The End of Christmas the beginning of a new year

We arrived home last evening after a long day of travel that started before the sun came up and ended after the sun went down. The kids did reasonably well but today will be the start of getting back on routine minus sugar and tv. I'm thinking the fruit snacks and juice box that Josh ate for breakfast yesterday may not be the breakfast of champions.

It is good to be home in spite of the empty fridge which will have to be corrected quickly. Mira is up with me now as I write this post and Joshua is sleeping in. Hopefully we will get a little nap in before he wakes up. I've got lack of nap yesterday and jet lag on my side.

Mira's vocabulary continues to expand and now includes 'no' which comes out more like 'doh' and 'meow', 'arf', 'ow' and 'uh-oh'. While getting ready to go yesterday morning (at 4:30 am) I asked Joshua if he was having a hard time keeping his eyes open. He said, 'No, I am having a hard time keeping my eyes closed!' He was so excited to ride the plane and fell asleep only moments before we touched down in Baltimore then start straight up with an excited, 'DID WE LAND!' Joshua is certainly a creature of routine and I am looking forward to getting him back on track to hopefully correct some of his crazy behavior. He was becoming quite unruly by the end of our trip with hitting, spitting, running around and just general no listening.

Alright, it is back to bed for Mira and me. Wish me luck!

Merry Christmas!

We made our way out to California for Christmas this year but not before we had a wonderful Christmas celebration at home with my side of the family. We made special arrangements with Santa on Monday and he came early. Joshua wrote a note Monday night and left out cookies and milk. We were able to help him add manners but he really only wanted to say, 'Dear Santa, Bring me presents'. He was thrilled and really understood the Santa concept this year. So, Tuesday we had Christmas morning and Aunt Jill & Aunt Tara were in town to see the kids rip into their presents. Joshua got a 'rocket jet plane with a control and two wheels.' He remarked that Santa got it just right. Mira received a wooden shape sorter. Other gift highlights were LOTS of books, fleece pillow case and bath robe for Joshua, magnetic animal matching game for Mira.

Throughout the day more family arrived and we opened and shared more gifts until dinner time when the house was full. We had a wonderful ham dinner where everyone brought something and then the madness began. We had to clean up and finish packing for our trip.

Wednesday we left the house at 4:30 am for the airport. The roads were ice but there were no delays so we set out. Mira did better on the flight than I expected but still only slept 1 hour of the 6 hour trip. Joshua watched movies and played and also did well. But there was NO FOOD on the plane and by the time we got off Joshua was more tired and more hungry than we realized. He flipped out trying to get in the carseat and then proceeded to fall asleep. At the house, once we got some food and a nap/rest in him he was a whole different boy.

Thursday, we celebrated Christmas in California and Santa came AGAIN. Kirra and Mir both got doll houses and Joshua got a building table. Mira also received a music table and Joshua a scooter. They loved those presents and the MANY others they received. After our Christmas with Grandma and Papa we made our way to Aunt Donna's house for the BIG family Christmas. The party was chaos but the kids did great. Mira was exhausted and finally passed out. She slept through an amazing amount of noise. Joshua was asleep pretty much as soon as he hit the car seat.

Today was much more laid back. We relaxed, playing with the kids new toys and had a Christmas dinner here.

Mira has been having a language explosion. She now says, 'Papa, dog, arf, up, and star'. She knows 'nose and mouth' if you ask her to point to them. She is just loving having Kirra around again to play with as is Joshua. It is really cute to see them toddling around after each other. They are all playing very nicely together.

The children are in bed and I think I am going to relax as well. I uploaded photos from here but not from home yet. I will get to them... Tara :-D

Almost Christmas

Every day (many times a day) Joshua asks, 'Is it Christmas?' or 'Are we to the big box yet?' (referring to the calendar with Christmas circled on it). To which I answer, 'This is Christmas Season but it is not yet Christmas Day' and 'No, we are not to the big box yet but we can count the days.' Joshua is so excited about Christmas this year. He has asked Santa for a "Rocket Jet Plan" and I think Santa will be delivering just what Joshua wants. He has successfully NOT opened the presents that are starting to accumulate under the tree and loves all the signing and crafts and other merriment that go along with the holiday. Tomorrow is his preschool party and we are making cookies. Memaw and Grandad will be watching baby girl so that I can give my full attention to Joshua.

We have had several breakthroughs in preschool recently. He has started singing and participating in circle time and I am ecstatic! He is still having a hard time sitting still and keeping his body parts to himself but I think it goes along with feeling more comfortable and opening up to his class. I think it will improve, we are working on it anyway. So it looks like he has come out from behind the bookcase.

Mira is an excellent walker now. She has started climbing as well. So now we have to be extra careful with the stairs. She has also had a sign language explosion and can use the words, 'more', 'all done', 'bye-bye', 'clap' and 'excitement' successfully. She has some more sounds and words as well including meow, arf and pat. She loves to jabber on while sitting in her high chair, car seat or while toddling around the room. She is a lot more emphatic about her needs too she will come to me if she is tired, hungry or wet and put her arms up to be picked up. She leans over if she wants to nurse. It is awesome to be able to interact with her in a more meaningful way.

We are working on getting Mira to sleep for naps and bed time. She still requires a lot of interaction but I guess it will come in time. She mostly goes down at 7:30 and wakes up between 2-4 then she is up for the day at 6. She has a nap in the morning that is short and one in the afternoon with Joshua that is longer. She reverted a bit food wise while she was sick but we are getting back on the wagon slowly now.

Lots going on for Christmas so I hope to post again soon but certainly after the festivities I will try and make a few comments about it all. Check out my page on facebook to see videos of the kids.

what do you want from Santa?

We took the kids downtown tonight for the Christmas Tree lighting and to see Santa. There was also a little parade. I was so proud of Joshua. I knew that he would not sit on Santa's lap but I asked him if he would stand next to Santa and he said, 'Yes'. AND he did it! He stood next to Santa and told him he wanted a "race jet plane". He was very clear on this point. Mira, since she is already not feeling well, did not take kindly to Santa holding her and screamed. She has an ear infection though so she is just unhappy right now, period.

I can't wait until we are all healthy again!

Sickness

Mira had her 9 mos checkup today. She weighed in at 18 lb (50%) and 26 inches (10-15%) The Dr. commented that she had really thinned out and I pointed out that it was probably because she was walking. She just shook her head at my crazy early walking children. In every way Mira is doing great and the Dr. was pleased with her development.

I kept Joshua out of school today due to his ongoing sickness and had him checked out as well. The Dr. diagnosed either bronchitis or pnuemonia and rather than have him (US) suffer through an x-ray, sent him home with antibiotics that should take care of either and a prescription for using his nebulizer 2x a day. I also talked to her at length about his extreme shyness. She recommended that he see a pediatric behavioral psychologist and we are going to look into doing so. Even if, as she pointed out, it is only to give us new skills to help him in difficult situations. She didn't think that taking him out of preschool was a good solution. I am going to talk to his preschool teacher still but I tend to agree. He likes going to school, I think he needs that kind of interaction or we will not be addressing the issue. So we will see.

Now it is on to naps and such. I hope that Joshua takes another 3 hour nap like he did yesterday. He truly needs it!

Christmas Decorating

Last night, we put up our new Christmas Tree. We ordered it last year after Christmas so this was the first time we had ever seen it! Joshua was so excited all day to put it up. In the morning, we were out buying suits for Jason and out to lunch. Joshua has had a cold and fever so he was actually manageable while we were out. Usually he just moves too fast!

Today, we dug out the ornaments and decorated the tree. Every year, the kids pick out a new ornament. This year, Joshua picked one out at an arts festival over the summer. He was so excited to open his 'new' ornament and put in on. Mira even put hers on. She really examined it before hand though!

The camera status is that we are using our old digital camera (from 1999). It works well but transferring data is problematic because the storage technology is no longer supported. So, it works for now but obviously not ideal. I've been planning to buy a digital SLR for years so this may be the impetus I need to actually get it done BUT that is going to take a bit of research. We still should pick up a digital point and shoot for just the random every day stuff...

No PIctures

Joshua broke our camera yesterday so we will be without pictures until we get that issue resolved. I have some photos from Thanksgiving that I need to post but after that...

Yes I know. This situation is dire.

Happy Thanksgiving, 2008!

Thanksgiving was at our house this year with Nanny, Grandad, Amy and the Gang, Arnaldo and Mr. Mark. It was great and we had enough food to feed an army. Joshua was so excited about the 'Thanksgiving Feast' and couldn't wait for the eating to begin. Although, when it finally started I think he had one bite of food. Crazy boy. He loved that his cousins were here to play.

Tara had surgery on Monday of this week to remove her kidney. She came through just fine and is recovering at home. But, Mom went up there to help out and so she had Thanksgiving dinner with Jill, Tara, Aunt Jo and Uncle Phil. Sounds like it was quite a meal. Tara was released from the hospital Wednesday night so she also was able to join in the feasting.

Yesterday, we drove out the the 'burg to have a mini reunion with some of my high school friends. We met at Chili's and reminisced for three hours. Mira was a star. Everybody just loved her. Joshua was shy but survived. After hanging out there we visited my friend Lisa and her parents and then over to Great God Mommy and Daddy's house (Aunt Carie's Parents). Joshie has been coming down with a cough and by the last house he was a mess. Mira was exhausted and we were ready to go home.

So today the little squirt woke at 5:30 ish. We are working on her sleeping and it is going so-so. She did have a really long nap yesterday before we left. I hope that helps her to get back on track.

Hip Hip Hooray!

Joshie, Mira and I met up with our friends Adriane, Chase and Mattingly at an Extreme Bounce place. You know the kind. They have huge moon bounces all set up indoors to play on. So on the drive there Joshua says, 'Hip Hip Hooray, Hip Hip Hooray, I'm so excited today. Happy, So Very Happy, I have the love of Jesus in my heart' He was piecing together parts of songs from SuperWhy and a couple of Bible Songs. He sings bits of songs all the time now and it is hilarious.

We had Joshua's Thanksgiving Feast at Preschool on Tuesday. The craft was a paper bag Turkey. After a potluck meal together the kids sang songs they had learned. It was a nice morning.

More Updates

We have been having the Ultimate Dance Party in our home the past couple of nights. It starts around 6:30pm and ends at 7ish so don't miss the fun! We just turn on the music and let Joshua dance and move. He loves it and it gives him another opportunity to use up some of that endless energy he has. With cold and rainy weather becoming the norm, we need more creative ways to let him play.

Mira is also getting her groove on. She likes to stand and wiggle and bounce. It is REALLY cute.

To the Park

Today, in between rainy spells, Joshie, Mira and I went to the park down the street. Recently for preschool Joshua had to make a picture out of leaves that he had collected. Joshua, of course, made a rocket. So today on our way to the park we found leaves that looked like something. We found a small yellow leaf with a stem that looked like a mouse, a tulip poplar leaf that looked like a cat's head and a maple leaf that looked like a bird foot print. Joshua picked out another maple leaf that looked to him like an ogre's hand. He played in the puddles and made boats out of the some of the leaves. It was a fun walk and we had a nice time at the park.

Mira's sounds are sounding more word like as she 'talks'. She is standing and walking around the kitchen table. It is fun to see her on the go. Joshua has been enjoying WordWorld on PBS and is surprising us with he letter and letter sound knowledge.

Cutting Hair and other musings

October was a very busy month with Aunt Trina and Kirra out to visit. We did so many fun things and I was able to post lots of pictures but I haven't been diligent about writing in the blog to explain all of the events. At this point, I am not even sure what I left out. I will start with today and work backwards.



The kids are exploding with new skills these days. Joshua continues to drive us batty with his 'terrible threes' but we are expecting it and looking forward to age 4. I don't really want him to get older, just less whiney ;-) How I ended up with a whiney child, I will never understand. In any case, Jason raced auto cross today and place second in the novice category. First place was another BMW Mini with a driver named... Jason. How funny! I stayed home with the kids while he raced. We went to church and there was a luncheon afterward. Plus, we had naps to consider. Over all it was a good and productive day. The leaves are at the tail end of changing colors and falling off. Soon, it will just be cold with no pretty autumn to look at.

Yesterday, I made my first attempt at cutting Joshua's hair. I looked up instructions online and picked up scissors at a beauty supply store. Already, I saved $5 on the cost we usually pay for taking him to the barber. I have to say, I think I did a pretty good job. I obviously need more practice but I am sure I will get plenty! I kept Joshie still with his bucket of Halloween candy and the Incredibles movie. The cut took about 15 minutes. I also helped Jason blend his hair cut later that day. I guess I need to hang my sign out as a barber, too! Cutting hair is something I thought I would NEVER do, having no inclination or talent for it, but here we are.



Friday, we had a very nice LONG walk in the gorgeous weather. It was 70! We wore Joshua out. I really need to do something like that EVERY day with him but with all the other household chores I don't get out as much as I would like. He really needs a good 30+ minutes twice a day of just hard playing in order to be manageable. So, on days that he doesn't get that in, I try and at least get him out for a walk around the nearby streets.



Joshua had another good day at school on Thursday. He was excited to turn in his art assignment to Miss Joan. The task was to collect leaves and create something with them on a piece of paper. Joshua chose a rocket, his favorite thing to make these days. I assisted only with applying glue to the leaves. Otherwise, Joshua did everything else including asking to add paint to his piece of art. I was so proud of him. He often rushes through guided activities like this and this time he was really interested in working on the project. Miss Joan helped Joshua walk in the circle with his classmates, singing the ABC's. She said he was a little weepy. I imagine he probably turned into a wet noodle and whine the entire time. But, he did it and maybe next time will be better. Baby steps. He is definitely participating more and more each time. He still says, 'I don't want to go to school' but I think he is enjoying his time there when he gets there.



Mira ... is no doing 'Peek a Boo' as well as her other tricks. She took several steps today. Grandad is one of her favorite people as is Daddy and she walked to both of them. She said, 'Cat' yesterday. I am not sure if it is her first word. She also says, 'Hi Dada' and 'Bye-bye.' Jason said he heard her say 'Cat' the other day, too. I would be funny for cat to be her first word since dog was Joshua's first word. She communicates her needs better each day. She has a very distinctive short, loud, "AH' sound that she makes when she needs something. She will bring toys to you to for you to play with her. And, if you start a game and stop she will move your hand or body to indicate that she wants you to keep playing.



We are working on sleep with Mira. We have started a bedtime routine of getting pj's on, nursing, reading 2-3 books and turning of the room light. Then we lay her down, pat her back and ... she cries. We do the patting again until she falls asleep and usually she is down until 11 pm. I try to nurse her before I sleep and that has been working reasonably well. She'll sleep until 4 or so. The unfortunate part is that she is waking up now between 5 and 6. That is a little early for me. With the time change, too, it is quite dark at that hour. Because she is up and we have quiet alone time, I have been working on infant potty training with her then. Although I don't like the early hour, my days have been a bit more productive because of getting up then AND I really do like my time with just Mira-baby. Joshie and I get uninterrupted time together when Mira is napping in the morning. We often read stories or play legos then.

Well - I suppose I should end this BOOK that I have written tonight. Tomorrow will bring more adventures and joys to share with you.

A good day at school

A couple weeks back now Joshua had a not so good day at preschool. His class was having a fire drill and he ran away from the group. His teacher had to shout very loudly, 'STOP' to get his attention. Since that day going to preschool has been a challenge. He was sad about his teacher yelling at him and was hesitant to return to school each school day.

Joshua had a Halloween party last Thursday that went really well and I was hopeful about school on Tuesday. He let me leave without a tear and when I returned both his teacher and the assistant praised his good behavior! It was fantastic news to hear. He was even sent home with an, 'I had a wonderful day at school' note. I believe that Joshua will outgrow his shyness and difficulty in social situations. I think that experiences like this one, where his is uncomfortable but reassured that his is still well liked, will help him grow. I am so proud!

Congratulations to Mr. Obama! What a historic day for our country. I am eager to see what lies ahead.

Halloween

Halloween was a hit! Joshua couldn't wait to go trick or treating. All day he was so excited about all the candy he was going to get. Joshua was a ghost, Mira was Pebbles and Kirra was a little puppy. Jason was a ghost buster (Spengler), I was Wilma Flinstone and Trina was a witch. We had the neighbors over for pizza before hand and then went out for about an hour to the four nearest streets. Afterwards, Jason and Joshua snuggled on the couch watching Ghostbusters and Mira and Kirra conked out in bed.

Mira is WALKING!

Yes this is now my 2nd child that has walked at 8.5 months. I thought the first time it was just a fluke! So, Mira has been standing up on her own in the middle of the room for a little bit now. She could get to standing completely on her own without the help of a chair or toy to support her. Only in the last week or so had she started cruising and only when something caught her eye. She has been cruising along the couch and between pieces of furniture. But tonight while I was up in our bedroom and Jason was in the basement playing with Joshua, Mira took 3 steps for Aunt Trina in the living room. Thankfully, as soon as Aunt Trina hollared to me to come down, Mira decided to perform again. Daddy was not so lucky and only got a 1-2 step performance. I guess she decided that she needed to be able to keep up with Kirra and Joshua!

We have been very busy with traveling to visit Aunt Jill and Aunt Tara and exploring the Amish countryside. Right now, I am working fast and furious (ok maybe not but I am definitely working!) to get Halloween costumes completed. I hope it warms up a little bit by Friday when we go out Trick or Treating!

3 yr checkup for Joshua

Thursday was a big day. Joshua had his first field trip with preschool and his annual checkup. The field trip was to a local orchard. We all rode a tractor around the farm to a field where the kids 'picked' little pumpkins just the right size for them. Joshua and Kirra had lots of fun picking out pumpkins. Then, we rode the tractor back to the barn and had a snack of cider and apples. They even showed us how the cider is bottled. Joshua did great on the trip. It was nice to see him interacting with his classmates. He waited SOOO patiently with his hands in his lap for his turn to pick an apple and he even stood up and sang along when the teacher lead them in rhymes.

In the afternoon we had his annual checkup. It was a difficult appointment because Joshua is so shy and does not like anyone touching him. But we got through it. He weighs about 34 pounds and is about 41 inches tall. Even the measurements were a challenge because he just would not participate. So he is about in the 95 percentile for height and 75th for weight. Tall and skinny as usual. The dr said he is looking fine so we are pleased with that.

All the kids are now sick with a cough. The nights have been long as they take turns crying, coughing and just being awake. I hope this passes quickly.

Hand Appointment

Mira had an appoint.... ooooh she just did 'so big' sitting here next to me :-D I love my life :-D


So Mira had a hand appointment yesterday. The dr. determined that there is indeed a bone in the extra thumb and Mira will need surgery to remove it after her first birthday. We will call in January to schedule the surgery in March. It is out patient and she will recover several hours at the hospital and then come home with a cast for 3-4 weeks.

Happy Birthday, Jason!

Last night we celebrated Kirra's (1), Joshua's (3) and Jason's (31) birthdays. We had Amy's gang, the godparents, our neighbors Cyndi & Howard and our friends Kim & Ryan over. It was like a nursery in the house with 7 little ones 3 and under. On top of that there were 4 middle schoolers. It was a fun evening though. Amy's girls, Stephanie and Noella, were having a good time giving Kirra hugs (and stealing her toys). Joshie was running around like a crazy man. Mira was watching it all and Kirra liked the other little people to play with but didn't like the toy stealing.

Mira is sitting with my now, the only one that would wake up at 6 am after such a busy evening, and eating cheerios. She is yawning but I don't see her going down for a nap right now. She is really doing well with finger food and has had bananas, watermelon, plums and now cheerios. She also tried ice cream for the first time on Joshua's birthday and that was a hit (duh!)

On Friday we took the kids to a farm ice cream stand and petting zoo that also had a really cool play set. They loved that! Yesterday, our town was having a street festival and we wondered around there before naps and the party. I know Josh and Kirra liked the costumed dancers in the street and Mira enjoyed and danced to the music.

Happy 3rd Birthday Joshua

Joshua is officially 3! Yesterday, he celebrated by having cupcakes with his friends at pre-school. He opened one present before school and then after school he had a pretty typical day with naps and such. We went to the park in the afternoon and when daddy got home we had the meal Joshua chose: chicken nuggets with honey, peas, noodles, apple sauce. After dinner he opened presents and then we had ice cream.

Tomorrow, we will have a birthday celebration for Joshua & Jason with a few friends and family. Not a party though :-)

Mira has started trying little pieces of food and is doing ok on this new skill. She has had eggs, plums, bananas and cereal and is moving the food around and swallowing for the most part. It is pretty funny when the piece comes popping back out whole. She is also enjoying having Aunt Trina and Kirra around. They arrived on Wednesday afternoon.

Joshua was great in the airport when we went to pick them up. He likes that Kirra is walking and there is someone else to play with. We are really going to enjoy their visit!

It is late. I hope to get back on tomorrow and report on the gathering but until then... good night!

In control

or not :-)

Mira is trying out new skills that show she is more in control of her body. She is learning to clap and blow raspberries. She stands unassisted at every chance she gets. And she gets very frustrated when you take a toy away from her.

Joshua has started a new program on the computer called handipoints.com It is a way for us to keep track of the tasks he completes during the day and reward him. He loves the time in 'kitty land' and since we have been using it for a week we have noticed that the very negative behavior has been on a decline. I think the structure is helping. Also, he receives 3 bells at the beginning of the day. He has the ability to loose the bells for any negative behavior without any prior warning (hitting, kicking, spitting, leaving the house, yelling, etc). He can as get them back if he performs some extraordinary task (bringing mommy a diaper without being asked, playing nicely with Mira) Then at the end of the day he can pick one special activity for every bell (Go to the park, eat a treat, play with daddy, read a book, etc). If you want to try handipoints for your kids, please indicate that we referred you (nettie_owens@yahoo.com) so that Joshua can earn a cool robot costume on the site!