megan, blake, carter & addie

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

MiMi's Visit and So Many Clothes So Little Time....

Well, since we have been down our home computer for the last couple of weeks, I have been a a little slow getting pictures posted. MiMi (Diane a.k.a. Blake's mom) came to visit us this past weekend. It was so nice having her here, especially since Addie and I were sick. She was so incredibly helpful with Carter and Addison and even babysat on Saturday night so Blake and I could have our first official "date night" since Addison's birth. How wonderful was it... we ate at the newest restaurant in town - Roaring Fork and it was great! So strange to eat a meal and actually remember what it tasted like!

Since our 8 week old daughter has insisted on growing so fast... she has not only outgrown Newborn clothes but now 0-3 months! So I have had to get serious about dressing her in these millions of outfits she has.. here is a fashion show of some of the most recent!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Random Pictures/Slideshow!

Since Addison has been sleeping so well today (making up for yesterday,) with some of my free time, I have found a website to make slide shows and so this is me testing it out.

Last night was the first time we have been brave enough to put Addison in Carter's lap. And as he surprises us all the time, he was great and held his hands out ready to take her and didn't move at all. I am guessing this peculiar behavior had something to do with Elmo being on TV. It was my first time being in a picture with just the 2 of them! (I know... funny what I consider a big accomplishment these days!)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Saturday, July 5, 2008

July 4th with LOTS of 1st's!

Having so much fun at the lake!

Carter and Addison's first Jeep ride on the way to the parad!

Carter dressed up for the 4th for the parade!

Family photo!

Carter's first lolipop... sitting on the John Deere getting ready to start the parade!

We are at the lake house this week and it has been so much fun. Ya-Ya and Grandpa Joe officacilly moved in their brand new house and all 14 of us are breaking it in! We are having so much fun!

Each morning, Grandpa Joe loads the kids in the Jeep and goes and gets breakfast for everyone, this is Carter's first doughnut hole... he kept saying "moooore!"

Marshall and Megan on the Sea-Doo!

Carter and Blake on sea doo!

Carter's first swim in the lake!

Addison's second boat ride and she is just 6 weeks old! The first time was when she was 3 weeks old. She slept the entire time (again!)

Friday, June 27, 2008

Pictures of Carter at daycare!

Miss Connie, one of Carter's wonderful teachers sent me some fantastic pictures she took of Carter at Concordia.

We are so lucky and blessed to have found such a wonderful daycare for Carter! Thank you to all the wonderful teachers that take care of Mr. Carter Brown! Mrs. Linda, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Connie, among many others! We are sad that Carter will be moving up to a new class next week, you all are amazing women!
Look like he is having a blast!

Reading! Yea!!

This was the picture they gave Blake framed for Father's Day! It is was in sepia color and he looks like Huc Fin! So adorable!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

New stollers, Biggest Blow Out Ever and weight gain!

We love our awesome new double stroller that Grandpa Bill and Nancy gave us. I was so nervous that Carter wasn't going to like sitting belted in since we have hardly used a stroller since he could walk. But he surprised me and has loved getting in it and going on walks! The great thing about it is that it is narrow enough to go through all doorways!

OK, so I have been visiting complete strangers blogs and have been cracking up over some of the funny stories they write about. As Blake, Carter, Addie and I were out shopping this weekend at Home Goods and TJMAX, I had one of those experiences where as soon as it happened, I was thinking that this is one of those "blog stories" that I die laughing at... but it was really happening to me.

So, I am for the first time in months looking at some cute clothes on a rack and Addison is 10 feet away inside her car seat which is sitting on the shopping cart. Blake and Carter had been shopping somewhere else in the store. Blake walks up to me and says "What is dripping under Addie's seat onto the floor?" I said, "I don't know... it must be coming from the roof, move her." Well, the dripping followed the cart and Blake and I discovered that our sweet, innocent, beautiful child was dripping from her diaper through the car seat she was sitting in (which is VERY patted with thick fabric!) Yes... I can say after having 2 children in the last 18 months, the worst blow out I have ever experienced. I think we handled it like pros, without talking we went into motion naturally as I quickly gave Blake and Carter my purchases and Addie and I headed for the door! No wonder she had been wide awake and not asleep as she should have been!

For anyone that knows Carter, he was a rapid weight gainer as a infant from day 1, like Addison, he never lost any weight at the hospital as majority of newborns do. Well, while at Carter's 18 month old check up, I asked to weigh Addison and as I guessed, she was 11.1 pounds, at exactly 4 weeks. WOW! Well, later, when I got home, I opened up Carter's baby book to compare her 4 week weight with his. Keep in mind she weighed almost a 1/2 pound less than him at birth. I was SHOCKED to find at the EXACT same 4 weeks of age, Addison weighs 1 pound and 1 oz MORE than her BIG brother! Carter better watch out!

Carter's 18 month appointment!

Balls are still Carter's true passion as a trip to TJMAX this weekend brought 2 more balls home to our house. (Just what we needed... that brings our total balls in house to around 96.) We got Carter this floating basketball hoop to take to the pool, it has now even made its way into the bathtub! We seriously can't go anywhere or do anything (even a bath) without a ball and hoop involved!

Aunt Julie, Uncle Sean and Cousins Macy and Marshall brought over a TON of toys for Carter. His favorites for sure are the "Weebles!" I am ready to turn our "Pool Room" upstairs into Carter and Addison's "Game Room!" Before Carter (B.C.) I used to say that I wouldn't let our living room turn into a toy box... but that is harder done than said!

So, in the last 2 weeks Carter has become OBSESSED with ELMO. He wakes up saying "ELLLLLL-MO" and wants to be watching him at all times. It is sorta a good thing in this 100 degree hot weather. Instead of going outside to play at 5PM when it is the hottest, we can get him to watch Elmo for a minute and cool off! My good girl friend Cara intoduced me to the library, where I now get 5 new Elmo videos for Carter every week. I don't know how people buy DVD's, Blake and I get seriously sick of them after just a couple of days of watching them over and over!

Wow... can you believe Carter is 18 months old.... I can't. It seemed like yesterday that he was Addie's size. Carter was given a clean bill of health from Dr. Cuming. Just a small case of eczema or very dry skin that causes the rash on his face he sometimes gets after being out in the hot sun! We are just putting lots of lotion on him (which he hates!) He even got a Polio shot and didn't even flench... Motrin an hour before does wonders!! :)

Monday, June 16, 2008

Father's Day and More Pictures!

Father's Day 2008. We had my dad over and we cooked the best sausage and baby back ribs in the world! We cooked the ribs for 4 hours!! YUM! What a better Father's Day than having the 3 most important guys in your life on the couch with their eyes glued to the TV watching Tiger Woods force a playoff... talk about excitement in the house!

Here is Danielle and Nancy with Addie!

Erin entertained Carter outside in the 100 degree heat! He loved eating ice out of her cup!

Last weekend, Grandpa Bill and Danielle had dropped off a Spurs jersey for Carter!

Aunt Erin came over last week to bring me the entire 6 seasons of Sex in the City to enjoy while I am at home!

This is where we are usually from 8PM-11 PM every night, while Addie has her colicky time everyday. She loves being wrapped up and outside... the hotter the better. The colic has gotten a little better since I stopped eating Sprite and milk and started drinking Camomele tea (sp?)

Addie and her wonderful dad!

For Father's Day, the 3 of us surprised Blake and bought him a new self propelled lawn mower for our enormous yard. He was so excited, he mowed the lawn when it didn't even need it in the middle of the day. He said it was the "smartest" machine he had seen. Apparently it does some pretty neat things.

Another photo shoot for Addison!

I am trying to take advantage of the time I have that she is asleep to take pictures of her. This is in her nursery on her bookshelf. Addie is well over 10 pounds and last week not only did we have to move from a Newborn diapers to size 1, I also had to pack up her first couple of newborn outfits because they were getting way too short for her. So sad and not even a month old yet!!!!!

A big yawn!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Addison's Photo Shoot

Megan Perkins and I decided to get creative and do our own photo shoot of our two beautiful girls - Addie and Ella! Here are some of pictues...

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!