Mira was, of course, great at the dr's yesterday. She took her little dr. kit and checked herself and bear while the dr and nurse checked her. She weighs 29 lbs and is 36.25" tall. She is in the 25th percentile for height and weight.
She got two shots and I told her she was brave but her response was, 'No I wasn't, I was sad.' Oh little one, you can be sad and brave, too!
She is fully potty trained now!
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Warm Up? Maybe, Maybe Not
It was warm and not it is not so much but spring is on the way, the flowers are popping up, we've planted pansies, broccoli and peas. We've been spending afternoons outside and I love that the kids just put their shoes on and head out whenever they feel the urge. Josh and Mira have been playing outside together nicely and it is fun to watch them go and not have to set them in motion. Evie has been getting out and running around. I can putz around in the yard myself while they are at it.
Evelyn is starting into her terrible two's with a periodic temper tantrum and she sometimes pipes up with a 'stinky pete' here and there. (Baby swear words) Mira finally let me put her hair in pig tails again and she looks like a doll. Evie's pig tails stick out straight from her head and are absolutely adorable. Joshua has been moving right along with his reading practice and he does better and better every day. He is also more and more eating the dinner that is placed in front of him without complaining. It is quite a relief to not have to worry about what he is eating, finally!
I am toying with the idea of moving Evie and Mira in together in Evie's room and big, big bed. They are so close in size that I joint closet seems like it would be easier than sorting out their clothes every few days. I tried them sleeping in the same bed tonight but it didn't work out. I'll probably try moving Mira into bed with Evie when she is asleep. Once we do that, I'll bunk the beds for Joshie and he is really looking forward to that.
Evelyn is starting into her terrible two's with a periodic temper tantrum and she sometimes pipes up with a 'stinky pete' here and there. (Baby swear words) Mira finally let me put her hair in pig tails again and she looks like a doll. Evie's pig tails stick out straight from her head and are absolutely adorable. Joshua has been moving right along with his reading practice and he does better and better every day. He is also more and more eating the dinner that is placed in front of him without complaining. It is quite a relief to not have to worry about what he is eating, finally!
I am toying with the idea of moving Evie and Mira in together in Evie's room and big, big bed. They are so close in size that I joint closet seems like it would be easier than sorting out their clothes every few days. I tried them sleeping in the same bed tonight but it didn't work out. I'll probably try moving Mira into bed with Evie when she is asleep. Once we do that, I'll bunk the beds for Joshie and he is really looking forward to that.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Spring Break
Jason was home from Friday to Thursday this last week and we had DADDY TIME! Wahoo! On Monday we went to Rumbleway Farm and saw all the animals. We stopped afterward for a lunch at a deli near PA. Unfortunately, they were only take out and it was too cold to eat outside so we had a picnic in the car. At the farm we found some very friendly cats that the kids really wanted to take home with us. "These cats are so much nicer than ours!" they said.
On Tuesday, we made our way down to the Aquarium for a few hours. Always a hit! They all love looking at all the fish, sharks, birds, frogs and insects. Mira was begging to see the jelly fish the whole time and Josh was eager to explore in the rain forest. We also got to see the puffins getting fed this trip and have an up close experience with a hissing cockroach. It was a great time!
Wednesday Jason went into the office but it was movie night and we enjoyed The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, which Jason and Josh are reading right now. They just finished the Hobbit and Josh and I are working our way through Peter Pan. He LOVES to read!
Thursday on the way back to Philly we hit the 'Please Touch Museum', which is a gigantic playground for kids. Everything you could imagine and a carousel, too. They all so much fun just running between all the activities. We got a membership so that we can continue to explore that museum since we were not able to get through the whole thing before the kids started melting down.
We made Popsicles yesterday, which the kids are enjoying now. Joshua also had a parent teacher conference to followup with his preschool evaluation. The teachers were glowing when talking about how much Joshua has changed and improved. They said that the first thing he does every morning of preschool is head over to the bookcase and grab a book to enjoy. His writing is on a kindergarten or first grade level and he is curious and loves the projects that they do. He also recognizes a lot of sight words.
We are continuing daily home school for Josh and Mira, about 15 min each a day. Mira worked on the letter C and the number two this week. Her ABC song is MUCH improved since we started and she knows all her colors! Joshua is working his way through a kindergarten workbook, working on sight words and phonics. He is doing great and I have overheard him starting to read to himself. It won't be long before he is reading his favorite 'Jack and Annie, Magic Tree House' books on his own!
Evelyn is learning to count, she has 1,2,3 down. On days we go diaper-less she does really well taking herself to the potty. She has so many words and is very expressive.
On Tuesday, we made our way down to the Aquarium for a few hours. Always a hit! They all love looking at all the fish, sharks, birds, frogs and insects. Mira was begging to see the jelly fish the whole time and Josh was eager to explore in the rain forest. We also got to see the puffins getting fed this trip and have an up close experience with a hissing cockroach. It was a great time!
Wednesday Jason went into the office but it was movie night and we enjoyed The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, which Jason and Josh are reading right now. They just finished the Hobbit and Josh and I are working our way through Peter Pan. He LOVES to read!
Thursday on the way back to Philly we hit the 'Please Touch Museum', which is a gigantic playground for kids. Everything you could imagine and a carousel, too. They all so much fun just running between all the activities. We got a membership so that we can continue to explore that museum since we were not able to get through the whole thing before the kids started melting down.
We made Popsicles yesterday, which the kids are enjoying now. Joshua also had a parent teacher conference to followup with his preschool evaluation. The teachers were glowing when talking about how much Joshua has changed and improved. They said that the first thing he does every morning of preschool is head over to the bookcase and grab a book to enjoy. His writing is on a kindergarten or first grade level and he is curious and loves the projects that they do. He also recognizes a lot of sight words.
We are continuing daily home school for Josh and Mira, about 15 min each a day. Mira worked on the letter C and the number two this week. Her ABC song is MUCH improved since we started and she knows all her colors! Joshua is working his way through a kindergarten workbook, working on sight words and phonics. He is doing great and I have overheard him starting to read to himself. It won't be long before he is reading his favorite 'Jack and Annie, Magic Tree House' books on his own!
Evelyn is learning to count, she has 1,2,3 down. On days we go diaper-less she does really well taking herself to the potty. She has so many words and is very expressive.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday Adventures
We are taking Sundays to explore Philadelphia and the surrounding areas and have family time as well. Today we checked out a National Wildlife Refuge. We just caught the nature center 10 minutes before closing but even still it was a nice place and there were wild turkeys just outside the window. From there, we started walking on one of the many paths. It was a busy day, I assume, because of the warmer weather. We saw lots of birds and there were trail markers with information about the different species of plants and animals that could be seen on the walk. We also spotted a dead frog and a couple of dead fish. The kids thought it was all great. I loved the bridge that crossed the marsh/pond we were walking next to. We even spotted deer and raccoon prints in the mud near the bank of a stream. It was a great time.
Evelyn always loves the chance to be free and she just ran along. Joshua, loves the outdoors and he ran ahead of us, sometimes too far, but he was getting exercise. Mira was split between staying near us and heading off with her brother.
Evelyn always loves the chance to be free and she just ran along. Joshua, loves the outdoors and he ran ahead of us, sometimes too far, but he was getting exercise. Mira was split between staying near us and heading off with her brother.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Valentine's
On Valentine's Day we shared why we love each other. Here is what the kids and I came up with.
We love Mira because:
she is spunky
she came out of mommy's belly
We love watching movies with Mira & Evelyn and playing princess together.
We love Evelyn because:
She is sweet, nice & funny
She like to eat
Likes to watch/observe everything
She has a great sense of humor
We love Joshie because:
I love Joshie. He reads stories and goes to bed with me. I like playing princesses and Jack and Annie with Joshie. - Mira
He is imaginative.
We love Daddy becuase:
He gives me tickles & stories.
I like going to the ice rink w/daddy
He gets money for our food.
We love Mira because:
she is spunky
she came out of mommy's belly
We love watching movies with Mira & Evelyn and playing princess together.
We love Evelyn because:
She is sweet, nice & funny
She like to eat
Likes to watch/observe everything
She has a great sense of humor
We love Joshie because:
I love Joshie. He reads stories and goes to bed with me. I like playing princesses and Jack and Annie with Joshie. - Mira
He is imaginative.
We love Daddy becuase:
He gives me tickles & stories.
I like going to the ice rink w/daddy
He gets money for our food.
A cold winter's walk
It was a cold-ish day. Warmer that it has been at 40F but still cold. The kids need to get out anyway, cold or warm and we still have too much snow on the side walks. So we headed down to the promenade. There were lots of ducks, geese, gulls and water fowl out so we had a lot to see and Josh just ran and ran.
We came home to stew I had prepared the night before and had a nice warming dinner. We needed it too since we forgot our gloves!
We've started having daily 'school time' for all three kids. Evie plays puzzles or colors and I spend 15 min with Josh and Mira each individually. I am working on reading with Josh and letters with Mira.
It has been a lot of fun and Mira is really excited to be in school!
We came home to stew I had prepared the night before and had a nice warming dinner. We needed it too since we forgot our gloves!
We've started having daily 'school time' for all three kids. Evie plays puzzles or colors and I spend 15 min with Josh and Mira each individually. I am working on reading with Josh and letters with Mira.
It has been a lot of fun and Mira is really excited to be in school!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Evie 18 mos check up
I don't think I posted this:
2/10/11 27lbs, 33" tall she is in the 75-90% for both height and weight
Mira weighed 29 lbs at that visit.
2/10/11 27lbs, 33" tall she is in the 75-90% for both height and weight
Mira weighed 29 lbs at that visit.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Happy 3rd Birthday, Mira!
Mira's birthday was Tuesday but since she didn't know the date we were able to convince her that her birthday was Saturday without any trouble. Daddy was home from school and Mira woke up to find the grocery cart that she had been asking for waiting in the living room. She loved it!
We spent the morning preparing for her princess tea party with her cousins and two friends, aunts and uncles, Memaw, Grandad and Nanny. At 11:30 the festivities began. Daddy read two princess/fairy stories and then we had a tea party with little sandwiches, carrots, apples, gold fish crackers and jello squares. The kids all took the food their were excited for and ate none of it. Just too much excitement I guess. We made magical fairy wands next then had cupcakes and opened presents. The kids were all birthday'd out and the party was done at 1pm.
We put the girls down for a nap afterwards. When they woke up we used the Valentine's gift from Grandma and Papa to raid the candy store. Mira and Josh handled it rather well but Evelyn just went biserk and we had to take her bad to the car. They all came home with a few choices and got to taste them. It was a sweets filled day.
We ended the day with dinner at our neighbor's house, the kids watching movies and playing games. We were pooped!
The party was truly wonderful though and the kids were happy and well-behaeved throughout. Definitely an event to repeat if ever you could have a 'do-over' :-)
We spent the morning preparing for her princess tea party with her cousins and two friends, aunts and uncles, Memaw, Grandad and Nanny. At 11:30 the festivities began. Daddy read two princess/fairy stories and then we had a tea party with little sandwiches, carrots, apples, gold fish crackers and jello squares. The kids all took the food their were excited for and ate none of it. Just too much excitement I guess. We made magical fairy wands next then had cupcakes and opened presents. The kids were all birthday'd out and the party was done at 1pm.
We put the girls down for a nap afterwards. When they woke up we used the Valentine's gift from Grandma and Papa to raid the candy store. Mira and Josh handled it rather well but Evelyn just went biserk and we had to take her bad to the car. They all came home with a few choices and got to taste them. It was a sweets filled day.
We ended the day with dinner at our neighbor's house, the kids watching movies and playing games. We were pooped!
The party was truly wonderful though and the kids were happy and well-behaeved throughout. Definitely an event to repeat if ever you could have a 'do-over' :-)
Friday, February 18, 2011
A warm day in February
I have been neglecting my blogging here and I am going to make an effort to jump back into it.
This week has given us a lot of beautiful, warm weather. So in spite of the muddy, mucky mess that we have outside due to the snow melting, I've been trying to get the kids out as much as possible. Every other house on the street has no snow left but we still look like we live in Antarctica because of the lack of sun at our house. Even up to early this week Josh was taking the sled out in this backyard and using the louge to speed down the hill.
Yesterday was THE day though. We went out for a 'walk' in the morning, rode bikes and spent time with our neighbors, then when I went out for work, the kids played with the sitter outside and when I came home I took them to the park downtown. They all had circles under their eyes from so much fresh air but it was much needed.
Joshua is on a streak of saying adorable things. Here are just two from this last week:
2/12/11 - Josh - First there were the dinosaurs, then the Indians, then the Indian women had babies and then they made movies.
2/15/11 - Josh - (speaking of a cross necklace) - Put this on your heart, I filled it with love.
Evelyn is starting to express her opinion with tantrums. The are brief fits of unpleasantness but I can see that she is heading in the direction of the terrible twos. Still for the most part she is a sweet little thing. Unfortunately it was Evie we trapped and not a mouse in the spring trap we had in the garage yesterday, ouch!
Mira's behaviour is evening out a bit had she tends to improve with Joshua. So if he is well behaved, she is, too. Tomorrow is her big 3 year old birthday party. Her birthday DAY was Tuesday but she doesn't know it. Daddy was not home so we decided to wait til the weekend to celebrate. Her Aunts were so kind to called and wish her a happy day. Her response? "My birthday is SATURDAY!"
This week has given us a lot of beautiful, warm weather. So in spite of the muddy, mucky mess that we have outside due to the snow melting, I've been trying to get the kids out as much as possible. Every other house on the street has no snow left but we still look like we live in Antarctica because of the lack of sun at our house. Even up to early this week Josh was taking the sled out in this backyard and using the louge to speed down the hill.
Yesterday was THE day though. We went out for a 'walk' in the morning, rode bikes and spent time with our neighbors, then when I went out for work, the kids played with the sitter outside and when I came home I took them to the park downtown. They all had circles under their eyes from so much fresh air but it was much needed.
Joshua is on a streak of saying adorable things. Here are just two from this last week:
2/12/11 - Josh - First there were the dinosaurs, then the Indians, then the Indian women had babies and then they made movies.
2/15/11 - Josh - (speaking of a cross necklace) - Put this on your heart, I filled it with love.
Evelyn is starting to express her opinion with tantrums. The are brief fits of unpleasantness but I can see that she is heading in the direction of the terrible twos. Still for the most part she is a sweet little thing. Unfortunately it was Evie we trapped and not a mouse in the spring trap we had in the garage yesterday, ouch!
Mira's behaviour is evening out a bit had she tends to improve with Joshua. So if he is well behaved, she is, too. Tomorrow is her big 3 year old birthday party. Her birthday DAY was Tuesday but she doesn't know it. Daddy was not home so we decided to wait til the weekend to celebrate. Her Aunts were so kind to called and wish her a happy day. Her response? "My birthday is SATURDAY!"
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Should we rename to the monthly?
I've been meaning to make this post for a while. Sometimes I even 'record' moments that happen during the day as if I were adding them to the blog, in my head. But they seldom make it from brain to keyboard. Mommy is just too busy. I am doing my best to keep this order: children, home, business, food-stuff, pool but what gets left off the list most often is blogging.
The first week of December, while Jason was away to Florida for a conference, which we survived, Evie sprouted molars. She is not enjoying them breaking through and often wakes in the night needing snuggling. She wished Dylan a 'Happy Birthday' today and spoke the words quite well. I used to enjoy Mira's 'Aboo BeeBa' for Happy Birthday but when Evie speaks she is very clear. We are working on 'up' instead of 'bup' but she is a little chatterbox.
Mira crawled into bed this morning with me. Josh and Mira often make their way to my bed around 6:30 am. I asked her what she was doing and she said in her little sleepy voice, 'I'm beeping...with you.' Well, Mira, I like to 'beep' with you, too! They are both snuggle-muffins in the morning. Mira is quite the talker and can say long, complex things but she still has her own 'language' at times that is easier to discern in person.
Joshua has been enjoying legos (of course) but also sitting for long periods of time cutting Kiragami. Usually he asks me to fold the papers but he is quite good at the cutting part. He has also taken to Indiana Jones in the last week or so and has been scared more recently of movies and stories and such than in the past. It seems his fantastic imagination is catching up with him.
Joshua is understanding the Nativity and can explain the story. He talks a lot about GOD and rules and such. He is doing well both in school and in Sunday School and we are working on manners, listening (and following) directions and treating people with respect. It seems we will be working on these things for a long time to come.
They are all super excited about Christmas and Santa coming. They visited Santa the first Friday in December and an elf has left activities for them to do every day such as make cookies, watch Christmas movies, see the Christmas parade, etc. They made their requests to Santa - a princess doll for Mira, a Bakugan Dragonoid for Joshua and well... Evie didn't ask for anything but we put a good word in for her to the big guy in red.
The first week of December, while Jason was away to Florida for a conference, which we survived, Evie sprouted molars. She is not enjoying them breaking through and often wakes in the night needing snuggling. She wished Dylan a 'Happy Birthday' today and spoke the words quite well. I used to enjoy Mira's 'Aboo BeeBa' for Happy Birthday but when Evie speaks she is very clear. We are working on 'up' instead of 'bup' but she is a little chatterbox.
Mira crawled into bed this morning with me. Josh and Mira often make their way to my bed around 6:30 am. I asked her what she was doing and she said in her little sleepy voice, 'I'm beeping...with you.' Well, Mira, I like to 'beep' with you, too! They are both snuggle-muffins in the morning. Mira is quite the talker and can say long, complex things but she still has her own 'language' at times that is easier to discern in person.
Joshua has been enjoying legos (of course) but also sitting for long periods of time cutting Kiragami. Usually he asks me to fold the papers but he is quite good at the cutting part. He has also taken to Indiana Jones in the last week or so and has been scared more recently of movies and stories and such than in the past. It seems his fantastic imagination is catching up with him.
Joshua is understanding the Nativity and can explain the story. He talks a lot about GOD and rules and such. He is doing well both in school and in Sunday School and we are working on manners, listening (and following) directions and treating people with respect. It seems we will be working on these things for a long time to come.
They are all super excited about Christmas and Santa coming. They visited Santa the first Friday in December and an elf has left activities for them to do every day such as make cookies, watch Christmas movies, see the Christmas parade, etc. They made their requests to Santa - a princess doll for Mira, a Bakugan Dragonoid for Joshua and well... Evie didn't ask for anything but we put a good word in for her to the big guy in red.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Evie 15 mos check up
The dr. was AMAZED at all the words Evie has now. I made a list in the two days before her check up and below are all the ones I collected. She weighs 23 lb 3 oz and the nurse measured her at 30" but that would mean she shrunk. I think I had her about 32". I can double check. She is definitely not shrinking. Her favorite new word is 'NO' and she loves to show her preferences... all the time.
mine
no
yeah/yes
uh-oh
pumpkin
daddy
mommy
hi
bear
playground
quack
cow
kitty cat
meow
jack
look
here
eye
thank you
book
read
bye bye
bottle
apple
night-night
cracker
baby
shoes
chair
fish
ball
outside
get down
mine
no
yeah/yes
uh-oh
pumpkin
daddy
mommy
hi
bear
playground
quack
cow
kitty cat
meow
jack
look
here
eye
thank you
book
read
bye bye
bottle
apple
night-night
cracker
baby
shoes
chair
fish
ball
outside
get down
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Vocabulary Explosion
Evie is adding new words all the time now. Just today she has added, 'Bear, Mommy, and Bite" to her vocabulary. With Joshua and Mira I kept a list of what they said when. With Evie, that hasn't happened. It is ok, we still love her tremendously!
Josh has a birthday party today at a bouncy place that all the kids are invited to. They are so excited to be going. It is a cold, windy day so we haven't been outside to play.
Mira is trying to remove her nap from her day but I am not ready for that yet and I don't think she is either. Josh took a nap up through 4 and periodically until he was 5. I need my afternoon time!
Time to cook dinner so that Daddy can eat while we are away at the party.
Josh has a birthday party today at a bouncy place that all the kids are invited to. They are so excited to be going. It is a cold, windy day so we haven't been outside to play.
Mira is trying to remove her nap from her day but I am not ready for that yet and I don't think she is either. Josh took a nap up through 4 and periodically until he was 5. I need my afternoon time!
Time to cook dinner so that Daddy can eat while we are away at the party.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Halloween
Halloween at our house is a much anticipated event. I held the kids off until the middle of October from decorating the house inside and out but we went on two hay rides to pick pumpkins and several hay and corn mazes. I love fall and I hope that my children will appreciate this season, too.
We carved our pumpkins a week before Halloween with Joshua picking a spooking design and making a drawing for a creepy, nashing mouth to adorn the big 44 pound pumpkin we picked and Mira drawing a funny face for her small pumpkin, the littlest one we could reasonably carve. On pumpkin carving day we roasted the seeds and enjoyed spiced cider.
On the school hayride Joshua spent more time hunting for bugs, which were abundant, than looking for the perfect pumpkin. Mira, again, find the smallest pumpkin she could. She prefers little things.
On Halloween, we had a dinosaur (Joshua), a fairy princess (Mira) and a scarecrow (Evelyn) out hunting for goodies. We hit the four cul du sacs that are nearest to our house and called it a night. Even so, without having ingested one bit of sugar the children were bouncing off the walls. They dug in and had several candies each and then it was off to bed.
Joshua's behavior, for the most part, is great except we he does get into trouble it is something BIG. We finally broke him of the habit of climbing on top of our armoire after writing about 60 lines over 3 days. But we couldn't keep him out of our room and our drawers. The door to our bedroom is now locked after an unfortunate event with a pocket knife and our foot board.
Mira is having better days consistently. She is such a wild card though when she decides to misbehave. It is hard to enforce rules for her because the situations often affect everyone else. I think that age 4 can't come soon enough! But when she is good she is very, very good!
Evie is adding words, words, words! She understands concepts that surprise me like when she wonders through the house with a bracelet showing anyone that she comes across with a, "Look! Look!". She says "Thank You" and "playground" and "pumpkin". Mandy is Candy. She brings people things that belong to them and tries (sometimes succeeding!) to put her clothes on and off.
We carved our pumpkins a week before Halloween with Joshua picking a spooking design and making a drawing for a creepy, nashing mouth to adorn the big 44 pound pumpkin we picked and Mira drawing a funny face for her small pumpkin, the littlest one we could reasonably carve. On pumpkin carving day we roasted the seeds and enjoyed spiced cider.
On the school hayride Joshua spent more time hunting for bugs, which were abundant, than looking for the perfect pumpkin. Mira, again, find the smallest pumpkin she could. She prefers little things.
On Halloween, we had a dinosaur (Joshua), a fairy princess (Mira) and a scarecrow (Evelyn) out hunting for goodies. We hit the four cul du sacs that are nearest to our house and called it a night. Even so, without having ingested one bit of sugar the children were bouncing off the walls. They dug in and had several candies each and then it was off to bed.
Joshua's behavior, for the most part, is great except we he does get into trouble it is something BIG. We finally broke him of the habit of climbing on top of our armoire after writing about 60 lines over 3 days. But we couldn't keep him out of our room and our drawers. The door to our bedroom is now locked after an unfortunate event with a pocket knife and our foot board.
Mira is having better days consistently. She is such a wild card though when she decides to misbehave. It is hard to enforce rules for her because the situations often affect everyone else. I think that age 4 can't come soon enough! But when she is good she is very, very good!
Evie is adding words, words, words! She understands concepts that surprise me like when she wonders through the house with a bracelet showing anyone that she comes across with a, "Look! Look!". She says "Thank You" and "playground" and "pumpkin". Mandy is Candy. She brings people things that belong to them and tries (sometimes succeeding!) to put her clothes on and off.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
crab
Today, since it wasn't a school day, we got dressed and went out for errands. We only had to run the movies back to the library but I was hoping to also stop at the orchard for apples and cider. The kids, however, voted for a walk down by the water. It was humid today but not unpleasant so we headed over to the park. Along the walk we saw a crab, geese, ducks, little fish and big 14" fish, a frog and a blue dragonfly. It was a lot of fun and the apples? They'll be there the next time we need an outing.
Mira has been doing a bit better these past couple of days without any major, spitting, hitting, kicking, screaming, throw herself on the floor and pee tantrums. Just minor skirmishes. Three days ago we started insisting that even if they were not asleep, the kids had to stay in their bedroom until 7am. These past several mornings have been more pleasant too since I can get up and take care of a couple of chores and starting breakfast before the wild rompus begins.
It is almost 12:30, Evie is down for her nap, Mira will be going down next and everyone is fed. Although we can get a good, full day out of Joshua with play time, quiet time and meals and even outings, the girls just can't handle it. They are good for a couple of hours at best doing any thing before they need a break. It would be easier if either of them could take naps on the fly but both prefer their beds. So we are left with a few hours in the morning after breakfast and then some time in the evening (as long as we include dinner) to do anything else. Definitely puts a crimp on the day's activities.
It is nice, though, having time during the day that is just me and Josh. Well, just me and any one of the children is nice. We are taking Josh out to see the Berenstain Bears tomorrow night. I know he is going to love it. Mira would probably like it too but the show is at 7:30 and we just never know how she is going to behave, she is a wild card.
Mira has been doing a bit better these past couple of days without any major, spitting, hitting, kicking, screaming, throw herself on the floor and pee tantrums. Just minor skirmishes. Three days ago we started insisting that even if they were not asleep, the kids had to stay in their bedroom until 7am. These past several mornings have been more pleasant too since I can get up and take care of a couple of chores and starting breakfast before the wild rompus begins.
It is almost 12:30, Evie is down for her nap, Mira will be going down next and everyone is fed. Although we can get a good, full day out of Joshua with play time, quiet time and meals and even outings, the girls just can't handle it. They are good for a couple of hours at best doing any thing before they need a break. It would be easier if either of them could take naps on the fly but both prefer their beds. So we are left with a few hours in the morning after breakfast and then some time in the evening (as long as we include dinner) to do anything else. Definitely puts a crimp on the day's activities.
It is nice, though, having time during the day that is just me and Josh. Well, just me and any one of the children is nice. We are taking Josh out to see the Berenstain Bears tomorrow night. I know he is going to love it. Mira would probably like it too but the show is at 7:30 and we just never know how she is going to behave, she is a wild card.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The Monthly?
Maybe I should update the blog title to reflect how often I actually get a chance to sit down and write to this. Picture uploading on flickr is just as bad. However, I often think in blog posts, if only my thoughts translated into the computer in a blink of an eye....
Last weekend was our annual beach vacation. We usually go to Rehobeth but tried an RV campground in Ocean City instead this year. With Jason very busy at work and school all the preparations and clean up for the trip fell to me. It was very stressful. Add to that Joshua's first day back at preschool for the year, the day we left and Jason not being able to join us until the second day in the evening. I was feeling like I needed a vacation from my vacation! But, Jason WAS able to make it (there was a chance he was going to have to pass) and the weather was so fine while we were there. We had a little cottage within walking distance of the beach, bay side and could see Assateague Island while the kids played in the sand, hunted for welk's and hermit crabs and splashed in the water. Joshua and Mira took kites and were able to fly them. My parents, as a help to me, joined us Wed-Friday and we had a great time in their company as well as the Bowers whom we share our beach vacation with. We did hit the boardwalk and Assateague Island and we took a fun boat cruise getting to the Island. I just love to watch Joshua explore. He is so excited about finding fish, hermit crabs, bugs... just about anything that moves. We were leaving the beach on the last night we were there and I had to ask him to empty his pockets, which were full of hermit crabs, before we walked away from the water. Mira loved playing in the sand and on the play set the best. She got into the water a little but she was not as gung ho to swim as Joshua. Evie was fearless: running in and out of the water, eating sand and playing on the play set on her own. We came back Sunday night, had dinner and started getting back to our normal routine that way Josh and Jason only missed one day of school.
Joshua is doing great this year at preschool so far. He has had 4 classes and has no problem leaving me to go. I asked him if he had a good day at school on Friday and he said, 'Well, I didn't get in trouble!' He is generally well behaved. It is just the interactions with Mira and taking things that are not his that we really have problems with now.
Last night, we ordered Chinese food for dinner. Joshua, not knowing what I was calling to order said, "You ALWAYS order pizza for dinner." As if I ordered food every night and it was always pizza. Yeah right! We had mac and cheese from a box for the first time (to the kids) the other day and he said, 'This is better than any of the food that you make.' Wow! Thanks, Joshua, for that stellar comment! Kids have such short term memories at times. Joshua says the darnedest things!
Today, we loaded the kids and our bikes up and drove over to the dam where there is a nice rail trail along the water. We had the girls in the trailer and Joshua on his trike. He make it out a mile and back. It was a bit challenging on the way back for him but he did it and took a nap this afternoon.
Mira is having SERIOUS tantrums when she gets tired now. It is impossible to get her to sleep when she would like to go because that is 11 in the morning. But, if she doens't sleep at that time all heck breaks loose. Anything will set her off and what ensues is usually kicking, biting, screaming, spitting, scratching, throwing. She goes from this angelic looking child to hell on two feet in seconds and it lasts for minutes, sometimes and hour. Our trip home from preschool on Friday consisted of dragging Mira kicking and screaming back to the car from the school; wrestling her into her seat; driving off with her screaming at the top of her lungs; stopping twice to try and calm her and keep her from climbing out of the carseat. I managed to get us home by promising something, M&M's maybe, if she didn't scream anymore on the ride and if she could watch her show, Dragon Tales, for this same good behavior. She had started this particular tantrum when we had to leave her show to go get Joshua. She is a handful. On bad days, getting through the day is really rough and I need a quiet break at the end. On good days, we only have 1-2 big tantrums and when the children go to bed I enjoy the peace that ensues. She really is a wild card. What we do on a daily basis is dictated by Mira's mood and limitations.
Evelyn is walking like a pro now and saying (and copying) more words. She knows better what she wants and will get frustrated if you do not give it to her.
Well, I am falling asleep at the computer so I am done for tonight. More stories to follow.
Last weekend was our annual beach vacation. We usually go to Rehobeth but tried an RV campground in Ocean City instead this year. With Jason very busy at work and school all the preparations and clean up for the trip fell to me. It was very stressful. Add to that Joshua's first day back at preschool for the year, the day we left and Jason not being able to join us until the second day in the evening. I was feeling like I needed a vacation from my vacation! But, Jason WAS able to make it (there was a chance he was going to have to pass) and the weather was so fine while we were there. We had a little cottage within walking distance of the beach, bay side and could see Assateague Island while the kids played in the sand, hunted for welk's and hermit crabs and splashed in the water. Joshua and Mira took kites and were able to fly them. My parents, as a help to me, joined us Wed-Friday and we had a great time in their company as well as the Bowers whom we share our beach vacation with. We did hit the boardwalk and Assateague Island and we took a fun boat cruise getting to the Island. I just love to watch Joshua explore. He is so excited about finding fish, hermit crabs, bugs... just about anything that moves. We were leaving the beach on the last night we were there and I had to ask him to empty his pockets, which were full of hermit crabs, before we walked away from the water. Mira loved playing in the sand and on the play set the best. She got into the water a little but she was not as gung ho to swim as Joshua. Evie was fearless: running in and out of the water, eating sand and playing on the play set on her own. We came back Sunday night, had dinner and started getting back to our normal routine that way Josh and Jason only missed one day of school.
Joshua is doing great this year at preschool so far. He has had 4 classes and has no problem leaving me to go. I asked him if he had a good day at school on Friday and he said, 'Well, I didn't get in trouble!' He is generally well behaved. It is just the interactions with Mira and taking things that are not his that we really have problems with now.
Last night, we ordered Chinese food for dinner. Joshua, not knowing what I was calling to order said, "You ALWAYS order pizza for dinner." As if I ordered food every night and it was always pizza. Yeah right! We had mac and cheese from a box for the first time (to the kids) the other day and he said, 'This is better than any of the food that you make.' Wow! Thanks, Joshua, for that stellar comment! Kids have such short term memories at times. Joshua says the darnedest things!
Today, we loaded the kids and our bikes up and drove over to the dam where there is a nice rail trail along the water. We had the girls in the trailer and Joshua on his trike. He make it out a mile and back. It was a bit challenging on the way back for him but he did it and took a nap this afternoon.
Mira is having SERIOUS tantrums when she gets tired now. It is impossible to get her to sleep when she would like to go because that is 11 in the morning. But, if she doens't sleep at that time all heck breaks loose. Anything will set her off and what ensues is usually kicking, biting, screaming, spitting, scratching, throwing. She goes from this angelic looking child to hell on two feet in seconds and it lasts for minutes, sometimes and hour. Our trip home from preschool on Friday consisted of dragging Mira kicking and screaming back to the car from the school; wrestling her into her seat; driving off with her screaming at the top of her lungs; stopping twice to try and calm her and keep her from climbing out of the carseat. I managed to get us home by promising something, M&M's maybe, if she didn't scream anymore on the ride and if she could watch her show, Dragon Tales, for this same good behavior. She had started this particular tantrum when we had to leave her show to go get Joshua. She is a handful. On bad days, getting through the day is really rough and I need a quiet break at the end. On good days, we only have 1-2 big tantrums and when the children go to bed I enjoy the peace that ensues. She really is a wild card. What we do on a daily basis is dictated by Mira's mood and limitations.
Evelyn is walking like a pro now and saying (and copying) more words. She knows better what she wants and will get frustrated if you do not give it to her.
Well, I am falling asleep at the computer so I am done for tonight. More stories to follow.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Walking and Summer Adventures
Evie is popping up and sitting down, taking steps and getting all around. The most she has walked in a row now is 7 steps but she is really trying and REALLY wants to be down moving by herself. I guess it is time to go get shoes that fit her. Mira's shoes are too small for her I think she is a 4.5 or so but I have not measured.
Mira has been fighting a cold and has not been eating well the past several days. She is tired and irritable. I am to the point that if she doesn't start eating well soon she'll be on an ice cream diet just to get more calories in her. Maybe I will make yogurt tonight so that she will have some good food to eat... Even in her sickness she is supremely adorable. She has been asking for ponytails. So I put her curly top hair into two little bouncy pony tails. She is just so darned cute I could eat her up!
Joshua had his first sleep over away from home without Mommy and Daddy after Evelyn's birthday party on Saturday. He went home with MeMaw and Grandad and fell asleep on the drive home in the back of the car with Nanny. He stayed Saturday and Sunday nights and I picked him up on Monday afternoon. From all accounts he was very well behaved and had a lot of fun. They went to lunch on Sunday after going to church. They played with his cousins, swam, went fishing, read books, watched movies and had an all around great time. He even slept in a tent inside the house. He loved that!
He continues to be very interested in bugs. Tonight we spotted green horned worms on my tomato plants. Not only that but some other bug had laid eggs on two of the caterpillars. He explained that it was a wasp that laid the eggs and when the eggs hatch the babies will eat the caterpillar. We had learned that information in the DK Bug book that he reads over and over again. So we explored the horned worms for a while before I took care of them. Can't have them eating my tomato plants!! Earlier today we had a visit from Stephanie, Noella and Tia Amy. The kids played outside, we ate lunch and then we all went to the pool. I think the children are pretty much worn out today!
Mira has been fighting a cold and has not been eating well the past several days. She is tired and irritable. I am to the point that if she doesn't start eating well soon she'll be on an ice cream diet just to get more calories in her. Maybe I will make yogurt tonight so that she will have some good food to eat... Even in her sickness she is supremely adorable. She has been asking for ponytails. So I put her curly top hair into two little bouncy pony tails. She is just so darned cute I could eat her up!
Joshua had his first sleep over away from home without Mommy and Daddy after Evelyn's birthday party on Saturday. He went home with MeMaw and Grandad and fell asleep on the drive home in the back of the car with Nanny. He stayed Saturday and Sunday nights and I picked him up on Monday afternoon. From all accounts he was very well behaved and had a lot of fun. They went to lunch on Sunday after going to church. They played with his cousins, swam, went fishing, read books, watched movies and had an all around great time. He even slept in a tent inside the house. He loved that!
He continues to be very interested in bugs. Tonight we spotted green horned worms on my tomato plants. Not only that but some other bug had laid eggs on two of the caterpillars. He explained that it was a wasp that laid the eggs and when the eggs hatch the babies will eat the caterpillar. We had learned that information in the DK Bug book that he reads over and over again. So we explored the horned worms for a while before I took care of them. Can't have them eating my tomato plants!! Earlier today we had a visit from Stephanie, Noella and Tia Amy. The kids played outside, we ate lunch and then we all went to the pool. I think the children are pretty much worn out today!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Evie is walking
As of her birthday, she took one step on her big day, she started walking. Tonight she took 3 steps. She can stand up in the middle of the room unassisted and if something is really enticing she will take a few steps towards it. So Jason wins! He said she would be walking by this week. :-) Best Daddy ever!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Happy 1st Birthday, Evie Joy!
Evie started out her big birthday day with a visit to the dr for her 1 year well baby check up. She weighs 21 lb 6 oz and is 31" long. She remains tall and 'slender' and right on for her milestones. She is ahead of the game with mimicking people: combing her hair, putting on necklaces, washing herself, etc.
After the dr we bought a balloon for her and met Memaw and Grandad back at our house. We played on the swing and then had lunch. Evie napped in the afternoon and then after nap watched Wallace and Gromit with Grandad and Memaw and played some more.
She had a big dinner of pancakes, eggs, sausage, blueberries, peas and water and gobbled it all up. She couldn't get enough! After dinner she opened gifts and then we went to the ice cream shop.
It was a busy and pleasant day and now my littlest baby is 1!
After the dr we bought a balloon for her and met Memaw and Grandad back at our house. We played on the swing and then had lunch. Evie napped in the afternoon and then after nap watched Wallace and Gromit with Grandad and Memaw and played some more.
She had a big dinner of pancakes, eggs, sausage, blueberries, peas and water and gobbled it all up. She couldn't get enough! After dinner she opened gifts and then we went to the ice cream shop.
It was a busy and pleasant day and now my littlest baby is 1!
Monday, August 02, 2010
Piano Lessons
I started working with Joshua on the piano a couple of weeks ago. We sit down together at least once a week and work on reading music, learning the notes and playing tunes. I started teaching him the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" the other day and now he sits down several times a day to practice. He is learning three blind mice as well. And sometimes he just plays nice songs. It is really nice to hear him tinkering on the keys. The girls also like to join in but they are not quite ready to play.
On Wednesday we are having a piano repair man come to fix and tune the piano. It will be nice to play the notes around middle C again!
On Wednesday we are having a piano repair man come to fix and tune the piano. It will be nice to play the notes around middle C again!
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Summertime
Aunt Betty and Uncle George came into town for the weekend so we planned to meet them and the family for dinner last night at Memaw & Grandad's house. It really was the perfect summer evening. Everyone contributed to a delicious meal al fresco with music playing in the background and the kids splashing in the pool. We put Mira and Evelyn down for bed at Mom's house and let Joshua stay up and play. It was so nice to visit.
Evelyn has added words! She now says, Mama, Dada, Hi, Meow, Arf and Night Night. We have tried some signs with her but she is not as receptive as Mira was. She can stand on her own but has not taken any solitary steps yet. It won't be long though!
Joshua is getting lots of practice writing as we are using that to deter him from saying words we don't approve of. He is going to have fantastic writing and spelling skills by the time he goes to kindergarten if this keeps up!
Mira's speech and vocabulary improve every day. She is thoughtful in her word choice and speaks slowly. She loves to make up songs and dance. She is so head strong and independent but also loves to snuggle and give hugs and kisses. One day she will be president of the United States.
Evelyn has added words! She now says, Mama, Dada, Hi, Meow, Arf and Night Night. We have tried some signs with her but she is not as receptive as Mira was. She can stand on her own but has not taken any solitary steps yet. It won't be long though!
Joshua is getting lots of practice writing as we are using that to deter him from saying words we don't approve of. He is going to have fantastic writing and spelling skills by the time he goes to kindergarten if this keeps up!
Mira's speech and vocabulary improve every day. She is thoughtful in her word choice and speaks slowly. She loves to make up songs and dance. She is so head strong and independent but also loves to snuggle and give hugs and kisses. One day she will be president of the United States.
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