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
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Conversations with Joshua
I wish I had a tape recorder for some of the conversations I have had with Joshua. But, today's conversation was really, well, remarkable. We drove past a restaurant where Joshua has ordered a shrimp basket before. Joshua LOVES shrimp.
Joshie: Mommy can we eat at that store that has the shrimp.
Mommy: No, we can't have shrimp right now. There was an accident and the shrimp were hurt.
Joshie: The oil spill, Mommy?
Mommy: (*thinks* We haven't talked to Joshua about it much but it has been in the news. I guess he's got big ears) Yes. Lots of animals were hurt: birds, fish, shrimp. And they need time to grow and get big and healthy again.
Joshie: Who did that mommy?
Mommy: Someone made a mistake. They were doing something they shouldn't have been doing.
Joshie: Then they should go away.
Mommy: (*thinks* Wow! That's harsh. I mean I feel that way sometimes but I haven't expressed that to Joshie.) Why don't we give them a chance to fix their mistake.
Joshie: Maybe they should listen to Jesus. I don't think they listened to Jesus.
Mommy: (*thinks* Where did that come from?) Yes, Jesus and God both say that we should take care of the resources we have.
I am drawing a blank as to what happened next. He just kept surprising me with each subsequent answer.
Joshie: Mommy can we eat at that store that has the shrimp.
Mommy: No, we can't have shrimp right now. There was an accident and the shrimp were hurt.
Joshie: The oil spill, Mommy?
Mommy: (*thinks* We haven't talked to Joshua about it much but it has been in the news. I guess he's got big ears) Yes. Lots of animals were hurt: birds, fish, shrimp. And they need time to grow and get big and healthy again.
Joshie: Who did that mommy?
Mommy: Someone made a mistake. They were doing something they shouldn't have been doing.
Joshie: Then they should go away.
Mommy: (*thinks* Wow! That's harsh. I mean I feel that way sometimes but I haven't expressed that to Joshie.) Why don't we give them a chance to fix their mistake.
Joshie: Maybe they should listen to Jesus. I don't think they listened to Jesus.
Mommy: (*thinks* Where did that come from?) Yes, Jesus and God both say that we should take care of the resources we have.
I am drawing a blank as to what happened next. He just kept surprising me with each subsequent answer.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
July
These lazy summer days are packed with activities and just fly by. Most are so busy that housework and cooking are put on the backburner to swimming, library and trips to everywhere. That is how it should be and I am glad we are not bored.
We just returned from a trip to Fairborn(Dayton) Ohio for our third family Mini Meet East trip. The event was a lot of fun with a visit to the Air Force Museum, road rallye, autocross, banquet, picnic, rc car racing (Joshua won an award!) and a visit to Young's Dairy. The kids were good travelers even if bedtime was a bit hairy. On our drives we stopped at parks to stretch and eat and made the travel part of the fun.
Upon our return, Joshua started swimming lessons at our pool. Day 1 - Joshua sat under the picnic table. Day 2 - I was able to get him in the pool with the promise of a great reward (he chose ice cream) and he bit the bait. Day 3 - Well, we'll see. His job today is to stay near the teacher. If he does we've promised to wake him up tonight when it is dark to catch fireflies.
We have started over with Love and Logic because things have been getting a bit stressful at home. Early results are positive. Little J was having a hard time with name calling and hitting so we are trying to curb those behaviors.
Mira is herself. She is better behaved when she gets enough sleep. She sings and loves to play dolls. She is talking up a storm. I can understand her but she does have her own laguange that takes some time to get used to.
Evelyn crawls like a speed demon and pulls up on just about everything she comes to. She will even climb up on things (the other two were walking so maybe this didn't seem like such a surprise) so she can get into quite a bit of trouble. She has started communicating as well with signs for more and bye-bye. She says, 'Hi', Bye, Mama and Yes. She likes to make up peek a boo games to play and is just an all around happy baby. Her most remarkable feature though is the amount of food she can devour. Often she eats more than her siblings and she eats just about everything we give to her. When Evie sees food her arms start swinging and she just about bursts with excitement. I hope it lasts!
We just returned from a trip to Fairborn(Dayton) Ohio for our third family Mini Meet East trip. The event was a lot of fun with a visit to the Air Force Museum, road rallye, autocross, banquet, picnic, rc car racing (Joshua won an award!) and a visit to Young's Dairy. The kids were good travelers even if bedtime was a bit hairy. On our drives we stopped at parks to stretch and eat and made the travel part of the fun.
Upon our return, Joshua started swimming lessons at our pool. Day 1 - Joshua sat under the picnic table. Day 2 - I was able to get him in the pool with the promise of a great reward (he chose ice cream) and he bit the bait. Day 3 - Well, we'll see. His job today is to stay near the teacher. If he does we've promised to wake him up tonight when it is dark to catch fireflies.
We have started over with Love and Logic because things have been getting a bit stressful at home. Early results are positive. Little J was having a hard time with name calling and hitting so we are trying to curb those behaviors.
Mira is herself. She is better behaved when she gets enough sleep. She sings and loves to play dolls. She is talking up a storm. I can understand her but she does have her own laguange that takes some time to get used to.
Evelyn crawls like a speed demon and pulls up on just about everything she comes to. She will even climb up on things (the other two were walking so maybe this didn't seem like such a surprise) so she can get into quite a bit of trouble. She has started communicating as well with signs for more and bye-bye. She says, 'Hi', Bye, Mama and Yes. She likes to make up peek a boo games to play and is just an all around happy baby. Her most remarkable feature though is the amount of food she can devour. Often she eats more than her siblings and she eats just about everything we give to her. When Evie sees food her arms start swinging and she just about bursts with excitement. I hope it lasts!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
June
Happy Father's Day, Jason! Jason went with Josh, Stephanie, Grandad, Tio Omar and Dylan out fishing this morning. They didn't catch much but they did have fun. Everyone came back to our house for a cookout (the wee ones were sleeping) and then Amy brought their slip and slide and that was a winner. Mira and Noella didn't go down it much but Joshua, Stephanie and Dylan had a blast. We loaded them up with pie and ice cream and then headed over to the pool for a swim. And here is the part that made my day, maybe my month... Joshua SWAM! I mean, went under the water, kicked his legs, moved his arms and swam. I am so proud of him. He has done great this year and we are only a few weeks into the swimming season. We try and go every day at least for a little while. Evelyn likes floating in the infant boat we have and Mira does, too. They are all little fishies!
Evelyn had her 9 mos check up a week and a half ago. She is growing and developing right on track. At 20 lb (exactly) she is 95th for height and 75th for weight. She is in 12-18 mos clothing now. Mira, weighed in at 25 lbs. We weighed her just for fun. She did have a growth spurt this past spring and is now in 24 mos-2T clothing.
Evie now has 5 teeth (as of last weekend), she babbles and likes to play peek-a-boo. She also eats everything in site and gets so excited when she sees food. She can sometimes use a fork and drinks water from a sippy cup. She is pulling to standing but not very interested in cruising. She gets around very well by crawling.
Mira is a take charge kind of gal. She is often the center of attention these days. No one seems to think that she will suffer from 'middle child syndrome'. I love my outgoing, cuddling baby girl but WOW the twos have been hard on her.
All the kids did great on our recent trip down to Athens/Atlanta, Georgia. We took two days to drive down staying with friends in Winston-Salem, NC on the way and a hotel on the way back. We enjoyed meeting all sorts of cousins from my Dad's side of the family and had Friday evening through Sunday morning to hang out and get to know them all. We were even able to squeeze in a visit with one set of Evie's Godparents, Reagan & David, in Atlanta. The drive home was long but we did stop at a crazy park called, Dinosaur Land in VA, on the drive home.
Well- bedtime is calling. Off to another busy week!
Evelyn had her 9 mos check up a week and a half ago. She is growing and developing right on track. At 20 lb (exactly) she is 95th for height and 75th for weight. She is in 12-18 mos clothing now. Mira, weighed in at 25 lbs. We weighed her just for fun. She did have a growth spurt this past spring and is now in 24 mos-2T clothing.
Evie now has 5 teeth (as of last weekend), she babbles and likes to play peek-a-boo. She also eats everything in site and gets so excited when she sees food. She can sometimes use a fork and drinks water from a sippy cup. She is pulling to standing but not very interested in cruising. She gets around very well by crawling.
Mira is a take charge kind of gal. She is often the center of attention these days. No one seems to think that she will suffer from 'middle child syndrome'. I love my outgoing, cuddling baby girl but WOW the twos have been hard on her.
All the kids did great on our recent trip down to Athens/Atlanta, Georgia. We took two days to drive down staying with friends in Winston-Salem, NC on the way and a hotel on the way back. We enjoyed meeting all sorts of cousins from my Dad's side of the family and had Friday evening through Sunday morning to hang out and get to know them all. We were even able to squeeze in a visit with one set of Evie's Godparents, Reagan & David, in Atlanta. The drive home was long but we did stop at a crazy park called, Dinosaur Land in VA, on the drive home.
Well- bedtime is calling. Off to another busy week!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Out for a Swim
The weather has been hot and we had a long weekend so guess what we did all weeekend? Swam, ate, napped and stayed cool. Evelyn went swimming once already but we got her feet in on Saturday and then a lot more of her in today. She didn't like it. :-) But that is ok. We'll keep working on her. Joshua just jumped right in on Saturday even though the water was cool. We had my friend from high school and her two little ones over. Before the pool came a hike in the woods and after the pool came more swimming and crabs at our neighbor's. We've been wearing the kids out. It's great. You'd think they would sleep longer but alas...no.
Yesterday we all went to Target as a family so that Joshua could pick out a Bakugan he has been wanting. He saved all his pennies from last year in hopes of buying a water slide. But, then this past week he decided he wanted a Bakugan instead. He was so excited to use his own money to buy it. After that, Jason took the kids to another neighbor's to swim and eat, I joined them after my tour of duty at our community pool.
Today, we went to the community pool and are now fixing another bbq dinner and homemade ice cream, of course. Mira was in and out of the pool. She just needs a few days and I bet she will be jumping in the water.
Evelyn started eating with a fork today. I'd put the food on it and she'd put it in her mouth. She also got another tooth on the top. She had a fever this week but that cleared up. Thank goodness!
Better get going to the party!
Yesterday we all went to Target as a family so that Joshua could pick out a Bakugan he has been wanting. He saved all his pennies from last year in hopes of buying a water slide. But, then this past week he decided he wanted a Bakugan instead. He was so excited to use his own money to buy it. After that, Jason took the kids to another neighbor's to swim and eat, I joined them after my tour of duty at our community pool.
Today, we went to the community pool and are now fixing another bbq dinner and homemade ice cream, of course. Mira was in and out of the pool. She just needs a few days and I bet she will be jumping in the water.
Evelyn started eating with a fork today. I'd put the food on it and she'd put it in her mouth. She also got another tooth on the top. She had a fever this week but that cleared up. Thank goodness!
Better get going to the party!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Last Day of Preschool
Today, was Joshua's last day of preschool in the 3-year old program with Ms. Joan. The kids arrived at their normal time and then parents came back at 10am for outside play time, a picnic banquet and circle time with end of year gifts and remembrances. It was a nice day and Jason and I were both able to make it. We even had a bagel together before going back to preschool and a little Mommy, Daddy relaxing time! Ms. Joan pulled me aside to tell me that one of the top five highlights of her year was Joshua coming up to her one day, giving her a hug and telling her he loved her. I can understand how touching that moment must have been for her. Joshua, although he is snugly with me, is very shy around other people and very particular about who touches him. It took him a year and a half to make that leap with Ms. Joan and she saw just how important that hug was. This is why I think she is a great teacher! We will still see her next year when Joshua is in the 4-year old program but he will be moving up to Ms. Ellis' class.
This weekend we have two birthday parties to go to. Joshua is quite the socialite! Guess we are going to keep busy with his busy social schedule.
Evelyn crawls everywhere now. She pulls up by the couch, bathtub and step stool. She climbs the step between the living room and kitchen. She is really on the go and EVERYTHING goes in her mouth. It is fun to watch her explore her world. She is a happy baby and everyone is always remarking just how smiley she is. Just last Sunday she added another tooth on top (that's 3 total) and a week ago Thursday she drank water from a sippy cup by herself. She eats lots of finger foods now very well.
Mira is my problem child right now. She is so sweet and snugly. She loves to hug, kiss, brush hair, dress up and really just act like a doll. But in a heartbeat her mood will change and she will burst your eardrum with her scream, take off running down the street, fall to the floor and not get up or swing her new broom to whack her brother. She is hell on wheels. The moms at preschool laugh at her antics, I think in secret relief that they do not have to deal with her, and remark that Mira will never be a middle child wall flower blending into the scenery. Always the center of attention and trying to keep up with Joshua.
This weekend we have two birthday parties to go to. Joshua is quite the socialite! Guess we are going to keep busy with his busy social schedule.
Evelyn crawls everywhere now. She pulls up by the couch, bathtub and step stool. She climbs the step between the living room and kitchen. She is really on the go and EVERYTHING goes in her mouth. It is fun to watch her explore her world. She is a happy baby and everyone is always remarking just how smiley she is. Just last Sunday she added another tooth on top (that's 3 total) and a week ago Thursday she drank water from a sippy cup by herself. She eats lots of finger foods now very well.
Mira is my problem child right now. She is so sweet and snugly. She loves to hug, kiss, brush hair, dress up and really just act like a doll. But in a heartbeat her mood will change and she will burst your eardrum with her scream, take off running down the street, fall to the floor and not get up or swing her new broom to whack her brother. She is hell on wheels. The moms at preschool laugh at her antics, I think in secret relief that they do not have to deal with her, and remark that Mira will never be a middle child wall flower blending into the scenery. Always the center of attention and trying to keep up with Joshua.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Another year, another Mother's Day Tea with all the trimmings and time to thank my mom, grandma and sister for being great moms. We got in a bit ago from a long day of church, Dylan's confirmation and the afternoon tea. The kids had fun playing, of course. Joshua said his favorite part of the day was playing with Stephanie. I love that!
Joshua question of the day: "Are turtles ever allergic to people?"
Joshua question of the day: "Are turtles ever allergic to people?"
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Gone Fishing
We took the kids to fish last Saturday. It was a hit. Only daddy was brave enough to bait the hook with worms. I was very happy when we figured out that a cookie on the hook lasted longer than a worm. We caught two fish and Joshua was thrilled. The funny part was that he got a bit bored with the casting and the pole and asked, 'Hey, Daddy, why don't we just grab the fish.' I'd like to see that!
All the kids have had a cold this weekend and into the week. Mira spiked the highest fever but Joshua had a cough. They are all on the mend now. Thank goodness!
Evelyn is pulling up and standing next to furniture. She crawled over when I was giving Mira a bath and surprised me when I looked over to see her standing next to the tub. :-) She is eating feeding herself cereal bites and bits of sweet potato. She is still a tall, chunky girl. It is fun to see her progress!
Mira is an obstinate, demanding, charming, smiley, screaming two year old. She is like a waking advertisement for bi-polar medication. Ah, to be two. She says and does the cutest things and then turns around and acts possessed. Right now, she is sitting on my lap eating my breakfast for me. I love the snuggle time but would also enjoy my own food!
All the kids have had a cold this weekend and into the week. Mira spiked the highest fever but Joshua had a cough. They are all on the mend now. Thank goodness!
Evelyn is pulling up and standing next to furniture. She crawled over when I was giving Mira a bath and surprised me when I looked over to see her standing next to the tub. :-) She is eating feeding herself cereal bites and bits of sweet potato. She is still a tall, chunky girl. It is fun to see her progress!
Mira is an obstinate, demanding, charming, smiley, screaming two year old. She is like a waking advertisement for bi-polar medication. Ah, to be two. She says and does the cutest things and then turns around and acts possessed. Right now, she is sitting on my lap eating my breakfast for me. I love the snuggle time but would also enjoy my own food!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Waving
Evelyn started waving for real this weekend. Previously she had down a single hand gesture in the general direction of a person. But, now she takes one little cute hand, waves it up and down and sometimes ends in a little beauty queen flourish.
March of Dimes
We started off the week last week bright, early and cold on the road with hundreds of fellow walkers raising money for the March of Dimes, March for Babies. It was a good morning. Joshua managed most of the walk on his own with a little piggy backing and strollering towards the end. We brought the strollers for the girls and they were in and out the whole time.
Evelyn can now get herself to the step between the kitchen and family room and push to stand up. She still has noodle knees so I don't see walking next week but she is on her way. Evie is also now eating chunkier foods: oatmeal, quinoa, soups, etc. She can put away about a cup of food in a sitting and nurses in between. Her pincher grasp has developed and she can now eat little cereal bites, the ones that melt in your mouth. We have to watch the toys on the floor because she can get into everything now.
Joshua had a momentous event at school. He hugged his teacher! It only took two years but his teacher was beyond thrilled for this show of affection.
On Monday, Staci came over to help with the kids. She took them into the back yard and they searched for bugs under all the rocks (I mean all the rocks!) I am not sure how they moved some of the boulders. They came in excited to tell me about the ants, orange centipedes, worms and other critters they spotted. On Friday, we took Stephanie and Sam and went to Rumbleway Farm to pick up fresh chicken. They all had lots of fun exploring and seeing the animals there. The goats charged us and we saw freshly hatched turkeys along with a really friendly cat and lots of chickens.
Today we are supposed to go to a church picnic but it is raining so we will see.
Evelyn can now get herself to the step between the kitchen and family room and push to stand up. She still has noodle knees so I don't see walking next week but she is on her way. Evie is also now eating chunkier foods: oatmeal, quinoa, soups, etc. She can put away about a cup of food in a sitting and nurses in between. Her pincher grasp has developed and she can now eat little cereal bites, the ones that melt in your mouth. We have to watch the toys on the floor because she can get into everything now.
Joshua had a momentous event at school. He hugged his teacher! It only took two years but his teacher was beyond thrilled for this show of affection.
On Monday, Staci came over to help with the kids. She took them into the back yard and they searched for bugs under all the rocks (I mean all the rocks!) I am not sure how they moved some of the boulders. They came in excited to tell me about the ants, orange centipedes, worms and other critters they spotted. On Friday, we took Stephanie and Sam and went to Rumbleway Farm to pick up fresh chicken. They all had lots of fun exploring and seeing the animals there. The goats charged us and we saw freshly hatched turkeys along with a really friendly cat and lots of chickens.
Today we are supposed to go to a church picnic but it is raining so we will see.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Perfect Saturday
This morning we got up and out to the Farmer's Market. Mira picked out a lavender plant to take home and we got a handful of other items: bacon, cheese, green onions, and lettuce. The kids got chocolate and the table set up by the Master Gardeners.
When we came home we gather ourselves together and headed out again with Daddy in tow. We picked up sandwiches at Subway and then went to an estuary for a picnic and walk. We heard and then saw frogs just as we came in and took our things to picnic down by the water. Joshua ate lunch intermitently tossing seed pods into the water and watching them float. We made our way back to the nature center after lunch and did a couple of the observation stations on the way.
Inside the nature center some of the teenage volunteers were working with the wildlife there. There was a box turtle on the floor that sped over to our shoes to nibble on them. He was neat. And they had the snakes out to touch. One snake was being fed, a corn snake, but he wasn't very interested in the mouse that was running around in his cage. So they moved a black rat snake into that cage and within seconds the snake had caught the mouse and was constricting him. Minutes later the mouse was dead and the snake was working on eating him, whole. We saw a toad and several other kinds of turtles. Josh and Mira both touched the snakes and like watching the turtle speed around on the floor. They watched the snake eating the mouse with interest and were not upset.
This was our first time to the estuary and it was great. We will definitely go back! Yesterday and the day before were also full of nature as we had a picnic and visited the dam on Thursday and then went to the acquarium on Friday. Now it is nap time and we are all pooped!
When we came home we gather ourselves together and headed out again with Daddy in tow. We picked up sandwiches at Subway and then went to an estuary for a picnic and walk. We heard and then saw frogs just as we came in and took our things to picnic down by the water. Joshua ate lunch intermitently tossing seed pods into the water and watching them float. We made our way back to the nature center after lunch and did a couple of the observation stations on the way.
Inside the nature center some of the teenage volunteers were working with the wildlife there. There was a box turtle on the floor that sped over to our shoes to nibble on them. He was neat. And they had the snakes out to touch. One snake was being fed, a corn snake, but he wasn't very interested in the mouse that was running around in his cage. So they moved a black rat snake into that cage and within seconds the snake had caught the mouse and was constricting him. Minutes later the mouse was dead and the snake was working on eating him, whole. We saw a toad and several other kinds of turtles. Josh and Mira both touched the snakes and like watching the turtle speed around on the floor. They watched the snake eating the mouse with interest and were not upset.
This was our first time to the estuary and it was great. We will definitely go back! Yesterday and the day before were also full of nature as we had a picnic and visited the dam on Thursday and then went to the acquarium on Friday. Now it is nap time and we are all pooped!
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