Still to come is new wall color and fun wall art/magnet boards.
Here is what we have so far:
Thursday, December 29, 2011
New House: Playroom
Our new house has a home for all the toys, so this week I have been working on getting it organized. This space will also serve as a guest room when family comes in town. We have decided not to put an actual bed in here like we originally planned.
Still to come is new wall color and fun wall art/magnet boards.
Here is what we have so far:
Still to come is new wall color and fun wall art/magnet boards.
Here is what we have so far:
Claire: Just Days from 14 Months
On January 4th, Claire will be 14 months. It's been awhile since posting about my sweet girl, so I decided early is better then never.
Claire's personality has developed/came out in the last couple of months. She laughs and smiles all the time now when at one time it was a rare moment. She is clapping and jabbering (in a sweet whisper) constantly. She also has this adorable head nod she does when you are talking to her or even near her like she is agreement with you. So cute!
She is like a ninja crawling, so quite. Also, she is pulling up/walking furniture, etc. but she is not trying to walk independently at all yet. Playing with toys and her brother is also new. It is so sweet to hear them laugh and play and wrestle together.
She sleeps a good 12+hours at night and takes two maps a day. And eats more then Cole! It's quite the difference from a few months ago when she would only take milk.
Overall, Claire is my precious, sweet, raspy voice little girl and I love her!
Claire's personality has developed/came out in the last couple of months. She laughs and smiles all the time now when at one time it was a rare moment. She is clapping and jabbering (in a sweet whisper) constantly. She also has this adorable head nod she does when you are talking to her or even near her like she is agreement with you. So cute!
She is like a ninja crawling, so quite. Also, she is pulling up/walking furniture, etc. but she is not trying to walk independently at all yet. Playing with toys and her brother is also new. It is so sweet to hear them laugh and play and wrestle together.
She sleeps a good 12+hours at night and takes two maps a day. And eats more then Cole! It's quite the difference from a few months ago when she would only take milk.
Overall, Claire is my precious, sweet, raspy voice little girl and I love her!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Our Abba Father
Yesterday, Cole and I were reading his new book about creation that his teachers at Tallowood gave him. He had lots of "why" questions for me, which was good but also tough to explain some of the more complex concepts.
The illustrations in the book are awesome and detailed, so when we arrived at the part about Adam and Eve in the garden and how they sinned or for him, disobeyed, it showed God crying.
Why? Cole said. Why is he sad?
So I began to explain that we are God's children, He is our father. Just like you (cole) are to obey and listen to your daddy, we are to listen and obey our Heavenly Daddy.
Cole's response (with confused look): My daddy has a red truck.
We will get there. :)
The illustrations in the book are awesome and detailed, so when we arrived at the part about Adam and Eve in the garden and how they sinned or for him, disobeyed, it showed God crying.
Why? Cole said. Why is he sad?
So I began to explain that we are God's children, He is our father. Just like you (cole) are to obey and listen to your daddy, we are to listen and obey our Heavenly Daddy.
Cole's response (with confused look): My daddy has a red truck.
We will get there. :)
Monday, December 05, 2011
Asking God to "Fix-it"
Last time I posted about moving, it looked like we were moving forward greatly and possibly closing early. Then Friday, everything blew up. There were road blocks with our loan. Apparently, there are strict rules for buying a flipped property with a FHA loan. It looked like we were going to no longer close early, probably late on the new house. We were thinking through where we would go with all our stuff and ourselves, etc. I know many have been praying for a miracle to happen because that was the only way this was going to work out on time and for us not to more twice. Today, I was talking to my friend Staci about other things and then she asked about when we were moving. I told her it was a mess. She said lets pray.
"Lord, you are not a God of confusion and mess but of structure and order. In the words of Gretchen, please fix it Lord."
A couple hours later, He fixed it! To God be the glory!!
We do not have an official date yet but soon!
"Lord, you are not a God of confusion and mess but of structure and order. In the words of Gretchen, please fix it Lord."
A couple hours later, He fixed it! To God be the glory!!
We do not have an official date yet but soon!
Thursday, December 01, 2011
I <3 Pinterest
Tonight I started my first craft project found on Pinterest. I have made a few desserts but no crafts. I pin like a maniac but no major projects have been attempted. Finally, I started one and I am so excited! I love canvas art, photos, etc. But they are so expensive, especially photos. But with Pinterest, I found a way to make them myself. I am making 6 total for this project. The first two are in process now but not complete just yet.
I will post the results and how to once complete.
I will post the results and how to once complete.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Moving is Bittersweet
Today, it's official. I am emotionally torn about moving.
On one hand, I am so excited. I love moving into a new house. Always have. I remember helping several of my close friends move in elementary/middle school. It wasn't even my house but still thrilling! I remember going with my dad to look at model homes as a kid to see how they were decorated or laid out. Odd for a kid I guess but I loved it and still do. I love looking at different homes and finding inspiration, rearranging furniture and using things in a new way. I am excited about the new space we will gain and the ability to host more people more comfortably. I am stoked about the great interest rate and the money we will save. And I am beyond thrilled of how close (within blocks of some) we will be to several of our friends!
On the other hand, I am emotionally attached to this house. It is the first house Brent and I called home. It is the place we brought our two kids home to. It is a place where we made it our own with lots of remodeling. We love our neighbors and street and we will miss them greatly. The change in daily routine is tough too. What will our mornings look like? Will Cole still walk across the house and climb in my bed if I am still asleep? I love that! He is so independent outside our home, which I love too but I treasure our snuggle/watch shows time. I like the coziness of our home when it's just us. I will miss that I think. I love Claire's room and how it is decorated. Is it weird to want to decorate it just the same?
I still want to move. I am not doubting our house choice in any way. It is just bittersweet. Happy and sad all rolled up into one. We are more then halfway packed I would guess and hoping to close next week.
I guess I am just ready to called the new house "home" instead of the new house all the time. Right now it's just a house and this is our home.
On one hand, I am so excited. I love moving into a new house. Always have. I remember helping several of my close friends move in elementary/middle school. It wasn't even my house but still thrilling! I remember going with my dad to look at model homes as a kid to see how they were decorated or laid out. Odd for a kid I guess but I loved it and still do. I love looking at different homes and finding inspiration, rearranging furniture and using things in a new way. I am excited about the new space we will gain and the ability to host more people more comfortably. I am stoked about the great interest rate and the money we will save. And I am beyond thrilled of how close (within blocks of some) we will be to several of our friends!
On the other hand, I am emotionally attached to this house. It is the first house Brent and I called home. It is the place we brought our two kids home to. It is a place where we made it our own with lots of remodeling. We love our neighbors and street and we will miss them greatly. The change in daily routine is tough too. What will our mornings look like? Will Cole still walk across the house and climb in my bed if I am still asleep? I love that! He is so independent outside our home, which I love too but I treasure our snuggle/watch shows time. I like the coziness of our home when it's just us. I will miss that I think. I love Claire's room and how it is decorated. Is it weird to want to decorate it just the same?
I still want to move. I am not doubting our house choice in any way. It is just bittersweet. Happy and sad all rolled up into one. We are more then halfway packed I would guess and hoping to close next week.
I guess I am just ready to called the new house "home" instead of the new house all the time. Right now it's just a house and this is our home.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Short Update
I am so far behind on updating about my kids and I know I am going to leave many things out. Just now, I downloaded the blogger app so maybe this will help do more short posts, more frequently.
Today, Nov. 28th, Claire is clapping! So cute and she also imitates us singing/"sings" with us. She is nowhere near walking but like every other stage she must get to one day she isn't close at all and doing it the next. She pulls up and transfers between furniture, cabinets, etc. At her 1 year check, she was in the 8% for height and weight. Petite girl. She is wearing 9 month clothing and they are baggy.
Cole is getting so tall. He is becoming more picky when he will eat, not so much what. He is very detailed and particular about his routine. It's kinda funny and very impressive regarding the detail. He loves relaxing in our bed watching his "shows." Curious George is probably one of the favs as of today. And he has already declared he is having a cat in the hat birthday party several months ago.
We are moving! If you didnt know and we couldn't be more excited! Less than two weeks!
Hopefully this app will help me blog more!
Today, Nov. 28th, Claire is clapping! So cute and she also imitates us singing/"sings" with us. She is nowhere near walking but like every other stage she must get to one day she isn't close at all and doing it the next. She pulls up and transfers between furniture, cabinets, etc. At her 1 year check, she was in the 8% for height and weight. Petite girl. She is wearing 9 month clothing and they are baggy.
Cole is getting so tall. He is becoming more picky when he will eat, not so much what. He is very detailed and particular about his routine. It's kinda funny and very impressive regarding the detail. He loves relaxing in our bed watching his "shows." Curious George is probably one of the favs as of today. And he has already declared he is having a cat in the hat birthday party several months ago.
We are moving! If you didnt know and we couldn't be more excited! Less than two weeks!
Hopefully this app will help me blog more!
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Claire: 9 Months Old
Today, Claire is 9 months old. This summer has been so busy, something almost every weekend and we are still going. We are completely booked for August and almost there for September. My kids aren't even in organized sports or school yet! How can this be??
Anyway, Claire's monthly post have been lacking, so I told myself "you have got to write something about that sweet girl this month!" Much has changed since her last post.
-Her favorite toy is anything that she can put in her month and chew on, especially her pacifier.
-Raspy singing/static voice, followed by a shrill scream. Maybe a singer in the future??
-Rolls every way possible.
-Pivots, slides backwards, moves all around the living room. Very close to crawling I think. I can tell she is thinking about it and just trying to figure out how.
-Sits up completely independently (7.5 months). Also, gets down to a crawling position from sitting up, on purpose (not falling into it).
-Prefers to sleep on stomach now (8.5 months). Just put her down on her belly, pacifier in, blanket over back and head, lay her head down, and she is out. Super easy baby!
-Bedtime is closer to 6:30 or 7, sometimes later these days which is great, because she then sleeps until 7 or 7:30am the next morning. She no longer wakes at night mad on her tummy because she now prefers to sleep that way. Yes!
-Eczema is extreme still and we have a whole medicine bag full of products to use on it. It does not seem to bother her which is a blessing because it looks painful.
-She is not big on eating baby food or soft solids. She still prefers to only nurse or take formula. She doesn't even want water or juice. A sippy cup? What's that? Totally unique and different from her brother at this stage. We gave all baby food away and he only nursed 2- 3 a day, and the rest of the time ate everything we did and drank water from a cup. She will get there. She is a happy, so I know she is not starving.
-Eyes are blue, hair is turning blonde. Weighs 15 pounds. Tiny girl. Wears 6 month clothes and some are still too big.
-Very happy, content baby. Loves to watch Cole play and he is beginning to play with her and her play back.
-Loves to nap in her pool float! Awesome!
Anyway, Claire's monthly post have been lacking, so I told myself "you have got to write something about that sweet girl this month!" Much has changed since her last post.
-Her favorite toy is anything that she can put in her month and chew on, especially her pacifier.
-Raspy singing/static voice, followed by a shrill scream. Maybe a singer in the future??
-Rolls every way possible.
-Pivots, slides backwards, moves all around the living room. Very close to crawling I think. I can tell she is thinking about it and just trying to figure out how.
-Sits up completely independently (7.5 months). Also, gets down to a crawling position from sitting up, on purpose (not falling into it).
-Prefers to sleep on stomach now (8.5 months). Just put her down on her belly, pacifier in, blanket over back and head, lay her head down, and she is out. Super easy baby!
-Bedtime is closer to 6:30 or 7, sometimes later these days which is great, because she then sleeps until 7 or 7:30am the next morning. She no longer wakes at night mad on her tummy because she now prefers to sleep that way. Yes!
-Eczema is extreme still and we have a whole medicine bag full of products to use on it. It does not seem to bother her which is a blessing because it looks painful.
-She is not big on eating baby food or soft solids. She still prefers to only nurse or take formula. She doesn't even want water or juice. A sippy cup? What's that? Totally unique and different from her brother at this stage. We gave all baby food away and he only nursed 2- 3 a day, and the rest of the time ate everything we did and drank water from a cup. She will get there. She is a happy, so I know she is not starving.
-Eyes are blue, hair is turning blonde. Weighs 15 pounds. Tiny girl. Wears 6 month clothes and some are still too big.
-Very happy, content baby. Loves to watch Cole play and he is beginning to play with her and her play back.
-Loves to nap in her pool float! Awesome!
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Want to Know More About Me?
The instructions with this are to bold the ones you’ve done, leave the others in normal type. So here goes.
1. Started your own blog (clearly…)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House (outside it)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
Your turn!
1. Started your own blog (clearly…)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House (outside it)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
Your turn!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Happy Daddy Day!!
You are one super daddy to these two very active children of ours...can't even be still for a photo! Love you! They adore you! Thank you for everything you do for us!
New Skin Regimen
My baby girl sure does love to take a bath, but her poor little skin is far too sensitive to take them very often. She has extreme eczema. I have it too. And Cole has had a spot or two in his life, but she has the worst case of all. It is a chronic condition. There is no cure, but it can get better over time and it can be managed. Mine has improved over the years, so I pray for Claire, we can get hers under control quickly.
The battle began a few months ago with just a few red bumps. Then a breakout on one of her outer arm/elbow area. She looked like she had been burned. It was raised, blustered, and filled with puss. I know, gross. It was and that extreme.
It would go through its stages of blistering and healing, then come right back. Then it spread to her other arm and across her back and under her chin. I knew what it was, there was no doubt. At her 7 month check-up, I did show it to her doctor, but it was in a good stage. She did, however, confirmed my conclusion and gave us our first prescription.
Last week, it spread to her face, around her mouth and eyes. That worried me. I was not sure what I could and could not put on her face, much less that close to her eyes and mouth. So Friday, we returned to the doctor for another look. We left there with two more prescriptions, a new moisturizer, a new bath wash, and a new hydrocortisone cream.
Saturday morning, we began are new skin regimen. It took awhile.
Loving the Mirror and that "Other" Baby
Here is a before bath picture of her back. Let's just say it did look worse. (Saturday morning)
Two Days Later (Monday morning)
All the Products/Prescriptions
Listed Left to Right
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Mupirocin Ointment
Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream
EpiCeram: Skin Barrier Emulsion
5% Hydrocortisone Cream
The Mupirocin Ointment was the first prescription given to us. I did not like to use it frequently because it contains a steroid, but do use on pussy areas to prevent infection. I definitely will try the other, more mild products first.
The EpiCeram is EXPENSIVE! So we only use this one on the face and when needed elsewhere for extreme breakouts.
The Triamcinolone Cream is not safe for the face, underarms or diaper area. Apparently, it burns. But it definitely works! This is the product used on her back and after 3-4 applications, there was a huge improvement! (see photo above)
5% Hydrocortisone is mild, and safe for the face.
Hopefully, all of these products will help manage Claire's eczema, but we will definitely be making an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist in the mean time to double check this is all the is going on and these are the best products to be using on her delicate skin.
More then you all cared to know...right.
The battle began a few months ago with just a few red bumps. Then a breakout on one of her outer arm/elbow area. She looked like she had been burned. It was raised, blustered, and filled with puss. I know, gross. It was and that extreme.
It would go through its stages of blistering and healing, then come right back. Then it spread to her other arm and across her back and under her chin. I knew what it was, there was no doubt. At her 7 month check-up, I did show it to her doctor, but it was in a good stage. She did, however, confirmed my conclusion and gave us our first prescription.
Last week, it spread to her face, around her mouth and eyes. That worried me. I was not sure what I could and could not put on her face, much less that close to her eyes and mouth. So Friday, we returned to the doctor for another look. We left there with two more prescriptions, a new moisturizer, a new bath wash, and a new hydrocortisone cream.
Saturday morning, we began are new skin regimen. It took awhile.
Loving the Mirror and that "Other" Baby
Here is a before bath picture of her back. Let's just say it did look worse. (Saturday morning)
Two Days Later (Monday morning)
All the Products/Prescriptions
Listed Left to Right
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Mupirocin Ointment
Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream
EpiCeram: Skin Barrier Emulsion
5% Hydrocortisone Cream
The Mupirocin Ointment was the first prescription given to us. I did not like to use it frequently because it contains a steroid, but do use on pussy areas to prevent infection. I definitely will try the other, more mild products first.
The EpiCeram is EXPENSIVE! So we only use this one on the face and when needed elsewhere for extreme breakouts.
The Triamcinolone Cream is not safe for the face, underarms or diaper area. Apparently, it burns. But it definitely works! This is the product used on her back and after 3-4 applications, there was a huge improvement! (see photo above)
5% Hydrocortisone is mild, and safe for the face.
Hopefully, all of these products will help manage Claire's eczema, but we will definitely be making an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist in the mean time to double check this is all the is going on and these are the best products to be using on her delicate skin.
More then you all cared to know...right.
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Claire: 5 Months Old
-Claire does not smile a ton like other babies, but one sure fire way I have found to make her smile is by sitting her up facing me and doing cheers, hands motions and all. So cute. She just lights up.
-Chews on her pointer finger. Her favorite toy is her hands.
-Pulls up legs while laying on her back and rocks back and forth.
-While on her tummy, she pulls her legs up underneath her and inches forward a bit.
-Started taking a bottle from ME without a fight. And I have gave it to her at room temperature a couple times too.
-As far as sleeping, we are making good strides. In my last milestone post, I mentioned she was making it through the night without waking up. That lasted about 10-12 days. Then we went back to some good nights and some bad ones again, followed by traveling and congestion. Her bedtime was between 7 and 8pm. About a week and a half ago, she ate at 3 or 4pm two days in a row and didn't wake up again for 12 hours. What? 12 hours without eating is totally normal for her but that's too early to go to bed because she can't make it 15 hours. But I have learned not to wake her late in the day. It totally messes up her sleep cycles. And she only does that late in the day. I would wake her if it happened in the morning/early afternoon hours. So I am trying my best to push that back a bit. So now I do all I can to make her stay up until 6am and she sleeps until 6 or 7am, with a few exceptions of course.
-It's been 5 months and I have only had to buy one package of diapers! I was so blessed with diapers by friends and family or pre-bought just the right amount so far. Thank you everyone! It's such a blessing to just have to open her closet instead of having to go to the store.
-She loves to stand, play in her Jumperoo and look outside.
-She seems to have outgrown her bouncy seat.
-We are trying cereal again. I say "we" because it was me that wasn't consistent about giving it to her, not her refusing it.
-She talks/coos a ton. Jabbers. So sweet to listen to.
-Eyes are still blue. Hair is still brown/auburn.
-Happy and content. No major meltdowns pretty ever. If there are, then it's because I am not responding to her needs and she has given me all the warning alerts.
-Goals for next month: MORE FLOOR TIME. I am so bad at that this go around. But she always naps so much that she isn't awake alot just us either, not that it has to be always just us. But it would be fun bonding time. We need to get rolling. :)
-Recognizing and smiling at Cole more. Loves to watch him play, sing/talk to her.
-Nicknames: Claire Bear, Sweets, Little Bit
-She is an observer/studies everything around her. One very similar trait that is like Cole at her age.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Houston Rodeo 2011
A few weeks ago, we headed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We were given four incredible tickets for a Saturday which worked out great because Brent's parents were in town for the weekend for Claire's baby dedication. So we headed down to the rodeo. The weather was not the best in the morning but I am so glad we stuck it out because it got better as the day went on and we had a great time. I will say an extra jacket would have been nice for the morning though.
Both kids did so great! We arrived around 11:30am and left around 5:30pm! Claire just relaxed/slept in her stroller for all the carnival things, ate twice and then was held for the livestock portion of the day. She was a rock star!
Cole LOVED all the rides and would have rode more if we would have allowed him. He is so brave. He likes thrills just like me. If you didn't know, I am a bit of a roller coaster enthusiast.
Oh and the livestock show. Great. To be honest, I have never really paid much attention to it or have never gotten into the stadium in time for it. Cole loved it as well. He hasn't stopped talking about the bull riding and calf roping. He makes Brent the bull and he is the cowboy, hat and all. He has made his dinosaur blanket his lasso to rope the calves. It's pretty cute and creative. He runs around the house screaming, "I'm a RODEO COWBOY!! YEE-HAW!!"
Here are some photos of our day:
Mimi & Papa (It was bright. We needed our shades.)
My Little Cowboy
A John Deer Man
The Bumble Bees
Face Painting
The Goliath Slide
The Tiny Teacups
First Roller Coaster & Ready to GO!
LOVED it!! His face says it all!
Both kids did so great! We arrived around 11:30am and left around 5:30pm! Claire just relaxed/slept in her stroller for all the carnival things, ate twice and then was held for the livestock portion of the day. She was a rock star!
Cole LOVED all the rides and would have rode more if we would have allowed him. He is so brave. He likes thrills just like me. If you didn't know, I am a bit of a roller coaster enthusiast.
Oh and the livestock show. Great. To be honest, I have never really paid much attention to it or have never gotten into the stadium in time for it. Cole loved it as well. He hasn't stopped talking about the bull riding and calf roping. He makes Brent the bull and he is the cowboy, hat and all. He has made his dinosaur blanket his lasso to rope the calves. It's pretty cute and creative. He runs around the house screaming, "I'm a RODEO COWBOY!! YEE-HAW!!"
Here are some photos of our day:
Mimi & Papa (It was bright. We needed our shades.)
My Little Cowboy
A John Deer Man
The Bumble Bees
Face Painting
The Goliath Slide
The Tiny Teacups
First Roller Coaster & Ready to GO!
LOVED it!! His face says it all!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
PhotoShare: Novemeber 2010 Favorites
A few weeks ago, I decided we have so many pictures and I hardly go through them and never print them, so therefore I am not sharing them. I am now trying to go through all my pictures each month and making a "favorites" folder and uploading that to Shutterfly to share with everyone.
I started back with November since that was a BIG month in our family! Welcome, sweet Claire!
Here is my first album, enjoy:
I started back with November since that was a BIG month in our family! Welcome, sweet Claire!
Here is my first album, enjoy:
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Christmas: White Elephant or Jackpot??
For my son, JACKPOT!
Thanks to our SS class for the fun party and Megan for bringing the great glasses!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Genesis 1:1
Back in January, I started teaching Cole his first Scripture verse to memorize. Genesis 1:1. It took about a month for him to really know it and not need any help.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Gen. 1:1
I have been wanting to start this for awhile now, but I was not sure how to begin. Do I give exact wording or paraphrase it? I did some searches online and found a couple resources to help, but haven't looked into them too much yet. And I also borrowed an AWANA book and need to make some copies to use as another resource for kids Cole's age.
As we were in the process of learning Genesis 1:1, Cole would go off on tangents like this:
"He made the sun...the grass...the birds. And the pumas, and coyotes, and the deers."
He was so silly. I thought he wasn't focusing. But of course, as I am trying to teach my son about God, God is also teaching me. It was not enough for Cole just to memorize some arrangement of words, but he needed to understand them. Okay, I know he is only 2.5 years old, so no, he does not have full understanding of God yet. But that lesson was definitely for me. I can't just have a bunch of knowledge without action or fruit. I must apply what I am learning to my life and know God better through His word.
I love Cole's little tangents! And him telling us ALL that God made. It is too precious to me.
Then one night, Cole asked to learn another one! We gave him a bit of a hard one this time. I wasn't sure about it. It was the same number of words but some of the words are REALLY hard. But it has been a little over a week now of working on it and he is getting it. I am so impressed with his mind, ability to memorize, and speech development.
"I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
My prayer for Cole is for this to be a good foundation for him. That he will not just store up knowledge but when the day comes he will ask Jesus to live in him and be a true disciple of Christ. Lord, begin to soften Cole's heart now for that day that he will accept you as his Savior and want to know you better.
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Gen. 1:1
I have been wanting to start this for awhile now, but I was not sure how to begin. Do I give exact wording or paraphrase it? I did some searches online and found a couple resources to help, but haven't looked into them too much yet. And I also borrowed an AWANA book and need to make some copies to use as another resource for kids Cole's age.
As we were in the process of learning Genesis 1:1, Cole would go off on tangents like this:
"He made the sun...the grass...the birds. And the pumas, and coyotes, and the deers."
He was so silly. I thought he wasn't focusing. But of course, as I am trying to teach my son about God, God is also teaching me. It was not enough for Cole just to memorize some arrangement of words, but he needed to understand them. Okay, I know he is only 2.5 years old, so no, he does not have full understanding of God yet. But that lesson was definitely for me. I can't just have a bunch of knowledge without action or fruit. I must apply what I am learning to my life and know God better through His word.
I love Cole's little tangents! And him telling us ALL that God made. It is too precious to me.
Then one night, Cole asked to learn another one! We gave him a bit of a hard one this time. I wasn't sure about it. It was the same number of words but some of the words are REALLY hard. But it has been a little over a week now of working on it and he is getting it. I am so impressed with his mind, ability to memorize, and speech development.
"I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13
My prayer for Cole is for this to be a good foundation for him. That he will not just store up knowledge but when the day comes he will ask Jesus to live in him and be a true disciple of Christ. Lord, begin to soften Cole's heart now for that day that he will accept you as his Savior and want to know you better.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Trapped
Let me first shared a bit of background.
Cole's doorknob is different from all the rest in our home. We do not have a key for it and once he was in a bed he could get out of, we were concerned that he may lock himself in his room. Then what would we do?
So, the simple solution was to turn the doorknob around and have the lock on the outside. And it actually work out well when Cole was being trained to stay in his bed and not get out, etc.
There was one hang up though. Remembering to UNLOCK the door when it was time to get Cole up. This was ALWAYS difficult for Brent to remember. I am not throwing him under the bus at all. He knows it's true. We talk about it all the time. The reason he doesn't think to unlock it is because you can open the door from the hall WITHOUT unlocking it, but you can't open it from the inside. So it is very easy to forget to do.
We have been locked in Cole's room several times, but it has always happened when both of us have been home and not in there together. And there have been a few times of it almost happening, but we had our phones or something to contact the outside world.
Until today...
Cole has been getting up a bit earlier then normal and then we would prefer. As of lately, he has requested his door to be cracked when he is sleeping and since he doesn't get up, we were okay with that. But when he does get up too early in the morning, we do shut his door all the way and lock it. That way he would stay in his bed, go back to sleep or at least rest quietly.
We had a nurse come by this morning at 7am to draw blood for our life insurance screening. Cole had just got up about 20 minutes before she arrived but it was too early, so I put him back in bed and shut/locked the door. About 7:20 or so, Brent went in to get Cole. I didn't think twice about it. We haven't been locking the door so I didn't think to ask him if he unlocked like I used to do.
The nurse left. Brent left. We went on with our morning.
We ran up to the bank about 9am and returned home about 9:40am and went straight to Cole's room to play. At some point in our play Cole shut his door. I didn't think twice again. Cole likes to play in his room with the door closed. Claire was in her room sleeping, so less noise. Good all around.
I don't know how much time passed because I don't wear a watch, have my phone or my iTouch with me. But I knew Claire would be waking soon to eat.
So when I heard her and Maci whining, I told Cole I would be right back and got up to check on them.
The door was LOCKED. I couldn't get out. Panic. What was I going to do? Seriously. I was freaking out inside, because of course I couldn't let Cole know I was panicked.
I went into planning mode super fast. How was I going to pick the lock? I didn't have a bobby pin in my hair. I didn't have a screw driver. We were stuck.
I knew Claire was safe, just going to be hungry soon. Still of course felt awful about her not being in there with us but at least she is not mobile and free inside the rest of the house. That was one calming thing about this experience.
My only hope to get out was for me to get a neighbor's attention and for them to call Brent to come home. Long shot? Yes. My neighbor's are great but how of earth are they going to hear me? Are they even home? I didn't know.
I rolled up Cole blinds and sat there staring out the window. I wanted to cry. I didn't know how long this might take or if anybody would walk by at all or even hear me.
Claire woke up. She was now screaming. It felt like an eternity.
By this point, Cole knew we couldn't get out. He was a trooper and played with his toys. He wanted me to play but I just had to watch out the window.
I prayed the simplest prayer, "Lord, let someone walk by and hear me!"
Diane pulled out of her driveway. I banged. She was in her car. And they didn't drive my direction.
A bit later. Feeling very discouraged.
Silly me, I stared off into space. I am a total zoner. The Lord brings me out of it just in time to see my neighbor directly across the street in the driveway!
I start banging and yelling as loud as I could. She heard something. She wasn't sure. She looked. Still not sure. And went inside.
"Oh no!" I thought. I missed the opportunity. I was thankful to see her at all and make a bit of contact. There was a little hope but she was gone. Why did I zone out and miss her down the driveway?? I was so mad at myself.
I said, "Lord, bring her back!!"
Cole said, "Whatcha doing, Mama?"
I told him I was praying. That we needed our neighbor to come back outside and help us. We have to get out of your room. Cole pray with me. He said, "Bring that lady back." (To be honest, this is a neighbor we don't know as great as our other neighbors. We learned each others names today.)
Seriously, GOD IS SO SO GOOD! HE did not make us wait long. All of a sudden Shaina (our neighbor) was back outside. I started banging again. She heard it again! She looked again. This time more closely! I waved. She waved back. She saw me! Yes!! Progress. "We are getting out of here!" I thought. Not that minute but soon.
I waved her over. She wasn't sure. I yelled, "Help, help!" She came.
Relief began to set in. Contact was made with the outside world. Someone knew we were trapped. God was answering our prayer and quickly.
I told her we were trapped and couldn't get out. She was confused like anyone would be. It doesn't make sense. It was just the reality. She asked what to do and I told her to call Brent. He was the only way to get out. We don't have a spare key or an open window to climb threw. All our doors were locked.
She called. Finally reached Brent on the third call. He was coming.
He said he made it home in 15 minutes and was able to do all the speeding through traffic he missed doing to the hospital when we had our babies because of the inductions.
He was home and we were rescued from Cole's room at 10:55am. Just over an hour of being trapped. Claire was crying. But not completely starving. Just 30 minutes passed. Not too bad.
She ate and then I went and talked to Shaina and thanked her for helping us.
It could have been so much worse. Tonight is our family night and we had planned to meet at the mall. Brent would have gone there and not home. Who knows how long he would have been there before realizing we weren't there or coming. And then traffic. It could have been 7-8 hours trapped in Cole's room versus the little over 1 hour. Wow, God is so good!
Thank you Lord for letting our neighbor come outside and hear us once. And for making her come back outside again and really seeing if everything was okay. Thank you for keeping us all safe and getting us out quickly.
Cole's doorknob is different from all the rest in our home. We do not have a key for it and once he was in a bed he could get out of, we were concerned that he may lock himself in his room. Then what would we do?
So, the simple solution was to turn the doorknob around and have the lock on the outside. And it actually work out well when Cole was being trained to stay in his bed and not get out, etc.
There was one hang up though. Remembering to UNLOCK the door when it was time to get Cole up. This was ALWAYS difficult for Brent to remember. I am not throwing him under the bus at all. He knows it's true. We talk about it all the time. The reason he doesn't think to unlock it is because you can open the door from the hall WITHOUT unlocking it, but you can't open it from the inside. So it is very easy to forget to do.
We have been locked in Cole's room several times, but it has always happened when both of us have been home and not in there together. And there have been a few times of it almost happening, but we had our phones or something to contact the outside world.
Until today...
Cole has been getting up a bit earlier then normal and then we would prefer. As of lately, he has requested his door to be cracked when he is sleeping and since he doesn't get up, we were okay with that. But when he does get up too early in the morning, we do shut his door all the way and lock it. That way he would stay in his bed, go back to sleep or at least rest quietly.
We had a nurse come by this morning at 7am to draw blood for our life insurance screening. Cole had just got up about 20 minutes before she arrived but it was too early, so I put him back in bed and shut/locked the door. About 7:20 or so, Brent went in to get Cole. I didn't think twice about it. We haven't been locking the door so I didn't think to ask him if he unlocked like I used to do.
The nurse left. Brent left. We went on with our morning.
We ran up to the bank about 9am and returned home about 9:40am and went straight to Cole's room to play. At some point in our play Cole shut his door. I didn't think twice again. Cole likes to play in his room with the door closed. Claire was in her room sleeping, so less noise. Good all around.
I don't know how much time passed because I don't wear a watch, have my phone or my iTouch with me. But I knew Claire would be waking soon to eat.
So when I heard her and Maci whining, I told Cole I would be right back and got up to check on them.
The door was LOCKED. I couldn't get out. Panic. What was I going to do? Seriously. I was freaking out inside, because of course I couldn't let Cole know I was panicked.
I went into planning mode super fast. How was I going to pick the lock? I didn't have a bobby pin in my hair. I didn't have a screw driver. We were stuck.
I knew Claire was safe, just going to be hungry soon. Still of course felt awful about her not being in there with us but at least she is not mobile and free inside the rest of the house. That was one calming thing about this experience.
My only hope to get out was for me to get a neighbor's attention and for them to call Brent to come home. Long shot? Yes. My neighbor's are great but how of earth are they going to hear me? Are they even home? I didn't know.
I rolled up Cole blinds and sat there staring out the window. I wanted to cry. I didn't know how long this might take or if anybody would walk by at all or even hear me.
Claire woke up. She was now screaming. It felt like an eternity.
By this point, Cole knew we couldn't get out. He was a trooper and played with his toys. He wanted me to play but I just had to watch out the window.
I prayed the simplest prayer, "Lord, let someone walk by and hear me!"
Diane pulled out of her driveway. I banged. She was in her car. And they didn't drive my direction.
A bit later. Feeling very discouraged.
Silly me, I stared off into space. I am a total zoner. The Lord brings me out of it just in time to see my neighbor directly across the street in the driveway!
I start banging and yelling as loud as I could. She heard something. She wasn't sure. She looked. Still not sure. And went inside.
"Oh no!" I thought. I missed the opportunity. I was thankful to see her at all and make a bit of contact. There was a little hope but she was gone. Why did I zone out and miss her down the driveway?? I was so mad at myself.
I said, "Lord, bring her back!!"
Cole said, "Whatcha doing, Mama?"
I told him I was praying. That we needed our neighbor to come back outside and help us. We have to get out of your room. Cole pray with me. He said, "Bring that lady back." (To be honest, this is a neighbor we don't know as great as our other neighbors. We learned each others names today.)
Seriously, GOD IS SO SO GOOD! HE did not make us wait long. All of a sudden Shaina (our neighbor) was back outside. I started banging again. She heard it again! She looked again. This time more closely! I waved. She waved back. She saw me! Yes!! Progress. "We are getting out of here!" I thought. Not that minute but soon.
I waved her over. She wasn't sure. I yelled, "Help, help!" She came.
Relief began to set in. Contact was made with the outside world. Someone knew we were trapped. God was answering our prayer and quickly.
I told her we were trapped and couldn't get out. She was confused like anyone would be. It doesn't make sense. It was just the reality. She asked what to do and I told her to call Brent. He was the only way to get out. We don't have a spare key or an open window to climb threw. All our doors were locked.
She called. Finally reached Brent on the third call. He was coming.
He said he made it home in 15 minutes and was able to do all the speeding through traffic he missed doing to the hospital when we had our babies because of the inductions.
He was home and we were rescued from Cole's room at 10:55am. Just over an hour of being trapped. Claire was crying. But not completely starving. Just 30 minutes passed. Not too bad.
She ate and then I went and talked to Shaina and thanked her for helping us.
It could have been so much worse. Tonight is our family night and we had planned to meet at the mall. Brent would have gone there and not home. Who knows how long he would have been there before realizing we weren't there or coming. And then traffic. It could have been 7-8 hours trapped in Cole's room versus the little over 1 hour. Wow, God is so good!
Thank you Lord for letting our neighbor come outside and hear us once. And for making her come back outside again and really seeing if everything was okay. Thank you for keeping us all safe and getting us out quickly.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
New Web Site Found: FotoFlexer
FotoFlexer
Check this out! I just discovered this web site. Haven't had time to really play with it yet but it looks really cool. I stumbled upon it as I was updating my blog "look" and one of the tutorials linked to it.
Check this out! I just discovered this web site. Haven't had time to really play with it yet but it looks really cool. I stumbled upon it as I was updating my blog "look" and one of the tutorials linked to it.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Claire: 4 Months
Last Friday, March 4th, Claire turned four months old. How the time is flying. I bet I say that every post too. Sorry. It is. I can't believe it is now okay to start rice cereal and thinking about digging out our high chair from the very back of her closet. Really?
This last month has been a bit hard. As soon as I posted her three month report, all chaos broke loose. Seriously. I have a friend that would always tell me as soon as she posted progress on her blog, things would change. Well, it happened to us as well. In that post, I talked about finally having a routine and nighttime sleep was improving, etc. For about three weeks after that, we had many hard nights that led to tired and grouchy days for me, which also led to many headaches/migraines. Poor Cole. He wanted a playmate so badly some days and I just wasn't much fun. And there was one weekend in there that was not only Claire keeping us up. The first night it was Claire, then Cole (which never has issues going to bed) and then me the next night with heartburn. What in the world was happening? It was crazy.
Anyways...
Claire CAN make it all night without eating, so when she would wake up, it was very frustrating to say the least. She typically went to bed at around 10pm or so and would wake at 3:30am and then EVERY hour after that needing her pacifier, during these last three weeks. I often thought, "Do I feed her? Would that make her sleep the rest of the night?" Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Confused? Yes. Mad? Yes. I know, I know. You are thinking I am a horrible mother for saying I was mad and frustrated. It's true. It's honest. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my sweet girl, but we were ALL tired and in much need of rest. I needed her to sleep. She needed to sleep.
With Cole, I let him cry it out. With Claire, I was (until last month) afraid she would wake Cole up, so I was not so great about letting her cry it out. And typically, she really DOES need something, such as to burp. But after talking to another friend, with two older children and a baby, we decided to let her cry a bit more at night and not worry about it until it started to wake Cole. Has it woke him yet? No. He is one hard sleeper.
Also, my pediatrician has always suggested starting a 7 or 8pm bedtime from the beginning and going from there. That is not something I started with Cole but worked up to. I see her point of possibly interrupting deep sleep and the baby never returning that deep sleep if woken mid-cycle, but my concern was always would that mean more middle of the feedings? With Cole, waking him at 10pm to fill him up was never a problem. I think it was for Claire. Individuals? Yes. Can't treat them the same that's for sure.
Exactly one week ago, things started looking up around here. Sleep started to happen again in this house. We hosted our small group last Tuesday night. Claire ate about 5pm and was ready for a nap about 6:15pm. The first couple arrived just about then so she was not fully asleep so she required us to go in twice for a pacifier, but after that not one peep. Did I plan for that to be her going down for bed? No. Well, it was about 10pm when we were finishing up small group and I said to a friend, "What do I do? She is not awake. Do I wake her?" I went back and forth. And the reason it was such a debate was because Claire has this habit of waking up 45 minutes into her naps, pretty much every nap and we have to go in and re-swaddle or put her pacifier back in, but when it is bedtime, she does not wake up at the 45 minute mark, so the debate of "Did she think we put her down for the night?" began.
**Side note: Thank you for praying for me and my lack of sleep/headache problem. This week has been so much better. Not one headache! PTL!**
Brent and I decided not to wake her. I thought for sure she was going to wake up as soon as my head hit the pillow. She has done that before. Nope. She did not wake up until 5:38am!!! Are you kidding?! How wonderful was that?! Could we repeat it again??
The next day, I tried to figure out the timing to have her eating the last time about 8pm. On her previous schedule her last feeding would fall at 7:30pm but she has been showing signs and definitely able to go four hours between feedings. Plus, if we add cereal too, then she really will not need as much milk. Theoretically. My theories have been wrong a time or two though.
With all that said, Claire's new bedtime is between 7 and 8pm. And she has slept until 6 or 7am pretty much every morning without interruption!! I can't believe it!
I feel like every month end we are going to a new schedule. I am still learning about Claire. My baby girl is so unique and special and plain different from her brother. And I am completely okay with that and LOVE her for it. Tired? Yes. Ready to know what she needs (regarding nighttime sleep) without a doubt? Yes. Are we getting there? Yes. I am good with progress and progress we are making together, sweet Claire! Mommy loves you!
This week, her naps have improved as well. We have had several naps that were not interrupted by the 45 minute intruder and slept the entire 1.5 to 2 hours without much help. The initial put down is easy 8 out of 10 times. Just lay her down awake and she goes to sleep. She is also willing to take naps in her car seat, which happens a lot when I know we are about to leave for church or Bible study that fall right at nap time. It is my best option for keeping her asleep and not disturbing her. The hard part is putting her back to sleep when she does wake in the middle. I have almost started not to let her cry (very opposite of her brother) because if I can catch her at the first sound and stick her pacifier in she is almost instantly back asleep every time. It is when she wakes up fully or gets worked up that is difficult.
So here's what I am thinking for her schedule:
Option #1:
7am: Wake up, eat. Play.
8:30am: Nap #1 lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours.
10am: Eat + cereal. Play.
12pm: Nap #2 lasting about 2 hours.
2pm: Eat. Play.
3:30pm: Nap #3 lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5pm: Eat + cereal. Play.
7:30pm Eat and Bedtime.
**We have not started cereal just yet. But just thinking and planning.**
Of course, this is just a rough estimate. The ideal plan. It is still flexible and adjustable according to activities outside our home, errands, commitments, etc. Tuesdays and Sundays with Bible study and church, it always is a bit off and that is okay. The main goal is to accomplish EAT, WAKE, SLEEP cycles. And we are there for sure. Exact times, that changes and that is just fine with me. As long as Claire gets the rest she needs. She definitely isn't lacking in the food area. :)
Knowing when Claire is tired is easy. It is so cute. She will put her hands over her eyes, palms out and open. I will have to get a picture of it. Precious. Or she will cross her arms over her eyes. There is no wondering if she is tired once she does that signal. Thank you, Claire for telling me exactly what you need! Love it!
Milestones:
-Discovered her hands. To her, this is her favorite toy. She just looks and studies them for countless hours. Easy entertainment.
-Still drooling. I am talking soaking wet clothes and terry cloth bibs are needed. Something new and different for me.
-At the beginning of the month, there was a week of bloody murder screaming as I tried to feed Claire. I didn't know what was happening. This was definitely not her norm. I finally decided to take her to the doctor and acid reflux was thought to be what was going on. Of course, she stopped the screaming after going for her appointment. We had some things to try and meds, etc. but I am still not convinced that is what was wrong or maybe it was just a couple bad days of it. And now it's gone?
-Slept in crib for the first time February 6th (Superbowl) and every night since then.
-February 7th, started using Jumperoo. By month end, she can touch the floor and even bounce a little.
-February 11th, rolled over tummy to back to the right for first time.
-February 13th, used outside swing for first time and LOVED it.
-March 2nd, Claire has began to laugh, sorta. It sounds like a grunt or cough almost. She mostly just opens her mouth really wide and you can see it in her eyes. The best and only way so far to make this happen is tickling/shaking her belly.
-Still swaddling and using a pacifier.
-Pretty much only takes a bottle from Miss Connie at church, which I am totally okay with since that is pretty much the only time Claire needs a bottle. Miss Connie knows all the tricks! :)
-Supported sitter.
Features:
-Dark hair.
-Blue eyes.
-Chubby cheeks. So cute.
-Wearing size 2 diapers.
-Wearing 3-6 month clothing.
Goals for Next Month:
-Still working on tummy time and rolling over more.
-Start introducing cereal.
This last month has been a bit hard. As soon as I posted her three month report, all chaos broke loose. Seriously. I have a friend that would always tell me as soon as she posted progress on her blog, things would change. Well, it happened to us as well. In that post, I talked about finally having a routine and nighttime sleep was improving, etc. For about three weeks after that, we had many hard nights that led to tired and grouchy days for me, which also led to many headaches/migraines. Poor Cole. He wanted a playmate so badly some days and I just wasn't much fun. And there was one weekend in there that was not only Claire keeping us up. The first night it was Claire, then Cole (which never has issues going to bed) and then me the next night with heartburn. What in the world was happening? It was crazy.
Anyways...
Claire CAN make it all night without eating, so when she would wake up, it was very frustrating to say the least. She typically went to bed at around 10pm or so and would wake at 3:30am and then EVERY hour after that needing her pacifier, during these last three weeks. I often thought, "Do I feed her? Would that make her sleep the rest of the night?" Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Confused? Yes. Mad? Yes. I know, I know. You are thinking I am a horrible mother for saying I was mad and frustrated. It's true. It's honest. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my sweet girl, but we were ALL tired and in much need of rest. I needed her to sleep. She needed to sleep.
With Cole, I let him cry it out. With Claire, I was (until last month) afraid she would wake Cole up, so I was not so great about letting her cry it out. And typically, she really DOES need something, such as to burp. But after talking to another friend, with two older children and a baby, we decided to let her cry a bit more at night and not worry about it until it started to wake Cole. Has it woke him yet? No. He is one hard sleeper.
Also, my pediatrician has always suggested starting a 7 or 8pm bedtime from the beginning and going from there. That is not something I started with Cole but worked up to. I see her point of possibly interrupting deep sleep and the baby never returning that deep sleep if woken mid-cycle, but my concern was always would that mean more middle of the feedings? With Cole, waking him at 10pm to fill him up was never a problem. I think it was for Claire. Individuals? Yes. Can't treat them the same that's for sure.
Exactly one week ago, things started looking up around here. Sleep started to happen again in this house. We hosted our small group last Tuesday night. Claire ate about 5pm and was ready for a nap about 6:15pm. The first couple arrived just about then so she was not fully asleep so she required us to go in twice for a pacifier, but after that not one peep. Did I plan for that to be her going down for bed? No. Well, it was about 10pm when we were finishing up small group and I said to a friend, "What do I do? She is not awake. Do I wake her?" I went back and forth. And the reason it was such a debate was because Claire has this habit of waking up 45 minutes into her naps, pretty much every nap and we have to go in and re-swaddle or put her pacifier back in, but when it is bedtime, she does not wake up at the 45 minute mark, so the debate of "Did she think we put her down for the night?" began.
**Side note: Thank you for praying for me and my lack of sleep/headache problem. This week has been so much better. Not one headache! PTL!**
Brent and I decided not to wake her. I thought for sure she was going to wake up as soon as my head hit the pillow. She has done that before. Nope. She did not wake up until 5:38am!!! Are you kidding?! How wonderful was that?! Could we repeat it again??
The next day, I tried to figure out the timing to have her eating the last time about 8pm. On her previous schedule her last feeding would fall at 7:30pm but she has been showing signs and definitely able to go four hours between feedings. Plus, if we add cereal too, then she really will not need as much milk. Theoretically. My theories have been wrong a time or two though.
With all that said, Claire's new bedtime is between 7 and 8pm. And she has slept until 6 or 7am pretty much every morning without interruption!! I can't believe it!
I feel like every month end we are going to a new schedule. I am still learning about Claire. My baby girl is so unique and special and plain different from her brother. And I am completely okay with that and LOVE her for it. Tired? Yes. Ready to know what she needs (regarding nighttime sleep) without a doubt? Yes. Are we getting there? Yes. I am good with progress and progress we are making together, sweet Claire! Mommy loves you!
This week, her naps have improved as well. We have had several naps that were not interrupted by the 45 minute intruder and slept the entire 1.5 to 2 hours without much help. The initial put down is easy 8 out of 10 times. Just lay her down awake and she goes to sleep. She is also willing to take naps in her car seat, which happens a lot when I know we are about to leave for church or Bible study that fall right at nap time. It is my best option for keeping her asleep and not disturbing her. The hard part is putting her back to sleep when she does wake in the middle. I have almost started not to let her cry (very opposite of her brother) because if I can catch her at the first sound and stick her pacifier in she is almost instantly back asleep every time. It is when she wakes up fully or gets worked up that is difficult.
So here's what I am thinking for her schedule:
Option #1:
7am: Wake up, eat. Play.
8:30am: Nap #1 lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours.
10am: Eat + cereal. Play.
12pm: Nap #2 lasting about 2 hours.
2pm: Eat. Play.
3:30pm: Nap #3 lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5pm: Eat + cereal. Play.
7:30pm Eat and Bedtime.
**We have not started cereal just yet. But just thinking and planning.**
Of course, this is just a rough estimate. The ideal plan. It is still flexible and adjustable according to activities outside our home, errands, commitments, etc. Tuesdays and Sundays with Bible study and church, it always is a bit off and that is okay. The main goal is to accomplish EAT, WAKE, SLEEP cycles. And we are there for sure. Exact times, that changes and that is just fine with me. As long as Claire gets the rest she needs. She definitely isn't lacking in the food area. :)
Knowing when Claire is tired is easy. It is so cute. She will put her hands over her eyes, palms out and open. I will have to get a picture of it. Precious. Or she will cross her arms over her eyes. There is no wondering if she is tired once she does that signal. Thank you, Claire for telling me exactly what you need! Love it!
Milestones:
-Discovered her hands. To her, this is her favorite toy. She just looks and studies them for countless hours. Easy entertainment.
-Still drooling. I am talking soaking wet clothes and terry cloth bibs are needed. Something new and different for me.
-At the beginning of the month, there was a week of bloody murder screaming as I tried to feed Claire. I didn't know what was happening. This was definitely not her norm. I finally decided to take her to the doctor and acid reflux was thought to be what was going on. Of course, she stopped the screaming after going for her appointment. We had some things to try and meds, etc. but I am still not convinced that is what was wrong or maybe it was just a couple bad days of it. And now it's gone?
-Slept in crib for the first time February 6th (Superbowl) and every night since then.
-February 7th, started using Jumperoo. By month end, she can touch the floor and even bounce a little.
-February 11th, rolled over tummy to back to the right for first time.
-February 13th, used outside swing for first time and LOVED it.
-March 2nd, Claire has began to laugh, sorta. It sounds like a grunt or cough almost. She mostly just opens her mouth really wide and you can see it in her eyes. The best and only way so far to make this happen is tickling/shaking her belly.
-Still swaddling and using a pacifier.
-Pretty much only takes a bottle from Miss Connie at church, which I am totally okay with since that is pretty much the only time Claire needs a bottle. Miss Connie knows all the tricks! :)
-Supported sitter.
Features:
-Dark hair.
-Blue eyes.
-Chubby cheeks. So cute.
-Wearing size 2 diapers.
-Wearing 3-6 month clothing.
Goals for Next Month:
-Still working on tummy time and rolling over more.
-Start introducing cereal.
Saturday, February 05, 2011
Claire: Three Months
Here is what has gone on during month 3 of Claire's life:
Eat, Wake, Sleep:
-At the beginning of this month, she would wake to eat once a night.
-By mid month, we dropped the eating but were still waking at about 5am and with re-swaddling or pacifier would go back to sleep until 7am.
-At month end, Claire is sleeping without waking (somewhat) from 10:30pm to 7am. We pretty much have 3 good nights of uninterrupted sleep, followed by 2 nights of waking at 5am or so. And repeat. Goal: to get that to stop, be consistently sleeping through the night, and move her to her room.
-This month, I finally started an official Wake Time = 7am. I have seen that Claire sleeps through the night better (without a cold of course) and is less fussy during the day. She eats basically every 3 hours and is flexible when needed for outings, so that means she eats at 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm most days, give or take a few minutes. That schedule worked well with Cole at his age and with our life routine around our house. I kept trying to figure out a way to have them napping exactly at the same time but to make that happen the rest of the day would be awkward and her eating would fall at dinner time, etc. I am now okay with having two schedules and I still worked in an hour break or so for myself.
-Her wake time runs about 1.5 hours. So her nap times are roughly 8:30am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 5:30pm and sometimes 8:30pm. The 8:30pm is hit or miss. Sometimes we keep her up if she is not fussy and wanting to sleep so Brent gets time with her but other days she needs her rest. Eventually we will drop the 10:30pm feeding and her bedtime will move to 7:30pm. But that will be another month and another goal to accomplish.
-The last two nights, Claire has been sleeping so well in her 5:30/6pm nap that we pushed her feeding time back to about 8:30 or 9pm and put her to bed for the night. I don't know if I like this yet. She hadn't quite mastered the previous bedtime (10:30pm to 7am) yet, but time just got away from us the last two nights so we tried it. She didn't wake up to eat ever, but she did cry out more often. Hmmm...what to do??
-Her naps are different then Cole's were. He wasn't or I don't remember him being effected by the 45 minute intruder. She is and it is like clock work. I don't get her up unless she is crying uncontrollably. She normally just requires a burp, re-swaddle, or pacifier. And sometimes a good rock. That is a last resort. And then she will sleep the remaining 45 minutes for a total of 1.5 hour nap.
-Requires sensitive or soy formula.
-Still fights bottle some. She will take it one day without fight and not the next. Right now, we are doing a trial to see if there is a particular bottle she prefers over another. Trying Nuk bottles right now.
-Still likes to be swaddled.
-Takes a pacifier better now.
Milestones:
-Responds to us cooing at her with smiles and cooing back.
-Recognizes us more and lights up more when we talk to her.
-Like to be held facing outwards to be able to look around. Such a big girl already.
-Tries tummy time in small intervals. 2 minutes max right now.
-Turns almost in circles on play mat. Not full ones but is definitely in a different spot then where I would leave her.
-Drooling began around 11 weeks.
-January 31st: Sat in Bumbo seat for the first time.
-Cole still calls her Claire Bear. Also says "Hey sweetie" or "Whatcha doing cutie?" to her.
Features:
-Still has very blue eyes.
-Hair is still dark. About the same amount she was born with as far as I can tell. Just a small bare spot on the back of her head.
-Wearing size 1-2 diapers. Could see us moving to a size 2 when we finish this box. I don't remember Cole moving through diaper sizes this quickly.
-Wearing 3 month clothing.
Goals for Next Month:
-To move Claire to her crib.
-To have more floor time with Claire giving her more opportunities to discover her feet and to think about rolling over.
A Boy and His Boots
"My Snowboard Boots"
The Rain Boots
I found Cole like this yesterday morning when I went to get him from his room. All his shoes are lined up in the bottom of his closet and as you see, he LOVES his boots and all shoes really. He wanted to show Daddy, but he was at work so we took a picture and emailed it to him.
Our Little Redneck
Yes, we let him go out of the house like this. It would not be my first choice of outfits but that's what Cole wanted to wear and let's be honest, it wasn't hurting or offending anyone, so out to eat we went. Haha. Makes me laugh. Outfit complete with camo hat, Texans jersey, Levi's and cowboy boots. Too funny.
Pajama Cowboy
Cowboy Boots
Boots...Just Because
The Rain Boots
I found Cole like this yesterday morning when I went to get him from his room. All his shoes are lined up in the bottom of his closet and as you see, he LOVES his boots and all shoes really. He wanted to show Daddy, but he was at work so we took a picture and emailed it to him.
Our Little Redneck
Yes, we let him go out of the house like this. It would not be my first choice of outfits but that's what Cole wanted to wear and let's be honest, it wasn't hurting or offending anyone, so out to eat we went. Haha. Makes me laugh. Outfit complete with camo hat, Texans jersey, Levi's and cowboy boots. Too funny.
Pajama Cowboy
Cowboy Boots
Boots...Just Because
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Family Date Night
Our family is growing and our lives are busier then ever. Brent and I have also been married 5 years now and have been trying to figure out how to have family traditions of our own. What does that look like exactly? We are still trying to figure that one out, but I heard about Family Date Night from Larra and was very intrigued and wanted to try it. So we are trying to make it the first many Palermo Family traditions.
We picked Thursday nights because our weeks looks like this: Mondays=church monthly meetings, Tuesdays=small group, Wednesdays=beginning in the fall, children's choir, Thursday=nothing, Friday through Sunday=always busy traveling, church activities, etc. So as you see, Thursday was the only choice for our family. My hope is that if we carve out intentional time to hang out as a family that this will continue for many years to come, maybe even through high school. I know, that might be ambitious, but a mom has to dream, right?
Two weeks ago, we had our first Family Date Night. We stayed in, had a yummy taco dinner together, let the dishes sit until morning (not a normal occurrence), delicious brownie/cookie dessert (also a special treat), and we watched Toy Story 3 as a family. It was so relaxing and wonderful to spend intentional time as a family. No household chores, regular bedtime was pushed back a bit, cuddling on the couch, laughter. Beautiful moments were created.
We missed week two do to some traveling and Brent going out of town, but the kids and I had some extended family time with Mimi/Dena (Brent's mom), Larra, Brody and Carson.
Tonight is our second go around. With snow/sleet in the weather prediction, we might be staying in again. Maybe game night or crafts? The plan has not been made quite yet, but all I know is that we will be spending the evening together even if it is just piling in the bed reading books together or building towers with Legos. We will be together. Creating memories.
I love this new tradition! And hoping and praying in sticks around for MANY years to come!
We picked Thursday nights because our weeks looks like this: Mondays=church monthly meetings, Tuesdays=small group, Wednesdays=beginning in the fall, children's choir, Thursday=nothing, Friday through Sunday=always busy traveling, church activities, etc. So as you see, Thursday was the only choice for our family. My hope is that if we carve out intentional time to hang out as a family that this will continue for many years to come, maybe even through high school. I know, that might be ambitious, but a mom has to dream, right?
Two weeks ago, we had our first Family Date Night. We stayed in, had a yummy taco dinner together, let the dishes sit until morning (not a normal occurrence), delicious brownie/cookie dessert (also a special treat), and we watched Toy Story 3 as a family. It was so relaxing and wonderful to spend intentional time as a family. No household chores, regular bedtime was pushed back a bit, cuddling on the couch, laughter. Beautiful moments were created.
We missed week two do to some traveling and Brent going out of town, but the kids and I had some extended family time with Mimi/Dena (Brent's mom), Larra, Brody and Carson.
Tonight is our second go around. With snow/sleet in the weather prediction, we might be staying in again. Maybe game night or crafts? The plan has not been made quite yet, but all I know is that we will be spending the evening together even if it is just piling in the bed reading books together or building towers with Legos. We will be together. Creating memories.
I love this new tradition! And hoping and praying in sticks around for MANY years to come!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Cole: 2.5 years
Dear my sweet Cole,
On Friday, January 21, 2011, you turned two and a half years old. You have changed so much in the last six months that I felt you needed a half year birthday post.
You are growing so fast. You are getting taller every day. Your hair is growing longer every day. Six months ago you hardly had any at all and now it seems to not stop growing and it's curly! You are wearing 2T clothes and some 3T t-shirts. You love shoes. Mine. Daddy's. Yours. Even your sister's shoes.
You are still in pull-ups while you sleep. You take 1 nap a day from around 1-3pm. You go to bed at 8pm and are typically up about 8am. A solid 12 hours of sleep. You wake up so happy 90% of the time. Ready to go. Talking away. There is definitely a difference in your mood when we have to wake you versus you waking up naturally.
You have such a sweet, gentle spirit. You love your little sister. You want to know where she is, what is she doing, and love to talk to her. You still love the outdoors. You love all sports. You love playing with your friends and cousins.
Your like a little man. Yes, you have your two year old moments. But you keep up so well, adjust quickly to change and instruction. You seem to understand consequences for your actions most of the time. Your speech is beyond incredible, understandable by many, not just us, and always commented on by others. People are usually shocked to find out your real age when asked in public.
You are a joy. You have a sweet smile and a contagious laugh. You are a blessing to our family. You are loved.
We love you Cole! You are precious to us. We love that you are growing up beautifully, but slow down a little. :)
Love,
Mommy
Some of Your Favorites...
Favorite Books:
One Fish Two Fish = "Cat and Hat...the new one"
If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Giraffe and a Half
Mr. Bird from Big Blue Book of Stories by Dr. Seuss
This Curious George book with 8 stories included:
Favorites include: Curious George and the Pancakes, which led to making pancakes 3 times in one week with chocolate chips, of course. And Curious George and the Animals.
Favorite Shows and Movies:
Super Why
Word Word
**Both of these shows have really helped you learn and recognize your letters.**
Mickey Mouse Club House
Go Diego Go
Dora the Explorer
Toy Story 3 = "Stoy Torie"
Social Interaction:
You love to go "talk to neighbors."
You can almost say anything. Repeat everything.
Uses "May I..." sentences.
Not at all shy.
Easy going.
Learning to pray. Current prayer: "Dear God, thank you for food. Amen." Now, to teach you to thank our Lord for all the other ways He blesses us.
Starting to memorize Scripture. Current and first verse we are learning is Genesis 1:1.
Makes family connections (names all members of family-ours, friends, extended family, even pets).
Learning your full name. "Cole Al-N Pear-Mo"
Favorite Quotes:
"I show you something."
"I need (fill in blank) to feel me better."
"My names Mater, like TaMater, without the "Ta."" -You quote that with the movie Cars.
Favorite Songs:
Old MacDonald
Jingle Bells
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Favorite Activities:
Pretend play: cooking with food, dress up
Building with Legos and block train
Reading tons of books
On Friday, January 21, 2011, you turned two and a half years old. You have changed so much in the last six months that I felt you needed a half year birthday post.
You are growing so fast. You are getting taller every day. Your hair is growing longer every day. Six months ago you hardly had any at all and now it seems to not stop growing and it's curly! You are wearing 2T clothes and some 3T t-shirts. You love shoes. Mine. Daddy's. Yours. Even your sister's shoes.
You are still in pull-ups while you sleep. You take 1 nap a day from around 1-3pm. You go to bed at 8pm and are typically up about 8am. A solid 12 hours of sleep. You wake up so happy 90% of the time. Ready to go. Talking away. There is definitely a difference in your mood when we have to wake you versus you waking up naturally.
You have such a sweet, gentle spirit. You love your little sister. You want to know where she is, what is she doing, and love to talk to her. You still love the outdoors. You love all sports. You love playing with your friends and cousins.
Your like a little man. Yes, you have your two year old moments. But you keep up so well, adjust quickly to change and instruction. You seem to understand consequences for your actions most of the time. Your speech is beyond incredible, understandable by many, not just us, and always commented on by others. People are usually shocked to find out your real age when asked in public.
You are a joy. You have a sweet smile and a contagious laugh. You are a blessing to our family. You are loved.
We love you Cole! You are precious to us. We love that you are growing up beautifully, but slow down a little. :)
Love,
Mommy
Some of Your Favorites...
Favorite Books:
One Fish Two Fish = "Cat and Hat...the new one"
If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Giraffe and a Half
Mr. Bird from Big Blue Book of Stories by Dr. Seuss
This Curious George book with 8 stories included:
Favorites include: Curious George and the Pancakes, which led to making pancakes 3 times in one week with chocolate chips, of course. And Curious George and the Animals.
Favorite Shows and Movies:
Super Why
Word Word
**Both of these shows have really helped you learn and recognize your letters.**
Mickey Mouse Club House
Go Diego Go
Dora the Explorer
Toy Story 3 = "Stoy Torie"
Social Interaction:
You love to go "talk to neighbors."
You can almost say anything. Repeat everything.
Uses "May I..." sentences.
Not at all shy.
Easy going.
Learning to pray. Current prayer: "Dear God, thank you for food. Amen." Now, to teach you to thank our Lord for all the other ways He blesses us.
Starting to memorize Scripture. Current and first verse we are learning is Genesis 1:1.
Makes family connections (names all members of family-ours, friends, extended family, even pets).
Learning your full name. "Cole Al-N Pear-Mo"
Favorite Quotes:
"I show you something."
"I need (fill in blank) to feel me better."
"My names Mater, like TaMater, without the "Ta."" -You quote that with the movie Cars.
Favorite Songs:
Old MacDonald
Jingle Bells
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Favorite Activities:
Pretend play: cooking with food, dress up
Building with Legos and block train
Reading tons of books
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Christmas: the Jersey
Back during football season, we found an Aggie jersey for Cole at one of the tent sales. He loved it and would wear it every day if we would let him. And he does not want a shirt underneath it. One day, he was in Brent's closet and saw Brent's "blue jersey" and declared, "I want a blue jersey!" So for Christmas, Cole's Bebe and Papaw gave him a "blue jersey."
We did not have the video camera rolling during the opening process, but boy do we wish we would have. His reaction was priceless and classic and could not be reenacted, even though we tried. He was jumping and spinning, and dancing all around. He couldn't believe it. He kept screaming, "a jersey, a jersey!" Precious. Here are a couple pictures that show his enthusiasm. And yes, he put it on immediately.
"a JERSEY!!!"
We did not have the video camera rolling during the opening process, but boy do we wish we would have. His reaction was priceless and classic and could not be reenacted, even though we tried. He was jumping and spinning, and dancing all around. He couldn't believe it. He kept screaming, "a jersey, a jersey!" Precious. Here are a couple pictures that show his enthusiasm. And yes, he put it on immediately.
"a JERSEY!!!"
Turning a Door into a Bed
A couple years ago (almost), I went to antique fair with my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. We have gone several times but on this trip, I found an old door. I have seen people turn old doors into headboards online and in magazines, etc. and since my guest bed currently did not have a headboard, I thought this would be a fun project. And the door was only $20!
Well, originally, the door was for a queen sized bed, but it ended up sitting in my garage for over 1 year! It actually worked out perfectly and I am so glad I never got around to that project, because in July 2010, we transitioned Cole to a "big boy" room and this door made a perfect headboard for him. I love how it turned out and it was inexpensive and unique!
Cost:
Door $20
Fence Posts from Lowes (2) $8 each
Well, originally, the door was for a queen sized bed, but it ended up sitting in my garage for over 1 year! It actually worked out perfectly and I am so glad I never got around to that project, because in July 2010, we transitioned Cole to a "big boy" room and this door made a perfect headboard for him. I love how it turned out and it was inexpensive and unique!
Cost:
Door $20
Fence Posts from Lowes (2) $8 each
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