megan, blake, carter & addie

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas Eve Mexican Fiesta!

This had to be one of the most relaxing Christmas Eve's ever. Compared to last year and having the kids each a year older (now at 4 & 2 1/2) might have been the biggest difference but there is no complaining here. I got to try my wonderful neighbor, Evy's secret unwrapped chicken enchiladas out on the whole family and they were a huge hit! All 12 of us adults even got to sit down together around the big dining table and eat a relaxed and un-rushed dinner at the same time! Now if that isn't a sign the kids growing up, then I don't know what is!!!!

We got to reminice on old funny stories from spending Christmas time skiing all together in Breckenridge.

Mema was in charge of making sure Carter didn't spill his milk everywhere!

Right after dinner was game time! Addie got the whole family into a game of Zingo!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas Eve Traditions!

After our annual Mexican food Christmas Eve dinner with the family at our house, it was time to get serious about making sure Santa had the best of the best cookies to snack on. Marshall WHEELED in all the cookie decorating materials and Aunt Erin made sure they were baked perfectly! Aunt Julie assisted Addie the entire HOUR she decorated and multi-tasked by TEXTING back and forth with Santa to find out when he would be here and what his favorite cookies were!!! Addie saw the bottoms of some of the burned ones and said. "Look! Chocolate!"

We were all amazed at how much Addie LOVED decorating cookies and how much time she spent focusing. We have dozens of pictures of her concentrating so much squeezing the frosting or making sure the perfect sprinkles were in place with her tongue out the entire time.

Carter LOVED it too however the one thing he LOVED more that we had a hard time tearing him away from was....

...his cousin Marshall. They would rather play dodge ball than decorate cookies for more than 10 minutes!

But Addie was happy as a lark and it wasn't until we ran out of all 48 cookies and slowly started taking the icing bottles away one-by-one an hour later, that we got her to step away from the cookies!

Carter and Addie each picked out their VERY favorite for Santa.

After everyone had left, we wrote our note to Santa and put out his cookies, carrot sticks and cold milk.

Then at 9:35 PM, after an incredible evening, they willingly hopped into bed to read the traditional book of "THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!" We write in it every year what time we read it and where we are. It was neat to look back and see "4:10 AM 12.25.2006 - Mommy and Daddy read to Carter in our bed during his feeding." Carter was just 7 days old.

Friday, December 24, 2010

An Interview With Carter at 4

Conducted by me, his mom. I met with Carter on 12.23.2010 at our favorite spot, his comfy bed. My subject was dashing in one of his favorite gray basketball athletic pants and white "Mom's #1 fan" t-shirt and appeared quite interested in the interview as long as he had his long styrofoam bullet launcher in hand, throughout our meeting. We spoke on the record for about 13 minutes before his nap.

1. What were some of your favorite gifts that you got this year? "My Transformer named Bubble Bee."
2. Tell me what immediately comes to mind when I say these words? (He had a hard time with this one because he is so rule bound.) He really wanted to make sure his answers were "correct" and didn't quite get the concept! :) So cute!
Home: "Playing"
Favorite color: GREEN!!!
Sister: "Brother" (He thought we were doing opposites!)
Magic: "Wand"
Bedtime: "Stories"
School: "Friends"
Love: "Love Mommy"
3. What's the last think you were sad about? "A few minutes ago when Addie and I were taking Santa hat pictures, Addie wouldn't hug me or take a picture ear-to-ear." (That is what we call it when I try to get their heads together.) My sensitive little boy!
4. What makes you really really happy? "Presents! Candy! And when I put my Batman pajamas on!"
5. Are you scared of anything? "When I poop.... mom, don't write that down." (He recently over the last week has been constipated and dreads using the restroom. I know he will kill me one day for writing this, but it was too cute not to remember. "I am scared of being hit my car." (I secretly said YES!!! That is good.)
6. If you could have any animal in the world as a pet (besides Maverick and Smokey,) what would it be? "A duck." Really???? What else? "And a cow!" Why a cow?!!?? "You need a cow mom, so if you run out of milk, we will have some." You should live on a farm. "No then you wouldn't be there with me."
7. What do you think you would like to be when you grow up? "A Daddy!!!!" (Interestingly, he said this immediately without needing to think and loudly.) So precious.
8. Do you like your name? "Yes, I LOVE my name!"
9. Who's the last person you kissed? "Addie"
10. At what age is a person officially a grown-up? "Sixty-one." What will you do when you are grown up? I will go to work, go on an airplane and be able to kick a soccer ball really good."
11. What does mom and dad do at work all day? "Get money and you go on airplanes."
12. If you could always get everything that you want, do you think you'd always be happy? He only nodded sheepishly while smiling and quickly changed the subject.
13. What do you think heaven is like? "I think it is like school and our house, I think."

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Could We Get a Bigger Smile!

This smile all started when YaYa came over and Addie quickly eyed her big pearl strands and asked to wear one. My little girl is turning into quite the accessorizer at 2 1/2!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

My 2 Year Olds and Their Maverick!

Carter at 2 - 2008

Addie at 2 1/2 - 2010

Maverick has a little more gray 2 years later but much more love to go along with it (and the EXACT same collar!)

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Carter's 4th Birthday Party: Flying, Eating, Special Guest & Cake (Part 2 of 2)

All of Carter's friends lined up for a surprise. Carter didn't even know what was going on. I really didn't think he would go for it... but it was the first surprise of many.

Henry harnessed him up and UP he went... literally doing flips 30 plus feet in the air! He had a smile on his face the entire time. Way to prove me wrong!

Then it was time to eat. I had never seen so many red faces!

Suddenly, Blake and I heard something out and the gym and told everyone to come and look...

It was the REAL Spiderman!

Everyone dropped what they were eating and RAN out to see him!

I honestly can't describe the level of excitement in the room. There were kid's yelling, "It's really him... the REAL Spiderman!" The experience totally blew my expectations out of the water.

All of the excitement of the 60 people there was 100% due to the amazing job that Spiderman, a.k.a Michael Perkins, did. He has little ones talking about the REAL Spiderman weeks later. Carter Brown is so lucky to have such a cool God Father and someone silly enough to totally get into character.

He was a little apprehensive at first.

If I could only have 1 picture from the ENTIRE party... this HANDS DOWN, would be it. For 2 reasons. The first, only those at the party will know! Secondly, the genuine look of "ahh" and happiness on Carter's face to see the SUPERHERO he talks about so much. I just LOVE it.

Spidey was even nice enough to come and help sing happy birthday to Carter and blow his candles out!

The Spidey started throwing out some "gang" signals as he patiently took pictures with almost every single adult and child there.

If I could only keep 2 pictures of this party... this would have to be the second! Addie wasn't too afraid of Spidey, rather just upset she had to get up from eating her peice of cake. I guess you can say she was kinda skeptical of the man in spandex!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Carter Brown... we sure got lucky with you!

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!