HALF-PINT ANTICS

New Tricks...

2011-12-27T16:38:00.003-07:00

Peewee-pint learned a new trick just in time for Christmas.

Check out the videos to see...

(Ignore the Christmas after-math all over the floor!)

(Did you notice the end of the second video??? That's a new trick too!)

Brothers Taking Care of One Another...

2011-12-15T19:36:00.002-07:00

Tonight, I was on bed-time duty alone. The two older boys played together nicely and quietly while I put Peewee-pint to bed (he was exhausted-falling asleep in his highchair at dinner-TWICE). Then, per our agreement, the boys nicely cleaned up their toys before finishing the bed-time routine. After we said prayers and both were tucked in, Quarter-pint said he needed a story so he could fall asleep. I agreed to read one book (of my choosing) if they both stayed lying down in their beds. Half-pint quickly grabbed a book and hid it under his covers because he wanted to read it to me (I should have taken him up on it), and Quarter-pint fussed about the book I choose. That's when things turned south, and Quarter-pint ended up bashing me (albeit accidentally-the darn kid can't sit still to save his life) in the face with his hard head. I abruptly left their room, tossing the book to the floor and retreated to my room for a much needed Mommy-time-out to cool down. I could hear Quarter-pint crying from his room-but only for a minute or two. Then, I began to hear voices-talking instead of crying. When I peeked into the boys' room, I was surprised to see both boys side-by-side on the floor, with their backs to the wall; Half-pint reading to Quarter-pint-using the night-light for illumination. I turned up the overhead light a little and told them to keep reading for a few minutes and then get back into bed.

What a sweet, kind gesture-brother to brother!

Peewee-pint Looks BAD...

2011-11-15T11:22:00.007-07:00

Yesterday morning, I noticed some spots on Peewee-pint, and as the day progressed, so did the number of spots. By early afternoon, I knew I needed to have him checked out by our favorite pediatrician. After a quick look, a diagnosis of hives-caused by an allergic reaction to the antibiotic he was almost finished with, for the most recent ear infection. The Dr warned me he would look worse before he looked better-and that the welts would spread to his face. He told me "don't freak out...most parents freak out when the welts cover the face and then start to look like little bruises." He was right on both counts (getting worse before better and many, many more spreading to his face, neck and head). Today he looks much worse than he did when I took him in yesterday...and I'm not sure this is the worst of it yet...no bruise looking spots...so far. I'm not freaking out...but only because he warned me and I knew to expect it to get worse...otherwise I probably would be freaking out.

Amazingly, Peewee-pint has been really happy the past couple of days-the horrible looking welts don't seem to bother him-until we take his clothes off-then he starts to itch. A little benadryl takes care of the itching to make him more comfortable (and a little sleepy).

Halloween...

2011-11-01T18:17:00.002-06:00

Peewee-pint Celebrates...

2011-10-29T22:59:00.009-06:00

(I've had this post written for a LONG TIME, but never got around to including the photos...

I know, IT'S ABOUT TIME!)

It's official-Peewee-pint is 1!!! I am shocked at how quickly this past year has gone by! It's been a year FULL of all kinds of events - some good and others not as good. We've dealt with busy, busy Daddy-traveling for work and lots of meetings, health issues with the boys (all the boys at times), school schedules, vacations, and sports. Peewee-pint has trudged along with me through it all! He is a delightful baby! He is fun, happy, playful, loving, patient (mostly), silly, a tease, and very observant. Peewee-pint is clever, busy, noisy, and a great companion to me most everywhere I go. He LOVES his brothers and all the attention they dotingly give him. He is a Momma's boy, but adores his Daddy as well. He's quick with a smile and even a giggle when he thinks he's being clever. He gives "loves" on demand and loves to clap.

Peewee-pint has been through the medical ringer. When I sat down to think about it, I was surprised at how many different things he's had to deal with in this short year. He's had croup, strep throat, and a hand full of ear infections (some double). He's had RSV which led to brociolitis (that meant he was on oxygen for a week) and hypospadius surgery. Not to mention the stomach bug (twice) and seemingly never-ending colds. He's been amazing through it all!

It's so much fun to watch him learn and grow. I'm always amazed at how much they develop in the first year! Some milestones Peewee-pint has reached by his first birthday are: rolling over (6 months), sitting unassisted (rather late @ 9 months), crawling (really the toe-push army scoot) @ about 9 months, finger feeding himself @ 10 months, using a sippy cup @ 7 months, pulling up and "cruising" @ 10 months, 6 teeth (4 @ the same time-around 9 months), sleeping through the night (he mastered this a few times, then got sick and had to relearn). Peewee-pint can clap, give "high 5", give loves, says "hi", "momma", "dada", and "more", not to mention he tries to imitate most other words he hears. He teases his brothers, and plays "peek-a-boo".

Peewee-pint loves balls and cars. He likes to walk-pushing anything that he can move, or holding your hands, or along any vertical surface (furniture, walls, my legs-anything). He has definitely entered the "seek and destroy" stage-emptying any drawer or cupboard, toy box or bookshelf that catches his attention. He likes to be on the move-playing or exploring. He LOVES fruit and cheese and chicken nuggets. He HATES milk (we're still working on that). He only sleeps in his crib or car seat; but is generally happy-even when tired. He loves to be outside and to swing. He hates to get dressed or have his diaper changed. He likes to play in the bath and he has perfected throwing fits (complete with crying on the floor when things don't go his way).

Peewee-pint is tiny: measuring in at his one year well check at the 20% for weight and only the 3% for height. He still looks chubby since he's so short; but he's a real little peanut. He doesn't let his small size hold him back-he lets you know when he feels slighted or ignored-generally with a very loud, screeching scream. He keeps it up until his needs are met.

He regularly has people stopping in the shopping isles to admire him (all my boys have) and he typically gets temporarily shy. Peewee-pint is adorable and tremendously loved.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEEWEE-PINT!!!

Quarter-pint Gets Zipped...

2011-10-28T07:39:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago, Quarter-pint had an accident after church. He and Half-pint were being a little too crazy while they were waiting for me to clean up all the primary stuff and he peed his pants. We were headed straight to Grandma's house from church, but I didn't have any extra underpants-only the boy's pjs. Daddy and I decided to save about 45 minutes (Grandma and the clan were waiting for us to arrive so we could all eat; and it's about a 45 minute drive anyway) that we would not go home for clean underpants, and just put Quarter-pint in his zipper, footed pajamas sans underpants. I told him he needed to be careful and to make sure he didn't have another accident because he didn't have any more clothes to change into.

He paid attention to my council, and was careful to go when he needed to and not get too distracted playing. Every time he went potty, he needed help getting back into his pjs. The arms were usually turned inside out. Grandma helped him the first time, then Grandpa the second. Quarter-pint likes to close the zipper-all the way from his toes to his nose-and he has a habit of zipping FAST. The second time he zipped, his little boy parts were in the way and he zipped himself on the way up! Poor kid!!! He cried and whimpered. It took about a week to completely heal. Needless to say, he's been more careful when he uses a zipper!

Peewee-pint...

2011-09-22T09:18:00.000-06:00

Little, adorable Peewee-pint is getting into EVERYTHING! A few weeks ago, I was working in the office when I heard a horrible scream coming from the family room. As I got closer, I realized it was a combination of Peewee-pint screaming in pain, and Quarter-pint yelling for me. Peewee-pint had gotten his finger stuck in the VCR. (Yes, you read that correctly...VCR.) Just as I got to the screaming boys, Quarter-pint succeeded in freeing Peewee-pint's finger, but not without moving the entire machine half-way out from the wall, and removing the skin on both the inside middle knuckle, and top cuticle. Poor Peewee-pint-this was the first "blood incident" we've had with him. I soon got him calmed down and a band-aid with anti-bacterial cream onthe injured finger, knowing the band-aid wouldn't last too long, but at least it was stopping the blood and it was an attempt in keeping the wound clean.

Last week, with the finger nearly completely (but not quite totally) healed, I heard a similar screaming...this time Quarter-pint was more calm: "Mom, He did it again!" I moved faster and was able to free the tiny finger without any assault to his tender skin. Quarter-pint and I were astounded that Peewee-pint would get the exact same finger stuck in the VCR a second time! This time I called Daddy and asked him why the VCR is still out with the rest of the TV/movie/sound stuff in the family room. I can't remember the last time we actually used the VCR!

Quarter-pint Gets A Bath...

2011-09-20T20:53:00.006-06:00

Quarter-pint didn't want to miss out on ultimate bubble bath fun. So one evening while Half-pint was gone, Quarter-pint took the plunge in the big soaking tub with MOUNTAINS of bubbles! Peewee-pint watched with delighted curiosity...check out the bubbles he's trying to reach!

With "hair" like that Quarter-pint should be in a Dr. Seuss book!

Recovering...

2011-09-18T23:48:00.003-06:00

We had quite the weekend! It did NOT go as we expected. We headed up to the mountains Friday afternoon and met Daddy there (he went up early to finish up some work). Everything seemed fine until Half-pint woke us up around 1 in the morning saying he didn't feel good. Everything went down hill from there---quickly. Daddy and I were up a good part of the night comforting Half-pint as he threw up and working Peewee-pint back to sleep (he was pretty restless and probably not feeling well). I had a few tender moments with Half-pint in the middle of the night teaching him (and him teaching me) about the Atonement and how Jesus knows what it's like to feel so yucky. We witnessed miracles with a tender prayer for comfort and then instant sleep and the relief that only came through sleeping.

It was obvious Saturday morning that I was going to be out of commission with the same sort of stomach bug that Half-pint exhibited in the middle of the night. Daddy was meeting a friend on the ski slopes for the last day of mountain biking of the season-and I told him to go and have fun. The boys ate crackers and popcorn and watched movies while I languished on the couch, or floor-wherever I happened to be when the waves of nausea hit. When Daddy got home early afternoon his day hadn't been much better. They were rained on all day (with snow at the top of the mountain) and he was quickly succumbing to the stomach flu as well. For the rest of the long, agonizing day Daddy and I took turns sleeping (the only thing that helped us feel better) and trying to do our parental duty to keep our children safe, fed and happy.

The boys were actually great, considering they were left basically on their own, with little food (lots of crackers, popcorn and cereal, some yogurt and cheese-and cookies). They enjoyed watching all the movies and TV they could stand, and played very nicely together-with very minimal fighting. They knew we didn't feel well and they both rose to the occasion. I was so proud of them! Peewee-pint was a little more high maintenance that Daddy and I had the energy for, but by the evening I was feeling a little better and explained to him that we did not feel good and we would appreciate him not screaming anymore. To my surprise he complied and the screaming stopped.

After the big boys were in bed, Peewee-pint threw up all over his lap. That meant an immediate bath for him and then we put him to bed. That maybe explains some of the screaming! Quarter-pint was the only one untouched by this weekend's nastiness (although he had it a little over a week ago) and he was bouncing off the walls by the time we all felt good enough to drive the 2 hours home yesterday.

I'm happy to report that we are all feeling much better now; not quite 100%, but so much better than Saturday! What a weekend!

Peewee-pint Loves Strawberries...

2011-09-06T23:00:00.001-06:00

What more do I need to say?

Quarter-pint Has a Birthday...

2011-08-26T16:21:00.012-06:00

I am honestly shocked at how quickly the past year has gone. Granted, it's been chalk full of sick kids, sleepless nights, Daddy working long hours (and traveling more than usual), kids having surgery, and a new baby; but all that aside, it's just flown by! The most shocking part is that my Quarter-pint is 4!!! He's so grown up and still so silly all at the same time. He's really become a great kid (especially when he's not writhing on the ground because I refuse to help him do something I know he can do himself--but I think we're all entitled to a tantrum every once in awhile).

Quarter-pint adores his brothers, and is an awesome big brother. He loves to make Peewee-pint laugh, and to spend his time with Half-pint. He is a happy and helpful kid. He is fun and sweet, and mischievous and crazy. He is wild, and noisy, patient and considerate. Quarter-pint loves to play and tease. He most definitely has a mind of his own and isn't afraid to do his own thing. He has tons of qualities that I know will serve him well as he grows; but the challenge for now is to teach him how to channel and use those qualities. He is precious and adorable. His speech has improved tremendously this past year (thanks in part to the loss of his tonsils/adenoids)...he is turning into such a little smarty pants. He doesn't miss a beat-ever, He's active; but can also keep himself quietly busy with toys or puzzles. He is everything you would expect from a little boy. Boy oh boy-he's ALL boy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Little Man!!!

(We celebrated nearly all month-and he loved every minute of it!)

Peewee-pint Practices...

2011-08-25T16:55:00.002-06:00

Last weekend, Daddy took the big boys to the mountains, so that left Peewee-pint home with me. I had a few things I needed to get finished, and wanted to take advantage of the minimal interruptions. Peewee-pint did a pretty good job of keeping himself busy with toys, and exploring while I was finishing my tasks. A few times, Peewee-pint took off out of the office where I was working. I could hear him, so I didn't worry too much. When I did venture to check on him, this is what I found...he was practicing, and practicing, and practicing...

When Mom Sleeps In...

2011-08-22T14:30:00.001-06:00

You never know what might happen when Mom sleeps in...

When I got up this morning (I slept in until 7:30);

Peewee-pint had climbed 3/4 the way up the stairs, with Quarter-pint following him, and the big boys were fed and dressed-ready for school, EXCEPT they were wearing each other's clothes. Quarter-pint was TINY in Half-pint's shorts/shirt, and Half-pint barely squeezed into Quarter-pint's stuff. No one seemed to notice that even the underpants were the wrong size...no one except Mom-who noticed IMMEDIATELY!

Peewee-pint Takes on the World...At Least His Little World...

2011-08-20T16:15:00.001-06:00

Peewee-pint has really gotten mobile recently...in just the past week we've caught him on the stairs (nearly a half dozen times-the third time he was 3/4 the way up!), pulling himself up on anything he can (his favorite is the family room sofa, or the TV), and he's even starting to cruise along the furniture. Cousin JJ-watch out...he might be walking first!!!

Peewee-pint also LOVES to feed himself. The other night I cut some strawberries for him-he just kept eating and eating...I think he had 6 berries (each in about a dozen pieces!). By

the time he was finished, he was pink from nose to toes from the juice! Last night, I was holding him in my arms as we walked past the open strawberry container. He suddenly and expertly snatched one and shoved it in his mouth! He went on to eat 3 more (each whole, except for the hull).

Half-pint Takes a Bath...

2011-08-18T16:00:00.001-06:00

This is what happens when you leave Half-pint

alone for a few minutes in a jet tub, with soap and shampoo...

...at least I know he was clean!

Quarter-pint Goes to School...Again...

2011-08-16T14:29:00.005-06:00

This year Quarter-pint is attending 2 preschools. His speech therapy is being administered in a preschool setting instead of the small group format he did before. He is also attending the same preschool he went to last year, the same one Half-pint attended. His speech therapy preschool is twice a week in the afternoons, and his "regular" preschool is three times a week in the mornings-with one overlap day. The speech therapy school began the first week of August (on the same schedule as Half-pint), and the other didn't begin until this week. He was pretty excited to head off to school yesterday...to wear his backpack again and to get back into the school routine. I have to admit...I'm excited too!

I forgot to get any pictures of the first day of the speech school, but I

did remember the camera as we went out the door yesterday. Peewee-pint clung to my hip as I snapped a few photos of Quarter-pint headed in from the car. Over his shoulder,

he kept telling me "Stop taking pictures!". But it's a Mom's job to at lease snap a few...

He had a great time and was excited to go back again today. They celebrated his birthday yesterday, (it was a few weeks ago) so he was the calendar kid, and got to be the helper in other ways as well. Last night as he was settling into his "big boy bed"

he informed me he wants to have his birthday at school everyday!

On a separate note, Peewee-pint actually took an hour-long nap yesterday morning...I was elated, and credit a quiet house without noisy older brothers constantly waking him up!

Brothers, Three..

2011-08-12T14:00:00.000-06:00

Half-pint Goes to 1st Grade...

2011-08-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

This year, Half-pint started 1st grade. He was excited to have recess everyday, eat lunch at school and ride the bus home in the afternoon. He has a few friends from last year in his new class-and even gets to sit right next to one of them! And he likes his new teacher.

He has discovered a few drawbacks though. He quickly realized (on the first day) that he's gone ALL DAY, not getting home until around 4 o'clock which means FAR LESS play time. He also realized he has MORE homework and new this week...spelling tests!

Quarter-pint Quote...

2011-08-09T13:50:00.003-06:00

"Ice Cream is good for your body. It gives you energy to play baseball!"

Peewee-pint Is On The Move...

2011-07-28T06:29:00.001-06:00

This week, Peewee-pint has discovered the freedom of mobility. He has become more adventurous and is going beyond the boundaries of the room where he was set on the ground. A few days ago, I had to go upstairs and left Peewee-pint playing with toys in the family room. As I was making my way down the stairs again, I realized he had come looking for me-nearly half the length of the house, then when he couldn't find me, he turned around again and started heading back towards the family room.

He makes a b-line for the open door when Daddy comes home...it's a straight shot from the family room-across the hard wood floor. He's getting pretty fast, but not fast enough for none of us (especially his brothers) to notice his attempts to escape.

He has figured out he can scoot around to get to things he wants...like the toys his big brothers have...this week, the boys were playing with duplo legos. Peewee-pint is a master at lego demolition. He chased both boys around the kitchen island and then took a shortcut under the kitchen table to get at the lego masterpiece Half-pint and Quarter-pint had built.

Peewee-pint also discovered the he can make bigger and better messes by pulling things off of shelves. A new favorite activity is pulling the books and binders off the bookshelves in the office, and cereal boxes out of the pantry. If he's really lucky, some of the cereal will spill on the floor and he has an instant snack!

When he wants me to pick him up, Peewee-pint scoots to wherever I am and head-buts my ankles, or gnaws on my foot until I lift him up...

Over...

2011-07-26T20:35:00.003-06:00

Life as I know it is over...again...

Half-pint's Summer...

2011-07-24T09:47:00.004-06:00

Half-pint is just about ready to head back to school. It's been a low key summer chalkfull of sports for Half-pint! He played spring soccer until the middle of June, then started baseball in July and August. He participated in a couple of different golf camps (I don't have any golf photos from this summer because I always just dropped him off and then they all headed out to the course). He also played in a week-long sports camp focusing on soccer and flag football.

To top it all off, Daddy took him to the go kart track last week for a little driving. He did great for his first time behind the wheel. There were a few other kids on the track at the same time. The instructors told the kids to be careful because if they crashed they were kicked off the track. Half-pint suited up and followed the instructions to the T! He followed Daddy's kart for a few laps then he was allowed to go faster if her wanted to...he did not want to. He took it slow for the entire drive. He told us later that he didn't want to crash. I'm sure this was just the beginning of many trips to the go kart track!

Peewee-pint's 9 Months Stats...

2011-07-12T12:34:00.007-06:00

Peewee-pint had his 9 month well check this morning. He is by far the smallest from our house. Here's the stats.:

Height: 27 1/4 inches (20 %)

Weight: 19 lbs, 2 oz (30 %)

Head: 45 cm (50 %)

Peewee-pint is a peewee! He's adorable in every way! He is officially mobile, doing a version of the army crawl-pulling with his arms and pushing with his toes. He is starting to get adventurous by venturing farther and farther from where ever he's put down. He is also rocking on his hands and knees (or toes with his large tush in the air) enough to do a few face plants...thankfully none have caused tears...yet. Peewee-pint is still toothless-older than both his brothers to hold that distinction. He knows his name and is getting pretty vocal-we hear lots of "mmmamama" and "dadddaddda"as well as bubbles, razzes, laughing, and squealing. He is curious and loves to be outside. He's finally gotten on the "solid food train" and basically loves anything that comes from moms bowl or dads plate. He often finds dry cereal or crackers on the floor-thanks to the older boys, and quickly stuffs it in his mouth. He's even sitting up better-although he still doesn't last too long on his own. He likes to stand and is getting strong little (chubby) legs. He gives loves and smiles freely to family. He's a joy!

Half-pint's Eyes...

2011-07-08T17:32:00.004-06:00

Quarter-pint and Peewee-pint get a lot of attention for their big blue eyes.

Sometimes Half-pint feels a little left out. I always tell him he has beautiful brown eyes, with big pupils just like mine (the freakishly big pupils- not the color- mine are green). I also tell him that large pupils make it easier to see in the dark...he has interpreted that as super powered night-vision...like a cat. Super powers are awesome (even if you can't really see in the dark like a cat, at least it gives him something special about his eyes).

Today Half-pint was wearing a green shirt, and I noticed his eyes. They look even more like mine than I thought before (the color is not a true solid brown).

He truly has beautiful eyes (and AMAZING eye lashes)!

Home Safe...

2011-06-28T21:51:00.005-06:00

As we prepared to pull out of the hotel parking lot this morning, we had Quarter-pint say a prayer for us. I prompted him to pray for our safety, and that's exactly what he did! "Dear Heavenly Father, bless that we drive safe. Amen." It was a sweet, simple prayer, offered sincerely by a sweet kid.

The first 9 hours were uneventful until we were about an hour from home. I was driving when all the sudden all the cars in front of us rapidly slowed down and started veering in all directions. The car directly in front of us was suddenly gone to reveal an SUV completely stopped in the middle of the interstate...with it's tire shredded and hazard lights blinking. I slammed on the breaks and tried to swerve to the left, when I caught a glimpse of the car behind me doing exactly the same thing. I hit the breaks harder and didn't swerve as far to the left as I wanted to (I was not far enough over to totally miss the rapidly approaching parked SUV), for fear of swerving directly into the path of the car behind me desperately trying to NOT hit us.

By miracles from above (I know that sounds dramatic, but it's the truth) we did NOT hit the troubled SUV; and we were NOT hit from behind. When we came to a stop literally feet from the tireless SUV, I let out the breath I was holding and silently prayed in gratitude. It was then that I remembered Quarter-pint's sweet prayer from the morning. I am truly grateful for our safely and especially for the miracles that were required for our little family to make it all the way home undamaged. I am grateful for a literal and timely answer to a child's prayer!

Peewee-pint Has Crazy Hair...

2011-06-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

So, Peewee-pint's hair is very reminiscent of Quarter-pint's baby hair...the only difference is the color-Quarter-pint was blond, and Peewee-pint has more red in his hair; and the length (I think Quarter-pint was a little bit older, so give Peewee-pint a few months to catch up!).

Take a look at the natural "faux-hawk" and just like Quarter-pint's...it sticks up all by itself!

(Peewee-pint)

(Quarter-pint)

(Peewee-pint)

Half-pint Finally Gets A Post...

2011-06-23T12:25:00.007-06:00

I've been thinking lately that I haven't had much to post about for Half-pint. The other two have been much easier to write about...until Sunday...Happy Father's Day!

Half-pint was playing with his cousins, when he tripped and fell. According to him (I was no where near the accident scene), he rolled into the fall; but he still managed to hit his head on the coffee table. His cousin told him he had red in his hair, and he emerged fro

m the basement with a bloody hand from touching his gashed head. Daddy cleaned him up and gave him a wet towel to press against the wound. When we got home later, I did a through cleaning before bed and realized the wound was a little more than the superficial cut we originally thought it was. I called a pediatric ER nurse friend and talked it over with her. After a few more phone calls we decided the bloody patch on his hear should probably be treated professionally. Daddy pulled Half-pint out of bed...poor kid was already asleep...and they headed to the Children's Hospital ER.

Thankfully, our P.A. from our own pediatrician's office happened to be moonlighting at the ER that night, so she was the one who fixed him up. The wound was crescent shaped, about 1 cm long, and gaping open about 1/2 cm. I think it was about 1-2 mm deep. We were most concerned about the scar being so wide if we didn't have it closed, and hair not growing in that size of a patch. After talking with my friend, I expected 1 staple in lieu is stitches. I was surprised when they got home at midnight and Half-pint gave me the full report:

"Mom! It was like a bad nightmare!!! It was a nightmare. They used this machine and put STAPLES IN MY HEAD!!! Staples in my head!!! Was I asleep??? It was a nightmare!!!"

"Did you see the P.A.?"

"YES!!! She's the one that put staples in my head! It was a nightmare."

"Did you get one staple?"

"NO! Three!"

Half-pint slept with us that night, and surprisingly he slept great. He has been very careful not to disrupt the metal holding his head gash closed. Just yesterday, he said to me:

"Mom, please don't make me go swimming! I don't want the staplers to come out and then have to get them again!"

He's been a trooper through it all. The staples stay in for a few more days...I hope the removal isn't too traumatic! (When he had stitches, taking them out was al

most worse than getting them put it!)

Last night, I held up a mirror behind him, while he looked in the facing mirror, so he could see exactly where the staples are. He thought it was really cool to see them. I thought it might upset him a little, but he loved to look at the staples in his head!

What a story he'll be able to tell his class when they ask about what

went on over the summer!

Peewee-pint Working on New Tricks...

2011-06-15T11:25:00.000-06:00

Peewee-pint is 8 months old. He's adorable, round, (mostly) calm, even tempered, and rolling like crazy!

He still doesn't sit up alone-completely unassisted. When he sits on the floor, someone needs to be pretty close by because it's just a matter of seconds before his round bottom gives in to gravity (and the gravitational pull of that HUGE noggin sitting on his shoulders). He quickly falls over, either sideways or straight back.

Peewee-pint, IS however rolling like a master! Once he figured it out, he quickly began rolling all over the room. He also began pushing off from his toes to maneuver around for various toys and such. Over the last week or so, we've caught him rocking on his hands and knees. I don't remember the other two boys trying to be so mobile so quickly. Who needs to sit up when you can really move?

Quarter-pint Doesn't Get It...

2011-06-14T10:42:00.003-06:00

This morning, Quarter-pint found me in the laundry room, with a Jolly Rancher in his little hand. He politely asked if he could eat it. I told him that it was okay, but it was a hard candy so he wasn't supposed to chew or swallow it. He looked at me with an expression that clearly said

"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"

Then, he stood there shaking his head for a minute, dropped the candy on the floor and walked away.

More Solid Foods...

2011-06-02T12:26:00.002-06:00

So last night I gave it another concerted effort...I sat with Peewee-pint and didn't let interruptions stop us. We tried green beans (1st foods-so as SMOOTH as it comes-made specifically for 4 month-olds).

He did okay for the first four bites, and then he started to GAG on all the rest of the spoonfuls.

What am I going to do with this adorable kid? He gags on completely smooth pureed veggies??? Is his gag reflex that sensitive? Oh boy...

Peewee-pint Doesn't Eat...

2011-05-30T10:00:00.002-06:00

Just looking at him, you would find it hard to believe that Peewee-pint doesn't eat. Trust me, he doesn't eat...solid food. The round little one doesn't seem to have any idea about what to do with solid foods. I've tried and tried to feed him.

We began in the traditional fashion-with rice cereal. He gladly opened his mouth for the first spoonful, but after that the game was up. The faces he made were classic! After absolutely no success with rice cereal, I moved on to oatmeal. I eat a lot of oatmeal, so I figured it would at least be vaguely familiar to him. This time, after the very amusing faces, he just started to cry. Then I tried sweet peas...which made him throw up.

I've tried carrots, and applesauce as well. He's had pizza crust (he grabbed it right out of my hand and shoved it into his own mouth), which he loved for just a minute, then lost interest. He's also had rice wafer crackers made specifically for little ones-the first one he tried he LOVED and got really mad at Daddy when Daddy tried to help him with it; but after the first one, he didn't want any more. I only get one or two good bites of any solid food, and then he's completely lost interest. When I push it any further, he gets upset.

He often plays with his plastic spoons when he's hanging out in his high chair-putting them in his mouth and banging them on the tray, so I don't think that's the problem. He gladly opens his mouth (at least he has that part figured out!), but from that point on it's almost like he actually doesn't know what to do when the food hits his tongue...he moves his tongue around like it's uncomfortable and either spits it or drools most of the "solid" food right out of his adorably perfect little lips. I've tried different consistencies and temperatures, nothing seems to help. Maybe he'll get the hang of solid food by the time he starts kindergarten!

(eating pizza crust he stole from me)

More Quarter-pint Sleeps...

2011-05-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

Quarter-pint, oh Quarter-pint...
He's my kids who carries little toys, or pieces of toys all around the house--depositing them wherever he becomes distracted. This practice drives me CRAZY because I like to keep track of everything-to keep all the parts together. This habit is not shared by his big brother, thankfully; but Quarter-pint has taken it to the extreme.

He takes all kinds of toys to bed with him. I've been shocked by the variety of things I have found in his bed either late at night when I'm checking on the sleeping hoarder, or in the morning when I'm straightening up. Here's a list of just some of the things I've pulled out of his bed:
flip-flops (he LOVES them enough to wear them to bed!)
dinosaurs
various books
yo-yos
Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody (and nearly ALL the Toy Story figures)
crayons
trucks
Hot Wheels race cars (more than one at a time)
legos
action figures
tools
blocks
sticks
rocks
trains
pirates
and more...

Not only does Quarter-pint take anything and everything to bed with him, he still sleeps wildly-moving all around and quite often getting turned around-completely the wrong way. He pleads to have the safety railings removed, but I don't dare do it yet...he still moves way too much.

Recently Quarter-pint has upped the ante at bedtime. Nearly every night when I go in to check on the boys before I hit the sack, Quarter-pint is wearing nothing but his underpants. I guess I shouldn't expect anything different; he is quite the little exhibitionist. It's been cold and rainy/snowy the past few weeks around here, and I was afraid he'd freeze at night, so I was redressing him while he slept. Finally, a few nights ago, I gave up; I figured he'd get cold and maybe keep his pjs on...but the little turkey didn't get cold and they still keep coming off!!!

Sick...

2011-05-27T23:12:00.006-06:00

As of this afternoon:

Half-pint: A surprise pneumonia diagnosis (he has a nasty sounding cough)
Quarter-pint: Still coughing from Croup last week, with a red and yucky looking throat
Peewee-pint: Strep Throat -red and pussy throat (little does Momma know, I thought I was taking him in for an ear infection...in fact, he's the only one I planned to take in today...the other two had to come along because I couldn't find anyone to watch them last minute...glad they came)

...Now all three are on antibiotics and hopefully we'll all start to feel better soon!

I'm wondering if I should see my doctor...just thinking about all the crud at my house literally makes my throat hurt.

Happy Easter...

2011-04-25T12:07:00.005-06:00

We've been celebrating Easter for an entire week...with family dinners and egg hunts with BOTH sets of Grandparents and cousins!

(The photos are from Easter Sunday)

Quarter-pint Is Up To Antics Again...

2011-04-16T14:00:00.002-06:00

I had forgotten how mischievous Quarter-pint was before he couldn't breathe or get a good night sleep. Now that those issues are basically resolved, the impish Quarter-pint is back...with a vengeance! And last Saturday he was making up for lost time:

I was at a meeting, while Daddy was home with all three boys. Half-pint had a soccer game, and as Daddy was trying to herd everyone out the door, he sent Quarter-pint to get in the car (that was Daddy's mistake...I NEVER just send him out to the car unsupervised). By the time Daddy got to the garage, he was stunned to find Quarter-pint STANDING on the TOP of the van, waving a swimming noodle. He was taller than the garage door tracks! We're still not sure exactly how he climbed up onto the roof of the van, but thankfully he came down nicely into Daddy's waiting arms; who then quickly placed him into his car seat buckles (of which there is still no unassisted escape). Although we did find little hand prints on the outside of the passenger's front window-just visible in the right light.

Later Saturday afternoon, I was sitting on the couch, feeding Peewee-pint when I spied Half-pint try to stealthily escape out the front door toting Quarter-pint's scooter. I hollered at Daddy since I was in no position to chase after the boys--outside, in front of the neighbors; but Daddy didn't seem to think there was any concern. So after a few long minutes, I made myself presentable and hauled Peewee-pint out the front door to find the two little bedlam-ites (Daddy was still no where to be found-somewhere in the house replacing washed window screens). As I emerged into the afternoon sunshine, with 17 pounds of baby clinging to my hip, I was surprised to find Quarter-pint in the middle of the street-wearing his underpants, and NOTHING else. Half-pint was at the end of the culde-sac sans shoes or helmet, on the scooter.

I couldn't help but wonder what the neighbors think!

Peewee-pint @ Six Months...

2011-04-14T13:00:00.003-06:00

It's hard to believe that Peewee-pint is already six months old! Having said that, we've had a LOT go on in the past six months!

Peewee-pint is truly delightful (except when he's just awake in the middle of the night, which does happen occasionally). Everyone (except probably Daddy) describes him as "very laid back" He seems to just hang out and go with the flow...he hangs out with me, the bigger boys, Daddy, Grandma...whoever wants to lug him around.

He's typically pretty happy to play on the floor, wrestle toys in his bouncy seat, have tummy time, guard the kitchen from his high chair, chill in his car seat, and especially just being held by anyone big (like adult size). He always lets us know when he's had enough...usually very loudly-then he will NOT be ignored. Up until that deafening piggy squeal, he's generally laughing, cooing, babbling, growling and (his current favorite) spitting. Sometimes the bigger boys comment on how noisy Peewee-pint is...and it's true.

Mr. Grabby Fingers has gotten awesome with fine motor skills (at least on par with the ability of a 6 month old with chubby hands) and even uses his two feet together as one prehensile unit to grab anything that come between them. He's an expert at putting things in his mouth...EVERYTHING goes into his mouth (but I wouldn't expect anything less) which makes Quarter-pint crazy since everyone is always telling him to take his fingers OUT of his 3 year-old mouth.

Peewee-pint is still working on sitting up. Generally it's the folded-in-half tripod sit, so I have to be careful and NOT let him practice just after eating. His FAT thighs make for a pretty broad base...it's just that darn big head that's so heavy to hold up!

Here's the Six Month Stats:

Length 25.75 inches (25 %ile)

Weight 17 lbs., 5 oz. (50 %ile)

Head 45 cm. (85 %ile)

Weighing in at only 17.25 pounds officially makes Peewee-pint the runt-by 2 pounds.

Quarter-pint Post-Surgery Changes...

2011-04-12T20:39:00.006-06:00

Now that Quarter-pint is finally fully recovered from his surgery, we've noticed some interesting changes in his behavior and preferences:

Prior to surgery, he wore a pull-up at night-soaking it nearly every early morning; after surgery he keeps his pants dry all night-every night.
Prior to surgery Quarter-pint used a sippy cup-all the time; after surgery he won't go near one.
Prior to surgery Quarter-pint generally ate very little; after surgery, he eats ALL THE TIME
Prior to surgery he thought he was a little cow-drinking literally 2 1/2 GALLONS of MILK each WEEK by himself; after surgery I think he's had about 5 cups TOTAL in the past 5 weeks (I'm saving at least $20 a month on milk)
Prior to surgery, he was not interested in ice cream-would hardly eat any; after surgery Quarter-pint asks and earnestly feels he should eat ice cream, or a chocolate milkshake EVERYDAY!

We fully expected him to sleep better thus feel better, having more energy, etc, etc. but some the above changes are a little surprising and a bit humorous.

Half-pint Has A Run-in With The Law...

2011-03-29T19:06:00.004-06:00

We've run into a few behavior issues with Half-pint over the past few months...and it came to a head this afternoon. I was feeding Peewee-pint when Half-pint came in and started playing with the telephone next to me. I told him not to play with the phone and he quickly took off into the next room. When he emerged a few minutes later, he informed me that he had called 911 and then hung up. Great, I thought and went to find the phone and checked the redial. Sure enough...911. Quarter-pint had been patiently waiting for me to help him, and in the middle of making yet another bowl of oatmeal, the sheriff's office called back to make sure everything was alright.

The problems really started to escalate when Peewee-pint started to squeal in the background (he sounds like a stuck little pig screaming...it's awesome, especially when you're on the phone with the sheriff's office!). I tried to reassure the deputy on the other end of the line that we were all fine. As soon as I hung up Half-pint and I had a little talk about when it's okay to call 911 and when it's not...and why it's not a good number to prank call.

About 15 minutes later the doorbell rang and I was not the slightest bit surprised to see a uniformed sheriff's deputy standing on my front porch. He asked to come in and wanted to speak with Half-pint. When Half-pint saw the deputy-he freaked out-ran up to his room and locked himself in his bathroom, all the while screaming. I had to literally carry him downstairs so the deputy could have a little chat with Half-pint-just to make sue he understood when it's okay and not okay to call 911. Half-pint nearly had a complete meltdown and wouldn't acknowledge the deputy...who just needed to hear Half-pint say that he understood...and then he would leave. It took Half-pint a half-hour to finally say "I understand" loud enough for the Deputy and I to hear and vaguely understand.

As soon and the deputy left, Half-pint ran, as fast as he could up the stairs and into his room, for a self-appointed time-out; crying the whole way. I was disappointed it took a half-hour for Half-pint to acknowledge something he already knew (we had just talked about it); not only wasting my time, but more importantly the deputy's as well. Hopefully we will all learn a valuable lesson from our first (and probably not last) run-in with the law.

Peewee-pint Rolls Over...

2011-03-29T10:45:00.000-06:00

...So, I still think it's a fluke, but it has happened twice in the past few days... When Peewee-pint is on his round little belly...if he can shift his weight just right...before he knows what's happening...he's on his back again... Genius or just rolly-polly?

Half-pint's Observations About Girls...

2011-03-28T10:38:00.005-06:00

Yesterday in the car on the way to church, the boys were talking about girls. Quarter-pint really wants a sister (and has for some time); but Half-pint can't figure out why Quarter-pint has such a wish. This is what Half-pint told Quarter-pint about girls...

"Girls go into the bathroom, lock the door and brush their hair for a long time. What if I really have to go potty?!? That's why I don't want a sister."

Quarter-pint Loses His Tonsils (and a little more)...

2011-03-22T19:37:00.006-06:00

Quarter-pint has been sick for months, literally he's had a cold on and off (more on than off) at least since school began in early August. Around the holidays he missed the equivalent to about 3 weeks of school (he only goes a few days a week), and about a month of church-simply because he was too sick to go, or his nose looked too nasty to send him. I finally got him in to see the ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor just after the first of the year. They took one quick look at the back of his throat and said his tonsils needed to go. The reasoning was NOT that he's been sick, but more because one tonsil was TWICE the size of the other (rather strange), and because the poor kid just wasn't sleeping very well, snoring, breathing pauses in his sleep, always tired.

So, after scheduling and rescheduling the surgery, we finally had the traditional "Good-bye Tonsil" party, complete with cake (and a candle to blow out) and presents (always a new pair of pajamas to wear for the big event, and "quiet toys" or activities that can be played with quietly since physical activity is restricted for two weeks).

Quarter-pint had strongly informed me several times prior to his surgery that he did not want to have his tonsils out. Who can blame him really? Daddy, Quarter-pint, Peewee-pint and I all got up really early on the morning of the surgery and headed out the door. Quarter-pint was brave; poor kid had no idea what was coming since whenever I tried to talk to him about it he either covered his ears or shoved his little hand-palm open-into my face.

Quarter-pint elected me to go with him into the OR to "play the space ranger game" (he was wearing new Buzz Lightyear pjs). I went back when Half-pint had his tonsils out-I think it was more traumatic for me than for him, so needless to say I was a little apprehensive to watch a second son freak out on the operating table; but I put on a brave face and escorted him to the OR. Quarter-pint was amazing with the whole thing. I knew he didn't want to do it; but he was calm and brave and cooperative (very different than Half-pint). He did a great job with the anesthesia-the best the doctor had EVER seen (at least that's what he told me).

When the operation was finished, the surgeon came and told us everything went well--and that Quarter-pint's adenoids were

"GYNORMOUS; so big I'm surprised he could breathe at all-and they were completely covered with infection."

The two hours or so of recovery went great...he came out of the anesthesia beautifully and was drinking juice, and said his pain wasn't bad...

...Then we went home and everything went downhill from there. The poor kid didn't want to swallow ANYTHING and we struggled to simply keep him hydrated. He wanted to eat and drink, then he remembered how much it hurt and refused. His diet was restricted to soft foods and/or liquids (with a few further restrictions), but that really means all the ice cream, popsicles, pudding, applesauce, yogurt, mac'n cheese you want. He didn't want any of it! On the second day home, I was adding some peaches to my oatmeal and he wanted some...so I cut them up tiny for him and gave him a spoonful. We found them still in his mouth more than two hours later when we tried to give him pain medicine. The little stinker just held them in his mouth so he wouldn't have to swallow. Needless to say, his face and neck stunk like dried saliva...we couldn't get him in the tub enough!

Quarter-pint basically didn't eat for the first week after surgery. We had two trips to urgent care for IVs to keep him hydrated just in the first few days (of course it was over the weekend!). He looked pretty sick, with glossy eyes, basically just hanging out on the couch watching movies and sleeping. By the 4th day after surgery, the surgeon called to check on him and when he heard how awful the weekend had been he wanted to admit Quarter-pint to the hospital to ensure he had adequate liquids/pain meds to get him healed and fully recovered. Daddy was pretty apprehensive about this, so we tried increasing some of the medications first. Later that night, the doctor came by the house on his way home from work to check on Quarter-pint. Thankfully, he was in good enough shape to stay out of the hospital. And the increased doses of medicines worked...

...After a full week of not eating anything, and only drinking water (not to mention losing a few pounds) Quarter-pint was starting to make it up. He ate a half-gallon of ice cream in three days-by himself, and countless helpings of mac'n cheese. He's had an entire large package of hotdogs, several helpings of cereal with LOTS of milk and two dozen bowls of oatmeal. I'm getting really tired of making mac'n cheese and oatmeal! He's basically been eating non-stop for an entire week! He even tattled on himself yesterday when he came up from the basement and exclaimed

"I eat pretzels downstairs!"

"Did you forget you're not supposed to eat pretzels?"

"Nope!"

We go in tomorrow for the all clear, but I am happy to say he's feeling much better and the mischievous sparkle has returned to his eyes. It's going to be exciting to see how much more impish he becomes now that he can actually get his lungs full of air. I think our fun three year-old has returned (minus his tonsils, adenoids and a few pounds)!

Peewee-pint Gets Sick...

2011-03-14T15:08:00.007-06:00

Early last week, Peewee-pint picked up a cold, complete with congestion and a cough. I didn't think anything of it because Quarter-pint has had a cold basically since August, and I've had a few over the past few months, including last week. Then, last weekend we took the boys to the mountains for a little skiing. Quarter-pint had his first day in ski school and Half-pint skied with Daddy. Peewee-pint and I enjoyed a quiet day alone, working on party favors for Half-pint's friend birthday party.

The first night in the mountains was awful, but it generally is at the higher altitude. Saturday Peewee-pint was still pretty fussy and by Saturday night he wasn't eating much. By Sunday morning, Daddy and I figured out Peewee-pint was not doing very well. He hadn't eaten much and hardly slept the entire weekend we were in the mountains. As we got ready to come home Sunday morning, we decided not to take him to church, and I called the pediatrician on call. The doctor's office called back as we were driving down the mountain and suggested we take him in to an urgent care, and there just happened to be a pediatric one not too far out of our way home and near Grandma T's house.

Daddy and I scrambled to make arrangements to cover our responsibilities at church, and headed for the pediatric urgent care. I fully assumed we would walk in, they would take a look and a listen and tell me he had an ear infection or some such ailment. Daddy and the big boys stayed in the car-thank goodness for in-car DVD players!

They did take a look and a listen, and to my surprise his ears were clear-BOTH of them. The looking was fine; it was the listening that brought a little cause for alarm. Quickly we were assigned to a room and soon a respiratory specialist popped in. They suctioned out Peewee-pint's nose a couple of times and started monitoring his oxygen levels. It was quickly obvious that he wasn't getting enough oxygen when he relaxed (ie eating or sleeping); so he was put on oxygen and monitored again-this time for 4-6 hours! I quickly called Daddy and sent him to Grandma's house with the boys...none of us had eaten lunch and it was obviously going to be much too long for them to wait in the car.

After hours and hours of monitoring, waiting, sleeping (for Peewee-pint, not me) and visits (thankfully with dinner for me, not Peewee-pint) from Aunt C 3 and C 5 we were discharged to go home...with an oxygen take in tow.

Three rechecks, and a week later, Peewee-pint was cleared-and we were able to ditch the oxygen tank, 50 foot tubing, and face stickies!!!

The diagnosis: Bronciolitis, caused by RSV.

Photos...

2011-03-13T18:06:00.007-06:00

(Unfortunately, we didn't get any of Peewee-pint alone;

He was the only one having a melt down during the photo shoot, and we ran out of time.)

Half-pint Conquers Super Mario Brothers...Almost...

2011-02-28T21:30:00.001-07:00

Half-pint petitioned for a Wii for more than a year. When he didn't get one Christmas 2009, he talked about it nearly everyday of 2010. He quickly realized that Mom and Dad were not very anxious to get him one, so he trumped his parents by announcing that he was asking Santa for a Wii. Smart kid! All year long he told everyone who would listen to him, that he was going to get a Wii from Santa.

There were tears when Santa showed up in the flesh on Christmas Eve and gave Uncle D a Wii and didn't bring one to him. There was a discussion about waiting until morning to see what Santa would leave while everyone was asleep, because Santa obviously didn't bring ALL his presents at his special visit, he only brought special Christmas Eve pajamas for the kids.

Half-pint was ecstatic to find a family Wii Christmas morning and has been playing it fairly regularly ever since. We've had special play dates with his school friends so they can help get him farther along in the Super Mario Brothers game. The boys want to play nearly every morning when they get up. It's been a great motivator to get ready for the day nicely; and it's usually the first privilege lost for misbehaving.

Last week, Half-pint was insistent that I play Mario with him. I played a little Mario back in the day, and I wasn't too bad. The Wii Mario is completely different than the old Nintendo 64, and needless to say I'm pretty horrible! I finally relented and played for about 45 minutes with him. Thankfully the baby started getting pretty fussy so I got out of it, but not before my thumbs hurt! Half-pint has kept up the insisting, despite my comments about how badly I play. The other night as he was going to bed, Half-pint informed me:
"Mom, I'm your coach. I'm your Mario coach. You'll never get better if you don't practice!"
He's right of course; and he's been practicing...he's even unlocked two more levels this week and is quick to call his school friend to share the good news. It would be long until he has the game beat!

Half-pint Celebrates President's Day...

2011-02-27T17:00:00.001-07:00

At school, Half-pint's kindie class had a Patriotic Presentation this week. All the kids had specific speaking parts they have been working on memorizing, they learned patriotic songs (even one "marching song" Half-pint informed me) and of course, all the parents were invited to come and watch. I've been working with Half-pint on and off for a couple of weeks on his speaking part. It was actually really short-just one little sentence and he had it mostly down from the very beginning. "George Washington loved to read." That was his specific part.

Every few days I'd ask him what he was supposed to say, and he knew it, but for the life of him he couldn't remember George Washington's name. It wasn't until about a week ago, when I was reading the teacher's weekly blog, that I realized they hadn't covered George Washington yet in class.

Every time I'd ask Half-pint to recite his part, I got a different name...from Abraham Lincoln to Martin Luther King Jr., and (my favorite) Thomas S. Monson. I wondered what his teacher thought when she heard "Thomas S. Monson loves to read." By Tuesday evening, Half-pint knew George Washington is the guy with the white hair, but still couldn't remember his name. I'm happy to report that Half-pint got it right when it mattered most---in front of all the parents. Good Job Half-pint!

Remind You of Someone???

2011-02-26T10:00:00.001-07:00

About a week ago,
as I was getting Peewee-pint dressed,
I had visions of...
Pugsley Adams...

Quarter-pint Talks On The Phone...

2011-02-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today Quarter-pint picked up the phone and pretended to have a conversation. Actually, he pretended to dial first, and then had this conversation...

"Hi. My name is _____."

"I want to meet you at my house."

"I love you so much..."

His conversation was interrupted by Half-pint who was listening by now and asked Quarter-pint what he was doing. I was a little disappointed that his conversation was finished...it was SOO precious! After Half-pint broke the phone magic, Quarter-pint looked at me and sweetly said:

"I calling my friend."

That was it, then they were both off onto the next game.

Peewee-pint Learns New Tricks...

2011-02-24T14:54:00.003-07:00

Peewee-pint has officially entered that stage of quick and measurable development. It's so fun to watch him learn new things and to watch him figure out what his chubby little body can do. Now that he's 4 months old, he's basically sleeping through the night, discovered his hands, trying to sit up (from a reclining position), and grabbing anything that comes close to him, and just in the past few days he's really reaching for things and then getting them into his mouth.

Yesterday, I was reading books to the older boys, with the baby reclining on my legs. I was holding the book between myself and Peewee-pint, so he was looking at the cover, while we were looking at the pages. It only took a few minutes before we saw tiny fingers curled around the top and bottom of the book. Today, Peewee-pint was hanging out on the desk top next to me while I was working at the computer. I gave him a toy to keep him busy. When I looked over at him, this is what I found...

Quarter-pint Sleeps...

2011-02-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Daddy wasn't home when it was time to put the boys to bed. I went through the nightly bedtime rituals and then settled in on the couch to feed the baby. In a matter of minutes (this is also a nightly ritual) Quarter-pint was up and cautiously coming down the stairs. Usually, I hold his hand and walk him back to his bedroom and tuck him in again, but this particular night I wanted to finish the feeding (Peewee-pint is generally VERY patient during bedtime-I didn't want to interrupt his time!) so I told Quarter-pint to go back to bed and I would be up soon. He found a few toys on his way back to the stairs, one of which was a little hand-held video game. I could hear the game noises coming from the vicinity of the stairs, but I couldn't see the little turkey, so I knew Quarter-pint didn't actually make it back into his bed. That night I didn't really care. When the baby was full and happy (and probably a little groggy as well) I realized the stairs were quiet. I stealthily approached, and this is what I found...

Peewee-pint is NOT so Peewee...

2011-01-17T20:06:00.008-07:00

(Peewee-pint & Half-pint)

Peewee-pint is following VERY closely in the footsteps of his brothers, especially Half-pint. Although Peewee-pint was about 3/4 of a pound larger than Half-pint was at birth, their 2 month well check stats were nearly identical. At two months, Half-pint weighed in at 12 lbs, 13 oz; while Peewee-pint tipped the scales at 12 lbs, 12.4 oz. (90 %ile) Both measured 23 inches long (75 %ile) and head circumference (this is a BIG deal around here) was the 97%-ile for both boys. I knew Peewee-pint was about 12 lbs before the official weigh in (Moms just know things like that), but I was a little surprised he was closer to 13 lbs. His jiggling jowls remind me of baby Half-pint; and his cheeks are so fat he has a difficult time opening his eyes very wide. His Aunts (C3 and C4, mostly) loved pushing around the extra fat padding on his forehead, and the back of his head. He's so patient, he doesn't fuss when we're playing with all his rolls (you should see his inner thighs!).

(Peewee-pint & Half-pint)

Peewee-pint is quick to smile, but doesn't laugh or giggle much yet. His big brothers are great entertainment to him and a huge help to me if I just need a few minutes before I pick him up (to feed him, etc.). He gets pretty chatty at times, especially in the evenings after the big boys go to bed, and also with the zebra toy that hangs from the handle of his infant carrier.

(Peewee-pint & Half-pint)

Peewee-pint is more and more fun every day, especially now that most nights are nearly free from baby feedings! He usually just gets up once, sometime between 4:30 and 6:30...all that chub is good for sleeping all night!!!

Half-pint is Toothless...

2011-01-17T09:00:00.008-07:00

It all began the day after Thanksgiving. We went to the mountains after the face-stuffing rituals. Half-pint was in ski school on Friday, and did a great job! When he got back to the house, imagine our surprise when he returned with a tooth in his hand, not the customary spot in his mouth. I knew a couple of his teeth were loose, but I had no idea they were that loose! I verified with Half-pint and Daddy (who picked him up at the end of the day) that the new hole in his smile was the result of wiggling, or lunch, or the like, NOT a skiing accident. They both assured me apple slices at lunch were the culprit. I think Half-pint was just as surprised as anyone to find his tiny tooth stuck in his apple, not firmly in his bottom jaw.
A few days later, Half-pint was teasing his brother, and jumped behind the family room sofa. As Quarter-pint came into the room, Half-pint dove down, but he didn't clear the sofa and smashed his face on the sofa back. You should have heard the screaming, and seen the blood. He knocked the two top front teeth loose. After calls to a dentist friend; who reassured Momma of what she already knew (we've been through this before); we were playing the waiting game to lose the two, now not quite in the right position, top front teeth. Momma couldn't stand to look at them, and was VERY grateful this incident happened just days AFTER our annual family photo

Over Christmas break, one tooth, then another came out. When Half-pint got back to school, he signed the large charting tooth TWICE. His teacher was surprised to see the now much larger gap in his smile had grown in just two weeks. I'm sure this speech therapist isn't too thrilled; now his speech is a little off due to missing so many teeth at once-he has a slight lisp. Momma was relieved that the twisted and pushed out teeth are gone so she doesn't have to look at them any more!

Half-pint and Quarter-pint spent a few days with Grandma K and Grandpa R so Momma and Daddy could take a long weekend trip (to ski and introduce Peewee-pint to his Great-grandparents). Late one evening, Momma got a call from a crying and very tired sounding Half-pint. "My tooth is broken, and I can't go to sleep!" After some investigation and more information from Grandma, Momma figured out that Half-pint had been vigorously wiggling the bottom tooth (which was a little loose to begin with); and now it was so loose-but still in place-that it was uncomfortable. He wouldn't let anyone pull it though, so he waited until Aunt C6 went to bed and crawled in with her. The tooth came out before Momma and Daddy got home, so now Half-pint is missing all four front teeth! What a sight!

Quarter-pint's Bum...

2011-01-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Quarter-pint mastered potty training earlier this year...YEAH!!! But, at least when we're at home (or Grandma K's house) he feels the need to remove his pants AND underpants to use the potty. And, he thinks he still needs help getting his underpants back on (his pants usually don't make it back on his little bum). We're constantly telling Quarter-pint to "put your underpants on." He'd much rather be an exhibitionist-the less clothes the better for that kid!

A few weeks ago, he brought his underpants to me so I could help him turn them right-side out. When I handed them back, he sat his naked little bum on the wood floor. (Balancing on one foot to put you underpants back on is a tricky proposition!) As soon as he sat, he passed gas; and it sounded funny against the hard wood. He looked up at me with his BIG BLUE eyes twinkling and said "My silly bum is CRAZY!"

(that's the black eye from falling down the stairs...see earlier post-happenings, I think)

Half-pint Turns 6!!!

2011-01-04T14:00:00.002-07:00

Half-pint has grown a ton this year!!! I can't believe he's 6 today!!! Half-pint is a lot of fun to have around. He's smart, funny, clever, thoughtful, silly, helpful, an awesome big brother, energetic, delightful, dramatic, generally understanding, and so much more! He loves to make Peewee-pint smile, and the get Quarter-pint worked up. He amazes me with the things he understands, and his knowledge of a huge variety of concepts. He is undeniably all boy-with typical boy interests, (something Mom is going to have to get used to-with two little brothers followingclosely behind), but honestly, we wouldn't want it any other way!

Happy Birthday Half-pint!!! We all love you!

Pictures of Peewee-pint...

2011-01-03T14:23:00.004-07:00

One of the things I've wanted to blog about the past two months is Peewee-pint (and get some pictures up). So, here are a few photos of Peewee-pint from the past few months:

Whoa...

2011-01-02T21:16:00.003-07:00

Okay, I know what you're all thinking...

NO, I haven't totally succumb to my 3 crazy children,

NO, I didn't totally drown in holiday preparations,

NO, I'm not still completely suffering from sleep depravation (although there is still a little)...

The truth is...I couldn't remember my password to get into blogger, and I couldn't remember the correct answer to my security question to change the password...then I couldn't remember the password to my email associated with the blog, so I couldn't get to the link to change the password that way either.

Tonight though, things have been better. The baby/nursing fog lifted for just a brief moment...just long enough to remember one of the passwords so I could change the other password, so I could get back in. New Year blessings!

Some exciting things have happened around here since my last post...so keep checking back and hopefully it won't take me too long to get caught up!

I know, I'm so lame!

Happenings...

2010-11-03T14:23:00.005-06:00

Life has been CRAZY the past few weeks since Peewee-pint arrived! Here's a quick overview of the happenings at our house recently:

Daddy caught a stomach bug

Momma came down with a cold

Peewee-pint's arrival

Half-pint and Quarter-pint fell and bit open their bottom lip (no stitches, thankfully)

Quarter-pint fell down the stairs and was sporting a very nice shiner for more than a week

Quarter-pint's preschool Fall field trip

Peewee-pint's 2 week well check with the pediatrician

Daddy had to travel for work (thankfully Aunt C4 could come stay and was awesome help!)

Quarter-pint Halloween party at preschool

Half-pint's school Halloween party

Half-pint got an ear infection

Half-pint primary program

Halloween party at Grandma's house

Daddy home from his business trip / Aunt c4 goes home too :(

Quarter-pint comes down with a cold

Now, add school, preschool and Momma's various evening activities, and then a few more things we opted NOT to do, since inevitably someone was too tired or cranky...

That leads us to today...Half-pint's ear infection is getting better, but he still has residual cold symptoms. With both of the bigger boys not feeling great, it means someone is having an utter meltdown about every 15 minutes. Throw in baby feedings about every 2 hours, and a gassy/fussy, just-hold-me-all-the-time baby and it's LOADS of fun at our house!

Introducing...PeeWee-pint...

2010-10-14T20:21:00.005-06:00

Our newest little man was born Tuesday 10/12/10 @ 11:10 pm. He weighed 7 lbs, 9 oz. 20.5 inches long.

We are both doing great. The labor was fairly easy (although there IS a reason it's called LABOR!); and began as a scheduled induction.

Half-pint and Quarter-pint were really excited to spend a few days at Grandma's house for a sleepover. Mom, Daddy and PeeWee-pint are glad for the little break in the chaos before we're all a happy family of FIVE!

Half-pint Plays Soccer...

2010-09-30T17:00:00.000-06:00

Half-pint has officially entered the world of iconic, suburban, American "childhood"...he is now playing pee-wee soccer. And I have officially entered the world of iconic, suburban American soccer Mom, carpooling and mini van included.

Half-pint has really enjoyed all the practices and games. Thankfully, each is only once a week. Half-pint has had several assists, and a very near goal in a game. His team is undefeated which he thinks is great! Half-pint celebrates with every goal his team scores, usually with bows or dancing when he's on the field...no matter who actually scores. And he is the loudest cheerleader from the sidelines when he's not in the game.

It's been great to watch him develop into a team player and to watch his joy and excitement! I'm sure this is just the beginning of many, many, many soccer Saturdays to come!

Baby Projects...

2010-09-28T19:00:00.000-06:00

I've been working like crazy this summer to get some sewing projects (amongst others) finished before this baby arrives. Some of the projects have been specifically for the baby, like a blanket, and some burp cloths.

I'm excited to say that those particular two projects are now finished...(with literally just a week or two before his big arrival)!.

The blanket is cuddly, super soft; fun black and white zebra patterning and several different textures and color distinction...perfect for a little one!

I made three burp cloths of each fabric pattern...blue on blue dinosaurs, cream/yellow retro circles, and blue/green "little sailor" ships. I had a lot of fun putting everything together, but the most satisfaction comes when I actually complete a project and it's finished!!! I really enjoy creating (from the designing to the completion) a useful and meaningful project. I can't wait to get to use them!

Quarter-pint Self Rewards...

2010-09-25T15:28:00.005-06:00

Quarter-pint has had quite the end of summer. He's hit lots of milestones, including potty training and speaking more and more clearly, among others. When preschool began nearly two months ago, he was reluctant to actually go potty at preschool, so we set up a bribe...he gets an Oreo if he actually has success in the potty at school. Silly kid was willing to sit on the potty, but do nothing, and then have an accident later. He loves Oreos, so this particular bribe actually worked for him (most, do not). He has taken it a step farther and now asks for Oreos anytime he has potty success.

Today I came up from the basement to find the Oreo packaging on the kitchen floor, and the plastic tray of cookies--along with Quarter-pint--suspisciously missing. I tracked him down in the office, watching Half-pint play computer games.

It was obvious that the boys (mostly Quarter-pint) had been generously helping themselves to the chocolate cookies. When I asked Quarter-pint if it was okay to eat in the office (it is not), he just smiled a sweet chocolate smile and said:

"It's okay Momma. It's okay to eat yoreos in the office." (I LOVE how he says Oreos!!!)

"How many have you had?"

"Seven. Me eat seven. It's okay."

"How many did your brother eat?"

"He eat two; me eat seven yoreos. It's okay, Momma!"

Half-pint and Quarter-pint Have A Great Summer...

2010-08-22T15:00:00.000-06:00

Now that we're getting into the school year routine, I should probably catch up on summer vacation posts. It's easier just to hit some of the highlights in one post rather than a bunch, so here's our summer in a nutshell!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In June we headed back to Southern California with the cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents on Daddy's side. We spent a week enjoying the weather and attractions. It was a great time!

The boys were especially excited about Disneyland since they remembered it from last year. Half-pint loved the Peter Pan ride (it was closed last year, so he was thrilled to get to "fly" this year!) And this year was different than last is several ways; Half-pint was big enough to ride MOST of the rides, and Mom, expecting #3, wasn't able to ride very many. So we often split up...Half-pint and Daddy, Quarter-pint and Mom. (The doctor said that was a pretty good gauge of what I should do...if Quarter-pint could do it, so could I-minus the mini bumper cars.) There were a few rides Quarter-pint could ride that Mom could not, so I got a little breather while Daddy took both boys. The boys LOVED driving the "real cars"; with Half-pint an excellent driver while Quarter-pint (by his own admission) was not. Half-pint also enjoyed meeting the life-sized characters, and Quarter-pint was still a little scared of them.

This summer we also spent time on the boat, with Daddy water-skiing with friends, and in the mountains. The boys and Daddy took the bike and trailer out and rode DOWN a bike trail on a mountain pass. Daddy thought it was great...coasting most of the way. Mom got to ferry the car and read a book while I waited for them to come down.

We also spent some time just about everyday at the pool-mostly for swim lessons (which Quarter-pint got to take this summer) and both boys are still looking bleached and bronzed.

(Quarter-pint nose to nose with a Komodo Dragon)
Summer wouldn't be complete without trips to the zoo with cousins, aunts and Grandma. We made sure to get a least a few zoo days in.

We also filled the lazy days of summer with various day trips to local attractions (Quarter-pint even rode a horse!) and movie matinees and fun restaurants...just because. The boys new favorite is "Red, Red Robin". I think it's the endless steak fries and ranch. What boys doesn't like that?

_____-pint Needs A Screen Name...

2010-08-20T21:00:00.000-06:00

So, our little one is supposed to arrive in the upcoming weeks, and I'm working like crazy to get various projects finished before he makes his debut. One thing I'm having a little trouble with is a screen name for this new addition. I have an idea, but I'm open to suggestions.

Do any of you have a great ___-pint screen name idea?

Please let me know if you do!

Quarter-pint Goes to Preschool...

2010-08-16T19:33:00.007-06:00

I can't believe Quarter-pint is big enough to go to preschool! Although, he's been a little turkey of late, so part of me is really excited Quarter-pint is going to preschool!

The morning was a little harried, as Mom woke up late (due to a bad night the night before) and Daddy didn't realize what time everyone needed to be ready to go. After rushing around getting the boys dressed, and dragging Half-pint away from his computer games, Daddy ran out the door with Half-pint. They were headed to the bus stop, while Quarter-pint was desperately trying to find his shoes so he could go with them. Poor little guy looked in the box of shoes (where they should have been), but couldn't find them because he'd left them in the car... and by the time I explained that to him, the car was backing out the driveway and headed down the street.

Quarter-pint was crushed that he didn't get to go take Half-pint to school (they missed the bus and Daddy had to take him all the way). It's the first day he hasn't gone. He moped around and cried a little in my lap until Daddy came home with my car, so Quarter-pint and I could head out the door ourselves.

Quarter-pint's mood improved dramatically when he found his brother's leapster in the car and played it the entire five minute drive to preschool. He insisted in bringing it in to show his teacher (I did not point out that we bought it from his teacher...didn't want to ruin his mood). By the time we arrived, he was happy and ready to race in the door and begin the day.

I was a little nervous about it because he's not 100% potty trained yet (but making huge progress), and because he's been telling me that "me no like brother's friends", of which there are several at preschool again this year.

Overall, the morning at preschool went very well, with only one potty accident and a happy Quarter-pint in the end. I know it will only get better for him. He left feeling like a big kid...ready to conquer the world.

As for me, no crying when I dropped him off. I throughly enjoyed the quiet houses and got a good amount done while the boys were off at their respective schools. Half-pint's short half-day came to an end a little before I was ready to pick him up, but it was wonderful to get a smidgen of time with just him before we picked up his little brother.

Quarter-pint Gets Sassy...

2010-08-15T20:00:00.000-06:00

Tonight, Quarter-pint came into the family room while I was making dinner. He had a mean face on, and demanded I change the TV channel. He DID NOT want to watch the news. I ignored his demand for a few minutes until he started to get sassy...

"Mom! Change channel NOW, me no want news, me want cartoons!"

"No" was my calm reply. Then he let me have it...

"Change channel now, NO news! Go to time out-sit on you bed!!!"

I did NOT change the channel, but instead tickled him until dinner was ready.

Half-pint Rides the Bus...

2010-08-14T10:04:00.000-06:00

Half-pint did great this past week at school. He was really excited to ride the bus this year. The school didn't want the kindergartners to ride the bus the first day, but wanted the parents to bring them into their classroom. And the second day I wanted to take him because he was NOT going straight to his classroom, and I wanted to make sure he knew where he was supposed to go before he had to do it himself. The third day we just didn't get ready in enough time to ride the bus; but Half-pint was up early on the fourth day. An hour before we had to leave, he was getting himself breakfast, and getting himself dressed. He was pretty motivated to be ready on time to take the bus. I was a little nervous simply because I knew he didn't know anyone on his bus. We talked about what he was supposed to do when he got to school and what door he was supposed to go in. He couldn't wait for the new freedom. He did want me to drive him to the bus stop (it's about 2 blocks), but I was happy to do that, since it seems whenever we're in a hurry, little legs just seem to walk slower and I did not want to carry Quarter-pint the whole way.

We were early (since we drove) so when the bus finally arrived, Half-pint gave me a hug and marched on, finding a seat so he could see us out the window. Quarter-pint and I waited until the bus was off to the next stop and then loaded into the car and "ran an errand" to return a DVD (we really did return an overdue DVD-and Half-pint DOESN'T know we followed him). Really, I just wanted to make sure he did okay when he got off the bus. We were a few minutes behind the bus, but took a shortcut and got to school a few minutes before the bus did. He looked so big walking into school all by himself! I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to let him ride the bus that first day...almost as bad as the first day of school. (The second day of school was MUCH easier). I was a little anxious to pick him up after school to get a report of the bus ride. He was excited about it, but a little sad when no one sat by him (I really don't think the bus is even very full). So, Half-pint has been riding the bus the rest of the week. A girl sat by him yesterday, and that made him happy. On Friday morning, he was so anxious to get on the bus, I had to remind him to give me a hug!

When I picked him up on Friday, he got into the car and said "I need a school break! It's hard to go everyday!" He was relieved when I told him it was Friday and he gets two days break until Monday when he goes back. I realized he's not used to going everyday and he has been a little tired this week. Poor kid! (And NO, I haven't followed the school bus since that first bus ride...he's a champ and knows what to do when he gets to school.)

Half-pint's Butterflies...

2010-08-12T13:12:00.000-06:00

Half-pint was really excited to open a birthday present (yes, back in January). It turned out to be the favorite present...a butterfly nursery. He bugged me and bugged me for weeks and months to send in the postcard to get live caterpillars sent to him in the mail. I patiently explained to him that it was the dead of winter and not a good time to get live insects in the mail, or to have them morph at our house. We needed to wait until it was warmer outside. Every nice day we had between January and April he was bugging me about it. Well, he eventually sort of forgot about it all, and so did I, until one day he found the box again and pulled out the order card. We were back from summer vacation and just hanging around for a few weeks (which they say is the best time to do it...when you're around and not super busy for a few weeks), so I filled it out and mailed it in.

The live insects arrived one hot summer day and we promptly opened the box to find two jars of hungry, wiggly caterpillars. We watched them for a little bit, then placed them on the kitchen counter (out of direct sunlight, so they don't over heat and cook in their plastic jars). Honestly I was a little grossed out to have the live insects in my kitchen, but I couldn't think of another place where they would be safe from bumping, etc. and still accessible to look at (and out of direct sunlight).

According to the paperwork that came with the live insects, the entire metamorphosis should take a good 2-3 weeks, with 7-10 days in between each major change. The caterpillars eat the provided food in the bottom of their jar, then attach themselves to the paper disk on the jar lid where they build their chrysalis. Then you gently remove the paper disk and place it into the netted "nursery" and allow them to emerge (7-10 days later) as beautiful painted Lady Butterflies.

Well, in just a couple of days those little suckers were attached to the top of the jar and I didn't get them moved quickly enough into the nursery. One day (the morning of the day I was going to move them, just right after we got a few other things taken care of first-like swim lessons) Half-pint took a look into the jars and one of the butterflies was just beginning to emerge! We had to act fast to get them into the nursery before they all (5 in each jar) emerged and ran out of room.

We had to run off to swim lessons-before we left 2 butterflies were "hatched", by the time we got back (45 minutes later) 9 had wings open. It was amazing to watch. We kept them on the kitchen counter for about 5 days before Half-pint decided it was time to let them go outside.

One evening as we waited for dinner to finish cooking, we took the butterfly nursery outside and opened it up and watched as they slowly left one by one for the big wide expanses of the great outdoors.

The entire process was actually pretty amazing, and the boys were especially enthralled. I would highly recommend this for anyone with preschool/young school aged kids. Both Half-pint and Quarter-pint checked on the insects every day to watch the progress and enjoy the beautiful butterflies. They couldn't wait to show anyone that came to the house. It was a lot of fun for all of us (even though the entire process took just about 1.5 weeks-MUCH faster than I expected)-it was AWESOME!

Happy Birthday Quarter-pint!!!

2010-08-10T09:22:00.000-06:00

We've been celebrating Quarter-pint's birthday on and off for about two weeks, depending on what family has been in town, and when we've already planned to get together. I'm not sure he actually knows when his birthday is. We had a family party with Daddy's side of the family, and then one with Mommy's side (while Aunt C 4 was in town). We went to Build-A-Bear with Grandma K a couple of days before his birthday, and then one the actual day, he had a few more presents to open and got a little bit of cake right before bed. Miss A, his speech therapist got to come one last time the day before his birthday and brought a ballon bouquet. He was thrilled!!! I'm really sad he's outgrown his speech program with Miss A. She was wonderful! We're really going to miss having her come every week. Now that Quarter-pint is 3, he will begin a group speech therapy.

Quarter-pint has been an absolute delight to have around. I really enjoyed the one-on-one time I had with him this last school year while Half-pint was at preschool. The last 2 weeks or so have been a different story though. Quarter-pint has officially entered the "terrible threes". So much worse than the twos!!! Between all the changes he has coming up (brother going to school every day, Quarter-pint starting preschool, the new baby, changing speech therapy teachers/format/routine, changing bed rooms and moving out of the crib-finally- and potty training) he has a lot to assimilate. What a crazy couple of months for this kid! I will be glad when preschool begins in a week or so (he's only going 2 days a week, so I'll still get some good one-on-one time-at least until the baby comes)!

Despite all the life he crams into his day, he is a great kid and we can't imagine a day without him. Quarter-pint is quite the kid. He's cute, sassy, funny, compassionate, opportunistic, clever, daring, lovable, and stubborn. He adores his big brother and Daddy and he loves me too. He likes to do things his way and has an iron will. He can be very cooperative at times (when he wants to be) and doesn't seem to be too fazed by bribery (very much unlike his brother). Quarter-pint is adorable and blatantly naughty. He is endearing and precious. We love you Quarter-pint!!! Happy 3rd Birthday!

Half-pint Goes to School...

2010-08-06T20:44:00.005-06:00

Friday was Half-pint's first day of kindergarden. I can't believe my little guy is going to the "big kid school"!!! We dropped in on Wednesday and had his school photo taken, and then Half-pint and I went yesterday to meet his teacher and for him to get a look around the classroom. We also dropped off all the school supplies while we were there yesterday. This morning, Half-pint was rearing to go...he was really excited to wear his new outfit and pack his backpack (he only needed to bring a snack today). We combed his crazy hair and made sure he wore his tennis shoes (since we knew he was going to have gym today). Then we took some photos and headed out the door! We had instructions for parents to walk their kindergardeners into the classroom, help them hang up backpacks, and put on a name tag...then it's a kiss, hug and parents out the door.

I had my main Mommy freak out around his birthday in January; so I thought I would be fine today. I was doing great, until as we were almost to the front door (the farthest door from where we could park) when Half-pint in one hand, and Quarter-pint in the other; Half-pint says quietly "Mom, I'm scared." That was it for me. The tears began to well up behind my sunglasses. I could only squeeze his little hand a few times, and then squeak out "It's going to be so fun! You're going to be fine." The tears began to flow a little bit as I gave him a hug in the classroom. All the kids looked really somber sitting on the alphabet rug waiting for class to begin, as parents filed in and then quickly out. When Quarter-pint and I got to the hall, just past the classroom door, I pickup up Quarter-pint and nearly lost it completely. I couldn't wait to get back to my car so I could just get all the tears over with and get on with my day. But, as we were walking to the car, Quarter-pint and I began to discuss the remaining time while Half-pint was at school. We needed to go to the library (after a great book gathering at home), and I had a doctor appointment. The tears never flowed once we got to the car. I hope Monday is easier!

When we got back to school, Half-pint and his class were already outside. I gave him a hug and the first thing out of his mouth was "I love it!!!" That was all the info I got until after dinner when he started volunteering more...like "At gym, we played Simon Says-with standing on colors and I wasn't very good. The first time was slow, then it got faster and the last time the Gym Guy (gym teacher) won---he wasn't supposed to win!" And "In art, it was fun, she made some play dough last night." He was a champ and is excited to go back. We are proud of him! Happy First Day of School, Half-pint!!!

Are You Smarter Than A Pre-Preschooler???

2010-07-25T20:20:00.005-06:00

Are YOU smarter than a pre-preschooler?

I was seriously contemplating the answer to that very question a few days ago...

Half-pint was really excited to have Aunt C6 over for a play-date and I was happy to have a little break from entertaining the boys for a few hours. Quarter-pint is always in the thick of things, especially with Aunt C6! Sometime after lunch, Half-pint found me and said

"Brother took all the letters off the keyboard, but don't worry Mom, we fixed it. We couldn't get the 'G' back on right. Can you fix that one?"

Sure enough, when I next made it to the office, all the keys were on the keyboard, but the 'G' wasn't sitting flat like the others. I figured Daddy could fix it when he came home and was frankly relieved there wasn't any more damage I would have to report to Daddy.

Later that evening, when Daddy and I were both using the computer, we quickly realized that all the keys were back on the keyboard, but they weren't all in exactly the correct place. Daddy asked me if I could straighten it out. I struggled and struggled to simply get the keys OFF the keyboard. And then I felt like a complete idiot when I remember that Quarter-pint (not yet quite three and not yet quite in preschool) obviously had no problem removing the said keys. There was talk of googling the topic of 'keyboard deconstruction', but to my delight, I figured it out-without the help of the internet-and replaced the 6 misplaced keys.

I was triumphant! (and at least as smart as my little pre-preschooler)!

Boys Will Be Boys !?!...

2010-07-01T09:37:00.003-06:00

Some months ago we installed a lock on the top of the front door-where the kids can't reach- so that I can take a shower while Daddy isn't home, and not worry about the kids escaping out the front door. On more than one occasion I have gotten out of the shower to neighbors bringing my kiddos back...

This past weekend, the boys have been a little crazy, to say the least. Between sliding down the stairs on a futon mat and jumping from the table onto the bed in the guest room. Of course, always checking to see if Daddy is home before engaging in such naughty behavior.

This morning took the cake...as I was getting dressed from my quick shower, I heard the doorbell ring and from the noise the kids were making, I could tell there wasn't anyone at the door. I looked at the security panel and noticed that a window was open in the dining room. Strange, I thought as I quickly made myself decent and headed down the stairs. Imagine my surprise to see Half-pint climbing back into the house through the open window. I could hear Quarter-pint, still outside, not quite tall enough to climb back through the window, and not able to come in through the front door-because of the high lock. As I got to the door to open it for Quarter-pint, I realize HE is bum naked-no diaper covering his cute little tush.

So much for Mom being able to take a shower...

It's Official...

2010-06-07T10:50:00.002-06:00

The ultrasound confirmed what Daddy and I were fairly certain about already...the new family addition is a BOY! We're excited (especially Half-pint) and ultimately grateful that everything looks good-the baby is healthy and right on track for the mid-October due date. Quarter-pint was a little disappointed, "Me no want baby brother! We want baby sister!" I'm sure he'll come around, especially after this new brother is born!

The Boys are Ready for a Vacation....

2010-06-03T10:16:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, (actually the day of the bleach incident) the boys decided to have a vacation. I think it all started after I stripped their clothes off to wash the bleach out. They made a little beach, complete with everything you need for a great vacation..

Since preschool ended last week, they've had quite the beginning to summer! It began with the preschool end-of-year carnival; complete with games, prizes, lunch, and an inflated slide (with a tunnel). The next day we went to the movies (How to Train Your Dragon) with Aunt C2 and cousin L. After the movies, we raced home to gather our swim gear and headed to the pool with some friends- complete with pizza and ice cream. The following day we spent the evening as a family at the Rockies baseball game. We had more friends over for dinner on Sunday; and Monday afternoon we spent at Grandma's house for a Memorial Day barbecue with the cousins. Whew! What a busy (and really fun) few days! Mom is tired and happy to have just 2 things written on my calendar for the next few days!

Half-pint "Misses the New Baby"...

2010-06-02T10:11:00.003-06:00

Yep, that says "new baby"! Half-pint is super excited to have an addition to our family in the fall (mid-October). He talks about the new baby everyday and frequently tells me he "misses it." Half-pint is hoping for a brother; Quarter-pint has said he wants a sister...any guesses??? We find out in 2 days...I'll keep you posted!

Half-pint's Faith...

2010-05-25T19:37:00.003-06:00

Tonight, as I was putting the boys to bed, Half-pint came into Quarter-pint's room with a question:
"Mom, do you know where my alphabet game is?"

"No, I'm not sure which game you're talking about."

"My Leapster alphabet game. I looked everywhere."

"Sorry, I don't know where it is...look again and I'll be in soon to read to you."

Then he headed back to his room and I finished the bedtime routine with Quarter-pint.

When I got to Half-pint's room, he was busily playing the alphabet game. He barely noticed when I came in and asked him where he found his game. He paused and looked up at me and simply said:

"I said a prayer to Jesus and found it."

Then he was back to his game...

Quart-pint Cuts His Hair...

2010-05-12T12:00:00.002-06:00

Crazy things happen when the kids are left to play while the moms have a presidency meeting. I thought all the kids were playing rather nicely...at least they didn't seem to need the attention of the moms. Near the end of the meeting, Half-pint comes into the kitchen carrying a pair of scissors and declared " Quarter-pint cut his hair with these scissors." Then he dutifully handed them to me and walked out. I jumped up and ran to find Quarter-pint to assess the damage--thankful he didn't' cut anything more than his hair. When I found him, I also found long pieces of his blond hair all over the end table in the living room. As I rubbed the top of his head, I realized a lot of hair was flying away. On closer inspection, I was relieved to see he actually cut a patch that's not on the very top of his head, but just an underneath layer from the top of his head. I quickly determined we didn't need to shave it all off, or take him in to have it fixed. He's been telling everyone that he used scissors (NOT these scissors...they don't really open) on his hair all week long!

Quarter-pint Is At It Again...

2010-05-11T15:24:00.004-06:00

I realized today that Quarter-pint is about the same age

Half-pint was when I began this blog...heaven help us!

The boys were playing nicely together in the basement this afternoon, when they came upstairs to find me. I quickly noticed a familiar, but not terribly common (in my house) smell. I recognized it almost immediately...bleach. I then took a closer look at the boys' clothes-both were beginning to show the distinct signs of...bleach. I quickly made them both strip down and threw their clothes into the washer on a rise cycle-in a desperate attempt to minimize the damage. Then I ran downstairs dreading the scene I would find. Half-pint was right behind me filling me in on the details. Apparently Quarter-pint knocked over a bottle of bathroom cleaner (with...bleach) and the lid broke off. Then as best I can figure, he got a little on his own clothes and smeared more on his brother. Thankfully the mess seemed to be contained to a small area in the unfinished basement, with most of the...bleach on the painted sub-floor. It cleaned up quickly and without any noticeable damage. There was a little...bleach ring on the shelf where Half-pint put the bottle-out of Quarter-pint's reach.

As I tried to call Daddy to have someone to commiserate with, I sat on the top of the cooler chest and immediately had a wet bum-DRAT-now I have...bleach on my pants! They immediately went into the washer with the rest of the destroyed clothes. I think I have all the...bleach cleaned up and now waiting the results of the washing machine--I'm pretty sure Half-pint's pants and shirt are ruined; Quarter-pint's shirt might be salvable and I think my jeans will be okay. Amazingly, Quarter-pint managed to keep his own pants...bleach free.

Mother's Day...

2010-05-10T10:44:00.003-06:00

Nearly every morning for the past two weeks, Half-pint has come into my room in the wee hours of the morning asking "Is it Mother's Day today?" I can probably thank Ms. B.- his preschool teacher for at least some of his enthusiasm. I know they worked on a Mother's day gift at school for about a week, and were talking about it before that. When I picked him up from school on Thursday, he couldn't contain his excitement and gave me his gift right then...a beautifully decorated photo frame, complete with a picture of the two of us.

Then, on the duly appointed morning, I vaguely heard Daddy say something like, "Wait for me, I'll come down stairs in a minute" before I rolled over and went back to sleep. Before I knew it, there was Quarter-pint, his bright little face in mine, saying "It's your Mother's Day!" The boys (mostly Half-pint, with a little help from Daddy) had made me breakfast--scrambled eggs, waffles and toast. (Yes, Half-pint made scrambled eggs with supervision from Daddy!) Each did their part in bringing the feast to me in bed-Quarter-pint carrying the fork, knife and napkin, Half-pint the plate brimming with food, and Daddy a glass of water. The boys were so excited and proud! They then proceeded to climb on the bed and help me eat the delicious breakfast.

The rest of the day was equally nice...with church and Half-pint giving a great primary talk, then dinner at my parent's house. It was a delicious feast created by Dad. Then off to wish Grammy a happy Mother's Day on our way home. The boys were happy a fairly well behaved all day.

Who could ask for a better holiday?

Quarter-pints Prays...

2010-04-26T22:30:00.002-06:00

Half-pint is very energetic about saying the prayers at the dinner table, no matter who's table we're at. Tonight, Quarter-pint beat him to it. With the kind of quick enthusiasm Quarter-pint exhibited, we had to comply; so Daddy made sure Quarter-pint said the first dinner prayer: "Esus Hrist, Men" (Jesus Christ, Amen). That was it...it was adorable...he was so proud!

Quarter-pint Hiding...

2010-04-19T11:44:00.003-06:00

Quarter-pint loves to hide. He's great at keeping quiet and still just long enough for me to wonder where he is. He hides from me at bedtime under the extra blankets in his room. He hides from Ms. A. when it's time for his speech therapy. He hides from Daddy when it's time to change his diaper. Quarter-pint thinks hiding is a wonderful and clever game. One day not too long ago, while Half-pint was at school, I went up to my room and found Quarter-pint hiding on my bed...

Half-pint Snapshot...

2010-03-02T19:55:00.005-07:00

Tonight, as I visited with Half-pint at bed time about the happenings of today and what to expect tomorrow, I told him tomorrow is Aunt C6's 8th birthday. Then, trying to illicit a little conversation about baptism, I said:

"Do you know what happens when you turn eight?"

Half-pint thought for a minute, then cocked his head a little, and with innocence in his eyes said:

"Your hair turns white and you get a little old?"

Quarter-pint Happenings...

2010-01-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

Quarter-pint is as mischievous as he is adorable. I literally never know what he's going to do next. A few weeks ago the boys were playing nicely together in the basement, while I was upstairs. I heard Quarter-pint whining as he was coming up the stairs. I was totally unprepared for what I saw as he emerged from the bowels of the basement... He wasn't actually whining like I originally thought, but instead was repeating "stuck, stuck, stuck.." over and over all the way up the stairs. I immediately started laughing-he looked so funny stuck with the bucket handle across his chest, and the rest protruding behind him. He was a good sport and let me get a few snapshots before I set him free.

I have also recently found him standing on the kitchen table...his little arms extended about his head..."inging, inging" (swinging, swinging - for those that don't speak his missing initial consonant language). The light suspended from the ceiling above the table rocking back and forth.

He has also had adventures on the counter tops. I came into the kitchen to find a kitchen chair pushed up to the counter, and little Quarter-pint standing on the counter top-cupboard open. "Ake...Ake...Up" (cake, cake) He was trying to reach the muffin paper liners on the very top shelf (I can't even reach the top shelf without a little assistance!) so he could eat cake.

I love our central vacuum, at least I did until about a week ago. That's when I realized all the vacuum hose "plugs" are right at Quarter-pint's level. And they are fun to play with...each has a door with a spring so it stays shut when not in use. Who knew one of Quarter-pint's brand new Christmas presents - a bakugan (it's a small spherical toy that magnetically pops open to reveal a transformer-ish looking creature) - fits precisely in the central vacuum hose plug door? We had to vacuum the whole house before the darn thing would appear in the vacuum bag (in the freezing garage...it's been a really cold winter in CO). When Daddy showed it to me, it was totally encrusted with vacuum dust...in every little crevice, and there are a lot of crevices.

It happens at least a couple of times a week...I hear Half-pint half screaming, half laughing and find Quarter-pint laying on top of his brother in a pint-sized tackle.

We've been talking up the potty quite a bit around here lately. Quarter-pint needs some encouraging to really get potty training finished. On a recent shopping trip, we picked up some "big boy underpants" in his size-complete with his favorite character-Buzz Lightyear. Quarter-pint was so excited about it when we got home he wanted to look at the different pairs. Before I knew it, he had put one on over his diaper. Then another, and another, and another. He would have worn all 7 pairs, (all over his diaper) but the leg holes were getting too tight, and another just wouldn't fit. So, here he is...wearing nothing but a diaper and 4 pairs of big boy pants!

Half-pint Gets Sick...Again...

2010-01-08T20:58:00.003-07:00

It's been that kind of a holiday season for Half-pint. The weekend before Christmas the kids and I spent a few days at Grandma's house so I could utilize Grandma's help finishing a few homemade Christmas presents. The last night we stayed, Half-pint was hoarse and had a terrible night sleep. He joined Quarter-pint and I in the basement around 2 am, but neither Half-pint nor I slept very much...he was too uncomfortable and I was listening to his best sleeping Darth Vader impression. The next morning I promptly got him an appointment with the doctor so he could confirm what I already knew...croup. Then Half-pint generously shared it with me for Christmas! What a kid! A few days after the holiday I had full-on laryngitis (the adult version of croup).

It's taken three weeks to rid Half-pint of the residual cold after the croup (and I'm still working on getting rid of mine), and just as he was getting back to normal, his belly started to hurt, then his throat. So we headed off to the pediatrician again. The MD was surprised when the rapid strep test came back negative and informed me what I already knew: either the strep test would come back positive in a few days (after they grow the culture), OR he has a virus which means diarrhea is coming. The verdict is still out, but given the two options I'm praying for positive strep.

I knew Half-pint was really sick when (in a 3 day period) we missed or rescheduled: speech therapy, gymnastics, play dates, swim lessons and his friend birthday party, and he never put up a fight. So needless to say, we've been spending a lot of time on the couch in pjs watching movies. Thank goodness for the Movie Box! Quarter-pint is literally running laps around the house and I'm trying not to get whatever Half-pint has! Wish us luck!

Happy 5th Birthday Half-pint!!!

2010-01-05T22:05:00.008-07:00

I had a hard time with this birthday...I realized that my little Half-pint (who's really not very little-50 lbs. and taller than my elbows) is starting "big kid school" in a few months. We have year round school, so he'll most likely begin early July-on MY birthday! Happy Birthday Mom, I'm off to Big Kid School. Thank goodness it's only half-day kindergarten! Enough of my whining...this post is about Half-pint.

It's amazing how your life changes the moment your first baby is born---and how it continues to change every day after that. Half-pint is such a blessing to our family. He consistently astonishes me-with the things he says, the concepts he understands, the compassion he shows, the ingenuity he displays, the tenderness of his heart, the joy of his spirit, the humor of his personality, and the creativity of his mind. He is a joy to all around him. He has a truly contagious smile-a flash of his adorable dimples and you can't help but smile back at him. He relishes in his role as big brother; and as all brothers, he sometimes wishes to relinquish that role. But he truly loves Quarter-pint; he's lost when they are apart (which, other than preschool, doesn't happen very often).

Half-pint likes to get Quarter-pint up in the morning so they can play together, or so Half-pint can show his brother something amazing he's recently discovered. I look forward to every discovery and epiphany that Half-pint experiences and shares with me.

Half-pint is still a momma's boy, but has bravery to support him through new events (like going to big kid school). He is fun--full of teasing and laughing, not to mention tickles. He is smart, clever, and happy. He is self-reliant, energetic, and helpful. He works hard at learning new things and often catches on quickly. He has a mind that easily figures out puzzles, patterns, and problems-just a week or so ago, he figured out how to get the hex key off the top of the door frame...he simply lobbed his toothbrush up and knocked it down-he was pretty pleased when his toothbrush came down along with it.

Half-pint is truly exceptional-not in a genius sort of way, but as a genuine kind of kid. Half-pint you are precious and delightful, strong and caring, beautiful and kind. We love you!!!

Happy Birthday Half-pint!

Half-pint Wants "Green Money"...

2009-11-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Half-pint has been talking about "green money" (i.e. bills, NOT coins) for some time now. The other night as I was on my way out the door for youth group, he told me about his grand plans:
"Mom! I know how to get green money!!!"
"How's that?"
"I want to sell lemonade! I can sell lemonade to get green money! Make me some lemonade so I can sell it tomorrow!"
It's been a warm November here in the inter-mountain west, but NOT lemonade stand warm!
"Where are you going to sell the lemonade?"
"On the street-outside-outside our house! What about flowers? Mom, you get some flowers on your way home tonight so people can pick the kind they like. I sell flowers to get some green money!"
"Who's going to buy your lemonade and flowers?"
"The people outside, going by."
"We live on a quite street, there won't be very many people. I have an idea...you can earn green money by helping me around the house...setting the table, picking up your toys, making your bed, that sort of thing..."
"No, I don't like that idea!!! I want to sell flowers and lemonade."

Quarter-Pint's "Marshmallow Power"...

2009-11-12T22:38:00.002-07:00

Both the boys love cereal. One of the current favorites is Lucky Charms. They call it "Marshmallow Power". I don't think they even know the real name. A few days ago, Quarter-pint was really excited about "Marshmallow Power". He kept pulling it out of the pantry and getting a little bowl full. Like most kids, he eats the marshmallows and leaves the cereal. Fill, Eat, Repeat...

I was where I always seem to be when they begin their antics-at the kitchen sink-when Half-pint alerted me there was a problem in the family room. I was aghast to see Quarter-pint dumping the ENTIRE box of cereal out onto the sofa and floor. As I hollered at him to stop (before I could actually get to him), he proceeded to dump out the remnants. I quickly scooped him up as the last of the marshmallow dust was hitting the rug. The only "marshmallow power" he received was an expeditious trip to his room!

Half-pint Halloween...

2009-11-02T21:58:00.004-07:00

This year, the Halloween season seemed to come earlier than ever before. I was shocked when the costume Half-pint was interested in was sold out in his size when I began the epic adventure of finding costumes for the boys-in mid-September! I thought, "we'll be able to find something...it's still early". Then, when I hit the search hard again in early October, I was stunned when literally all the costumes Half-pint was interested in were sold out in his size-even at the on-line stores. I was really feeling like a bad mother...I couldn't even find a costume for my little guy-what a slacker I was!?! (Quarter-pint's was easy...even got it at a discount at a consignment store...in mid-September.) After literally searching ALL the stores in the local mall AND the outlet mall with no luck we came home and hit eBay. I found one that he really liked, won the bid and we waited for it to arrive. When the green monster with 3 eyes (very adorable I might add) finally arrived, I could smell the stench of old cigarette smoke through the plastic packaging. I nearly pass out when I actually opened it! It went straight in the washing machine, but one trip through the wash cycle wasn't enough. Half-pint tried it on and to our utter horror, it was too small! I toyed with the idea of cutting it all apart, sewing hems on all the cuts and making a one-piece suit into three, but quickly decided that was entirely too much work. Luckily for Half-pint I got a great deal on-line on a pirate costume. I bought it with the intention of "dress up", but with the entire Halloween costume fiasco (which lasted a good 6 weeks) I decided to offer it up. He was thrilled and quickly decided that was the costume for him! Thankfully he's pretty agreeable about those kind of things!

(this little giraffe loves lollipops)

Then the week of Halloween, we were hit with a HUGE snow storm...HUGE...3 snow days from school-amidst 2.5 days of non-stop snow! (I nearly went CRAZY, especially because the timing of the storm was the first week back from a 2 week fall break!) Half-pint's Halloween party at preschool was postponed, and then cancelled due to the weather. The trunk'or'treat activity at church was a huge maybe right up until the 28th, and we were all praying that the weather would hold and the snow would stop in time for the actual holiday.

Thankfully, the snow let up and the weather warmed up enough that trick'or'treating was actually pleasant (I just wore a light weight jacket-no heavy coats!). The boys were excited about the annual tradition of trick'or'treating at Daddy's office. They get to see their cousins-that makes it really fun! Quarter-pint started to get the hang of the whole free candy thing. He loved it!

Then, on Halloween evening, we did more trick'or'treating at the church activity. All the way home, the boys ate as much candy as they wanted...it's it great to be a kid! We got pizza for dinner and Half-pint set his mind to man the door. By 5:30 he was sticking his little neck out the front door and yelling to anyone within earshot that we had candy and they should come to our door. He was actually soliciting trick'or'treaters!

I took the boys out in our neighborhood to fill their new candy bags (hand-made while waiting out a snow storm). When we came to houses with a bowl of candy on the porch, Half-pint would intentionally take candy he didn't like. I questioned him about it and was quite surprised at his response:

"You don't like that kind of candy."

"I know."
"You can pick a different kind, something that you like."

"I know, I want to take this one."

"WHY???"

"So I can sell it at home, to the kids who come to our door."

Wow, I was shocked...he understood it on some many levels...like we can take his candy and pass it out if our candy bowl runs out...what kid actually plans for that??? Is he a budding entrepreneuer?

As soon as we got about a block and a half away from home, Half-pint stopped going to doors to get more candy. He waited patiently on the sidewalk while I escorted little Quarter-pint to the door, then we headed home...we did not pass GO, just straight home. Half-pint was ready to eat his pizza and hand out some more candy. When we walked in the door, he quickly pulled all the "sell it" candy out of his bag-it went into the candy bowl by the door. He loves to man the door-even more than getting the candy himself (of course he has access to the entirety of our candy while manning the door-smart kid!)

So, Halloween was a success after all, despite the costume fiasco in September and the weather the end of October. They can't wait to do it all again next year!

Half-pint's Sayings...

2009-10-19T20:47:00.001-06:00

Recently, Half-pint has said a few funny things...

A few days ago, while driving in the car, Half-pint was unusually quiet. When I asked him what he was thinking about, this was his response...

"What are you thinking about?"

"What we talked about this morning"-very matter of fact.
"We talked about a lot of things...which one?"-I honestly had no idea what he was referring to...
"I want to sell my money and buy new money."

"Really? What kind of money to do want???"

"Green money. I don't want coins."

That makes sense- "What will you do with your green money?" Now I'm pretty curious.

"Put it in my piggy bank"

Duh Mom!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today while at the grocery store I took advantage of the seasonal flu shot at the pharmacy. I had the boys get flu mist about 6 weeks ago, and Daddy got a flu shot at work, so it was just me left...and I kept forgetting to make an appointment. The boys were not waiting as patiently as I would have liked, but when it came time for the pharmacist to actually administer the shot, both boys were quite still. Just as the needle touched my arm, Half-pint yelled "Mom!!! RUN!!! Run from the shot!!!" He was quite serious and worried for me. It's a bummer that he'll have his kindergarten well check in a few short months-that means shots! Poor kid! He has no idea what's coming!

Quarter-pint Makes A Mess...

2009-10-12T14:59:00.004-06:00

***WARNING***

***THIS IS A POTTY TRAINING POST***

About a week ago, around lunch time, Quarter-pint took his shirt off. I was a little surprised, but didn't think much of it. A little while later, he took his pants off. Still didn't think much of it-my boys like to take their clothes off (see past posts about this topic). About 2:00 I found Quarter-pint playing in the bathroom. To my surprise he was completely naked, sitting on the cold tile floor playing with his little potty. To my horror he was sitting in a puddle of pee. As I began to clean up the floor, he sat on his potty, peed, and then tried to empty the bowl from the little potty into the toilet...and he missed. That meant more pee on the floor. I quickly put his naked little body into the tub so I could clean the pee off the floor-and to keep him contained, if only for a few minutes. While I went to work on the floor, Quarter-pint pooped in the bathtub. As I began to freak out at the situation, he then accidental stepped in it. I couldn't believe the whole scenario! Needless to say, as soon as I had Quarter-pint wiped down, the bathtub cleaned up and the floor taken care of-the boys were promptly put into the (clean) bathtub upstairs. Oh, the joys of precious little boys!

No More Quarter-pint Containment...

2009-09-12T12:00:00.000-06:00

It's a sad, sad, sad week at our house. This week Quarter-pint has MASTERED climbing out of his high chair (even when buckled in), AND his crib. I'm not ready to have the busy little man loose around the house with NO containment options! My life just got more stressful!

Half-pint Happenings...

2009-09-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

I know, I'm a little behind; these are some of the things Half-pint has been up to recently: It's been a busy past few weeks for Half-pint! He started preschool this fall-at the same school he attended last year-with all the same friends and a few new ones. He was so excited to go and this year it's old hat, so there is some comfort in that for him (and me).

We took the boys on their first camping trip in August. Half-pint was so excited to sleep in a tent that it didn't matter that Quarter-pint kept us (mostly me) awake most of the night-both nights. Half-pint LOVED roasting marshmallows over the fire and playing with Aunt C6-they had secret forts under the low boughs of the trees between the camp sites. We also took Half-pint spelunking. He was super excited to go into a "spooky cave". He practically ran up the 3/4 mile (switch back) hiking trail to the cave entrance.

He took one look at the entrance and freaked out! There was NO WAY he was climbing into that hole-into the dark! Daddy and I spent a few minutes of talking, then bribing and he eventually decided to try. Once he got in he was a champ! We had a hard time keeping a good hold on him-he was trying to lead the whole group around in the dark. He even used a rope to climb up a few steep, slippery, muddy slopes. He crawled on his hands and knees, and generally loved the whole experience. We were so proud of him for facing his fear of the dark, cold cave!

Half-pint also tried his hand at fishing (another first) before we left the beautiful Sylvan Lake State Park campground. I don't think they caught anything though. We still had a great time with family for a few days in beautiful surroundings!

On our way home, we caught up with Grammy and Grandpa C in Dillon. We stayed another night there and the boys rode the alpine slide for the first time. They had a blast! Half-pint wasn't even afraid of the chair lift ride to the top. We also rented a pontoon boat and spent a few hours on the lake. The boys took turns driving the boat with Grandpa. They thought it was great fun!

Over Labor Day weekend we were back in Dillon. We took the boys on the train in Leadville (elevation 10,200 feet). Quarter-pint kept saying "Hoo-hoo!" (choo-choo). We ate popcorn and enjoyed the scenery. Then we took a "short cut" back towards the house-we went 4-wheeling over Mosquito Pass. It's notoriously very rocky. We bounced slowly along and both boys eventually fell asleep. After we reached the summit and started heading down the east side, the boys woke up. Half-pint chimed in "Daddy, let's go home. There's lots of rocks on this road!" Then he said "this thing needs new shocks!!!" The shocks on the jeep are fine-it was just REALLY rocky! We got out to look around an old mine-then near the bottom we explored the mine's mill house. Half-pint really wanted to go up the rickety, half decomposed, wooden steps to explore the top two levels-he just wanted to see it all! (I think he gets that from me-I really wanted to explore it ALL too, but it obviously wasn't safe.)

Now we're back into the swing of school and speech therapy schedules and just a regular routine. It's kind of nice (at least for me) to know what the week will hold-but we still have one weekday each week that's totally unscheduled-today we're headed to the zoo!

More Quarter-pint Mischief...

2009-08-26T11:49:00.004-06:00

Just this morning (it's not even noon yet), I've caught Quarter-pint tearing pages out of library books, playing with the handicam, playing with my heat laminating machine, picking on his brother, playing with the extra car keys-setting off the car alarm (with the car securely in the closed garage), turning up the volume on the movie the boys were watching so loud that I could hear it upstairs while I was in the shower, tearing apart my spider plant, continually opening and closing the freezer, and generally causing havoc.

This is a fairly typical day with Quarter-pint; sometimes I'm nearly consumed by trying to keep him out of trouble and from getting hurt. I am SO happy for his afternoon nap time that I can barely contain my excitement. Aren't busy two-year-old boys fun?

Quarter-pint Mischief...

2009-08-25T15:33:00.005-06:00

Quarter-pint has officially entered the "Terrible Twos". Thank goodness it's not generally for screaming tantrums (although he does do that on occasion), but more for all the mischief he gets into. On several occasions recently (especially since his birthday) I find him doing both naughty and funny things. We were having a difficult day (Quarter-pint was whining and into everything, and I was trying to keep my cool) when I thought a little distraction might be a good idea. He likes to help me, especially when I'm doing the laundry and it just so happened that I had a load of laundry to move from the washer to the dryer-perfect for him to help me with! He happily followed me tot he laundry room, pattering his little feet the whole way. I opened the dryer and then turned to open the washer. When I turned back to the dryer (literally just a few seconds) this is what I found...

...and I couldn't get him out. I grabbed his little body, but he grabbed on to anything he could. It was a tug-of-war match for a good minute or two before I emerged triumphant and he was freed from the bowels of the dryer. Thank goodness he's not strong enough to open the dryer door by himself!

A few days later, I was washing dishes in the kitchen sink while the boys enjoyed cartoons on the couch. Half-pint was tired, so I was glad they were sitting quietly (there had already been a lot of crying and whining). All of the sudden Half-pint let out a wail that nearly shook the house. I quickly assessed the situation, while still standing at the kitchen sink. As I moved back from the sink so I could see both boys, I nearly laughed out loud (but I didn't because I knew it would only encourage the situation). There was Half-pint on one couch, holding his hand to the top of his head in pain, and Quarter-pint on the other couch, his slender little index finger pursed to his lips desperately trying to shush his brother. Quarter-pint knew he caused the wailing when he threw a toy that bonked the top of his brother's head.

I'm sure there are many more examples of Quarter-pint's mischief, but for the life of me I can't think of the others! He keeps us on our toes-and I'm sure he always will.

My Boys Like to Be Naked...

2009-08-10T12:00:00.001-06:00

On Tuesday I left Quarter-pint in his booster chair eating lunch while I cleaned up another room. When I returned to the kitchen, I was surprised to see that he had taken off his shirt. He quickly told me he was finished and wanted down; as soon as I let him out of his chair he quickly took his shorts off. At nap time he wouldn't let me put even a shirt on his skinny little body. He insisted on staying clothes-free for the afternoon. Shortly before Daddy came home from work, Quarter-pint took off his diaper to attempt potty time. We tried, but with no success (no accidents either...so not all bad); Quarter-pint still wouldn't let me get him dressed. He doesn't usually take his clothes off, so when Daddy came home to find Quarter-pint greeting him at the garage door-completely naked-Daddy was shocked. I thought insisting on wearing his birthday suit on his birthday was more than a little humorous.

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On Thursday we had Half-pint's last swim lesson at the outdoor pool. That evening we went to Grammy's house for a family B-B-Q and swimming (if the weather held). By the time we were finished eating and cleaning up the food it was too late in the evening and getting too chilly to get into the pool. Half-pint took the news HARD. He cried. He whined. He pleaded. He cried some more. Then he tried to reason with me. When that didn't work, he tried to trick me into giving him the car keys so he could retrieve his bathing suit unassisted. After about 10 minutes of persistent pestering; he finally got tired of the consistent rejection; he took matters into his own hands. He quickly ran outside and around the far side of the pool-then began stripping ALL of his clothes off. Daddy spotted him and in an attempt to talk him out of it said "I can't save you-I don't have my swim suit!" Half-pint jumped in anyway and cleverly responded "That's okay Dad, you can come in like me!" Grandpa thought that sounded reasonable and goaded Daddy. In the end, Half-pint got his bathing suit on (there were girls in the pool) and got to swim for a little bit; against Momma's better judgement.

(Sorry, no pictures-but it was quite a sight!)

Quarter-pint Turns TWO...

2009-08-04T10:00:00.002-06:00

Wow-my baby is not a baby any more. Quarter-pint is TWO today! I'm amazed at how quickly the time has passed! Quarter-pint seems littler (than Half-pint seemed at two) to me, and I can't quite put my finger on it. I've thought of a few possible reasons, but I'm still not sure where to place the blame: Half-pint is so much bigger (obviously; taller, more mature, etc); Quarter-pint is on the small side for his age; Quarter-pint isn't talking as much as Half-pint did at the same age; because I don't want him to get too big...it's probably a combination of all of those reasons.

Quarter-pint is getting into that very active, busy, naughty stage. I think I blocked it from my memory. The past week or so have been nuts-compounded by Half-pint's antics. It seems every time I turn around Quarter-pint is escaping outside, climbing up the pantry shelves or playing in the garage, flushing the toilet, sitting in the middle of the kitchen table, whacking everything in sight with any long stick-like anything he can get his hands on. When I catch him being naughty, he flashes me the "I know I'm naughty, but I know I'm cute" look. Quarter-pint is definitely his own little person! He's a fun kid, but he's really busy! He makes me crazy and makes me laugh at the same time.

Quarter-pint is a joy to our family. He LOVES his big brother (and is completely convinced that he's able to do everything that Half-pint can-and he's successful at most). They are "best buddies"--with all that entails. They run and play, and laugh and hide, together.

Quarter-pint is simply delightful, sweet, honest, quiet, playful, clever, fun-loving, clumsy, teasing, curious, energetic, observant, a daddy's boy, smart, resilient, and beautiful.

Happy Birthday Quarter-pint!!! We love you!

Half-pint's Teaches Momma to Be Like a Little Child...

2009-07-22T20:58:00.006-06:00

Last night I had a difficult time keeping my cool while I was attempting to put Half-pint to bed. After a long day, we went the rounds about going potty and getting into pajamas-all the stuff that makes me absolutely crazy to deal with ALL the time-over and over again. I lost it and Half-pint lost privileges (including reading bedtime books AND the use of his THREE pillows, not to mention the threat of NO computer games all the next day); he even got his little bum swatted (I'm ashamed to admit that I totally lost my cool!). I left him stranded on his bed (with the threat of no computer games if he got off) while I put Quarter-pint down. When I came back into Half-pint's room 30 minutes later I was feeling pretty bad about my behavior. I scooped him into my arms and gave him a big hug. I asked him what he was thinking about and he silently touched the tip of my nose-"you Momma". "What are you thinking about me?" I was almost afraid to ask. With complete sincerity he said: "You are the best Momma in the world! I love you, Momma". I nearly came apart-after the poor treatment he received at my hand just a half-hour before he quickly and completely forgave and loved me anyway. What a shining example for his penitent Momma! What an amazing kid!

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Tonight while I was tucking Half-pint snugly into bed, he said "I want to meet Jesus." I was a little surprised because he's usually too silly to talk about Jesus, but I thought Great, I'll run with this as long as it lasts! We kept going with our bedtime routine, with a little silliness, but not the usual high jinks I expected. The conversation went on about like this:
"Mom, where does Jesus live?"
"At the temple."
"I want to see Jesus!"
Now, I'm getting curious..."Why do you want to see Him?"
"Because I never see him before. I want to see Jesus. Let's go to the temple and be there until it gets dark, then we go home and sleep in our beds, and we see Jesus at the temple."
"You need to be really good to see Jesus."
Groaning, "I can't be really good!"
"Well, you have to always TRY to be really good."
"I can't be really good when Quarter-pint hits me and always cries! ... I know!!! I have a plan! You have a mission-Mister Momma-your mission is to tell Daddy we need lots of wood, and he needs to buy lots of new paint-pink and blue paint, and all the tools-we need ALL of Daddy's tools! Tell Daddy to tell Aunt C6 that I need her help-I need help from everybody."
"Why do you need all that stuff and lots of help?"
"I need to build a booby-trap for Quarter-pint!"
"I'm not going to build a booby-trap for your brother!"
"But I need one for him because a CAN'T be really good to see Jesus when he hits my head and cries all the time."
"You can TRY to be good and not yell at your brother, he's still learning to be good, remember?"
"Oh, I can try to be good when he bugs me, then I see Jesus? I going to tell everybody at school that we can see Jesus if we be really good!"

Half-pint Is a Photographer...

2009-06-27T12:00:00.000-06:00

A few days ago, I was cleaning the kitchen when I realized I hadn't seen the boys for awhile. I knew they were in the office, but I thought I'd better check on them. When I stepped into the office, instead of seeing Half-pint sitting at the computer playing games, I found him standing on the desk, with the still camera in his hand. He had been doing a photo shoot with the office and his brother as his subjects. Here are a few of his pieces of artwork...

There were plenty of fuzzy pictures, and lots with his fingers covering part of the lens, but a few of them were actually decent...

Quarter-pint is a "Wild Child"...

2009-06-25T11:44:00.004-06:00

The night Quarter-pint wore his motorcycle pajamas, his Momma called him "Wild Child"...

He ran around and around the family room into the night and through Daddy's favorite TV program...

He came upon the Fierce and Fun Half-pint...

Quarter-Pint squealed his terrible squeal, laughed his belly-laugh and smiled his smile of joy... and together they began a lively rumpus...Quarter-pint ran through Daddy's favorite TV program, into the night, around and around the family room, and right through the sliding screen door...

He tumbled out into the back porch with a start...

Then the unscathed "Wild Child" calmly sat in his Momma's lap until bedtime...

Half-pint Finally Visits the Beach...

2009-06-20T20:34:00.005-06:00

Earlier this month we took a family vacation to Southern California. It was quite the trip! What an adventure taking 14 people (6 under the age of 6) on an airplane, and to some of the local attractions. Half-pint was really excited about going to the beach. In fact, that's all he talked about for months

(even before he knew we had a trip planned). Two days before we boarded the plane to head southwest, he finally asked me:

"Mom, what's Disneyland??? Is it the beach?"

I was driving and talking on the phone (with my blue tooth) when he asked;

"No, it's not the beach. We'll talk about it later."

"What's Disneyland, Mom?"

"It's where Mickey Mouse lives."

That's all I gave him...he was quiet for about a minute...you could tell he was processing, then...

"Yeah! I want to do that!!!"

Needless to say, we went to the beach, and Disneyland-twice...each! Despite the less than sunny weather, the kids had a GREAT time playing with their cousins. We wore the kids out everyday! The played HARD (we all did) and did really well overall! Half-pint had a difficult time with his listening skills the first day or two. On the second night, we had Chinese food-his fortune cookie said "It will profit you well to be a good listener this week." I about died-I couldn't believe how unbelievably appropriate it was.

When we got home from the airport, Quarter-pint crashed, with a soaring fever. I took him to Urgent Care, thinking it was strep (two of the cousins got step on the trip), but was shocked when they told me it was actually a double ear infection. He was a trooper-we didn't even know he was sick until we got home.

Half-pint Loves Cheesecake...

2009-06-17T21:38:00.003-06:00

This afternoon, as I sat down at the computer to send a quick email, Half-pint intrrupted me... "Mom, can I have some ice cream?"

"No."

"What about a Popsicle?"

"No, I need to send ONE email, then I come help you...we'll figure something out."

"Okay." He sounded a little disappointed.

I finished composing the email and was working on the long address list when Half-pint came in again...

"Can I have some cheesecake???"

"No cheesecake. I'm almost finished, then I'll come help you."

Half-pint disappeared and I finished the email. When I got to the kitchen a minute or two later, I was shocked to see Half-pint with the remaining cheesecake (nearly half the cake) smothered an inch deep in NesQuik Chocolate granules (we're completely out of chocolate sauce, and he doesn't like cherries). He had to use a kitchen chair to get the NesQuik, which I intentionally keep out of reach, then drenched the cake in it and started to eat the center out of all the remaining pieces. I calmly and firmly told him to go to his room. To my astonishment, he actually obeyed with little fuss...I'm sure he knew he was busted!

Quarter-pint's Favorite Cereal...

2009-05-16T13:10:00.000-06:00

Like Half-pint and Daddy, Quarter-pint has a favorite cereal...

He goes nuts when we're at the grocery store and I pick up a box or two. He wants to eat it right then and there!