girls love this about him.  Katie has gotten much better about giving him space, but now Kyra seems to be giving him more kisses then ever.  I think his cheeks just have pinch me written all over them.  He has started to babble a little bit too...saying dadada, but in general he's just content to sit quietly and watch his surroundings. 

His favorite toy seems to be the Johnny Jumper.  This kid really gets going.  He jumps quite high, and reaches the door jams within seconds.  He still hasn't rolled on his belly yet, so who knows if he'll ever crawl.  But at the moment, I'm fine with that.  It's kind of nice that I can prolong the childproofing for just a little bit longer.  When I do put him on his belly, he rolls instantly back to his back.  I think he's going to just start scaling furniture throughout the house.  His legs are like tree stumps.  I mean this kid has some muscle.  Yes, our little boy is growing up fast.  Although I am easily frustrated by the bouts of fussiness.  The games of peekaboo, and "so big" are very rewarding.

Happy Birthday Katie

Katelyn

Age: 4

Personality:  Carefree, girly, defiant, hands on, quiet, impulsive, shy, moody, determined, imaginative

Favorites:
Food:  PB&J, strawberry oatmeal, corn on the cob, cucumbers, apples, pizza, chicken enchiladas, salad, crackers, chocolate milk, and chips
Songs: Kenny Chesney's "Young", My God is So Big, The B.I.B.L.E.
Books:  Barbie books, Dora the Explorer books, and Strawberry Shortcake books (notice the girly trend?)
TV Shows:  Curious George, Sid the Science Kid, My Friend Rabbit, Willa's Wildlife
Movies:  Meet the Robinsons, TinkerBell, Madagascar, Princess Stories, Ice Age Dawn of the Dinasaurs
Games:  Chutes and Ladders, puzzles, PBSkids.org games
Toys:  Polly Pockets, Barbies, dress up, blocks for building towers/homes for Polly Pockets or Barbies, stroller for playing house, coloring books, and playdoh
Activities w/Mommy:  baking, reading, cuddling while watching movies, dancing contests
Activities w/Daddy:  cooking, helping with building projects, exploring outside

You wanted tacos, chips, chicken, and water for your birthday dinner (interesting combo?)

Dear Katie,
This year has been a challenging, but fulfilling year with you.  We started off a little rocky with efforts of getting you potty trained.  I had hoped to have you potty trained before Andrew was born, but you wanted nothing to do with it.  No matter what the incentive I gave or item taken away, you didn't seem to care.  You truly are a determined little girl.  At times our personalities really clashed and I didn't know where I was going to get the ambition to start a new day with you.  But finally, you seemed to "hit rock bottom" so to speak with the potty training issue, and things started turning around.  I guess you really wanted to learn in your own time.

As you are getting older, your personality is certainly flourishing.  Along with being determined to do things however and whenever you please, you also have quite an imagination.  With Kyra being in school all day, I worried about how we would occupy the days.  But you sometimes go a couple hours making up songs, role playing with your barbies and polly pockets and toy animals.  I have to be careful to remember to set some time aside for you, otherwise I could easily forget you are in the other room.  I have enjoyed watching you build really detailed towers and rooms for your dolls.  They have been complete with kitchen and bathroom!  Your coloring skills have also greatly improved.  Although we are still working on the alphabet, you love to write random letters and pretend to write a story like your big sister.  But perhaps what I like to see best is how you interact with Daddy.  You love to work on projects with him.  The other day you were helping him work on the plumbing in the bathroom.  You were cutting the pipe and working with flux with a little guidance from dad.  You love a challenge, but you don't want any help.  You certainly want to do it your "own self."

Yes, Katie I love your spunky attitude.  You definitely march to the beat of your own drum.  You're a quirky, loveable little girl and we hope to discover many new wonderful qualities about you in your 4th year of life.  Lots of love,

Mommy and Daddy

You wanted a unicorn cake for your birthday, surprisingly it was about the easiest cake I've had to make so far!

Grandpa Bob gave you prunes for your birthday.  Never a dull moment with Grandpa Bob.  Maybe that's where you get some of your quirkiness from?  Not surprising was the fact that you liked the gift.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Kyra said she wanted to make outerspace with playdoh.  I had no idea she would do such a great job!

Innocence?

What in the world have my kids been watching?

Just kidding, when I asked what the girls were doing with the barbies, Kyra replied that the daddy had flying powers and was carrying the mommy.  He was just temporarily taking a rest.  (Apparently the mommy didn't want the ride to end!?)

Florida 2010

It's hard to believe, just one week ago we were in sunny Florida (sunny maybe, warm...not so much).  It definitely was great to get away and spend time with the girls.  It was good to reconnect with our children while not having to think about work, laundry, dishes, errands, and the daily routines of life. 

We decided to drive the trip this year.  We've always flown in the past, but between trying to save a few pennies and not wanting to carry 3 car seats into the airport, we figured it best to drive.  Plus this way we could visit my Grandma and Aunts in Georgia.  It has been nearly 2 years since I saw them last, and I thought it was high time for a visit.  I was still a bit nervous about this long trek with an 8 month old though.  I knew the girls would do fairly well, but we had just gotten Andrew to sleep through the night not more than a month ago, and I wasn't sure if this would mess up our beloved schedule.  Fortunately, to our surprise he did great.  Not only was he a great traveler, he pretty much kept to his same routine during our whole weeks stay in Florida.  He was a bit fussy on the way back home, although so were the girls.  I think they just knew we would be getting back to the reality of winter for 8 more weeks.

Once we arrived in Georgia, we were able to peel off our jackets and feel the warmth of the air.  I just love not having to take the time to layer up before you go outside.  Of course little did we know that the next few days were going to be the warmest days of our stay, but at least we experienced warmer temperatures for a short time.  Although it still amazes me that we saw ice instead of water running down the mountains in Tennessee.  It just shows you what a cold winter it's been all over, because in all my travels as a child I never saw ice on those mountains.

It was so nice to see my Aunts and Grandma too.  The girls quickly warmed up to relatives they hardly knew.  Of course it helped that my aunt had a little Shiatzu dog that they loved chasing around.  By the end of our stay they were ready to trade in our large dog for hers.  We stayed up and talked for awhile after the kids girls had gone to sleep.  It was definitely nice to catch up and chat for awhile.  And they were kind enough to stock us up with sandwiches for the next day's drive to Florida.

Finally we reached Kissimmee.  We unpacked, while the girls jumped from couch to couch in our new home for the week.  They were so giddy with excitement that they seemed to bounce off the walls.  The hubs parents were nice enough to rent two condo units for our whole extended family, and because we had the largest family, we had a whole unit to ourselves (which meant we even had our own bedroom)!

We spent the next few days simply swimming.  Although both girls were a little leary to swim at first (remember their ongoing fear of water), they quickly grew fond of the water.  Kyra had digressed from her swim lessons from last year a bit, but generally did very well.  Katie however had been petrified from swim lessons last year and would bearly get in the water to begin.  Then once we grabbed coaxed her gently into the water, she clung to us with enough vigor to leave nail imprints into our skin.  She was deathly afraid of us letting go.  I wasn't sure we would ever get her to relax until good friends of ours showed how much their son loved to go in the pool with the confidence of his life jacket.  Fortunately, the following day Katie let us put the life jacket on her, and I simply let her go.  Once she realized she was floating on her own, she didn't want us to touch her.  All week long she said, "No momma, let go.  I want to do it my own self."  By the third day she was even jumping in the pool with no one catching her.  It was fun to watch her grin from ear to ear.  She loved the pool.  I know the life jacket may give her a false sense of security, but at least we are making some progress.  She even said she was open to the idea of swim lessons once again.

Our final big adventure of the week was going to Magic Kingdom.  We had debated whether or not we should go, since we only had one day to pack it all in, but threw caution to the wind and decided to go for it.  We are very glad we did.  My sister in-law kindly offered to take Andrew for the day, so we could focus on spending time with the girls.  And after the packed day we had, we were glad we were sans Andrew that day.  We truly packed in everything we could that day.  I think the first time we stopped for a break was close to 5:30 pm.  I worried about tiring our girls out by doing too much, but at the same time wanted to make sure we did and saw everything we wanted to for that day.  I wasn't disappointed, except for the weather (which started out with 46 degrees!).  But even the colder temps didn't slow us down that much.  We started the day off by meeting Arial.  She was the only princess we met, but fortunately the girls aren't really in to having their picture taken with characters so that worked out okay (more time to do rides).  We went on almost all the rides too.  I wasn't sure how they would do on many of them (since their are a few with elements of pitch black...a little scary for Katie), but they did fine.  A few of the rides Katie told us at the end that she never ever wanted to go on that ride again, but at least she didn't cry.  The parades were fantastic too.  The girls were glued to music and dancing.  But perhaps the best was the light show at the end.  Tinker Bell flew from Cinderella's Castle, and the girls were facinated by that. 

When I asked the girls what the favorite part of their day was, they both mentioned the Jungle Cruise, exploration on the Swiss Family Robinson tree house, and watching the Bear Jamboree.  Although, I'm sure Katie would say her favorite part of the trip was just swimming.  I'm hoping they aren't too young to remember this fun filled day.  Fortunately we have many pictures to mark the occasion.  Yes, it was another memorable vacation, and I'm thankful that we were blessed enough to have been able to go.