Kipper the Dog

Brain got a free trial of Netflix this month and we've been letting Paige watch some of the cartoons on it.  There is one that I didn't think she would like, but tried it anyway.  It's called Kipper.   She LOVES it!  It's a British cartoon about a dog who has friends and they do very normal things that a child of 2-5 years loves to do.  Paige really wants to emulate him.  One cartoon has him eating a sandwich; she came and asked for a sandwich.  I can never, ever refuse her when she ASKS for food.  So that was really nice.  Another about painting; so we water colored a whole bunch today.  Another about swimming; which that one is a no brainer in this household.  And several others.  The cartoon is based on books by Mick Inkpen (could that be a pseudonym?!) so I went to the bookstore today to buy some.  Unfortunately they appear to be out of print so the bookstore didn't have any.  But I went online and bought several used Kipper books.  They should arrive next week.  Should be fun.

Potty Training Update

I was all ready to post asking for advice about potty training.  But this weekend turned out to be an accident free one for The Bumble Bee.  Tonight she even went to get on the big toilet by herself several times with no reminders.  Yay!  I don't want to jinx it by saying we may be breaking through and she won't get kicked out of preschool, but I think we are almost there.  Still haven't done the public restroom lesson yet, so any advice on that is appreciated. 

(I did scour all the paperwork for preschool and it says "potty trained or in the late stages of potty training" for the class I put her in.  Whew!  She'll be fine.) 

Memory

Weird:  I posted this on 5/11/11, but for some reason it didn't show up on the blog...so here it is again just for the records.  :) 

On Monday when I took Paige to the doctor we drove by a new froyo shop and I mentioned that we might be able to stop and get yogurt after seeing the doctor.  She said ok and we kept driving.  So we waited for and saw the doctor and then stopped at the pharmacy to drop off her prescription which took about an hour. As we were leaving the pharmacy, which is located on the opposite corner of the foryo shop, Paige reminded me that we "needed to get yogurt."  Because of that memory, I stopped and we got some.  Huge memory for such a little thing I mentioned.  I suppose foryo or ice cream are not insignificant to a 2 year old.  Better watch what I say from here on out, she'll call me on it!

Another Who's Who? Which is Which?

It appears at about age 13 months both girls love going through my shoes in the closet.  Sad thing is, after 20 months, it appears I have not updated my shoe wardrobe that much.  But with these two, who really has time to shoe shop?! 


This is Paige

  

Paige






     

This is Hailey

Hailey

Instructions

It seems that Hailey has started understanding what we are saying.  Yesterday Brian asked her where her Snugglie was and she went and retrieved it.  Today I asked her to get her sippie and she found it and brought it to me.  She's not even talking!  But she can understand what we say?!  I don't remember Paige doing this, but when Paige was Hailey's age I was newly pregnant and so, so tired.  Fun stuff!

Mother's Day 2011

My third Mother's Day was wonderful. We got up and had a leisurely breakfast and then packed up to go out to Schnepf Farms to pick peaches and fresh zuchini. (Of course my anxiety about getting out the door reared its ugly head again, but we did it.  But it was mostly becuase of Paige's foot.)  The farm was really pretty and had some beautiful flowers growing too. The train was not running which left Paige a bit disappointed but she still had fun. We came home and my own mother came over for an afternoon together (no swimming because of Paige's ouchie foot) and for Brian's New Mexican Style Enchiladas. Sooooo good! It was a nice day to spend with my family. I'm grateful for their love, health and closeness. I'm a very lucky woman.

 

 

Ouchie

We trimmed the palo verde tree last weekend and had the trimmings on the side of the yard. Paige loves to run barefoot and stepped on one of the thorns. I didn't notice and it festered until it turned to an abcess on Sunday morning when she woke up. Brian lanced it on Sunday afternoon. I took her to the pediatrician on Monday who ordered an xray and prescribed an antibiotic. She also recommended keeping it dry but soaking it a couple times a day in Epsom salts to draw out any debris that may be left, dry it out and to open it up more. Paige is super good about soaking it. I sat her on the kitchen table and colored with her and now she loves doing it. She's really into "taking care if it" and making sure she has her "medicine.". We may have medical school to start saving for if these signs continue. Oy!

To wean or not to wean?

This one is hard for me.  I am so happy that Hailey was able to nurse.  We've had a beautiful and natural 13 months.  I think I've mentioned that she has not been interested at nap for about 2 months now.  Well she's not really interested in it at all anymore.  In the middle of the night if she wakes she'll nurse and sometimes in the morning but not all the time.  I always offer though, morning, naps, & bed. 

When Brian was in the hospital my mom and aunt had to give her a bottle (I pumped at the hospital) so now when she sees Paige's bottle she freaks and is not "calmable" until she gets one herself.  (Yes, we still supplement Paige, but that's another blog.)  It makes me sad, but I know that the nutrients are not there for her anymore in the breastmilk.  Also since she isn't getting as much milk as she should from her sippie cup at meals, I know she needs it.  So I've been giving her a bottle at some naps and after some baths if she won't nurse.  Perhaps I need to give a snack before naps instead so her belly is full instead of the bottle? 

I think because she's my baby (my last child) and because I also enjoy nursing so much, I miss it!  Darn it.  However, all things change and usually for the better.  I have had a ton of energy this week, which is not always the case when nursing.  It is time to move on to the next part of our lives, but I will miss that bond and moments of special snuggles.  I will continue to offer and perhaps she'll be interested a bit longer.  I'm just assuming this is natural and moving on.  Please share your weaning story so I can relate.  Thanks!

Grocery Store

I think I've talked about the efforts it takes to get both girls out the door at the same time with just me doing it all.  Because of that I usually go to the grocery store at night after bedtime.  I had a window today when both were fed and not needing a nap.  Since I have my last paper for school to write still, I decided to go.  I succumbed to using those germ infested carts that have the car part in the front for Paige to sit in.  Lately I've been putting her in the basket part and piling all the groceries on top of her.  She tends to start whining by the end (who could blame her?), so I had her sit in the car part after thoroughly using the sanitizing wipes all over the cart and put Hailey up in the front part of the basket, which after I put Paige in the car part noticed that it had spots for two kids to sit.  Oh well.  The cart actually worked really well and I can see why parents use them.  Room for groceries, no whining kids and Paige actually had fun "driving."  But YUCK!  So many germs.  Needless to say, handwashing was not skipped today when we returned from the store. 

Carseats

Yes, I am one of THOSE moms that stresses and has to research every baby item we purchase.  Hailey was outgrowing her infant carseat by length (not weight) so we needed to buy a new one for her.  Paige's was getting worn and really wasn't that great, except for the awesome cup holder, so I decided to buy two new ones.  I went with the Britax Boulevard 70 CS because it fit both girls, will grow with them and it has awesome safety features.  Plus they had a cute girly color too, but that was just a bonus.  They are really easy to get the girls in and out of too because they have the pull at the bottom to tighten or loosen.  I really like that feature. 

From the picture, I know you're thinking that the AAP just released new guidelines about rear facing carseats.  Yes, they did. But despite that recommendation, we put Hailey forward facing.  So nice to feel safe and have both girls comfortable.  (I did manage to squeeze my tooshie in one and they are quite cushy.)

Hailey's 1st Swim of the Season

Today I was finally able to be back on track or schedule with the girls.  So after lunch I took them both swimming.  It was Hailey's first dip in the pool this season and she loved it.  I put her in the baby raft and she simply chilled out and laid back to enjoy.  Paige was really sweet with her and had to push her around the pool.  Paige was very excited to have Hailey swimming with her.  Very fun hour and half which ended in peaceful naps for both this afternoon.  Great day. 

Playing together. 

Historical Events of Today

As we played in the yard, worked on our PCs and enjoyed our meals today, the US Military on command from President Obama, carried out an operation to get Osama Bin Laden and they were successful.  These 10 years have been a journey.  Brian and I were married on September 7, 2001, just 4 days prior to the attacks in New York, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania.  As a married couple we have watched and been part of these changing times for our country and the world.  We have observed politics mold how our country reacts to such circumstances and agreed or not agreed with the actions taken, however we stood together as a married American couple through it all and created our own life.  The news today is relieving and one that I long will bring new hope and prosperity to our country and lives.  We are proud to be Americans and I will say with meaning, May God Bless America.

Royal Wedding Morning

I love special occasions especially when they are historical & royal. Today Prince William & Catherine Middleton were married in London @ Westminster Abby. They are now the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. They are both addressed as His/Her Royal Highness. I did wake up at 1am to watch but fell asleep in a few parts & of course Hailey woke up at 3:03am so I missed seeing her dress & wedding vows. But thanks to YouTube, I'm all caught up. It was a beautiful occasion with just the right amount of pomp & circumstance for our times & economic conditions. I think the occasion helps to provide happiness & hope for our future. I also think that marriage is a beautiful commitment and it was fun to watch.

For the occasion on this side of the pond, I made chocolate chip scones & pulled out a tea set that Paige had received from a dear friend for her first Christmas. It was perfect because she could actually pour and have some green tea. Hailey liked it too, especially the scones. And yes, I pulled out my own tiara that I wore for our wedding. Paige had fun trying it on. Then we found their dress up tiaras and put them on. Paige decided to wear a butterfly headband for her tiara. Fun morning and I wish the Royal couple happiness & privacy for their life.







Here is a pic taken by Getty Images of Catherine and her sister Pippa entering the Abby.  I hope our girls stay close so they can be at each other's wedding (if they choose to marry one day).

Easter Morning

After I got Paige down on Saturday night, the Easter Bunny had duty.  Here's what he left for the girls.  New "animals" and a new Tinkerbell movie along with a TON of candy. 



Here they are on Easter morning going through their baskets, eating candy and playing with their new toys. 


This is Hailey tasting her first Peep.  She liked it!  (I personally find them disgusting, but I never let them know that about anything...they need to form their own opinions.)




They then had an Egg Hunt on the back patio.  For some reason I only video taped that, no pictures.  I wanted to make sure Brian was able to see it since he was in the hospital.  Paige did so well using her basket to gather the eggs and trying to find them in all the conspicuous spots the Easter Bunny "hid" them in. 

Dying Easter Eggs

I came home from the hospital around dinner time on Saturday to feed the girls dinner and do baths.  I also dyed Easter Eggs with Paige.  She's potty training so clothes are optional right now.  She did really well dying the eggs.  She used the spoon to put them in the dye and turned them with the spoon too.  She did pick up a few with her fingers and got dye all over, but that's the fun part! 

Ruptured Appendix

Yes, this week I get the Worst Wife in the World Award.  Brian had been complaining about abdominal pain, so I gave him Gas Ex one night and Magnesium Citrate the next.  He then said on Wednesday that he wanted to go to the doctor.  So I got him in and after a CT scan, he was admitted to the hospital with a .... RUPTURED APPENDIX!  Yes, I would say he had some abdominal pain.  I feel so bad.  He spent 5 days in the hospital having surgery and recovering.  He's home now and on the mend, but still surely not 100%.  I'm just thankful he's still alive and getting better.

We are so thankful to my mom and aunt who stepped in without question to take care of the girls while I was at the hospital with Brian.  The girls love them so much and we couldn't have had better care for them from two people who loved them more. 

Big bump in the road of life, but past it now and moving on. 

Walking

One of many reasons I choose to be a SAHM is so I don't miss a moment with our girls. We waited and planned so long to have them, why would I want to miss anything? Well, while Brian was in the hospital, Hailey started walking. She walked to my aunt about 5 steps. That's what she continues to do now. She also stands really well and races behind her lion. It makes me happy that my aunt got to have that moment, but sad for us that we missed it. However, I wouldn't trade being by Brian's side for anything...even Hailey's first steps. So happy he's on the mend.

City Egg Hunt

The City of Chandler had an Egg Hunt on Saturday at the local baseball fields.  They organized it so that certain age groups hunted for eggs on different field.  Both Paige and Hailey got to be in the 0-2 yr group this year.  (The next group was 3-4 yr. and since Paige is still only 2, I got to have both on the same field!)  Paige was adorable, she walked out and put the eggs in her basket.  She did a really great job.  She then brought extra eggs back for Hailey who played with them too.  They also got to visit with the Easter Bunny, which again, Paige went right up to and hugged.  I think that talking about and reading books about things like this help her to understand and be excited.  I'm really glad we went.  We will definitly go again next year.  My mom went with us since Brian was under the weather, which I'll talk about in another post.   

 

 

Hawaiian Summer School

I just checked the mail to find the information about Paige's preschool for summer session.  It's Hawaiian Luau themed!  It looks so fun.  Volcano learning, traditions of Hawaii, fruit tasting & counting, animal adventures, flags and weather.  Each week is a different theme with a Hawaiian book and movie.  It doesn't look like she'll see the movie because they are on Fridays and she will only go on Tuesday and Thursday for a half day.  But it looks so fun!  She is going to love it!  It starts June 6, so I really need to work on potty training.  She's just about fully trained, but now the pressure is on for mama to get her ready.  Lots of stay at home days in our near future.  I can hardly believe it's time for her to start school.  The time really does fly.  However, she is ready.  Exciting times.  Aloha! 

The Climber

Hailey climbs everything! The coffee table, the dress up bin, over the couch forts, the stairs. Yep, lots of climbing. But no walking yet. She is starting to stand more by herself and taking a one or two steps before tipping over though. Great progress.

Here she is on top if the dress up bin while I'm going through the hand me downs that are stored for her & Paige.

Swimming

The pool has warmed up enough to swim thanks to a pool cover we purchased this year. We actually got it to keep leaves out of the pool back in February. But another benefit of the cover is that it warms the pool sooner. We've been in it a good three weeks now. The temp of the water had been in the 80s.

Yesterday I learned that if Paige gets in it while Hailey is taking her morning nap, Paige will nap early! Yesterday she went down at 2pm and slept til 5pm. I know everyday is different, but if we can get on this schedule it could be really nice!

Yay for summer & yay for pools for kiddos!

Almost Finished!

I received my verification from school this week that as long as I pass the current class I'm taking I will GRADUATE!  I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go back to school to complete my MS degree, but boy, has it been a haul.  I did it because I never want to be in a position where it's difficult for me to support myself or the girls if something ever happened to Brian and because I knew if I took a break from working to be a SAHM I would need something to boost my resume.  When I decided to enroll in the program, we also knew that we were planning to have another baby.  I got pregnant really easy and those first classes over the 2009 summer when I was first pregnant with Hailey were hard...I was so sleepy.  I do my homework at night after the girls, or at that time, just Paige, go to sleep, and I remember being sooo sleepy.  I then worked extra hard the first year to get my community intervention project completed early before Hailey was born in late March (school didn't end until the end of May).  But I'm so happy I got that done in the first year.  The second year added a new challenge having a newborn and a 2 year old.  But you just do what you need to do and it all gets done.  I did end up quiting my job in this last semester.  I just couldn't handle all four things (mother, wife, work and school).  But now it's going to be DONE!  I just have to write my paper for this class, which I will do this week because my aunt is visiting again and she can watch the girls for me.  I'm so excited to be done and have the degree.  The haul was well worth it and I'm so grateful to Brain for pushing me, helping me, talking to me and giving me reassurance through this whole endeavor.  Also to my mom and aunt who would watch the girls while I did projects, phone calls or homework..  Graduation is May 21 and the ceremony can viewed via live stream.  Can hardly wait to be a MS, RD!

Easter Bunny

I took the girls to see the Easter Bunny today. We have been reading a couple books about the Easter Bunny and Paige is starting to really get into it this year.  I think she really understands the concept that he will come and leave eggs and candy.  She asked to see him yesterday but we ran out of time, so I made sure that we went today.  She went right up to him and gave him a BIG hug and sat next to him.  She was thrilled to have Hailey come sit on his lap with her.  After the pictures were taken I went around with Hailey to choose a picture and Paige snuck back under the rope and sat next to him again.  (Luckily we were the only ones there.  Benefits of being able to do this stuff in the middle of the day on a week day.)  It was really sweet.  We plan to go to the City of Chandler's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday and hide eggs at the house for Easter Sunday...and yes, have Easter baskets filled with eggs and candy.  I think the Easter Bunny even got a new Tinkerbell movie and some new "animals" too. 

Hailey's 1 year Well Check

Hailey had her 1 year well check today.  She did really well and was diagnosed as "well & thriving."  Our pediatrician said that the average age of most children to start walking is 14 months old and not to worry until 18 months old if she's not walking.  She's is cruising, but not walking by herself yet.  She can also now have cow's milk (18-24 oz in a day) and the ped said that breast milk has little nutritive value for her anymore and to let weaning happen naturally (this I knew, I'm just not ready to stop).  However, nursing is minimal now, only upon wakening in the morning (just to tied her over until I can get down to make breakfast), before naps and before bed and if she wakes up in the middle of the night, which is rare.  At most naps now she is not interested.  She can also use toothpaste with fluoride.  She got the normal 1 year old shots.  Paige watched those injections go in, no problem.  I have to turn my head.  Hailey did cry, but I try to minimize the pain by giving her acetaminophen a half hour before we go.  She had no signs of fever and had a ton of energy after our appointment.  The doctor also allowed Paige to use her stethoscope to listen to Hailey. 

Hailey's measurements were as follows:
Weight:  17 lbs 14 oz = 10%
Height:  29 inches = 50%
Head circumference:  17 1/4 cm = 15%

Our ped says Hailey is following her growth chart beautifully and she is healthy. 

Brain took this on Sunday, Hailey had found her Snugglie and was so happy.

Here Hailey is today after her appointment today, very happy and cruising all around the furniture. 

I pulled out Paige's 1 year well check data to compare:
Weight:  18 lbs 8 oz = 10%
Height:  28 3/4 inches = 34%
Head circumference:  17 1/2 cm = 25%

This is Paige at 1 year in the toy store picking out her pink bear. 

My mom also gave me my data from when I was a baby at 1 year:
Weight:  18 lbs 6 oz
Height:  28 1/2 inches

I'd say the three of us are pretty close in size.  Hailey appears to be longer, but weigh less than any of us.  Surprisingly, Paige weighed the most.  And I, of course, am the shortest. 

We are so fortunate to have such a happy, healthy and I will say, adorable little girl in Hailey.  She is such a joy. 

Breakthroughs?

Today was a busy day taking care of our Woolly Bugger.  I took him to the vet at 8am while Brian stayed home with the girls and had to take him back with both girls this afternoon.  He was diagnosed with an ear and eye infection and had an allergic reaction to the rabies vaccine.  Poor guy.  Hopefully he's on the mend tomorrow.

However, the girls both had what may be breakthroughs today.  Paige went POOP on the potty.  I did bribe her with Starbursts.  But she finally did it!  Two times! 

And...Hailey stood by herself in the tub tonight for quite a while and slowly sat herself back down in the water.  She is walking when holding hands, or pushing her lion toy, but not by herself yet.  So the standing by herself was a big thing! 

Yay My Girls! 

Snuggles

Paige loves snuggling under the blanket these days. She says, "I want to snuggle under the blanket Mama.". It's so sweet.

Tinkerbell and Paige

This weekend we had two kid birthday parties to attend.  I only took Paige and Hailey stayed home with Dada.  One of the parties was Tinkerbell themed.  (Paige is really into Tinkerbell right now since the leprechauns brought her the movie on DVD.)   That party had a favor box that included gold coins, which we quickly called "pixie dust", rings, a compass, stickers, etc.  I put the "pixie dust" in a special bag that she has for dress up and the rings and compass in her purse that has all of her other dress up jewelry.  This morning as I was folding laundry Paige proceeded to put on all her jewelry by herself.  Here she is in her Tinkerbell jammies (which were a hand-me-down) very proud of herself for looking so pretty. 




She then decided to decorate the dresser in our room.  Very pretty. 




For the "pixie dust" I showed Paige the scene from the Disney cartoon Peter Pan that includes the song "We Can Fly" with Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, Wendy, John and Micheal.  We now pretend to sprinkle "pixie dust" on The Animals and they can fly too.  And tonight, she was playing with the compass and correlated it with one that is in her Tinkerbell book.  That was super exciting to see.

Shopping Cart Milestones

This is Paige the first time she rode in a shopping cart sitting up instead of in her car seat.  Clearly a Costco trip. 

This is Hailey the first time she rode in a shopping cart sitting up instead of in her car seat. 

Obviously a Target trip, that I HAD to take right before nap time.  Very tired baby. 

And this is today...both riding in the shopping cart sitting up instead of in her car seat. 

Big milestones for my little girls.  This makes me realize how fast they are growing and that I'm out of the car seat in the store phase of babyhood.  A little sad about it.  Sorta brings on baby fever, but I know for sure that we are DONE having children.  My eggs are too old to risk having more kiddos.  Plus I would want another girl and that's only a 50% chance.  BIG risk.  And we can afford these two, adding another would make that one have to pay for college his/herself and that's just not fair.  So my fever will break soon.  Lots of new milestones ahead to look forward to.  This one surely makes shopping easier. 
PS...Hats are a must in the Valley of the Sun.