Yes - 2, 20%
No - 7, 70%
What kind of a question is that Kristi! - 1, 10%
I know, bizarre question! That is pretty much how I thought this poll would end up, except I am surprised that 2 people voted yes and I didn't even vote. I don't know why but both Andrew and Carson have done this. Andrew no longer does, but when he was Carson's age he did. I guess that is right where there right hand rests on my shoulder blade. I did notice when Chad was carrying Carson recently that Carson had a handful of Chad's shirt in his hand. Maybe they just feel more secure holding on to something.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sleep Walking??
For a while I've been wondering if some of Andrew's "waking" at night and ending up in our bed was due to sleep walking. But then I always dismissed the thought.
Last night Andrew went to bed around his usual time 8:00pm. Around 10:30 he quietly walked from his room, through the lit living room where Chad and I were still watching TV-shielding his eyes from the light, into our bedroom. He did start whimpering once he got to our bed and realized it was empty. Chad went in and picked him up and took him back to his bed. He was grinding his teeth while Chad carried him back to bed, which makes me think he was still asleep. He never said anything to Chad; when Andrew is awake he talks even if it is only a sleepy "What are you doing?" or "Why are you taking me back to my bed?" Do you think he could be sleep walking?? He was such a good sleeper for so long, but the past probably two months have been a struggle. I think he is also scarred at night as well.
After Chad and I went to bed, he was awake again around 11:30. He never left his room, just screamed "MOMMY!" several times. I went into his room, he was sitting up in bed. I helped him lay back down and covered him up. He was soon deep sleeping again. Neither of us said anything. He showed up in our room sometime later on, I really have no idea when! I woke up laying on my back, straight as a pencil, with my right shoulder touching Chad and my left touching Andrew and a very stiff back. This was around 4 when I got up and carried Andrew back to his bed. He showed up again later on before the sun came up. Over the past week I have done much of that, carrying Andrew back to his bed in the middle of the night. I have also just left him in our bed and gone to sleep on the couch or in Andrew's bed myself. It is really getting old. I guess it is a good thing Andrew was moved out of his crib into a double bed and not a toddler or twin bed! :)
Last night Andrew went to bed around his usual time 8:00pm. Around 10:30 he quietly walked from his room, through the lit living room where Chad and I were still watching TV-shielding his eyes from the light, into our bedroom. He did start whimpering once he got to our bed and realized it was empty. Chad went in and picked him up and took him back to his bed. He was grinding his teeth while Chad carried him back to bed, which makes me think he was still asleep. He never said anything to Chad; when Andrew is awake he talks even if it is only a sleepy "What are you doing?" or "Why are you taking me back to my bed?" Do you think he could be sleep walking?? He was such a good sleeper for so long, but the past probably two months have been a struggle. I think he is also scarred at night as well.
After Chad and I went to bed, he was awake again around 11:30. He never left his room, just screamed "MOMMY!" several times. I went into his room, he was sitting up in bed. I helped him lay back down and covered him up. He was soon deep sleeping again. Neither of us said anything. He showed up in our room sometime later on, I really have no idea when! I woke up laying on my back, straight as a pencil, with my right shoulder touching Chad and my left touching Andrew and a very stiff back. This was around 4 when I got up and carried Andrew back to his bed. He showed up again later on before the sun came up. Over the past week I have done much of that, carrying Andrew back to his bed in the middle of the night. I have also just left him in our bed and gone to sleep on the couch or in Andrew's bed myself. It is really getting old. I guess it is a good thing Andrew was moved out of his crib into a double bed and not a toddler or twin bed! :)
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Pizza Night
Often on Saturday nights with my family we would have pizza for supper. Tonight we decided to have pizza. And we decided to let Carson have a first taste of pizza. I gave him a little less than half of a piece of pizza. He really liked it and wanted more but that was all we were comfortable with giving him. That was around 6:00 and now it is 9:00, he is in bed and tolerated it with out any problems! YEAH! Maybe his dairy issues are behind him. So far all he has had is yogurt and the cheese on this pizza. Hopefully he will continue to do well.
Family Meals
Yesterday I made a meal my mother would often make on Sundays when we were growing up; Meatloaf, baked beans and cottage potatoes. This meal was one of my favorites! I didn't use her recipes because when she makes this particular meal she doesn't follow a recipe, she just does it. I did use recipes out of Mennonite cookbooks that used to be my grandmother's. While preparing this meal I thought of both my mother and grandmother a lot, two very important women in my life.
I don't very often make this much food for just the four of us (well three of us since Carson couldn't eat the Meatloaf or cottage potatoes). I am more of a one pot meal kind of cook. I felt like I was cooking all afternoon! In fact I WAS a lot of the time, in between getting interrupted for providing snacks, preparing a bottle, changing a diaper, redirecting the boys.... I think I would enjoy cooking more if I could just do solely that! Part of the time Carson was sitting on the kitchen counter watching me. I know- Bad Mother of the Year award goes to Kristi. But this way he isn't clinging/pulling on my pant leg whining. But I guess that if part of motherhood - multitasking! How did my mother cook for the 6 of us all those years, especially with the appetite of my two brothers?? And now how does she cook for the 12 of us?
Andrew really gobbled up this meal. I think he had at least three pieces of meatloaf. He normally loves any kind of potato but he didn't like the onions in these potatoes, they were still a little crisp. He said "I don't like salad!" Little did he know that there were onions in the meatloaf and beans, as well as many of the dishes I routinely make. I enjoyed watching him gobble up a meal that was one of my favorites as a child as well.
I don't very often make this much food for just the four of us (well three of us since Carson couldn't eat the Meatloaf or cottage potatoes). I am more of a one pot meal kind of cook. I felt like I was cooking all afternoon! In fact I WAS a lot of the time, in between getting interrupted for providing snacks, preparing a bottle, changing a diaper, redirecting the boys.... I think I would enjoy cooking more if I could just do solely that! Part of the time Carson was sitting on the kitchen counter watching me. I know- Bad Mother of the Year award goes to Kristi. But this way he isn't clinging/pulling on my pant leg whining. But I guess that if part of motherhood - multitasking! How did my mother cook for the 6 of us all those years, especially with the appetite of my two brothers?? And now how does she cook for the 12 of us?
Andrew really gobbled up this meal. I think he had at least three pieces of meatloaf. He normally loves any kind of potato but he didn't like the onions in these potatoes, they were still a little crisp. He said "I don't like salad!" Little did he know that there were onions in the meatloaf and beans, as well as many of the dishes I routinely make. I enjoyed watching him gobble up a meal that was one of my favorites as a child as well.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Best $3.00 purchase ever
The boys and I were running errands this morning. We went to Big Lots (I like to get cereals and snacks for the boys there) We found this battery operated bubble maker. It was really nice this afternoon, sunny and 50 but a little windy. We decided to go out and take advantage of the nicer weather and play with bubbles!
We also went to Kmart. I feel the same way about Kmart as Rainman does, "Kmart sucks." No really it isn't that bad but it isn't Target! We were in the check out line and it was taking a long time. Andrew was being OK, not bad just kind of obnoxious. There was a man behind us and I know he was just trying to help entertain Andrew but I was not appreciating it. I heard him making shooting noises and I could tell that he would be on one side of me then the other. I figured he was making a gun gesture with his hand too, I wasn't looking. Then sure enough Andrew starts making the same noise back at him and pointing his finger at the man. I told Andrew to stop. I felt like saying something to the man but I was already on edge (running errands with the boys sometimes as that effect on me!) and I was afraid if I tried to say something it might come out wrong. What do you do in these situations when a complete stranger is doing something you don't approve of and interacting with your child.
We also went to Kmart. I feel the same way about Kmart as Rainman does, "Kmart sucks." No really it isn't that bad but it isn't Target! We were in the check out line and it was taking a long time. Andrew was being OK, not bad just kind of obnoxious. There was a man behind us and I know he was just trying to help entertain Andrew but I was not appreciating it. I heard him making shooting noises and I could tell that he would be on one side of me then the other. I figured he was making a gun gesture with his hand too, I wasn't looking. Then sure enough Andrew starts making the same noise back at him and pointing his finger at the man. I told Andrew to stop. I felt like saying something to the man but I was already on edge (running errands with the boys sometimes as that effect on me!) and I was afraid if I tried to say something it might come out wrong. What do you do in these situations when a complete stranger is doing something you don't approve of and interacting with your child.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Farmer or Pirate??
So which one do you think Carson will be when he grows up?? A Farmer or a Pirate? We got this little tractor with two wagons behind it for Carson for Christmas. It has a farmer and four little animals to ride in the wagons. Carson enjoys riding it around, it is definately not a riding toy! Much too small! I guess he wants the outdoor Gaitor like his big brother.
Carson got this at a his cousin's birthday party with the theme Tinker Bell. All the boys got pirate themed party favors. He will bring it to you wanting it on. He fell on a toy today scrapping his nose. I thought the "pirate cap" fit well with the scrape making him look a little rough and tough.
Spring Story Hour
Today was Story Hour at the Library. The previous themes were always winter related but today it switched to spring. They read stories about spring time and then this was the craft the kids painted. Andrew painted the stem and leaf of the flower. I painted his hand and helped him press it on the paper. They also sprinkled it with Jello crystals for decoration and then the flower smelled.
This is the song we all sang to the tune of Up on the roof top. (I think that is what it is called)
Winter is gone and now it's spring.
Flowers bloom and robins sing.
The sunshine is warm; it's nice and bright.
The butterflies are a pretty sight!
Spring, spring, spring! Now it's here.
Spring, spring, spring! Give a cheer!
Winter is gone and now it's spring.
Let's shout, "Hooray! We're glad it's spring!"
"I just want you to lay by me."
So now it is Andrew who is keeping me up at night. For a while now he makes his way to our room during the night. I often just let him crawl in bed next to me but I do not sleep well then. He is such a little bed hog! My mom mentioned one of her co-workers is going through this as well and that they have started letting her sleep on the floor in their bedroom. So I thought it was worth a try.
Before Andrew's bed time we took a pillow and blanket into Chad & I's bedroom. I told him that if he came in our room during the night, he would sleep on the floor or else go back to his room. He was actually excited about it and might have just gone to sleep there if I had let him. He slept in his room till about 1:30 and then came and layed down on the blanket. But whimpered continuously until I asked him what was wrong. "I just want you to lay by me." I told him he could lay there or go back to his room. He was also scarred of a shadow on our wall. He wanted to go back to his room. I took him back to his room and then I went back to our bed. I was surprised he didn't protest too much. But then he came back around 5 and wouldn't lay on the floor and wouldn't lay in his bed alone. So I laid down in his bed with him and we both fell asleep.
I'm not sure what our next game plan will be. Kids sure keep you guessing, just when you think you have them figured out they change things on you! Fortunately Carson slept from 8pm to 8am last night.
Before Andrew's bed time we took a pillow and blanket into Chad & I's bedroom. I told him that if he came in our room during the night, he would sleep on the floor or else go back to his room. He was actually excited about it and might have just gone to sleep there if I had let him. He slept in his room till about 1:30 and then came and layed down on the blanket. But whimpered continuously until I asked him what was wrong. "I just want you to lay by me." I told him he could lay there or go back to his room. He was also scarred of a shadow on our wall. He wanted to go back to his room. I took him back to his room and then I went back to our bed. I was surprised he didn't protest too much. But then he came back around 5 and wouldn't lay on the floor and wouldn't lay in his bed alone. So I laid down in his bed with him and we both fell asleep.
I'm not sure what our next game plan will be. Kids sure keep you guessing, just when you think you have them figured out they change things on you! Fortunately Carson slept from 8pm to 8am last night.
Carson passed the first test!
We decided that yesterday was the day to attempt to give Carson some dairy. Our pediatrician here recommended trying yogurt first. So last night Chad gave Carson just one bite of yogurt. He seemed to like it and tolerated it well! I was afraid he would soon be vomiting! So today at lunch I gave him a bowl with several spoonfuls of yogurt in it. So far so good. I am relieved! What a praise. Not sure what we will try next or when. I have heard that people that have issues with dairy can tolerate raw milk straight from the dairy farm better than pasteurized milk, so maybe we will try that.
Monday, March 24, 2008
What part of the green onion do you use?
the green part 1 (9%)
the white part 2 (18%)
a little green, a little white 1 (9%)
the whole thing 7 (68%)
Whenever I use a green onion for cooking I'm never certain what portion of it to use. I usually end up using all of the white and most of the green-so I guess the whole thing. Just was curious.
the white part 2 (18%)
a little green, a little white 1 (9%)
the whole thing 7 (68%)
Whenever I use a green onion for cooking I'm never certain what portion of it to use. I usually end up using all of the white and most of the green-so I guess the whole thing. Just was curious.
Easter Weekend
We spent the weekend at my parents for Easter. We drove there Friday night just as the snow was beginning to cover the roads. There were several inches of snow on the ground Saturday morning. It really is spring, isn't it?? We were all together on Saturday for lunch except for my youngest brother Tim. We missed not having him around. Andrew & Carson love being with their Grandmas & Grandpas, Aunts & Uncles and now cousins on both sides of our families. Carson was very jealous when I was holding our new little niece. Carson called Tim on my parents phone Sunday morning. We didn't realize it until Tim called back saying he just got a really strange phone call but could hear my mom in the background saying "are you calling somebody??" I guess Carson just wanted to include his Uncle Tim!
On the way back to our house, I was singing different songs with the boys. (Carson doesn't travel very well, he gets tired of being strapped into his carseat) Often in the car I will sing songs that I sang at church as a child or songs from camp-Little Eden. I would ask Andrew what he wanted to sing, he would make up a song and ask if I would sing that one with him. He would get frustrated when I didn't know how that song went. Or when asked what song he wanted to sing he would try to describe a song to me that I have sung before. He said "what about the bopping them on the head hare song" -little bunny foo foo. He really likes the rap version of the camp song Little cabin in the woods. Andrew asked Chad what song he wanted to sing-Take me out to the ball game. Carson likes trying to do the motions to songs like Running Over or Building up the Temple. I'm sure people that we passed wondered what I was doing with all the different hand motions! The things you will do to entertain a child in the car!!
On the way back to our house, I was singing different songs with the boys. (Carson doesn't travel very well, he gets tired of being strapped into his carseat) Often in the car I will sing songs that I sang at church as a child or songs from camp-Little Eden. I would ask Andrew what he wanted to sing, he would make up a song and ask if I would sing that one with him. He would get frustrated when I didn't know how that song went. Or when asked what song he wanted to sing he would try to describe a song to me that I have sung before. He said "what about the bopping them on the head hare song" -little bunny foo foo. He really likes the rap version of the camp song Little cabin in the woods. Andrew asked Chad what song he wanted to sing-Take me out to the ball game. Carson likes trying to do the motions to songs like Running Over or Building up the Temple. I'm sure people that we passed wondered what I was doing with all the different hand motions! The things you will do to entertain a child in the car!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Church Play Group
Today was the first church play group. We had been talking about getting together for a few weeks now. I think we will plan on meeting twice a month and see how it goes. Everybody came to our house today. There were 6 mothers and 10 children from the ages of 2 months to 5 years old. It was a lot of fun and a little crazy all at the same time! :) Andrew loves having other children to run around with but also had a little difficulty sharing all of his toys with them at times. Carson enjoyed himself, once he finally stopped clinging to me. He was not too happy when I was holding the little 2 month old! But he doesn't really like it when I hold Andrew either. He can be a little Moma's boy sometimes. We feel blessed to find these women and children to spend time with.
Andrew loves to sing
I made this music player at MyFlashFetish.com.
Andrew has been singing/yelling the first phrase of the song Circle of Life recently. It is the opening song of the movie Lion King. Often it is when it is somewhat quiet and he burst out into "Aah!..." (I'm really not sure how to spell the rest of the phrase.) It took me a few times to figure out what he was actually saying and where it came from but not it is perfectly clear each time.
When I made the above ipod it had a neat tiger print on it to go with the lion king but somehow when I transferred it to the blog it was this boring yellow. oh well.
When I made the above ipod it had a neat tiger print on it to go with the lion king but somehow when I transferred it to the blog it was this boring yellow. oh well.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Baby Shoes
Aren't baby shoes too cute?? It is probably a good thing that I have two boys because they don't need as many shoes as little girls! Andrew had this pair of Robeez that he wore nearly every day from the time he was about 10 months till 18 months.
We loved these shoes. They are really cute and soft soled for learning to walk. Carson has worn these as well. Carson also has this other pair of Robeez with dump trucks. We got these as a baby gift and they fit him perfectly because he loves dump trucks! We have a large metal tonka dump truck that he would put things in and zoom it around the house. Then I noticed knicks on the cupboard doors and the door frames, so it is now in the basement for him to play with.
This fall we got Carson a pair of Pediped shoes. I loved these cute little shoes! They are also very flexible with soft leather soles, but I liked that they looked more like an actual shoe. (I still love the Robeez, liked having the option between the two.) This pair was nice because he could wear them just about anywhere. These shoes have become a nice baby gift for me to give people. I most admit that I was a bit disappointed when I had to finally accept that these are too small for Carson. Today he wore a pair of brown leather hard soled shoes to church that had been Andrew's. They are really cute too, but I think it is more the thought of letting go & realizing that Carson is getting bigger. Carson didn't mind. Chad got him dressed and he marched right into the bathroom where I was getting ready. He bent over pointing to his shoes and attempted to say shoes.
ps.i have found a great website for shoes that right now are paying you for overnight shipping! that is right, the shoes end up costing less and no shipping charge to you.
Black Bean Salsa with Pineapple
Last night we went to a couple's house from church. The young adults get together once a month. We have only gone to one other of these gatherings since we started attending this church. We were always out of town the other times they got together. It is nice to have this group of people. The past four years prior to moving here we didn't have a church we could call home. Over those four years we went to several different churches but just couldn't find "the one". Most of the couples have young children that Andrew & Carson enjoying playing with. They usually bring a snack to share. This is what we took. It was very tasty, different from the typical salsa I make & pretty too don't you think?? 
Black Bean Salsa with Pineapple
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)-I chopped these up a little
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
1 T. olive oil
1 seeded jalapeno pepper, minced
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss and serve with tortilla chips.
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve juice)-I chopped these up a little
1 cup red bell pepper, diced
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
1 T. olive oil
1 seeded jalapeno pepper, minced
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss and serve with tortilla chips.
Mr. Independent
Usually when I give Carson a banana to eat I cut it into slices for him to pick up or hand him a larger section of the banana to hold in his hands and eat. Yesterday I broke of a section and attempted to hand it to him. He was not pleased with this! He kept whining and pointing to the banana that I was holding with the peal still intact. So I handed him the banana with the peal on and the other section I had broken off. He then tried to put the section I had broken off back on the banana, which of course didn't work. He was very content holding the banana and eating like a big boy.
I remember this exact thing happening with Andrew. There was a time when he wanted to eat the banana while it was still in the peal. Now if I could only remember how old he was when this happened.
I remember this exact thing happening with Andrew. There was a time when he wanted to eat the banana while it was still in the peal. Now if I could only remember how old he was when this happened.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Long distance high fives
Uncle Justin (for those of you that enjoy biking, check out Justin's site) taught Andrew how to do "long distance high fives". They have shared these over the phone or across the room. You each hold up your hands (getting ready for the high five), count out loud to three and high five the air and make one click noise with your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Carson has started doing these "long distance high fives" as well! We didn't purposely teach this to him, he just picked it up from watching us do it with Andrew. It is way too cute and the smiles on their faces show how much they both enjoy giving them.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
What a beautiful day
It was such a nice day here today. It was sunny and in the 50's. This morning we went to the Grand Opening of Peebles department store. There isn't a whole lot of shopping here; a small J.C. Penney, Kmart & Wal-mart, that's about it. I was pleasantly surprised with this new option of shopping. I still would of rather had a Target. We weren't there very long, the boys are NOT good shoppers!
This afternoon we went to Jump & Shout. A friend made this shirt for Andrew. This week whenever we put on his music he wanted to have this shirt on. The theme at Jump & Shout today was cars & trains. After one activity, the kids were all sitting down and Andrew said "whew, that was a work -out!"
After Carson's nap we went for a walk/stroller ride. It was a bit breezy for Carson, he still seems a little sensitive to wind & cold, he gasps. Pushing them (57+ pounds) in our double stroller up hills is a nice workout. They both enjoyed playing outside for a little while before coming in to make supper. I hope this slightly warmer weather is here to stay.
This afternoon we went to Jump & Shout. A friend made this shirt for Andrew. This week whenever we put on his music he wanted to have this shirt on. The theme at Jump & Shout today was cars & trains. After one activity, the kids were all sitting down and Andrew said "whew, that was a work -out!"
After Carson's nap we went for a walk/stroller ride. It was a bit breezy for Carson, he still seems a little sensitive to wind & cold, he gasps. Pushing them (57+ pounds) in our double stroller up hills is a nice workout. They both enjoyed playing outside for a little while before coming in to make supper. I hope this slightly warmer weather is here to stay.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Beef Barley Soup
Recipe & picture from Taste of Home.2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 T. vegetable oil
5 cups water
4 celery ribs, chopped
4 medium carrots, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 T. tomato paste
4 t. beef bouillon granules
1 t. each dried oregano, thyme, basil and parsley flakes
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 cup quick-cooking barley
In a Dutch oven, brown meat in oil on all sides; drain. Add the water, celery, carrots, onion, tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 50 mintues.
Stir in barley; cover and simmer 10-15 minutes longer or until barley is tender.
We all really enjoyed this stew. Here is a picture of Carson after eating the stew. I don't think this picture truly shows just how messy he was!
At what age did you first give your child peanut butter?
6-12 months - 0%
12-18 months - 50%
18-24 months - 12%
2 years - 37 %
3 years - 0%
The reason I asked this question was because one night I made a peanut sauce to eat over rice with various toppings and I debated about giving it to Carson. I know our pediatrician that we saw before moving said to wait till the child was 1 year before giving them milk, eggs, peanut butter & shellfish. I recently read an article in a magazine that recommended waiting until the child was 2 before eating peanut butter but it was talking about children that have allergies or have relatives that have allergies. With Andrew I'm pretty sure he had peanut butter shortly after turning one but with Carson I was a little more hesitant because of his other issues with milk proteins (even though it isn't technically an allergy). We did end up giving it to him, and he loved it.
I struggle with deciding what to make for meals. I have to think about what Carson is able to have to eat and textures that he can physically chew with only 6 teeth and what Andrew will like. Sometimes I make things that Carson can't have and then just give him other things to eat. I hope one day we won't have to worry about what he can and can not have to eat.
12-18 months - 50%
18-24 months - 12%
2 years - 37 %
3 years - 0%
The reason I asked this question was because one night I made a peanut sauce to eat over rice with various toppings and I debated about giving it to Carson. I know our pediatrician that we saw before moving said to wait till the child was 1 year before giving them milk, eggs, peanut butter & shellfish. I recently read an article in a magazine that recommended waiting until the child was 2 before eating peanut butter but it was talking about children that have allergies or have relatives that have allergies. With Andrew I'm pretty sure he had peanut butter shortly after turning one but with Carson I was a little more hesitant because of his other issues with milk proteins (even though it isn't technically an allergy). We did end up giving it to him, and he loved it.
I struggle with deciding what to make for meals. I have to think about what Carson is able to have to eat and textures that he can physically chew with only 6 teeth and what Andrew will like. Sometimes I make things that Carson can't have and then just give him other things to eat. I hope one day we won't have to worry about what he can and can not have to eat.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Guilty
Today Andrew and Carson were playing on Andrew's big blue chair. I didn't see what happened, but Carson was on the floor crying. I went over and was comforting Carson. I asked Andrew what happened. He said "I'm not sure. I think he fell." I asked if he did something to Carson. Andrew began nervously playing with his hands and said "I don't want to answer that question." Turns out he had pushed Carson down with his foot.
At times like this, I find it hard not to laugh at things he does or says like that when I need to be serious.
At times like this, I find it hard not to laugh at things he does or says like that when I need to be serious.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Another Snow Day
This past weekend we were snowed in. It started snowing Friday morning and continued through Saturday evening. The news said we had 16 inches of snow during that time. Chad started this snow fort/igloo/tunnel on Saturday. After the kids were in bed Sat. evening, Chad & I went out and finished it. To be a kid again! I think Chad enjoyed making it more than the boys liked playing in it! 
Andrew making snow pies with the frisbee.
Today was much warmer, in the upper 40s I think and the snow is starting to melt. The boys and I went out to enjoy the snow while it lasts. It is supposed to be near 50 on Thursday & Friday. It is going to be a mess! Less than two weeks until the first day of spring. I am really ready for some warm weather and sunshine.
Carson mowing the driveway.
Carson mowing the driveway.
Andrew making snow pies with the frisbee.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
How sweet it is!
Carson has always been a bit of a challenge when it comes to sleeping. For the longest time he would only take two 30 minute naps a day. He would wake up several times a night. We had to walk around the room, bouncing him and singing to him to get him to go to sleep (and it was always easier for Chad). I made excuses for his lack of sleeping...he's hungry, he's gassey, he's teething, then we found out about the milk intolerance so his stomach was upset.... Then I finally just began to accept that he doesn't need much sleep because he was generally pretty happy throughout the day. We had tried before to get him to go to sleep on his own but he would cry and cry and cry really hard for 20 minutes (that is as long as I could stand it). Maybe I just needed to be more consistent with it.
I thought we had a good bed time routine but in Jan. we decided something needed to change! I was so tired of trying to get him to take naps and tired of getting up with him at night. We added a few things to his routine. After his bath we always had him say goodnight to Andrew and us. Then we started reading him the same two books every night, Snuggle Puppy & Goodnight Moon. We had him say good night to this wall hanging in his closet with different animals on it that he seems to really like and then he gets to turn off his light. We hug him and lay him down with his Curious George. And he now goes to sleep on his own. The first couple times were a little rough but after that he has done really well. He even plays in his crib sometimes now...before if he was in his crib he was either asleep or crying. He now sleeps through the night about 50% of the time and takes one afternoon nap anywhere from 1-2 hours. How wonderful!
During the time that we were trying to get him to go to sleep on his own, I would lay Curious George in his bed, give him one of Carson's pacifiers and cover him up with a blanket. Carson and I would tell him good night. I thought maybe this would make him more comfortable with his bed and that it wasn't such a bad place to be. (hey, I was desperate!) So now when he wakes up from a nap and I come to get him, he often will lay George down, give him his pacifier and point at the blanket for me to cover him up.
I thought we had a good bed time routine but in Jan. we decided something needed to change! I was so tired of trying to get him to take naps and tired of getting up with him at night. We added a few things to his routine. After his bath we always had him say goodnight to Andrew and us. Then we started reading him the same two books every night, Snuggle Puppy & Goodnight Moon. We had him say good night to this wall hanging in his closet with different animals on it that he seems to really like and then he gets to turn off his light. We hug him and lay him down with his Curious George. And he now goes to sleep on his own. The first couple times were a little rough but after that he has done really well. He even plays in his crib sometimes now...before if he was in his crib he was either asleep or crying. He now sleeps through the night about 50% of the time and takes one afternoon nap anywhere from 1-2 hours. How wonderful!
During the time that we were trying to get him to go to sleep on his own, I would lay Curious George in his bed, give him one of Carson's pacifiers and cover him up with a blanket. Carson and I would tell him good night. I thought maybe this would make him more comfortable with his bed and that it wasn't such a bad place to be. (hey, I was desperate!) So now when he wakes up from a nap and I come to get him, he often will lay George down, give him his pacifier and point at the blanket for me to cover him up.
"I'm walking on the treadmill"
Andrew was standing on this chair at the kitchen island helping me stir up pancakes. He started walking in place on the chair sliding his feet on the chair. He said "I'm walking on the treadmill."
Friday, March 7, 2008
Tasmanian Devil
Carson is at an age where he really enjoys making messes. He is like a little Tasmanian Devil leaving a path of destruction where ever he goes. He enjoys pulling clothes out of our dresser drawers, tupperware out of kitchen cabinets, items out of our bathroom cabinets, and of course books off of shelves and toys everywhere. With their toys I usually pick up a little during the day or when they are finished with one toy and have moved on to something else I encourage them to put the other toy away. Well today I just let it go. Here is a picture of the destruction and then an after picture when Carson took his nap and Andrew and I picked up the toys. Of course Carson had some help with this destruction.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Incident Report at 2nd Swimming Lessons
Andrew had his second swimming lesson today. They did a lot of the same things. He is pretty comfortable in the water. At the end they have free time to play with toys. At his first lesson he played on a large foam board that was in the shape of the fish. Well when it was time to get out today he wanted to play on the foam fish. I told him that it was time to get out but maybe next week he could play on it. He was pretty upset but had recovered by the time he made his way up the steps. He then took off running, I was telling him not to run as well as the lifeguard. Sure enough feet slip out from under him and he lands flat on his back, hitting his head and elbows pretty hard on the tile. He cried very loudly (he never has a quiet cry). I think he was a little embarrassed as well as hurt. They filled out an incident report. I think he is fine. I did notice a bruise starting to show on his elbow but no bumps on his head. Hopefully next time he will think twice before running, I just hope it doesn't make him hesitant about going back to swimming lessons.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
One Heartbeat at a time
Before I get started lets just say that I truly do enjoy being a mother and my days with the boys. That being said I certainly have moments, hours, days where I feel a little selfish. Like I don't have enough time for myself or Chad, or I don't get much accomplished around the house, or the things I do don't seem to matter.
Today I went to the MOPS group that I started going to this fall. One of the women shared this song with us on CD. I found a portion of it on YouTube and thought I would share it. It's by Steven Curtis Chapman, One Heartbeat at a Time. It was really meaningful to me. Reminding me what an important job being a mother really is.
The speaker at MOPS today shared some of her own motherhood experiences. (First born-born with one leg shorter than the other, going through multiple surgeries & leg lengthening procedures; Second born-born without a bladder and only lived an 1 1/2 hrs. both of which she found out about at an ultrasound around 5 months pregnant and other things they have gone through) Her strength was incredible. I can only imagine the pain they have gone through. It was a very emotional time, no one cries alone around me! And I can't quite get the tears to stop flowing, the faucet will not turn off. It doesn't help that it is so cold, dreary and rainy here. Hearing her story makes me wonder how I would get through something like this. It also makes me incredibly thankful for the two healthy children we have been blessed with! I think I will go curl up on the couch with Andrew and read some books.
Today I went to the MOPS group that I started going to this fall. One of the women shared this song with us on CD. I found a portion of it on YouTube and thought I would share it. It's by Steven Curtis Chapman, One Heartbeat at a Time. It was really meaningful to me. Reminding me what an important job being a mother really is.
The speaker at MOPS today shared some of her own motherhood experiences. (First born-born with one leg shorter than the other, going through multiple surgeries & leg lengthening procedures; Second born-born without a bladder and only lived an 1 1/2 hrs. both of which she found out about at an ultrasound around 5 months pregnant and other things they have gone through) Her strength was incredible. I can only imagine the pain they have gone through. It was a very emotional time, no one cries alone around me! And I can't quite get the tears to stop flowing, the faucet will not turn off. It doesn't help that it is so cold, dreary and rainy here. Hearing her story makes me wonder how I would get through something like this. It also makes me incredibly thankful for the two healthy children we have been blessed with! I think I will go curl up on the couch with Andrew and read some books.
Monday, March 3, 2008
The Independent Player
Carson often is a very good independent player. He plays with one thing and when he is done with that he marches on to something else. That is until Andrew feels like he needs to always have what Carson is playing with.
Here he is "reading" a book. He laid down on this pillow with this book one morning last week and was jabbering away!
After I put Andrew down for his much needed nap today, this is where I found Carson, playing IN the train/activity table drawer.
I realize these pictures are pretty much the same but for whatever reason I couldn't decide which to post. I liked his ornery smile on the left!
Here he is "reading" a book. He laid down on this pillow with this book one morning last week and was jabbering away!
After I put Andrew down for his much needed nap today, this is where I found Carson, playing IN the train/activity table drawer.
I realize these pictures are pretty much the same but for whatever reason I couldn't decide which to post. I liked his ornery smile on the left!
Swimming Lessons
Andrew had his first swimming lessons today. The instructor had us sit on the side of the pool for a few minutes before starting. She came over to Andrew & I to introduce herself since it was our first time and right away she said "He's not afraid of the water, is he?!" Andrew really enjoyed the lessons. We sang a few songs doing different things in the water with the songs, he jumped in from the side, attempted a sitting dive from the side, swam with support both on his stomach and back. Then at the end they had free time to play with toys and pool noodles. He of course did not want to get out of the water when the half hour was up! We will do it again Wednesday. Carson was in the childcare at the YMCA, which he was not pleased with!
Andrew hasn't been taking a nap on a regular basis for several months now (Heavy HEAVY sigh) But after eating lunch I could tell he was really tired (we had story hour at the library prior to swimming lessons) I came into our bedroom to check email and he came in here too. He wanted to watch a show in here (he already had a show turned on for him in the living room) I told him no. He started crying and screaming/yelling/whaling "I want to watch a show! I want to watch a show!" over and over. so I told him he needed to take a nap. I laid him in his bed and closed the shades while he was still yelling "I want to watch a show!" but for a few times it switched to "Don't shut the shades! Don't shut the shades!" I did Carson's nap time routine, while Andrew continued to yell "I want to watch a show!" He is asleep now. I'm grateful for the quiet time now. But at 10:00 tonight I will have regretted him taking a nap because he will still be awake!
A sweet site like this makes up for all the "I want to watch a show!" yelling, well almost.
Andrew hasn't been taking a nap on a regular basis for several months now (Heavy HEAVY sigh) But after eating lunch I could tell he was really tired (we had story hour at the library prior to swimming lessons) I came into our bedroom to check email and he came in here too. He wanted to watch a show in here (he already had a show turned on for him in the living room) I told him no. He started crying and screaming/yelling/whaling "I want to watch a show! I want to watch a show!" over and over. so I told him he needed to take a nap. I laid him in his bed and closed the shades while he was still yelling "I want to watch a show!" but for a few times it switched to "Don't shut the shades! Don't shut the shades!" I did Carson's nap time routine, while Andrew continued to yell "I want to watch a show!" He is asleep now. I'm grateful for the quiet time now. But at 10:00 tonight I will have regretted him taking a nap because he will still be awake!
A sweet site like this makes up for all the "I want to watch a show!" yelling, well almost.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Carson is 16 months old
Yesterday Carson turned 16 months old. He sort of had a rough day. In the morning he was playing near our activity/train table and hit his head on the corner of the table. He had quite the knot on his eyebrow. Then in the early afternoon he was playing under the kitchen table with two balls, he slipped and hit his mouth on the leg of the table. He has a small cut on the inside of his lower lip. In the late afternoon he was having a sled ride with Chad and wiped out. The sled tipped over onto the snow that had a crispy top layer due to the rain/ice on top of it. The right side of his face was rather blotchy red. (Chad did admit that the ride was little fast in speed while going up a small hill and turning!) He is surprisingly tough. Each of these brought him to tears but he recovers so quickly and is back to playing. And today none of these injuries are visible. It is amazing how quickly the body can heal.
He is becoming more and more independent, when he wants to be. During church today I was helping him hold his snack bowl with cheerios in it but he kept grabbing my hand and throwing my hand away. He did not need my help! Yet when people talk to him he very shyly & serious like clings to my leg or shirt. At least he doesn't scream like Andrew used to when people talked to him.
His new favorite words are Daddy (pronounced like daddy but more like Da-yee), ball & hot. Also during church today he was peaking around the lady in front of us and saying "Hi" on one side of her head then the other, I think to our pastor during the sermon. He also likes to laugh when other people do during the church service.
I get really tired of hearing the boys fight, more like Andrew doing things to Carson or taking things away from him and then hearing Carson squeal. I know this feuding is only just begun but by the end of the day I'm ready to pull my hair out when this happens. But I LOVE to hear Andrew & Carson share giggles!
What a fun age!!
He is becoming more and more independent, when he wants to be. During church today I was helping him hold his snack bowl with cheerios in it but he kept grabbing my hand and throwing my hand away. He did not need my help! Yet when people talk to him he very shyly & serious like clings to my leg or shirt. At least he doesn't scream like Andrew used to when people talked to him.
His new favorite words are Daddy (pronounced like daddy but more like Da-yee), ball & hot. Also during church today he was peaking around the lady in front of us and saying "Hi" on one side of her head then the other, I think to our pastor during the sermon. He also likes to laugh when other people do during the church service.
I get really tired of hearing the boys fight, more like Andrew doing things to Carson or taking things away from him and then hearing Carson squeal. I know this feuding is only just begun but by the end of the day I'm ready to pull my hair out when this happens. But I LOVE to hear Andrew & Carson share giggles!
What a fun age!!
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