megan, blake, carter & addie

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Long Time No See - The Bertoldo Visit!

As many of you know, when Carter was born & I had to go back to work, I was incredibly lucky to have a dear friend from high school and later a college sorority sister, Lauren, offer to take care of Carter. Unfortunately for us, she and her family had to move to College Station for her hubby Nate to pursue the feat of becoming a medical doctor!

Lauren has a now 3 year old son - Ryan, who was 9 months old when Carter started staying with her.

Lauren and Ryan were such an important part of Carter's first year and they experienced so many things together! Like this first trip to the zoo - what 3 month old gets to see elephants!?!?!

This is the boys now - 1 1/2 years since they have been together everyday!

Lauren & Nate have since had a another son - Jackson, who is just 6 days younger than Addie. We finally got them all together for a big play date on Friday... (I bet this week Lauren will post some other cute pics of the play date!)

...it was so fun to see them all interact together and for us to get to reconnect! Lauren is one of my 3 good girlfriends/HEROS that I know of that are FULL TIME STAY AT HOME MOMS! She is an incredible mother and has given me so many awesome tips over the years! Thanks Lauren!

By the way.... Lauren started her own little business to help support her "fun money" while her husband is in medical school. They are very well-made burp clothes, taggies blankets and other great baby items if you need anything! She is going to be selling them at a Regan High School Fundraiser this coming Easter weekend.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

10 month old "Twinkies"

Addie and Ella at school last week! Thanks to Megan P's mom for getting the girls the matching skirts!!!

It is fun to look back a couple of days after they were born, less than a month old, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, & 9 months! Time is flying... but we love that we are growing up so close together... it couldn't be more perfect!

Monday, March 30, 2009

"Made in Texas By Texans"

This is an outfilt that is nearly 60 years old that my "Me-Ma's" sister made for her son when he was little. It was passed down to both Carter and Addie.

This was Carter in the same outfit at 9 months of age!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

New Year's Resoultion Update!

With 1/4 of 2009 already in the books, it is time to re-visit our family's New Year's Resolutions....

1. Carter's resolution was to be potty trained. It is still an on going process. We have really good days and weeks and then not so consistent ones. I have to admit, majority of the problem is us not being as consistent with him as they are at school! We have made major progress and know we will be there soon, especially if mom and dad get their acts together!!!!

2. Addie's resolution is to learn to walk. She has made major progress with this since the new year began. Beginning to crawl just a few weeks ago and now standing up on everything are steps in the right direction. 3. Megan's new years resolutions included learning some new hobbies. I have taken a digital photography class, teaching myself to use Photoshop and probably Blake's favorite, taking up golf. After a couple of trips to the driving range, we got to go play our first real round of golf. (Actually only 9 hoes... Blake didn't want me to get frustrated and wanted me leaving wanting more... which worked! We had a GREAT TIME!)

4. Blake has no updates! As of Feb, he couldn't think of anything...so I gave up asking!!!!! ;)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Weekends Are For Partying!

This weekend we had some fun birthday party's. Our little friend Drew turned a BIG 1!!!

Daddy and the kids!

Carter had his first Princess Party at Love to Swim for our friend Anabella!

This past weekend, Addie started pulling up on EVERYTHING. She suddenly makes it look so effortless!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Spring is Here & Happy St. Patty's Day!

After having a week's worth of rainy miserable weather, the sun broke through Monday afternoon and we celebrated by bringing out the water toys! We were also celebrating Addie's health returning after a rough 7 full days of nasty cold that needed regular breathing treatments for the wheezing. Then the poor baby got an ear infection... no fun!

Her beautiful eyes are turning more and more hazel!

On Tuesday we had an impromptu St. Patty's Day party after work with The McPeak's! Carter and Cash get along so well and entertained each other all evening!

Addie has continued to get back to her smiley happy self more and more each day. This morning Carter was making her laugh-those are her "2 new big girl teeff"!!!! ;)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Picture of the Week

I'm sure I'll get it for this picture when they are older... but is just too precious now. Carter was teaching her how to check the water temperature before you climb in.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Addie is Crawling!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

C-H-I-C-A-G-O

Blake and I celebrated our 4th anniversary in Chicago this past weekend. The weather was amazing getting up to 60 degrees on Friday.... we made the most of it...

We jumped on the "Metra" - Red Line and headed to north to Andersonville for breakfast at M. Henry's. It was so cool because we were the only tourists in the place. It was this cute neighborhood with adorable shops all around.

Then we headed to Wrigley Field to see the famous baseball field. We have to say that Chicago has to have the nicest people... we met Joe and Ben who took time to tell us all about the Cubs and Chicago! Blake is already planning a trip to take the kids back for a game!

Blake's favorite part was the "EL" or the elevated train that is part of the subway system... which is mainly below ground but there is an elevated part called "The Loop," that goes in a circle around downtown - very cool.

We walked through Grant Park which Millennium Park is part of. The famous "Silver Bean" is there. It's a famous sculpture that Chicago has become famous for in the last 3-4 years. It is amazing how the many parts were welded together and then buffed out to make it look like one seamless piece.

We took the Silver Bridge across Lakeway Drive and walked a mile down Lake Michigan to Navy Pier, which is like a huge amusement park. When I arrived to Chicago on Monday, the lake was almost completely frozen over and by Friday it had all melted and just had a few ice chunks floating around.

Then it was off to the 3rd tallest building in the world - The Hancock Tower.
We did a 30 min. audio tour at the top, notice how Blake is going no where near the edge... heights are not his thing!

We re-lived our Hawaii honeymoon 4 years ago with a stop to The Cheesecake Factory and a sample of the macaroni and cheese fried balls with marinara. YUMMY!

Then we walked "The Magnificent Mile." and 2-3 miles back to the hotel where we got ready for the musical Chicago starring Blake's favorite "Dancing With The Stars" contestant - John O'Hurley!

That was just the first day.... the next day was way more relaxing after sleeping in we found the second Chicago Pizza place - Lou Malnati's. There are 2 famous downtown pizza places... we had to try them both. Giordornos on Thursday night was Blake's favorite because of the richer tomato sauce.

After driving around "Soldier Field," it was off to The Field Museum where the famous "T-REX - SUE" is. She is the largest and most complete T-Rex found in N. Dakota in 1990.

Then we had an amazing dinner at the hottest restaurant - AVEC! We had the best 2 seats in the tiny modern restaurant overlooking the chefs where we got to talk to them all night about the different entrees they were cooking. It was a perfect way to end our anniversary get-a-way.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Big Boy Bed!

Well, we figured at 26 months it was just plain TIME for Carter to move into a "big boy bed!" We made the transition this week and surprisingly it has been perfectly smooth (besides 1 little hiccup.) This was Carter's face the first time he saw it! He was so excited!

And so proud! He has done so well in it every night. We told him he can' t get out until it is light outside and Mommy and Daddy come and get him. Well... the third morning, he was talking VERY LOUDLY and so the second time I went in at 6AM to tell him to not wake up his sister, I threw his door open and CRASH!!!! He had gotten out of bed for the first time and was trying to open the door. So he has a little bit of a busted lip. I am so so sorry Carter!

I have to say, the main reason I wanted to switch him into this bed wasn't because he was trying to climb out, it was because I wanted to be able to climb in and read books with him. Carter still LOVES to read books constantly and we were always leaning over the bed rail to read to him. Now we can lay in bed and hang out with books in the mornings and nights! FUN!

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!