megan, blake, carter & addie

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Trip to the Zoo!

Carter and I made a trip to the zoo this week. This is the perfect age for Carter and the zoo... he loves all the animals and making the sounds they say. He was so good sitting in his little stroller the entire time and then he would jump out to look at an animal and hop right back in all by himself when he was ready to move on!

They have the coolest new exhibit - Africa and this enormous indoor tank with 2 amazing hippos! They are so close and swim so gracefully.

Jake, Barrett and Carter just watching.

Carter loved the "Reptile House" and specifically the turtles that were everywhere... here he is pointing them out with Barrett.

They have these 3 monkey's - dad, mom and baby that Carter was very cautiously intrigued by.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Sunday visit from Ya-Ya & Mema!

What a perfect day to spend with Ya-Ya and Mema... they came over to spend a few hours with the us. We just played outside and enjoyed the weather and company. Carter even got beautiful 94 year old Mema to go down the slide at the play ground (I am so sad I didn't get it on camera!) Carter might be a little sales man, talking her into it so easily!

Even Mema got in on the irresistible Brown basketball court in the living room!

That afternoon and evening we had a "Kid's Super Bowl Party/Night," meaning we were all in bed by half-time! So much fun!

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Swimming in January?!?!

We had such a fun night out on Saturday night with some close friends at Aaron's 6th birthday party! It was amazing to have both kids in the pool in the middle of the winter! Thanks Aaron for inviting us for such a cool night out!

Carter was a little hesitant for about 5 minutes about putting his head under but after he warmed up to it, you seriously could not keep him out of it. They had a great big slide that he went down on his own and didn't mind going under for that. He wore Blake out by the end of the night! We can't wait to spend tons of time in the water this summer!

Addie got to debut her new bathing suit.... so cute (this suit is size 24 months...wow! I told her all swim suits run small!?!?!??!)

Julia and Addie got to have some great bonding time!

The fun White Family was in full force! That was the exact time 3 years ago to the minute that Ava was born.... Happy Birthday Ava! Blake, Carter and Addie had a blast at your party earlier that day!

Addie absolutely LOVED the water! She kept lunging for it if we were standing over it! Definitely a natural water baby!

Sweet Alli is Soon Going to be a Mommy!

This weekend, I got the joy of spending 24 hours in Houston with Alli to help host a beautiful shower for her and more than 40 of her closest girlfriends. It seems like just yesterday she told me she was pregnant but now she is so beautiful so pregnant with only 8 weeks to go.

I love her and Michael's genuine excitement... it reminds me of just 2 1/2 years ago when Blake and I were at the same spot in life anxiously awaiting Carter's arrival. They ask questions and listen so intently to any advice I can offer.... I kept saying, "Oh... it's really no big deal." Alli would say "Oh, yes... it's a big deal.... let me write this down!" So sweet. She and Michael are going to make amazing parents and I can't wait to meet Trey!

Thanks Alli for a fun weekend and for a fun dinner out Friday night... you and Michael know how to pick the "hot" spots! Your new house is simply amazing and the nursery is so calming and comfortable... I love it!

I am so glad you got to see your little sis!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Back to Normal Never Felt So Good!

The last week has been so wonderful with Addie feeling so much better. We have just been having fun and playing. One thing we have noticed, now that she is back to 100%, is her appetite has significantly increased. And suddenly eating solid foods has become second nature and no problem at all. Like many things, Addie is on her "own time" and feels no pressure to be an over-achiever! We love it and love the fact we are still able to enjoy her snuggling and her being fairly calm and not as mobile quite yet!

Carter has simply been amazing and 24-25 months has quickly become my new favorite age for him! He has been such a joy to be around and listens so well. His attachment to "daddy" has decreased some and he actually has found out that mom is pretty cool to hang out with too!! ;)

Here are a few pics... and for you Me-Me, yes...we are all right down here... sorry it has been a week since I have updated the blog. I promise you, your babies are doing great and can't wait to see you!

Where did the ball go? Addie loves balls just as much as Carter!
The kids love playing in the game-room with some of their wonderful Christmas presents. We just pulled out the Ride and Spin Pony/TV video game from Macy and Marshall! Carter had fun practicing his shapes, colors and animals while bouncing.... even Addie wanted to try. This will be perfect for her in about 6 months!
Addie just relaxing with Maverick!
The ultimate fun... a ball-pit!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Where Were You on This Historical Day?

Addie was supposed to be doing a photo shoot for friend's new line of baby clothes, however that changed when we were told yesterday that we had have her admitted to the hospital from dehydration due to the nasty stomach virus over the last week..... so we did our own photo shoot....

She was in such a great mood the entire time we were there.... such a sweet hearted little girl... cool, calm and collected except when they put the IV in. This fun pic of her laughing with daddy was at 5AM this morning....

This was quite interesting... Addie is cleared to start eating a "bland" diet. After explaining she doesn't eat anything besides formula and rice cereal, this is what they bring up and seriously encourage me to get her to eat..... (that is an unseasoned boiled chicken breast and RICE!)

So we let her suck on the toast for a while.

Addie, thank our wonderful God, is doing great and we just got home and she is sleeping soundly after a long warm bath to wash all those hospital germs away!

But we will always remember where sweet Addie was on this big day in our nation's history...

Here she with her Ya-Ya watching the inauguration speech.

So when it was time to leave this afternoon, it was just way to weird to sit in that wheel chair and be wheeled out.... I decided I will only do that when I am bringing home a new baby! So, I went and got the car and allowed my mom to experience that feeling she felt nearly 30 years when she had me and rolled out of the very same hospital! ha ha, it was funny!

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!