Yesterday was an amazing day!
We started off with the usual lazy chaos of most mornings. Daddy had gotten in from a business trip very late and I knew he needed sleep so I played with the girls, keeping them at bay as long as I could. We eventually meandered through breakfast, making cookies (thursday is cookie day), getting ready for the day and playtime. The girls had to take early naps and finally, we dropped all three girls off at a friend's house and drove to campus for Husband's dissertation defense.
He was incredible. He was confident and well-spoken, not at all seeming flustered or anxious. He started the presentation and relaxed into it quickly. I love watching him present, hearing these complicated phrases and educated vocabulary that flow so easily. He's exceptionally good at identifying a concept and then breaking it down for better understanding, using examples and applications. He uses his hands naturally and comfortably to emphasis his point and his whole demeanor is confident and engaging. He introduced his dissertation research and walked us through his findings for forty five minutes before a short question/answer series. The batch of cookies we brought (he joked my assignment was the bribery) disappeared quickly and the surprisingly large audience was excused while the committee members grilled him further. Then he was excused from the room while the committee deliberated (this is usually when they discuss recommended changes or further work that may need to be completed). But the door opened after only a few minutes and his committee adviser came out with a generous smile and handshake, addressing him as "Dr." They congratulated him with no recommended changes or work to be done, just high compliments and obvious confidence in him as a professional. What a great moment! (his adviser offered me a congratulatory handshake too, telling him that I had earned my "PhT" which stands for "put him through!")
We took our time saying thanks and goodbye to committee members and gathering our things. Then we went out for a quick unofficial celebration dinner (more celebrating to come after the graduation ceremony) at a local cafe bakery. We laughed and teased, always addressing him as "Dr." as we meandered in, ordered food and took our seats. Then his dad showed up with a huge assortments of their best desserts ("life is short--dessert first"). Our meal was great, amidst more talking, laughing, teasing, congratulating and coming up with every dr nicknames we could (such as his sister calling him "Dr. Dude Bro", etc). And finally we hurried back to our little valley, just in time for the finances class. I think Husband must have still be on a cloud, reeling with that surreal feeling of finally being done after such an incredible accomplishment.
We finally made it home and prompted the girls to say "Dr. Daddy". Someday they will know what a great achievement it is, but for now, just that little phrase was pretty darn cute. We spent a late night with family and friends who came to visit and then finally crashed for some well deserved rest.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
her new thing
This morning I turned over a new responsibility to my lil Butterfly. I swallowed my neurotic tendencies, reminded myself that she is four years old now and told her that it is her job to pick out her clothes in the morning.
So today, she wore an orange cotton sundress with purple velvet pants and pink sandals.
And no, I didn't make her change.
So today, she wore an orange cotton sundress with purple velvet pants and pink sandals.
And no, I didn't make her change.
Monday, April 23, 2012
pretending
Butterfly's imagination runs rampant in our house. She loves to play with her friends or her sister. They play house, doctor, fighting badguys, training horses/dogs, camping, princess and more. frequently she will run up to me and say things like, "mom, we're taking our babies to the pool, where's the pool?" and I direct her "downstairs in the hallway" or the library is in front of the fireplace or the park is behind the couch. Its fun. But our favorite game goes like this:
"help, help!" calls the beautiful princess. the brave knight (that's me) approaches, "oh princess, I am coming!" "you must save me knight!", she cries and then she instructs me on what feat I must accomplish such as defeating the dragon, crossing the narrow bridge, climbing the tower or general fighting the bad guys. I do this with as much drama and gusto as I can muster (while Ladybug giggles in delight as she watches from the couch unless I can convince her to be my sidekick). I approach the princess, "dear princess, I have bested the dragon and am here to save you." Then she unlocks her own chains (not sure why she would be chained to the wall if she had the key all along) and runs to me, leaps into my arms and I carry her off. We immediately go to the ball where we dance and sing and where I absolutely must end with dipping her back low in my arms. Then she begs for a kiss and I tell her to save it for daddy because this little princess can only kiss her daddy. otherwise, I might turn into a frog.
another pretend game is when the girls play outside under the weeping willow. The long branches nearly touch the ground so it's the perfect castle/house/hideaway for them. This weekend we were playing outside and Butterfly told me "I am the mom, my sister is the children and you get to be the Gram." This made me smile because our Gram (Daddy's grandma) is a pretty awesome lady and I love that she said that. "what does the Gram do?" I asked. And she accurately and adorably replied, "You have to sing songs and give us treats."
"help, help!" calls the beautiful princess. the brave knight (that's me) approaches, "oh princess, I am coming!" "you must save me knight!", she cries and then she instructs me on what feat I must accomplish such as defeating the dragon, crossing the narrow bridge, climbing the tower or general fighting the bad guys. I do this with as much drama and gusto as I can muster (while Ladybug giggles in delight as she watches from the couch unless I can convince her to be my sidekick). I approach the princess, "dear princess, I have bested the dragon and am here to save you." Then she unlocks her own chains (not sure why she would be chained to the wall if she had the key all along) and runs to me, leaps into my arms and I carry her off. We immediately go to the ball where we dance and sing and where I absolutely must end with dipping her back low in my arms. Then she begs for a kiss and I tell her to save it for daddy because this little princess can only kiss her daddy. otherwise, I might turn into a frog.
another pretend game is when the girls play outside under the weeping willow. The long branches nearly touch the ground so it's the perfect castle/house/hideaway for them. This weekend we were playing outside and Butterfly told me "I am the mom, my sister is the children and you get to be the Gram." This made me smile because our Gram (Daddy's grandma) is a pretty awesome lady and I love that she said that. "what does the Gram do?" I asked. And she accurately and adorably replied, "You have to sing songs and give us treats."
sun
What beautiful weather! Saturday was nearly eighty degrees and it was beautiful and sunny all day. We spent most of it working in the yard (spring clean up) and admittedly, yard work is not my favorite. (I have to admit, I hate being dirty, bent over and potentially crawling around with bugs and spiders--yes, I'm a prissy girl.) But it was a great day, productive, and good family time so all in all, it was fun. And then we dashed off to the showers to get ready for temple night and I finally noticed that Daddy and Butterfly were both sporting sunburns on their arms and neck. :( Fortunately Ladybug (who takes after my complexion) escaped the sunburn. Guess its time to start watching out for that!
Last night was so hot that our air conditioning turned on! (automatically cued by the thermostat). I immediately turned it off, unable to reconcile that we should need (or pay for) it in April! But it was a pretty blissful evening to sit with all the windows open, enjoying the breeze and fading sunset.
I love spring.
Last night was so hot that our air conditioning turned on! (automatically cued by the thermostat). I immediately turned it off, unable to reconcile that we should need (or pay for) it in April! But it was a pretty blissful evening to sit with all the windows open, enjoying the breeze and fading sunset.
I love spring.
quote of the day
Prom was this past weekend here in our little valley. So at church on Sunday, many of the girls wore their prom formals (as well as a few guys in their tuxes) and they looked amazing! As we were buckling kids into the car after church, three of the girls were outside twirling and swishing the full skirts on these magnificent dresses. (I loved it, these are amazing young ladies, sweet, accomplished, intelligent, talented beautiful young women. But they played with their dresses with the excitement and innocence of little girls. I admitted to husband that there's a six year old child hiding in every woman, twirling in a ball gown.) Butterfly watched them and exclaimed, "oh mommy! look at the beautiful princesses! They are dancing! I love the dancing princesses! I want to be a dancing princess at the ball!" We drove up close to the girls so she could shyly tell them, "you are such a beautiful princess."
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
journal rambling
sometimes thoughts roll around in my head so this is me, dumping out these disconnected, rambling thoughts.
I've reached a point in life where I've become more selfish and it prompts a whole new chain of thought and way of thinking. selfish because maybe my house isn't as clean, etc. but I'm purposefully taking more time for myself such as going to the gym everyday (at first because it did wonders for my anxiety, but now I'm kind of addicted and further motivated by the slow but satisfying results. granted, I'm also not working outside the home anymore and that makes a huge difference--not just in time but in stress level. I'm also reading more, working it into naptime or after the girls are in bed and I'm focusing my reading on things that I hope will make me a better person/parent/spouse. I like pleasure reading too, novels that are easy to read and uplifting but I'm trying to challenge myself more too (when I can emotionally afford it). And all of this effort gets me thinking about how we choose the kind of person we want to be. I'm bothered by people who simply let life happen to them, the "have to work to pay bills and spend the rest of the time lounging around in recovery and waiting for the next day to roll around". Let's be better than that! Let's have fun with our kids, be better neighbors and friends, spend time enriching our marriages, dedicate ourselves to fitness and educational goals.
arm chair parenting drives me nuts. realizing this, makes me more aware of when I fall into that trap too. It's especially easy when I have to hold/nurse the baby but my other kids are doing something that requires me to yell over to them. It's not the effective, proactive, one-on-one with love kind of parenting that I want to do. And when there are multiple families together and multiple parents doing it, it really creates a feeling of anxiety and discontent and frustration.
In the finances class, Dave Ramsey mentions several times, the idea that to be rich, do what rich people do. To be wise, do what wise people do. This means if you want a good marriage, talk to people who have been happily married for fifty years. Because I want to look like them, I've been asking the trainer and teachers at the gym questions about their fitness regime, their calorie intake. Because I want to be a better person, I read books about developing better habits. I want to be more spiritually knowledgeable so I read more, listen more attentively in Sunday School, talk to my dad and ask more questions. I want to be a better parents so I ask my parents, my husband's parents and other admirable parents what they recommend. Sometimes acknowledging what you want to do better makes you realize how far you have to go but I'm an eternal work in progress.
I've had some great spiritual epiphanies lately. Usually things I've heard before but it's finally the right phrasing, right moment and right context that drives the point into my heart. The idea that everything we learn in this life, follows us to the next. Everything I've ever read and studied but perhaps forgot or didn't understand, will be remembered and understood with perfect clarity (good motivation to keep trying even when I'm struggling). Our addictions and weaknesses will follow us too--except that then we won't be able to physically satisfy them and our hell will be exactly that--the craving with no way to satisfy it. Another idea that furthers my understanding of God's commandments, instructions that are for our growth, not His. We pay tithing not because the value of money but because we need to learn to be giving, generous people, like Him. That we pray and voice thoughts that He already knows (He knows our hearts after all) but we pray and voice them because we need to admit them, to own them and emotionally digest them by doing so.
I always hated the well intentioned but condescending "oh this must be your first child" and "you'll relax when it's not your first". We were so careful with our first because it's what we wanted to do to feel like we were being good parents. I wish we could be that careful with each! but more kids is more demanding on your time and abilities and as a parent, you do find the boundaries you're more comfortable with and parenting gets a little more relaxed as you get a little more relaxed. Still, each couple should do whatever they feel their child needs without having to suffer that condescension. But here's my new insight...I'm jealous. I LOVE my kids. But I miss just having one and the energy/excitement that prompted such diligence. I miss that one-on-one and simplicity of just one. It didn't seem simple at the time but it retrospect, one less kid was always easier than one more. But each kid is a whole new wealth of love and blessings and chaotic fun so of course I wouldn't change anything, but I wonder if those remarks are sometimes prompted by jealousy.
When I started as a freshman in college, there was another girl in my dorm that intimidated me. Well, more than one. But this particular girl intimidated me because she was just like me. We looked similar, had similar personalities, worked at the same place and were both in the theater department. But the problem was my perception of her being just like me, but a little bit better. For example, she was shorter than me and had a stronger dance background than me which probably helped her in landing the theatrical roles I wanted (we were both in the chorus so acting didn't really matter but shorter is easier to partner). Now that I write this, it seems dumb but at the time I felt we were so alike and yet, I envied her because of social circumstances or school achievements. I was jealous. But I had my own experiences and had a blast. Years later, I find similar situations where I meet people that are similar to me, but I perceive them as being just a bit better--prettier, more educated, more experienced, more talented. I still have a shallow twinge of envy but more and more, I want to get to know them, perhaps we could be great friends.
I have some friends that I really miss. We've drifted apart as we each graduated college, moved and started families. Some friends, I can pick up the phone for the first time in months and it seems not a second has passed as we pour our hearts out. Others, I call and text and email but I feel like I'm fighting for a spot in their lives and it goes rather unnoticed. (wow, I sound whiny). But I miss these friends who are busy in their own exciting lives. I hope they are happy and doing well and know that I love them and am thinking of them. I know that friendships change as our lives progress but the fading of some relationships are hard to take and even harder when it feels like the reluctance is one sided.
It makes me uncomfortable when people complain about money. And most of them probably don't realize they are doing it since they'd realize how awkward it is. Comments like "we don't have money for that" or "yeah but we could never afford it". But it's all in a person's habits too. We choose what to spend our money on, whether it be eating out, paying for entertainment, travel, video games, collecting stuff, expensive toys, etc. And each person is perfectly entitled to that. We work hard for our money and we should get to enjoy it. But we should avoid comparing our financial situation to another. Taking the finances class (and now coordinating it) makes me feel even more that money is what we make it and it takes discipline.
Similarly but on a more broad scope, we never know what another situation is. It's been suggested (by different people) that my family has the fairy tale. And my life is good! My kids are pretty amazing and my husband might secretly be superman but our life isn't perfect. But then again, I try not to be the kind of person to complain. So I thank them for the compliments and nod through their ramblings about what they wish they could change or what bothers them, sometimes secretly wishing I could admit that I'm jealous of them too, maybe their talents, their husband's comparatively shorter work hours, a less stressful situation, the time they get with extended family, the one-on-one time with their kids, the opportunities they have, etc. But then again, the grass is always greener and we all have our own trials and experiences. Make the best of what you have and love what you've got!
I've reached a point in life where I've become more selfish and it prompts a whole new chain of thought and way of thinking. selfish because maybe my house isn't as clean, etc. but I'm purposefully taking more time for myself such as going to the gym everyday (at first because it did wonders for my anxiety, but now I'm kind of addicted and further motivated by the slow but satisfying results. granted, I'm also not working outside the home anymore and that makes a huge difference--not just in time but in stress level. I'm also reading more, working it into naptime or after the girls are in bed and I'm focusing my reading on things that I hope will make me a better person/parent/spouse. I like pleasure reading too, novels that are easy to read and uplifting but I'm trying to challenge myself more too (when I can emotionally afford it). And all of this effort gets me thinking about how we choose the kind of person we want to be. I'm bothered by people who simply let life happen to them, the "have to work to pay bills and spend the rest of the time lounging around in recovery and waiting for the next day to roll around". Let's be better than that! Let's have fun with our kids, be better neighbors and friends, spend time enriching our marriages, dedicate ourselves to fitness and educational goals.
arm chair parenting drives me nuts. realizing this, makes me more aware of when I fall into that trap too. It's especially easy when I have to hold/nurse the baby but my other kids are doing something that requires me to yell over to them. It's not the effective, proactive, one-on-one with love kind of parenting that I want to do. And when there are multiple families together and multiple parents doing it, it really creates a feeling of anxiety and discontent and frustration.
In the finances class, Dave Ramsey mentions several times, the idea that to be rich, do what rich people do. To be wise, do what wise people do. This means if you want a good marriage, talk to people who have been happily married for fifty years. Because I want to look like them, I've been asking the trainer and teachers at the gym questions about their fitness regime, their calorie intake. Because I want to be a better person, I read books about developing better habits. I want to be more spiritually knowledgeable so I read more, listen more attentively in Sunday School, talk to my dad and ask more questions. I want to be a better parents so I ask my parents, my husband's parents and other admirable parents what they recommend. Sometimes acknowledging what you want to do better makes you realize how far you have to go but I'm an eternal work in progress.
I've had some great spiritual epiphanies lately. Usually things I've heard before but it's finally the right phrasing, right moment and right context that drives the point into my heart. The idea that everything we learn in this life, follows us to the next. Everything I've ever read and studied but perhaps forgot or didn't understand, will be remembered and understood with perfect clarity (good motivation to keep trying even when I'm struggling). Our addictions and weaknesses will follow us too--except that then we won't be able to physically satisfy them and our hell will be exactly that--the craving with no way to satisfy it. Another idea that furthers my understanding of God's commandments, instructions that are for our growth, not His. We pay tithing not because the value of money but because we need to learn to be giving, generous people, like Him. That we pray and voice thoughts that He already knows (He knows our hearts after all) but we pray and voice them because we need to admit them, to own them and emotionally digest them by doing so.
I always hated the well intentioned but condescending "oh this must be your first child" and "you'll relax when it's not your first". We were so careful with our first because it's what we wanted to do to feel like we were being good parents. I wish we could be that careful with each! but more kids is more demanding on your time and abilities and as a parent, you do find the boundaries you're more comfortable with and parenting gets a little more relaxed as you get a little more relaxed. Still, each couple should do whatever they feel their child needs without having to suffer that condescension. But here's my new insight...I'm jealous. I LOVE my kids. But I miss just having one and the energy/excitement that prompted such diligence. I miss that one-on-one and simplicity of just one. It didn't seem simple at the time but it retrospect, one less kid was always easier than one more. But each kid is a whole new wealth of love and blessings and chaotic fun so of course I wouldn't change anything, but I wonder if those remarks are sometimes prompted by jealousy.
When I started as a freshman in college, there was another girl in my dorm that intimidated me. Well, more than one. But this particular girl intimidated me because she was just like me. We looked similar, had similar personalities, worked at the same place and were both in the theater department. But the problem was my perception of her being just like me, but a little bit better. For example, she was shorter than me and had a stronger dance background than me which probably helped her in landing the theatrical roles I wanted (we were both in the chorus so acting didn't really matter but shorter is easier to partner). Now that I write this, it seems dumb but at the time I felt we were so alike and yet, I envied her because of social circumstances or school achievements. I was jealous. But I had my own experiences and had a blast. Years later, I find similar situations where I meet people that are similar to me, but I perceive them as being just a bit better--prettier, more educated, more experienced, more talented. I still have a shallow twinge of envy but more and more, I want to get to know them, perhaps we could be great friends.
I have some friends that I really miss. We've drifted apart as we each graduated college, moved and started families. Some friends, I can pick up the phone for the first time in months and it seems not a second has passed as we pour our hearts out. Others, I call and text and email but I feel like I'm fighting for a spot in their lives and it goes rather unnoticed. (wow, I sound whiny). But I miss these friends who are busy in their own exciting lives. I hope they are happy and doing well and know that I love them and am thinking of them. I know that friendships change as our lives progress but the fading of some relationships are hard to take and even harder when it feels like the reluctance is one sided.
It makes me uncomfortable when people complain about money. And most of them probably don't realize they are doing it since they'd realize how awkward it is. Comments like "we don't have money for that" or "yeah but we could never afford it". But it's all in a person's habits too. We choose what to spend our money on, whether it be eating out, paying for entertainment, travel, video games, collecting stuff, expensive toys, etc. And each person is perfectly entitled to that. We work hard for our money and we should get to enjoy it. But we should avoid comparing our financial situation to another. Taking the finances class (and now coordinating it) makes me feel even more that money is what we make it and it takes discipline.
Similarly but on a more broad scope, we never know what another situation is. It's been suggested (by different people) that my family has the fairy tale. And my life is good! My kids are pretty amazing and my husband might secretly be superman but our life isn't perfect. But then again, I try not to be the kind of person to complain. So I thank them for the compliments and nod through their ramblings about what they wish they could change or what bothers them, sometimes secretly wishing I could admit that I'm jealous of them too, maybe their talents, their husband's comparatively shorter work hours, a less stressful situation, the time they get with extended family, the one-on-one time with their kids, the opportunities they have, etc. But then again, the grass is always greener and we all have our own trials and experiences. Make the best of what you have and love what you've got!
Monday, April 16, 2012
quote of the day
For well over the last year, Butterfly's comfort item has been my ponytail. If she's tired, upset, scared, hurt, etc., she wants to cuddle me and hold a fistful of my hair (it helps that it's nearly down to my waist). The movie Rapunzel of course strengthened the habit and even persuaded Ladybug to do the same. Except now, (especially Ladybug) will hold and sing to my hair.
So at church yesterday, a very tired Ladybug sat in Daddy's lap. She was a little fussy and was cuddling into him. Her hands idly played with his tie, finally taking a hold of a good grip and she began to sing "flower, gleam and grow..."
yep, to the tie. love it.
So at church yesterday, a very tired Ladybug sat in Daddy's lap. She was a little fussy and was cuddling into him. Her hands idly played with his tie, finally taking a hold of a good grip and she began to sing "flower, gleam and grow..."
yep, to the tie. love it.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
milestones
AngelBaby
Height: 27.25 (90%)
Weight: 17 lb 6 oz (75%)
This beautiful, happy girl makes me melt! She's so good natured and smiles and laughs easily. Her favorite toy is her teething banana and her flower rattle. She sleeps 10-12 hours at night (with one feeding) and takes 1.5 naps a day (20-30 min in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon). We've been consistent about swaddling (if consistent, it will be magic! especially for long term good sleep habits) but recently, she prefers to wiggle her strong arms out in her sleep. At seven months old, she is finally starting to do better with eating baby food but it's still a very messy struggle as she seems to have trouble swallowing (simply that she doesn't know what to do with it). But then again, she's a really messy eater even when nursing. She can get through about half a 1st stage jar now before she's clearly done trying and doc says as long as she makes slow progress, we don't need to worry. She rolled over a few times at four months old but didn't start consistently doing it until recently. She can't quite sit up on her own yet but she's sure trying. Her favorite sound is "dada" (but doesn't cognitively connect it with daddy yet) and she loves to blow raspberries. She's growing incredibly fast as I'm reluctantly moving her into the 9 month old clothing sizes already. Like our other little fish, she loves the water already. And we've enjoying seeing her personality manifest more and more lately. She's easy going, social and generally happy. Her fussy moments are rare and usually caused by an upset in her schedule. And I love that she's ticklish! Especially her chunky thighs and up her back.
Ladybug
Height: 38.5 (92%)
Weight: 30 (75%)
Still my mischievous little imp and her sister's little echo. Her constant companions are still yellow and panda, as well as their "babies" (the matching burp cloths). But other favorite toys include the animal zoo, the doctor's kit and the play kitchen. Her favorite movies are Bolt, the Frog Princess, Emperor's New Groove, Nemo and Rapunzel (note that all but one are movies about animals). She even quotes entire scenes from the movies and will song along with her favorite songs (make me melt!) Her favorite snacks are fruit snacks, raisins and goldfish. Her favorite foods are pasta, rice, cheerios and anything she can dip in sour cream or ranch. Thankfully, my girls will eat pretty much anything we give them so our dinner time battles are pretty tame. She gets bored and makes a mess but she does eat really well. She's stubborn and willful but loves to cuddle and is 100% a daddy's girl. Her favorite color is purple are her favorite places are Grammy's house, McDonalds and the pool (where her fearlessness scares me more than anywhere else, she jumps in with no hesitation, no matter how deep and is always trying to do something bigger and crazier). She knows all her colors, does pretty good with her letters and can count but not identify numbers.
Butterfly
Height: 43 (95%)
Weight: 40 (80%)
My little girl is getting so grown up. Her cognitive understanding amazes me. She engages in conversation, reports on her activities for the day (during our bedtime "talktime", describes memories of events over a year ago, makes up her own songs, plays pretend princess/chef/Disneyland/house/doctor/fighting badguys) and loves to learn. She's exceptional at coloring (crayons or sidewalk chalk) and follows directions surprisingly well (at least according to our doc). She's eager to please, loves to make friends and is such a good big sister. She fetches things I need or tries to calm the baby when she's crying. She can get the baby to laugh more easily than anyone else. She's a good helper and is pretty good at doing her assigned chores (making her bed, gathering laundry, putting the silverware away, setting the table and putting toys away). Her favorite activities are playing princess, dancing, coloring, playing Memory Match or Candyland and playing with friends. She's got a serious sweet tooth and would live on junk food if we let her (especially chocolate and cookies) but she's good about trying the food I give her (although she really is the slowest eater I've ever seen). Rather than favorite movies, she really likes to find new shows on netflicks. Lately, she's hooked on Shaun the Sheep, Sesame Street, Angelina Ballerina, Yo Gabba Gabba and anything princess. Her favorite color is pink, favorite toys are her dolls but truthfully, she prizes her books and drawing stuff as much as any toy and she wants to be a doctor, mom and ballerina when she grows up.
Our typical day:
7:30, wake up with Ladybug in my bed (she snuck in sometimes between 2-5 without waking us). Daddy has left for work (or might be finishing getting ready) so me and Ladybug cuddle and watch a cartoon.
8:00, AngelBaby and Butterfly are awake. time for breakfast and general morning chaos.
9:30, M- Butterfly to gymnastics while we go to the grocery store, T/Th- girls go to daycare while mom goes to the gym. W/F- Butterfly goes to preschool while we either go to gym or run errands. Lately Butterfly and Ladybug go on playdates with Grandma once a week and they LOVE it.
11:00, we meander home, play with toys or color pictures
12:30, lunch
1:00, girls nap while mom fights the urge to pass out and tries to be productive (chores/starts dinner/email/blog/etc)
2:30, Butterfly comes upstairs for some one-on-one
3:00, Ladybug joins us, we play with toys or watch a movie for some extended quiet/cuddle time
4:00, AngelBaby awake, general chaos. usually play with toys, maybe play outside or go to the park, go for a walk, etc.
5:00, mom goes crazy (making dinner with three children underfoot)
6:00, we race for the first hug when daddy gets home and dinner
6:30, evening chaos--sometimes a homework night for me and daddy, sometimes a playdate, running errands, movie night, game night until
8:30, put AngelBaby to bed
8:40, pjs and books for big girls
9:00, put big girls to bed, go clean the kitchen until
9:20, put Ladybug back to bed...twice
9:30, putter, read, honey-dos, declutter, reset for tomorrow
11:00, blissful sleep
Height: 27.25 (90%)
Weight: 17 lb 6 oz (75%)
This beautiful, happy girl makes me melt! She's so good natured and smiles and laughs easily. Her favorite toy is her teething banana and her flower rattle. She sleeps 10-12 hours at night (with one feeding) and takes 1.5 naps a day (20-30 min in the morning, 2 hours in the afternoon). We've been consistent about swaddling (if consistent, it will be magic! especially for long term good sleep habits) but recently, she prefers to wiggle her strong arms out in her sleep. At seven months old, she is finally starting to do better with eating baby food but it's still a very messy struggle as she seems to have trouble swallowing (simply that she doesn't know what to do with it). But then again, she's a really messy eater even when nursing. She can get through about half a 1st stage jar now before she's clearly done trying and doc says as long as she makes slow progress, we don't need to worry. She rolled over a few times at four months old but didn't start consistently doing it until recently. She can't quite sit up on her own yet but she's sure trying. Her favorite sound is "dada" (but doesn't cognitively connect it with daddy yet) and she loves to blow raspberries. She's growing incredibly fast as I'm reluctantly moving her into the 9 month old clothing sizes already. Like our other little fish, she loves the water already. And we've enjoying seeing her personality manifest more and more lately. She's easy going, social and generally happy. Her fussy moments are rare and usually caused by an upset in her schedule. And I love that she's ticklish! Especially her chunky thighs and up her back.
Ladybug
Height: 38.5 (92%)
Weight: 30 (75%)
Still my mischievous little imp and her sister's little echo. Her constant companions are still yellow and panda, as well as their "babies" (the matching burp cloths). But other favorite toys include the animal zoo, the doctor's kit and the play kitchen. Her favorite movies are Bolt, the Frog Princess, Emperor's New Groove, Nemo and Rapunzel (note that all but one are movies about animals). She even quotes entire scenes from the movies and will song along with her favorite songs (make me melt!) Her favorite snacks are fruit snacks, raisins and goldfish. Her favorite foods are pasta, rice, cheerios and anything she can dip in sour cream or ranch. Thankfully, my girls will eat pretty much anything we give them so our dinner time battles are pretty tame. She gets bored and makes a mess but she does eat really well. She's stubborn and willful but loves to cuddle and is 100% a daddy's girl. Her favorite color is purple are her favorite places are Grammy's house, McDonalds and the pool (where her fearlessness scares me more than anywhere else, she jumps in with no hesitation, no matter how deep and is always trying to do something bigger and crazier). She knows all her colors, does pretty good with her letters and can count but not identify numbers.
Butterfly
Height: 43 (95%)
Weight: 40 (80%)
My little girl is getting so grown up. Her cognitive understanding amazes me. She engages in conversation, reports on her activities for the day (during our bedtime "talktime", describes memories of events over a year ago, makes up her own songs, plays pretend princess/chef/Disneyland/house/doctor/fighting badguys) and loves to learn. She's exceptional at coloring (crayons or sidewalk chalk) and follows directions surprisingly well (at least according to our doc). She's eager to please, loves to make friends and is such a good big sister. She fetches things I need or tries to calm the baby when she's crying. She can get the baby to laugh more easily than anyone else. She's a good helper and is pretty good at doing her assigned chores (making her bed, gathering laundry, putting the silverware away, setting the table and putting toys away). Her favorite activities are playing princess, dancing, coloring, playing Memory Match or Candyland and playing with friends. She's got a serious sweet tooth and would live on junk food if we let her (especially chocolate and cookies) but she's good about trying the food I give her (although she really is the slowest eater I've ever seen). Rather than favorite movies, she really likes to find new shows on netflicks. Lately, she's hooked on Shaun the Sheep, Sesame Street, Angelina Ballerina, Yo Gabba Gabba and anything princess. Her favorite color is pink, favorite toys are her dolls but truthfully, she prizes her books and drawing stuff as much as any toy and she wants to be a doctor, mom and ballerina when she grows up.
Our typical day:
7:30, wake up with Ladybug in my bed (she snuck in sometimes between 2-5 without waking us). Daddy has left for work (or might be finishing getting ready) so me and Ladybug cuddle and watch a cartoon.
8:00, AngelBaby and Butterfly are awake. time for breakfast and general morning chaos.
9:30, M- Butterfly to gymnastics while we go to the grocery store, T/Th- girls go to daycare while mom goes to the gym. W/F- Butterfly goes to preschool while we either go to gym or run errands. Lately Butterfly and Ladybug go on playdates with Grandma once a week and they LOVE it.
11:00, we meander home, play with toys or color pictures
12:30, lunch
1:00, girls nap while mom fights the urge to pass out and tries to be productive (chores/starts dinner/email/blog/etc)
2:30, Butterfly comes upstairs for some one-on-one
3:00, Ladybug joins us, we play with toys or watch a movie for some extended quiet/cuddle time
4:00, AngelBaby awake, general chaos. usually play with toys, maybe play outside or go to the park, go for a walk, etc.
5:00, mom goes crazy (making dinner with three children underfoot)
6:00, we race for the first hug when daddy gets home and dinner
6:30, evening chaos--sometimes a homework night for me and daddy, sometimes a playdate, running errands, movie night, game night until
8:30, put AngelBaby to bed
8:40, pjs and books for big girls
9:00, put big girls to bed, go clean the kitchen until
9:20, put Ladybug back to bed...twice
9:30, putter, read, honey-dos, declutter, reset for tomorrow
11:00, blissful sleep
Monday, April 9, 2012
hoppy Easter weekend
Not only do birthdays last a week or two, but most holidays do too (at least for us)! We've been blessed with a huge family that is supportive, loving, sweet and so fun to be with. So we usually celebrate holidays and birthdays a few times so we can share the love, excitement and general chaos with everyone.
Our first Easter celebration was on our trip south to see Husband's brother and family. Then we celebrated again all weekend long!
We arrive at my parents' house on Friday evening. We played for a while, had dinner and then had the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the new bunkhouse. My dad has been working hard to finish a few more rooms in their basement, including a bedroom claimed by me and my hubband and a bunkhouse for all the kids. This large room has three sets of bunkbeds, each with a trundle as well so it can sleep a total of 9 kids (or even more if they wanted to squish together). Our girls were ecstatic, dancing around and exploring and claiming one bed after another. No one slept much (going to be after midnight and waking up before 7!) but the kids had so much fun.
On Saturday morning we went to the city Easter egg hunt. The kids were divided by age group and released in waves to go pick up three eggs, run back to the candy table to exchange them and then would run out for another three eggs. It was a great way of sharing the candy wealth, especially when we realized that the kids were getting a FULL SIZE candy bar for EACH egg. Suffice it to say that our candy quota was well filled for the weekend.
Back at the house, we decorated eggs and took naps. After the kids were done, me and one of my sisters began idly playing with the eggs and then the creative child that lingers in each of us snuck out and we had a blast finding ways to further embellish the eggs. (we took already dyed eggs, used white wax to color on them and then dyed them again to create things such as blue eggs with pink flowers. or we used rubber bands to create fun striped effects.)
Then began the games. Grammy had a whole box of "minute it to win it" inspired games and we had SO much fun. We especially loved rolling the marbles along the table, aiming for a certain mark or used straws and our own suction to pick up and move m&m candies. The men put pantyhose on their heads and without using their hands, maneuvered their bodies to swing the pantyhose feet (weighed down by a tennis ball) around and roll soda pop cans up the driveway. There were so many great games and we had a blast teasing, laughing and cheering each other on.
We had a fantastic Easter egg hunt. I took pictures as the kids dashed around finding eggs. Even my little Ladybug charged ahead at full speed, now old enough to understand the game. Dinner was the usual fantastic chaos of tasty food, bouncing children and general merriment before we spent the evening playing with new Easter toys, devouring Easter candy and lounging around with family.
On Sunday there was the typical mad dash to get ready for church and then the wonderful, meaningful lessons and insights shared there. By the time we arrive home after church, the kids' Easter baskets were hidden around the yard and it was such a wonderful sight, seeing my beautiful girls in their beautiful white Easter dresses as they happily searched and found their baskets. It was the first time that the baskets were hidden, rather than just sit out in a picture perfect row and it was so fun to do it this way. Then the cousins sat together, showing and sharing their newfound loot before we herding them back to the table for lunch.
Lastly, we gathered together for a Family Home Evening and watched an animated movie of the Easter story. Ladybug fell asleep on Grammy, AngelBaby fell asleep on me, but Butterfly snuggled into Daddy as we watched. And then finally, we packed up and piled into our car so we could head south...
for more fun! We went to the house of Gram and the Aunties, which is the central location and official party place of Husband's extended family. The house was full of people--family and close friends, as well as some of the most delicious food I've ever had. The kids ran around with the other kids, playing with toys, chasing each other and then going on another egg hunt which had been thoughtfully planned to include all the kids. I love talking to cousins and family, getting to catch up with these amazing individuals that I admire so much. AngelBaby was unusually fussy but we fit right into the chaos and Daddy and I took turns walking with her as we visited. The girls were ecstatic to play with cousins again and especially loved their Easter gifts (they exchanged their eggs at "Gummy's Shop" for books, treats and art supplies).
Eventually, we dressed them in pjs and made the long drive home, enjoying the time to relax and vegetate after so much chaos and fun. And finally we were home again, ready for a good night sleep and preparing to dive back into another busy week.
Our first Easter celebration was on our trip south to see Husband's brother and family. Then we celebrated again all weekend long!
We arrive at my parents' house on Friday evening. We played for a while, had dinner and then had the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the new bunkhouse. My dad has been working hard to finish a few more rooms in their basement, including a bedroom claimed by me and my hubband and a bunkhouse for all the kids. This large room has three sets of bunkbeds, each with a trundle as well so it can sleep a total of 9 kids (or even more if they wanted to squish together). Our girls were ecstatic, dancing around and exploring and claiming one bed after another. No one slept much (going to be after midnight and waking up before 7!) but the kids had so much fun.
On Saturday morning we went to the city Easter egg hunt. The kids were divided by age group and released in waves to go pick up three eggs, run back to the candy table to exchange them and then would run out for another three eggs. It was a great way of sharing the candy wealth, especially when we realized that the kids were getting a FULL SIZE candy bar for EACH egg. Suffice it to say that our candy quota was well filled for the weekend.
Back at the house, we decorated eggs and took naps. After the kids were done, me and one of my sisters began idly playing with the eggs and then the creative child that lingers in each of us snuck out and we had a blast finding ways to further embellish the eggs. (we took already dyed eggs, used white wax to color on them and then dyed them again to create things such as blue eggs with pink flowers. or we used rubber bands to create fun striped effects.)
Then began the games. Grammy had a whole box of "minute it to win it" inspired games and we had SO much fun. We especially loved rolling the marbles along the table, aiming for a certain mark or used straws and our own suction to pick up and move m&m candies. The men put pantyhose on their heads and without using their hands, maneuvered their bodies to swing the pantyhose feet (weighed down by a tennis ball) around and roll soda pop cans up the driveway. There were so many great games and we had a blast teasing, laughing and cheering each other on.
We had a fantastic Easter egg hunt. I took pictures as the kids dashed around finding eggs. Even my little Ladybug charged ahead at full speed, now old enough to understand the game. Dinner was the usual fantastic chaos of tasty food, bouncing children and general merriment before we spent the evening playing with new Easter toys, devouring Easter candy and lounging around with family.
On Sunday there was the typical mad dash to get ready for church and then the wonderful, meaningful lessons and insights shared there. By the time we arrive home after church, the kids' Easter baskets were hidden around the yard and it was such a wonderful sight, seeing my beautiful girls in their beautiful white Easter dresses as they happily searched and found their baskets. It was the first time that the baskets were hidden, rather than just sit out in a picture perfect row and it was so fun to do it this way. Then the cousins sat together, showing and sharing their newfound loot before we herding them back to the table for lunch.
Lastly, we gathered together for a Family Home Evening and watched an animated movie of the Easter story. Ladybug fell asleep on Grammy, AngelBaby fell asleep on me, but Butterfly snuggled into Daddy as we watched. And then finally, we packed up and piled into our car so we could head south...
for more fun! We went to the house of Gram and the Aunties, which is the central location and official party place of Husband's extended family. The house was full of people--family and close friends, as well as some of the most delicious food I've ever had. The kids ran around with the other kids, playing with toys, chasing each other and then going on another egg hunt which had been thoughtfully planned to include all the kids. I love talking to cousins and family, getting to catch up with these amazing individuals that I admire so much. AngelBaby was unusually fussy but we fit right into the chaos and Daddy and I took turns walking with her as we visited. The girls were ecstatic to play with cousins again and especially loved their Easter gifts (they exchanged their eggs at "Gummy's Shop" for books, treats and art supplies).
Eventually, we dressed them in pjs and made the long drive home, enjoying the time to relax and vegetate after so much chaos and fun. And finally we were home again, ready for a good night sleep and preparing to dive back into another busy week.
Friday, April 6, 2012
4th birthday
Our little Butterfly is four years old! Time is flying and I love watching her grow and discover and experience life. milestones post to come.
We celebrated her birthday with a party a few days before and had a blast. That night she declared that "now I'm four and almost five." (ironically, she still had three days to go).
the next night, we arranged for her to go on a special date with her Grammy and Papa to see Beauty and the Beast as the Broadway show came touring through our area. She looked so pretty in her fancy dress and she told me about the beautiful house (theatre) that they went to. She told me a few details about the show but the true evidence of how much she loved it is the fact that she made her little sister help her act out the story all day long for the next several days. (Meanwhile, we spent a great evening visiting Gram and the aunties, what amazing ladies. lil Butterfly was sad when she found out we went to their house without her.)
On her actual birthday, she got to have some special fun again. Her preschool was having a special visitors day and she was thrilled to take her Grandma. She showed off the different activities they do and worked on some art projects together. We also we went to our favorite restaurant for a celebration dinner that evening.
But unfortunately, the birthday present we ordered didn't arrive in time for her birthday. So it was a few more days before we surprised her with a brand new, bright pink bicycle. Daddy had it all put together and waiting in the garage. I missed the great event (baby sister needed me) but Daddy took pictures of her excitement, the huge eyes and giant grin. She climbed on and declared "I love my bike!"
And then for one last special moment, we celebrated at her preschool. I got to go to school with her and do a special spotlight. She sat next to me and held up each item I brought such as the framed portraits of her taken every six months since she was born, some pages from her scrapbook (to show her as a baby and her tiny footprints), her special tiger (used during labor and then given to her at the hospital), her Belle barbie doll (because she's such a princess), her favorite book (Beauty and the Beast), her favorite game (Candyland) and her favorite activity (coloring). I read the story to the class as she held up the pictures and then she got to be the special leader for the rest of the day, providing and passing out the snack, helping the teacher with art supplies, etc. (the kids take turns being the special leader but always get to do it for a special birthday day)
And the lastly, she got one last present from Gram and the Aunties who hadn't been able to come to her party. They gave her a beautiful porcelain doll slightly auburn curls, bright blue eyes and a sweet, happy smile, just like her.
What a wonderful birthday!
We celebrated her birthday with a party a few days before and had a blast. That night she declared that "now I'm four and almost five." (ironically, she still had three days to go).
the next night, we arranged for her to go on a special date with her Grammy and Papa to see Beauty and the Beast as the Broadway show came touring through our area. She looked so pretty in her fancy dress and she told me about the beautiful house (theatre) that they went to. She told me a few details about the show but the true evidence of how much she loved it is the fact that she made her little sister help her act out the story all day long for the next several days. (Meanwhile, we spent a great evening visiting Gram and the aunties, what amazing ladies. lil Butterfly was sad when she found out we went to their house without her.)
On her actual birthday, she got to have some special fun again. Her preschool was having a special visitors day and she was thrilled to take her Grandma. She showed off the different activities they do and worked on some art projects together. We also we went to our favorite restaurant for a celebration dinner that evening.
But unfortunately, the birthday present we ordered didn't arrive in time for her birthday. So it was a few more days before we surprised her with a brand new, bright pink bicycle. Daddy had it all put together and waiting in the garage. I missed the great event (baby sister needed me) but Daddy took pictures of her excitement, the huge eyes and giant grin. She climbed on and declared "I love my bike!"
And then for one last special moment, we celebrated at her preschool. I got to go to school with her and do a special spotlight. She sat next to me and held up each item I brought such as the framed portraits of her taken every six months since she was born, some pages from her scrapbook (to show her as a baby and her tiny footprints), her special tiger (used during labor and then given to her at the hospital), her Belle barbie doll (because she's such a princess), her favorite book (Beauty and the Beast), her favorite game (Candyland) and her favorite activity (coloring). I read the story to the class as she held up the pictures and then she got to be the special leader for the rest of the day, providing and passing out the snack, helping the teacher with art supplies, etc. (the kids take turns being the special leader but always get to do it for a special birthday day)
And the lastly, she got one last present from Gram and the Aunties who hadn't been able to come to her party. They gave her a beautiful porcelain doll slightly auburn curls, bright blue eyes and a sweet, happy smile, just like her.
What a wonderful birthday!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
not such an Angel
AngelBaby finally has a flaw. She has been such a perfect baby, so sweet and happy. She smiles easily, loves to cuddle and is hardly ever fussy. So other than the regular diaper explosions of epic proportion, she has been our AngelBaby.
And then we started solid food. Or tried at least. On the first night, I made her rice cereal with water and she was unimpressed. Then I started mixing it with milk and she ate it more willingly. That lasted for about five days and then she discovered how to blow raspberries. It's absolutely adorable and she tends to work herself into a laughing fit by doing them but it makes eating rather difficult. Most of the rice cereal ended up on me rather than in her. I tried making it thicker, making it thinner, giving her the binky immediately after each bite to help her swallow but she still manages to get most of it all over me and the tray. Sometimes we manage to get on a roll and she will actually ingest several bites but then she starts to gag and throw up.
So we tried different food. She refused the peas and happily sprayed them all over me (she thought it was hilarious and wouldn't stop laughing long enough to eat). She fumbled with the sweet potatoes, I even tried to thicken it with rice cereal but again, after several bites it just made her sick.
Both of our big girls took well to starting solids and AngelBaby shows signs of readiness (and she is six months old after all). But AngelBaby is either unimpressed/uninterested in doing anything more than showering me with it.
But we kept trying and finally, success! It took a long time. And it was messy. But she ate an entire jar of sweet potatoes. (well, what didn't get sprayed on me anyway) The next night, she did great as well. As an experiment, I tried rice cereal again and she didn't want to eat it. I manipulated her into it anyway and after a few tastes, she began to gag again until I thinned it some more.
In the end, I conclude that she doesn't like cereal. Especially if its too thick. And that dinner may forever include spit showers for mom. Or for now anyway.
p.s. A completely unrelated, second flaw is that she won't reach for me. She will reach for Daddy, Grandma, Grammy, her favorite toys and Papa. But not me. And she thinks its funny when I try.
And then we started solid food. Or tried at least. On the first night, I made her rice cereal with water and she was unimpressed. Then I started mixing it with milk and she ate it more willingly. That lasted for about five days and then she discovered how to blow raspberries. It's absolutely adorable and she tends to work herself into a laughing fit by doing them but it makes eating rather difficult. Most of the rice cereal ended up on me rather than in her. I tried making it thicker, making it thinner, giving her the binky immediately after each bite to help her swallow but she still manages to get most of it all over me and the tray. Sometimes we manage to get on a roll and she will actually ingest several bites but then she starts to gag and throw up.
So we tried different food. She refused the peas and happily sprayed them all over me (she thought it was hilarious and wouldn't stop laughing long enough to eat). She fumbled with the sweet potatoes, I even tried to thicken it with rice cereal but again, after several bites it just made her sick.
Both of our big girls took well to starting solids and AngelBaby shows signs of readiness (and she is six months old after all). But AngelBaby is either unimpressed/uninterested in doing anything more than showering me with it.
But we kept trying and finally, success! It took a long time. And it was messy. But she ate an entire jar of sweet potatoes. (well, what didn't get sprayed on me anyway) The next night, she did great as well. As an experiment, I tried rice cereal again and she didn't want to eat it. I manipulated her into it anyway and after a few tastes, she began to gag again until I thinned it some more.
In the end, I conclude that she doesn't like cereal. Especially if its too thick. And that dinner may forever include spit showers for mom. Or for now anyway.
p.s. A completely unrelated, second flaw is that she won't reach for me. She will reach for Daddy, Grandma, Grammy, her favorite toys and Papa. But not me. And she thinks its funny when I try.
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