megan, blake, carter & addie

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Cousin Carson is in town!!!! Yea!

We are so excited to have Carson (and of course his parents Heather and Chris) in town. Carson is 5 months old and such a sweet big boy. Here are some sweet pics of him and Addison interacting together last night when we just layed them next to each other. I was truly surprised how much they did interact and looked and played together! We kept saying to each other last night how great it is going to be having them the exact same age! They will be friends for life!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Addie is 4 months old!

We celebrated with a visit to our favorite Dr. Cuming! I won the bet Blake, I and the rest of the office staff made on what Miss Addison would weigh with just a diaper on. Blake guessed around 16.5 lbs and I said 16.10 lbs... well she surpassed even me weighing in at....

Yes, the scale says 16 pounds and 13 oz, an increase of exactly 9 pounds in just 4 months! (This is the 97th percentile)

She was 25.5 inches long. (90%)

Her head circumference was 43 (cm...I am guessing) (93%)

Now, let's take a second and compare this to her older and (at least for now) bigger brother Carter at exactly 4 months of age.

Carter Addison

weight 15lbs 4oz (50%) 16lbs 13oz (97%)

height 26.5 inches(95%) 25.5 inches(90%)

head circ 43.5 (95%) 43(93%)

Overall, doc said she was super healthy and to keep doing what we are doing!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Addison's Dedication Day at Church.

Addison was dedicated at church this morning. This was a commitment service to promise to raise our daughter in the ways of the Lord. This is Addison's new cross pearl necklace that Ya-Ya and Grandpa Joe gave her for her dedication. It was a very appropriate gift as part of the sermon today, Pastor Robert talked about the meaning of the cross and how every time you see one or put one on, you should stop and say a little prayer.

These are 2 pictures of her on the big screen at church.... she was "Praising the Lord" with her hand up while Pastor Emmitt was praying that she becomes a woman of Christ and one day finds a good Holy husband!

She was in the best mood and slept on daddy's shoulder afterwards the entire church service.

It was even a more special day because we shared the experience with The Boerckel's and Perkins has they dedicated Drew and Ella in the same ceremony. It will be wonderful having all 3 kids grow up together in such a good church.

Pops - My dad and all his girls!

Carter REALLY LOVED the pancakes from Magnolia, which I think are divine as well!

My precious babies!

What a perfect day it was with so much family around and a relaxing brunch afterwards at our favorite breakfast spot!

Addison was really "eyeing" MeMe's omelet.

MeMe came in all the way from Lindale for the weekend and the special service. She wrote Addison this special poem in the card she gave her...

"May God, who loves us all

Smile down upon Addison,

this child of yours.

May He guide her through

the years ahead.

May His blessings light

the pathways,

Where her tiny feet are led."

-With much love

MeMe 9/21/08

Grandpa Joe's Gift of Real Golf Clubs...

THANK YOU GRANDPA!

Grandpa got a set of golf clubs for the grand kids for when they come to their house to visit. We went over on Saturday evening and as one would guess... Carter's eyes and entire face lit up when he saw the bag of clubs and he literally did not let a club out of his hand for the next 2 1/2 hours. (Who knew they made real ones like this so small!?!??!) He took 2 trips to the putting green in the golf cart to break the clubs in and continued the whole night inside the house! We will try to post video of it next time!

This is Blake teaching him hold to hold the club with 2 hands.

Heading to the Driving Range to practice.

More practice inside with the driver.

The girls- Mema, Ya-Ya, Addie, me and Erin

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Picture Day at School!

School pictures were bright and early this morning for Carter and Addison. I figured the chances of their actual pictures together turning out well (with both children clean, smiling and in good moods) is slim to none. So Blake snapped a pic before we headed out this morning. (Good thing - because when I picked them up just now, they were both in different outfits! Hopefully the cute outfits lasted until after picture time!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Swing.

Enjoying the little things in life like the wonderful weather!

A Special Visit From Aunt Danielle!

We had a surprise and fun visit this evening from Aunt Danielle. She got her drivers license yesterday, so she drove over to hang out with us tonight! We are so glad she did! Wow... I can't believe my baby sister is 16 years old and driving... I literally remember the day she came home from the hospital. She is just beautiful! It makes it kinda scary knowing I have now have 2 so young that are going to be driving before I know it!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Carter's Favorite Book of All Time...

GOOD NIGHT MOON... we must read it 10 plus times every single day - morning, noon and night! Here, Carter is reading it to Addison this past weekend.

We have tons of books in every single room of the house to encourage him to read... so far so good. Maybe that is why it seems that I am adding 1-2 new words a day to the list that Carter says by himself. The last month, his vocabulary has exploded!

Before and After...

It is amazing what just 4 short months can bring in the way of change.... we got to see The Perkins last night and it reminded me how far we have come in just 4 months... time is flying way too fast...

Around 38 and 40 weeks pregnant (I think)

Addie - 3 days old and Ella - 9 days

Ella - 4 months and 5 days short of 4 months for Addie!

We also got to have Drew over to swim... he and Addie enjoyed hanging out in the "Baby Pool!"

Drew and Addie

Addie working on her tan!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Getting Excited for First Cool Front and Halloween!

We have started shopping for fall clothes and have the costumes... Carter and Addie are going to be Chewbacca and Princess Leia, complete with the 2 buns of hair for Addie! Stay tuned for pictures of them next month... we are just waiting for the first blast of cool air... hey, a high of 83 on Monday will work!

Hurricane Ike Party!

We had all the cousins in the same town due to Hurricane Ike. Uncle John (Joe's son), Aunt Colleen, and Ainsley, along with Carolyn came in from Houston and so we had a big party for all the cousins to play this morning instead of hanging out at a loud and dirty Chucky Cheese!!! Addie - almost 4 months, Ainsley is 10 months, Carter - 21 months, Marshall - 4, and Macy is 5!

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!