Our Crazy Life

Catch up - Marco Island

2012-01-16T21:25:00.000-05:00

Our November vacation to Marco Island, Fl was great! We had a lot of fun and can't wait for future vacations as the kids get older. We had a few firsts:
Grant's first airplane ride
Jenna's first jet ski experience
Jenna and Grant got to feed a giraffe
Grant's first steps in the ocean
Our first vacation as a family of four!

Our last night - on the condo balcony

Erik, Jenna, and Grant on the boat at the zoo. The Monkey's were fun to watch

Jenna feeding the giraffe

Grant was not too impressed, and the giraffe was not being too patient

Me and Grant on the boat ride at the Naples Zoo

Catch Up - Fall 2011

2012-01-16T20:34:00.000-05:00

I am so far behind in my blogging, which does not feel too far off base from how I feel day to day. We've had a great fall and start to winter. Here is just a brief review of the Halloween season. Jenna was so excited for Halloween this year and it was quite a decision on what she was going to dress up as.

Jenna begged to carve the pumpkins, she was just as excited to bake and eat the seeds too.

Grant and I at Papa's Pumpkin Patch. He loved running around and doing all the kid activities, but I think his favorite was eating a donut and drinking cider...typical Grant!

Jenna's finished product, which was displayed proudly on our front porch.

Happy Halloween 2011 - Jenna was Bat Girl and Grant was a Bat.

Jenna loved Trick-or-Treating this year, but she liked handing out candy at our house even more. She cried when 8:00 came it was over. Grant made it for about 30 minutes then he was cold and tired. I can't imagine how weird Halloween is for a 16 month old.

Happy New Year! Welcome 2012!

2012-01-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! We've had a good year in our household, but are hoping for an even better 2012. As always, we've been busy and hectic, and I haven't blogged much at all. There are a lot of pictures and posts I need to work on. That's one of my goals (not resolutions) for the year. I know I can't blog every day like some, but I will make a true effort to do it more.

In the meantime, we are packing up and moving! Don't ask me where because we don't know yet. We wanted/needed more space, so we put our house up in mid December thinking it would take months to sell. Our house sold after 3 days on the market!! So, we are scrambling to pack, organize, transport my HUGE garage sale pile, and find a place to live all by the week of January 23. Oh, and all of this inbetween the kids, working, taking graduate classes, and sleeping...
to be continued...

Part of Your World

2011-11-30T13:46:00.001-05:00

Jenna belongs on a stage! She is constantly singing and dancing. She actually has a good voice when she isn't being silly. Last night she put on a "show" for me and Erik. This is her singing part of "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid.

She has also asked to take singing lessons and we found someone to do that for her starting in January. Along with swimming and gymastics she also wants to take.

Marco Island 2011

2011-11-13T13:56:00.001-05:00

We just returned from vacation last night. It was a lot of fun, but with both kids, not quite relaxing. My mom came with us for 1/2 the trip and that helped a lot and was great! The kids had lots of fun, Jenna became a fish and would have spent every second in the pool or on the beach if we let her. Grant felt the ocean for the first time and liked walking around chasing birds and lizards.

They did so good on the travel days. We were saved by dum dum suckers. Grant and I were sticky messes but it kept him from fussing. Jenna had her first jet ski experience, on some choppy waters, she was a bit scared, we only made it about 15 minutes and Erik rode the rest of the time by himself.

These are pictures from my phone, I'll add more later:

The only family picture we got the whole trip!

My new favorite of the kids, and their outfits even coordinate!

Grant livin' the dream!

Looking for good shells

LOVE this one...Grant's first steps in the ocean

Jenna had fun drawing in the sand

My attempt at trying to keep Grant covered up. He kept taking off his hat and throwing it in the water

Aww...nice and relaxing!

Version 3.0

2011-10-27T15:57:00.002-04:00

This is the last post I'll do while in my 20s. Tomorrow (tonight at 2:51am to be precise) I will be 30 years old. It's so cliche, but I really don't know how I can be that "old" already. I don't feel like I thought I'd feel when I'm 30, but here I am, entering a new decade.

I'm lucky and blessed with Erik and the kids, and my family and friends. I'm going to embrace being 30, it's defiantly better than the alternative!

Good Report!

2011-10-12T15:57:00.001-04:00

This was the note I got on Jenna's slip from Preschool yesterday:

Jenna was OUTSTANDING during circle today! She knew every letter with sounds and words to accompany each! She named words like Charge, Quail, Victory, Queen, Quilt, etc! She knew words none of the others had any idea of! GREAT JOB JENNA! Very impressed with her today (not that I'm not everyday)!
Ms. Erica

I was such a proud Mom!

New Milestone...literally miles included

2011-10-11T08:21:00.001-04:00

Last week was a new milestone for Jenna. After worries about falling, and losing her comfort and security of the training wheels...she finally took off! It was such a great feeling to see her so proud. Honestly, she could have probably done it earlier, we just didn't take the time necessary to work with her. She took about two evenings working on it and then Wednesday (10/5/11) she did it!

Erik wasn't quite preppared for her to get so good so fast and was running up and down the street in his flip flops and then complained all night.

The look on her face was one of disbelief she was really doing it, fear, and excitement. It was great!

Look, no hands...or the "I'm tired and give up" sign from Daddy...not sure!

"Look Mom...I'm doing it!"

This is what Grant thought about it...

This is what he thought about our neighbor's Camaro...he was much more interested in that car!

He really is all BOY!

A Makeover? Sure, why not!

2011-10-04T15:11:00.004-04:00

Don't get too excited! It's not for me personally, although that is also needed, but I'm sure it would be MUCH more expensive that the makeover I'm talking about.

Don't you love my new and improved blog?!
A HUGE thanks to Ashley ! She was great to work with, fast, and well priced!

Yes, it's about time I got Grant's picture up there, he's only 15 months! What's important now is it's done and I LOVE it!

Papa's Pumpkin Patch: Then and Now

2011-09-29T21:25:00.004-04:00

This is just a sneak peek from our Pumpkin Patch trip...more to come! We had a great time with nice weather.

Take a look at the next two pictures. They are from the same Pumpkin Patch in 2008! Time's sure have changed. Look at the sweet little girl at almost 2 years old...

Dear Grant (15 months),

2011-09-19T10:25:00.001-04:00

Dear Grant,

You are 15 months old now...Still hard to believe you aren't my little baby anymore. You are a hyper, talkative, adventurous little boy. You can always be found throwing something, eating, reading, pushing something, running around, or falling down. You are a tough little guy and rarely cry when you fall. Half the time I have to bite my tongue and not gasp when you fall, since I know you'll probably be right back up on your feet.

You are the reason for so many of my smiles and I love watching you learn and grow more every day. You're babbling like crazy but have some real words in there too:
Uh-Oh
More
Shoes
Ocie (Outside)
Enna (Jenna)
Elmo
Mama
Dada
All done
Ball
NO

You have the shake your head movements down for NO and YES and the sign language for MORE.

Everyone told us you and Jenna would probably be total opposites, but so far you both have happy, bubbly, cuddly personalities. Besides the fact you are all boy and love balls, throwing things, and wrestling you also have a strong love for shoes.

Happy 15 months Grant! You are such a joy in our lives and we are so lucky to be your parents!

Love always,

Mom

Cousins

2011-08-24T09:50:00.004-04:00

Jenna and Grant are finally cousins to sweet baby Anabel Rose (Annie). Jenna is so excited to finally have and be a cousin, although a little disappointed Annie won't be living with us. We finally got to meet Annie and be there for her baptism. Jenna was in love with Annie and got to hold her, Grant...well, he was more excited about the little dogs to play with.

Jenna and Anabel! She is so tiny and sweet!

This one turned out really blurry for some reason, and you can see Grant trying to escape, but there are all three kids, cousins, grand kids on Erik's side!

Activities

2011-08-22T09:04:00.007-04:00

I've been an awful blogger lately! When the kids are older, I'll apologize for the gaps between posts on the blog and they will probably say "Whatever Mom!" But, the time will come when they have a family and they will understand the busy, chaotic, "just get through the day" kind of days.

Here are just a couple pictures of Jenna and fun things she's been doing lately. I don't have any new ones of Grant right now from my phone since he doesn't sit still for one second and most of the pictures I try to take are blurry and he's running away from me.

Jenna at the Library! She loves going there, I think she could stay there all day and read books.

Jenna took golf lessons through the City. She recently went golfing with her Dad and Grandpa. She actually has a good swing!

Jenna got a chance to drive a pontoon boat, let's just say it's a good thing she's not old enough to drive yet!

She's giving her fake smile in these pictures, but the thing that stands out the most to me is how old she looks. She's tall and long, and has conversations like:

"Mom, ya know that Justin Bieber song, Baby, Baby, Oh Baby...that's a remarkable song!"

Like always, I'll tell myself I will be a better blogger, but then kids, work, grad classes, to do's, and a little thing called sleep get in the way!

I LOVE These Two...

2011-07-27T20:28:00.006-04:00

Grant is on the go ALL THE TIME! He also LOVES to eat. His teacher said he was shaking the other day because he couldn't get his chicken tortellini in fast enough.

Jenna's rock star look! She said, "I look like an all-star, super-star, rock-star!" I told her that was quite a name and she said, "Well, it doesn't matter!" Okay then...

She is such a sweet little girl, yes...she has an attitude now and then, but I love her to pieces!

Look at those eyes...if only you could see his curls in the back too!

Grant loves his "sissy" so much! Especially when she has food to share with him!

My babies! I love you two SO much!

Lucky!

2011-07-11T08:53:00.003-04:00

When I look at this family picture courtesy of MP Photography I think one word...LUCKY! I have a great husband, two beautiful healthy kids, and they make me laugh everyday!

Grant's 1 year stats

2011-07-05T21:07:00.003-04:00

Grant had his one year doctor appointment last week.

Weight: 21.5 pounds - 35th percentile
Height: 30 inches - 50th percentile

Everything looks good, he's walking everywhere, clapping, playing, grabbing, eating, drinking, all like he should be.

He really is getting big, and it kinda makes me sad. I'm so proud of him, but he's also my last baby. Next week he will be leaving the infant room at daycare and moving on up to the wobbler room! Crazy how fast time goes!

Happy First Birthday Grant!!!

2011-06-23T19:48:00.005-04:00

Happy 1st Birthday Grant! We all had so much fun at your party! It was a hot day, but we had a tent with tables and chairs underneath. You're lucky to have so many friends and family who stopped by or called you! I can't believe you're one, you're such a big boy. You're taking more and more steps everyday and we enjoy you more and more everyday too! Love you buggy!

Grant got lots of presents, now we just have to find places for everything!

He was not too excited about having to wait to dig into the cake until we got done signing Happy Birthday!

Cute Monkey cake, Grant LOVED it!

Yummy cupcakes

Wonderful Monkey cookies! Yum!

And...his first time eating cake was a success! He dug right in!

Yummy! This is good stuff!

What?! I'm not THAT messy!

This cake is making me thirsty!

Family photo, we're all kinda smiling, I'd call that a success!

Jenna-isms

2011-06-01T08:37:00.002-04:00

And now for your reading enjoyment, more funny things said by a smart, cute, attitudey four-year old who is a bit of a drama queen:

"This is a special day in my life ya know?!" - Jenna said this was said after we went to dinner with friends and their daughter.

"I mean, who in their right mind would give me underwear that are too small?!" - who in their right mind is a new common phrase in our house now.

"It's not Grant's fault, it's just who he is." - Jenna said this after Grant was dropping food all over the floor at a restaurant. I'm glad she's so accepting.

2011-05-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Grant,

You are 11 months! One month until you officially become a "toddler." I can't express myself with words as well as many other mom's can, but plain and simple, I am sad. Just writing those first two sentences brings tears to my eyes. My baby, my last baby is getting so big. I can't believe you're going to be one next month. The last 11 months have had some long days, full of crying, spitting up, and not sleeping. But the good outweighs the bad. It's also been full of cuddling, laughing, smiling, playing, loving, hugs and kisses. You are so much a part of our family, it's hard to even remember when we didn't have you and when Jenna didn't have her biggest fan following her around.

I just ordered some party supplies for your 1st birthday party, and again I got misty eyed (it could also have been from the high cost of "1st birthday mod monkey" themed party supplies). You bring so much joy to our lives, and your Daddy just commented the other day how before you were born he was nervous about being able to love another child as much as he loves Jenna, but no worries! It's possible!

You're an adventurous little guy who likes to roam around getting into things, make weird noises (remind me to tell you about your "demon boy" noise when you're 15), push toys around, follow your sister, and still, put everything in your mouth.

We've just started the spatula trick to keep the pantry doors closed since you're obsessed with what's inside. You're intrigued by the bathrooms and love it when sissy doesn't put down the toilet lid. That water is fun(yuck!)! You love being outside and swinging or being in the stroller. You love splashing in water, I think it's going to be a fun summer.

You have four teeth and love to eat. You're getting better with the sippy cup and I'm looking forward to being done with formula soon. You're wearing a few 9 month things still, but mostly in 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.

You still love your sister so much, we love watching the two of you together. I know at some point you'll fight like crazy, but right now you both are each other's favorite people. She loves you so much and is so protective of you and proud of you whenever you do something new.

I love you buggy! You'll forever be my little baby!

Love always,

Your Mommy

Nom Nom Nom...

2011-05-17T10:58:00.002-04:00

I LOVE spaghetti...basically I love eating!

Garlic bread is good too!

I'm always a huge mess after I eat!

My mom thinks I'm funny!

Yum!!

Let's see if I can grab this camera!

Wash and Dry Cycle

2011-05-02T20:47:00.008-04:00

Grant is exploring everything. One of his favorite places is the laundry room. He tries to pull clothes out of the dryer and climb in. Obviously he can't climb in there himself...yet, but he enjoyed his time in there.

Nice and warm in here!

Hi!

I'm caught...trying to eat the dryer...like I try to eat anything and everything!

Peek-a-boo!

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T21:19:00.008-04:00

Easter has come and gone, and left us with too much chocolate, a sick baby, and a few cute pictures.

Jenna and "GG" decorating a few cookies, Jenna's sprinkles were about an inch thick on each cookie.

We remembered to take a family picture!

The poor bunny no longer has a head, and only half a foot.

She found her basket...behind the chair, behind the curtain.

Grant wasn't too sure what was going on...

Jenna loved decorating eggs

It's quite the process!

Look a-likes...

2011-04-12T20:57:00.003-04:00

Look how similar my babies look... I didn't think Grant looked like Jenna until I looked at both of them in pictures.

Grant - 9 months

Jenna - 9 months

Grant - 9 months

Jenna - 9 months

A Taste of Summer

2011-04-11T20:32:00.003-04:00

On Sunday it hit 80 degrees! This is not normal for early April, but after a LONG Winter we welcomed it with open arms. We spent almost the whole day outside with friends and neighbors. Jenna got a new "big girl" bike and Grant spent more time outside that day than he has his whole life! He enjoyed the fresh air and watching the kids play.

Grant having fun in his stroller.

He keeps his hat on about 50% of the time!

Jenna and her new princess bike, with baby Kate in the baby seat.

This was before the big wipeout...

Grant's first time in his swing and he fell asleep within five minutes.

I can see where I'll be all Summer!

Parent/Teacher Conference

2011-04-06T14:24:00.007-04:00

We recently experienced a “parent first”. We attended a parent/teacher conference for Jenna. Before the conference we received a checklist with comments to review beforehand. Some of these comments included:

“She will always ask other children to play with her or include them in her activity.”

“Always shows how proud of herself she is.”

“Jenna does great with situations such as crossing busy roads and having surprise fire alarms. She stays focused and does exactly what she should do.”

“Very caring and loving towards others. She notices others emotions.”

“Loves to help others.” “Love to sing! Does chanting during clean up and singing during group.”

“Loves to ask questions and tells great stories.”

Could I be any more proud? I didn’t think so, until the face to face part of the conference. Erik and I met with Ms. Kelli and Ms. Erica and on the table they had all sorts of drawings, writing and projects that Jenna had done. They showed us her progress, went over the checklist. Explained how she is advanced and really excels in a lot of areas. They confirmed to us that her sometimes backwards letters are totally normal for this age. They both expressed how much they enjoy Jenna and how big her heart it.

Here is the part that got me…they said, as sad as it is, there are already kids in preschool who are getting singled out and made fun of and bullied. They said Jenna is one of the only kids who will stick up for them, and play with those kids. They said she has the personality where she sticks up for herself and others, she is sensitive and emotional, and looks out for the kids who may be getting picked on. I got tears in my eyes. At that moment I was swelling with pride for my daughter! She has more kindness and compassion at four years old than some adults do. Her teachers said how everyone likes Jenna and she is often times the life of “the party” and cracking other kids and teachers up. The immense feeling of pride I felt in that moment will stay with me forever, and I hope those qualities stay with Jenna forever.

Dear Grant - 9 months

2011-03-31T20:53:00.009-04:00

Dear Grant,

Your nine month birthday has come and gone and I'm just now getting to this post. Life is busy busy busy! With your Dad and I both working busy jobs, you and Jenna, trying to get some things done at the house, or at least a load of laundry here and there, blog posts seem to take a back seat. I have a never ending to do list in my head and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. But I wouldn't have it any other way!

Anyway, we are enjoying you and this age a lot (most of the time). You're crawling everywhere and really like the bathroom and the front door window. The proof is in the fingerprints and drool marks all over it. You're overall a really happy baby and your cute smile can make me feel better at any time. Your putting together sounds and saying Mama, Dada, Baba, and more. Your sister is convinced you can talk now and is SO proud of you.

Teething and runny noses are part of our everyday life, and scrapes and bruises are proof of your new found independence. Everything goes in your mouth, food or not. You have discovered that life goes on after you go to bed and have been resisting bedtime lately. I can't imagine how you do this since you literally don't nap for more than 45 minutes TOTAL all day long.

Stats:
20 pounds
28 1/8 inches tall

We're so proud of you when we take you out and about. You're so good and enjoy sitting in the cart or a highchair. You're a little flirt with the ladies already with your cute smile.

I can't believe you're so close to turning one! Time truly goes so fast, no matter how slow a day may go at times. You complete our family Grant! We love you!

Love always,

Mommy

Did you know?

2011-03-25T09:01:00.003-04:00

Jenna: Did you know that a duck is also called a gosling?

Jenna: Did you know that a snake can bite you and swallow you whole?

Jenna: Did you know that a dolphin can live up to 50 years?

Jenna: Do you know sign language? I know these letters...(shows me signs for some letters)

Jenna: Did you know I wish I was an octopus so I would have 8 hands and could do everything at once?

Me: I wish that too!

Me: Wow, Jenna, I did not know all those things...where did you learn all that stuff?

Jenna: At School. I'm really smart.

Just another day in our household!

Great Wolf Lodge Getaway

2011-03-15T20:54:00.006-04:00

We decided to do an overnight trip to Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark. Jenna has only been asking to go for months...every single weekend...every time we ask her what she wants to do. She was so excited when we told her where we were headed.

We were a little nervous with how Grant would do, but he did great! He's such a little trooper. He enjoyed the water and all the noise and people to watch.

Jenna with her Wolf Ears and her magic wand.

Out of all my attempts, the ONLY good picture of Jenna and Grant together.

Don't ask me what this pose is...

This water thing is fun!

This is apparently her supermodel walk

I brought my camera and managed to get a few cute pictures. I wanted to take more and also hoped to get a family picture, but that didn't happen.

While it was a fun trip there was not one moment of relaxing for me and Erik, couple that with a bad nights sleep and we were so excited to be home sleeping in our bed the next night.

Splish Splash

2011-03-11T19:51:00.002-05:00

This is fun...

I bet I can eat my way out of here.

Going for round two. This sink feels good on my gums.

Hey Mom!

I love making a mess!

I'll try to climb out.

Yep, I'm strong!

Yum!

What?! I'm trying to relax.

Bye!

So Proud

2011-03-04T20:28:00.002-05:00

Let me preface this by saying, no my daughter is not perfect. Yes we are dealing with attitude, lying, teasing, and all the other stuff that's normal for a four year old. But...Jenna is compassionate, sensitive, caring, and thoughtful too. I'm so proud to call her my daughter.

The other day when I picked her up from preschool her teacher, who Jenna adores, Miss Erica, pulled me aside. Oh man, I thought...what did she say or do today?! Erica preceded to tell me that earlier in the day she was trying to get the attention of all the preschoolers. While they are usually pretty good at responding to her, that particular day they were rowdy, noisy, and not responding to the typical things Erica tries.

Erica is sensitive and started to get upset. She said she noticed Jenna watching her, and then Jenna stood up and said:

"Friends! Miss Erica is sad. We're hurting her feelings. We need to listen or she will be sad and might not come back!"

So, my sweet Jenna got control of the preschool and helped her teacher. Erica said her eyes filled with even more tears after Jenna said that. She was so touched that Jenna would stand up for her.

I was a proud Mom when she told me that story! Here is a pic of Jenna being a baby doctor, which is what she wants to be when she grows up...as of today at least.

Best Buddies

2011-02-23T06:45:00.003-05:00

Best Buddies! We had so many worries when we were pregnant with Grant how Jenna would do. Would she be jealous, would she revert to acting like "a baby", would she get upset and act out...

I know in the years to come they will fight like cats and dogs...but for now let me enjoy their friendship.

She loves him so much, he's the first person she asks about when she wakes up, she misses him at school (he's literally 20 feet away from her in the baby room), she is always playing with him and cuddling him. She often asks to make sure that he is going to live with us forever!

Grant loves Jenna just as much. He's constantly watching her and she can always get him to laugh and smile. He already looks up to her. She reads him books and he just sits and listens.

My two little cuties! I love them so much, we are so lucky.

Dear Grant, 8 months

2011-02-21T09:05:00.003-05:00

Dear Grant,

8 months! You are getting to be such a big boy! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. You are such a happy baby and love showing off your cute smile with those two little teeth! Although, seeing these pictures I don't think you like to smile for the camera. You're too busy looking at me like I'm crazy or trying to reach the camera to put it in your mouth.

Everything goes in your mouth these days. EVERYTHING. You love eating food and are now also eating puffs and the baby rice cakes in addition to fruits and veggies. We've even put a few of our meals in the food processor for you to try. You seem to like whatever you can get in your mouth.

size 3 pampers diapers

9 month clothes

2 bottom teeth

almost crawling - scoots and rocks, but not quite there

LOVES peek-a-boo

Still doesn't like the car

Talks all the time...sounds that are just like DaDa...no M sounds, looks like the word Momma is a ways off

LOVES big sister Jenna!

Usually sleeping through the night

Our lives are busy and hectic, but we wouldn't change a thing, who cares if sometimes we don't eat dinner until 8pm. You and Jenna make our life so enjoyable and fun! We're lucky parents!

You weren't sure about your first time out playing in the snow. Of course, I'm sure it didn't help that you were so bundled up you couldn't move.

Grant - we love cuddling with you! Especially when you're sleepy and will snuggle right in. You always sleep for the longest times on Daddy. It's a good excuse for us to sit down and relax while we cuddle with you. You're getting so big so fast, we really try to take advantage of that time.

We love you buggy! Happy 8 months!

Love always and forever,

Mommy

Out of the Mouths of Babes...

2011-01-29T21:55:00.002-05:00

Jenna, Jenna, Jenna...
You are too funny! I could write a book, but I don't have the talent, time, or willpower to do that, so this blog will have to do. Enjoy! I swear, I can't make this stuff up!

(last night while I was giving Jenna a bath)

Jenna: Mom, I see lines on your forehead.

Me: (I said nothing, I was trying to ignore her and move on, UGH)

Jenna: Mom, I see lines, why are they there?

Me: They are wrinkles, thanks for your honesty.

(Erik was driving the kids home from daycare)

Jenna: Dad, you're a good driver.

Erik: Thanks honey.

Jenna: Dad, can you get me driving lessons?

Erik: When do you want to do that?

Jenna: Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday would work best for me.

(Today she was talking on her pretend cell phone, which kept ringing)

ring ring

Jenna: Oh, it's my boss again.

Erik: What does your boss want?

Jenna: He's calling me about a meeting next week.

Jenna to phone: Why are you calling me, it's a stay at home day! Bye!

The next time her phone rang...

ring ring

Me: Who is it?

Jenna: Who's calling me? UGH - it's my boyfriend again!

Jenna to phone: Hello...why do you keep calling me?...Oh, because you're my boyfriend?!...Well, if you're my boyfriend I'm gonna smack you in the nose!...Oh, that's not nice?...Well, whatever, bye!

Dear Grant (7 Months),

2011-01-21T08:11:00.006-05:00

Dear Grant,

You are now seven months old. Closer to your one year birthday than to your actual birth day. Since you're our last baby I try to enjoy every moment with you, but time still goes way too fast and you're still getting too big. I saw a picture of a newborn the other day and already felt like that baby was so tiny and you're so big, it was just months ago that was you. You're growing...at your 6 month appointment you were 17 pounds 5 ounces and 26 3/4 inches long. You're just a bit bigger than Jenna was at that age. You seem much more solid and chunky than she was, Daddy hopes it's because you are going to be a football player! You're so cuddly and cute with the softest skin and hair. I love when you fall asleep on me and we can just snuggle.

This picture cracks me up. Notice the soaking wet shirt full of spit up and drool, and the two different socks...Typical day in our house.

Just yesterday your first tooth poked through. You can't see it very well yet, but can defiantly feel it. You love eating food and show interest in big people food. Your sister, who loves you more than anything, teases you about her snacks. "Grant - you can't have this poptart...only big kids can. Maybe when you get some teeth." You are so loved by Jenna, she is very protective of you and would do anything for you.

You're not too excited about this birthday hat!

You're sleeping through the night, laughing, sitting and playing on your own, trying to crawl and climb, and you love noisy toys. You like books, especially when Jenna reads them to you. You really like to pull my hair and you're very strong. You love bath time and splashing and kicking your legs.

My sweetie...does it get any cuter than this?!

I love you so much and you complete our family. In the words of Taylor Swift's song...

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger

and it's so quiet in the world tonight.

Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming

so I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light.

To you every thing's funny, you got nothing to regret.

I'd give all I have, honey, if you could stay like that.

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up.

Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little.

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up

don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple.

I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart

And no one will desert you,

Just try to never grow up.

Love always and forever,

Your Mom

True Life

2011-01-10T08:39:00.004-05:00

Monday Morning...good to see you!

No, I'm not being sarcastic.

It's true, I feel like world's worst Mom, but I'm glad it's Monday. Having kids is the best thing ever, but also, truly the hardest!

Grant is teething and has a cold, and yesterday evening was one of the worst with him. Finally Motrin and teething gel calmed him down, and thank God, he slept all night.

I love him more than anything, but if you stop by my house you will see us in old lounge clothes with not just burp clothes, but BIG receiving blankets draped over us at all angles. Grant spits up...no I don't mean a little spit up now and then. This is crazy spit up. When he was a newborn, I was actually hoping he had Pyloric Stenosis and would need surgery just so it might get better. Then I hoped by 6 months it would be a lot better, then by the time he was sitting up, then when he was eating some solids. Well, all of those mile markers have came and went and it's not better.

I fear going anywhere with him because he will soak me or wherever we are. I fear anyone else holding him, I warn them, and they say it's fine, but they honestly have no idea of the magnitude of his spitting up. Even his big sister, who loves him more than anything, will tell him she's "frustrated" with him spitting up. It's bad if he eats 2 ounces, or six. It's bad if he just ate or ate three hours ago. It wakes him up. The poor ladies at daycare, they are sweet and say it's not a big deal, but it has to be. They walk around with a spray bottle of cleaner to clean up the floor, toys, wherever it lands. When he started at daycare I brought a bunch of burp clothes, and they said so innocently, "Oh, we provide burp clothes, 2 per child." Bless their hearts! I told them that was no where near enough.

Luckily, he's not in pain and it doesn't' seem to bother him much. Let me tell you, it bothers us and our water and electric bill from all of our laundry we have to do. It also bothers our carpet, couches, and clothes. Oh and even better, now it can be colored spit up! Isn't that great?! Maybe orange sweet potato flavored, or green beans...it's nice!

Yes, we've tried different formula, different bottles, rice cereal in his bottles, 3 different types of medicine, different feeding schedules...it's not getting better. His pediatrician is FINALLY referring us to a specialist. I think she thought it would be getting better by now. IT'S NOT! Every time we have a doctor appt. for Grant I pray he will spit up like crazy in front of her so she can see how much I'm NOT exaggerating. Isn't that awful? Last week he did it for the nurse, which is better than nothing. She's always said "some babies are just spitter uppers, he's growing well and doesn't seem in pain. He'll grow out of it." I guarantee if she came to our house for one day, she's be thinking differently.

I dream of the day I can hold my baby without being covered in burp clothes, without having to change my shirt or pants because they become a victim too. I dream of the day I can lift him up over my head and play with him, without getting a face mask of spit up.

Wow...my dreams sure have changed over the last 4 years.

Planning her escape

2011-01-07T08:29:00.003-05:00

Jenna seems to be already planning her escape along with practicing her attitude. I LOVE this age, she is so funny and the things she comes up with really amaze me.
This is a recent conversation:

Jenna - If you don't let me eat dino nuggets for dinner I will NEVER EVER live here again!

Me - Fine, where are you going to go?

Jenna - I'm going to go to California.

Me -Good luck with that. Go ahead and go...

Jenna - But Mom, I'm not REALLY gonna go to California, I was just kidding. Can you drive me to India?

Mom - No, we can't drive to India honey.

Jenna - But I promise I'll be good in the car!

I love that kid!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-02T20:52:00.002-05:00

Welcome 2011! I'm claiming this year as my year! I turn 30 in October of this year and I'm determined to look cute, be fit, and happy!

New Years Eve was low key spent with some friends and their little boy. The kids wanted to stay up so bad for New Years...and they DID! We couldn't believe it. We were prepared to do a pretend countdown, but they were troopers! We said Happy New Year,had a toast of champagne and sparkling grape juice, and Jenna promptly announced, "Ok, it's time for bed!"

Sorry these pictures are so small, they are from my phone.

Jenna and Bailey in their celebration gear

Jenna at about 10:30 pm, still going strong!

Erik and Jenna as the countdown on the TV was down to one...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Jenna's birthday and Christmas!

2011-01-01T20:25:00.004-05:00

Jenna turned four on December 19! She is getting so big. We celebrated her birthday from December 11 - 24, I think she was a bit confused, but of course, not complaining!

Christmas was also great, visiting with all the families, and the kids got beyond spoiled. Jenna LOVED opening presents and decided that "Grant wouldn't mind" if she opened his for him too!

Grandpa S. reading Jenna one of her new books. She is a book worm!

Celebrating her 4th birthday with Grandma S., I don't know who was more excited!

A Tinkerbell birthday cake!

I'm FOUR years old!! YAY!!

Aunt Kristyn and Jenna coloring a Tinkerbell T-shirt...fun!!

Jenna and me...with one of her classic goofy faces.

Grandpa GG (81), Kristyn (29), and Jenna (4)! Celebrating three birthday's at once! There was a lot of singing and candles that day! What a great tradition!

Jenna LOVES her Tinkerbell couch from Aunt Kourtney and Uncle Tim! Looks cozy!

Grandma GG and Grant!

Erik and his Mini Me...Grant!

Santa came!!! We had to go check when Jenna got up at 6:30, she was upset she didn't hear jingle bells and thought Santa didn't come. Thankfully he did come, and brought lots of presents, including that great doll house!

Another year down!

Dear Grant,

2010-12-27T21:46:00.004-05:00

Dear Grant,
First, I'm sorry...you are over six months already and I'm SO behind. So, a little catch up, at your three month doctor appointment you were 14.2 pounds and 24 3/4 inches long. Your six month appointment is next week, so I promise to post the new updates.

You're getting to be such a big boy. You're so happy and love to laugh, smile, do raspberries with your mouth, and watch your big sister. Your downfalls are naps and spitting up. I really hope the spitting up gets better soon, my couch, clothes, and carpet can't take much more.

You're almost sitting on your own, everything goes into your mouth, and you're now eating fruits and veggies. You love eating and show an interest in anything we're eating or drinking too. In fact, I can't hold you and try to drink coffee or diet coke anymore, you grab for it, and you're strong!

I love cuddling with you and remind myself everyday that you're my last little baby, and you're getting so big so fast. You look just like your dad and everywhere we go people say that.

Even though life is harder now with two kids, we wouldn't change it for the world!

Dear Jenna,

2010-12-27T21:03:00.002-05:00

Dear Jenna,

You are now 4 years old! I cannot believe it, I often find myself looking at you in awe that you're my daughter. You're so smart, beautiful, funny, dramatic, creative, outgoing, and so much more. I'm so proud of you and the little person you are becoming. You make me laugh on a daily basis and say the funniest things. The things you come up with are so beyond your years at times.

You are the best big sister Grant could ever ask for. You love him so much, you are his protector, and biggest cheerleader. This is all true, unless he's spitting up on you, which he still does VERY often, then you say, "Grant, I am so frustrated by your spitting up all the time!"

I'm trying to bottle up all the love and cuddles you give your Dad and me. You're so emotional and loving. In fact, for your birthday wish you told us you wished that you family could stay together forever! How sweet honey!

You had your four year doctor appointment and are still in the 90th percentile for height and weight. It's only a matter of time before you will be taller than me. Your weight is 40.5 pounds, and your height is 41.5 inches.

In the past few months you've grown up so much! Here are some pictures of what you've been up to.

A flower girl in Uncle Brent and Aunt Christie's wedding!

You were so excited to wear your wedding dress and get your hair done.

You and the bride. You thought she was a princess and when they were married you asked if Uncle Brent was going to turn into a handsome prince.

Getting ready!

Halloween - my little Cinderella!

You and Grant at school before the Halloween parade. Grant was not loving his costume at all.

You, Bella, and Logan. There were a lot of princesses that day!

Our pumpkins, you had lots of fun carving and eating the seeds.

Your birthday party with your friends at Tumble Time.

Just a little dramatic while everyone was singing Happy Birthday!

Wow, it's been a while...

2010-12-27T10:15:00.002-05:00

Time flies when you're having fun...or at least when you're really busy! I've had a nagging thought in the back of my mind for months now...I MUST update my blog. Not only to keep friends and family in the know of what's going on with the kids, but this also houses my documentation of stories, pictures, changes, and more, of the kids.

Every night we get the kids down, wash bottles, prep for the next morning, and then finally get a breather, which sometimes includes eating dinner at 8:00pm. At 9:00 the thoughts start going through my head, I should work out, I should blog, I should clean, do laundry, pay bills, etc... All I want to do is sit down, relax, and breath for a minute before crashing in bed.

I will do individual kid posts soon, complete with pictures. We are all doing well busy, had a great Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (yes, it's been that long since I've wrote). I'm getting ready to start grad classes again in January, so add one more thing to the list, and as of right now we're all healthy (knocking on wood.)

Stay tuned...

Dear Grant and Jenna,

2010-10-05T16:30:00.004-04:00

Dear Grant and Jenna,

This is just a quick letter to let you know I do realize I owe you both letters, updates, and pictures on the blog. But, the truth is, I can't keep up with my life! I try to tell myself not to worry about my never ending to do list and to enjoy every moment I have with the two of you. I know I will get adjusted and things will get easier, but for now, I can't do it all.

My organization obsession is only lending me more stress right now. I have multiple lists on my memo pad on my phone. Long term to do's, regular to do's, to buy list, groceries, etc. Each night we get home from work and are busy nonstop. We make and feed bottles, make dinner, eat dinner, give you both baths, try to pick up in the inbetweens, play time, getting ready for bed, read books, put you to bed. Then we clean up, wash and prepare bottles for the next day, maybe finish laundry or go through paperwork for daycare, maybe sit on the couch for a few minutes of tv, then go to bed to do it all over again. I know this is nothing special, and every parent goes through it, but I still feel the need to explain it to you. The math just doesn't add up, going from one kid to two is more than double the work... What in the world did I do before I had two kids when I thought I was busy?!

With all that said, I love you both more than anything! I try to play with you, remember these times and enjoy the moments when we are all together. My ultra organized self may have to take a back seat to crumbs and dirty burp clothes on the floor, screaming filled car rides, birthday cards getting sent late or not at all, and a crazy life where I'm never able to catch up.

But, I wouldn't change a thing. In the words of Jenna, after realizing she and Grant both slept all night long the other night, "We sure are great kids."

Yes honey, you sure are!

Jenna's Cheer

2010-09-21T12:22:00.001-04:00

Enjoy! This is her new cheer!

THE SHOES

2010-09-20T09:21:00.002-04:00

These are the shoes that my fashion forward Jenna HAD. TO. HAVE.

Jenna: Mom, I want Skechers like Meghan and Olivia!

Me: We will see, you do need new shoes.

Jenna: Can we get them tonight?

Me: We'll see...

Jenna: (in her most dramatic whine) Meghan....Where did you get your Skechers???

We found the Twinkle Toe's Skechers at Kohls and Jenna was so excited. How does she even know the brand name? I am in big trouble if she's requesting brand names at 3 years old.

I'm sleeping...just kidding, I'm awake!

2010-09-02T09:36:00.003-04:00

Getting ready to leave for his firsy day at daycare!

Well, yesterday I started back to work part time. I will do two weeks of part time (only two days a week) and then start full time on September 13.

I will elaborate more in a different post, but Grant is just not a sleeper. We were spoiled with Jenna, who was practically sleeping through the night by the time I went back to work.

So, yesterday was his first day in the infant room at daycare. I tried to warn the teachers, without scaring them, that Grant isnt' a big sleeper, he spits up a ton, and is fussy. I bet they were excited right?! They said, "Don't worry, he'll be fine." I said back, "I'm not worried about him, I'm worried about you!"

So, I called a couple times during the day and they would find something positive to say to me, like, "He's eating good." They even texted me a picture of him, which was so appreciated. When I got there to pick him up this is what his sheet says about his sleep times:

9:10 - 9:15

10:25 - 10:35

11:00 - 11:10

12:55 - 1:15

1:40 - 1:50

I just started laughing, he had to be EXHAUSTED and overstimulated. Less than an hour of sleep the WHOLE day! The kid does not sleep good at all unless he is held, and they just can't hold him all day. They also have to follow all the State rules, so no tummy sleeping, no blankets, not even a sleep positioner. So, I fear it will take quite a long time for Grant to sleep better at daycare and at home.

Dear Grant - 2 months

2010-08-26T15:45:00.000-04:00

Dear Grant,

You are now two months old. Overall it's gone really fast, but there have been times and days where it's gone quite slow.

You are growing like a week and getting cuter every day. Your eyes are still blue and you still have your hair. I wonder what the next few months will bring? You are smiling at times now, but you make us work for it still. I can't wait to hear your little laugh.

Your sister still loves you so much. She is so great with you and you like to look at her when she talks to you. You're the one she misses and always wants to say goodbye to when she leaves for preschool.

While your Dad and I love you so much, you are a difficult baby. We are pretty sure you have colic and refulx and look forward to the next month or two when those issues tend to get better. You spit-up like I've never seen. I'm hopeful since I've heard that many fussy colicy newborns turn into very happy babies!

There are lots of changes we see in you since you've been born. You like to watch things now, TV, toys that make noise, you also spend time just looking at us, which I love. I love just cuddling with you with your head nestled into my neck. I want to remember that feeling forever.

Your Stats:

11 lbs. 13 oz.

22 inches

Size 1-2 Pampers Swaddlers

Size 0-3 and 3 month clothes

Date of first smile - 08/09/10 - a great day to remember!

We love you always and forever!

Your Mom

A Summer of "Firsts"

2010-08-24T13:48:00.004-04:00

When Jenna is not busy being a great big sister she is doing a lot of "firsts". Here are just a few examples.

Her 1st time feeding a baby!

Her first time golfing! She and Daddy had a great time!

Her first time splashing in a huge rain puddle!

Luckily it was bath night!

Her first day of Preschool! My big girl!

Jenna, we love you so much! I can't believe you are 3.5 and started preschool. Of course you love it and put excitement and life into everything you do!

Good Thing He's Cute!

2010-08-17T12:57:00.003-04:00

It's a good thing Grant is so cute! The poor guy has been dealing with some stomach discomfort and a lot of spitting up! I feel so bad for him but at the same time it's so frustrating for me too. These issues can lead to lots and lots of crying, fussiness, and both of us having to change shirts a lot. We are working on different formulas and meds, hopefully we will see a change soon.

Dear Grant

2010-07-29T14:46:00.005-04:00

Dear Grant,

Wow, I'm already getting behind. You are almost six weeks old and I'm just now doing your one month post. These first few weeks have been great with you. Although we've had some long nights and evenings and some adjusting to us being a family of four. But I couldn't be happier and I truly feel content and complete with our family of four.

Jenna loves you so much, she is so good with you. She's been a great helper and just an amazing big sister. Yesterday in the car you were screaming and Jenna asked me how she could calm you down. When you kept crying she finally sighed and said, "This is TERRIBLE!" It was so funny.

You are much more alert now and make the cutest big eyed faces when you are looking around or when we make funny noises. You usually like car rides, sometimes like stroller rides, and always like to be held. You're doing pretty good at night, with stretches of sleep anywhere from 3 - 6 hours, we prefer the six hour stretches in case you were wondering.

You are chugging your bottles, sometimes we joke (hopefully) that you have a tape worm, you're eating more than the doctor said most babies your age eat. We just assume you are growing!

STATS

At your one month appt. you weighed 9 lbs. 3 oz. and were 21.5 inches long.
You are now wearing size 1 pampers diapers.
You are eating anywhere from 4-6 oz. at a time.

You are a joy and we are so happy to welcome you to our family!

Love always,

Your Mommy

"Someday"

2010-07-27T16:41:00.002-04:00

"Someday, he'll be a big-time movie star or a fifth-grade English teacher.

Someday, he'll marry, have a few kids. Maybe he won't.

Someday, he'll change the world as we know it.

Or maybe he'll travel, send postcards from China, phone you from Paris.

Someday, he's going to be a big, strong man able to carry you in his arms.

One day, he'll have his own hopes and dreams, not knowing that once upon a quiet time, you closed your eyes and made a wish to one day have him in your life."

*a poem on a card we received when Grant was born

CUTE PICTURES

2010-07-16T13:56:00.004-04:00

I'm going to share some proofs from the photo session we just had. I think they are great. I may be biased, but my kids are pretty cute! Now how will I ever decide which ones to order??? Here are a few from the day.

My Birth Story

2010-07-13T09:44:00.005-04:00

I wanted to get this down in writing before I start to forget some of the details and pain!

We went in on Saturday, June 19 at about 8:30 am. We went in for a scheduled induction due to low amniotic fluid. By the time we got all the paperwork and questions answered, and got hooked up to the monitors, got the IV in (My hand and then arm weren't cooperating for that), it was about 10:15 am before they actually started the pitocin. At that point I was about 60% effaced and 1.5-2 centimeters dilated.

It was a slow start, the Dr. didn't want to break my water right away due to the low fluid, we didn't want to cause any stress to the baby. So, from about 10:30 to 3:00 it was fairly slow. Not a ton of change and progress. I was having regular contractions about 2-3 minutes apart but they were fairly easy to get through, just uncomfortable. They kept increasing my pitocin every half an hour.

At 3:30 to doctor came in to break my water, I was about 3-4 cm at this time. I also ended up getting my epidural at this time. I was in pain, and the anesthesiologist was already there for another lady so I didn't want him to have to be called back in. I'm not sure what happened, but the epidural didn't quite work right. We didn't' know this right away at the time though. It did make my whole left leg really numb and not as much my belly or the pain. The pain was still bearable so I didn't let it bother me, but I knew right away it felt different than I felt going through this with Jenna.

The meds in the epidural caused my blood pressure to go really really low. The nurses were worried and they had the cuff checking my blood pressure every 5 minutes. They said if I were to get out of bed I would most likely just pass out. It was low, like 79/39 low. It wasn't getting better despite trying different positions, pumping a TON of fluid into me, and giving me meds to raise it. Luckily the baby was looking great through all of this and didn't react to my body being stressed.

So, eventually my blood pressure started going up and my pain was going up. I called the nurse in and told her I was feeling way more pain than I knew I should be feeling with the epidural. She checked me and I was 6 cm. She said she thought I would go really fast now and since the meds made my blood pressure so low they couldn't do more or change anything, so pretty much, deal with it. I literally had tears running down my face, and I felt like I was never going to get to 10!

The nurse called the doctor and told her it would be soon and started to get my room ready for delivery. The doctor came in and was prepping to deliver the lady in the room next to us. Of course, two of us start going into active labor at the same time. I was in so much pain and felt so bad that it actually made me throw up. I gave Erik just enough notice to throw a pan under my mouth. The nurse was happy saying it was a good sign of transition into pushing.

Meanwhile, Erik was trying to do anything he could to help, which wasn't much. He got me ice chips, chapstick, and letting me break his hand while I held it during contractions. At this point the nurse was right, things were going fast (thank God) and I was at an 8 and the baby was really low. I was crying, couldn't talk, felt like I was going to pass out from the pain. I KNOW I was not supposed to be feeling like this but it was too late to do anything now. It was the point of no return. Erik said it was the first time he heard me say that I couldn't do something. How dumb, I remember saying, "I can't do this." Yeah, like I had a choice!

The nurse came in and said, "You're at a 10, you're complete." She tried to get the doctor in and the doctor was still delivering the other lady's baby. The nurse then said to us, "don't worry, I've delivered babies before." This made me cry even more, our doctor is our friend and I really wanted her to deliver this baby. The nurse said the baby was right there and at that moment the doctor came running in, got ready and told me to push. I was in so much pain and felt like I couldn't do it, and she told me what I needed to hear. She said he was so low and so right there that she thought I could do it in one good push. She was right, I did!!!! Grant came out after one long push. It hurt so bad and the pressure in unbelievable, it's also the weirdest feeling, a baby coming out of you. I didn't feel all that with Jenna due to the epidural, I felt pain with her but NOTHING like this.

I remember Erik and the doctor yelling at me to open my eyes and then Grant was laying on my chest! I was so relieved he was okay and he was out of me! It's the most pain I've ever been in but he was worth it!

After he came out, I'll spare you the details, but we had the same problems that we did with Jenna with my placenta. So, after that ordeal was over, all was good!

I started pitocin at 10:15 am
They broke my water at 3:30 pm (this is when they technically say labor starts)
Grant was born at 10:21 pm.

It truly is an unbelievable experience and looking back at it now, I'm kinda glad I felt the pain, it makes me feel so strong and amazed at what our bodies can do. Okay, now I'm getting all teary eyed. I want to remember this feeling since it's most likely our last baby.

I know forever have the memories and experience of laboring and birthing my two kids. I have the flabby belly and stretch marks to prove it and I couldn't be happier with my family!

Introducing Baby Boy...

2010-07-06T10:51:00.004-04:00

Introducing Baby Boy Grant Byron! Grant was born on Saturday, June 19, at 10:21 pm. He weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz. and was 18.5 inches long. My labor was much worse than with Jenna but luckily he is so cute and cuddly, I got over it once he came out in one push!

Before we left for the hospital, our last picture as a family of three!

Baby Grant!

So cute and cuddly!

A proud big sister and her little baby brother! I am SO lucky and blessed.

Stay tuned for more stories and pictures to come! It's a little busy around here lately with not too much sleep happening.

Apparently...

2010-06-15T08:29:00.004-04:00

Apparently a couple nights ago Jenna decided we needed a reminder of what it will be like to have a newborn in the house. Now, it really wasn't' her fault, she had a cough so I gave her some medicine. It stopped the cough, which was great, but kept her up from midnight to 3 am! I don't mean up on and off and tired and whiny, I mean HAPPY. WIDE. AWAKE.

She kept coming in our room and just talking, asking questions. Here is one of our conversations at 2am!
Jenna - Mom, I wanna go outside and look for Robins.
Me - Robins?
Jenna - Yeah, you know, the kind of bird!
Me - Honey, it's the middle of the night, the Robins are sleeping.
Jenna - yeah, but where do they live?
Me - they lives in nests.
Jenna - do they make them?
Me - yes
Jenna - Where are they?
Me - honey, it's time for bed...

At one point I opened my eyes and she was standing next to me and started laughing saying "I sneaked up on you!"

She is for sure a funny girl, but we were quite tired the next day. Which will be totally normal here pretty soon! We are 37 weeks pregnant, and it looks like he will be here early! I'll keep you posted!

My Big Belly

2010-05-18T11:03:00.004-04:00

Okay, some of you have asked for a belly shot! I'm reluctantly sharing this with you. I am 33 weeks today, so really he could be here anywhere from 3-7 weeks now! It's not too much longer! I forgot to take a picture at home this morning, so this is in the bathroom at work. Thank God no one walked in!

33 weeks exactly

Dear Jenna

2010-05-12T12:05:00.001-04:00

Dear Jenna,

You are 3 years old, almost 41 months old. Sometimes I can't believe you are already 3 and then at other times I forget you are only 3. You truly make our lives interesting, fun, special, and busy. The things you do and say make me laugh and leave me in awe of where you get this stuff from.

You are still a major drama queen and girly girl. If you can wear a dress in the morning we are good. If you put on your jewelery or play dress up, you are always a princess and I'm the queen. And you are always going to the ball. I hope all your fairy tales come true for you.

You are the social butterfly of your daycare class and are always looking for ways to get together with your friends. You like going out to eat and most of the time are pretty well behaved. It's so fun to watch you and a friend have a conversation, like two little adults. You're best friends until one of you wants something the other one has, then it's on!

Sometimes you can be so sweet, it almost makes me want to cry. Since Mothers Day you've been saying Happy Mothers Day to me every morning. It's so sweet, even when I tell you it's over. You always want to cuddle with me on the couch and I love that, I know it won't last forever. As you say, you're our "little love bug."

But there is not too much of a good thing, you have the attitude of a tween! You huff and sigh and throw yourself to the floor. You will go running to your room in tears and slam the door. You will yell, "NO FAIR" and "I TOLD YOU (fill in the blank!" You want to do everything "ALL. BY. MY. SELF!" If I'm in the right mood, it's really quite comedic, but can also be very frustrating. Which is also funny, because you use that word a lot, things "irritate you", "frustrate you", leave you "angry." Last night you said to me, "I've told you plenty of times!" I guess I must say that to you. You can be quite bossy when you want to be too.

But, it's all you, and you're so smart, confident, and sure of what you want. I hope these characteristics stay with you through life. I am so proud and happy to be your Mom! Love you THIS much, always and forever!

Your Mommy

If you see my child...

2010-05-10T08:12:00.006-04:00

If you see my child wearing outfits like this...

Please don't be alarmed. She has a STRONG desire to dress herself and wear dresses everyday, even when we literally have frost on the ground like this morning. I've simply learned it's just not worth the battle in the already hectic morning routine. She thinks she looks beautiful, even if she looks like she's flashing back to the '80s!

When I used to see kids out and about in princess dresses, weird outfits, dress up shoes, whatever there poison was, I would think, what are those parents thinking?! I'm sorry! I totally and completely understand now! It's funny the things you learn through motherhood.

P.S - I don't know what type of face and smile she's making. Please disregard! You all know how cute she is, she is also in this fake smile stage for pictures. Oh, and if you notice something a little different, you're right! She has new glasses!

The Good, the bad, and the ugly!

2010-05-04T08:45:00.005-04:00

With my due date fast approcahing, only 63 days away, I thought I'd do a pregnancy post. Please understand that I'm so grateful to be pregnant, after one year of trying and a miscarriage, but it doesn't mean things are easy.

This pregnancy is SO different than my one with Jenna. I am trying to enjoy it, and am fully aware this could be my last pregnancy, but sometimes it's so hard.

The Good
In 63 days or less I will be holding my little baby boy!

I can't wait to see Jenna be a big sister, I know she will do great (or at least I hope!)

I don't have to suck in my stomach while pregnant

Feeling life inside of me! Even though sometimes he hurts me, I love feeling him move all around

Erik and I are so excited to add to our family!

Having a valid reason to get regular pedicures, I can't reach my toes and Erik doesn't want to paint them...so, salon - here I come!

The Bad

Um...aching and hurting hips and pelvic bones, seriously, I can feel them spreading and moving!

Heartburn and reflux so bad it leaves me throwing up at night.

Rolling out of bed and trying to get off the couch like I'm a hippo, nothing is easy.

Colds and headaches and not being able to take anything stronger than a sweetart (tylenol does nothing for me.)

Back aches

Bending over literally takes my breath away, I can hardly put on socks or shoes

This symptom doesn't bother me, but I snore at night now and keep Erik awake. (Hey - it that's the sacrifice he has to make while I'm making a person, he can deal with it!)

Awful morning (yeah right, I wish) sickness my first three months.

Getting up 3-6 times a night to go to the bathroom, seriously, how is it possible to really have to pee every 15 minutes?

The Ugly

Swollen ankles and fingers

Leaking boobs - love it!

Stretch marks - need I say more?

Twinkle Toes...or Maybe Not

2010-04-29T08:40:00.004-04:00

Jenna has been in a dance class called Jazznastics now since January. It is only her and two other girls. In the beginning she loved it, she loved getting to wear her dance outfit, she loved dancing, music, the whole thing. Her teacher even told us for a 3 year old she can "really hear the music" and dances to the beat and listens to it instead of just doing whatever. It was so much fun to watch her.

Now fast forward to three weeks ago, all of the sudden she hates it! We've taken her anyway the last two weeks and she's done okay part of the class, and then breaks down in tears. I don't know what it is. She just says she doesn't like dance class anymore and doesn't want to go.

Of course she tells me this AFTER I pay an additional $80 for her recital fee and costume!

So, today at 5:30 is dance class, I asked her this morning which dance outfit she wanted to wear and she started crying right away. She cried the whole way to school about not wanting to go.

What do I do? I'd rather have her not just quit with the recital coming up May 22, but I also don't want to make her do something she hates. It's supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Plus, believe me when I say, I don't need one more reason for her to throw a tantrum!

I know, how can this cute little face throw such tantrums?!?!

Another Morning, Another Tantrum

2010-04-06T08:37:00.004-04:00

Sorry I haven't blogged much lately, life is getting in the way!

Jenna, Jenna, Jenna...where do I begin?
You are three now and the most fun you've ever been...usually.

Jenna is so much fun; her language, stories, interest, curiosity, humor, everything.
Except...our mornings. Every morning is a fight, tantrum, and breakdown. She is usually okay when she first wakes up, she goes on the couch, gets milk and a poptart, and watches cartoons.

The explosion starts when I try to get her dressed. She is SO into what she wears lately, and is beyond picky! I mean, more picky than Vera Wang probably is.

These pants are too short!
Not these pants, my black ones!
This shirt to too big!
These pants don't match my underwear!
This doesn't match my coat!
I want my other shoes!
I'm not beautiful, this doesn't match!
I don't want to wear this, I want a dress!

NOTHING I put her in makes her happy. I have to dress her while she is crying, yelling at me, fussing around. You try dressing a 35 pound, strong, fighting, resisting three year old. NOT EASY!

I'm left exhausted before I even leave the house. I realize some of this is my fault. When I was little, I wanted to wear dresses everyday. I changed into different dresses 3-5 times throughout the day. But, I really don't think I threw tantrums about it...
Okay fine, when I started school and had to wear pants on the days we had gym class I remember crying. But that's it. Seriously, I don't know what to do with this kid!

I tried taking her shopping to let her pick our her clothes. I tried having her help me lay two different outfits out the night before, so she could pick one in the morning.

I've tried just saying, "too bad, this is what you're wearing." Which results in crying and yelling until we get to school. This is an option, but I'm not thrilled with it.

My options, as I see it, are to either:
1. Bring her to daycare in the pajama's and let her wear them all day. (I used to see kids like that and think what was their mother thinking! Sorry moms, I now know!)
2. Dress her in her clothes for the next day to sleep in, so we don't have to change in the morning. Maybe the tantrums won't be so bad the night before?! I worry with her fashion attitude and sense of matching, she will not be okay with wearing clothes to bed.

Whatever the answer may be, it needs to be figured out in three months or less! I am not going to deal with this with a new baby, when mornings are even harder!

Anticipating Easter

2010-03-16T18:10:00.004-04:00

Jenna is SO excited for Easter! She's not even really sure what it's about, but she is ready!

A couple of weeks ago we took her to a photographer who was doing Easter photos with real live bunnies! Ever since then she has been all over Easter. Then the building where she goes to daycare decorated the flower pots outside with Easter grass, eggs and things. Every morning and afternoon when we take or get her we have to spend a couple minutes looking at the decorations. So...she begged us to decorate the house for Easter. Uh - I wasn't sure how to really do that, so we got out the Easter baskets and let her put them around the house, put the plastic eggs around and we decorated eggs. She had a lot of fun, but now asks everyday if it's Easter yet. It will be a long two weeks!

<

21 week 3d Ultrasound

2010-02-26T15:45:00.004-05:00

We had a 3D ultrasound today, mostly for my worried mind to get one more confirmation that he is indeed a he. We got that, it's a boy and I won't second guess it again!

Here are a few pictures. They would have been even better if we'd waited a few more weeks, but I'm not the patient type and am planning on buying bedding this weekend, so needed to know.

Baby all curled up, you can see his nose good and some arms and legs tangled in there too.

Cute profile, he almost looks like he has a little smirk!

Another profile

Cute profile, showing off his flexibility, see his foot up by his chin?!

He got sick of showing off his goods, and crossed his legs!

Unfortunate Reminders and a Renewed Perspective

2010-02-23T15:34:00.003-05:00

I recently found Layla's blog and I was in tears almost immediately reading it. Poor little Layla and her family are fighting an awful cancer that invaded Layla's two-year old body. They now have Hospice with them and are praying and hoping for a miracle, but realize her fight may soon be over.

I can't find the words to describe how I think I would feel if this were me and my family, but the tears streaming down my face while I was reading her posts gave me only a hint of an idea. While I pray for Layla and her family, I can't help but be reminded of all the harder parts of being a parent and how I wouldn't change those for anything in the whole wide world.

Last week Jenna got an awful stomach virus and was in ER getting an IV and fluids, along with blood work and an x-ray. That was so hard for Erik and I to watch, and I sit here now thinking that type of day for Layla and her family would probably feel like a vacation!

This is a great reminder for me, with all the stress and busy days of our life; take every nagging toddler, screaming baby, tantrums, and annoyances that keep us from getting things done everyday and cherish those moments. Unloading the dishwasher can wait if Jenna is asking me to read her a book, the laundry will still be there tonight. If she wants to help make dinner, which really means it will take double the time, let her. Play, read, cuddle, and don't take any moment for granted!

Jenna - I love you more than words can say. In your three years, you've brought your Dad and I so much joy, laughter, hope, and happiness. We can't imagine life without you and realize how lucky we are. I LOVE YOU!

And it starts...

2010-02-10T08:59:00.002-05:00

I am truly amazed at what people have the nerve to say, especially to a pregnant lady. Do people really have no tact or thoughtfulness?
When I was pregnant with Jenna I got to the point where every time someone tried to offer or tell me advice on what I should or shouldn't do, or eat or anything, I would respond back with, "Oh, wow, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were an OB doctor!!" It shut them up every time.

Looks like it's starting again. So far, I've had two insensitive rude comments made to me, I'm only halfway there.

Last week a lady asked me if my pregnancy was planned or a surprise. Seriously - do you have a right to know that or even really want to know the answer? What if I had said,
"Oh, total surprise, I hate babies and can't believe I'm pregnant!" What would she have said?

Or does she want the other story,
"Planned, we tried for a year, had a miscarriage, went to the doctor, had multiple tests done, was charting, temping, planning, and scheduled an appointment with an RE before we found out we were pregnant."

Honestly people, think before you speak. Just say, "Congratulations, that's so wonderful!" And be done!

My next rude conversation was just last night. An older couple asked me when I was due, I'm just starting to show more, here is the conversation.

Them: So, how much longer do you have?
Me: A while, due date is very beginning of July.
Them: Oh wow, you must be like me honey, have you gained a lot of weight?
Me: (trying not to hit them) No, actually I've only gained one pound and I'm halfway done. Everything is on track and we are having a boy. (me trying to change the subject.)
Them: Well, yes, a BIG boy!!!

Honestly...I don't know how much more of this I can take! What should my comeback be this time???

WHAT - EVER!!!

2010-02-08T08:17:00.002-05:00

This has become one of Jenna's new words. She has suddenly gotten an attitude and uses words such as:
WHATEVER
Fine
Never mind
Chill out Mom!
UGH...(rolls eyes and runs off)
I don't care!

I'm not sure when my 3 year old became a 13 year old?! I also don't know where she got all this from. I'm sure it's the normal ways: cartoons, kids at school, okay; I may say fine every now and then.
She is such a sweet girl most of the time, and she literally can change moods in an instant and bring out the attitude. It's always something!

It's a....

2010-01-29T10:41:00.003-05:00

We went for an ultrasound, the little baby was moving all around and the tech's couldn't get a very good shot of the "goods", but they both saw something, and thought the same thing. So, we are having a...

BOY!!!!!

We're so excited and so is Jenna! I'm already looking and planning and dreaming about the colors for the nursery and bedding!

Bad Day

2010-01-21T11:54:00.004-05:00

Picture this...the song "I've had a bad day" playing, me feeling like crap, having a bad day at work, wanting to cry...

This picture pretty much sums up how I feel! Who else is having one of those days?!

Three Year Pediatrician Visit

2010-01-15T13:35:00.003-05:00

This is for the records...I have a tall one on my hands!

Jenna is 39", putting her in the 100th percentile for height!
She's 35 pounds, putting her in the 95th percentile for weight!

She did good at the appointment until the nurse came back in the a chicken pox vaccine shot. After the shot and after she could breath again from crying so hard, she pointed her finger at Nurse Mary and said, "Mary, that wasn't very nice! Don't do that again!"

Mary - she told you!

Gone too soon

2010-01-13T08:28:00.003-05:00

For whatever reason (must have been a bad moment) Erik decided on Saturday at Meijer that he wanted to get Jenna a little goldfish. Every time we go to the store she looks at the fish. We don't have any pets in the house, and at least for a while, we don't plan on it.

When Erik said he wanted to get Jenna a fish I said "Fine, but I am having nothing to do with it, I won't clean the bowl or anything."

He said okay, and they picked out the stuff and a little goldfish. Jenna was so excited she was practically screaming for joy in the store. She even picked out a little castle for the bowl so the fish had a house.

She decided to name the fish Carrot Nose (don't ask me why) and we went home. They got it all set up and she had her fish. Of course, the reputation for Mejier goldfish is not the best, but Erik said, "It's only .19 cents, we'll get another one."

By Saturday night it was already kinda laying low in the bowl, squirming it's way into the rocks at the bottom. Not a good sign. But, Sunday morning we woke up and he was swimming around, and when Jenna fed him, he seemed happy. She just loved this fish, always talking to him, and wanted to take him out and "scratch his body." Again, don't ask me where she got this.

Monday morning I woke up and Carrot Nose was a goner! Of course Erik is in the shower when Jenna wakes up, making me the person who has to explain why her fish is floating on the top and not moving when she shakes the bowl. UGH!

I tried to tell her he was sick and missed his friends and family at the store. She said,
"But I love him and I miss him. He will be my buddy forever! I want him to feel better." It was so sad! She had a few sad moments, and told Erik about it, then after daycare that day she came home and Carrot Nose and his belongings were all gone. She asked about it and was sad, then just moved on!

So, our first experience with a loss and she did pretty well! Now Erik is back to his senses and we will not be replacing Carrot Nose as of now.

Watch Out Beyonce!

2010-01-06T09:09:00.003-05:00

Introducing Jenna and The Chipettes...

Jenna is obsessed with Alvin and the Chipmunks, she LOVES the movies and singing the songs! This is her new favorite!

*Please note: this was filmed from by blackberry and isn't good quality!

BIG NEWS!!!

2009-12-29T08:34:00.004-05:00

We are so happy to announce that Jenna is going to be a BIG SISTER! After one year of trying to conceive and going through a miscarriage, we are expecting! We are 13 weeks along, due July 6, 2010!!!

We are just so happy! We've been lucky enough to have five ultrasounds so far and everything is looking great! It's such a miracle to see the little baby moving all around and hearing the heartbeat!

Jenna is excited, but has no concept of time. We actually just told her last week and she said, "Oh great,...can I have some more spaghetio's?"
She is so cute and will talk to my belly, and if she hits my belly or her feet hit it, she will say she's sorry to the baby. I think she will be a great sister!

We will be finding out if it's a boy or girl and I will keep posting updates!

Jenna's FIRST haircut

2009-12-15T19:06:00.008-05:00

We've been thinking for a while about getting Jenna's hair cut. Her hair was getting so long, but unfortunately, she got my thin fine hair. We thought she could pull off a cute bob with her spunky personality! We had to talk her into it for four hours. It involved bribery of candy and taking her to see the movie The Princess and the Frog. Finally it worked! She did SO well once we got there! Now she looks beautiful and had volume to her hair!

The Haircut

Me and Jenna before the haircut! I see a fake smile, I think she's nervous.

The first few cuts! The lady said she took off about 4.5"!!

She's doing so good!

The almost finished product, I don't think she's sold on it yet! Until the mention of a sucker comes along!

The Hair Now

Side view...see the added volume?

Back, like you can't tell that!

Beautiful little girl!

She likes it now!

Jenna's 3rd Birthday Party

2009-12-14T09:53:00.006-05:00

Jenna will forever have a birthday close to Christmas! This year we celebrated with some friends a bit earlier. Here are some of the fun pictures. She had a blast!

The Birthday Girl! All ready for the party!

She LOVED her princess cake, and couldn't wait until it was time to eat it.

Celebrate! Happy Birthday to Me!

The kids playing one of her new games.

An almost 3 year old Jenna holding a newborn Jenna picture. Is that the same kid?

Clapping while singing "Happy Birthday!"

It's almost cake time!!!

Aren't those the cutest tights!? She was wearing her "Party dress."

Opening and opening presents. She will be doing a lot of the the next couple of weeks!

Stay tuned for more pictures because the day after her party, Jenna got her first haircut! A cute little bob! I LOVE it!!!

Halloween Video

2009-12-11T14:49:00.002-05:00

I know this is a lot late, but I finally figured out how to get video off my blackberry onto blogger...So enjoy my little sweetie!

Now that I know how to do this, there will be lots more to come.

Dear Jenna, 35 months

2009-11-25T08:51:00.002-05:00

Dear Jenna,
You are now past the 35 month mark! You are closer and closer to officially being 3! We are planning your little birthday party, princess themed of course, and you couldn't be more excited.

Now, for the last three years parents have been telling me, not to believe the term "Terrible Two's", because it really is "Torturous Three's". I am starting to think they were on to something. You are coming up with an major ATTITUDE lately and sometimes I'm just not sure what to do! Just yesterday, your report from daycare was the following:

Jenna wouldn't even take one bite of lunch. She screamed and cried until she was gagging and said she only wanted her milk and to be excused.

Jenna didn't take a nap (she usually naps for 2-3 hours a day at school).

Jenna pushed a couple of kids today.

OMG! Is this my sweet little Jenna?! We had a long talk last night and I hope to see better behavior today. You uses phrases like "Just leave me alone!", "You're driving me crazy!", "No, I am NOT going to do that."

I know you are testing me, and doing it daily! But, then at times you are still so sweet and will just want to cuddle. I'm praying this is just a stage.

So, while this letter isn't all roses, it's the truth. Through it all, I still love you more than words can say. Your Daddy and I are so proud of you and your spunky personality. I look at you some days and can't believe you are the same little itty baby we brought home from the hospital almost three years ago. You are tall, smart, beautiful, outgoing, active, and all the other things three year olds are! So, my little princess, enjoy your last month as a two year old!

Love always,

Mommy

Why? Cause why? But why?

2009-11-11T08:48:00.005-05:00

We are at the "why?" stage! I knew it was coming sooner or later, and it's here now! Jenna is busting out the "why?" card all the time now. It's usually right before bed when the conversation goes something like this:

Me: Jenna, time to go to bed.

J: why?

Me: because it's night time and we're tired.

J: I want to sleep in your bed with you, there are monsters in my room!

Me: No honey, there is nothing scary in your room! Your bed is perfect just for you!

J: Why?

Me: because it is just your size and nice and cozy.

J: Cause why?

Me: Honey it's just time to go to sleep, I'll lay with you for a minute.

J: Ok, but I have something very important to say!

Me: what?

J: Why can't I sleep in your bed?

Me: This bed is just for you, it's in your room and time to go to sleep!

J: You're not listening to my words!

This conversation goes on and on with a few changes now and then, sometimes she's scared of something in her room, sometimes she needs a drink...but the "whys" are always there. She is a smart girl and I think she knows these conversations will extend my time in her room! Gotta love her!

Trick-or-Treat!

2009-11-04T08:30:00.006-05:00

Jenna had so much fun trick-or-treating! She kept saying, "I just LOVE Halloween!" "I just LOVE trick-or-treating!" She was polite with thank you's for everyone too!

Jenna and her best buddy at daycare! How cute is that?!

Jenna and me before the parade at daycare. She wanted to leave her Halloween pants and socks on!

A "Beautiful Princess" is what Jenna wanted to be for Halloween!

Erik and I went to a Halloween Party! We were Pirates! ARGH!!

Dear Jenna, Month 34

2009-11-02T09:03:00.004-05:00

Dear Jenna,
This letter is late! I'm sorry, life, vacation, everything, got in the way. You are so full of life and busy, we just go, go, go! I'll keep this letter short this time, but to sum it up you pretty much are the light of our lives.

You are busy, happy, funny, smart, and of course cute!

You had a fun month of October, you got to stay with your Grandma and Grandpa B. while Mom and Dad went on vacation, you loved getting ready for Halloween, you had fun at the Pumpkin Patch, and enjoyed Grandma B.'s birthday and mine in the month of October.

You continue to make us laugh, especially with your vocabulary and memory! The things you remember, I have no idea how. You use words like: actually, defiantly, and awesome. We came back from vacation with you saying "Excuse me Pig!" when you burp, because "That's what Grandpa says!"

Your love for life is contagious. Although, you do still like to relax and watch cartoons and read too!

Love you SO SO much and I cherish every day with you!

Love always,

Your Mommy

Happy 5 year Anniversary Hubby!

2009-10-25T18:37:00.004-04:00

On October 23, Erik and I celebrated five years of marriage! The old cliche stands true, time flies! On our actual anniversary this year we were flying home from a much needed vacation, just the two of us! We went to Marco Island, which is where we honeymooned! We LOVE that place.

I feel so lucky to have Erik in my life, he is a great husband and dad! Here are some pictures from our wedding day. Man - these are depressing....I was so tiny!!!! Maybe this will be motivation to get there again!

I LOVE this picture!

We had an AWESOME martini bar made of ice! It was a HIT!!!

A Fall wedding, we had great decorations!

I LOVE you Honey! Happy 5 years, and many, many, many more!!!

Dear Blog...

2009-10-25T12:58:00.002-04:00

Dear Blog,
I know I have been neglecting you lately! How dare life get in the way of my online journal!
Soon to follow this post, are the posts I owe you, such as Jenna's 34 month letter, a recap of my vacation with my husband for our 5 year anniversary, some odds and ends, and of course some pics to go with it all!

See you soon!

"I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller!"

2009-09-27T07:30:00.003-04:00

Remember that song? I don't even remember who sang it, if sang is the right word? Maybe rapped, spoke...
Anyway, I always think of that song now because of Jenna.

She doesn't quite get the "when I'm older". She associates being taller and bigger with being older. Everyday she will say things like:
"When I get taller, I'm gonna play soccer ball."

"When I get taller, I'm gonna play football."

"I'm gonna play baseball when I'm bigger."

Just another cute way to see the world through a toddlers eyes!

Dear Jenna, Month 33

2009-09-22T10:31:00.003-04:00

Dear Jenna,

You are now 33 months old, closer and closer to being 3! I am a few days late writing this letter, but it seems that's just how my life has been lately. We've been busy at home and I'm just getting to it now, that also explains why the photos in this post all came from my blackberry instead of my nice Canon Rebel camera. Oops!

This month we've been conquering potty training. You all the sudden decided you were ready. While you are doing great with number 1, it's a bit more of a challenge with number 2. You are doing great and really enjoying the treats that come with it! You love wearing big girl underwear and we love it too!

You continue to be a social butterfly and are quite popular at school. You've also taken to your loss of your front tooth. It's just added to your character and charm! You still talk about it time to time, but always with a smile on your face.

Like I said, we've been busy this month, from visits from family, to events, to gymnastics class, to just life! You are a go getter and defiantly keep busy and on the go.

You're so excited for Fall when the leaves change and then for winter, which means it your birthday and Christmas. If you had your way, you will have 45,648 presents for your birthday. Everyday you see something you love and let us know you'd like it for your birthday.

You used to be content watching whatever cartoon was on the Noggin Network, now you always want "something else". We fight daily about Sponge Bob Square Pants. Why you want to watch that show, I don't know! You still like snacks just as much as always, but have taken to having expensive tastes. I know this is partly my fault, but it really is your grandma and GG's fault, because they made me that way too! You love Ghirardelli dark chocolate, cashews, and coffee! Are you 2.5 or 30?

As I always say, I love you so much! You make me laugh everyday and bring joy into our lives! You are a happy, confident, smart little girl. You will always be my baby!

Love always,

Your Mommy

I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

2009-09-11T09:34:00.003-04:00

I think it FINALLY clicked! Jenna has been wearing big girl underwear the last three days! She has been doing great with hardly any accidents. She finally just decided to do it.
We've been working with her at home, and daycare has been great with her too. She is totally motivated by the treats and sticker charts!
I am so proud of her!

This morning I think I witnessed one of the ONLY times it's acceptable for her to show a BOY her underwear! Her friend Wyatt at daycare also is newly potty trained, and they ran to each other this morning and showed each other their big boy/girl underwear! Here is how the conversation went:

Wyatt: JENNA!!!

Jenna: Wyatt, I have on big girl underwear! (she pulls her shorts down and shows him) It's Tinkerbell underwear!

Wyatt: WOW! Look at mine, it's Elmo underwear! (he then shows his underwear to Jenna)

Jenna: WOW, that's awesome Wyatt!

The teacher and I just stood there and laughed that this is one of the only times and ages where this is acceptable!

Happy Birthday Honey!

2009-09-10T11:28:00.005-04:00

We celebrated Erik's 31st birthday over the weekend with lots of family and lots of cake! Jenna was the most excited one and made us all get in the spirit. We had balloons and all had to wear birthday hats! Here are some pictures! She LOVES parties, which worries me a little bit!

Happy Birthday Honey!

The cold hard truth

2009-09-03T08:27:00.002-04:00

As a parent, one of the things you want most is to always be able to protect your child. I find myself telling Jenna a lot, "It will be okay, Mommy's here." "I'll save you!" "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
As much as I'd like to believe this is true, it's just not possible to ALWAYS be there, and we learn that with their first fall, scrape, bruise, etc. It's the COLD. HARD. TRUTH. I joke about it, but she really can't live in a bubble.

Of course, we went through this a couple of weeks ago when Jenna fell at school and had to have surgery to remove her tooth. I wasn't there to protect her.

Most recently, our smoke detectors went off at 2am! I ran right away to get Jenna, she was crying, screaming, and shaking, she was so scared. I felt so bad, I wanted to cry for her. When I got her calmed down and my heart rate returned to normal, I felt bad that she was so scared. It was just a false alarm (battery) and everything was okay, but she's been talking about it for the last two days, so I know it really scared her.

So, I've come to the conclusion that although I won't be able to always save and protect her, I WILL ALWAYS be there to comfort her. Through the years she will have more injuries, and physical and emotional pain. It's part of life and I know she will (hopefully) learn from these situations and I won't always be able to stop them from happening or protect her.

Jenna - I promise I WILL always be there to comfort you and be there for you, to try to remind you how much you are loved and how truly special and great you are!

So cute - check these out!

2009-08-27T19:35:00.003-04:00

A while back I posted that my cousin, Kristyn, designs greeting cards and uses funny things kids say. Part of any proceeds go to help fund after school programs!

She has a new site and it's better than ever! It doesn't hurt that my little Jenna is featured on two of the cards. Check it out here!

Give us a break!!

2009-08-25T08:44:00.005-04:00

Please...give us a break! No more hospital visits, surgeries, medical issues...We've each had our share now! I had my miscarriage, Erik has his stay in the hospital for chest pains, and now Jenna! Of course, I would have gladly broken my leg if she wouldn't have had to go through this, but it didn't happen like that! We deserve a break! Of course, yes, things could have been worse, but it has just been draining the last couple of months.

Last week was awful! Jenna fell at school and chipped and fractured her front tooth vertically, which resulted in surgery on Friday morning to remove the tooth. It was painful physically and emotionally for all of us! Our beautiful little girl now has a big gap in her smile and most likely will until her permanent tooth comes in. The tooth is actually in two pieces! She was sedated and had an IV and then proceeded to get sick after coming out of the anesthetic. We are doing a follow up to see if there is a bridge or spacer they can put in, until then we are letting her heal! She is as cute as ever to me and was SUCH a trooper through the whole process.

Here are a few pictures.

The last picture I took of Jenna with her smile and teeth intact!

The tooth and chin after the fall at daycare.

Her smile this morning after surgery!

Dear Jenna - 32 Months

2009-08-19T08:36:00.004-04:00

Dear Jenna,

Today you are 32 months! December will be here before we know it. Well, maybe not to you. You talk about your birthday every day and I don't think it can come fast enough for you.

This month you've continued to suprize us with how smart you are, while at the same time showing quite an attitude. You still tend to act like a broken record with things you repeat 1,453,759 times. Your favorite one, "I need a snack." You weren't even out of bed this morning before you said that one. My favorite one, "Mommy, you're my favorite person in the whole wide world."

Your love of friends is so fun to watch. Any little kid is your friend and you are quite popular at daycare. If you see any of the neighbors outside you automatically will get your shoes on and say, "I want to see my friends!"

This month you got to go to a reunion and see all of your Grandma and Grandpa's up north. We also went to a Splash Park with your other Grandma and Grandpa and GG's. You always have lots of fun with your family, and I think it's safe to say they have lots of fun with you too.

You love to read, watch cartoons, and are into princesses who live in castles. You even think the fish at Meijer are princesses since they have a castle in their tank. You are a little adult and often will repeat things you've heard. This morning we were driving to school and you decided your stuffed penguin was sleeping. This is what you said to me.

"Mommy, we have to be quiet, he's sleeping. No barking at people and no screaming! Remember, be quiet and don't be scared."

Okay...I didn't know I bark at people, but thanks honey.

So, happy 32nd month! You always keep us guessing what's going to come out of your mouth next. You are a joy, even when you are a brat, and I love you more than words can say. I hope you keep your confidence and social skills as you get older! Love you honey!

Love always,

Your Mommy

Stop the Tude!

2009-08-17T16:25:00.005-04:00

Oh my! Yes, Jenna is smart, funny, cute, blah blah blah! She has a major attitude lately. I think she is too smart for her own good. For some reason, she decides to pull this attitude mostly with me. She's great for family, friends, and even Erik usually. I get the majority of it. It's so weird, one minute she's telling me I'm her best friend and favorite person in the world and the next she's screaming, yelling, pushing me away! It's awful! If she doesn't get a chocolate treat when she asks, you'd think I told her I was taking her birthday away.

I know, she's 2.5 and I keep hearing it will continue through the trying 3's also! UGH - I'm exhausted already! A few weeks ago, we went to a family reunion. It was awful. I know she's not great in crowds and there were a lot of people there, but she was bad! Bad in the sense that I sat in the car with her most of the day watching Clifford the Big Red Dog bad! She could not even handle it! She wanted cake, she wanted candy, she wanted to leave, and on and on.

I recently tried to get her pictures taken professionally. I don't have the proofs yet, and the lady is really good, but we'll see how good she really is! I was so tired after the 1.5 hours of the shoot, I wanted to cry. Jenna was not good, the bride of chocolate and smarties didn't even phase her! What?! That always works!

"No, I don't want to sit there! I'm not going to smile, I don't want wear that, I don't want to go there! No, I'm never going to do that!"

If she did "smile" it was her fake cheesy camera smile. Honey - that is not what I'm paying all this money for! So, more to come on those, but I don't think we will be doing professional photos again until she is five!

Give me strength, and a mute button, and a vacation!

Mini panic attack

2009-08-12T09:58:00.002-04:00

Last night I was awoken at 2am to Jenna crying "Mommy! Mommy, I hurt!!" I jumped out of bed and my foot was tangled in the sheet, so I almost fell out of bed! I ran to her room, her door was open and Jenna wasn't in there. Then I saw her standing in the hallway near the living room.

It was dark but as I got closer I saw something dark all over her shirt and her face! I stared to panic, I wasn't thinking totally straight since I had just woken up. She told me she was hurt and then said she had a boogie and needed a Kleenex! It turns out she had a bloody nose! Oh my gosh, I calmed down and cleaned her up. I had to turn a light on so she started asking to watch cartoons, and read, and get a drink because she was "pretty thirsty".

Anyway, I had to take the sheets off her bed and stain guard them and get her cleaned up and back down to sleep. So, all is fine. What the heck, was she picking her nose while she was sleeping? Who will ever know!

Jenna and Baby Ella

2009-08-10T08:09:00.002-04:00

*Sorry, I had to delete and repost this due to blogging issues. Thanks for those who commented!

One of my best friends came over the other day with her newborn baby girl and Jenna got to meet baby Ella at just one month old. Jenna was in love with her, trying to feed her her bottle, sing to her, rock her, and count her toes!

I think it's the beginning of a lifelong friendship!

I'm a cowboy...no wait, I'm a pirate!

2009-08-04T09:09:00.002-04:00

Jenna's swingset has a red two person horse thing, sorry, I have no idea what it's called. Click on the link to see the picture.

Anyway, she rides it a lot and this is what she says,
"Yee-haw! I'm a cowboy! Looking for the treasure, ARGH!"

For some reason, she gets cowboys and pirates confused. That's okay, when I was little I used to get rubberbands and band-aids confused.

I love her anyway, whatever she is!

What's next? Acne and Awkward Dances?

2009-07-28T08:02:00.004-04:00

There are times I think Jenna is a 2.5 year old going on 14! Given our mornings are sometimes rushed since I try to let her sleep as late as she can, but I don't need an attitude. She is all about making choices. She is in a dress stage, so we put on her sundress, then I gave her a choice of shoes and she picked a pair.

I then asked her how she wanted her hair and this is her response:

"I don't care! Don't talk to me! Just leave me alone!" She pouted and stormed off.

Uh...okay?! The next minute she was hugging my leg. Sometimes I don't get the kid at all!

Sleep tight!

2009-07-23T10:42:00.004-04:00

Jenna's been in her big girl bed since Sunday night. She is doing so well! I was preparing myself for a tough transition, but it's been smooth. The first night so came out in the living room three or four different times, and since then, she hasn't been out at all. It's so cute to hear her reading or talking in there and then she just drifts off to sleep.

She loves her big girl bed and feels special! It was sad taking apart the crib, and for now, it's in the basement. Hopefully we can bring it back up soon to get a new nursery ready!

Dear Jenna: 31 months

2009-07-20T08:32:00.006-04:00

Dear Jenna,

Wow, you are closer to three than to two. You have turned into a little girl somewhere over the last couple of months. I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but it did. Since you are tall, people often think you are older than you are, and then when you say you are two-and-a-half they always comment on how well you can talk. Of course, I am proud of you, and so happy to be your mom.

This past month you've finally started to be able to reach the pedals on your bike. You like to pedal and ride but only if it's on a sidewalk that is not going up or down. If you have to pedal up a hill you get mad and frustrated and stop. If you go down a hill on your bike you get going to fast and get scared I think. You stop and say you're all done. But, soon enough, you will tell yourself out loud to try again!

You also just moved into a big girl bed. Another post on this will be coming later, but you're doing pretty good with it. Your room is a little girl room now, not a baby room. It was a little sad taking down your crib. You are so proud of yourself and love your bed!

You've proven to be quite a social butterfly. If there is conversation going on that you aren't involved in, you will quickly change that but saying, "What's going on over there? What are you guys doing?" You know every one's name at daycare and talk about your friends often. Also, any little kid you see is automatically your friend. Whether you know them or not, you want to go see your friend.

When it comes to potty training you are quite stubborn. You like the idea of big girl underwear, but not so much the idea of the potty. Everyone tells me you will just do it one day when you are ready. Well, that can come any time... I've even gone as far to tell you we will have a Potty Party when you are potty trained. This was a mistake, the night I told you that, you would not go to bed. I heard you in your room...

"I have a potty party, with cake and frosting. Yum....I LOVE frosting! And friends, Evan, Kate, Bailey. And can I have birthday hats too?! I love parties. And candy at the potty party?!"

I suppose it's time to fess up, that you also seem to be a bit spoiled. You have such a good memory that if you do something once you are sure to remember it every time you are reminded of it. You ask us all the time to go back to the waterpark. Another example, one Sunday morning we were grocery shopping and I let you have a doughnut to eat while we shopped, now Heaven Forbid you don't get a doughnut EVERY TIME WE GO TO THE STORE! I just hope every parent that sees my hot pink frosting stained, two year old child in the cart, will sympathise with me.

Well, my little peanut, you have grown into a fun, high energy, enthusiastic, smart, beautiful little girl! I love you so much and you continue to make me laugh every single day! I don't know what I'd do without you (besides have lots of extra money and time) and I love being your Mommy. I look forward to learning and growing with you!

Love always,

Your Mommy

Sad

2009-07-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure why I feel the need to share this with the Internet, but in a way writing about it is cathartic for me.

It's been a rough, sad couple of weeks for us! Last week we went through a miscarriage. It was and still is sad for me, although at this point right now I am mad. I hate how common they are, I hate that three of my best friends went through this too, and I hate it happened to me. I feel sad and empty.

We want a little brother or sister for Jenna so bad, and I know one day we will be pregnant again and have that, but right now it's hard. We've gone through so many emotions from excitement, to worry, to being anxious, to being sad, and now we are trying to be hopeful.

If there is any positive out of this, it's been a great reminder on how lucky we are to have the friends and family that we have. Everyone has been so supportive and have been there for us. There isn't anything anyone can say or do to make it better, but just the fact that people call to say sorry and just say they are thinking of us is nice.

I'm bitter right now, I know that's not in my normal personality traits, but it's the truth right now. I get asked every day

"When are you gonna have another?"

"It's time for Jenna to have a sister or brother!"

"The clocks ticking...don't you want them close together?"

"When is number two coming along?"

These comments didn't used to bother me, in fact, I'm sure at some point in my life I've said them to someone else (sorry!).

I just want to scream to them,
"We've been trying for nine months!!! We finally got pregnant and then had a miscarriage! So shut up!"

At which point, they would think I was a crazy hormonal lady and probably try to have me committed.

Anyway, I'm sorry for anyone who went through this or is going through it now. Infertility and losses are not fair and there is no way to explain why it happens.

We are looking forward to moving on and I'm very happy to be feeling physically better as well.

I Want a Co-oo-oo-ool Rider...

2009-07-07T08:28:00.002-04:00

If you haven't seen Grease 2 that title won't make much sense, but onto my story.

Last night we were taking a walk and passed by a house with a motorcycle in the driveway. The guys were outside, so we said hello. Jenna runs up there and yells,

"A Motorcycle!! Just what I need! My favorite, I love it! Can I have it?"

Oh honey, that is not just what you need, you can't even reach the pedals on your bike yet! Let's take it one step at at time.

Jenna's New Playhouse!

2009-07-01T09:11:00.005-04:00

This is Jenna's new cottage and playhouse! It took us 7 hours on Sunday to put together, but she loves it!

I hope you can read this note on the instruction manual. "Two moderately skilled adults" it was funny to us!

Here are a couple more pictures

Can I...can I...can I...

2009-06-26T09:00:00.003-04:00

This is becoming a very common start to sentences in our house now. While I appreciate that she is asking and saying full complete sentences, it can get a little overwhelming!

Can I buy this sucker?
Can I have some of that?
Can I help you?
Can I have some chocolate?
Can I do it?
Can I go to school?
Can I watch a movie?
Can I have another sucker?
Can I have a snack?
Can I do that?
Can I go outside in the pool?
Can I...Can I...Can I!

CAN I GET A MOMENT OF SILENCE???

Dear Jenna - 2.5 years old

2009-06-19T12:52:00.005-04:00

Dear Jenna,

Today you are two and a half! Time does go by so fast. You are such a little girl now and it's hard to believe you were once 6 lbs. 12 oz. I wish I could say this last month has been all happiness and great, but you've been carrying a bit of an attitude lately! I really hope it's just the age, but I have a feeling we are in for it when you turn 13!

You are now picky about what you wear. Almost every morning you cry and get upset.
"I don't WANT to wear this shirt"
"These pants are too small!" (honey - Capri's are supposed to be shorter. You always say, "wait, I have to pull my legs down!")
"I don't want to wear these shoes, they are BOTHERING me!"
"Leave my jammies on!"
"I am NOT going to wear that!"

This could possibly be paybacks from when I changed my outfit four times a day! Sorry Mom!

You also are in a new "scary" stage. You don't watch scary shows so I'm not sure where you discovered the word MONSTER. You were always so fearless, and with somethings you still are, but you will ask me to hold your hand as we go down the hallway because you are scared on Monsters. We are also in a band-aid stage. We have to put a band-aid on somewhere every night, on your hand, foot, knee, wherever you decide you have an ouchie.

Even through the challenging times you are our little peanut. We love you so much and cannot imagine our lives without you. You make us laugh everyday and we are amazed at your intelligence. You also are getting quite an imagination! The other day I asked you to tell me a story and you said,
"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess...and a monkey. They jumped into the castle in a faraway land."
Can you tell we read princess and fairytale books a lot? Yes, you still love to read and I love that.

You've moved up to the Tyke room at daycare, no longer classified as even a toddler. Your teachers say you are a social butterfly and very caring to your friends. If anyone gets upset or cries, you are the first one there telling them it's okay.

I feel like I've learned so much from you and I hope you've learned some from me too. We are so lucky to have you Jenna Noelle!

Love always and forever,

Your Mommy