megan, blake, carter & addie

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Starwars Halloween

Our 48 hours of Halloween celebration started with out 2nd annual family celebration at The Dominion!

Mema was there for the festivities!

Carter's first time trick or treating since he was 10 months old (last year) and I have to say he was a little hesitant here walking up to the lady for the first time... but that timidness was gone in an instant when he discovered what "Trick-or-treat" results in! (Just notice how every single photo from this point in the night on, Carter has this lollipop in his mouth!)

These were the kids (Carter, Cousins Macy and Marshall and Addie) sitting next to each other... we took this same shot a year ago exactly! (minus Addie) I need to find it to compare!

Then we started a new tradition for Halloween evening... to have dinner with friends out in the front yard and hang out with the neighbors! Here is Carter, Ella, Addie and Drew!

Cash's Birthday Party at the Farm!

Carter's sweet friend from school, Cash, turned 2 and invited Carter to his birthday party at a farm...what a cute idea. There was so much to do and it was a perfect beautiful day to spend outside! Carter got to ride a real pony for the first time!

Carter also go to finally use the real cowboy boots that Cousin Marshall gave him over a year ago! (thanks marshall!)

There were all kinds of animals including pot belly piglets! There was a huge sand play area and of course within 30 seconds of being there, he found 10 balls and a basketball goal!

This is what you would think you would find Carter looking like after eating cake, but this was Blake after eating the black dye from the amazing tractor birthday cake!

The birthday boy - Cash!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Day 1 in paris - Eiffel Tower, Award and River Seine Dinner Cruise

We landed at 8AM Paris time... 1AM at home! It took an hour by car to get to our wonderful hotel in the heart of Paris-Hotel Castille (directly next to the original Chanel Store in Paris!) Also, if you look down the street in this picture to the right, that is the Ritz and the famous revolving doors that Princess Diana came out of before she got in the car and was in the fatal accident. We went through that tunnel many times on our trip. ( In this picture, a motorcycle was going past Blake's window... they were everywhere in between lanes of traffic going 80 miles per hour!

Our Hotel is directly to the right of the Chanel Store with the beautiful purple flowers in the windows.

Our room was incredible, it was like a 2 story doll house. Everything was tiny but so cute. At least we had 2 bathrooms to get ready in!

We had an hour to take a quick shower, eat breakfast and meet the other winners from Blake's company in the hotel lobby to head to the Eiffel Tower for a private tour. We ate lunch on the first level of the Eiffel Tower at Altitude 95. I am learning that wine and champagne are served with every meal... I can get used to this! :) The tour of the Tower was filled with remarkable facts, like the first ever elevator was built for the Eiffel tower in 1902! We went all the way to the very tip top... Blake was not too happy about me making him stand next to the edge more than 100 stories up for a picture!

After the tour of the Eiffel, we were taken to the company headquarters in Paris, Blake's company was just bought a week ago and it is a Paris based company now. There, he was recognized by the CEO of the company and given a Mont Blanc pen, as an award... it was very nice.

These were the spectacular desserts that were served at the champagne hour afterwards... the white cone shaped one has chocolate pop rocks in it.... very cool and tasty!

Dinner tonight, in hindsight, was my favorite part of the entire trip to Paris. It was a dinner cruise on the River Seine.... oh my gosh, I can't possibly articulate how amazing it was. This was the view of the Eiffel Tower we had among every other famous and historical building in Paris. The boat was made of all glass and you could see all around.

This was it lite up behind us as we boarded the boat.

Day 2 in Paris - Car Tours, Museums and Lido Dinner Show

After going to sleep around midnight for the first time in nearly 46 hours, we slept until the alarm went off and we met the group for tours via private cars in antique "2CV's." We all felt like movie stars with people taking pictures of us (probably the cars) as we drove through the streets of Paris for 2 hours.

Sebastian was our driver, a 24-year old native Parisian who shared with us all kinds of fascinating facts about Paris including answering our questions about real estate. Get this... apartments with views of the Eiffel Tower are the most coveted in all the city and 600 square feet apartments go for around $4.75 million US dollars. WOW!!! This is Notre Dame..

We then had a very French lunch at a restaurant that was 100 years old and famous for all the mosaic tile detail that it has inside... it was amazing.

We then walked the streets of Paris and saw the famous Opera house where musicians such as Beethoven and Mozart have performed. This was on the steps of the Opera House.

Then it was off to the Louve, where on the way, we discovered all this "modern" art... this is an actual art piece in the gardens in front of the Louve... a shoe shining machine... strange, very strange what some consider art.

Mission accomplished.. we saw the Mona Lisa... sort of disappointing, she is very small but we had to see her. Blake and I decided while walking through the French painting section that French artists love naked women and Italian's love fat naked babies! Then we headed for the other great "Musee d'Orsay," which has a huge Picasso exhibit. We found that very very interesting... Picasso is stranger than we ever imagined.

We strolled back to the hotel to get ready for dinner and it had turned into the sunniest, most glorious day in Paris... from what we hear it is very rarely sunny with blue sky's... it was majestic!

For dinner, we got all dressed up and headed to the Champs Elysee to see a French "Broadway like show" - LIDO, complete with a nice dinner. We again were served duck foie gras... don't ask... a French delicacy. The show had hundreds of costume changes and the French women were truly beautiful! It ended with the stage turning into a mini ice skating rink and some amazing tricks that were done. Our favorite part were the 2 men painted gold that did the "strength show," similar to what we have seen at Cirque de Soleil shows here in the states!

Poor Blake has had a horrible cough now for nearly 3 weeks and now of course with our worldwide traveling and intense long days, it has gotten worse...but he hasn't complained once!

Day 3 in Paris - Versailles and Last Night Out

Wow, when the alarm went off this morning, we were both out cold and that was with an extra hour of sleep because it was "European Daylight Savings." We had our typical French breakfast, which included a divine chocolate chip croissant downstairs in the hotel before meeting up for the group to travel 45 min west of Paris to the Versailles Palace.

Versailles was a Palace built by Kind Louis XIV in the late 1700's because the Louve was "too small" (crazy.)

We learned a great deal of interesting French history and now both want to learn more about that time including more about Marie Antoinette, the wife of Louis XVI. We explored her private residence that she retreated to to get away from living at Versailles under such close scrutiny at all times. We saw her "cave" she had built where she could be alone in the darkness. We saw her theatre she had built so she could put on shows for her servants. And finally and most strangely, the "town" she had built on the grounds so she could, in essence, "play commoner" and see what it was like to be a regular towns' person.

At lunch, we ate a a quaint restaurant on the grounds and had the best dessert of the trip! I noticed that all the thin French women, including our tour guides, ate everything on their plates and asked them how they stay so thin? They said it is because they walk so much and never snack between meals... EVER. It must work, it was very rare to see an overweight French person, yet they are always eating super RICH foods, bread and dessert at every meal.

The gardens at Versailles are simply spectacular, the shear magnitude is mind blowing!

On the way back to Paris late in the afternoon, we stopped at the perfect spot to take some Eiffel Tower pictures.

These were the 12 of us that traveled together. We met some great new friends from all over the nation, California, Detroit and Boston.

This was our last night out in Paris. Blake and I went down to the lobby early to enjoy a drink together before heading to George's, a super modern restaurant on the 6th floor of a museum with a spectacular view of Paris 360 degrees around, while we ate! A great ending to an amazing 3 days in Paris!

After 3 days of drinking wine and champagne at every meal, Blake did manage to find a Heineken!

Delaney's Milestones

2 Month Well Check Up: 11 lbs & 11 oz (58%) height : 23 inches (73%) head:15.4 (71%) McCray said she was perfect. Continuing waking up every 5-6 hours at night completely due to my comfort. Dr encouraged me not to wake up and pump instead. Still I having perfect nights sleeping hard since birth.
WEIGHT GAIN: at 5.5 weeks weighed 10 pounds at lactation center. At 7 weeks, weighed 11 Lbs 8 oz. Tremendous growth in last 2 weeks. Moved out of Newborn diapers at 6.5 weeks, should have moved up 2 weeks prior!
Hates PACIFIER - since 5 weeks
SLEEPING: 7 hours at 3 days old. She has always had nights down going 4-5 hour stretch since 2 weeks old, 5 hour stretches regularly at 3-4 was old and 6 hour stretches by 5-6 weeks. At 7 weeks old, have to wake her up after 6 hours because of nursing. During day going 2-2.5 hrs getting 9-10 feelings in a day
SMILES: started at 3 weeks during Easter weekend when YaYa talked to her. Much more regular at 5 weeks and on demand starting at 6 weeks for sure,
One Month Check Up Stats: 9.1 pounds (42%) height: 21.5" (64%) head circum: 14.6" (61%): Dr. McCray said she looks perfect and not concerned at all about lower % since birth since sleeping upwards of 4-5 hours in between feedings.
Schedule at 1 month: eating 7 to 8 times a day. Every 3 hours at most during day, going 2 stretches of 4-5 hours at night. Has never fused going to bed after 10 pm feeding thru 7 AM feeding, doesn't ever take pacifier at night thus far. Most fidgety time of day 7:30 to 9:30 likes to me held or sleeps those 2 hours in bed with us but then 100% fine at next feeding. Goes to sleep instantly after 3 nighttime feelings and stays awake for 45 to 90 min after each daytime feeding before napping until next feeding.
First smile to YaYa and Aunt Julie Easter Weekend at 3 weeks old, lots more smiles right at 1 month old
Weighed 7 pounds 9 oz at 3 day check up at doctor's appt, back up to 7 lbs & 12 pz just 3 days later at 1 week check
Born March 8, 2013 at 12:28 PM weighing 8 pounds and 20.5 inches

Addie's Milestones in 2012 (3.5-4.5 years old)

March 8'm2013 - became a big sister to Delaney. She was actually excited at hospital mad in first week seemed not too interested in Delaney. We didn't push it and then she started bringing drawings for the baby home from school and in second week started wanting to hold and touch her more. At 11 days old, she was excited to show her off to all her friends at school. At first I was concerned but then Blake pointed out she has been on her best behavior, hasn't been acting out at all and is still 100% the same... She is still our awesome little Addie!
March 2013 @ 4 years and 10 months, decided she wanted to get her ears pierced (see blog post)
February 2013: first kiss (see blog post)
January 2013: loves that she learned how to both snap and whistle this month. She is so proud of both new talents
January 2013- She is fully obsessed with her hair, headbands and wanting to wash her hair every night. she will sit in her room and brush it, ask me to braid it all the time. she has slept in a headband for the past 2-3 weeks. her favorite headband is one from Macy from Gymboree with Ladybugs across the top.
Medical Update- Jan 1, 2013 while in Breckenridge. While there, developed common cold that due to her asthma turned into full blown asthma attack, we treated with 3 doses of steroid and albuteral every 3-4 hours. 10 days later, cough gone but she complained of ear hurting whike at school, took her in immediately to find slight ear infection in left ear, treated with 10 days of 2x/antibiotic. she was fine following day and it best mood ever for following week!
December 2012: 4.5 years old. GREAT great age for Miss Addie B. she just started randomly talking constantly about a boy from her school in her neighboring class- Brady. His twin brother, Owen, is in her class and they all play alot.
November 2012: Right at 4.5- her favorite things are stuffed dogs and SPARKLES. Everyday she comes home with rhinestones or sequins that they find at school. the other 3 girls in her class; Bella, Sophia and Amara even bring them from home to exchange. Her Christmas list this year includes: 1) Sparkles 2) Pink Wallet 3) Stompeez house shoes 4) Pink unicorn 5) Barbie "Rocktar" Guitar. Her other favorite gifts: frilly pink Princess nighgown and 2 Hallmark Storytime talking dogs- Nugget and Jingle
May 2012: 4 Year Old Checkup Weight 36 lbs (59%) & height 39.5" (46%)
Jan 2012 - Turned completely OFF the kid's room audio and visual monitors in our bedroom. Addie was 3 yrs & 8 months and Carter - right at 5. We haven't turned it on once since then although it still sits atop our dresser. Kid's know not to get out of room except for one bathroom trip and must stay in until clock says 7. On rare occasions one may come in if not feeling well to let us know. (Jan 2012)

Carter's Milestone's Since Turning 5 (2012)

December update: Carter thriving in DL Spanish immersion class. He comes everyday telling us a new Spanish word. His little accent when he talks is amazing. All semester Carter has excelled in math and his teacher has recommended testing for GT after holidays. Almost 6 years old
November: Carter started very first season of flag football. he is defintely a natural and lives getting the flags. He has practice 2X a week in addition to a game on Sundays.- Almost 6
October: Carter in the middle of his first semester of Kids Choir at church. he looks forward to attending but isn't as into singing the songs outside of class as Addie is. I think it is helping him come out of his shell a little more as the lime light, except on thesports field, has never been Carter's thing- 5.5 yrs old
August 27, 2012: Carter at 5.5 years old started the Spanish Dual Language class at Vineyard Ranch with Mrs. Mori. In his room, three of his friends from Concordia, Cash McPeak, Addison Pol and Brooke Volz. Absolutely loved his first week!
At 5.5 Years old, started playing first ever baseball season at JCC with six and seven year olds. It was so cool watching him learn the game for the first time ever, never really playing even tball before, besides in the backyard. (Summer 2012)
At 5 years & 1 month: Playing in third year of Winter basketball, playing in SPURS league with the Kindergarden and First Grade League. He is doing great, high scorer and top rebounder even if they are all 5-8 inches taller. He is REALLY into writing anything and everything he can right now. He is also really into addition and subtraction and loves playing math games on IPAD.
New Year 2012 (5 years old)

My Favorite Parenting & Other Books

Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Meg Meeker. (February 2015) Read when Carter was 8. So many topics it covers but amazing everyday reminders on importance of our relationship when they are young, from affection to how they change in the tween years, teaching them how to communicate their feelings, how to talk to them to get them to open up, bullying, video games, importance of relationship with father, so much. Glad I read now but need to re-read every 2-3 years, especially when he is 11 or 12.
Books To Read To Kids: It's Not the Stork - Plan to read to them when they start asking, "How are babies born?" Body part questions, body changes, how babies are made (sperm/egg - first intro that it's not the stork), 2 mommy /daddy questions, adoption, "okay" touches and "not okay" - haven't used as of Feb 2015 at ages 8 and almost 7
Books To Read To Kids: Good Pictures Bad Pictures - Porn Proofing Today's Young Kids - When to read depends on personality of each kid. Read Ch 1 only with CB when he was 7.5 and it brought about some good questions about why there is this danger. I could tell this was all brand new to him and focused on importance of him telling me any time anyone talks about or want sot show him "bad pics." My plan is to bring in back out in 9-12 months (March-July 2015) to re-visit to ensure we are starting to have very open lines of communication. As far as Addie, unless she shows other signs or starts asking ANY questions, I plan to introduce to her at 8 years old.
Books to Read To Kids: I Said No! - A Kid to Kid Guide to keeping private parts private: I think think this one is perfect for mature 6 yr olds and all 7 year olds. *Perfect book to read before they have any playdates or sleepovers.
Books To Read To Kids: Your Body Belongs To You - Read to CB at 7.5 and AB at 6yrs. It was pretty elementary for them both but good concept and to actually start talking about - "specifically if anyone ever tries to touch you and begs you not to tell" you say okay and come right to mom and dad. ***Keep for DB and introduce to her around 4.5-5 yrs old. (July 2017)
Simplicity Parenting- Sept 2012 Good reminders on what excess and clutter can do to children and families and how it can cause too many choices and create entitlement. Taught me to me more aware as they get older to "soul fever" and teach them to pull back.
5 Love Languages For Kids. Aug 2102. Initially, I believe Carter is quality time and physical touch and Addie is words of affirmation(ages 5.5 and 4)
Too Busy For Your Own Good - Confirms I am handling busy life well but gives great reminders about staying in balance and the importance of getting rid of stress by handling life well so that you lead an all around happy life.
Raising Girls - great reminders of what today young girls are facing (need to re-read when Addie 5 & 6 yrs again) Christian views on raising a confident young girl and setting her expectations how how men should treat her. Somewhat old fashion mentality but overall important reminders
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child-great for Carter and reminding us how to approach sensitive children
Loving Your Child Is Not Enough (acknowledging feelings, emphasizing, etc... good little reminders)
Montessori Madness (amazing introduction to this incredible environment) Sensitive periods
Family First - McGraw - good at identifying parenting & child styles and how to bring out the best in one another
Dumbing Us Down - on public school education
Love and Logic for Early Years - April '10 - (when Addie was 23 months & Carter almost 3.5)
Potty Training (Back chapter of popular book) like Toddler Wise? Maybe (all about rewarding for staying dry) - Carter was 23 months
123 Magic - Carter was 20 months (worked perfectly for him)
Baby Whisper For Toddlers - When Carter was around 10 months
Raising Boys - 2007 (Need to re-read when Carter 6-7 yrs)
Baby Whisper - Before Carter Was Born (Thanks to Ali and random book she mailed me when she found out I was pregnant with Carter!) SIMPLY THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!

Things I Have Learned as a Mom

Don't tell them not do something if it really isn't a big deal, it really only does cause them to do it 10X more. EX) 4/11 They were playing in the bath tub pretending to buy drinks and they were asking for "Diet Coke" out of the blue. I told them they don't drink Diet Coke, how about water, milk or lemonade? For the next 30 min, every other word was Diet Coke.
There are still occassional really rough evenings with a 3.5 year old and 2 year old
Weekends away as a couple are so very important and it is equally important for the bond to form between toddlers and grandparents while we are away - Early 2010
Parenting 2 little kids full time can defintley but strain on a strong marriage at times - Carter 3 and Addie 1.5
There are REALLY REALLY rough days and nights with 2 under 3 - late 2009
Follow that inner mommy intuition ALWAYS! - After 4 nights of Addie being extremely fussy while molars breaking through with NO temperature. Took her in at 8:30 PM and had ear infection at 15 months.
Potty trainning a boy is filled with lots of "ups and downs!" - Carter at 2.5 years
A Family Vacation is not really a "vacation" with a 1 and 2 year old but still very fun!
I couldn't have 2 children as close together if I didn't have such a hands on and involved husband... SERIOUSLY.
Consistent and lots of positive reinforcements works well between 12-24 months!
No matter how close together you have 2 children or the fact that you try to do everything exactly the same... your children are completely different people and have their own personalities!
4 oz of formula coming out seems like a LOT more than 4 oz going in (The first time Addison was sick with stomach virus)
You can get a 2 year old to happily do anything for a popsicle and sticker - (Potty training Carter at 24 months)
Don't give into a toddler when he doesn't want to eat any meat for a week (Carter at 15 months) They will give in if you keep giving them what you want them to have!
Allow them to "talk" or slightly "fuss" in the middle of the night, 90% of the time, they will put themselves back to sleep (When Carter was 3 months old; duplicated with Addie)

Why are we blogging?

We are so glad you stopped by. There are 3 purposes of us blogging.

The first and foremost reason is to keep our out-of-town family & friends updated on the activities of our family. Since we have had this blog, we're able to stay connected with the kids & their everyday happenings in all of our lives. Blake & I realize how fast time is going by and don't want distance in miles to keep our families separated.

The second reason is to keep our in-town family & friends updated. In this crazy and fast-paced world, it is easy to miss important and not so important, however, meaningful moments in all of our lives. After reading a friend's blog, I cannot tell you how many times I have picked up the phone and called someone that lives down the street and said... "Now tell me more... I didn't know that was going on!"

Finally, I see this new technology as a perfect way to document our family's actions on a weekly basis through the years. I will turn each year's "jounal" into a hard back book and look forward to surprising Carter and Addison on their wedding day with 25+ voulumes of everything they ever did, documented! I would love if I had that to look back on now that I am a parent!