Lucky #7

I still have a "summary" video to create from Christmas. I might get to it by July . . .


In the meantime, I was prompted again this year by tallgirl at peanut's parents blog to think about some New Year's Resolutions. Some of mine are similar to last year's list and some are completely new.

1) Make Christmas presents for next year. I have already started preparations on a few this week so this might actually happen . . .

2) Volunteer once a month. And I am giving myself a break with this one by saying that donations can count. This spring will be a rough one so I don't want to fail before I even get started. Hopefully I can fit in a project or two before the summer anyway.

3) Teach the importance of giving/sharing to the kiddos. Which is part of why I want to start volunteering again. Catlady gave me some great ideas at lunch the other day too that I hope to build upon.

4) Spend less $$$$

5) Exercise. Again, I've made a good start this week while I am home. It will be a challenge to make enough time this spring but I am trying to make it a priority anyway.

6) Take more pictures of little man. We have a ton of big sis but little man needs to catch up a bit.

7) PLAY with the kiddos at night. I won't have as many nights at home with them starting next week. So more fun projects, games, and the park. Less TV. I also need to find ways to have the kiddos help me with "chores" and make it fun so we spend more meaningful time together while at home.

So lucky number seven. I hope that 2010 is a great year for all of you!

Forward Roll

Big sis has been trying to "teach" little man forward rolls for several weeks. Attempts at rolls had been made but we had not observed a successful roll until tonight. Little man just marched over to the basket where we keep our yoga mats, dragged one over to the floor for himself, and performed a sweet forward roll without prompting. His second and third rolls are captured on the clip below. So proud!

Christmas day was a wonderful experience for our family - so many visitors, food, and presents. We are truly blessed! Big sis was REALLY into the presents this year. Little man was REALLY into the toys. And we all had lots of fun with our families!

I got a new toy that allows me to quickly upload videos to the blog - I am so excited! Below are two videos from Christmas - there are more to come but these took the least amount of editing.

We hope each of you had a very merry Christmas as well!

The children were nestled . . .

. . . all snug in their beds, while visions of sugarplums danced in their heads.

Ah, the peace and quiet of Christmas Eve. The weather played havoc with our original plans but everyone adjusted just fine. Disco and I spent our day preparing for tomorrow while the kiddos played with Gaga, Bondo, and each other throughout our house. For a busy day at home it was pretty easy.

Uncle Scott faced delay after delay so his arrival timed itself smack in the middle of Christmas Eve service. Big sis and little man were wiped out after their active day so Disco decided to take them with him to the airport rather than leave them with me.

I thought I would be sad to finish the service without my family sitting next to me. But instead, I was able to take in the message of celebration. The Christmas music, as usual, brought back fond memories of my childhood. During "Silent Night" I observed the peace and beauty of the members and families attending the church. The glow of the candlelight captured each shared moment - a smile, touch, or hug between friends, family, and perfect strangers. Young and old took part in the joy of the night.

The kiddos will no doubt have a big day with all of our extended family and many presents tomorrow. If their brief time tonight with Uncle Scott is any indication - they will run at full force all day! But at this moment, we are all at peace either asleep or sitting near the glow of the Christmas tree lights (and computer screen).

Poop-spective

The B-M household has lived up to its name lately - little man has been sick for almost a week and a half. And big sis performed an impressive exorcist baby act tonight at Aunt K's house. There is a reason Aunt K only invites us over once every six months . . .

At this point, Disco and I are tired, frustrated, and ready to be past whatever this bug is! But even after all of the chaos the past two weeks - we are very thankful for our health. One of the women in my bunco group has a 9 year old son in the hospital recovering from some painful side effects from his last chemo treatment. Right now their goal is to have him home by Christmas Eve. He is making some progress this week and last we heard that may be a true possibility.

His mom is a ROCK and handles all of this with such faith and strength. We all know she must have some painful private moments, as anyone could more than understand. But I have to say I am truly amazed. And what their family has gone through has given me some perspective about the really really really small setbacks in our own household.

So we will get past the poops and pukes. And hopefully our friends will be able to celebrate Christmas at home. If you are a blood or platelet donor, please don't forget how important that gift can be to individuals and families facing health issues this time of year. The need is always there.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

O Christmas Tree

Last weekend we picked out our Christmas tree. I grew up actually hiking into the woods with my dad and sister to pick out a tree for Christmas. But since we live in the city a tree farm would have to do.


When we first arrived at the tree farm the weather was semi-decent and we got to watch the pig races and hop on the hayride. During our hayride it began to sprinkle and that sprinkle turned into a steady RAIN. We attempted to pick out a tree very quickly with the kiddos but the cold rain was too much.


At first I thought disaster; but the kiddos were just fine hanging out in the Christmas shop located on the farm. I walked back out to the trees with an umbrella to find our family tree. It was so PEACEFUL! The rain wasn't too heavy and there wasn't much wind. So it was me, the trees, and the sound of the rain on my umbrella. Just the silence that everyone needs to find at least once during the holiday season.


Disco was able to enjoy the same experience when he set out to cut down the tree. And the kiddos quietly ate their snack and hot chocolate while the tree was loaded on our car. I was amazed at how the rain didn't ruin this outdoor adventure. And I was reminded that peace and tranquility can sometimes be found in the most unlikely of experiences . . .

The B-M Household 2009 Christmas Tree

Things to Remember

Big sis and little man are really interacting and communicating more with each other. Yesterday, we were driving home from school and big sis started singing "go big sis, go little man, go mommy, go daddy" to some random tune. And little man chimed in "go go go go go go go go". They broke down in uncontrollable giggling every other verse. It was too cute!


If you are a John Denver and/or Muppet fan - big sis and little man highly recommend the following CD. We listen to it in the car. After every song they stop to clap in appreciation for a wonderful performance!

Starting A Holiday Tradition

Today was our first trip to see the Nutcracker - big sis and I were both so excited! Sometime after big sis was born I realized we might one day share this experience together. And I have been looking forward to it ever since. As with every other family attending the event today - we put on our Sunday best, grabbed our miniature nutcracker (thanks great auntie Lee!), and headed downtown.

At three and a half, big sis can identify her likes, dislikes, needs, and wants (usually disguised as needs). But the last three times I took her to see a children's play she freaked out crying until it actually started. She can't voice what is wrong - she just tells me "no, no, no, I want to go home". Once the plays started and the actors were on stage she was fine and enjoyed the shows. I didn't know what to expect today . . .

While we were walking along the street today she was giddy and asking many curious questions. As we approached the outer step to the auditorium she just stopped and said "Momma, I don't even feel like crying." I was so relieved and happy to hear her identify her emotions and to know we would have a smooth entrance - I almost cried!

She was WONDERFUL the whole time. First act she was completely mesmerized, after intermission she was losing steam. We left just after the sugar plum fairy performed her solo. It seemed like a good idea to end a bit early rather than risk a meltdown because she had hinted about going home more than once at that point.

I hope this is the beginning of a yearly tradition. And that when his is old enough, little man will join us as well.

Christmas Program

Big sis performed her Christmas program today at school - as usual it was adorable. All of the big kids stood on risers so that they created the effect of a singing Christmas tree. How they kept 3-4 year olds in place for the whole program is beyond me! But it was great. At one point I just got misty-eyed when I realized how beautiful those Christmas songs sounded as the kiddos belted them out. Of course we have video but big sis will probably be in college when we finally download it to the computer.

At bedtime big sis sang "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". We heard all of this over the monitor and Disco and I giggled as she sang herself to sleep. She totally skipped over the word "bad" when singing "he knows if you've been bad or good". Only good kiddos in the house tonight!

Big Sis and Her Best Bud From School

Candy Houses and Santa

Little man had a rough weekend fighting a fever. So while little man slept through the beginning of Christmas festivities on Saturday . . . Gaga, big sis and I headed off to meet the man in red about some gift requests. And oh, big sis was not the least bit interested in actually getting anywhere near Santa. I waited in line while she and Gaga took part in all of the craft activities available. And we watched one of big sis' little friends happily sit with Santa and tell him all about her Christmas wish. At least we won't have to worry about big sis wandering off with any strange man with a beard in a red suit . . . She did take a very quick picture with me and Santa and then ran off for more crafts with Gaga. There was even a smile on her little fussy face.

Little man woke up while big sis and I were decorating a gingerbread house later that afternoon. He was so pitiful all day with his fever - but the candy and frosting really seemed to cheer him up. Big sis had a blast making lights, decorations, and in general A MESS. But isn't that what gingerbread houses are all about?

All in all it was a great way to kick off the "Christmas Season". Thankfully little man is feeling better and we can all enjoy a few days of health this holiday season.

Bye Bye Mullet

Sigh . . . it was time. Little man had to get rid of the shaggy locks at some point. We decided earlier in the week we would try Saturday afternoon. But little man was sick most of the day and we missed our chance for a visit to pigtails and crewcuts for his first hair cut. Never fear, barber Disco is here! Disco cuts his own hair and I asked him very nicely (ok, maybe persuaded) to cut little man's hair. I thought it turned out pretty cute given the circumstances - active 18 month old getting over a cold, scissors, rowdy 3 year old providing entertainment, and a perfectionist barber. For once I was the calming force in the room!

Doesn't he look like a little boy now???? So grown up!

Before

During

After

Bye Bye Mullet

Sweet Little Man

Sassy

On Thanksgiving big sis picked out this entire outfit to wear - hat included. We thought it was quite sassy and took her outside to take some pictures while "the bird" was cooking. She is looking so grown up these days!

Isn't he cute?

This picture just made me smile - had to share our little native American. Hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend!

"Thankful for our Daily Fred"

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving with my family. Big sis said grace and she always states that she is "thankful for our daily Fred". We all love that part!

It was a great day and everyone enjoyed the meal and family time. We slipped away at sundown to take advantage of the country with some rural roadside pictures. Enjoy the pics below. Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Top Negotiator

This little girl is developing her negotiating skills lately, and challenging ours! I am running out of creative reasons for why it is important to do ANYTHING we ask her to do. I keep pulling the parent standby card at the end of difficult battles, "because I said so and I am the mommy". Sigh . . . parenting at its best!

A scheming big sis

Add to preschooler negotiations the chaos of our house lately and you will find two tired parents. Our dog was STANDING ON TOP OF THE TABLE one night this week while we were trying to get two crying kiddos into bath and bed. The dog jumped down before I could grab a camera to capture the moment. And all I could think was "please don't repeat last fall's need for a knee replacement right before Christmas". I am so glad our crazy life makes me laugh and appreciate how much more fun life is with kiddos and dogs!

Sigh . . . little man

He is just so cute these days! And I don't want to miss any of his mischievous fun. His top 10 favorite activities are:


10) Standing on the coffee table/bench


9) Running after big sis

8) Dumping his dinner plate on the table/floor when his is finished eating


7) LIVING OUTSIDE (many a complaints when we have to force him to go inside)

6) Eating sand


5) Searching for mom and dad in the middle of the night (think creepy child in horror flick standing by your bed)


4) HELPING stew in the kitchen

3) Making bubble beards in the bathtub

2) Eating crayons

1) Throwing anything away in the trash can (we mean ANYTHING!) and then clapping about his accomplishment

Little Man's Bedtime Book Choice

Just as bad as retail stores . . .

Yes, I know - these are extremely early. But it takes us a while to capture the picture for our Christmas cards. Disco also likes to dust off the homemade photo studio equipment every once in a while. I thought it was one of our happier sessions - the kiddos were both in GREAT moods. We were trying to capture the innocence or true smiles of TWO kids. I could have emphasized true in that sentence as well - both kiddos think funny faces and smiling so wide that you see nothing but teeth are funny. And so do we! But for Christmas cards I was hoping for something a little more peaceful. But who am I kidding - the silly pictures make better memories.

These were actually pretty tame this time - I'll post some livelier shots in a future post. Enjoy!

Santa Baby

A Sweet Smile

The only decent shot of both kiddos this time . . .

Who's number 1?

Where's Little Man's Nose?

I can't hear you!

CHEESE!!!!!!!!

Every time little man sees the camera lately he yells "CHEESE" and plasters on the biggest grin! Obviously we take a lot of pictures around here - and he is a little mischievous ham. Which is a good thing because our battles at bedtime lately are huge and seeing his cheesy grin keeps us sane.

Peein' in the Woods

We took our first real hike up our local "mountain" today. Disco was eager to try out our new pack for little man (and by "new" I mean a used pack I bought from my work's classified ads - great deal!). Big sis was more interested in whining about the playground until we ran into one of her buddies. Then she didn't want to head back to the base until he did, even when she HAD TO PEE. So today also marks the first time big sis peed in the woods. Such an important milestone.

We made it as far as the really difficult part of steep rocks just before the summit. Pretty proud of big sis and her buddy! And Disco was a trooper for trying out the new pack on a steep trail instead of flat terrain.

It was a BEAUTIFUL fall day, we ran into other friends on the playground, and the rest of the day was filled with fun as well. Today was a jumble of random unplanned activities and discovery with no real agenda. Loving November!

Meet the Wean Team

That's right - it is November and little man is 17 months old. November is bliss compared to October. Our schedule is better, the kiddos are well, and it is time to seriously attempt weaning again.

I have to admit I was a big contributor to our stall in weaning over these last few months. I just didn't give the process the attention it needed and I gave into toddler demands - all part of my daily mommy guilt.

Obviously I will miss the special bond of breastfeeding. I remember the process of weaning big sis was bittersweet. We all survived though and it actually helped build her relationship with Disco. Little man is so interested in other things lately and daddy is the cool parent right now. So here we go wean team - it may take some time but we will get there!

Field Trip

We were rained out for the pumpkin patch last week - we got to make it up today, though. Lots of 3-4 year olds, pig races, a hay ride, goats and chickens, a big slide, oh - and pumpkins. Big sis and her class had a great time. And it was worth a day off of work for sure!

Silly Faces

Do you know how hard it is to get both pals smiling in the same picture????

Just hangin'

The Whole Gang!

I Want You!

Little man is getting over his ear infections - we think. It is hard to tell because he would still prefer to be held by mommy. He really loves playing in the sandbox and running around the yard or park. And it is hard to lose him in the house because he is a bit mischievous and likes to make a lot of noise (i.e. destroy things). Those activities occupy his time while he is out of mommy's arms. But only in short amounts of time.

Little Man with one of his Accomplices

Little man is starting to say some words very clearly lately - yesterday I could have sworn he said "I want you". Mommy is the one word which melts my heart. He says Daddy very clearly as well and when he is in a great mood he runs up to Disco for lots of snuggles.

Big sis is definitely becoming a daddy's girl these days. I know I will miss the "mommy days" at some point - but not today. After 17 months of two momma's kids I could use the break and just have one kiddo yelling mommy all the time. And it is really sweet to see her digging daddy time. I know Disco enjoys their new discoveries together like exploring the world of spiders, rocks, the moon, and mummies.

Exploring the Park

Fall Pics

This has been my least favorite fall. It rains all the time, we are super busy, everyone is whining every day, the kids have been sick, blah, blah, blah . . . I'll stop my own whining now. So here are cute pictures of things we have actually enjoyed lately.