James says breakbest, not breakfast like we're all used to hearing. It's cute, and I love it, so I don't correct him. Soon though, it'll have to happen.
This morning for breakfast, we were in a bit of a hurry. Nathan wanted to get he and James out the door since he had decided he would try something for the first time today: he would take James golfing with him. Harrison goes with Chris all of the time, and apparently is VERY well behaved while there. At first I scoffed at the idea, but then as Nathan tried to talk me into it I thought, "Well, it's your grave you're digging, not mine" so "Okay!" I said.
James was pouting about having to eat breakfast, especially since Daddy had already poured the Honey Nut Cheerios into his green bowl. "I don't want honey Cheerios, I want yogurt Cheerios Dad!" He was saying/whining. Nathan responded with the usual, "Well sorry bud, we don't have any yogurt Cheerios." {LIAR}
James says, "Yes we do! I'll show you!" So he went and got his chair and dragged it into the pantry to climb up to get the yogurt Cheerios. I'm not sure if he found them or not, but I remember Nathan saying, "I've already poured your honey Cheerios in your bowl so you need to eat those."
"NOOOOOOOOO!" squealed James. "I don't like honey Cheerios! Honey is for bears like on Super Sleuths!" (meaning Winnie the Pooh's Super Sleuth's on Disney).
Nathan threatened James not being able to go golfing at all... a few minutes passed, and then James ate his honey Cheerios.
Too bad for the boys though, they ended up at the park instead. Golf courses are apparently very busy on the 30th of December.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Medicine and Gatorade
This week we have been incredibly sick, hence the lack of blogs. James started coughing as soon as we hit the ground in Orlando from our trip to Iowa, then Nathan got a cold, and now I have it, and so does Kaitlyn. I've been down in the dumps for the last few days, but thankfully it didn't really start for me until after Christmas Day. The kids seem to think that when we're sick, we get medicine and Gatorade to make us feel better. The kids LOVE Gatorade and medicine. The flavors are so good, right?!?
Today, I was giving Nathan a short back rub since he's been slaving over the house and kids since I've been sleeping for two days. His back started hurting this morning, and since I was starting to feel sorta better, I thought it would be nice to help him with his back.
Nathan took off his shirt to lay down on the couch, and James asked why he had taken off his shirt. "Well, Mommy is going to rub my back because it hurts, so I took off my shirt." he said. James said, "You need some medicine!"
Then I said, "Well rubbing his back is really the only medicine that I can give him"
James replied, "You need Gatorade! Daddy, can I get you some Gatorade?"
"Sure!" said Nathan.
I piped up, "What flavor do you want Daddy, green or orange?" reminding Daddy inadvertently that we were out of fruit punch.
"I'll leave it up to you." said Daddy to James.
"OK!" and James tore off to go to the garage. Nathan politely reminded him to grab one that was in the refrigerator.
He came back with a green Gatorade, which is no surprise since green is his favorite color and he tells us that daily. If there is a choice that's green, he takes it.
"Here you go Daddy! Here is your Gatorade!" James said running as quickly as possible to Daddy lying on the couch.
"Thank you James, that really helps buddy!" Daddy said.
Pause... about two seconds...
James said, "Want to share?" We just laughed. Typical. James proceeded to tell Nathan that it is a lot more fun to share than to drink it all by himself. :)
Today, I was giving Nathan a short back rub since he's been slaving over the house and kids since I've been sleeping for two days. His back started hurting this morning, and since I was starting to feel sorta better, I thought it would be nice to help him with his back.
Nathan took off his shirt to lay down on the couch, and James asked why he had taken off his shirt. "Well, Mommy is going to rub my back because it hurts, so I took off my shirt." he said. James said, "You need some medicine!"
Then I said, "Well rubbing his back is really the only medicine that I can give him"
James replied, "You need Gatorade! Daddy, can I get you some Gatorade?"
"Sure!" said Nathan.
I piped up, "What flavor do you want Daddy, green or orange?" reminding Daddy inadvertently that we were out of fruit punch.
"I'll leave it up to you." said Daddy to James.
"OK!" and James tore off to go to the garage. Nathan politely reminded him to grab one that was in the refrigerator.
He came back with a green Gatorade, which is no surprise since green is his favorite color and he tells us that daily. If there is a choice that's green, he takes it.
"Here you go Daddy! Here is your Gatorade!" James said running as quickly as possible to Daddy lying on the couch.
"Thank you James, that really helps buddy!" Daddy said.
Pause... about two seconds...
James said, "Want to share?" We just laughed. Typical. James proceeded to tell Nathan that it is a lot more fun to share than to drink it all by himself. :)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Day 2008
Since we've all been sick-o's this month, Kaitlyn slept in until 9 AM on Christmas morning. James made it to about 8:30 AM. I absolutely RELISH this because I know in a year or two, they'll be getting up at 6 AM on Christmas morning.
So... when James woke up, Nathan went upstairs to get him and bring him down to see if Santa had come. Since I didn't get a warning that they were on there way, I didn't have time to get the video camera rolling, so my story will have to do. James came downstairs and walked over to the tree. He saw that the plate of cookies and mug of milk that he and Daddy had put out on the ottoman the night before were GONE! James said, "OH MY GOODNESS! Santa WAS here!" He had the biggest smile on his face. We also explained to him that Santa had brought him the green plasma car that sat under the tree next to the yellow plasma car that he had brought for Kaitlyn. He rode his plasma car around the downstairs, enjoying every minute of it.
James didn't really ask Santa for a plasma car though, he asked for a toy doggie. Every time we asked James what he wanted Santa to bring for him, it was "a toy doggie!" We're still not sure where this idea came from, and to be honest, I think James was slightly disappointed that Santa didn't deliver.
Kaitlyn finally woke up and made it downstairs for Christmas. She, of course, didn't really know what to make of everything, but she loved riding on her yellow plasma car too.
After breakfast, we went back into the living room to open presents. See, our kids are so young still, they don't really get what the excitement is all about. They would've just rather watched a show on TV than do this present business. Next year will be a bit more hyper, I predict. :)
We showed James that, in fact, Santa had brought TWO presents each for him and Kaitlyn, and that he should open the one from Santa first. He ripped open the paper, looked at it and said, "I DID get a toy doggie!" And giggled, and giggled and giggled. That Santa. SO SNEAKY!
Santa also gave Kaitlyn a clip-o table to play with and some extra clip-o's to build fun things. They are sort of like legos, but are for younger kids (non-chocking hazards). Santa was very great to the kids this year!
After finishing the pile of presents, we relaxed and had lunch and naps. It was a slow day since we all were pretty tired and not feeling up to par. Later in the day we headed over to my parent's house for dinner and gifts there. Dad made an awesome pork roast on the spit and we had baked sweet potatoes, scalloped corn, etc. It was a great dinner. James watched a movie in the playroom since he wasn't feeling well, but by the end of dinner had made his way out to munch on a few things.
After dinner we opened presents. Cameron, Ben and Jack were about to bust they were so excited for our kids to open their gifts. They were home made gifts... the best of the best. Those three made two beautiful HUGE blankets for our kids, out of the cutest fleece. They are so cute and cuddly and WARM! They had to tie about a gazillion knots together, and they did it with love! Thanks kids! Such sweet gifts.
We had a lovely Christmas, and we hope everyone else did too. Merry Christmas everyone. Here is a picture of all 5 of my parent's grandchildren!
So... when James woke up, Nathan went upstairs to get him and bring him down to see if Santa had come. Since I didn't get a warning that they were on there way, I didn't have time to get the video camera rolling, so my story will have to do. James came downstairs and walked over to the tree. He saw that the plate of cookies and mug of milk that he and Daddy had put out on the ottoman the night before were GONE! James said, "OH MY GOODNESS! Santa WAS here!" He had the biggest smile on his face. We also explained to him that Santa had brought him the green plasma car that sat under the tree next to the yellow plasma car that he had brought for Kaitlyn. He rode his plasma car around the downstairs, enjoying every minute of it.
James didn't really ask Santa for a plasma car though, he asked for a toy doggie. Every time we asked James what he wanted Santa to bring for him, it was "a toy doggie!" We're still not sure where this idea came from, and to be honest, I think James was slightly disappointed that Santa didn't deliver.
Kaitlyn finally woke up and made it downstairs for Christmas. She, of course, didn't really know what to make of everything, but she loved riding on her yellow plasma car too.
After breakfast, we went back into the living room to open presents. See, our kids are so young still, they don't really get what the excitement is all about. They would've just rather watched a show on TV than do this present business. Next year will be a bit more hyper, I predict. :)
We showed James that, in fact, Santa had brought TWO presents each for him and Kaitlyn, and that he should open the one from Santa first. He ripped open the paper, looked at it and said, "I DID get a toy doggie!" And giggled, and giggled and giggled. That Santa. SO SNEAKY!
Santa also gave Kaitlyn a clip-o table to play with and some extra clip-o's to build fun things. They are sort of like legos, but are for younger kids (non-chocking hazards). Santa was very great to the kids this year!
After finishing the pile of presents, we relaxed and had lunch and naps. It was a slow day since we all were pretty tired and not feeling up to par. Later in the day we headed over to my parent's house for dinner and gifts there. Dad made an awesome pork roast on the spit and we had baked sweet potatoes, scalloped corn, etc. It was a great dinner. James watched a movie in the playroom since he wasn't feeling well, but by the end of dinner had made his way out to munch on a few things.
After dinner we opened presents. Cameron, Ben and Jack were about to bust they were so excited for our kids to open their gifts. They were home made gifts... the best of the best. Those three made two beautiful HUGE blankets for our kids, out of the cutest fleece. They are so cute and cuddly and WARM! They had to tie about a gazillion knots together, and they did it with love! Thanks kids! Such sweet gifts.
We had a lovely Christmas, and we hope everyone else did too. Merry Christmas everyone. Here is a picture of all 5 of my parent's grandchildren!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sandra, Tod and Dylan visit the Wilckes
My friend Sandra, who I have known since ballet class at 3 years old, came by for a visit on Christmas Eve. We lost touch after high school since she went to UF and I to ISU, but have now reconnected via Facebook. It is so wonderful to see how she's doing now and to catch up on her life. We were such good friends growing up, that when she wasn't in my life I felt an absence. I have been blessed this year to reconnect with two of my friends that I had lost contact with over the years, one being Sandra.
It was a very nice Christmas present to me to be able to see her and meet her wonderful husband Tod and their beautiful daughter Dylan.
It was a very nice Christmas present to me to be able to see her and meet her wonderful husband Tod and their beautiful daughter Dylan.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Iowa Trip Photos
Here is a link to the photo gallery of our trip to Iowa from the 18th until the 21st.
Click Here!
Click Here!
Trip Highlights
We had a quick, yet eventful trip to Iowa just before Christmas. I found out, however, that my in-laws are excellent at keeping winter storms a secret from me, as they thought I would cancel our trip. You guys are sick, really, SICK I tell ya!
Kaitlyn started a new thing while we were gone. She'd ask to be held by saying, "Hold me?" and then when I'd pick her up, she'd say, "Thank you!" Such a cutie. She also ate about a box of Cheerios all by herself. She was a hungry girl! At one point, she squeaked out "bye bye Bennett" perfectly. :)
We got to spend some time with Grandpa Wilcke after he came home from the hospital on Saturday. We took the kids over to see him on Sunday and took some pictures of our families with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa. Lee is very thin, very fragile, but still seemed to enjoy having family around, as long as it wasn't too loud.
On Sunday, we woke up to a balmy -10 degrees. By 9:00 AM it had warmed up significantly to a -8 degrees. The weather was soooo deceiving. It was gorgeous and sunny outside, but every so often you could see blowing snow across the farmland. At around 2 PM it was time for us to leave, so we said goodbye to everyone and all piled in the van. This time we had Chris with us too, so we were literally packed into the van. 7 seats, 7 people. :) It was a fun trip, a cold, bit scary, couldn't see out the backseat window from the ice on it, getting kinda carsick, trip. But finally we arrived at the Cedar Rapids airport and all went well. I almost forgot my phone in the van which would have been detrimental, but at least I figured out that I had left it right away. Thanks guardian angel! While eating dinner, I quickly checked to see what the weather was like in Orlando. AHHHHHHHH, 74 degrees. NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
Neither kid slept on the plane, which was absolutely amazing to me. They both crashed in the car though, and were very easily transported to their beds.
Thank goodness we're home for a while now!
Before our trip even started, Kaitlyn went to the after hours pediatrics care center in Altamonte and was diagnosed with double ear infections. I honestly thought that she and I would stay home, and let James and Nathan go by themselves, but Kaitlyn made such a turnaround between that visit to the pediatric center and the next morning that I decided to proceed with the trip. Now in our midst was only a *small* winter ice storm looming over Cedar Rapids (our flight's destination). This storm was so *small* that I got 4 or 5 warnings from friends on Facebook about it (after posting that we were supposed to be flying to Iowa that day), AND a warning from my dear mother, telling me not to go. Meanwhile, the in-laws' mouths are zippered shut. See? SICK!
We got to the airport without a hitch and got on the flight and left on time. We had a very nice plane ride to Cedar Rapids, nothing sticking out in my head about problems... I even have a post-flight picture to prove it!
Gary and Marilyn were there to greet us and pick us up. The original plan was to load in their van and drive onward to Clinton County. God gave us a break, he pushed the storm back far enough for our flight to get in, but not enough for us to drive the extra hour and a half to get to Clinton County. Gary had made reservations at the local AmericInn for us, so we decided to stay in Cedar Rapids for the night. My stress level plummeted... I literally was THANKING MY CRAZY IN-LAWS for not making us drive on ice. We got checked into the hotel just in time to see the ice start accumulating on the cars in the parking lot. Well, it wasn't enough ice to keep us from going out for Chinese food. Ha.
We got to the restaurant and ordered dinner. James really really wanted a grilled cheese, but alas, normal Chinese restaurants don't have grilled cheese sandwiches. He was very disappointed until Mommy's soup showed up (Wanton soup, no less.. with vegetables in it!), and I sent some broccoli across the table for James. He welcomed it by saying, "Broccoli! My favorite!" So funny!
We all devoured our dinners and headed back to the hotel for the night.
The kids literally didn't get to sleep until about 11 PM, which is midnight by my watch. Nathan and I hung out in Gary and Marilyn's room next door to try to get the kids to sleep, but they were just so wound up, that by the time I went in the room to go to bed, they were both still awake. Thankfully though, as soon as I fell asleep, I think they did. Daddy must have come to bed soon after that.
Daddy woke up to James talking. He was saying something like, "DADDY! Go tell Kaitlyn to be quiet!" She was snoring so loudly from her super stuffed up nose. James was up at the crack of 6:30! Wow! And with that, Kaitlyn woke up and so did I.
We headed to breakfast, and to James' delight, they had doughnuts. I asked him if I could try a bite, he said yes, but to be careful because it was really slimy! :)
We got our stuff packed up, checked out and headed to Clinton County. We left a little earlier than planned, which made Marilyn and I a little weary about traveling on the roads. Everything went perfect until the last 1/8 mile to Grandma and Grandpa Wilcke's house. We almost got stuck in the snow on the top of a hill. Gary had to back up the van and gun it around a corner to get us up and over. It worked, and on we went to see Dorothy.
We stayed at Dorothy's house most of the afternoon, kids had naps, all that good stuff. Then later we headed over to Randy and Marcy's house for the rest of the night.
Beth and Chris arrived late on Friday night, so on Saturday morning, Nathan and Chris took James and Harrison sledding. James had gotten to go sledding with Luke's boys Tommy and Gage the day before, so he was primed (aka not scared) for this time around. They were so cute in their layers, all cozy! At one point, Chris told James to pull the sled back up the hill. James ignored him, so Chris had to tell him again. James' reply? "No! I have to be 24 or 25!" ??? LOL.We got to the airport without a hitch and got on the flight and left on time. We had a very nice plane ride to Cedar Rapids, nothing sticking out in my head about problems... I even have a post-flight picture to prove it!
Gary and Marilyn were there to greet us and pick us up. The original plan was to load in their van and drive onward to Clinton County. God gave us a break, he pushed the storm back far enough for our flight to get in, but not enough for us to drive the extra hour and a half to get to Clinton County. Gary had made reservations at the local AmericInn for us, so we decided to stay in Cedar Rapids for the night. My stress level plummeted... I literally was THANKING MY CRAZY IN-LAWS for not making us drive on ice. We got checked into the hotel just in time to see the ice start accumulating on the cars in the parking lot. Well, it wasn't enough ice to keep us from going out for Chinese food. Ha.
We got to the restaurant and ordered dinner. James really really wanted a grilled cheese, but alas, normal Chinese restaurants don't have grilled cheese sandwiches. He was very disappointed until Mommy's soup showed up (Wanton soup, no less.. with vegetables in it!), and I sent some broccoli across the table for James. He welcomed it by saying, "Broccoli! My favorite!" So funny!
We all devoured our dinners and headed back to the hotel for the night.
The kids literally didn't get to sleep until about 11 PM, which is midnight by my watch. Nathan and I hung out in Gary and Marilyn's room next door to try to get the kids to sleep, but they were just so wound up, that by the time I went in the room to go to bed, they were both still awake. Thankfully though, as soon as I fell asleep, I think they did. Daddy must have come to bed soon after that.
Daddy woke up to James talking. He was saying something like, "DADDY! Go tell Kaitlyn to be quiet!" She was snoring so loudly from her super stuffed up nose. James was up at the crack of 6:30! Wow! And with that, Kaitlyn woke up and so did I.
We headed to breakfast, and to James' delight, they had doughnuts. I asked him if I could try a bite, he said yes, but to be careful because it was really slimy! :)
We got our stuff packed up, checked out and headed to Clinton County. We left a little earlier than planned, which made Marilyn and I a little weary about traveling on the roads. Everything went perfect until the last 1/8 mile to Grandma and Grandpa Wilcke's house. We almost got stuck in the snow on the top of a hill. Gary had to back up the van and gun it around a corner to get us up and over. It worked, and on we went to see Dorothy.
We stayed at Dorothy's house most of the afternoon, kids had naps, all that good stuff. Then later we headed over to Randy and Marcy's house for the rest of the night.
Kaitlyn started a new thing while we were gone. She'd ask to be held by saying, "Hold me?" and then when I'd pick her up, she'd say, "Thank you!" Such a cutie. She also ate about a box of Cheerios all by herself. She was a hungry girl! At one point, she squeaked out "bye bye Bennett" perfectly. :)
We got to spend some time with Grandpa Wilcke after he came home from the hospital on Saturday. We took the kids over to see him on Sunday and took some pictures of our families with Great Grandma and Great Grandpa. Lee is very thin, very fragile, but still seemed to enjoy having family around, as long as it wasn't too loud.
On Sunday, we woke up to a balmy -10 degrees. By 9:00 AM it had warmed up significantly to a -8 degrees. The weather was soooo deceiving. It was gorgeous and sunny outside, but every so often you could see blowing snow across the farmland. At around 2 PM it was time for us to leave, so we said goodbye to everyone and all piled in the van. This time we had Chris with us too, so we were literally packed into the van. 7 seats, 7 people. :) It was a fun trip, a cold, bit scary, couldn't see out the backseat window from the ice on it, getting kinda carsick, trip. But finally we arrived at the Cedar Rapids airport and all went well. I almost forgot my phone in the van which would have been detrimental, but at least I figured out that I had left it right away. Thanks guardian angel! While eating dinner, I quickly checked to see what the weather was like in Orlando. AHHHHHHHH, 74 degrees. NOW THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!
Neither kid slept on the plane, which was absolutely amazing to me. They both crashed in the car though, and were very easily transported to their beds.
Thank goodness we're home for a while now!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Photos from the last few weeks
The kids like to play under our new settee.
Kaitlyn graduates to a booster seat and now sits with us at the table... she's munching on "nem-nems".
Nathan prompted me to get the camera "QUICK!" since the kids were sharing the chair, by their own choice.
Is it too early to put them to work? Just kidding... they actually pulled the chairs up to the counter and got up there themselves. :)
Merry Christmas, our tree is up... now it's time to decorate!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Holidays make for busy weeks... quiet blog.
Sorry for lack of blogs... I will get back to it when I can. Things have been great around here, we finally got our tree up and got it decorated, and Nathan has been working very hard at getting things hung on our walls. We finally look like we live here rather than just moved in... TWO years ago. Ha ha.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sentimental Monday... long blog.
Today was an interesting day for me. I'm not sure why, but it was very sentimental.
This morning Kaitlyn and I had some quality time while we were waiting for James to wake up (at 9:30!). I got to sit alone with her while she ate breakfast, which doesn't happen much.
We had a pretty slow morning since James still wasn't feeling up to par. I knew we would be staying home, but when he told me that his ears still hurt, well, I called the pediatrician's office to schedule a re-check. It's been 5 days on Z-pack for him and no such luck with the ears healing. His cough is gone, however. Turns out that when he was re-examined (not by the same doctor, but by the nurse practitioner), she told me that he must have prescribed the Z-pack to get rid of the cough/chest congestion because it was worse than the ears. She said that when a doctor is faced with two choices for an antibiotic, they usually go for the one that will treat the worse symptom with more effectiveness. Whatever, I don't care, just make my child happy again. So she prescribed him Amoxicillin (however it's spelled), and we were on our way. That's the same drug they gave Kaitlyn last week, and it has worked wonders on her... so we should be good. I'm just so glad he told me that his ears hurt and we went back to the doctor!
Before all of this doctor stuff, however, Kaitlyn must have had a bad dream that startled her awake from her nap. I hopped in the shower quick to see if she'd calm back down and fall asleep, but no, she was awake. So I went upstairs after my shower and walked into her room. It was so nice and dark in there. I picked her up, brought her over to her chest of drawers to pick out an outfit, went to lay her down on her changing table and then paused. I put the shirt down, took my baby over to her rocking chair and just sat and cuddled her for 15 minutes. When we sat down, I told her, "Lie your head down on Mommy and let's have a cuddle..." she did, and we just rocked. It was bliss. I never ever want to forget how it feels to rock my baby, she's growing so fast. Like I said... sentimental.
After James woke up from his nap it was time to head out to the doctor's office. I got a snack ready for the kids consisting of yogurt-covered raisins and a few "nem-nems" as Kaitlyn calls them (my kids literally get up on a chair to try to get to the M&M jar on a daily basis), but we were late as usual. Sigh.
We had the appointment, as mentioned above, and then headed back to the van. James absolutely had a fit that I didn't let him get into the van on "his side" where his seat is. ABSOLUTE FIT. I mean screaming, kicking, sinking in his car seat, taking shoes off, throwing them on the floor kind of fit. I ignored him. It was the best thing to do. He kept it up, but I was watching closely to see if he unbuckled himself... he didn't, so we kept driving. We were about 2/3 of the way to Walgreens when he finally calmed down. I sidetracked him by talking about Christmas decorations and baby Jesus, and why we celebrate Christmas, and decorate, and I just kept rambling until his mind got on to something else. By the time we were at Walgreens, he was fine... weird, just weird. James doesn't do that often.
We drove around the parking lot at Walgreens and there were literally no parking spots. That is a very rare occasion... when they don't have parking at Walgreens! So I had an idea, and it proved to go over extremely well with the kids... ice cream! I dropped off the scrip and we headed across the street to Carvel (hindsight- never going there again). When we parked the car and I turned off the engine, James looks at me and says, "I need to put my shoes on again."
I asked him why his shoes were off and he said, "Well I took them off because I was crying." He had the cutest most embarrassed but bashful look on his face. It was so cute. We had a talk about how not to throw our shoes if we're mad, and all was good. On to Carvel.
After finally deciding on vanilla ice cream with mini-"nem-nem's", we finally to got eat our ice cream. I wolfed mine down in about a minute flat and the kids enjoyed theirs thoroughly. James couldn't quite lick the right way to get a lot of ice cream on his tongue so it took a WHILE for him to eat his. At one point he saw more mini-M&Ms and said something hilarious like, "Come here my sweeties!" Awesome, hilarious. Of course neither child nearly finished their ice cream and I should have gotten one for them to share, but whatever, it was fun. :)
We finally got home and had dinner as usual. The kids are so much fun to watch at the dinner table together. Parroting each other is a nightly routine, usually consisting of Kaitlyn copying James. Tonight though, James was asking for more to "wink". That's Kaitlyn's word for drink.
Nathan took the kids up for baths tonight while I finished up the dishes. For about 15 minutes I heard the best sounds ever... the funny laughs and giggles of my kids playing and wrestling with their Daddy. It a very, very sentimental day.
This morning Kaitlyn and I had some quality time while we were waiting for James to wake up (at 9:30!). I got to sit alone with her while she ate breakfast, which doesn't happen much.
We had a pretty slow morning since James still wasn't feeling up to par. I knew we would be staying home, but when he told me that his ears still hurt, well, I called the pediatrician's office to schedule a re-check. It's been 5 days on Z-pack for him and no such luck with the ears healing. His cough is gone, however. Turns out that when he was re-examined (not by the same doctor, but by the nurse practitioner), she told me that he must have prescribed the Z-pack to get rid of the cough/chest congestion because it was worse than the ears. She said that when a doctor is faced with two choices for an antibiotic, they usually go for the one that will treat the worse symptom with more effectiveness. Whatever, I don't care, just make my child happy again. So she prescribed him Amoxicillin (however it's spelled), and we were on our way. That's the same drug they gave Kaitlyn last week, and it has worked wonders on her... so we should be good. I'm just so glad he told me that his ears hurt and we went back to the doctor!
Before all of this doctor stuff, however, Kaitlyn must have had a bad dream that startled her awake from her nap. I hopped in the shower quick to see if she'd calm back down and fall asleep, but no, she was awake. So I went upstairs after my shower and walked into her room. It was so nice and dark in there. I picked her up, brought her over to her chest of drawers to pick out an outfit, went to lay her down on her changing table and then paused. I put the shirt down, took my baby over to her rocking chair and just sat and cuddled her for 15 minutes. When we sat down, I told her, "Lie your head down on Mommy and let's have a cuddle..." she did, and we just rocked. It was bliss. I never ever want to forget how it feels to rock my baby, she's growing so fast. Like I said... sentimental.
After James woke up from his nap it was time to head out to the doctor's office. I got a snack ready for the kids consisting of yogurt-covered raisins and a few "nem-nems" as Kaitlyn calls them (my kids literally get up on a chair to try to get to the M&M jar on a daily basis), but we were late as usual. Sigh.
We had the appointment, as mentioned above, and then headed back to the van. James absolutely had a fit that I didn't let him get into the van on "his side" where his seat is. ABSOLUTE FIT. I mean screaming, kicking, sinking in his car seat, taking shoes off, throwing them on the floor kind of fit. I ignored him. It was the best thing to do. He kept it up, but I was watching closely to see if he unbuckled himself... he didn't, so we kept driving. We were about 2/3 of the way to Walgreens when he finally calmed down. I sidetracked him by talking about Christmas decorations and baby Jesus, and why we celebrate Christmas, and decorate, and I just kept rambling until his mind got on to something else. By the time we were at Walgreens, he was fine... weird, just weird. James doesn't do that often.
We drove around the parking lot at Walgreens and there were literally no parking spots. That is a very rare occasion... when they don't have parking at Walgreens! So I had an idea, and it proved to go over extremely well with the kids... ice cream! I dropped off the scrip and we headed across the street to Carvel (hindsight- never going there again). When we parked the car and I turned off the engine, James looks at me and says, "I need to put my shoes on again."
I asked him why his shoes were off and he said, "Well I took them off because I was crying." He had the cutest most embarrassed but bashful look on his face. It was so cute. We had a talk about how not to throw our shoes if we're mad, and all was good. On to Carvel.
After finally deciding on vanilla ice cream with mini-"nem-nem's", we finally to got eat our ice cream. I wolfed mine down in about a minute flat and the kids enjoyed theirs thoroughly. James couldn't quite lick the right way to get a lot of ice cream on his tongue so it took a WHILE for him to eat his. At one point he saw more mini-M&Ms and said something hilarious like, "Come here my sweeties!" Awesome, hilarious. Of course neither child nearly finished their ice cream and I should have gotten one for them to share, but whatever, it was fun. :)
We finally got home and had dinner as usual. The kids are so much fun to watch at the dinner table together. Parroting each other is a nightly routine, usually consisting of Kaitlyn copying James. Tonight though, James was asking for more to "wink". That's Kaitlyn's word for drink.
Nathan took the kids up for baths tonight while I finished up the dishes. For about 15 minutes I heard the best sounds ever... the funny laughs and giggles of my kids playing and wrestling with their Daddy. It a very, very sentimental day.
Be cautious of open drawers.
A few nights ago I was sleeping upstairs in the guest room since James was still sick. I heard Nathan call out to me, "Mommy! Help?" So I sprang out of bed and went in James room to see a pile right by his face. He must have done it in his sleep. Poor kid. He didn't even have time to react to the fact that he threw up before Nathan was in there helping him out of bed.
I took the sheets downstairs and did my cleaning... it's amazing how rock hard a stomach becomes after being a Mom dealing with throw up. I remember when James constantly spit up and threw up several times as an infant thinking, "It's really no big deal... it's just milk." It's a little more difficult now with the chunks in it, but some how I manage to think the same thing... "It's really no big deal... it's just pizza a ranch dressing, with grapes." SICK.
I was wearing a long sleeved t-shirt to bed and the sleeves got wet, so I went into my bedroom to change my shirt. I noticed that my top drawer was slightly ajar, so I closed it, opened my bottom drawer, got out a new shirt and proceeded to go back upstairs to bed. We got James all tucked back into bed with clean sheets and Mickey since Monkey was now having a "bath" in the clothes washer.
I woke up about 30 minutes later (?) with Nathan at my bedside trying to tell me something. He says, "Did you close a drawer in your dresser?"
"HUH?" I asked.
"Saki was in your drawer in your dresser stuck inside. Now THAT is funny." He says.
Oops. I guess I should watch out for cats nestled in my underwear before I close my drawer in my dresser. LOL. Silly cat.
I took the sheets downstairs and did my cleaning... it's amazing how rock hard a stomach becomes after being a Mom dealing with throw up. I remember when James constantly spit up and threw up several times as an infant thinking, "It's really no big deal... it's just milk." It's a little more difficult now with the chunks in it, but some how I manage to think the same thing... "It's really no big deal... it's just pizza a ranch dressing, with grapes." SICK.
I was wearing a long sleeved t-shirt to bed and the sleeves got wet, so I went into my bedroom to change my shirt. I noticed that my top drawer was slightly ajar, so I closed it, opened my bottom drawer, got out a new shirt and proceeded to go back upstairs to bed. We got James all tucked back into bed with clean sheets and Mickey since Monkey was now having a "bath" in the clothes washer.
I woke up about 30 minutes later (?) with Nathan at my bedside trying to tell me something. He says, "Did you close a drawer in your dresser?"
"HUH?" I asked.
"Saki was in your drawer in your dresser stuck inside. Now THAT is funny." He says.
Oops. I guess I should watch out for cats nestled in my underwear before I close my drawer in my dresser. LOL. Silly cat.
Settle down!
Last night we went over to my parents for home-made pizza and salad. Mmmm. The kids are still recovering from ear infections and other issues, so they weren't looking like their normal happy selves (little dark around the eyes).
James and Kaitlyn were playing in the kids' room while Grandma and I were talking. Mom asked me how old Harrison was now, and I said 4, and we talked about how time just seems to fly by. When James heard that I said Harrison was 4, he piped up... "He's 3!" I had to tell him that Harrison had just had a birthday last week, and now he is 4. Mom and I started talking again about how "Harrison is only 7 months older than James and soon James will be three and a half! ... and then pretty soon he'd be 4! My baby is going to be FOUR!" I got so excited. Mom was laughing and chiming in with me and all of a sudden James says while smiling and laughing, "Settle down! Settle down Mom and Grandma!" We just laughed, and laughed and laughed.
James and Kaitlyn were playing in the kids' room while Grandma and I were talking. Mom asked me how old Harrison was now, and I said 4, and we talked about how time just seems to fly by. When James heard that I said Harrison was 4, he piped up... "He's 3!" I had to tell him that Harrison had just had a birthday last week, and now he is 4. Mom and I started talking again about how "Harrison is only 7 months older than James and soon James will be three and a half! ... and then pretty soon he'd be 4! My baby is going to be FOUR!" I got so excited. Mom was laughing and chiming in with me and all of a sudden James says while smiling and laughing, "Settle down! Settle down Mom and Grandma!" We just laughed, and laughed and laughed.
I can do it by myself!
James has definitely turned the corner these last few weeks (although being sick) into a boy who wants to do things by himself. For about a month now, he's been getting up in the morning, undressing enough to get his nighttime diaper off, then putting his jammy pants back on. One morning he even got his own slippers on before coming to wake me up (in the guest room since our room is downstairs).
He seems to think that it's all fine and good if he goes to the potty, poops, and wipes himself. Not all fine and good. Yesterday I had to have a little bit of a talk with him about how he can do it himself, but he needs Mommy or Daddy to check to make sure everything is "spotless".... if you know what I mean. :) The other day he helped himself to the bathroom after his nap, took his diaper off and went poop in the potty all by himself. He was so proud! We are so proud of him too... especially after months of telling him that he should only poop in the potty now since he's 3.
One more "milestone" for James was a few nights ago. I put him to bed as usual, tucked him in and came downstairs. When I went to check on him about an hour later, he mysteriously had socks on that he didn't have on when I left the room! Ok... so James is 3. He's tall enough to reach to the TOP drawer of his chest (5 feet high?), pull the drawer open, reach over the top of the drawer and get a pair of socks. He's not even 3 and a half!!!!
When I saw those socks, I grinned and chuckled pretty hard under my breath. I got a bit closer to inspect... one was inside out, and the other had the heel of the sock on the top of his foot. But, he did it himself. I love him so much.
We call Kaitlyn "Miss Independent" and she's really sticking to that lately. She has graduated to sitting at the table with us on a booster seat. Goodbye highchair! She's really enjoying it too, I can see the little glimmer in her eye when we're all sitting around the table. Maybe it's the reflection of me beaming that I see in her eye, but it's there. :) She also is getting VERY good at using her spoon, and gently tipping her bowl to get the remains of whatever is in there... usually yogurt or cereal. Thinking that I need to bite the bullet eventually and risk her spilling, I gave her a cup of water the other night to see how she did with it. She did wonderfully! I just had to remind her that she couldn't shake the cup like she does with sippy cups.
This morning (oh by the way, I'm still waiting for James to wake up, and it's 9:07) when we were having breakfast, she ate all of her cereal and milk with bananas all by herself. She wanted more, so I shared my Cheerios with her. She polished those off and I smiled and clapped for her and said, "Kaitlyn! Good girl!" and she says, "Thank you!" My little drama queen.
After breakfast was over, we headed to the family room. I asked Kaitlyn if she wanted to watch a show, and she said, "BARNEY!" clear as a bell. She doesn't ever really get to pick what they watch, since James is usually around and it's whatever is on Disney or Noggin that plays. But this morning, Kaitlyn is watching Barney!
He seems to think that it's all fine and good if he goes to the potty, poops, and wipes himself. Not all fine and good. Yesterday I had to have a little bit of a talk with him about how he can do it himself, but he needs Mommy or Daddy to check to make sure everything is "spotless".... if you know what I mean. :) The other day he helped himself to the bathroom after his nap, took his diaper off and went poop in the potty all by himself. He was so proud! We are so proud of him too... especially after months of telling him that he should only poop in the potty now since he's 3.
One more "milestone" for James was a few nights ago. I put him to bed as usual, tucked him in and came downstairs. When I went to check on him about an hour later, he mysteriously had socks on that he didn't have on when I left the room! Ok... so James is 3. He's tall enough to reach to the TOP drawer of his chest (5 feet high?), pull the drawer open, reach over the top of the drawer and get a pair of socks. He's not even 3 and a half!!!!
When I saw those socks, I grinned and chuckled pretty hard under my breath. I got a bit closer to inspect... one was inside out, and the other had the heel of the sock on the top of his foot. But, he did it himself. I love him so much.
We call Kaitlyn "Miss Independent" and she's really sticking to that lately. She has graduated to sitting at the table with us on a booster seat. Goodbye highchair! She's really enjoying it too, I can see the little glimmer in her eye when we're all sitting around the table. Maybe it's the reflection of me beaming that I see in her eye, but it's there. :) She also is getting VERY good at using her spoon, and gently tipping her bowl to get the remains of whatever is in there... usually yogurt or cereal. Thinking that I need to bite the bullet eventually and risk her spilling, I gave her a cup of water the other night to see how she did with it. She did wonderfully! I just had to remind her that she couldn't shake the cup like she does with sippy cups.
This morning (oh by the way, I'm still waiting for James to wake up, and it's 9:07) when we were having breakfast, she ate all of her cereal and milk with bananas all by herself. She wanted more, so I shared my Cheerios with her. She polished those off and I smiled and clapped for her and said, "Kaitlyn! Good girl!" and she says, "Thank you!" My little drama queen.
After breakfast was over, we headed to the family room. I asked Kaitlyn if she wanted to watch a show, and she said, "BARNEY!" clear as a bell. She doesn't ever really get to pick what they watch, since James is usually around and it's whatever is on Disney or Noggin that plays. But this morning, Kaitlyn is watching Barney!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Drum roll... and the verdict is... ear infections!
James has ear infections. I asked him yesterday if his throat hurt, knowing that strep is going around, and he said yes. Ok, awesome, I thought, we'll go and get him swabbed and find out. I also asked him if his ears hurt and he said simply, "No!".
Today when we were in the doctor's office seeing Dr. Middleton, and he clearly has ear infections. I asked him, "James, do your ears hurt honey?" and again he replied, "No."
Now how weird is that? Dr. Middleton told us that he's probably throwing up because of the drippage going down to his tummy. Ick.
My mom told me that my brother used to do that when he was little too. He'd have ear infections, never complain, just throw up. So... keep that in your notes. Man oh man... I wish my ear infections never hurt!
James has picked Chick-fil-A for dinner. YUM. Good choice, James.
Kaitlyn was diagnosed with an ear infection on Friday, and I have a sinus infection! Sheesh! Antibiotics all around!
Today when we were in the doctor's office seeing Dr. Middleton, and he clearly has ear infections. I asked him, "James, do your ears hurt honey?" and again he replied, "No."
Now how weird is that? Dr. Middleton told us that he's probably throwing up because of the drippage going down to his tummy. Ick.
My mom told me that my brother used to do that when he was little too. He'd have ear infections, never complain, just throw up. So... keep that in your notes. Man oh man... I wish my ear infections never hurt!
James has picked Chick-fil-A for dinner. YUM. Good choice, James.
Kaitlyn was diagnosed with an ear infection on Friday, and I have a sinus infection! Sheesh! Antibiotics all around!
Photos from Thanksgiving
For all of the photos, click here otherwise, here are some highlights. I didn't take many photos this trip! Sigh.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Clenliness is amazing.
James threw up last night at about 9 PM, so naturally, he though he should throw up tonight at approximately the same time. As Nathan and I were about to sit down to watch House, we heard a whisper coming from the top of the stairs... "I have to throw up!"
So Nathan ran upstairs to help James, a little curious to see if he was really serious or just playing. Nathan got the potty seat off of the toilet and put the seat up and said, "You know, I really don't think you have to throw up."
James put his hands on the potty, looked down and said, "Wow, this is a really clean potty!"
Back to bed he went.
James did end up throwing up at around 1 AM and may have earned a trip to the doctor's office today. We will see....
So Nathan ran upstairs to help James, a little curious to see if he was really serious or just playing. Nathan got the potty seat off of the toilet and put the seat up and said, "You know, I really don't think you have to throw up."
James put his hands on the potty, looked down and said, "Wow, this is a really clean potty!"
Back to bed he went.
James did end up throwing up at around 1 AM and may have earned a trip to the doctor's office today. We will see....
Eh-heh I got the flu.
Kaitlyn has digressed in her "yes" into a less formal "eh-heh" for yes. This all started in Iowa, and from out of no where. It is funny, although I much prefer the "yes".
So I got the flu. Tuesday morning at 5:55 I woke up and started the worst 16 hours of my life (for this year anyway). I thought I was going to avoid getting it, but alas, I wasn't so lucky.
Thankfully, Ashley was here to watch the kids all day, and I'm praying to God that she doesn't get sick. Nathan came home at 5 to a crying wife that wanted to go to the hospital. I've never been so uncomfortable, not being able to be still, head pounding, legs aching, puking, and not being able to drink water. I literally was close to calling an ambulance, that's how horrible I felt. I finally was able to nap for an hour or so, only the Lord knows how I ended up falling asleep. After that nap I decided to try some ice chips and water, then a few swigs of soup broth and felt much better. After a bath I felt even more normal, and today I feel good, but not awesome.
One thing I always think is so funny about little ones: they get garlic breath too. Nathan fed the kids pasta and red sauce last night for dinner, and apparently had a bunch of garlic in it because I smell it on Kaitlyn's breath this morning. Not so much on James' breath since he puked it all up last night all over the bathroom. Poor Nathan, bet that was a fun mess to clean up!
I promise more upbeat and fun blogs from the rest of this week! :)
So I got the flu. Tuesday morning at 5:55 I woke up and started the worst 16 hours of my life (for this year anyway). I thought I was going to avoid getting it, but alas, I wasn't so lucky.
Thankfully, Ashley was here to watch the kids all day, and I'm praying to God that she doesn't get sick. Nathan came home at 5 to a crying wife that wanted to go to the hospital. I've never been so uncomfortable, not being able to be still, head pounding, legs aching, puking, and not being able to drink water. I literally was close to calling an ambulance, that's how horrible I felt. I finally was able to nap for an hour or so, only the Lord knows how I ended up falling asleep. After that nap I decided to try some ice chips and water, then a few swigs of soup broth and felt much better. After a bath I felt even more normal, and today I feel good, but not awesome.
One thing I always think is so funny about little ones: they get garlic breath too. Nathan fed the kids pasta and red sauce last night for dinner, and apparently had a bunch of garlic in it because I smell it on Kaitlyn's breath this morning. Not so much on James' breath since he puked it all up last night all over the bathroom. Poor Nathan, bet that was a fun mess to clean up!
I promise more upbeat and fun blogs from the rest of this week! :)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Declared: Jammie and movie day
Since Nathan was still not 100% healthy last night, I slept in the guest room upstairs. Good thing too, since I woke up at 8 a.m. to James saying "I'm going to frow up!" and running to the bathroom. Yep, he threw up. Luckily he didn't have much in his stomach so it was fine. He stood up, flushed the potty and said, "Bye bye frow up!" with a wave and a cheery voice. He says that when he says bye bye to pee pee and poop too. :)
He threw up one more time and had some bad pooping episodes, but it could have been a lot worse. He's still sick though, running a temp., coughing, etc. No school for James tomorrow.
Kaitlyn and I are still sidestepping the flu, but she has slept a ton today. She slept until I woke her up at 11! Then, she had some banana, goldfish and Gatorade and went back to bed at noon. Both kids and MOMMY had wonderful naps. It was definitely a jammies and movie day.
We set a record today too... both kids bathed, in bed and asleep by 7! I hope they don't wake up at 5 a.m.!
I'm still waiting for my bout with the flu... I've had a few nauseous moments today, but luckily, I think I'm in the clear... so far.
He threw up one more time and had some bad pooping episodes, but it could have been a lot worse. He's still sick though, running a temp., coughing, etc. No school for James tomorrow.
Kaitlyn and I are still sidestepping the flu, but she has slept a ton today. She slept until I woke her up at 11! Then, she had some banana, goldfish and Gatorade and went back to bed at noon. Both kids and MOMMY had wonderful naps. It was definitely a jammies and movie day.
We set a record today too... both kids bathed, in bed and asleep by 7! I hope they don't wake up at 5 a.m.!
I'm still waiting for my bout with the flu... I've had a few nauseous moments today, but luckily, I think I'm in the clear... so far.
What a long strange trip it was....
Wow did we have a trip to Iowa.
We arrived in Iowa, as noted in the last blog, with ease and excitement, which continued throughout the first few days. Kaitlyn already had a cold when we left Florida, and then gave it to me and James.
On Thursday, we headed up to Charles City for Thanksgiving with the DeBolt family and we were welcomed into Grandma and Grandpa DeBolt's condo. We had to take two vans since our family has multiplied to 10. The guys (Gary, Nathan, Chris) took the older boys (James and Harrison) in one van and the women (me, Marilyn and Beth) took the babies (Kaitlyn and Bennett) in the other van. James and Harrison got to watch Madagascar on the way up, what lucky kids. :)
We had a nice drive up, and it actually went pretty quickly. Beth and I had a nice, yes nice, conversation about politics, Obama, McCain, Rush Limbaugh, etc. which made the trip go a bit faster. There is nothing like good conversation to get the time going.
It was great to see all of the family: Grandma and Grandpa, Karen and Andy, Pat and Rich and Ben. At the start of dinner we remembered Bobby with nice words and stories. Grandma and Karen worked very hard for us to have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we did. Stuffed... totally overstuffed. :)
Friday was a nice relaxing day for Marilyn, me and the kids. Nathan and Gary drove down to Des Moines to help Chris and Beth rip up their kitchen floor and put down new plywood. The finished project will be wonderful. They had carpet in their kitchen, which is really weird, and Beth is super excited that it's gone.
Friday night, Nathan and I and Beth and Chris left our kids with Grandma and Grandpa for the night so we could go out to eat and have a little fun. We had a very nice dinner accompanied by Ted and Heidi at Star Bar. Very very good. I was sick by this point of our trip with a cold, so being the natural party pooper that I am, insisted we go home by 11. We still didn't get to bed until 1 or so, as we indulged ourselves in Friend's trivia questions and Totinos pizza.
This was the night that we also found out that Emily Wilcke had gone to the hospital for intense stomach pains. It was found that she had a gall stone that was passing, which causes incredible pain. She was in the hospital for three days, and still, I'm not sure if she's home or not. This woman has gone through so much in her life!
On Saturday, Beth and Chris had us and the rest of the family (Randy, Marcy, Marc, Fuzzy and Jean) over for chili and appetizers. We had such a great time in their cozy home, and loved every minute of playing Trivial Pursuit twice. As we were ready to head back to Ames for the night, Nathan came down with the stomach flu. Rockin' times. He thought he was done with it, so he attempted to drive back to Ames, but around 25 minutes into the drive, he finally listened to reason (aka Meredith) and let me finish the drive. The sickness continued through the night so James had Mommy as a sleep mate. Poor Nathan, he really had the brunt of it.
On Sunday, Marilyn and Gary put on a wonderful lunch for us with ham, salads, potatoes, etc. all of the good things we like. Beth and Chris and boys came up too, but Nathan spent much of the day in bed. Mind you... our flight was scheduled to leave at 8 p.m. on Sunday and my husband is lying in bed sick as a dog.
By 4 p.m., which was time to pack up and start the moving out process, Marilyn got sick. Now I was convinced that the kids or I would start puking momentarily. I told Nathan, "If the kids or I start puking before the flight, we are NOT going." Against my desire, we headed for Des Moines. Weather: cold. Roads: slippery. Highway 30 onramp: closed. Since we couldn't enter the onramp due to cars in the ditch or an accident blocking Eastbound traffic, we turned around and headed south on Highway 69... slowly. It's a good thing that we left early, as we needed all of that extra time to go 40 mph all the way to Ankeny when we finally got back to I-35. From then on out we were fine, I relaxed a bit, and no one else was throwing up. Good.
We got our three bags, two car seats, two kids and one stroller out of the rental car and Nathan took the car to be returned. The kids and I patiently waited for him by the check in counter and when he arrived, we moved all of our stuff to check in. As things were being finalized and our boarding passes printed, James tells Nathan that he's going to throw up. RUN!!!!!!!!!!! Nathan took James to the bathroom walking quickly and trying not to run, but came back pretty soon after and said that nothing had happened, that James was fine. Whew.
We got through security without a hitch (which to me was a surprise because the rest of the trip had been hellish), ate dinner at the restaurant, and boarded our flight without problems. Nathan and Kaitlyn slept in the row behind James and me, eventually. James and I watched Barney, and then I tried to get him comfortable to fall asleep on my lap, but he twitched and stirred until he couldn't handle it anymore. He finally passed out, and we immediately started our decent into Sanford. Perfect timing James! ;)
I could barely wake him up enough for him to walk out of the plane after we pulled up to the gate. He had to walk, we had so much stuff to carry, but he refused. Nathan carried him and Kaitlyn's car seat and I rolled Kaitlyn in the stroller to the baggage claim. We eventually made it home at 1 a.m. and headed to bed at 2 a.m.
It was very nice to see everyone, and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving, but I'm very thankful to be HOME.
We arrived in Iowa, as noted in the last blog, with ease and excitement, which continued throughout the first few days. Kaitlyn already had a cold when we left Florida, and then gave it to me and James.
On Thursday, we headed up to Charles City for Thanksgiving with the DeBolt family and we were welcomed into Grandma and Grandpa DeBolt's condo. We had to take two vans since our family has multiplied to 10. The guys (Gary, Nathan, Chris) took the older boys (James and Harrison) in one van and the women (me, Marilyn and Beth) took the babies (Kaitlyn and Bennett) in the other van. James and Harrison got to watch Madagascar on the way up, what lucky kids. :)
We had a nice drive up, and it actually went pretty quickly. Beth and I had a nice, yes nice, conversation about politics, Obama, McCain, Rush Limbaugh, etc. which made the trip go a bit faster. There is nothing like good conversation to get the time going.
It was great to see all of the family: Grandma and Grandpa, Karen and Andy, Pat and Rich and Ben. At the start of dinner we remembered Bobby with nice words and stories. Grandma and Karen worked very hard for us to have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and we did. Stuffed... totally overstuffed. :)
Friday was a nice relaxing day for Marilyn, me and the kids. Nathan and Gary drove down to Des Moines to help Chris and Beth rip up their kitchen floor and put down new plywood. The finished project will be wonderful. They had carpet in their kitchen, which is really weird, and Beth is super excited that it's gone.
Friday night, Nathan and I and Beth and Chris left our kids with Grandma and Grandpa for the night so we could go out to eat and have a little fun. We had a very nice dinner accompanied by Ted and Heidi at Star Bar. Very very good. I was sick by this point of our trip with a cold, so being the natural party pooper that I am, insisted we go home by 11. We still didn't get to bed until 1 or so, as we indulged ourselves in Friend's trivia questions and Totinos pizza.
This was the night that we also found out that Emily Wilcke had gone to the hospital for intense stomach pains. It was found that she had a gall stone that was passing, which causes incredible pain. She was in the hospital for three days, and still, I'm not sure if she's home or not. This woman has gone through so much in her life!
On Saturday, Beth and Chris had us and the rest of the family (Randy, Marcy, Marc, Fuzzy and Jean) over for chili and appetizers. We had such a great time in their cozy home, and loved every minute of playing Trivial Pursuit twice. As we were ready to head back to Ames for the night, Nathan came down with the stomach flu. Rockin' times. He thought he was done with it, so he attempted to drive back to Ames, but around 25 minutes into the drive, he finally listened to reason (aka Meredith) and let me finish the drive. The sickness continued through the night so James had Mommy as a sleep mate. Poor Nathan, he really had the brunt of it.
On Sunday, Marilyn and Gary put on a wonderful lunch for us with ham, salads, potatoes, etc. all of the good things we like. Beth and Chris and boys came up too, but Nathan spent much of the day in bed. Mind you... our flight was scheduled to leave at 8 p.m. on Sunday and my husband is lying in bed sick as a dog.
By 4 p.m., which was time to pack up and start the moving out process, Marilyn got sick. Now I was convinced that the kids or I would start puking momentarily. I told Nathan, "If the kids or I start puking before the flight, we are NOT going." Against my desire, we headed for Des Moines. Weather: cold. Roads: slippery. Highway 30 onramp: closed. Since we couldn't enter the onramp due to cars in the ditch or an accident blocking Eastbound traffic, we turned around and headed south on Highway 69... slowly. It's a good thing that we left early, as we needed all of that extra time to go 40 mph all the way to Ankeny when we finally got back to I-35. From then on out we were fine, I relaxed a bit, and no one else was throwing up. Good.
We got our three bags, two car seats, two kids and one stroller out of the rental car and Nathan took the car to be returned. The kids and I patiently waited for him by the check in counter and when he arrived, we moved all of our stuff to check in. As things were being finalized and our boarding passes printed, James tells Nathan that he's going to throw up. RUN!!!!!!!!!!! Nathan took James to the bathroom walking quickly and trying not to run, but came back pretty soon after and said that nothing had happened, that James was fine. Whew.
We got through security without a hitch (which to me was a surprise because the rest of the trip had been hellish), ate dinner at the restaurant, and boarded our flight without problems. Nathan and Kaitlyn slept in the row behind James and me, eventually. James and I watched Barney, and then I tried to get him comfortable to fall asleep on my lap, but he twitched and stirred until he couldn't handle it anymore. He finally passed out, and we immediately started our decent into Sanford. Perfect timing James! ;)
I could barely wake him up enough for him to walk out of the plane after we pulled up to the gate. He had to walk, we had so much stuff to carry, but he refused. Nathan carried him and Kaitlyn's car seat and I rolled Kaitlyn in the stroller to the baggage claim. We eventually made it home at 1 a.m. and headed to bed at 2 a.m.
It was very nice to see everyone, and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving, but I'm very thankful to be HOME.
Grandma Lois Casey
I got this email from my mom today, on the anniversary of my Grandmother's death. I think it is important to include in the blog, especially to keep the memory of this wonderful woman alive in our hearts.
Hi dears,
Today is the anniversary of my mom's death. Can you believe it's been a whole year? I keep thinking of this day last year, how my brothers, my sisters-in-law and I were all around her bed, talking to her, even tho we were not sure she could hear us, and how good the nurses were about coming in and turning her, changing her sheets, treating her with such care and dignity. It was during one of these times that we all stepped out of the room,the guys went to check a football score in the lunch room and Sharon and I were visiting right outside Mom's door. The nurse from hospice was standing in the doorway, and gently told us that mom had not taken another breath for about 30 seconds. So we all came back to her bedside and she never did take another breath. And so her life ended here on earth, but the love she left behind still is with us and within us. She was a dear.
And you all are dear to me. Love, MOM
Grandma, Kathy and Kaitlyn
Four generations.
Hi dears,
Today is the anniversary of my mom's death. Can you believe it's been a whole year? I keep thinking of this day last year, how my brothers, my sisters-in-law and I were all around her bed, talking to her, even tho we were not sure she could hear us, and how good the nurses were about coming in and turning her, changing her sheets, treating her with such care and dignity. It was during one of these times that we all stepped out of the room,the guys went to check a football score in the lunch room and Sharon and I were visiting right outside Mom's door. The nurse from hospice was standing in the doorway, and gently told us that mom had not taken another breath for about 30 seconds. So we all came back to her bedside and she never did take another breath. And so her life ended here on earth, but the love she left behind still is with us and within us. She was a dear.
And you all are dear to me. Love, MOM
Grandma Lois Casey, Kathy and James
Grandma, Kathy and Kaitlyn
Four generations.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Whew! Made it!
We made it to Iowa, safe and sound. The whole trip went really well... actually... I really can't complain. Nathan and James were in the row in front of us (two seats), so they had their own little party up there in row 14. Kaitlyn and I had our own fun in row 15. :)
For a while I didn't think Kaitlyn was going to nap on the plane, but finally, sleepiness overwhelmed her and she passed out. It was about 3 o'clock. She and I BOTH slept on the plane for about an hour and a half to wake up to 30 minutes left in the flight. Perfect. I do remember slightly waking up to flight attendants walking by with carts and trash bags and throwing them dagger eyes... DON'T WAKE MY BABY! Ha ha ha.
We arrived at the Des Moines airport and were welcomed by Grandpa and Grandma Wilcke. Harrison was supposed to come, and thankfully we didn't tell James this bit of info., because apparently he bailed at the last minute and didn't want to come after all. James was very excited to get to Harrisons house, so we loaded up our rental Dodge Avenger and set out on the 3 minute trip to the Neipert house.
When we pulled into the driveway and parked the car, James couldn't take it anymore... he giggled and said, "I'm so exctied to see Aunt Beth!" Ha ha.
We had a great dinner and family time at their house and now we're in Ames for the night. Tomorrow we'll set off for Charles City, Marilyn's hometown, to see the DeBolts. It'll be fun, but it'll be tight. 13 adults and 4 kids in a condo. Snuggle time!
I am very excited about tomorrow, it should be fun. Grandma and Grandpa are having a lot of fun with the kids, especially with Kaitlyn and her extensive vocabulary. Hopefully she'll convince Bennett to get on the talking train.
For a while I didn't think Kaitlyn was going to nap on the plane, but finally, sleepiness overwhelmed her and she passed out. It was about 3 o'clock. She and I BOTH slept on the plane for about an hour and a half to wake up to 30 minutes left in the flight. Perfect. I do remember slightly waking up to flight attendants walking by with carts and trash bags and throwing them dagger eyes... DON'T WAKE MY BABY! Ha ha ha.
We arrived at the Des Moines airport and were welcomed by Grandpa and Grandma Wilcke. Harrison was supposed to come, and thankfully we didn't tell James this bit of info., because apparently he bailed at the last minute and didn't want to come after all. James was very excited to get to Harrisons house, so we loaded up our rental Dodge Avenger and set out on the 3 minute trip to the Neipert house.
When we pulled into the driveway and parked the car, James couldn't take it anymore... he giggled and said, "I'm so exctied to see Aunt Beth!" Ha ha.
We had a great dinner and family time at their house and now we're in Ames for the night. Tomorrow we'll set off for Charles City, Marilyn's hometown, to see the DeBolts. It'll be fun, but it'll be tight. 13 adults and 4 kids in a condo. Snuggle time!
I am very excited about tomorrow, it should be fun. Grandma and Grandpa are having a lot of fun with the kids, especially with Kaitlyn and her extensive vocabulary. Hopefully she'll convince Bennett to get on the talking train.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Off to Iowa tomorrow
We're leaving for Iowa tomorrow on our Thanksgiving vacation. We're so excited!!! Kaitlyn has been showing signs of getting a cold... figures! I just hope maybe it's teeth and it won't be some virus that will spread throughout the family while we're gone. That's the last thing we need.
I was trying to finish watching the latest episode of ER on our DVR while the kids were napping. Of course, both of them woke up with about 10 minutes of the show left. I heard James waking up, as usual, but then heard him talking from the stairwell asking me to come upstairs. Dang, ok... pause.
I got upstairs and James was BEAMING with pride. He said, "I got myself dressed Mom!" OOOOOH, my baby! I was so proud! We haven't even been working on this much, it's just something that he did! He has taken his PullUp or his Overnight off once in a while, and then put pjs back on, but this time, he put on his undies and his jeans! One little hiccup... the jeans were on backwards. I was so proud of him that I was beaming now too, but when he walked arond the corner, I had to turn around and giggle. I couldn't help it.
I will try to blog while we're gone, so bug me on email to get that done. :) I usually have some pretty good stories from these trips. WISH US LUCK!!!
I was trying to finish watching the latest episode of ER on our DVR while the kids were napping. Of course, both of them woke up with about 10 minutes of the show left. I heard James waking up, as usual, but then heard him talking from the stairwell asking me to come upstairs. Dang, ok... pause.
I got upstairs and James was BEAMING with pride. He said, "I got myself dressed Mom!" OOOOOH, my baby! I was so proud! We haven't even been working on this much, it's just something that he did! He has taken his PullUp or his Overnight off once in a while, and then put pjs back on, but this time, he put on his undies and his jeans! One little hiccup... the jeans were on backwards. I was so proud of him that I was beaming now too, but when he walked arond the corner, I had to turn around and giggle. I couldn't help it.
I will try to blog while we're gone, so bug me on email to get that done. :) I usually have some pretty good stories from these trips. WISH US LUCK!!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Kee Kew... Wehcome! Do it!
Kaitlyn likes to say "thank you" when you give her something, it is so sweet. It sounds like 'kee kew'... and since she doesn't really get it yet, she says "you're welcome" right after it. This sounds more like 'weh come'.
She also is starting a phase of mixing a few word to form a sentence. Such as... "Look! Flower!" or "Juice, please." She even says, "Look! A book!" or one of my favorites... "Do it!"
Kaitlyn is great at identifying vehicles, she always says, "airplane!" when she hears one, or "truck!" when she sees a truck outside.
I can't remember right now if this story has appeared in my blog or not, but one day we (James, Kaitlyn and I) were sitting at a stop light, and Kaitlyn was trying to say something. She would say is twice... and finally I looked over to my left and saw a bus stop sign. The city bus in Orlando is the Lynx, and the stops all have paw prints on them. Kaitlyn was saying, "A CLUE! A CLUE!" from Blues' Clues that they watch. James and I always say it when we spot a bus stop, so why shouldn't she? :)
She also is starting a phase of mixing a few word to form a sentence. Such as... "Look! Flower!" or "Juice, please." She even says, "Look! A book!" or one of my favorites... "Do it!"
Kaitlyn is great at identifying vehicles, she always says, "airplane!" when she hears one, or "truck!" when she sees a truck outside.
I can't remember right now if this story has appeared in my blog or not, but one day we (James, Kaitlyn and I) were sitting at a stop light, and Kaitlyn was trying to say something. She would say is twice... and finally I looked over to my left and saw a bus stop sign. The city bus in Orlando is the Lynx, and the stops all have paw prints on them. Kaitlyn was saying, "A CLUE! A CLUE!" from Blues' Clues that they watch. James and I always say it when we spot a bus stop, so why shouldn't she? :)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Don't cry over spilled Mt. Dew
A few days ago, Nathan was on the couch enjoying a Mt. Dew. James came down from his nap and then spilled the Mt. Dew... all over our new ottoman and all over his shirt and pants. Oops.
Now THAT is the reason that I had an extra slipcover made and have it on the ottoman (under it are two absorbent crib pads to soak up the extras) just to protect the fabulous look of the upholstered fabric. Genius.
James cried... of course, as all kids do when they spill something. I remember that feeling when I was a kid that when I spilled something I felt just AWFUL. Why is that? Anyway, as we consoled James and told him that it was okay and we all spill sometimes, Daddy told him to take off his clothes. I think he thought that they were going to be gone forever since he replied with the sappiest tone in his voice (and a desperate frown on his face), "But I LIKE these clothes, and you buyed them for me...." So we had to nicely tell him that we'd wash those clothes and that he could just wear dry ones. Nevertheless, they weren't all that wet so we just cuddled up on the couch and watched a little TV.
Nathan let James redeem himself by going to get Daddy a new Mt. Dew from the fridge in the garage. Little stinker actually got it right! He's so smart.
Better go get showered. We are off to a play group at Monkey Joe's this morning with James' classmates. It should be fun, and since it's pretty chippy outside, it's good to play inside. I've never been to Monkey Joe's so hopefully it'll be great fun. Kaitlyn is going to stay with Mom, I think she's too young... and I really don't want to have to keep track of both kids in a zoo like that! :)
Now THAT is the reason that I had an extra slipcover made and have it on the ottoman (under it are two absorbent crib pads to soak up the extras) just to protect the fabulous look of the upholstered fabric. Genius.
James cried... of course, as all kids do when they spill something. I remember that feeling when I was a kid that when I spilled something I felt just AWFUL. Why is that? Anyway, as we consoled James and told him that it was okay and we all spill sometimes, Daddy told him to take off his clothes. I think he thought that they were going to be gone forever since he replied with the sappiest tone in his voice (and a desperate frown on his face), "But I LIKE these clothes, and you buyed them for me...." So we had to nicely tell him that we'd wash those clothes and that he could just wear dry ones. Nevertheless, they weren't all that wet so we just cuddled up on the couch and watched a little TV.
Nathan let James redeem himself by going to get Daddy a new Mt. Dew from the fridge in the garage. Little stinker actually got it right! He's so smart.
Better go get showered. We are off to a play group at Monkey Joe's this morning with James' classmates. It should be fun, and since it's pretty chippy outside, it's good to play inside. I've never been to Monkey Joe's so hopefully it'll be great fun. Kaitlyn is going to stay with Mom, I think she's too young... and I really don't want to have to keep track of both kids in a zoo like that! :)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
This week in the Wilcke Household
These photos are from the last few days...
Kaitlyn wearing Mommy's slippers walking around in her jammy shirt and diaper.
James holding up the card that he and Kaitlyn received from Harrison and Bennett.
James showing off his turkey hat that he made at school.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Kaitlyn is 20 months old today!
I woke up this morning to Kaitlyn babbling while waking in her crib. This is the usual way I wake up, but the babbling this morning made me smile. "Looooove you! Looooooooove you!" was coming through the monitor! AKA, Mom get up here now I'm going crazy in here! :)
Yesterday Kaitlyn went over to Grandma Kathy's house while James was at school. I had a chiropractic appointment so Mom offered to keep Kaitlyn company while I went alone. Fine with me! :) When I got back to Mom's house, Kaitlyn was playing on the floor in the family room with Grandma and the guitar that usually is perched up against the wall, but today was on the floor. Kaitlyn stood up, leaned towards Grandma and pursed her lips to give Grandma a big smackeroo! Of course she obliged, and then Grandma turned around to me and said, "She just gave me a kiss!"
Last night after dinner, Nathan and I were sitting on the couch while the kids were playing on the floor. Kaitlyn came up to me, looking like she was ready to rumble (get tickled on the couch), so I picked her up and gave her a good hug. She buried her head in my neck, giggled and said, "I love you!" AWWWW, Nathan and I just laughed... and were filled with delight.
She is changing so fast and every day brings something new for her. She can now go out on her own at the playground and I don't have to watch her every move... well... ok, I do, but she can get up the stairs and go down the slide all by herself... again, and again, and again! "FUN!" She says.
We think James is entering the stage of sometimes napping, sometimes not. Waaaaah. I really really really really like it when both kids nap. :) Hmmm... I guess all good things come to an end, but the question remains... WHEN DO I GET MY NAP? Ha.
James was laying on his bed the other day getting ready for a nap, and he said that he wanted to tell me something. I said, "OK...?" and he replied with some babble that I didn't understand and then declared, "Next! On Playhouse Disney!" LOL.
Yesterday Kaitlyn went over to Grandma Kathy's house while James was at school. I had a chiropractic appointment so Mom offered to keep Kaitlyn company while I went alone. Fine with me! :) When I got back to Mom's house, Kaitlyn was playing on the floor in the family room with Grandma and the guitar that usually is perched up against the wall, but today was on the floor. Kaitlyn stood up, leaned towards Grandma and pursed her lips to give Grandma a big smackeroo! Of course she obliged, and then Grandma turned around to me and said, "She just gave me a kiss!"
Last night after dinner, Nathan and I were sitting on the couch while the kids were playing on the floor. Kaitlyn came up to me, looking like she was ready to rumble (get tickled on the couch), so I picked her up and gave her a good hug. She buried her head in my neck, giggled and said, "I love you!" AWWWW, Nathan and I just laughed... and were filled with delight.
She is changing so fast and every day brings something new for her. She can now go out on her own at the playground and I don't have to watch her every move... well... ok, I do, but she can get up the stairs and go down the slide all by herself... again, and again, and again! "FUN!" She says.
We think James is entering the stage of sometimes napping, sometimes not. Waaaaah. I really really really really like it when both kids nap. :) Hmmm... I guess all good things come to an end, but the question remains... WHEN DO I GET MY NAP? Ha.
James was laying on his bed the other day getting ready for a nap, and he said that he wanted to tell me something. I said, "OK...?" and he replied with some babble that I didn't understand and then declared, "Next! On Playhouse Disney!" LOL.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Fun!
Kaitlyn has taken to announcing that she's having fun or what she is doing is fun by saying, "FUN!" in the middle of her laughs. It's hysterical.
A few days ago we were all in our bedroom trying to get Daddy out of bed from his nap and the kids were taking turns jumping (assisted) off of our bed. James is big enough now to jump off of the mattress, but Kaitlyn steps down onto the foot-board that is only about a foot up from the floor. She was so excited! I'd make her go give Daddy a kiss, then she'd come over to me, sit down, hold my hands and then "jump" down. She'd laugh and then say "FUN!" and then come back around to the bed and climb up again. We could've done this for the rest of the night.
She has also been having a lot of fun pretending to be a snake and flicking her tongue in and out. She did this at the playground yesterday, and it was just so funny. I have NO idea!
Oh yeah, no more pooping in the potty as of yet. DARN!
A few days ago we were all in our bedroom trying to get Daddy out of bed from his nap and the kids were taking turns jumping (assisted) off of our bed. James is big enough now to jump off of the mattress, but Kaitlyn steps down onto the foot-board that is only about a foot up from the floor. She was so excited! I'd make her go give Daddy a kiss, then she'd come over to me, sit down, hold my hands and then "jump" down. She'd laugh and then say "FUN!" and then come back around to the bed and climb up again. We could've done this for the rest of the night.
She has also been having a lot of fun pretending to be a snake and flicking her tongue in and out. She did this at the playground yesterday, and it was just so funny. I have NO idea!
Oh yeah, no more pooping in the potty as of yet. DARN!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Hard to keep a straight face....
I went to the Y on Thursday without the kids since Ashley was here to babysit. She helps us out a few times a week so I can have a sanity check and get a few things done... work, grocery shopping, workouts, etc.
When I came home and walked through the door, James greeted me with a big smile and eagerly asked, "Mommy, have you seen my BALLS? I have a small ball and a big ball! Come see my balls!"
While trying not to burst out laughing, I looked at Ashley all the way across the kitchen and family room to see her giggling and smiling... we were really trying not laugh hysterically.
Turns out that he had two balls under a pail on the couch... a small ball and a big ball.
Now really, if it were you, could you have kept a straight face?!? :)
When I came home and walked through the door, James greeted me with a big smile and eagerly asked, "Mommy, have you seen my BALLS? I have a small ball and a big ball! Come see my balls!"
While trying not to burst out laughing, I looked at Ashley all the way across the kitchen and family room to see her giggling and smiling... we were really trying not laugh hysterically.
Turns out that he had two balls under a pail on the couch... a small ball and a big ball.
Now really, if it were you, could you have kept a straight face?!? :)
The Y with a playgound
After Kaitlyn was born, I took my kids over to the Winter Park YMCA that is less than a mile away from our house. The purpose of this trip was not for me to work out, but for me to see what goes on in their childcare center while parents are gone. I'll just put it this way... we never returned. Ah, well, I take that back. Nathan took James there a few times, and since it was before James was in school, James bawled his eyes out every time Nathan dropped him off. Very, very sad, and we could never leave guilt-free from that place.
So we stopped going, I didn't want to go because of the 50 kids that were in there with only 5 women watching them, and Nathan didn't go because he just got out of the workout routine.
A few months ago, I started bringing them to the YMCA that is still near our house but further than the other one that I talked about. The Crosby Y is fabulous, but it has an older crowd that attends. Since it is smaller, the care center is small and in less demand. Perfect! We started going, so I could get some exercise. After going two times in one week, Kaitlyn got Roseola and James got strep AND a virus at the same time. Awesome. We didn't go back... until I couldn't handle it anymore. It was just too HOT to walk outside.
I decided to try again, with the commitment that I would thoroughly wash my hands and the kids' hands for like a minute and a half for each finger (ha). So far, we've been good, no sicknesses except for maybe one or two that James brought home from school.
This was another motivator for me to go to the YMCA, the fact that James would be bringing viruses, etc. home from school anyway, so what harm would it do Kaitlyn to get out a little bit.
We have come a LONG way with the childcare at the Y. Kaitlyn started out by crying when I left, although she always seemed to get over it within a minute of my leaving. We met Miss Lindsey at the Crosby Y and she makes a big scene (in a good way) when Kaitlyn comes to play. This helped a lot, and I'm very thankful to Miss Lindsey for making this better for us.
After getting comfortable at the smaller Crosby Y, I ventured over to the Winter Park Y and decided to give it another go-round. Their group class schedule is way more focused on the harder strength training and exercise for younger to older people rather than just an older crowd. They have an outdoor area for the kids that is covered and has a playground and cars and trucks to pedal around. Perfect, absolutely perfect! The kids LOVE it, and now every time I tell the kids that we're going to the Y, James asks, "Are we going to the Y with a playground?" He gets so excited, and he actually has cried when I come to get them and has asked me to go back to work out because he's having so much fun.
Even Kaitlyn runs in there with excitement now, which leads me to believe that she'll have an awesome transition into school next year. That makes me happy because we had a rough first four school weeks with James (once a week though).
Yesterday I took the kids to the park playground since it was gorgeous weather. James couldn't understand that we were going to a playground, but not the Y with a playground. He finally figured it out when we got there, that it was an actual park instead of the Y playground.
This afternoon, around the same time that we went yesterday, James asks me, "Mom? Can we go to the playground without the Y?"
I love how these kids think. ;)
So we stopped going, I didn't want to go because of the 50 kids that were in there with only 5 women watching them, and Nathan didn't go because he just got out of the workout routine.
A few months ago, I started bringing them to the YMCA that is still near our house but further than the other one that I talked about. The Crosby Y is fabulous, but it has an older crowd that attends. Since it is smaller, the care center is small and in less demand. Perfect! We started going, so I could get some exercise. After going two times in one week, Kaitlyn got Roseola and James got strep AND a virus at the same time. Awesome. We didn't go back... until I couldn't handle it anymore. It was just too HOT to walk outside.
I decided to try again, with the commitment that I would thoroughly wash my hands and the kids' hands for like a minute and a half for each finger (ha). So far, we've been good, no sicknesses except for maybe one or two that James brought home from school.
This was another motivator for me to go to the YMCA, the fact that James would be bringing viruses, etc. home from school anyway, so what harm would it do Kaitlyn to get out a little bit.
We have come a LONG way with the childcare at the Y. Kaitlyn started out by crying when I left, although she always seemed to get over it within a minute of my leaving. We met Miss Lindsey at the Crosby Y and she makes a big scene (in a good way) when Kaitlyn comes to play. This helped a lot, and I'm very thankful to Miss Lindsey for making this better for us.
After getting comfortable at the smaller Crosby Y, I ventured over to the Winter Park Y and decided to give it another go-round. Their group class schedule is way more focused on the harder strength training and exercise for younger to older people rather than just an older crowd. They have an outdoor area for the kids that is covered and has a playground and cars and trucks to pedal around. Perfect, absolutely perfect! The kids LOVE it, and now every time I tell the kids that we're going to the Y, James asks, "Are we going to the Y with a playground?" He gets so excited, and he actually has cried when I come to get them and has asked me to go back to work out because he's having so much fun.
Even Kaitlyn runs in there with excitement now, which leads me to believe that she'll have an awesome transition into school next year. That makes me happy because we had a rough first four school weeks with James (once a week though).
Yesterday I took the kids to the park playground since it was gorgeous weather. James couldn't understand that we were going to a playground, but not the Y with a playground. He finally figured it out when we got there, that it was an actual park instead of the Y playground.
This afternoon, around the same time that we went yesterday, James asks me, "Mom? Can we go to the playground without the Y?"
I love how these kids think. ;)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
My name is James...
James was talking to Grandpa Gary on the phone tonight, and when it was time to wrap up the conversation, Nathan told him to tell Grandpa, "I love you." He did. THEN, he added... "My name is James, and I love YOU." Ha ha ha!
Then later this evening, after Kaitlyn had gone to bed, James was having a snack while sitting in his undies and t-shirt on the couch. Nathan and I were dinking around on the computers when James just announces, "I love you Mom and Dad." MELT.
Then later this evening, after Kaitlyn had gone to bed, James was having a snack while sitting in his undies and t-shirt on the couch. Nathan and I were dinking around on the computers when James just announces, "I love you Mom and Dad." MELT.
Beep... Beeep... BEEEEEP... this is a SPECIAL REPORT....
Kaitlyn, our 19 month old, just pooped in the potty!
We were all sitting at dinner, and she was in her highchair. She was squirming for a minute, but we thought it was because I was up in the kitchen. She said, "Pooopy!!!"
I checked, nothing... so I said, "Do you have to go poopy? Do you want to go poop in the potty?"
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!" as fast as she could rattle it off.
I took her there, took her diaper off, placed her up on the BIG potty, and she did it! There was even intent and good pushing! What a big girl!!! :)
Will it happen again? Probably not. Ha ha ha.
We were all sitting at dinner, and she was in her highchair. She was squirming for a minute, but we thought it was because I was up in the kitchen. She said, "Pooopy!!!"
I checked, nothing... so I said, "Do you have to go poopy? Do you want to go poop in the potty?"
"Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!" as fast as she could rattle it off.
I took her there, took her diaper off, placed her up on the BIG potty, and she did it! There was even intent and good pushing! What a big girl!!! :)
Will it happen again? Probably not. Ha ha ha.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A conversation with Kaitlyn
My little girl is 19 months old. 19 months. She acts like a 3 year old, it's incredible sometimes, and outright hysterical.
For a while now, James has been washing his hands at the island sink instead of the main sink. We have a little white chair, toddler size, that butts up to the counter so he can climb up and reach the faucet, soap, etc. I now have a 19 month old daughter that wants to do the same... and she even goes to the pantry to drag the chair (after I have put it away to hopefully discontinue her repeated attempts to wash her hands) back to the sink. She is a stinker, and she's smart!
Today was no exception, and she climbed up on the chair to play with the faucet (it's a stretch to say she's washing her hands). I think I probably told her no and got her down once, and then she did it again. I got her down again, but this time picked her up and held her. She then told me something along the lines of, "Hands! Want!" and I replied with, "No we're not going to wash our hands right now, and I don't want you to make a mess."
... THEN she said, "WHY?"
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? She's 19 months and already asking why?
I said to her, "It's messy and I don't want you do do that now," and then she made me laugh with a pathetic repetition of the word "please?". Even Nathan cracked up, and he was in the next room. It was hysterical. I wish I remembered the exact situation as it played out, but I inherited my mother's memory problems. :)
Kaitlyn also likes to go to the dog and cat's water bowl, stick her finger tips in the water, then put them in her mouth and say, "mmmm". SICK. I try to get there as soon as I can to keep this from happening, but sometimes I'm too late. Today I tried to scold her (very gently of course) and told her, "NO! No, no, no!" and she just looked at me and laughed like I was playing a game. Awesome.
What age can you start the naughty step technique? :) Ha. I've got my work cut out for me with this one!
For a while now, James has been washing his hands at the island sink instead of the main sink. We have a little white chair, toddler size, that butts up to the counter so he can climb up and reach the faucet, soap, etc. I now have a 19 month old daughter that wants to do the same... and she even goes to the pantry to drag the chair (after I have put it away to hopefully discontinue her repeated attempts to wash her hands) back to the sink. She is a stinker, and she's smart!
Today was no exception, and she climbed up on the chair to play with the faucet (it's a stretch to say she's washing her hands). I think I probably told her no and got her down once, and then she did it again. I got her down again, but this time picked her up and held her. She then told me something along the lines of, "Hands! Want!" and I replied with, "No we're not going to wash our hands right now, and I don't want you to make a mess."
... THEN she said, "WHY?"
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? She's 19 months and already asking why?
I said to her, "It's messy and I don't want you do do that now," and then she made me laugh with a pathetic repetition of the word "please?". Even Nathan cracked up, and he was in the next room. It was hysterical. I wish I remembered the exact situation as it played out, but I inherited my mother's memory problems. :)
Kaitlyn also likes to go to the dog and cat's water bowl, stick her finger tips in the water, then put them in her mouth and say, "mmmm". SICK. I try to get there as soon as I can to keep this from happening, but sometimes I'm too late. Today I tried to scold her (very gently of course) and told her, "NO! No, no, no!" and she just looked at me and laughed like I was playing a game. Awesome.
What age can you start the naughty step technique? :) Ha. I've got my work cut out for me with this one!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)