So I've been trying to keep this blog/journal for 4 years now. I stink at it. I'll have my days where I'm really good at getting on here and writing something, but then MONTHS. I don't know why I don't make myself do it more. My mom has been keeping a DAILY journal since 1977. Seriously. She has 30 books of journaling. I can think of any day in my life and go find out what she had to say about that day. Usually it's just composed of "Today, I..." but how neat is it to be able to know that in October of 1977, she went to KFC for lunch and spent $1.50 total. Or being able to go back to the '80's and read about every day of my brother's life.
So I'm going to try (again) to pick it back up.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tyler's First Birthday
Well, it's been a year. We woke up this morning to Tyler making a lot of noise. At 7:30. AM. Go figure. Guess he wanted to get an early start on the day. I don't think Aunt Erin liked it very much - but she had earplugs in. So I got Tyler out of the pack-n-play and put him in bed with John and me. He just wanted to play mountain climber. Typical. We were supposed to be leaving for Silver Dollar City at 9, so I went ahead and got up to get ready. We found out later that Tyler was everyone else's alarm clock, too... Mom and Dad (and Brayden) were in the adjoining room and could hear him, so they all got up. We went down to the hospitality room to see what they had for breakfast. It was packed with all the teens for young Christians weekend. Had some donuts and took a few back for Mom and Brayden. Finally we all got ready and got the diaper bag ready to go. We had PLANNED for the Young Clan to go with us at 9, but they weren't even up yet.
So we took off for The City. It was a little chilly out, and kind of looked like rain, but we were all being optimistic that the weather would get better. It didn't. I think the stupid weather fairy was out to get us (again). But we had a pretty good day anyway. Tyler tried to ride some of the smaller rides, but he didn't like them!! I was really surprised because he's usually such a thrill seeker. Brayden LOVED everything and couldn't stand to leave. He especially loved the spinning teacups. I wanted him to ride the mini-rollercoaster, but it started raining so they shut it down. =(
We just kind of stuck it out through the rain... We rode the train (Tyler and Brayden gave the "bandits" some money), rode the Shoot-out (Tyler actually really liked that), and sat and listened to the Pickers (Brayden fell asleep; Tyler sang along & clapped). I think it would have been a lot more fun had the weather been drier and warmer, but it was still a neat thing to spend the day with the "whole" family. As we were getting ready to leave, Pure Heart was getting ready to sing on the Main Square stage. There was NO ONE there listening, so I thought the boys might like to go dance to their music. We all headed over there and Tyler started to CRAWL UP ON STAGE. So the girls picked him up and started singing to him!!! It was just too cute. They got especially excited when we told them it was his birthday. It was the perfect end to the day.
I cannot believe that he's one year old already. He's 20 lbs and 30" long. So he's really tall and very skinny. He still has red hair, and we can't go ANYWHERE without people commenting on it. It's also really long and curly in the back, so sometimes he gets mistaken for a girl. His eyes are a very dark brownish green. He is attached to me for about 90% of the time. He can't stand to be away from me for too long. He's already trying to talk and we *think* we've heard him say Mama, Dada, PawPaw, love you (vvv-eeeew), and again (giiiiii). He loves to play with Brayden, but he's VERY violent. He likes to hit and thinks it's very funny. He obeys a LOT better than Brayden did, but generally he only listens to me - when John tells him no, he just laughs. He's a pretty good humored baby as long as there are people around. He's been a great addition to our family, and we can't imagine life without him.
So we took off for The City. It was a little chilly out, and kind of looked like rain, but we were all being optimistic that the weather would get better. It didn't. I think the stupid weather fairy was out to get us (again). But we had a pretty good day anyway. Tyler tried to ride some of the smaller rides, but he didn't like them!! I was really surprised because he's usually such a thrill seeker. Brayden LOVED everything and couldn't stand to leave. He especially loved the spinning teacups. I wanted him to ride the mini-rollercoaster, but it started raining so they shut it down. =(
We just kind of stuck it out through the rain... We rode the train (Tyler and Brayden gave the "bandits" some money), rode the Shoot-out (Tyler actually really liked that), and sat and listened to the Pickers (Brayden fell asleep; Tyler sang along & clapped). I think it would have been a lot more fun had the weather been drier and warmer, but it was still a neat thing to spend the day with the "whole" family. As we were getting ready to leave, Pure Heart was getting ready to sing on the Main Square stage. There was NO ONE there listening, so I thought the boys might like to go dance to their music. We all headed over there and Tyler started to CRAWL UP ON STAGE. So the girls picked him up and started singing to him!!! It was just too cute. They got especially excited when we told them it was his birthday. It was the perfect end to the day.
I cannot believe that he's one year old already. He's 20 lbs and 30" long. So he's really tall and very skinny. He still has red hair, and we can't go ANYWHERE without people commenting on it. It's also really long and curly in the back, so sometimes he gets mistaken for a girl. His eyes are a very dark brownish green. He is attached to me for about 90% of the time. He can't stand to be away from me for too long. He's already trying to talk and we *think* we've heard him say Mama, Dada, PawPaw, love you (vvv-eeeew), and again (giiiiii). He loves to play with Brayden, but he's VERY violent. He likes to hit and thinks it's very funny. He obeys a LOT better than Brayden did, but generally he only listens to me - when John tells him no, he just laughs. He's a pretty good humored baby as long as there are people around. He's been a great addition to our family, and we can't imagine life without him.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
Gee willikers!
"I must have peace and quiet so I'm going to put you in my chamber of silence!" (Tasha in "Fly Girl")
Oh, I can't even begin to say how glad I am to have kids. I would have never discovered the Backyardigans if it weren't for them. Seriously, I think I love this cartoon more than the boys do. I find myself watching as intently as they do most of the time. And laughing more. Probably because neither of them "get" the jokes and puns yet (like a dragon egg that escapes and they say, "Catch that runny egg!").
I will come back to this blog from time to time to add more of my favorite Backyardigans quotes.
Oh, I can't even begin to say how glad I am to have kids. I would have never discovered the Backyardigans if it weren't for them. Seriously, I think I love this cartoon more than the boys do. I find myself watching as intently as they do most of the time. And laughing more. Probably because neither of them "get" the jokes and puns yet (like a dragon egg that escapes and they say, "Catch that runny egg!").
I will come back to this blog from time to time to add more of my favorite Backyardigans quotes.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Oh, Boy.
In the world of little boys there is not much down time. Maybe the occassional nap (if Mommy is lucky!), but for the most part it is 110% go time all the time. My boys are all boy. Through and through - snakes and snails (and rocks) and puppy dogs' tails... They are drawn toward dirt and bugs like a chef to an unchopped onion. It's like they can just SENSE its presence in the room and are utterly determined to exploit it for all its worth. And then eat it.
Brayden got his first real black eye this weekend. Jumping on the bed. No matter how many times you tell him not to do something, he feels that he NEEDS to continue doing so. Even after his near brush with death, he can still be found using his mattress as an indoor trampoline. Boy.
Tyler was found the other day with a runny nose. And a ladybug stuck in his snot. Boy.
Brayden recently decided that it's worthwile to learn how to make himself fart. And although that probably comes from me, it's still a BOY tendency. So... Boy.
Tyler has already learned how to wrestle and understands what "Get 'em!" means. Boy.
It also seems that the boys think our house is one giant jungle gym. Anything that sits, stands or lays still for more than a few seconds is likely to get scaled. But watch out, because it's also likely to become formerly mentioned trampoline as well.
But I have to admit that (even though I'm worn out most of the time) my days aren't boring. Ever. And with both boys doing something new almost every day, it's even kind of fun. Brayden is starting to pick up new words - today he learned hiccup (ah-gop) and tried to sing, "I just want to celebrate...another day of life!" (well, he sang "el-bay....iiiiii-eeeee"). Tyler is getting closer and closer to walking. Anyday now. And we think he's starting to try talking, too!! He will mock our sounds and about 80% of the time we can tell that he's trying to say something after us!! I can't believe that my little boys are growing up so quickly. I'm sure that I have so much more boy-ness to look forward to....
Brayden got his first real black eye this weekend. Jumping on the bed. No matter how many times you tell him not to do something, he feels that he NEEDS to continue doing so. Even after his near brush with death, he can still be found using his mattress as an indoor trampoline. Boy.
Tyler was found the other day with a runny nose. And a ladybug stuck in his snot. Boy.
Brayden recently decided that it's worthwile to learn how to make himself fart. And although that probably comes from me, it's still a BOY tendency. So... Boy.
Tyler has already learned how to wrestle and understands what "Get 'em!" means. Boy.
It also seems that the boys think our house is one giant jungle gym. Anything that sits, stands or lays still for more than a few seconds is likely to get scaled. But watch out, because it's also likely to become formerly mentioned trampoline as well.
But I have to admit that (even though I'm worn out most of the time) my days aren't boring. Ever. And with both boys doing something new almost every day, it's even kind of fun. Brayden is starting to pick up new words - today he learned hiccup (ah-gop) and tried to sing, "I just want to celebrate...another day of life!" (well, he sang "el-bay....iiiiii-eeeee"). Tyler is getting closer and closer to walking. Anyday now. And we think he's starting to try talking, too!! He will mock our sounds and about 80% of the time we can tell that he's trying to say something after us!! I can't believe that my little boys are growing up so quickly. I'm sure that I have so much more boy-ness to look forward to....
Friday, January 25, 2008
If You're Happy and You Know It....Say NO!
Two major things with two major boys. Tyler has figured out "If You're Happy and You Know It." He claps at all the right spots and knows to wait for the "clap your hands" part. It's just too cute. He gets this proud and happy look on his face whenever he's doing it, too. Then there's Brayden... He's learned the word, "No." He says it ALL the time now, even if he's not really meaning "no" at the time (e.g. "Brayden, do you love Daddy?" "No."). He says it so defiantly, too. It's so very funny. Well, sort of. Before now he'd just ignore us when we told him to do something, but now he tells us no. Amusing, huh?
And in other news... We got our taxes done and thanks to our two little tax breaks, we're getting a hefty amount back. Using almost all of it to pay off debt, but had to use a little to get a new dryer. And washer. But we got a good deal - 15% off sale price, $200 off the washer/dryer combo and 12 months no interest/no payments. So we got a black Whirlpool Cabrio - which is what I've wanted for over a year now (well, the Cabrio, not necessarily the black...). John's really excited, though because HE wanted the black ones. The only thing that stinks is that we have to wait until 2/5 to get them... Oh well, though.
And in other news... We got our taxes done and thanks to our two little tax breaks, we're getting a hefty amount back. Using almost all of it to pay off debt, but had to use a little to get a new dryer. And washer. But we got a good deal - 15% off sale price, $200 off the washer/dryer combo and 12 months no interest/no payments. So we got a black Whirlpool Cabrio - which is what I've wanted for over a year now (well, the Cabrio, not necessarily the black...). John's really excited, though because HE wanted the black ones. The only thing that stinks is that we have to wait until 2/5 to get them... Oh well, though.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Brayden is 2 years old...
I can't believe that two years could go by so fast. John & I say all the time that it's hard to remember Brayden as a baby because it's all been blurred by Tyler coming into our lives. But at the same time, I can still see it all as clear as day because being a mommy for the first time doesn't just disappear. It seems like from the day they are born and on, a child is doing something new every day. You'd think it would slow down after they start walking and stuff, but no. You can just SEE Brayden's brain expanding every day. It may be a new word or some new physical skill (like scaling the wall to get to his lamp), but let me just say no day is boring with this kid around. He never ceases to amaze me at the things he figures out and/or remembers. Just today at the doctor's office, he remembered that the toys were in a drawer - not on the shelf. Or yesterday, we sang "Happy Birthday" to him and after that he started singing it himself. Mind you, he's probably only heard the song a handful of times in his entire life!! But my favorite thing that he has started to do in the last month is how he brushes his teeth. I'd been having problems getting him to open his mouth and let me brush his teeth - but he was perfectly willing to chomp down on the brush once it was in there. So one night, out of the blue, I started "singing" the theme to 2001: A Space Odessy (you know - dum, Dum, Dum, DA-DUM! Bum bum, bum bum, bum bum, bum bum). And lo and behold, he opened up. Then the next night - this happened:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v675/ritzbits/?action=view¤t=102_4927.flv
Steel trap, I tell ya! The kid can remember anything. But he's got a stubborn streak in him that mirrors mine to no end. He will (most of the time) refuse to say or do things on command unless he wants to. He does not like to be told no, and when told no will see if there is some other way to do said thing without getting caught. He's the classic "toe the line" kind of kid. And I guess I should put his stats in here as well - he's 35" tall (36" if he's laying down - which is how they measured him at the doctor) and 27.5 lbs. We were so excited about his height because at 36", he can ride some of the bigger rides for kids at SDC!!! I can't wait to let him ride a roller coaster!!! Well, anyway - we're heading to Fletcher tomorrow and so I need to go to bed.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
And stuff...
I really don't have anything to say, much less anything DEEP, but I just realized I need to write something, even if it's nothing. We've had a few weeks of new stuff - Brayden's learning a new word or two every day. He still isn't talking *clearly* but I know what he's saying and he'll usually attempt to say a word at least once. Ty has started babbling and it seems like he knows what he's saying. He'll say, "mamamamama" when he's upset and wants me. "Dadadada" toward John and "Bababababa" around Brayden.
Brayden has started saying words together like, "Brrrr - Cold!" and "Whoa! Wazzat?" His cutest thing right now though is any loud knock or bang he yells, "Min!" which of course is "Come in." I'm trying to teach him to say, "Who's there?" instead so that we can work on jokes. He and Ty dressed up as Batman & Robin for Halloween. They were so cute!!! Brayden can say "Ba-men!" Ty pulled up all the way to his feet for the first time yesterday. We think he'll be an early walker like Brayden was. It's so exciting to see him growing up, but John & I both miss having a little bitty baby.
We finally paid John's car off this week. One less bill, but it still seems like we never can catch up. We're hoping for a really good tax return to put towards debt and climb out of our hole. It sure would be nice to have some breathing room. It's odd because I'm not super worried about stuff, but I probably should be. :)
Okay, Brayden's done eating & Ty's fussing, so I have to go. Now.
Brayden has started saying words together like, "Brrrr - Cold!" and "Whoa! Wazzat?" His cutest thing right now though is any loud knock or bang he yells, "Min!" which of course is "Come in." I'm trying to teach him to say, "Who's there?" instead so that we can work on jokes. He and Ty dressed up as Batman & Robin for Halloween. They were so cute!!! Brayden can say "Ba-men!" Ty pulled up all the way to his feet for the first time yesterday. We think he'll be an early walker like Brayden was. It's so exciting to see him growing up, but John & I both miss having a little bitty baby.
We finally paid John's car off this week. One less bill, but it still seems like we never can catch up. We're hoping for a really good tax return to put towards debt and climb out of our hole. It sure would be nice to have some breathing room. It's odd because I'm not super worried about stuff, but I probably should be. :)
Okay, Brayden's done eating & Ty's fussing, so I have to go. Now.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Icky finicky
I have the blahs. I also have the angries. This causes problems. I don't want to do anything, and EVERYTHING is upsetting me, but I don't want to do anything about it, so I get more angry because I'm not getting anywhere. Make sense? Not to me either. I think I'm nuts. Oh well. I'm not sure, but I think it may be a touch of PMS. I don't want it to be, but at least then I'd feel justified in my craziness.
This week's been hectic already. We had missions emphasis at Newcastle this entire weekend which meant lots of driving and trying to be social when we were tired. But it all went fairly well. We spent the weekend at Mom & Dad's though so they could watch Brayden while we were missioning. That helped out a ton. I'd have liked to leave Tyler too, but Mom isn't quite comfortable with that yet since he's still attached to his food source (i.e. me).
Last night I didn't get a whole lot of sleep... Tyler decided he didn't want to sleep alone, so I took him and slept with him on the couch in the living room. That actually wasn't too uncomfortable, but at the same time, it's a lot more pleasant to sleep without a child on you. But I have to remind myself that these days don't last very long and someday I'll be wishing that I had my little cuddlebug back. Maybe.
Herman & Melissa had their baby last night. His name is Noah Rylan. He was born at 1:40 am, weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20 in long. He looks a lot like Herman. Holding him gave me baby fever again, but I think my ickies tonight made me get over them. I really feel like I'm not a BAD mom, but at the same time, I'm not the best either. I get really frustrated easily and have a hard time coping with the crying boys when I'm tired. I think it all comes down to me being selfish. I'd rather do things like mess on the computer, watch TV or play xbox than do laundry, dishes or read a book to the boys. I would really like to work on that, but I keep making excuses or saying to myself that I'll do it later or tomorrow...
This week's been hectic already. We had missions emphasis at Newcastle this entire weekend which meant lots of driving and trying to be social when we were tired. But it all went fairly well. We spent the weekend at Mom & Dad's though so they could watch Brayden while we were missioning. That helped out a ton. I'd have liked to leave Tyler too, but Mom isn't quite comfortable with that yet since he's still attached to his food source (i.e. me).
Last night I didn't get a whole lot of sleep... Tyler decided he didn't want to sleep alone, so I took him and slept with him on the couch in the living room. That actually wasn't too uncomfortable, but at the same time, it's a lot more pleasant to sleep without a child on you. But I have to remind myself that these days don't last very long and someday I'll be wishing that I had my little cuddlebug back. Maybe.
Herman & Melissa had their baby last night. His name is Noah Rylan. He was born at 1:40 am, weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and was 20 in long. He looks a lot like Herman. Holding him gave me baby fever again, but I think my ickies tonight made me get over them. I really feel like I'm not a BAD mom, but at the same time, I'm not the best either. I get really frustrated easily and have a hard time coping with the crying boys when I'm tired. I think it all comes down to me being selfish. I'd rather do things like mess on the computer, watch TV or play xbox than do laundry, dishes or read a book to the boys. I would really like to work on that, but I keep making excuses or saying to myself that I'll do it later or tomorrow...
Monday, October 01, 2007
Tyler is 6 months! (and more)
We all kind of slept in today - until 8!! That was nice. Ty actually woke up at 7:30 but I put him in the pack-n-play and he just goofed off for 30 minutes. So then we all got up and Brayden & John had breakfast. Then John headed out to mow. I got some stuff done and then the DHL guys came with part 1 of John's birthday present (the tv wall mount). So he spent the next few hours setting all that up. He got the tv on the wall right about noon and we had to leave because Ty's appointment was at 1:30. So we went and had pizza at Pizza Hut for lunch and then rushed to the doctor. Brayden did a pretty good job waiting... He now likes to smile at strangers and say something that sounds like "hi!" It's a riot. Ty & I finally got called back (only to wait some more). He is 27 1/4" long and weighs 17 lbs 4 oz, that puts him in the 75th and 40th percentiles respectively. Dr. Holter said that it's right about where he likes to see breastfed babies at this age. We talked a little about Ty's rash that I assumed was from the rice cereal. He said to try oatmeal cereal and that I can start introducing veggies and then fruits. I can't believe Ty's this old already. Where'd my baby go???
After the appointment, we all went to Lowes to get a shelf for the A/V stuff and then to Walmart. I had to do some grocery shopping, so I took Brayden and John took Tyler. Things took a little longer than expected. Brayden kept wanting to help push the cart, but then would stop and run away. I tried putting him in the cart, but then he wanted out... When we finally got done, we went to the pharmacy to ick up Ty's prescription for his diaper rash. Of course it wasn't done yet - why would it be??? So we had to wrestle the boys for another 30 minutes or so... Yuck. By the time we got home it was almost 4. Brayden needed a nap; Tyler needed to eat. John finished the mounting of the A/V stuff and tv. I dealt with Tyler... Tons of fun.
But tonight - Ty actually crawled!! He moved his arms and knees!!! We were really surprised and excited. Also, Brayden tried to repeat after me when I said, "A-B-C." The boys are both growing up so quickly.
After the appointment, we all went to Lowes to get a shelf for the A/V stuff and then to Walmart. I had to do some grocery shopping, so I took Brayden and John took Tyler. Things took a little longer than expected. Brayden kept wanting to help push the cart, but then would stop and run away. I tried putting him in the cart, but then he wanted out... When we finally got done, we went to the pharmacy to ick up Ty's prescription for his diaper rash. Of course it wasn't done yet - why would it be??? So we had to wrestle the boys for another 30 minutes or so... Yuck. By the time we got home it was almost 4. Brayden needed a nap; Tyler needed to eat. John finished the mounting of the A/V stuff and tv. I dealt with Tyler... Tons of fun.
But tonight - Ty actually crawled!! He moved his arms and knees!!! We were really surprised and excited. Also, Brayden tried to repeat after me when I said, "A-B-C." The boys are both growing up so quickly.
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