Week in Review ~ 12/14

Well, I missed a whole week, but not too much was going on, so I'll just skip over it and try not to let it drive me crazy.  We had what I had hoped would be our busiest week leading to Christmas, but the one coming up is filling fast.

On Sunday we had fellowship breakfast at church followed by normal Sunday School and worship.  That night we had our Bible Zone Christmas play.  I was only nervous about how Sam would do, but when the little angels paraded in I heard a "Mommy" and cry that I know well.  I sat with Avery while she got it together, never really knowing what the issue was.  After that she went right up and did fine.  Sam did pretty good as well.  We had a covered dish supper afterwards which was a little hectic with 2 kids and lots of people in a small space.

Avery then had her Bible Zone Christmas party Monday night.  They decorated cookies and cards, had party food, and were visited by Santa.  I was very surprised when Avery willingly sat with and talked to Santa...a first at Bible Zone.

Tuesday night we had our preschool, preK, and Kindergarten program at school.  Before the program, I helped my parents decorate their tree and ran some errands.  Our little students were so cute in their Christmas attire and did a great job singing our songs.  Even better was that I was home in time to put Avery to bed.

Wednesday night we had dance like normal.  The 5:30 p.m. dance time is getting harder and harder to get to pleasantly.  Avery eats at a snail's pace on Wednesday night and it never fails that a train is crossing when we need to.

Ned picked the kids up Thursday afternoon so that I could make my much-needed hair appointment.  I headed straight home after that so that Ned could go to his Christmas party for the fire department.  He had been looking forward to his "party food" all week, and I was so sad for him when the siren went off about 15 minutes after the party started.  Always be appreciative of your first responders....they leave their party food to come help you.

Friday was a happy sight as the excitement had been growing in Kindergarten.  That night we went to the Mexican restaurant, and Avery and Sam made sure to accessorize.  Sam wore his shades all the way to the restaurant.  He also redeemed himself after having to leave FoSho early a few weeks.  We love our Mexican restaurant.  The meal is always ready before we've finished our chips.  After dinner we rode and looked at Christmas lights, and Sam wore his glasses about half the trip.

Ned went hunting Saturday morning so I got up with the kids.  We went to a kids' Christmas party at the Sadlers' and had a fun time.  I guess I didn't take Avery to a lot of stuff at this age, because I'm sure not used to chasing, pulling off the hearth, pulling out of the tree, etc.  He really did fine, but it's a lot.  We left there early to get Avery a quick hair cut.  I've been meaning to do it for weeks, and it looked so bad Saturday morning that I knew I had to get it done before Santa.  We dropped Sam off with Ned, had a quick cut, and picked up lunch.  After naps I went to the grocery store, thinking I was missing the rain.  I bought a TON of stuff and came out to find it pouring.  We ate dinner at home, then I did some wrapping while Ned was at a fire call.

I have a full week of school this week, as does Avery, and we started it off with a very big and fun day today.  We've got a full moon and a lot of holiday spirit to contend with this week!

21 Months

Dear Sam,

I hope one day you will be confident that the pros of being a 2nd child greatly outnumber the cons, like late monthly posts.  I remembered for a full week that the 7th was approaching then remembered again 5 days later.  We still love you, Buddy!

We have no new measurements but you feel heavier by the day.  You are still wearing 24 month or 2T clothes, size 6.5 shoe, and size 5 diaper.

Your sleep has been a little strange this month but still good overall.  After you had croup, you started taking awhile to fall asleep at night.  You didn't fuss, but you didn't go to sleep quickly like normal.  Then we thought you were sick again, and you had a really bad night.  You weren't sick, so I'm wondering if your 2 year molars are working their way through.  After that bad night you got back on track, but if you have a night that you go to bed a little late, the next few nights you don't go to bed quickly.  You are usually sleeping until at least 6 a.m. and still napping and going to bed at the normal times.

You're eating remains pretty much the same.  You've have picked back up on breakfast items that you snubbed for awhile and are eating good meals at Jennifer's.  Our dinner is never touched on your plate unless it is one of your approved items.  Yogurt, fruit, and cheese are your main dinner items.

You have developed a new love this month: Buzz!  We watch Toy Story or Toy Story 2 all the time.  You ask for it in the morning, in the afternoon when I pick you up, and any other moment that you are not watching it.  It is really cute, but the rest of us are really tired of Buzz and Woody.  You certainly have seen more TV than your sister had at this age, so I hope the cuddling we do when you watch TV negates the rotting of your brain.

We are definitely in the "twos."  I won't say terrible, but they are very different from your sister's time in this stage.  You say no much more than she ever did and just seem a little more emotional and passionate about things that upset you.  You will also hit when you're angry, but only at home.  Jen-Jen was so surprised the first time she saw you hit yourself.  I know you are just expressing yourself the only way you can, and I'm thankful it's reserved for home.  I don't compare you to your sister, but it's so interesting to me how you are so different.  For example, I don't think Avery has ever had a fit in public, while you throw minor ones every time I drag you out of Avery's classroom in the afternoon.

While the times can be trying, they are 10 times more sweet than trouble.  You love to cuddle and are now giving loves with your arms instead of just leaning your head in for a kiss.  You love your family, and you and Avery play some really fun games that only the two of you understand.  You still do funny things that seem babyish, but you are showing big boy behavior that's exciting as well.  I love for you to ask to rock or say "up me" to be held.  There are times that you only want Daddy, but usually you are a mommy's boy.

Sam, you are growing so fast and changing so much.  I just love this age of excitement and learning.  I would love to keep you like this but know things will only be more special as you grow.  We love you to bits and pieces!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Welcome, December

I'm starting this new month with a prayer that most of it looks just like this.

At home, with my family and Christmas tree, just like Kevin.

We've turned down a gala for my preK-12th grade alma mater, changed our minds about plans that would have been fun, and I won't be running a race that I paid for, all for more moments like this.

Of course, this picture didn't capture Avery jumping on the couch and the time-out that followed. And it missed Sam's epic meltdown over coming inside from playing in the cold. That cat is for once not in the Christmas tree (that's bitter chew spray on the mantle). We'd also prefer that Ned be in the picture instead of outside getting the leaves up.

But, for the most part, I hope that this will be our Christmas season. With only a few things left to decorate and a few fun, family outings ahead, we're ready to sit back and enjoy this holy, magical time.

Weeks in Review ~ 11/23 & 11/30

So another 2 weeks have come and gone...But, we're just busy enough, having fun, and doing well, so that's all that matters.

Last week I went to our state Kindergarten conference on Monday and Tuesday.  I left early Monday morning to get to Richmond on time and spent both days in lots of sessions that were mostly really good.  Sherri Sloane and Jack Hartmann were our morning speakers, and I attended several sessions with them as well.  Ned treated me to a night away, so I stayed where the conference was being held.  Monday night I shopped, had dinner at Panera, and was back in my comfortable clothes by 6 p.m.  I of course squeezed in some FaceTime too.  This was my first time away from home by myself since I had kids.

The rest of the week was normal, just very busy at school.  That Friday, we thought it would be a good decision to go out to eat.  We hadn't been out in several Fridays because I was more interested in picking something up and eating in.  We picked a restaurant we know to be slow, and as they sat the pizza on the table 40 minutes later I was on my way out the door with Sam.  He was not interested in eating and had gotten very upset when I took Avery to the bathroom.  He said he was ready to go home and I was happy to oblige.  Ned and Avery finished their dinner with Mimi and Vincent.

This past week was a busy holiday week.  Avery has been working hard at Bible Zone practicing her songs for the Christmas play.  I doubt she'll be using a wand there, though.

Avery's preschool had a Thanksgiving feast Tuesday at lunch.  I was unable to attend with it being a day before a holiday and since I'm trying to save days for Disney.  Ned went and had lunch with Avery, who was proudly in costume.

Ned was very willing to help decorate this year, so we did the Santas Tuesday night, set the trees up Wednesday night, and decorated them Thursday.  Last year I felt like I decorated all season, so I'm at least off to a better start.

We had our first Thanksgiving feast Wednesday night at Ned's parents' house.  Everyone behaved, no one was hurt, and nothing was broken, so it goes down as a win in my book.  On Thursday night we traveled to my dad's sister's house.  I was nervous that my mom would decide she didn't want to go since getting out and being around a lot of people still makes her uneasy.  They came though and we had a great, boisterous night.

Ned hunted most of the day Friday.  I got busy shopping via the Internet that morning and finished the Santa shopping.  We ventured out to the kids' Sunday School teacher's store for some bows and new garland.  I lost a few years off of my life trying to keep Avery still and navigate Sam's stroller in a very full little store.  Sam was also letting us know he wasn't having any fun.  Other than that, we stayed home and the kids played together very well.  I fed the kids early and Ned brought home Chinese for the two of us.

Saturday was a special day.  After Ned hunted in the morning, Mimi and her friend Nan came to keep Sam, and we took Avery to lunch at Panera and to see Frozen.  This was Avery's first theater experience, and she was just the right age.  She had lots of questions about the "commercials" (previews) but was pretty quiet through the movie unless there was something funny.

We got home about 5 p.m. and gathered up some odds and ends for dinner since I haven't been to the store.  Sam has a cough and congestion with a little fever.  I'm praying for a silent night.  We welcome December tomorrow, my most favorite month.  We have so much to look forward to, and while I do it with a little apprehension in my heart after last holiday season, I know there are wonderful things ahead....and what seems like less time to enjoy with the late Thanksgiving!  I'm being very intentional with my time this month so that I can enjoy every last minute.

Catching Up

Popping back in to catch up on all that we've been up to since the week of Halloween.  Yikes!  I've never been that behind before, although I did blog about Halloween and do Sam's 20 month post.

In those weeks, we've celebrated Austyn's and Kellan's birthday, bringing out total birthday celebration in about a month to 4, and there was one party we didn't attend.  Thank goodness for so many friends!

We carved pumpkins and enjoyed the fall weather.

The fall weather gave Sam croup, which of course was nothing but a fever until he left the doctor.  A quick call to the on-call pediatrician at 8:30 p.m. plus a check-in with our pediatrician confirmed my diagnosis and provided steroids for Sam.  He was up every 45 minutes or so until midnight, when I gave him his pacifier, helping him to sleep all night.  After our scare last year, croup is a bad word to me, and I think Sam got more sleep than I did in the guest room across the hall.  His croup cough disappeared quickly but left a congested cough and fever that kept him home for a full week.

This past week, something was going on as well, as he was fussy at bedtime and waking early in the morning., then had a very fussy day for Jennifer on Wednesday.  I took him to the doctor Thursday (3rd visit in a week and a half) expecting and ear infection, but everything was clear.  The doctor and I then suspected possible molars and almost 2 itis.  I think the latter proved true as Sam cried for an hour at bedtime that night, was up at 9:45, then was up from 12:30-3 a.m.  This was after he had started his day at 4:30 a.m.  We let him cry and he just stood and shook the sides of his bed.  We rocked him and he would cry as soon as we stood up.  Finally we gave him the pacifier and all went to sleep.  He cried at nap time for the sitter Friday, but I think he was just totally overtired.  Bedtime Friday night was about 40 minutes of tears, but after that we were good, and that's all I'll say to not ruin tonight.

Everyone else has been doing good and doing our regular things.  I did have a nice cold/laryngitis thing going on the same day we had conferences from 4:00-6:30 p.m.

Yesterday I hosted my Premier Jewelry party after rescheduling when Ned was sick.  We had a fun time and I'm getting far too much in free jewelry.  Here are a few of my favorite moments from the last few weeks.  I have good intentions of getting back on track.

20 Months

Dear Sam,

You turned 20 months old on the 7th, and I'm a little late since croup got the best of you last week.  It is unbelievable that you are in the twenties for months and that in 4 short months I will have a 2-year-old. Since you've been under the weather this week, I used a few of your pictures that we did recently with Lexi.

You are a big boy.  At the doctor last week you were 27.6 pounds.  You are rapidly gaining on Avery in weight and height.  You wear 24m or 2T clothing and are still a 6.5 shoe.  We are moving to size 5 diapers.

You're still waking between 6 and 6:30 a.m., napping at 1 p.m. for 1.5 to 2 hours, and going to bed at 7 p.m.  While I'm pleased that your sleep schedule has remained the same, I am slightly sad that your eating preferences haven't changed either.  This month you even slimmed down your breakfast choices, refusing pancakes or waffles many times before settling on a Nutrigrain bar.  You continue to get what we have for dinner, but we have mainly curbed the dinnertime tears by always having a yogurt, cheese, and fruit on your plate.  Usually that's all you eat.  Obviously you are growing, and I try to be confident that they way we are handling things will one day result in you having a more varied palate.

You continue to be busy, as evident in these pictures.  You like balls and trucks, climbing, jumping, and being outside.  Avery can usually rope you into some of her playing, and while I usually don't know what y'all are doing, you both seem to.  You think you are big, and if you can do it, you think you should be doing it.  From the rock wall on the swing set to the dining room table, not much can stand in your way.  You still like to read, but you also like to watch TV.  We can't quite figure out what you're telling us, and often you need a new show every 10 minutes.  Mickey, Caillou, and Toy Story (Buh!) are always hits.

"No" and "mine" are heard frequently now, but overall (aside from the steroids and being sick) you are pretty good-natured.  You are quick to tell Avery when you do not need her love and are quick to tell Mama when you need some cuddling.  You are not a kisser or hugger unless someone asks, but you are happy to climb right into a lap to rock and snuggle.  New words are popping out all the time, and I'm amazed by all the things you're putting together in your mind these days.

Sam, you are such a joy in our lives.  You love your family and love life, and that makes every day with you wonderful and exciting.  While I'm sad that my baby boy is steadily growing bigger, I look forward to seeing what fun and adventure we find with you as a sweet little boy.  We love you to bits and pieces!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Trips and Treats

Yesterday both classes from Avery's preschool attended Farm Day, and I was lucky enough to go with them.  Farm Day is held on local farms and features booths with everything from beef cattle knowledge to bee keepers.  It is done for 3rd graders, but they let the Y preschool come and enjoy a few of the exhibits before the school kids get there.  We visited the animals, learned what comes from cows, listened to the bee keeper, and took a hayride.  It was a fun morning and so special to see Avery interacting with her friends and teachers.  I even got to take her to school, since she of course had to ride the bus on the trip.

And who could forget that yesterday was Halloween.  After a quick dinner it was time to head down the Yellow Brick Road for some trick-or-treating.  Posed pictures were hard to come by so we had some help from lollipops.  We forgot to bring Toto (Sammy dog) out for pictures.

We walked around the block in Ned's parents' neighborhood then stopped in at some of our neighbors before clicking our heels to return home.  The weather was just right for a night full of fun and treats.