We had Jenna's two-year doctor appointment last week. Everything looks good, her vocabulary and speaking skills are advanced, even if she sometimes gets her pronouns confused, and there were no needed shots. But, the thing I was most excited about is this great news...
She is going to 5 feet 9 inches tall when she is at her grown adult height!!!! If you take a toddlers height at two years old and double it, that should be their adult height! 5'9"...YAY!! She will not have short stubby legs like me! She will be taller than me. I've always wished I were taller, I'm average, 5'4.5" (thank you very much for the 1/2 an inch.)
Jenna, I'm so happy for you! (and a little jealous)
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
We Survived!
We managed to survive Jenna's birthday on the 19th and then six different Christmases between the 20-25th! We saw lots of family and some family who haven't seen Jenna in over a year! They all said how good, cute, smart, funny she is! She was really well behaved...I guess I owe her a couple suckers for that one!
Jenna received so many presents she actually got sick of opening them. We just finished the last of them yesterday! She loved opening presents this year and also loved handing out presents to other people. She told me that Santa was going to bring her two presents, so Santa...Way to go! You exceeded her expectations! Her big gift from Santa was a large party time play kitchen. She loves "cooking" things now, and is always bringing me coffee.
We are now headed into a week of Jenna and Mommy time, as I'm off work and daycare is closed. Daddy will be at work, so I hope with all of her new toys we can keep busy. Now we just have to figure out homes for all of her new stuff...I hear a storage shed calling our name, or I would be happy with $20,000 to finish our basement!
Some Birthday Pictures
Christmas Pictures
Jenna received so many presents she actually got sick of opening them. We just finished the last of them yesterday! She loved opening presents this year and also loved handing out presents to other people. She told me that Santa was going to bring her two presents, so Santa...Way to go! You exceeded her expectations! Her big gift from Santa was a large party time play kitchen. She loves "cooking" things now, and is always bringing me coffee.
We are now headed into a week of Jenna and Mommy time, as I'm off work and daycare is closed. Daddy will be at work, so I hope with all of her new toys we can keep busy. Now we just have to figure out homes for all of her new stuff...I hear a storage shed calling our name, or I would be happy with $20,000 to finish our basement!
Some Birthday Pictures
Christmas Pictures
Monday, December 22, 2008
Precious Words...
Just a quick post, but I wanted to share the cutest thing! As I've said before, Jenna often talks in full sentence's now. When she wants me to hold her she says (in her most desperate and whiny voice):
"I want to hold you Mama."
Isn't that so cute? It is too funny to hear her say it and I laugh every time.
Hope everyone has a healthy and happy Holiday. Merry Christmas!
"I want to hold you Mama."
Isn't that so cute? It is too funny to hear her say it and I laugh every time.
Hope everyone has a healthy and happy Holiday. Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Dear Jenna - Happy Birthday
Dear Jenna,
Today you are two years old! I really don't know where the time went. You are now a little girl instead of a baby! Everyday you continue to amaze and me and your dad. Today we are having a snow storm, which is very different from the day you were born. Your daddy was so good at taking notes while I was in labor with you, and it was a partly sunny day with hardly any snow on the ground.
There are moments when I am just caught up in how fast you have grown and how big you have gotten. Sometimes, to me, you still feel like my little baby ; but then I look at you on my lap and your legs hang down to my knees, or I see a newborn baby in the store and can hardly believe, or remember, when you were ever that little.
This age seems to really be a favorite for us as parents. You cannot possibly be any cuter than when you are trying to sing a song. Your favorites are "Row Row Row Your Boat", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "ABC's", and "Rock-a-bye a Bear". I have to get you singing on video to cherish it forever.
Your vocabulary is never ending and new words are spoken every day. Sometimes we don't even know where you learned some of the things you say. You also like to clean! While this makes me very happy, you aren't the most patient person, and when the cleaning bug comes over you, you NEED a Clorox wipe NOW! You also love to dance, actually, usually it looks like a jumping spazzing type of alternative dance.
You are such a girly girl sometimes too, you love princesses and dresses. You also like to tell your animals, "He's nice" or "He's cute!" Things are cute or pretty to you. But...there is a "Handy Manny" side to you too. You are able to open the drawers in the kitchen now and you always get the screwdriver out and "fix" your toys and try to put "new batteries" in them. When you get out the screwdriver I always have a slight panic attack. I've read too many horror stories of kids running with them and having bad accidents. That is why I only let you play with it when you are sitting down and I'm right there. I can tell by your tantrums when I take it away that you don't understand this now, but someday you will thank me!
You also seem to be a creature of habit. Every morning when you get up you ask for cartoons, milk, and a poptart. (I know, it's not the best thing for you to eat, and I will not get MOM OF THE YEAR for this one, but when I'm trying to get ready for work, I need you to be not throwing tantrums, sorry!) I'm trying to wean you off of them.
When all is said and done, you are the light of our lives. We love you so much and take so much joy in you every day. We are so proud of you and lucky to have you in our lives. I look forward to every day with you. Happy 2nd Birthday sweetie!
Love always and forever,
Mama
Monday, December 15, 2008
My Little Alarm Clock
Dear Jenna,
I just want to make sure you know I have an alarm clock right next to my bed. You don't need to take on the responsibility of getting me up. I appreciate you want to see Mommy and Daddy right away in the morning, but we need to get something clear. You are usually such a good sleeper, and I LOVE that about you, but I don't need you to wake me up at 5:35 am on Saturday morning. I don't ask for much, 7am would have been nice!
I also don't need the constant reminder for the two hours it is still dark out, of you saying over and over again, "Dark out Mama, dark out." Yes, it tends to be dark at quarter to six in the morning! That is what happens when you wake up that early.
Please try to remember this in the future.
Love always,
Your tired Mama
I just want to make sure you know I have an alarm clock right next to my bed. You don't need to take on the responsibility of getting me up. I appreciate you want to see Mommy and Daddy right away in the morning, but we need to get something clear. You are usually such a good sleeper, and I LOVE that about you, but I don't need you to wake me up at 5:35 am on Saturday morning. I don't ask for much, 7am would have been nice!
I also don't need the constant reminder for the two hours it is still dark out, of you saying over and over again, "Dark out Mama, dark out." Yes, it tends to be dark at quarter to six in the morning! That is what happens when you wake up that early.
Please try to remember this in the future.
Love always,
Your tired Mama
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I Flying!
Update: We are recovering from the ER incident! Jenna has her bandages and wraps off and her hand is looking good. She is a drama queen though. She actually misses her "pretty glove" and wants her special lotion. We are now putting Neosporin on her fingers. Every once in a while she will say "hand hurt" or "ouchie" but I think she just knows that is her ouchie and wants attention! Her pinkeye is also gone, but we are still dealing with the eye drops! This usually involves a bribe of some sort to get her to lay down. The last couple of times the bribe has been to "fly", which leads me to the post below!
One of Jenna's new things is the run around the house with her arms out to the side and yell:
"I flying!! I flying!! Look, Daddy look!"
I caught a couple pictures of it last night, excuse the blurriness, it must have been because she was flying so fast! She also wants us to fly her and we do that first until we are out of breath and our arms hurt. It's not so easy to "fly" an almost 30 pound person while you are running around! Here she is in action!
One of Jenna's new things is the run around the house with her arms out to the side and yell:
"I flying!! I flying!! Look, Daddy look!"
I caught a couple pictures of it last night, excuse the blurriness, it must have been because she was flying so fast! She also wants us to fly her and we do that first until we are out of breath and our arms hurt. It's not so easy to "fly" an almost 30 pound person while you are running around! Here she is in action!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Our Trip to the ER!
UGH! Last night was so sad! We knew sooner or later this would happen to our hyper, crazy, clumsy little girl, but we had our first trip to the ER last night!
Jenna burnt her hand on the glass cover/door of a gas fireplace! It was so sad and so hard to watch as a parent! Erik said he wished his foot was cut off instead of her being hurt. She screamed and screamed! We took her to CMCH and the staff there were great! THANK YOU! They rushed her right back without us even checking in of filling out any paperwork and treated her wonderfully. They immediately put her hand in some soapy type water stuff and she calmed down a little bit, then gave her a double dose of Tylenol and Motrin. She got "special lotion" on her hand followed by a "pretty glove" and then a Popsicle.
To make things even worse, she also has pink eye in both eyes! She is at home healing today and being indited with Tylenol, Motrin and eyes drops! This morning we had to take the dressing off and put more "special lotion" on it and re-dress it. This lotion is SO special that if exposed to sunlight it will discolor your skin, so we have to be very careful with her and only have it on her when she is totally bandaged up. My poor little girl!
At least we've made it through our first trip to the ER!
Friday, December 5, 2008
My Shot at Photography
So, I've always thought it would be fun to be a photographer! I've even considered taking a photography class, considered being the key word, I never have. After much thought and no great ideas for our Christmas card this year, I decided to just do a picture of Jenna and hoped to get her smiling. I took pictures of her a couple of nights ago. It's sometimes hard to get a good picture Jenna, but I got a couple! Now I just have to wait for my cards to get here.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
My So Called Life
I borrowed this from Jen.
My life is pretty boring I guess! I haven’t done most of these things…
The items in bold are things I've done! Comment on what you've done or do this on your blog!
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper (Times one million)
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower (thanks grandpa)
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope (thanks again grandpa)
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn’t care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
42. Had amazing friends (I am curious as to why this is in the past tense.)
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites (In Spain)
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight (I don’t know what D&D is…)
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (Yeah right!)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house (does built a house qualify?)
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (raising)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge (I walked the Mackinac bridge, does that count?)
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking with the windows open
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period ( I think when I had mono I did this)
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions (I’ve only had one so far, and didn’t go)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
My life is pretty boring I guess! I haven’t done most of these things…
The items in bold are things I've done! Comment on what you've done or do this on your blog!
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper (Times one million)
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower (thanks grandpa)
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope (thanks again grandpa)
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and didn’t care who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
42. Had amazing friends (I am curious as to why this is in the past tense.)
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites (In Spain)
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight (I don’t know what D&D is…)
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days (Yeah right!)
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on a television news program as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house (does built a house qualify?)
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children (raising)
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge (I walked the Mackinac bridge, does that count?)
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking with the windows open
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a TV game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for 30 hours in a 48 hour period ( I think when I had mono I did this)
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. States
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad and The Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions (I’ve only had one so far, and didn’t go)
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Jenna's Cookie Shop
Jenna had a great time "decorating" cookies during Thanksgiving. This has always been a tradition for me when I was little, so we wanted to carry it on the Jenna. She would take a lick of frosting and eat some sprinkles, then decorate a cookie and so on. With the amount of licking and eating that went on, these cookies became hers and her only! Maybe that was her plan all along?!?!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thankful
Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for so much in our lives the list could go on and on. In "school" (daycare) Jenna has been learning about Thanksgiving. She knows about Pilgrims, turkeys, she says "Gobble, gobble, gobble" and being thankful. I'd imagine it's very hard to try to explain to a group of two year olds what being thankful means. However, Jenna said to her teacher that she is thankful for:
Mama
Daddy
Green (her favorite color)
Tuck (the class turtle)
How cute is that!? I love it! Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends! We love you and are thinking of you!
Mama
Daddy
Green (her favorite color)
Tuck (the class turtle)
How cute is that!? I love it! Happy Thanksgiving to all our family and friends! We love you and are thinking of you!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What did I get myself into?!?!?
As if I'm not busy enough, and as if I already don't have time to do things I want/need to do; I'm going to be making that worse starting in January 2009. I am officially a student again! I was accepted into grad school!
I will be getting my Masters in Science Administration with a focus on Organizational Communication. I'm excited and nervous as the same time. Granted it will take me years to complete taking one or two classes a semester but those years are going to go by anyway...
The best perk is I am going to be attending school for free, thanks to CMU, where I work.
Wish me luck, it has been six years since I was a student, I'll need all the help I can get.
I will be getting my Masters in Science Administration with a focus on Organizational Communication. I'm excited and nervous as the same time. Granted it will take me years to complete taking one or two classes a semester but those years are going to go by anyway...
The best perk is I am going to be attending school for free, thanks to CMU, where I work.
Wish me luck, it has been six years since I was a student, I'll need all the help I can get.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Dear Jenna, 23 months
Dear Jenna,
Today you are 23 months old. Practically two! The cliche remains true, time flies! You are such a blessing in our lives. We continue to love watching you grow and learn. You are a sponge at this age and literally learn new things everyday. Because you won't remember when you are older here is a list of some of your favorites:
Favorite things to say
I love you too (this one melts my heart every time)
Oh my gosh!
Here ya go Mama
Hi Guys
What's next? (referring to TV, you don't watch a ton of TV but somehow you know the name of every show!)
What doin? (translation: what are you doing?)
Favorite things to eat
fruit snacks
baby corn
pickles
McDonald's french fries
cheese
"snacks"
chocolate (kocklate)
ketchup
cinnamon swirl bread (treat treat, as you say)
Favorite TV shows
The Wiggles
Dora the Explorer
Yo Gabba Gabba
Max & Ruby
Wow Wow Wubbzy
Favorite Things in general
stickers
Christmas trees
books
airplanes
lotion
dancing
babies and animals
school buses
You don't lack confidence either. You are full of self praise! You consistently tell yourself and anyone else who will listen, "Good job Jenna." Good girl Jenna."
Most of the time you are thoughtful to others and offer goodbye's, I love yous and hugs and kisses. You try to say your ABC's and count, you are getting better everyday. You truly are growing up and becoming a big girl. I am so lucky to be your mom.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
The Awful Night
This last weekend we went to Boyne Mountain Resort with a few other families to take the kids to Avalanche Bay, the indoor water park.
The water park was a success, Jenna loved it. She loved to jump off the side of the kiddie pool into our arms. She even went down a couple of the big water slides with Erik.
The night, however, was not a success! We were in a great room, a suite, with three bedrooms and a kitchette and even a little play area for the kids with bunk beds. If they would have been a little older, it would have been a great bedroom.
We put a pack n play in our room for Jenna to sleep in. She went down great and I was so proud of her for going down easily in a strange room and bed. When we came to bed we were trying to be extra quiet. It worked for an hour or so, but then she woke up and realized we were in the room with her! DISASTER! Since we were with other families, we couldn't really just let her cry, so I picked her up and took her into bed with us thinking she would just fall asleep on me. I probably wouldn't have slept well but at least she would.
Well...that's not what happened. She was insistent on being awake and talking. She thought it was a game. She would lay down with me and then say "Get up Jenna!" She would lay down, Erik would start snoring and Jenna would immediatly sit up and put her hand to her ear and say, "I hear it...daddy," over and over again! I tried to put her back in her crib a few times, which resulted in cries and it started all over again. At one point I said, "Jenna Noelle, I am going to lose it!" She responds with, "Mama lose it!" It didn't help! It was a visious cycle!
Erik ended up getting up with her for the day at 3am! It was crazy! Needless to say, we were thankful to all be in our own beds the next night!
The water park was a success, Jenna loved it. She loved to jump off the side of the kiddie pool into our arms. She even went down a couple of the big water slides with Erik.
The night, however, was not a success! We were in a great room, a suite, with three bedrooms and a kitchette and even a little play area for the kids with bunk beds. If they would have been a little older, it would have been a great bedroom.
We put a pack n play in our room for Jenna to sleep in. She went down great and I was so proud of her for going down easily in a strange room and bed. When we came to bed we were trying to be extra quiet. It worked for an hour or so, but then she woke up and realized we were in the room with her! DISASTER! Since we were with other families, we couldn't really just let her cry, so I picked her up and took her into bed with us thinking she would just fall asleep on me. I probably wouldn't have slept well but at least she would.
Well...that's not what happened. She was insistent on being awake and talking. She thought it was a game. She would lay down with me and then say "Get up Jenna!" She would lay down, Erik would start snoring and Jenna would immediatly sit up and put her hand to her ear and say, "I hear it...daddy," over and over again! I tried to put her back in her crib a few times, which resulted in cries and it started all over again. At one point I said, "Jenna Noelle, I am going to lose it!" She responds with, "Mama lose it!" It didn't help! It was a visious cycle!
Erik ended up getting up with her for the day at 3am! It was crazy! Needless to say, we were thankful to all be in our own beds the next night!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Trips to the Store!
Shopping with Jenna now has a new meaning. It used to be "hurry as fast as you can, grab a few things, get out the door before she gets grumpy." We still deal with that a little bit, but now it's much more hands on!
When we go to the store she now HAS to look at the toys. She isn't satisfied just looking at them while she sits in the cart. She has to get down and pick them up and try to open them, because she thinks they are "Mine", "I have it" , "Open!" This time of year, she also is fascinated by the Christmas tree display and the lights. "Lights, Pretty!"
I am proud to say my daughter is a girly girl! She gravitates right towards "Princesses" (barbies) and these Littlest Pet Shop things.
For those of you who don't have young kids, or don't watch the Noggin channel, you haven't had the privilege of being introduced to Yo Gabba Gabba This is a weird show and Jenna loves it, luckily the songs share good messages, but Erik and I think the creators of this show are on drugs. She especially loves Tuddie (the blue one). After our trip to Target, Jenna now has a little Tuddie doll. She carries her around, dances with her, feeds her and puts her to bed.
Yesterday at the store, Jenna grabbed a toy and gave it me while she said, "Here ya go honey!" It was so cute, hey, at least she shares!
Stay tuned for pictures of her and her Mrs. Potato Head! A new favorite!
Also - can you tell I finally decided to figure out how to insert a link?!? It wasn't even hard!
When we go to the store she now HAS to look at the toys. She isn't satisfied just looking at them while she sits in the cart. She has to get down and pick them up and try to open them, because she thinks they are "Mine", "I have it" , "Open!" This time of year, she also is fascinated by the Christmas tree display and the lights. "Lights, Pretty!"
I am proud to say my daughter is a girly girl! She gravitates right towards "Princesses" (barbies) and these Littlest Pet Shop things.
For those of you who don't have young kids, or don't watch the Noggin channel, you haven't had the privilege of being introduced to Yo Gabba Gabba This is a weird show and Jenna loves it, luckily the songs share good messages, but Erik and I think the creators of this show are on drugs. She especially loves Tuddie (the blue one). After our trip to Target, Jenna now has a little Tuddie doll. She carries her around, dances with her, feeds her and puts her to bed.
Yesterday at the store, Jenna grabbed a toy and gave it me while she said, "Here ya go honey!" It was so cute, hey, at least she shares!
Stay tuned for pictures of her and her Mrs. Potato Head! A new favorite!
Also - can you tell I finally decided to figure out how to insert a link?!? It wasn't even hard!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Hey There Little Red Riding Hood...
Halloween 2008 was a hit! Fun was had by all!
At daycare they did a parade through the Medical Care Facility so all the old people could see the kids and their costumes. Jenna would say "Happy Ween!" It was SO cute!
She had a blast trick or treating. She went up to all the doors and would say "Trick or Treat!" She didn't like people putting candy in her basket. I think she thought they were going to take candy away from her. She would do an interception between their hand and her basket. She would take the candy from them and then put it in her basket herself.
Hmmm...what to eat first!?!?
Oh - AND Jenna went potty on her potty for the first time Halloween Night! GO JENNA!
At daycare they did a parade through the Medical Care Facility so all the old people could see the kids and their costumes. Jenna would say "Happy Ween!" It was SO cute!
She had a blast trick or treating. She went up to all the doors and would say "Trick or Treat!" She didn't like people putting candy in her basket. I think she thought they were going to take candy away from her. She would do an interception between their hand and her basket. She would take the candy from them and then put it in her basket herself.
Hmmm...what to eat first!?!?
Oh - AND Jenna went potty on her potty for the first time Halloween Night! GO JENNA!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Babies and Animals
Jenna's at a stage where she is obsessed with "babies" and "amimals" (as she says). She has a ton of baby dolls and stuffed animals, and until about a month ago, couldn't have cared less about them.
Now it's a different story. She has to have at least two of them with her all the time. She brings them to daycare too. She has about 10 different babies and animals in her crib, she hardly has room to lay down! Every morning when I go in to get her up we have to talk about all the animals and she tries to pick up three or four at a time, and then I try to pick her up with all the animals! It's not easy.
There names are always whatever they are...
So, right now the favorites are:
Baby (she has three dolls that are all baby)
Lion
Frog
Puppy
Boo (a ghost)
Hippo
She takes care of her babies too. Even is she is upset or crying about something she will take the time to offer Lion "a bite" or "a drink" before she takes a bite or drink herself.
Most recently, my mom carved her a pumpkin with a face and the moon and stars on it. I finally put the darn thing outside, but until then, it was sitting on the couch with her! She was trying to feed pumpkin, read to him, and put him to "nite nite"! She covers up her babies and animals with a blanket and says "nite nite" then two seconds later she pulls the blanket from them and yells "Get up baby!"
I swear she did not learn that from us! We value her time sleeping!
Now it's a different story. She has to have at least two of them with her all the time. She brings them to daycare too. She has about 10 different babies and animals in her crib, she hardly has room to lay down! Every morning when I go in to get her up we have to talk about all the animals and she tries to pick up three or four at a time, and then I try to pick her up with all the animals! It's not easy.
There names are always whatever they are...
So, right now the favorites are:
Baby (she has three dolls that are all baby)
Lion
Frog
Puppy
Boo (a ghost)
Hippo
She takes care of her babies too. Even is she is upset or crying about something she will take the time to offer Lion "a bite" or "a drink" before she takes a bite or drink herself.
Most recently, my mom carved her a pumpkin with a face and the moon and stars on it. I finally put the darn thing outside, but until then, it was sitting on the couch with her! She was trying to feed pumpkin, read to him, and put him to "nite nite"! She covers up her babies and animals with a blanket and says "nite nite" then two seconds later she pulls the blanket from them and yells "Get up baby!"
I swear she did not learn that from us! We value her time sleeping!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Star Struck...I think
Jenna met someone famous this last weekend!
She got to meet Dora the Explorer!
Now, as you can see from the picture, with her looking over her glasses at Dora, she wasn't too sure of her. She would not go up there alone. She loved Dora from a distance but was not too sure of her up close. She was probably thinking Dora is much larger in real life than she is on TV! Or maybe she was wondering where Boots and Swiper were. She was happy to see "backpack" and "map" with Dora.
I think the feeling that best describes this look is "Star Struck"...maybe.
She got to meet Dora the Explorer!
Now, as you can see from the picture, with her looking over her glasses at Dora, she wasn't too sure of her. She would not go up there alone. She loved Dora from a distance but was not too sure of her up close. She was probably thinking Dora is much larger in real life than she is on TV! Or maybe she was wondering where Boots and Swiper were. She was happy to see "backpack" and "map" with Dora.
I think the feeling that best describes this look is "Star Struck"...maybe.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Happy 4th Anniversary!
Today is our 4th Anniversary! Here is a picture of the beautiful bouquet of flowers Erik sent to me at work. He is the best husband and I love him so much!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
You get what you pay for!
This last weekend we went up to Alpena to visit Erik's family. We love seeing everyone, it is the travel that's really hard with Jenna. We're talking about an almost two year old who can't do any one thing for more than five minutes. She never sits still, ask anyone, they can vouch for me! My daughter does NOT sleep in the car like some kids do either.
So, I always try to come up with ways to make the three hour drive a little easier. Of course, the typical: we take snacks, sippy cups, books, the DVD player with lots of Elmo, Dora and Blue's Clues, and we often get her a McDonald's chicken nugget happy meal for the ride. She loves french fries and eating the whole thing takes her a while.
This time, I decided to try something I read in my Parents magazine. I went to the Dollar Store and bought $12 worth of crap! Then Erik wrapped everything so we had 12presents for her. The time to unwrap each item and then play with it for a few minutes took up some time.
Well, by the time we got home most of the toys were already broken! I guess that's why they are only $1. The wheels had broke off the toy cars, the princess jewelery had a broken necklace, earring and broken bracelet, and we had more wrapping paper in the car then at some holidays!
So, in theory, it was a good idea and took up a little time. In reality, she was still saying "Out, all done" when we were only 30 miles into the trip.
Any one else have any more ideas?
So, I always try to come up with ways to make the three hour drive a little easier. Of course, the typical: we take snacks, sippy cups, books, the DVD player with lots of Elmo, Dora and Blue's Clues, and we often get her a McDonald's chicken nugget happy meal for the ride. She loves french fries and eating the whole thing takes her a while.
This time, I decided to try something I read in my Parents magazine. I went to the Dollar Store and bought $12 worth of crap! Then Erik wrapped everything so we had 12presents for her. The time to unwrap each item and then play with it for a few minutes took up some time.
Well, by the time we got home most of the toys were already broken! I guess that's why they are only $1. The wheels had broke off the toy cars, the princess jewelery had a broken necklace, earring and broken bracelet, and we had more wrapping paper in the car then at some holidays!
So, in theory, it was a good idea and took up a little time. In reality, she was still saying "Out, all done" when we were only 30 miles into the trip.
Any one else have any more ideas?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Dear Jenna - 22 months
Dear Jenna,
Tonight at 7:24 pm you were 22 months old! Two months away from being two years! Sometimes I can't believe you are getting so big and independent. You are no longer a baby who depends on your mommy for everything. You can get yourself snacks, can put your shoes on, (even though there is no guarantee they are on the right feet) you can go up and down stairs, and you can even restart the DVD to play the Elmo Movie yet again.
Of course there are still lots of things you need your dad and me for, and that makes us very happy. Your dad often says he wishes you would stay this age and size forever. He wants to bottle up his little peanut because you are so much fun right now. Your innocence of the world and the stresses of live are so refreshing. Your vocabulary is expanding every day and now is usually full sentences instead of just words. Your energy is never ending and your ability to make us laugh all the time and warm our hearts with your smile is something we look forward to every day.
Of course, life is busy and is full of many different roles for me, but NONE are as important or meaningful as being your mommy. I hope you always know how much I love you and how smart, beautiful, and amazing you are. I wish you would be able to remember days like today, when the three of us just played and read and hung out together all day.
I also hope you know how much joy you bring into the lives of our family. How lucky are you to have three Papa's and two Gramma's and NINE great grandparents, who love you so much! In addition to many other family and friends, you are well loved. I wish every child could have a life like you do.
Well, enough of me being sappy! I love you more than words can say!
Happy 22 months!
Love always and forever,
Mama
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
That's What She Said!
One of Jenna's new tactile hobbies is to put the tops back on things..this can be anything...
lotion
medicine
juice
chap stick
water bottles
food
You get the point! Anytime she sees something with the top off she automatically repeats "Top on, Top on, Top on!" until you let her put the top on.
Well, when Erik first heard her say "Top on"
He said, "What?! Tampon?!"
LOL! It was so funny. I asked him if he really thought his daughter would be saying tampon. Now, every time Jenna says "Top on" I think of this and smile!
lotion
medicine
juice
chap stick
water bottles
food
You get the point! Anytime she sees something with the top off she automatically repeats "Top on, Top on, Top on!" until you let her put the top on.
Well, when Erik first heard her say "Top on"
He said, "What?! Tampon?!"
LOL! It was so funny. I asked him if he really thought his daughter would be saying tampon. Now, every time Jenna says "Top on" I think of this and smile!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Tales from the Robinette Household
Jenna is talking more and more and it's so fun to watch her and hear what she comes up with. Now, it is sometimes hard to decifer and sometimes it is just Erik and I who can figure out what she is saying, but she can get her point across!
Now, Mom of the year here, my daughter can say...
Coffee and Chocolate. Opps!
Some of her favorite phrases/words right now are:
Here ya go
I got you
Sorry [insert name: mama, baby, daddy, papa](she gets to say that one a lot!)
pumpkin
Run...GoGoGo
Shoes on
Elmo movie
Yesterday she picked up my phone and said, "Call Gramna" It is pretty funny to see her using a blackberry!
This weekend I bought the halloween sugar cookies that have the black cats in them and thought it would be so fun for the two of us to put them on the cookie tray and watch them bake for the eight minutes. Well, I decided to try this with her in the middle of a breakdown. She got even more mad and threw herself on the floor when she couldn't eat the cookie dough. I even gave in and tried to give her a bite, the damage was already done though, she was mad. So, my vision of Jenna and I making cookies together was ruined by the reality of a tired 22 month old who didn't get her way!
Last night Erik and I were laying in bed and here is our conversation:
Me: Do you think I should sign Jenna up for dance or gymnastics or something?
Erik: You're kidding right?! She's 22 months!
Me: No, they have classes for kids her age, and she loves to jump and dance.
Erik: She can jump and dance at home!
End of conversation! Good night.
Now, Mom of the year here, my daughter can say...
Coffee and Chocolate. Opps!
Some of her favorite phrases/words right now are:
Here ya go
I got you
Sorry [insert name: mama, baby, daddy, papa](she gets to say that one a lot!)
pumpkin
Run...GoGoGo
Shoes on
Elmo movie
Yesterday she picked up my phone and said, "Call Gramna" It is pretty funny to see her using a blackberry!
This weekend I bought the halloween sugar cookies that have the black cats in them and thought it would be so fun for the two of us to put them on the cookie tray and watch them bake for the eight minutes. Well, I decided to try this with her in the middle of a breakdown. She got even more mad and threw herself on the floor when she couldn't eat the cookie dough. I even gave in and tried to give her a bite, the damage was already done though, she was mad. So, my vision of Jenna and I making cookies together was ruined by the reality of a tired 22 month old who didn't get her way!
Last night Erik and I were laying in bed and here is our conversation:
Me: Do you think I should sign Jenna up for dance or gymnastics or something?
Erik: You're kidding right?! She's 22 months!
Me: No, they have classes for kids her age, and she loves to jump and dance.
Erik: She can jump and dance at home!
End of conversation! Good night.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Think Pink!
Earlier this month I went to a fundraiser for Central Michigan Community Hospital's Cancer Center. It was put on by Let's Do The Dishes, a paint your own pottery studio! The event was called "Think Pink! Paint for a cause." It was a private paint party and so much fun! A great night to support breast cancer and be creative, or try to be creative! Thanks to Connie and Michelle for a great night!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Papa's Pumpkin Patch
It was a perfect fall day to take Jenna to Papa's Pumpkin Patch. Who knew you could spend two hours there! Jenna had so much fun; running up and down "Mount Pleasant" hill, riding in the little tractor train, checking out all of the pumpkins, and walking around! It was a great day!
Happy 50th Birthday Mom!
My mom celebrated her 50th birthday on October 2! We celebrated with Erik's special chicken and steak fajita recipe and Grandma's special cake! We couldn't resist making her wear the red hat now that she's old enough to be in the red hat club! Happy birthday Mom! Love you!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Grandma & Papa's Overnight
Erik and I had a wedding this last weekend. Jenna stayed at her Grandma and Grandpa Byron's house and had a lot of fun! The pictures prove it....
Monday, September 29, 2008
A Gentle Reminder
On Friday my heart melted! Erik, Jenna and I were driving home from the Mardi Gras parade downtown. It was past Jenna's bedtime, but she was still in a great mood, probably on a candy high from the smatries she got at the parade!
Jenna is at an age where she repeats almost anything you say, or at least part of it. Lately, she will repeat "I Love You" but hers sounds like "I lull you."
On Friday evening, I looked back at her in her carseat and said:
"I love you Jenna."
She said:
"I lull you mama!"
Erik and I looked at each other and our hearts melted. It was such a nice moment and I'll remember it forever.
So, on days when I barely get out the door, and don't have it together at all, I'll remember this, and it makes it all worth it!
Jenna is at an age where she repeats almost anything you say, or at least part of it. Lately, she will repeat "I Love You" but hers sounds like "I lull you."
On Friday evening, I looked back at her in her carseat and said:
"I love you Jenna."
She said:
"I lull you mama!"
Erik and I looked at each other and our hearts melted. It was such a nice moment and I'll remember it forever.
So, on days when I barely get out the door, and don't have it together at all, I'll remember this, and it makes it all worth it!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I Lied!
Okay, remember in my letter to Jenna when I said I enjoy every moment???
I lied!
She has been sick and now fighting a cold and is just not herself! I know she doesn't feel well, and I try to remember that too, it's just hard when she is so cranky and doesn't want to do anything. You know she doesn't feel up to par when she doesn't want to go outside, color, eat fruit snacks or watch Elmo.
These are the moments when I think we are crazy for wanting another child sometime in the future!
Although, I have to give her props: today we took her to the doctor. For the first time in her young life she did not scream the whole time we were there! This is the little girl, who when we saw her pediatrician in the grocery store, started screaming "NO, ALL DONE, BYE BYE!"
Today Dr. Fox was trying to listen to her heart and for the first time ever Jenna was actually quiet. Jenna soon realized Erik, the Dr. and myself were all giving her praise, and started giving herself some too.
She started saying:
"Good girl! YEAH!" and clapping! It was a nice moment. In the words of Dr. Fox, "The little princess is maturing!"
I lied!
She has been sick and now fighting a cold and is just not herself! I know she doesn't feel well, and I try to remember that too, it's just hard when she is so cranky and doesn't want to do anything. You know she doesn't feel up to par when she doesn't want to go outside, color, eat fruit snacks or watch Elmo.
These are the moments when I think we are crazy for wanting another child sometime in the future!
Although, I have to give her props: today we took her to the doctor. For the first time in her young life she did not scream the whole time we were there! This is the little girl, who when we saw her pediatrician in the grocery store, started screaming "NO, ALL DONE, BYE BYE!"
Today Dr. Fox was trying to listen to her heart and for the first time ever Jenna was actually quiet. Jenna soon realized Erik, the Dr. and myself were all giving her praise, and started giving herself some too.
She started saying:
"Good girl! YEAH!" and clapping! It was a nice moment. In the words of Dr. Fox, "The little princess is maturing!"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Dear Jenna
Dear Jenna,
You are 21 months old and I have yet to even start your baby books and scrapbooks (Hanging head in shame). I had so many ideas, plans and so on, and just never found the time. I will do it sometime, but for now, this blog will act as my thoughts to you and sharing your stories to loved ones.
You have changed my life so much and I wouldn't change a thing! You have brought so much laughter and joy into the lives of your dad and me, and so many others. Your strong personality shines through, in good and bad ways! You are full of energy, very opinionated, happy, social, smart, beautiful and so much more. We are so proud of you everyday. You are learning so much at this stage and getting more and more independent.
Now, if we could just get you to pay attention when you are running through the house yelling "I got you!" then we could maybe have a few less bumps and bruises, or as you say, "Ouchies!" We love watching you dance and jump and your endless energy.
You are also starting to make decisions, granted you say whatever choice we said last...
Dora or Elmo? Elmo
Elmo or Dora? Dora
Juice or milk? milk
Milk of juice? juice
Anyway, I hope you know how much we love you and enjoy every moment we have with you. I can't believe you are almost two years old! I look foward to all we have to enjoy in the future!
Love always,
Mama
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