Sunday, July 20, 2008
Kids... go play!
Last night Nathan and I were in the kitchen while I was making "Taverns" (hamburger, onion and cream of mushroom soup), and James and Kaitlyn were playing together and laughing together in the living room. It was one of those moments in time, and Nathan put it best, as the time in your life with babies/toddlers that you can finally say, "Kids! Go play!" and they actually do!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Today is my Mom's birthday, it's one of those milestones, but if I dare say which one, I'd never hear the end of it. We got to celebrate with her on Friday night at their house with friends, family and BBQ! You can't get much better than that. I put together a book of photos for my mom, and my brothers put together a photo slideshow for her that made us all laugh and cry. Mom was doing fine throughout the slideshow until the one picture of KALEY popped up on the screen. Kaley was Kevin's short-haired Collie that Mom grew quite close to during Kaley's life. Mom watched the dog a lot, and she even lived at Mom and Dad's for a while. Kaley passed away quite suddenly over a weekend when Kevin was out of town. I'll never forget the tears I sobbed when Mom called me and told me that she had died. OVER A DOG! :) They are truly part of our families. It just made me laugh that of ALL of the moments that were re-lived, births, parties, fun times, the one thing that got to her was the dog. :)
The party was very nice, and thanks to everyone that came over. For someone like Mom who didn't want a party in the first place, she seemed to have a pretty good time. Thanks everyone.
The party was very nice, and thanks to everyone that came over. For someone like Mom who didn't want a party in the first place, she seemed to have a pretty good time. Thanks everyone.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
We love Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa Gary
Grandma Marilyn once again made us feel welcome and at home at their house in Ames. I struggle with allergies, BADLY in Iowa, and this time James had allergies too. Too bad we hit Ames right in the middle of pollen season.
Nevertheless, Marilyn made us feel at home with her love and FOOD (mmmm!), and she even made me chicken soup when I got a cold. She helped Nathan a TON when I was sleeping for two days, and I thank her for that!
Gary had to leave town for work, so we didn't get enough Grandpa time. Next time Grandpa!
Here are some pictures of us playing at their house and some other shots from the trip.
XOXOXO, we miss you Iowa family!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Little Miss Independent
Kaitlyn is spunky. She is starting to voice her opinion about things, not with words, but with gestures and reactions. She is entering the beginning of trial tantrum phase, where she's experimenting with cause and effect. What will Mommy and Daddy do if I do this? A few times now, if I'm holding her and tell her something she doesn't want to hear, she swats me in the face. When I give her a firm "NO", she cries. She is also starting to drop things or throw things on the floor if she doesn't get her way. I must admit, it's hysterical. I never let her know that though, of course. She's spunky! If I go this way, she goes that way. If I want her to eat one thing, she want to eat something else. And so it begins... when is it that I can start using the naught spot with her? Ha.
She is soaking up information so quickly and steals my heart every day. She's really into giving me kisses right now and today in the car I taught her how to blow a kiss. It's so cute. She truly amazes me. Her favorite words right now are Hi! and Daddy. Figures.
She is soaking up information so quickly and steals my heart every day. She's really into giving me kisses right now and today in the car I taught her how to blow a kiss. It's so cute. She truly amazes me. Her favorite words right now are Hi! and Daddy. Figures.
A Moon Piece!
As we were driving from the rehearsal dinner to the hotel, it was still light out. James looked out the side of the car into the sky and saw the moon. It was a half moon, but to my sweet little three year old, it was a moon piece. "A MOON PIECE! A MOON PIECE!" he was shouting and cackling, it was too funny!
Congratulations Marc and Emily!
We made this trip especially to be at the wedding of our cousin Marc Wilcke to Emily Markert. They got married on Saturday the 12th, under quite different circumstances. Emily and her sister Mary Jo were proposed to within a few weeks of each other, so they decided to throw a double wedding. I must admit, I only know of one other person that I've ever met that has had a double wedding. The whole thing fascinates me, and I'm so happy for these couples that pulled it off without a hitch. James and Harrison were the ring bearers for Marc and Emily, and wore tuxes and everything! The boys, including Best Man Nathan Wilcke, had to be at the church early for pictures, so we started prepping the boys as soon as we were up on Saturday.
Question: Is there a magic switch somewhere that someone likes to pull that makes sweet little boys act like totally different children when they are to do something special and important? I think it's God's way of playing a practical joke sometimes. "Ha ha ha, you will NOT have a good time today and NOT have a good listening kid today, and NOT have anything go the way you expect! Ha ha ha, you silly Earth beings!"
From the moment I started putting on James' tux, he was a different child. No listening, compliance, nothing. I love my child to bits, but this was extremely frustrating especially since I was already showered, now sweating like a pig, and hadn't even done my make up or put on my dress. I'm sure it's the stress that James can see on my face and the strange clothing and craziness of the hotel room that got him to act the way he did, of course. I kept my fingers crossed that things would improve. No such luck.
We got to the church for pictures, LATE, but that turned out to be fine, whew! The boys looked completely handsome, adorable, and got smiles and giggles from every woman in or around the church. They truly were some of the cutest things I've ever seen.
Beth and I were a bit on the smarter side and thought to bring bribes. I love bribery! Ha ha ha. M&Ms do the trick for James. It soon became time for the young kids to be in the picture with BOTH wedding parties in one shot. I am NOT envious of the photographer in this situation as I know what is involved. It's incredibly hard to photograph a large crowd in a dimly lit church, and get every one to fit/be in focus, AND trying to get the kids to smile and actually look at the camera. Hee hee hee, silly Meredith to the rescue.
I planted myself exactly behind the photographer, and started making silly faces, holding up M&M packs playing Peek-a-boo and doing all that stuff that makes me look like I'm out of my mind. Within a minute, I had both of the ENTIRE wedding parties laughing. Even the hungover dudes that waned to act cool and not smile in the photos were laughing. I have NO idea if the kids will be looking at the camera in these shots, but one thing is for sure, they were smiling, and YES they got their M&Ms! As soon as the photographer said that the kids were done, I was giving out candy like holy communion to three little birds holding their mouths wide open wanting food. I even got comments from people in the wedding parties later at the reception that what I was doing was a hit. Cool.
The chaos continued, and as you probably expect, James and Harrison did walk down the aisle, but not as we had planned. James led with Harrison a few steps behind, not walking side by side and holding hands like we had hoped. They are 3, we have to remember this at times.
James was so wiggly and whiny that he didn't even make it to the point of Mary Jo's entrance (she was the second bride to be escorted down the aisle) before I had him in the pew with me. {Enter Marge Simpson sigh}.
I got to see Emily and Marc say their vows and glimpsed over at them as they exchanged rings, but then I had to take James out of the church... "I have to go potty, Mom." Of course. We get to the potty, and well, no pee pee. Of course... of course.
So my now extremely overtired James and I hung out in the back of the church for the rest of the wedding. Grandma Marilyn came out, holding a crying Kaitlyn (who, I must add, did an amazing job at being quiet during Mass), who had slipped off the pew and was scared and crying. We switched kids, and Marilyn sat down with James and convinced him to rest on her shoulder. Ahhhhhhh... he fell asleep. At that exact moment... "the new Mr. and Mrs. Wilcke!" APPLAUSE! James is awake. Dang!!!!
Poor, poor James. He fell asleep again in the car on the way to the hotel after the wedding, and then again was awoken to go into the hotel. The poor child finally got a nap, in a dark, cool room, for an hour and a half. Just the thought of that makes my eyes well up. Poor kid. James' face in the photo of him and Daddy sums up the day in one look....
The reception was great, the kids came for dinner and then Chris and I took the kids back to the hotel with our babysitter that had come along for the weekend. We put the babies down for bed and went back to dance and have a good time... and a good time we DID have.
Question: Is there a magic switch somewhere that someone likes to pull that makes sweet little boys act like totally different children when they are to do something special and important? I think it's God's way of playing a practical joke sometimes. "Ha ha ha, you will NOT have a good time today and NOT have a good listening kid today, and NOT have anything go the way you expect! Ha ha ha, you silly Earth beings!"
From the moment I started putting on James' tux, he was a different child. No listening, compliance, nothing. I love my child to bits, but this was extremely frustrating especially since I was already showered, now sweating like a pig, and hadn't even done my make up or put on my dress. I'm sure it's the stress that James can see on my face and the strange clothing and craziness of the hotel room that got him to act the way he did, of course. I kept my fingers crossed that things would improve. No such luck.
We got to the church for pictures, LATE, but that turned out to be fine, whew! The boys looked completely handsome, adorable, and got smiles and giggles from every woman in or around the church. They truly were some of the cutest things I've ever seen.
Beth and I were a bit on the smarter side and thought to bring bribes. I love bribery! Ha ha ha. M&Ms do the trick for James. It soon became time for the young kids to be in the picture with BOTH wedding parties in one shot. I am NOT envious of the photographer in this situation as I know what is involved. It's incredibly hard to photograph a large crowd in a dimly lit church, and get every one to fit/be in focus, AND trying to get the kids to smile and actually look at the camera. Hee hee hee, silly Meredith to the rescue.
I planted myself exactly behind the photographer, and started making silly faces, holding up M&M packs playing Peek-a-boo and doing all that stuff that makes me look like I'm out of my mind. Within a minute, I had both of the ENTIRE wedding parties laughing. Even the hungover dudes that waned to act cool and not smile in the photos were laughing. I have NO idea if the kids will be looking at the camera in these shots, but one thing is for sure, they were smiling, and YES they got their M&Ms! As soon as the photographer said that the kids were done, I was giving out candy like holy communion to three little birds holding their mouths wide open wanting food. I even got comments from people in the wedding parties later at the reception that what I was doing was a hit. Cool.
The chaos continued, and as you probably expect, James and Harrison did walk down the aisle, but not as we had planned. James led with Harrison a few steps behind, not walking side by side and holding hands like we had hoped. They are 3, we have to remember this at times.
James was so wiggly and whiny that he didn't even make it to the point of Mary Jo's entrance (she was the second bride to be escorted down the aisle) before I had him in the pew with me. {Enter Marge Simpson sigh}.
I got to see Emily and Marc say their vows and glimpsed over at them as they exchanged rings, but then I had to take James out of the church... "I have to go potty, Mom." Of course. We get to the potty, and well, no pee pee. Of course... of course.
So my now extremely overtired James and I hung out in the back of the church for the rest of the wedding. Grandma Marilyn came out, holding a crying Kaitlyn (who, I must add, did an amazing job at being quiet during Mass), who had slipped off the pew and was scared and crying. We switched kids, and Marilyn sat down with James and convinced him to rest on her shoulder. Ahhhhhhh... he fell asleep. At that exact moment... "the new Mr. and Mrs. Wilcke!" APPLAUSE! James is awake. Dang!!!!
Poor, poor James. He fell asleep again in the car on the way to the hotel after the wedding, and then again was awoken to go into the hotel. The poor child finally got a nap, in a dark, cool room, for an hour and a half. Just the thought of that makes my eyes well up. Poor kid. James' face in the photo of him and Daddy sums up the day in one look....
The reception was great, the kids came for dinner and then Chris and I took the kids back to the hotel with our babysitter that had come along for the weekend. We put the babies down for bed and went back to dance and have a good time... and a good time we DID have.
The Flight to Iowa
On Thursday we headed to Iowa. I started my day off early, so I could pack for the kids and for myself. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 12:15 p.m., so we allowed the silly two hours prior to the departure time and hit the road with the kids. We were very excited, and timing was perfect. We'd eat a fast lunch and then the kids could take their naps on the flight. This was the plan in my head anyway. As Nathan went to park the car, the kids and I hauled all of our suitcases and car seats to the check-in counter where I was promptly told that they weren't checking in our flight since it was still 3 hours before the flight.
"Excuse me?" I said. "Our flight's at 12:15 and it's 10:30."
"No," the KIND lady replied, "The Des Moines flight leaves at 1:55. Come back and check in at 11:55, two hours prior to departure."
Oh, you've got to be kidding me. Seriously, you've got to be kidding me. Apparently we had booked our flight so far in advance that the scheduling changed and for some ODD reason, our updated itinerary was sent to Nathan's Mom's email address instead of his. AWESOME. So we had to hang around with our fully loaded cart of crap and our kids that were already about to burst just from the 30 minute car ride. We spent the time wisely, running around the airport, going up and down the escalators and having lunch once we were finally allowed to get past security. I remember actually making the comment to Nathan that it was nice to not be in a rush for once.
We did a little shopping at the gift store, and since the kids were at a breaking point, Nathan and I decided to let them splurge on a few new pals for the ride. The store had a bunch of character stuffed animals from a few of the shows that James frequently watches. There was Dora and her pals Boots and Swiper, Diego and his animal friends, Blue and her buddies (did you know Blue is a girl?), the Wonder Pets and a few of the Backyardigans, etc. I thought I'd throw a quiz at James and asked him if he knew who each character was. He amazed us with his knowledge. He knows so much, it shocked us. Nathan picked up a puppy that looked like Blue but was pink and had glasses. I said something like, "Oh, James, this must be a pink Blue, right?" and he replies, "That's Magenta!" Oh silly Mommy. Sure enough, the tag said Magenta. Nathan was pointing out Diego and his pals and made a remark something like, "Here is Diego and Panther..." and James says, "No, that's baby Leopard!" Smarty pants. We let the kids pick, well, James picked, Blue for himself, and Magenta for Kaitlyn. I must say, this was a very good buy.
So remember my plan from before, that the kids would sleep on the plane? Whoa, Nelly. By the time we had boarded the plane, it was 1:40... an hour plus after Kaitlyn's normal nap time. She was overtired, to put it lightly. We didn't even get to the part of taxiing before she had lost it. I tried my miraculous baby bounce that I've used on my own kids and on other kids, but she was so wound up even that didn't work. She was screaming, shaking and bright red. Nathan and I just marveled at how crazy she was being, our sweet little girl was MAD! Nathan finally restrained her enough to where she stopped fighting back, and I fanned her to cool her down. Alas, she slept, like a baby, for 50 minutes, on her Mommy. Ahhhh. Thank you God for watching over us.
James slept too, just like usual, and both kids were bright and cheery upon waking. We spent the rest of the flight watching DVD shows and playing with our new pals from the Sanford Airport, Blue and Magenta.
"Excuse me?" I said. "Our flight's at 12:15 and it's 10:30."
"No," the KIND lady replied, "The Des Moines flight leaves at 1:55. Come back and check in at 11:55, two hours prior to departure."
Oh, you've got to be kidding me. Seriously, you've got to be kidding me. Apparently we had booked our flight so far in advance that the scheduling changed and for some ODD reason, our updated itinerary was sent to Nathan's Mom's email address instead of his. AWESOME. So we had to hang around with our fully loaded cart of crap and our kids that were already about to burst just from the 30 minute car ride. We spent the time wisely, running around the airport, going up and down the escalators and having lunch once we were finally allowed to get past security. I remember actually making the comment to Nathan that it was nice to not be in a rush for once.
We did a little shopping at the gift store, and since the kids were at a breaking point, Nathan and I decided to let them splurge on a few new pals for the ride. The store had a bunch of character stuffed animals from a few of the shows that James frequently watches. There was Dora and her pals Boots and Swiper, Diego and his animal friends, Blue and her buddies (did you know Blue is a girl?), the Wonder Pets and a few of the Backyardigans, etc. I thought I'd throw a quiz at James and asked him if he knew who each character was. He amazed us with his knowledge. He knows so much, it shocked us. Nathan picked up a puppy that looked like Blue but was pink and had glasses. I said something like, "Oh, James, this must be a pink Blue, right?" and he replies, "That's Magenta!" Oh silly Mommy. Sure enough, the tag said Magenta. Nathan was pointing out Diego and his pals and made a remark something like, "Here is Diego and Panther..." and James says, "No, that's baby Leopard!" Smarty pants. We let the kids pick, well, James picked, Blue for himself, and Magenta for Kaitlyn. I must say, this was a very good buy.
So remember my plan from before, that the kids would sleep on the plane? Whoa, Nelly. By the time we had boarded the plane, it was 1:40... an hour plus after Kaitlyn's normal nap time. She was overtired, to put it lightly. We didn't even get to the part of taxiing before she had lost it. I tried my miraculous baby bounce that I've used on my own kids and on other kids, but she was so wound up even that didn't work. She was screaming, shaking and bright red. Nathan and I just marveled at how crazy she was being, our sweet little girl was MAD! Nathan finally restrained her enough to where she stopped fighting back, and I fanned her to cool her down. Alas, she slept, like a baby, for 50 minutes, on her Mommy. Ahhhh. Thank you God for watching over us.
James slept too, just like usual, and both kids were bright and cheery upon waking. We spent the rest of the flight watching DVD shows and playing with our new pals from the Sanford Airport, Blue and Magenta.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Iowa Tomorrow!
We leave for Iowa tomorrow to help celebrate a wedding in our family. Nathan is the best man in his cousin Marc's wedding on Saturday. There are three weddings that I know of on Saturday, so I'll be celebrating for all of them in Iowa... and even though I know the two other grooms don't read this blog, I want to say congratulations to them anyway.
Marc Wilcke is marrying Emily Markert of Manson, Iowa. We couldn't be happier for the two of them as they join their lives together (officially, ha) on Saturday. Emily has been through hell and back with TWO lung transplants, and my wish for her and Marc is to have a wedding day that will forever uplift them as a couple. Good luck guys, and congrats.
Back at the home front, I am recovering a bit today from this strange sleepy illness. I've been super tired the last few days... no other symptoms, just really tired (well, okay, a bit emotional too). NO I'm not pregnant. :)
James is a smarty, but if you read this or know this child, you already knew that. Needless to say that when I mention the mall, he thinks of that slimy germ-ridden dirty area called the play area (he refers to it as the playground). "Ooooh, what fun!," he thinks. I casually lucked out today though, since he had a fever yesterday and this morning. I told him that we weren't going to play at the playground since I didn't want his germs to get on the playground and get the other kids sick. Totally true. After I told him that once or twice, I had to remind him a few more times that he was sick and we were only going to two stores really quickly, and that we weren't going to get our germs on the playground. His reply? "Can we just go SIT by the playground?" SMARTY!!!! ;) No, no, we can't. Gotta get home and have lunch. Whew, I lucked out.
Kaitlyn is becoming more and more of a smarty as well. She now recognizes most of what I say and understands most of those words as well. The ones she mainly reacts to are: juice, eat, hungry, snack, cheese, "lovie", kiss, yogurt, bath, bye bye, Daddy, Mommy, hi, "I'm gonna get you!", "We're gonna win" (as we race James up the stairs), and probably several more that I can't think of right now. One word she's deciding not to listen to already? "NO!" :)
James pooped on the potty the other day out of the blue. I was really hoping that maybe that would be the "switch" in his head, but nope, he's still afraid to do it. I just don't get it.
I just remembered a story to jot down. Last night around midnight I awoke to James yelling out "Mommy! Mom!" I raced upstairs to find him standing on his bed and crying out at me with his arms outstretched. He had somehow tangled himself up in his pajama shirt, with it on, but then one arm going through the neck hole. Oooh, how pathetic. I must admit though, I was glad to see this entanglement instead of a puddle of puke on his bed. :) Ha ha ha.
We're very excited to see family in Iowa tomorrow! Watch out, here come the Wilckes!
Marc Wilcke is marrying Emily Markert of Manson, Iowa. We couldn't be happier for the two of them as they join their lives together (officially, ha) on Saturday. Emily has been through hell and back with TWO lung transplants, and my wish for her and Marc is to have a wedding day that will forever uplift them as a couple. Good luck guys, and congrats.
Back at the home front, I am recovering a bit today from this strange sleepy illness. I've been super tired the last few days... no other symptoms, just really tired (well, okay, a bit emotional too). NO I'm not pregnant. :)
James is a smarty, but if you read this or know this child, you already knew that. Needless to say that when I mention the mall, he thinks of that slimy germ-ridden dirty area called the play area (he refers to it as the playground). "Ooooh, what fun!," he thinks. I casually lucked out today though, since he had a fever yesterday and this morning. I told him that we weren't going to play at the playground since I didn't want his germs to get on the playground and get the other kids sick. Totally true. After I told him that once or twice, I had to remind him a few more times that he was sick and we were only going to two stores really quickly, and that we weren't going to get our germs on the playground. His reply? "Can we just go SIT by the playground?" SMARTY!!!! ;) No, no, we can't. Gotta get home and have lunch. Whew, I lucked out.
Kaitlyn is becoming more and more of a smarty as well. She now recognizes most of what I say and understands most of those words as well. The ones she mainly reacts to are: juice, eat, hungry, snack, cheese, "lovie", kiss, yogurt, bath, bye bye, Daddy, Mommy, hi, "I'm gonna get you!", "We're gonna win" (as we race James up the stairs), and probably several more that I can't think of right now. One word she's deciding not to listen to already? "NO!" :)
James pooped on the potty the other day out of the blue. I was really hoping that maybe that would be the "switch" in his head, but nope, he's still afraid to do it. I just don't get it.
I just remembered a story to jot down. Last night around midnight I awoke to James yelling out "Mommy! Mom!" I raced upstairs to find him standing on his bed and crying out at me with his arms outstretched. He had somehow tangled himself up in his pajama shirt, with it on, but then one arm going through the neck hole. Oooh, how pathetic. I must admit though, I was glad to see this entanglement instead of a puddle of puke on his bed. :) Ha ha ha.
We're very excited to see family in Iowa tomorrow! Watch out, here come the Wilckes!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Fourth of July Weekend
This weekend at the beach was a lot of fun! We celebrated the 4th of July at our family condo with my friend Trippi and her baby Tobyn. We did NOT grill out like everyone else did, thankfully, since the grills were booked solid all night. We got to watch fireworks from the balcony, and James just loved it. He got scared, then would giggle and clap, and all of that fun stuff. I'm not sure if that was his first time seeing fireworks or not... ugh, my memory is failing me already.
The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing, we did all of the normal things at the beach that people do, but had to custom tailor it to young ones that sleep a lot. Ha. That's fine with me, I'd rather take naps myself. Ha.
This morning after Daddy headed to work, yes, Daddy finally has a job, the kids and I and Tubby McTubberson (aka Kona) went for a long stroller ride/walk. We headed through the humidity over to my parent's house to check on things over there. We had a nice time, but seriously, I think I would have passed out from heat if we'd been outside for five more minutes. My parents are in Utah, and right now I'm thinking that they are getting it right. Who needs this kind of humidity?!?
We headed to the YMCA for swim lessons after our walk. The kids are doing so well it's crazy. I told Alisha about this blog so hopefully she'll see the video of James and laugh her head off just like I do every time I watch it. She's really enjoying James, he makes her laugh, as he tends to do with everyone he meets.
The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing, we did all of the normal things at the beach that people do, but had to custom tailor it to young ones that sleep a lot. Ha. That's fine with me, I'd rather take naps myself. Ha.
This morning after Daddy headed to work, yes, Daddy finally has a job, the kids and I and Tubby McTubberson (aka Kona) went for a long stroller ride/walk. We headed through the humidity over to my parent's house to check on things over there. We had a nice time, but seriously, I think I would have passed out from heat if we'd been outside for five more minutes. My parents are in Utah, and right now I'm thinking that they are getting it right. Who needs this kind of humidity?!?
We headed to the YMCA for swim lessons after our walk. The kids are doing so well it's crazy. I told Alisha about this blog so hopefully she'll see the video of James and laugh her head off just like I do every time I watch it. She's really enjoying James, he makes her laugh, as he tends to do with everyone he meets.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Crazy Times Yield a Chubby Dog
We're going to the beach in the morning, after Trippi comes here with Tobyn. We're going to drive together. I'm so excited to spend the weekend with my friend!
We had a crazy afternoon. Kona was supposed to go to Uptown Dog (doggie hotel) today, but they called us to tell us that he's due for his shots. They can't take him until he's had his shots... so... we scampered and the girl at Uptown Dog found an appointment at Winter Park Vet Hospital over on Lee Rd. Meanwhile, Nathan is out golfing with Kevin and Rich, and here I am with two kids and expected to miraculously get my 97 lb. dog to the vet. Enter Mandy... God bless her. She watched Kaitlyn and James for me so I could take the dog by myself for his appointment at 4:30. Mandy even had friends over, so it was really sweet of her to watch the kids so closely by the pool when all the other kids were swimming. Goodness. Kaitlyn has no fear either, she'll go straight in (thank goodness this hasn't ever happened).
The kids' swim lessons are going well, and the kids are getting better every time. It's amazing to see your 15 mo. old baby floating in the water and being okay with it. She cries, but she does it. It's amazing. James is doing well too, and his sense of humor really makes Alisha laugh.
So yes, we found out that we're over feeding Kona. He is 97 lbs. HOLY COW! He should be eating 1.5 C of food each meal instead of 2, making that 3 C a day instead of 4 C. No wonder he was starting to leave some kibble in his bowl! Tubby McTubberson!
We had a crazy afternoon. Kona was supposed to go to Uptown Dog (doggie hotel) today, but they called us to tell us that he's due for his shots. They can't take him until he's had his shots... so... we scampered and the girl at Uptown Dog found an appointment at Winter Park Vet Hospital over on Lee Rd. Meanwhile, Nathan is out golfing with Kevin and Rich, and here I am with two kids and expected to miraculously get my 97 lb. dog to the vet. Enter Mandy... God bless her. She watched Kaitlyn and James for me so I could take the dog by myself for his appointment at 4:30. Mandy even had friends over, so it was really sweet of her to watch the kids so closely by the pool when all the other kids were swimming. Goodness. Kaitlyn has no fear either, she'll go straight in (thank goodness this hasn't ever happened).
The kids' swim lessons are going well, and the kids are getting better every time. It's amazing to see your 15 mo. old baby floating in the water and being okay with it. She cries, but she does it. It's amazing. James is doing well too, and his sense of humor really makes Alisha laugh.
So yes, we found out that we're over feeding Kona. He is 97 lbs. HOLY COW! He should be eating 1.5 C of food each meal instead of 2, making that 3 C a day instead of 4 C. No wonder he was starting to leave some kibble in his bowl! Tubby McTubberson!
Time to Fold the Sheets!
Ever since we moved here, James had taken a liking to running under the sheets as Nathan and I both fold them up. All we do is fold it lengthwise, and pop it over his head when he runs under. Boy does he laugh and scream! It's adorable, and NOW we have TWO that like to run under the sheets. Kaitlyn likes it so much that when she was in her high chair yesterday watching James get to run under the folding sheet, she was laughing too. Just the anticipation was making her giggle! :)
There really isn't anything quite like seeing your two kids interacting, laughing and having fun. Of course there are times when they scream at each other for the most horrible crime of taking a toy away from the other, but usually things are pretty calm between them. Kaitlyn loves to play with James, and she laughs so hard when he tickles her or wrestles with her. Of course it's not too rough, but she's a tough girl! They play every night after dinner together by the ottoman. We have an over-sized ottoman instead of a coffee table (it's sooo ugly, but whatever), and the kids just run around, and around, and around again, and LAUGH at each other. It's almost part of the routine these days. It's like unleashing crazy dogs after they've been fed to watch them run free and play. So funny!
They also love to "race" up the stairs. It's obviously not much of a race, but Kaitlyn insists now on climbing them by herself. She practically throws herself out of my arms if I try to carry her up the stairs. She is also starting to throw tantrums a bit. Nothing too wild yet, but she's very cranky if she doesn't get her way. Hmmm, I must be getting what I deserve. Ha.
There really isn't anything quite like seeing your two kids interacting, laughing and having fun. Of course there are times when they scream at each other for the most horrible crime of taking a toy away from the other, but usually things are pretty calm between them. Kaitlyn loves to play with James, and she laughs so hard when he tickles her or wrestles with her. Of course it's not too rough, but she's a tough girl! They play every night after dinner together by the ottoman. We have an over-sized ottoman instead of a coffee table (it's sooo ugly, but whatever), and the kids just run around, and around, and around again, and LAUGH at each other. It's almost part of the routine these days. It's like unleashing crazy dogs after they've been fed to watch them run free and play. So funny!
They also love to "race" up the stairs. It's obviously not much of a race, but Kaitlyn insists now on climbing them by herself. She practically throws herself out of my arms if I try to carry her up the stairs. She is also starting to throw tantrums a bit. Nothing too wild yet, but she's very cranky if she doesn't get her way. Hmmm, I must be getting what I deserve. Ha.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Who Wants to Eat in Peace?
When my parents are in town, we try to get together for dinner on Sunday nights. We've always had Sunday night dinner, ever since I was in High School, but now that we are all grown up and my parents travel quite a bit, it's harder to keep it going. It's always nice though, to gather as a family when we can, especially since we're all so busy all of the time.
Tonight my parents graciously invited us to their country club for dinner. They, for our benefit, made the reservation at 5:45 so Kaitlyn and James wouldn't "hit the fan" before we ate dinner. It was fantastic, and we all enjoyed eating such great food.
My mom has always been the one to sacrifice/delay her hot meal for us newer parents, she takes the kids around and walks with them so we can eat in peace. She's a saint that way, thanks Mom. I do feel guilty, every time though, even though she always tells me that "that's what Grandmas are for".
Mom took James and Kaitlyn to walk around tonight after they had eaten, while Nathan and I continued to stuff our faces with great food. At one point I looked up and here is James with the biggest smile on his face, holding a peach rose up for me. I guess there had been a wedding yesterday at the CC, and there were flower arrangements that they were taking apart. How sweet, to see the glimmer in his eyes and giving his MOMMY a rose. So sweet. He was so proud of himself. It's times like this that I wish that kids that age remembered special moments, and I cross my fingers that I'll remember this moment forever.
Mom and the kids returned to the other room to look around some more, and the next time I looked over, James was running towards me. This time he didn't have a rose for me, but he did have something to tell me. James announces to our table and several tables around us, "Mommy! Kaitlyn is going poop! Kaitlyn is pooping!" Trying not to choke from laughing while trying to swallow, I look across the room at my Mom and she's beaming with a smile across her face. Just remember Mom, these people know who YOU are, not me. :) Ha ha ha. She even kindly brought Kaitlyn to me so I could change her. What a sweet Grandma! ;)
Tonight my parents graciously invited us to their country club for dinner. They, for our benefit, made the reservation at 5:45 so Kaitlyn and James wouldn't "hit the fan" before we ate dinner. It was fantastic, and we all enjoyed eating such great food.
My mom has always been the one to sacrifice/delay her hot meal for us newer parents, she takes the kids around and walks with them so we can eat in peace. She's a saint that way, thanks Mom. I do feel guilty, every time though, even though she always tells me that "that's what Grandmas are for".
Mom took James and Kaitlyn to walk around tonight after they had eaten, while Nathan and I continued to stuff our faces with great food. At one point I looked up and here is James with the biggest smile on his face, holding a peach rose up for me. I guess there had been a wedding yesterday at the CC, and there were flower arrangements that they were taking apart. How sweet, to see the glimmer in his eyes and giving his MOMMY a rose. So sweet. He was so proud of himself. It's times like this that I wish that kids that age remembered special moments, and I cross my fingers that I'll remember this moment forever.
Mom and the kids returned to the other room to look around some more, and the next time I looked over, James was running towards me. This time he didn't have a rose for me, but he did have something to tell me. James announces to our table and several tables around us, "Mommy! Kaitlyn is going poop! Kaitlyn is pooping!" Trying not to choke from laughing while trying to swallow, I look across the room at my Mom and she's beaming with a smile across her face. Just remember Mom, these people know who YOU are, not me. :) Ha ha ha. She even kindly brought Kaitlyn to me so I could change her. What a sweet Grandma! ;)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Tobyn!
Tobyn McGlinn turned 1 yesterday, and today we're heading down to Lakeland for her party at the McGlinn residence. Trippi Szukis McGlinn is a friend of mine, and has been since first grade. FIRST GRADE. Of course we've had our times when we didn't talk for a while, but we can always just jump right back into our friendship. She is a wonderful person, a wonderful mom, and I'm excited to be able to celebrate her baby's birthday with them today.
Last night Nathan and I got to go on a date! WOOHOOOO! We went to dinner at The Ravenous Pig here in Orlando, a fabulous new restaurant. The head chef and owner, James Petrakis, is a class mate of mine from Bishop Moore High School. This restaurant is amazing, with gourmet food in a pub-like setting, called a gastropub. If you're here in Orlando, definitely try it, and if you're coming to visit, we'll take you there. Last night I had Grouper in a Greek Stew with orzo, and Nathan had Lobster Tacos. For our appetizer, we shared the shrimp and grits, which is one of the favorites that never leaves the menu. That's another great thing about TRP, is that they change their menu a lot, but always keep a few main staples that everyone loves. That way you get NEW things to try. Nathan said last night, "I could come eat here every time we have a date night because there is always something new to try!" :) Ha, me and food.
We went to see Iron Man last night at the movie theater, it was good, but not really something I would love to watch more than once. Ha. I've heard great reviews about the movie, and I'm glad other people enjoy it, but you can't really beat a good romantic comedy when it comes to my movie taste.
My mom, Grandma Kathy, watched the kids yesterday for the afternoon and then while Nathan and I went out. This morning when I walked into James' room to get him out of bed, he CRIED when he saw me. "I want Grandma Kathy!" he said, "I like her, and I want her!" It was very cute and pathetic, and melted my heart a bit at the same time. I hope my grandkids feel like that about me someday. Grandma Kathy is always a favorite with the grandkids, she sings to them, plays the piano, RARELY says no to them, and gives them pancakes for dinner. :) Grandma Kathy is the ONLY other person on the planet that can be holding Kaitlyn, and Kaitlyn not want to come to me. She pushes me away. It's so funny! Are my feelings hurt, no! I'm glad she loves her Grandma, and recognizes her even after she's been gone a month and comes home.
Kaitlyn has a new sound/word. She says, "WOOOOOOOOOW" in a whisper. Shock and awe. :) She's so cute. It's not perfect, and comes out sounding like 'ooow' a lot, but "wow" is what she means.
Last night Nathan and I got to go on a date! WOOHOOOO! We went to dinner at The Ravenous Pig here in Orlando, a fabulous new restaurant. The head chef and owner, James Petrakis, is a class mate of mine from Bishop Moore High School. This restaurant is amazing, with gourmet food in a pub-like setting, called a gastropub. If you're here in Orlando, definitely try it, and if you're coming to visit, we'll take you there. Last night I had Grouper in a Greek Stew with orzo, and Nathan had Lobster Tacos. For our appetizer, we shared the shrimp and grits, which is one of the favorites that never leaves the menu. That's another great thing about TRP, is that they change their menu a lot, but always keep a few main staples that everyone loves. That way you get NEW things to try. Nathan said last night, "I could come eat here every time we have a date night because there is always something new to try!" :) Ha, me and food.
We went to see Iron Man last night at the movie theater, it was good, but not really something I would love to watch more than once. Ha. I've heard great reviews about the movie, and I'm glad other people enjoy it, but you can't really beat a good romantic comedy when it comes to my movie taste.
My mom, Grandma Kathy, watched the kids yesterday for the afternoon and then while Nathan and I went out. This morning when I walked into James' room to get him out of bed, he CRIED when he saw me. "I want Grandma Kathy!" he said, "I like her, and I want her!" It was very cute and pathetic, and melted my heart a bit at the same time. I hope my grandkids feel like that about me someday. Grandma Kathy is always a favorite with the grandkids, she sings to them, plays the piano, RARELY says no to them, and gives them pancakes for dinner. :) Grandma Kathy is the ONLY other person on the planet that can be holding Kaitlyn, and Kaitlyn not want to come to me. She pushes me away. It's so funny! Are my feelings hurt, no! I'm glad she loves her Grandma, and recognizes her even after she's been gone a month and comes home.
Kaitlyn has a new sound/word. She says, "WOOOOOOOOOW" in a whisper. Shock and awe. :) She's so cute. It's not perfect, and comes out sounding like 'ooow' a lot, but "wow" is what she means.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Powells Visit Florida
My cousin Courtney Casey Powell came to visit us last week with her husband, Steve, and two amazing boys, Alex and Gabe. Courtney and I are related by blood, but are also great friends, and we are loving the fact that we're having kids at the same time. It's been so fun! The four kids had a great time playing with each other, and amazingly we didn't have any fights that were horrible. There WERE disagreements on who could play with which cars, but after a few naught spot visits and apologies, all was well.
We stayed at the condo over the weekend, and the Powells sure had fun at the beach. It was so fun to have them around for James' third birthday, Alex and Gabe sure wanted to help James open his presents. :)
We stayed at the condo over the weekend, and the Powells sure had fun at the beach. It was so fun to have them around for James' third birthday, Alex and Gabe sure wanted to help James open his presents. :)
James' 3rd Birthday Party!
On Tuesday, the 24th, we had James' party. What fun! Thank goodness naps were had by all kids in the Wilcke household, which included the Powell kids. We had such a good time, and if you haven't watched the video of James laughing when we sang to him, you MUST watch it. It's so funny! He was absolutely thrilled to have everyone there and to get a cake with CARS on it! Cameron Miller, my niece, made this cake. What a genius. Did I mention she's 10? Great job, Cam! You're hired for my next party! :)
The party was a great success, and we kept things moving rather quickly. Pizza, cake, presents, done. :) Two hours went by so fast though, and I'm so glad that everyone could come that made it. We missed some people, especially our Wilcke family members!
If you'll notice from the photos, James is dressed in a gladiator costume for one of the shots. That was the hit present of the night, voted best by adults and kids! Thanks to Kelly, Bennett and Anna for bringing that one! :)
Now if you ask James how old he is, he says, "free!" and holds up three fingers! What a cutie.
Thanks to the Powells for your help with the party!
The party was a great success, and we kept things moving rather quickly. Pizza, cake, presents, done. :) Two hours went by so fast though, and I'm so glad that everyone could come that made it. We missed some people, especially our Wilcke family members!
If you'll notice from the photos, James is dressed in a gladiator costume for one of the shots. That was the hit present of the night, voted best by adults and kids! Thanks to Kelly, Bennett and Anna for bringing that one! :)
Now if you ask James how old he is, he says, "free!" and holds up three fingers! What a cutie.
Thanks to the Powells for your help with the party!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Happy Birthday James!
James turned 3! We were at the condo for his actual birthday, so when he woke up, Nathan made him a birthday pancake! It was topped with a smiley face of M&Ms and a number 3 candle. We sang Happy Birthday to him and we started the birthday fiesta. Notice the photo of the mound of pancakes? Those were the LEFTOVERS! :) We doubled the recipe, silly us, and we had enough left to fee the Army.
Then came presents... Nathan and I gave him a new Radio Flier Big Wheel complete with a flag, and Kaitlyn (even had time to go shopping!) got him a new Go Diego Go Rescue Truck! WOW! Steve, Alex and Gabe gave him a Candy Land game... but it's different, it's awesome! You pull on the candy cane to eject a shape, and if you have that shape on your gingerbread man, then you put it on him. Each gingerbread man has four different shapes. Once you complete your gingerbread man decorating, you're done! My child is saying, "octagon!" and "oval!" it just cracks me up. Alex and Gabe also got James two cars... they're trying to get him into cars as much as they are. We'll see! ;) Those boys are so cute with those cars! Alex knows EVERY car and it's name. Gabe asks Alex, "What is this car called?" Ha.
Then came presents... Nathan and I gave him a new Radio Flier Big Wheel complete with a flag, and Kaitlyn (even had time to go shopping!) got him a new Go Diego Go Rescue Truck! WOW! Steve, Alex and Gabe gave him a Candy Land game... but it's different, it's awesome! You pull on the candy cane to eject a shape, and if you have that shape on your gingerbread man, then you put it on him. Each gingerbread man has four different shapes. Once you complete your gingerbread man decorating, you're done! My child is saying, "octagon!" and "oval!" it just cracks me up. Alex and Gabe also got James two cars... they're trying to get him into cars as much as they are. We'll see! ;) Those boys are so cute with those cars! Alex knows EVERY car and it's name. Gabe asks Alex, "What is this car called?" Ha.
We headed home just before lunch (not a good time) so we had to hit McDonald's on the way out of town. A birthday isn't complete without a Happy Meal, right? Right. Whatever. So after that binge feast, we got in the car and the kids were out within two minutes of leaving New Smyrna.
Twenty minutes into the car ride, we stopped to put a diaper on James keeping our fingers crossed that both kids would fall back asleep. They did NOT fall back asleep. Ugh, we live, we learn. Next time I'll take an accident on the car seat rather than waking them up... yes, disgusting, yes, I value their sleep that much.
I crashed when we got home since I'm struggling with some sort of a fever/head cold deal. I've been getting through the birthday party stuff though, so at least that's good.
The rest of James' birthday was pretty uneventful. The party was on the 24th, and boy do I have some good video and photos to put up!
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