megan, blake, carter & addie

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Meet the New and Improved Brown Family of 5...

This is Blake's twin brother, Clint's family. This is the reason we were in Dallas this past weekend to meet our newest member of the Brown Family, our niece - Rose Marie, born June 7, 2009. I took some quick pics of the new family before we left...

One of my very favorites - Jessy and Rose.

Sean and Kaylee were so fun to photograph...

We had so much fun spending so much time with you all and will see you soon!

Our First Family Airplane Trip

This past weekend we decided to mix it up and do something different and instead of embarking on a 5-6 hour car trip to Dallas to visit all of Blake's family, we would make a fun experience of it on a plane...

Addie ready to go through security with her dad's ID...

Their first close up glance at a plane...

Once on board, Addie stayed busy by loving to play with the lap tray, wave at everyone walking by, looking out the window, watching a video and we definitely made sure she was very hungry so eating lots of snacks kept her VERY BUSY! She also got a BIG treat having a Capri Sun when we took off so her ears wouldn't hurt! Overall... she was great! She choose her daddy's lap the whole way there and her mom's the entire way back.

The flight attendant came and gave them a certificate and their "wings."

Carter couldn't have been more perfect. He was SO EXCITED and just sat in his seat the entire time taking it all in! While we were taking off, we did what "The Little Einsteins" do and we pat our legs really fast and then throw our hands up and say "BLAST OFF!"

One more highlight of the day was it also happened to be Carter's first trip on a "bus." (The bus that took us to the rent car.) I don't think this day could have gotten much better for Carter!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

It's Official... I'm a BIG BOY and POTTY TRAINED!

2 weeks ago, I thought I was at my witt's end with potty training and about to throw in the towel out of MAJOR frustration and significant steps backward. We had started this whole potty training thing at exactly 24 months when he went in the little potty for the very first time on Christmas Day morning... it was my Christmas gift from Santa (I had thought!) There have been many UPS and DOWNS, but the one hump we couldn't get over was going #2 in the big boy potty.

Well, out of pure desperation... I went to what has worked so well with Carter for the last year and that is "bribery!" At a recent trip to Academy, we allowed him to pick out any 1 item he wanted. Thank goodness, it resulted in a $8.99 black leather baseball glove. We let him play with it a ton at Academy and got him real excited about it however on the way home, we explained that he wasn't going to get the new glove until he was a "big boy" and went #2 in the potty. Once we got home (on a Sunday afternoon) up on his shelf it went.....

and stayed.... until Tuesday morning.... when he got up for the morning and said he needed to go... and he WENT! And we CELEBRATED and called daddy on the phone (who was on a plane to California!) We got the glove down and Carter proceeded to even sleep with it several nights but suddenly started telling us when he needed to go, EVEN AT SCHOOL, as if he had been doing it for YEARS! CRAZY.... but it has been over a week and in that time, he has only had 1 accident!

GO CARTER.... at 31 months, check that New Year's Resolution off your list! (and your mom and dad just got a $40/month raise!)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Addie's Week From H@*L...

Nine days ago, we were all fine and healthy....

One day later, Addie woke up with a 99.5 degree temperature, nothing too big, but it was my day off so I was just going to stay home with her all day. Around 10:30, we took Carter to daycare and his teacher noticed that he had a HUGE amount of green disguisting puss/junk coming out of his right ear. So I packed up both of them and headed straight to the doctor. Carter was diagnosed with Swimmers Ear and Addie with a viral cold and the cherry on the top was that Addie had pink eye as well! So Carter started both oral and ear drop antibiotics for the week.

That entire day and night Addie's temperature continued to climb and climb nearing 103 and continued for 4 full days. A deep and bad cough, especially at night time developed. The worst night was the first night where her temperature was so high that she was waking up shivering and litterally shaking.

This was a journal entry to Addie during this week:

Dear Addie,

For the last 4 days you have been one sick little girl. You have had a temperature of 102 degrees since you woke up Thursday morning. We have taken you to the doctor 2 times. It seems when you get a bug you really can't shake it too quickly and end up pretty sick.

Let me tell you, for the first time, at 14 1/2 months, when you are sick, all you wanted was your daddy. He is SO GOOD and patient with you but I do have to say it makes me kinda jealous how easily he can calm you in this sensitive time. I keep telling myself as soon as you are better you will want me again!

In the mean time, I have gotten to spend great time with your brother, who has been so amazing with you while you have been sick. He keeps asking us, "Is Addie happy?" I love you baby girl and hope you get better soon!

Mom

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Already Strong Brother & Sister Bond

When we found out in late 2007 that we were going to have a second child... I was thrilled to have 2 as close as 17 months apart primarily because of the bond that I prayed they would have ... I was thinking 5, 10, 25 years down the road. To see the connection that these two have has seriously surpasses my every dream....

Here Addie is not just 24 hours old and Carter was wanting to make sure she had a truck to play with...

The amount of patience that Carter has had with her from day 1 is mind boggling to me. I can't think of one time he gotten frustrated with her...

Maybe it was that we never forced her on him early on and gave him his space that he wanted to be with her so often...

I had thought I was going to ALWAYS have to watch him live a hawk around her to make sure he didn't step on her or anything but found that he was instantly protective and cautious with her...

He has always made sure she was okay and would go over and pat her on the back or tummy if she was upset, without us ever asking him to do so.

Carter is always trying to help with Addie....

Read to her, his favorite books...

Share his very precious balls... now that is true love for a 2 year old...

He loves to interact with her and is always willing to pose for a picture with his baby sister...

He explains how to work her new toys...

At around 7 months of age, Addie started being able to interact more with Carter on her terms... sitting with him during those long days of potty training to keep him company...

Carter is willing to share his bath and when she gets out every night, he says, "More Addie."

He catches her and makes sure she doesn't fall...

He is a "pro" at getting her to laugh at the dinner table every night!
He is just plain loving and kind to her... nothing like we expected from a toddler.... SIMPLY AMAZING and very consistent in his love and behavior towards her.

Carter shares so well with her and understands that if he really wants a toy she has, he has to go and get something else that she would really like to play with and trade her... we have worked on that since she was 3-4 months old...

He was by her side everyday trying to teach her how to crawl staying so calm even when she wasn't...

He taught her how to throw pennies into El Mirasol's fountain and how NOT to put them in her mouth!

He has gotten really good at watching what she does and ensuring she doesn't put crazy stuff in her mouth, and he will tell us if she does...

The patience I see he has with her continuesto amaze me, although he isn't perfect, he is close enough for us. He's trying to understand that he can't get frustrated when she touches or wants what he is already playing with....

I love that fact that two of you won't ever remember life with out each other and I pray the two of you have the strongest bond and friendship two siblings can have as you grow older. Always be there to watch over each other and enjoy life together...

Or lean on each other's shoulder...

Or let each other know, even if it's just with a touch, you will always be there for one another, no matter what...

For support...

And love...

FOREVER...

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!