Ugh, have I told you lately how much we hate giving the kids their inhalers?? They each continue to get two puffs morning and night, which only takes about 30 seconds total, but it feels like the longest 30 seconds EVER and then they have to act like we are trying to kill them! They know when they get them and they can see it coming.
So then they run away. Which is a real treat :)
It really is a struggle every day. I know for such a short lived thing, I really should just get over it, but it's getting to be such an annoyance. We then have to brush their teeth and clean their mouth out afterwards, which is also something they have grown to hate!!
I suppose they are doing their job though. Through this last round of colds, they did have the coughing, but it didn't travel to the lungs and it hasn't gotten out of control.
You would think that because this has just become part of their routine, they would be getting used to it. We feel like every time we bring it out, it's like we're introducing it to them for the first time!
Oh well, that's all I have for you today :)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Good News
I received a call of good news yesterday. I have been feeling very "crappy" lately and have been doctoring to try and figure out what's going on. Well, after much lab work, I was told I have "elevated liver enzymes". Didn't mean much to me, but they wanted to do some more testing, a lot more blood work, and more specific liver testing. I gave about my entire body's worth of blood and then also had an ultrasound done of my liver and gallbladder last week. Part of what elevated liver enzymes could mean was liver disease. But I got the call yesterday saying that the ultrasound of my liver/gallbladder/kidneys all looked good. Which was a big relief. But I'm still not feeling any better. My numbers are still high, but they are still not sure what is causing this and I am also anemic....so between these two things = PURE EXHAUSTION!!! I am not even kidding you, for the last week and a half I am asleep on the couch by 7:30 and in bed BEFORE 8:00 every night. Once Cody gets home from work, I am done! I find it hard to do anything and sometimes even breathing feels like too much work :( I have started on an iron supplement which I am hoping will do the trick with the anemia. And we'll just keep an eye on the liver issue.
Myself and the kids are also sick with nasty colds. Kenley has ear infection and the snot is RIDICULOUS!! We are all exhausted.
So that's part of what's been going on in our lives lately.
This past weekend we went to Des Moines to visit and hit up the Pumpkin Patch. We had a blast and I think the kids did too :) We had absolutely gorgeous weather and it was a perfect day!
You'll never guess, but I forgot my camera. Yep, it was still sitting in the bedroom when we got home. I do have pictures, but I will have to get them off of my parents computer, which I'm hoping to get done this weekend.
Myself and the kids are also sick with nasty colds. Kenley has ear infection and the snot is RIDICULOUS!! We are all exhausted.
So that's part of what's been going on in our lives lately.
This past weekend we went to Des Moines to visit and hit up the Pumpkin Patch. We had a blast and I think the kids did too :) We had absolutely gorgeous weather and it was a perfect day!
You'll never guess, but I forgot my camera. Yep, it was still sitting in the bedroom when we got home. I do have pictures, but I will have to get them off of my parents computer, which I'm hoping to get done this weekend.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
A-Z of Me
Apparently this is going around "blogger-world" and I thought I'd participate. Hey, who wouldn't want to know a little more about someone else?
A. Age: 30. I hated turning 30 and in 3 short months I will already be 31! YUCK!
B. Bed Size: Queen. Oh, how I love my bed :)
C. Chores I Hate: Washing dishes and cleaning the shower. Ok really, I hate cleaning anything that our water touches: sinks, toilets, countertops, faucets. If you are at all aware of the HORRIBLE water in Brewster you would understand the lime build-up and it is NASTY! And hard to get clean!
D. Dogs: none (and we don't need any either)
E. Essential Start to your Day: My routine. I thrive on routine. If it's off, I'm off.
F. Favorite Color: Pink
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5'6"
I. Instruments you Play: I played the flute in high school and actually just recently attempted to play one not that long ago. And it's not just like riding a bike. I had nothing!
J. Job Title: Mama (my favorite) and Speech Language Pathologist
K. Kids: Yep, Amazing!! 14 month old twins Kaden and Kenley. They are the light of my life. Although, not something I want to admit, I was pretty much done being a mom a few nights ago. It was a circus at our house and I about called it quits. Not really. But close.
L. Live: Brewster, Minnesota. The land of NOWHERE!!
M. Mother's Name: Peggy. I hope I can be the mom to my kids that she's been to me. Well, maybe not the crazy part :)
N. Nickname: Hol, HoJo
O. Overnight Hospital Stays: In my 30 years, I've stayed overnight as a patient 1 time, when the kids were born. Yeah, I'm that lame.
P. Pet Peeves: When I can't keep up with my house and the piles start to accumulate and Whiney people.
Q. Quote from a Movie: "Slow it down...Slowin'. Slow it down...Slowin'. Slow it down! Dude. Whew, someone got a ticket. Shut up! Not you, the kids." (Can you guess where that comes from?)
R. Right or Left Handed: Right
S. Siblings: My sister Kristal...best sister EVER!!
T. Tasty Food: Yeah, I love food :)
U. Underware: Yep
V. Vegetable you Hate: ALL of them
W. What Makes you Run Late: Not planning enough in advance and unexpected issues from the kids. Most commonly the dirty diaper as we're walking out of the house.
X. X-rays You've Had: Back, Dental
Y. Yummy Food you Make: Hmmm...I'm not a fan of cooking so I'm really not sure that I make anything yummy, but we never go hungry :) Does cookie dough count?
Z. Zoo Animal: I love the zoo! So really any animal. Except the birds. I hate birds!
A. Age: 30. I hated turning 30 and in 3 short months I will already be 31! YUCK!
B. Bed Size: Queen. Oh, how I love my bed :)
C. Chores I Hate: Washing dishes and cleaning the shower. Ok really, I hate cleaning anything that our water touches: sinks, toilets, countertops, faucets. If you are at all aware of the HORRIBLE water in Brewster you would understand the lime build-up and it is NASTY! And hard to get clean!
D. Dogs: none (and we don't need any either)
E. Essential Start to your Day: My routine. I thrive on routine. If it's off, I'm off.
F. Favorite Color: Pink
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5'6"
I. Instruments you Play: I played the flute in high school and actually just recently attempted to play one not that long ago. And it's not just like riding a bike. I had nothing!
J. Job Title: Mama (my favorite) and Speech Language Pathologist
K. Kids: Yep, Amazing!! 14 month old twins Kaden and Kenley. They are the light of my life. Although, not something I want to admit, I was pretty much done being a mom a few nights ago. It was a circus at our house and I about called it quits. Not really. But close.
L. Live: Brewster, Minnesota. The land of NOWHERE!!
M. Mother's Name: Peggy. I hope I can be the mom to my kids that she's been to me. Well, maybe not the crazy part :)
N. Nickname: Hol, HoJo
O. Overnight Hospital Stays: In my 30 years, I've stayed overnight as a patient 1 time, when the kids were born. Yeah, I'm that lame.
P. Pet Peeves: When I can't keep up with my house and the piles start to accumulate and Whiney people.
Q. Quote from a Movie: "Slow it down...Slowin'. Slow it down...Slowin'. Slow it down! Dude. Whew, someone got a ticket. Shut up! Not you, the kids." (Can you guess where that comes from?)
R. Right or Left Handed: Right
S. Siblings: My sister Kristal...best sister EVER!!
T. Tasty Food: Yeah, I love food :)
U. Underware: Yep
V. Vegetable you Hate: ALL of them
W. What Makes you Run Late: Not planning enough in advance and unexpected issues from the kids. Most commonly the dirty diaper as we're walking out of the house.
X. X-rays You've Had: Back, Dental
Y. Yummy Food you Make: Hmmm...I'm not a fan of cooking so I'm really not sure that I make anything yummy, but we never go hungry :) Does cookie dough count?
Z. Zoo Animal: I love the zoo! So really any animal. Except the birds. I hate birds!
Monday, September 12, 2011
50 Rules for Dads of Daughters
So, I found this on Pinterest (my new fave), and it was just too good not to share.
*You might need a tissue :)
1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck
to a puddle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*You might need a tissue :)
1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck
to a puddle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 9, 2011
boo boos
Kaden has had a couple of accidents this week. Since learning to climb, I'm not even kidding you, he is climbing up on everything...and has no fear!
Earlier this week, he climbed up on the ottoman and fell off, landing on the Little Tikes kitchen (which is what he used to get up there in the first place), cutting the top and bottom of his eye.
Now today, I get a call at work from daycare, saying that Kaden had a little accident with the wagon. He cut his lip and it swelled pretty good.
Poor little guy...
Earlier this week, he climbed up on the ottoman and fell off, landing on the Little Tikes kitchen (which is what he used to get up there in the first place), cutting the top and bottom of his eye.
Now today, I get a call at work from daycare, saying that Kaden had a little accident with the wagon. He cut his lip and it swelled pretty good.
Poor little guy...
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Hi,
I'm Holli. I'm married to an amazing guy named Cody and we have two children, Kaden and Kenley.
It's nice to meet you :)
Ohhhhh my!!! I see it's been a month since I've posted last. Huh?!? I don't really have an excuse, but the one I'm going to use is that I've started back to work and blogging is the absolute last thing I've had time for these days. How's that for an excuse?
We've been busy this last month. The biggest change around here, is that summer is over :( I've gone back to school and the kids are back at daycare. Our lazy summer schedule has turned into a tight routine followed from morning to night.
Some highlights of the month:
*We've been working on getting Kenley's pacifier away from her. Not a task I was looking forward to because she's gotten pretty darn attached to it. But it didn't take long at all...we just started laying her down in her crib at night and not giving it to her, and she's been fine! Go figure :) I haven't been able to give it up in the car yet. Did you catch that..."I" haven't been able to give it up yet. She just gets soo cranky in her car seat and when I give it to her, SILENCE. And then she typically falls asleep. So for now, she's only got it in the car, which is better than where I thought we would be at this point.
*We've also taken away their Sound Machine. We purchased one shortly after the kids were born because they were both soo grunty and noisy that we thought it would help them sleep. They've loved it and it was part of their routine. They knew it was time to sleep when we turned it on. We figure they are old enough now to go to sleep without having to have it on. That was also an easy transition...WHEW!
*The kids absolutely hate to see me when I come pick them up from daycare. I wait all day long to see them and can't wait to go get them after work, and the second they see me, they turn away and start whining. They refuse to come to me and throw a fit when we start walking to the car. It's an absolute wrestling match when I put them in their carseats and I end up a hot mess!!
*We went to Yankton camping with a large group of friends and had a great time!! I packed my camera and when I pulled it out to use it "NO MEMORY CARD" appeared on the screen :( Huge bummer!!
*The kids and I went with my parents down to Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair and to visit my sister for a long weekend. The weather was absolutely beautiful for August. Cody decided he would rather go camping with some friends, so he camped that weekend a free man. But he had to miss out on this:
*Kaden has learned to climb....and he is now climbing on EVERYTHING!!!
I'm Holli. I'm married to an amazing guy named Cody and we have two children, Kaden and Kenley.
It's nice to meet you :)
Ohhhhh my!!! I see it's been a month since I've posted last. Huh?!? I don't really have an excuse, but the one I'm going to use is that I've started back to work and blogging is the absolute last thing I've had time for these days. How's that for an excuse?
We've been busy this last month. The biggest change around here, is that summer is over :( I've gone back to school and the kids are back at daycare. Our lazy summer schedule has turned into a tight routine followed from morning to night.
Some highlights of the month:
*We've been working on getting Kenley's pacifier away from her. Not a task I was looking forward to because she's gotten pretty darn attached to it. But it didn't take long at all...we just started laying her down in her crib at night and not giving it to her, and she's been fine! Go figure :) I haven't been able to give it up in the car yet. Did you catch that..."I" haven't been able to give it up yet. She just gets soo cranky in her car seat and when I give it to her, SILENCE. And then she typically falls asleep. So for now, she's only got it in the car, which is better than where I thought we would be at this point.
*We've also taken away their Sound Machine. We purchased one shortly after the kids were born because they were both soo grunty and noisy that we thought it would help them sleep. They've loved it and it was part of their routine. They knew it was time to sleep when we turned it on. We figure they are old enough now to go to sleep without having to have it on. That was also an easy transition...WHEW!
*The kids absolutely hate to see me when I come pick them up from daycare. I wait all day long to see them and can't wait to go get them after work, and the second they see me, they turn away and start whining. They refuse to come to me and throw a fit when we start walking to the car. It's an absolute wrestling match when I put them in their carseats and I end up a hot mess!!
*We went to Yankton camping with a large group of friends and had a great time!! I packed my camera and when I pulled it out to use it "NO MEMORY CARD" appeared on the screen :( Huge bummer!!
*The kids and I went with my parents down to Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair and to visit my sister for a long weekend. The weather was absolutely beautiful for August. Cody decided he would rather go camping with some friends, so he camped that weekend a free man. But he had to miss out on this:
*Kaden has learned to climb....and he is now climbing on EVERYTHING!!!
*We officially have a WALKER!!!
Geez...talk about MIA. But it's good to be back. Hopefully I will do better :)
Monday, August 8, 2011
12 months
Last Monday, August 1st, the kids had their 12 month well-baby check and things are going great. The dr. said "you two couldn't have asked for two better kids".....we think that too :)
12 Month Stats:
Kaden
Weight: 22lbs. 15oz. (50th percentile)
Height: 29.25 inches (30th percentile)
Kenley
Weight: 27lbs. 14oz. (99th percentile)
Height: 29.25 inches (50th percentile)
12 Month Stats:
*Kaden has brown eyes, Kenley has blue eyes
*Kaden has brown hair, Kenley has (depending on the light) light brown/blondish/strawberry blondish hair
*Kaden has 5 top teeth and 5 bottom teeth, Kenley has 2 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth (and two more top teeth that are going to be coming through any day now!)
*Kaden wears 12 month clothing, Kenley wears 18-24/24 month clothes
*Kaden wears size 4 diapers, Kenley wears size 5
*Both have transitioned to whole milk without any problems. They drink approximately 16oz. of milk per day out of sippy cups and they still get a 6oz. bottle of toddler formula before bedtime. Kaden is liking milk pretty well, Kenley is not thinking she likes it as well as formula.
*Eating: Kenley will eat just about anything and gobbles it right down. But when she's done she'll let you know by turning her head or shaking her head no. Kaden is a much pickier eater and soo much slower. He takes forever to chew his food and swallow it down. He's not much of a big meat eater. If you put a bite of food in his mouth that contains meat, he will pick around it with his tongue and the meat will remain in his mouth. When he has decided he is done, he will simply spit out the piece of food that he was currently chewing up. They both LOVE fruit, you simply can't go wrong with any kind of fruit.
*Sleeping: Kenley loves to sleep. She has absolutely no problem being laid down for a nap or for bed time. She still loves her pacifier and snuggles right in with her blanket. Kaden doesn't need as much sleep as Kenley. He likes to stay up a little later at night and no matter how tired he is, he still has to throw a fit when we put him in his crib. Luckily, Kenley doesn't mind a bit :)
*Standing/Walking: Both Kaden and Kenley are cruising all along the furniture and both enjoy being walked if you hold on to their hands. Kenley is able to stand independently for several minutes at a time, Kaden's longest was 10 seconds before falling to his bum. Kenley is getting SO VERY CLOSE to walking all by herself. She took her very first steps on her birthday and she gets closer every day.
*Favorite Toy/Activity: Their favorite toy right now is their Step 2 miniature slide. It's not very big but they both enjoy climbing up the single step and standing at the top. They enjoy doing this at the SAME time! This causes quite the problem sometimes. They enjoy any toy that makes noise or plays music, as well as flipping through books and playing with their "jumbo knob" puzzles.
*Words: Kaden says mom, mama, and dada. Kenley says hi, go, mama, dada, whoa, and will use the sign for "more".
*Proud Mama Moments: Both kids are starting to eat using a fork and spoon, will clap their hands in excitement, play pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo, will wave hi and bye, give kisses, blow kisses, shake their head no, and follow simple 1-part instructions such as "give it to mom", "bring it here", or "come here."
*Not-So-Proud Mama Moments: The fighting. I can't believe how much these two can fight. Some days it seems like that's all they do! They always seem to have to have what the other one has and then will fight over it. And scream, then they both scream and look at me for some help. Sometimes they are not very good listeners (yes, I know, they are only one) but still...sometimes they are simply naughty! Kaden will go to something he flat out knows he shouldn't be doing and then look at me and shake his head no. Yep, he's got that right. But then he proceeds to do it. And when I do tell him no, he throws himself to the ground in a big ol' fit! Kenley, she simply doesn't listen at all! It's as if I'm not even in existence. Then she thinks it's funny and will laugh at me when I try to tell her no. Ohhh...that makes for some not-so-proud-mama-moments.
*Together: They love following each other around and are both HUGE copy-cats. Definitely "monkey see...monkey do". Occasionally they will get jealous of the other's attention. They love to play with blankets. They'll cover their heads with a blanket and then pull them off and then they'll throw themselves around on top of each other and giggle and giggle and giggle. Kind of like "baby-blanket-wrestling". They can be each other's best friend and then the each other's worst nightmare. They have definitely learned how to fight and will stand their ground. They love to play behind the curtains (thanks auntie Kris). They think it is the funniest thing ever. They'll get behind the curtains and giggle with each other until my cheeks hurt so much from laughing at the two of them. They are so cute in the mornings or after a nap when they will stand facing each other in their cribs and just chat/play/giggle/exchange blankets until somebody comes to get them. That is the best sound in the world!!
Cody and I absolutely LOVE having twins. This first year has been a ton of work and I hate to admit that a lot of it is completely a blur, as many days we were just trying to survive. But the simple exchanges, touches, conversations, and giggles that the two of them share is something that is priceless to me. I have been proud of the adventures we've had in their first year of life and I can't wait for more in the years to come!
*Eating: Kenley will eat just about anything and gobbles it right down. But when she's done she'll let you know by turning her head or shaking her head no. Kaden is a much pickier eater and soo much slower. He takes forever to chew his food and swallow it down. He's not much of a big meat eater. If you put a bite of food in his mouth that contains meat, he will pick around it with his tongue and the meat will remain in his mouth. When he has decided he is done, he will simply spit out the piece of food that he was currently chewing up. They both LOVE fruit, you simply can't go wrong with any kind of fruit.
*Sleeping: Kenley loves to sleep. She has absolutely no problem being laid down for a nap or for bed time. She still loves her pacifier and snuggles right in with her blanket. Kaden doesn't need as much sleep as Kenley. He likes to stay up a little later at night and no matter how tired he is, he still has to throw a fit when we put him in his crib. Luckily, Kenley doesn't mind a bit :)
*Standing/Walking: Both Kaden and Kenley are cruising all along the furniture and both enjoy being walked if you hold on to their hands. Kenley is able to stand independently for several minutes at a time, Kaden's longest was 10 seconds before falling to his bum. Kenley is getting SO VERY CLOSE to walking all by herself. She took her very first steps on her birthday and she gets closer every day.
*Favorite Toy/Activity: Their favorite toy right now is their Step 2 miniature slide. It's not very big but they both enjoy climbing up the single step and standing at the top. They enjoy doing this at the SAME time! This causes quite the problem sometimes. They enjoy any toy that makes noise or plays music, as well as flipping through books and playing with their "jumbo knob" puzzles.
*Words: Kaden says mom, mama, and dada. Kenley says hi, go, mama, dada, whoa, and will use the sign for "more".
*Proud Mama Moments: Both kids are starting to eat using a fork and spoon, will clap their hands in excitement, play pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo, will wave hi and bye, give kisses, blow kisses, shake their head no, and follow simple 1-part instructions such as "give it to mom", "bring it here", or "come here."
*Not-So-Proud Mama Moments: The fighting. I can't believe how much these two can fight. Some days it seems like that's all they do! They always seem to have to have what the other one has and then will fight over it. And scream, then they both scream and look at me for some help. Sometimes they are not very good listeners (yes, I know, they are only one) but still...sometimes they are simply naughty! Kaden will go to something he flat out knows he shouldn't be doing and then look at me and shake his head no. Yep, he's got that right. But then he proceeds to do it. And when I do tell him no, he throws himself to the ground in a big ol' fit! Kenley, she simply doesn't listen at all! It's as if I'm not even in existence. Then she thinks it's funny and will laugh at me when I try to tell her no. Ohhh...that makes for some not-so-proud-mama-moments.
*Together: They love following each other around and are both HUGE copy-cats. Definitely "monkey see...monkey do". Occasionally they will get jealous of the other's attention. They love to play with blankets. They'll cover their heads with a blanket and then pull them off and then they'll throw themselves around on top of each other and giggle and giggle and giggle. Kind of like "baby-blanket-wrestling". They can be each other's best friend and then the each other's worst nightmare. They have definitely learned how to fight and will stand their ground. They love to play behind the curtains (thanks auntie Kris). They think it is the funniest thing ever. They'll get behind the curtains and giggle with each other until my cheeks hurt so much from laughing at the two of them. They are so cute in the mornings or after a nap when they will stand facing each other in their cribs and just chat/play/giggle/exchange blankets until somebody comes to get them. That is the best sound in the world!!
Cody and I absolutely LOVE having twins. This first year has been a ton of work and I hate to admit that a lot of it is completely a blur, as many days we were just trying to survive. But the simple exchanges, touches, conversations, and giggles that the two of them share is something that is priceless to me. I have been proud of the adventures we've had in their first year of life and I can't wait for more in the years to come!
we're starting to use utensils!
The last couple of weeks, during meal time, I've been giving the kids their own fork/spoon to hold on to. When they're not deciding to dig their hands into the food, they're actually pretty good with dipping the spoon and bringing it to their mouth. They're not quite ready to feed themselves completely independently, but this is a good start. It's soo cute :)
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Our FIRST Birthday!!
So I can't believe my babies turned ONE!! It's a little hard to grasp at times and it still brings tears to my eyes thinking about how fast they are growing up. I simply can not imagine our life before these two entered it and how boring it would be if they were not here. What in the world did we do BEFORE we had kids?!?
Happy Birthday
Happy 1st Birthday Kaden and Kenley! You are two of the most beautiful children in the whole world. Mommy and Daddy can't express enough the amount of love and joy that you two bring into this home and into our hearts. We prayed for you and you are our miracles. We knew we always wanted to be parents, but I don't think we realized how special you two would make our lives. We are so proud to be your parents.
Kaden, you can be the easiest and most difficult child all at the same time. When you are happy and feeling well, you are the most content little guy. You are laid back, enjoy playing, and can entertain yourself for long periods of time. You love to copy your sister and follow her around. Whatever she is doing, you are not too far behind. You are a little snuggler and love to be held. You love to smile and your giggle melts our hearts. You hate being told "no" and will typically throw yourself down in a fit when we do tell you no. You love to listen to music and will start to bop up and down and "dance." You are such a precious little boy. We love you so much.
Kenley, you are our wild woman. You have taken the role of being the "big sister" to heart and you are definitely the boss around here. You are loud and boisterous and plain ol' crazy!! You are always happy and on the go, but we often catch you playing with something you shouldn't be. If it's ever too quiet around here, we definitely need to check where you two are, because you are typically getting into something. You've gotten a little attitude lately and enjoy picking on your brother. You love to eat and you love to sleep. You will eat just about anything and anytime we put you down for bed, you fall right to sleep. You are such a sweet little girl. We love you so much.
XOXO
"mama" and "dada"
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Just wanted to share this crazy kid....
While Kaden and I were in Des Moines a couple weeks ago, I needed to run to Lowe's to pick up some paint. I left Kaden with my sister and Khloe and she was supposed to be watching them. She thought they were playing nicely in the tupperware cabinet. WRONG! This where she found them.
While Kaden and I were in Des Moines a couple weeks ago, I needed to run to Lowe's to pick up some paint. I left Kaden with my sister and Khloe and she was supposed to be watching them. She thought they were playing nicely in the tupperware cabinet. WRONG! This where she found them.
my excuse...
Alright, let me explain to you why there has been no birthday post and no birthday pictures. I actually don't even know why I'm going to attempt to share, because the simple thought of it makes my blood pressure rise to an unhealthy level. Something is wrong with our internet. I guess I'm not sure if it's our internet or our computer. But something is wrong. VERY wrong. Many days I can't even get the internet to open and if it does open, it's S.O.O.O.S.L.O.O.O.O.W. I literally can not get a single thing done on it. Like, posting a picture to this blog, would take me ALLL day...just to post one, and that's if I even get it to post!! I am not even exaggerating. And crabby, ohh it makes so very crabby!
So today, I am at my mom's house and all excited that I would just get things done while I was here because her computer is super quick. One small problem...the pictures from my sister's camera never got downloaded onto this computer before she went back home. So, here I sit with no pictures and I'm right back to square one :(
So sorry.
I promise though, I will get the "birthday post" posted...I just don't know when.
So today, I am at my mom's house and all excited that I would just get things done while I was here because her computer is super quick. One small problem...the pictures from my sister's camera never got downloaded onto this computer before she went back home. So, here I sit with no pictures and I'm right back to square one :(
So sorry.
I promise though, I will get the "birthday post" posted...I just don't know when.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)