Doing Disney in 100 degree heat...

So we had the brilliant idea to bring our 21 month old and 7 week old to Orlando to go to Animal Kingdom. Well...let me back up... Really the discussion started because for Jeff's 40th birthday I got him a 30 minute ride-along in a 1941 Stearman PT-17 open cockpit plane (go see Peggy and Tim at Preston Aviation, Inc. in Leesburg - they were GREAT!!! Their website is http://www.flytailwheel.com/). Jeff has always wanted to get his pilots license...and although I'm not ready for that big of a leap - I figured that this would be something fun for him to do and give him a taste of what he has dreamed of. So - we finally found a free weekend (which is tough for us it seems...) and got it scheduled for Friday morning. Here are some pictures of Jeff's adventure. :)

Oops...I guess that last one isn't of Jeff is it? haha

So since Leesburg is basically just over half way to Orlando, we decided to meet one of Jeff's best friends, Scott (who lives in Tampa - and is single, cute and successful ladies!!!) there and go to a park on Saturday. We opted to go to Animal Kingdom, guessing that since Kendall really couldn't ride any rides being so little, it would at least be fun for her since she could see some animals.

When we got there about 10am - and I swear it was already 90 degrees. The first thing we did, is stand in line for 10 minutes so that Kendall could meet Minnie Mouse. Let me tell you - it is probably the best thing we did the whole day! I could hardly hold Kendall back once we got close enough for her to see Minnie Mouse hugging other people. Once we got to the front of the line and she was able to go up and see her - she literally RAN to Minnie and gave her a hug!

We were so surprised that she wasn't scared of her...it was great. As we were walking away - Kendall turned around three times and said "Dye dye. I you." (which means "Bye bye. I love you." in 21-month old).

Next - we walked into the "Africa" section of Animal Kingdom, and came upon some musicians. They invited several people, including myself and Kendall, to come up in front of everyone and dance. And boy did we!!! It was so much fun - and Kendall wasn't nervous or scared at all. In fact - at one point I had to bring her back over to me because she was dancing away from me... Here are some pictures. :)

Overall - we were pleasantly surprised at how well Kendall did in the heat. She actually lasted until about 3pm when she fell asleep in the stroller. We were already on the way back to the car - so we were thrilled that she lasted that long. Carson even did good. Normally if he is warm, he sleeps the whole time. He actually didn't sleep the whole time and was even a very happy boy a little later that day. And FINALLY - I was able to get some pictures of Carson smiling!!!

Although we aren't ready to get season passes - we will probably head down again next year. And most likely the year after that (2009) we will get passes.

Until then - Gator football season officially starts tomorrow - so I'm sure I'll have a story or two to come about that. And as if taking care of two in diapers didn't keep me busy enough - Jeff convinced me to take a Creative Writers Workshop at the Sante Fe Community College. So - now I have no excuse for not sitting down when I get a chance and hammering out a few pages of a book I've been thinking about. So far...I've got 18 pages written...LONG way away from finishing it...but at least I've gotten it started. I'll let you all know if it actually goes somewhere...doubtful anytime soon...so I wouldn't hold my breaths if I was you...

Well - it is now 10:30 at night and time for my little one's last feeding before my bedtime... Have a great Labor Day weekend and GO GATORS!!!

Things I've learned being a mother of 2 (Part 1)

As I stood in my kitchen stirring hot water into my instant oatmeal this morning (that is item #1 on my list - you can't eat anything that takes more than 2 minutes to make), I started thinking about all the things that I've learned in the short 7 weeks that I've been a mother of two. And of course, I felt that my blog was the best place to share this information...:)

1) Everything you eat must either be made in less than 2 minutes, be identical to what your child is eating (yum yum grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs), or you go hungry. Why? you ask... My husband doesn't seem to understand this either...but every mom I've ever talked to "gets" it. So - for you men out there - here you go. On the rare day that your toddler does decide to eat their food, if you are up slicing vegetables to put on a salad for lunch, or frying an egg for breakfast, then they will be done eating before you can even sit down to begin eating your creation. Which means that shortly after they are done eating (VERY shortly) they want to get down from their chair and run around. "So why is that a problem?" a) because you can't trust a toddler alone for more than 5 seconds and b) they normally either want up in your lap as you are trying to eat your food and share what you are eating even though they are probably full or c) they want you to go with them to play or read or give them attention.

2) Coffee has become my best friend. There was a time in college I tried to drink coffee on a regular basis in the morning. It lasted for a while, but pretty much evaporated into an every-once in a while habit. I still loved to have coffee with a good ooey gooey chocolate creation after dinner, or on a cold morning when I was still living up north. However, if I don't have my two cups of coffee (which by the size of my cups, is really like 3 or 4 cups) every morning, I don't have the energy to chase after my 21 month old. I'll find myself falling asleep as we are reading Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You? for the hundredth time. The fun part...coffee is a diuretic...which means I've now become pretty regular... :)

3) When one child cries, they both cry. I don't know why this is. But it never seems to fail that the moment my 21 month old is crying, whether it be from falling down or having a poopy diaper, my 7 week old chooses that exact moment to start squalling as well. Then...I am left with this mother's guilt... As much as I want to be there for my daughter and make sure she knows that if she is hurt or upset she can come to me and I'll be there...I am not fully there for her - as my mind is aching for my son wanting to pick him up and comfort him...so that he knows that if he is hurt or upset he can come to me and I'll be there... Which...in turn...makes me less patient with my daughter than I normally would be.

4) The television has become my 2nd best friend. As a brand new mom with Kendall, I tried to tell myself (and anyone that would listen at the time) that I wasn't going to let her watch tv until she was 2 years old. Then I got pregnant with Carson. And the fatigue set in. Now...the television has become an almost constant in our home. I do try to limit it - only an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. But...I know that even that is a lot. But, now that I have Carson, Kendall needs to be distracted by something as I'm feeding him, otherwise she is trying to crawl up in my lap along with him the whole time. Mother's guilt is hitting me very hard even now as I type this...because I know as I think about it that she probably watches much more than 2 hours a day. We have days that she doesn't watch any...and then other days where I can't seem to turn it off. Noggin and Disney channels are our favorite... And she has learned from watching tv - she learned from Dora the Explorer that a train says Choo Choo. She learned from Backyardigans that a pirate says Argh and a caveman says Ugg. I tell myself that when it isn't so hot outside - we'll spend more time playing outside...but right now going out into 98 degree weather for 2 hours is not very realistic - especially with a 7 week old...

5) The love I feel for my children is constantly growing. Ok, ok...ending today's list with a sappy thing probably isn't very fair. However, it amazes me each day how much I love each of my kids. Sometimes, the love I feel comes over me so hard I feel like crying. Just watching my daughter run around and be silly makes me laugh and makes my heart swell. Looking at my son and imagining what he will be like at Kendall's age makes me so happy that I get to be the person that watches him grow on a daily basis. I say a prayer every night as I go to sleep - I thank God for trusting me with such beautiful souls as my children. Why He decided that I was the best mommy for them, I can't imagine - because I know I've never done anything remotely good enough to deserve the Grace He has shown me in my two beautiful children. I only hope I can make Him proud in how I raise them...

Ok...that is it for now. As this blog goes along, I'm sure I will have even more things I've learned (hence the Part 1 part). In the meantime - here is a picture of my two precious ones.

Little affirmations...

As a mom of two very little ones - getting affirmation from them that you are doing a good job is next to impossible. Well - tonight - I got two...

Part of Kendall's bedtime routine is saying prayers just before we lay her down. Normally Jeff or I say the prayers (typical "please bless Mommy and Daddy and Carson..."). Tonight we asked her who she wanted to say the prayers - me, Daddy or herself. She indicated that she wanted to say prayers tonight by placing both hands on her chest and saying "endall." What a blessing! Although what she says is very basic (just names at this point) - she is getting the idea. We are setting a positive example for her early on. That she isn't nervous or scared of saying prayers herself, that she knows that we say the names of the ones we love in our prayers, and that we say "Amen" when we are done - this tells me that as Christian parents trying to raise our children in a Christian home...something is starting to "stick" in what we are teaching her.

The other little affirmation I got happened at the dinner table tonight. We are constantly asking Kendall what different animals say. Tonight, Jeff asked her what Carson says. She said "waaa" with her mouth wide open and her face puckered like she was crying. Jeff and I both started to laugh it was so cute! Then Jeff asked her "What does Daddy say?" She said "I you" - which in 20-month-old means "I love you". He asked her "What does Mommy say?" Again - "I you" was her response. How wonderful that we express our love, not only to one another but to her as well, that she thinks that what "we say" is "I love you", much as a cat says "meow" or a cow says "moo."

I think we are doing something right...

Letters and Blocks and Books oh my!

I really hate to brag (well...actually no I don't...), but my daughter has to be the smartest 20 month old on this planet!!! Not long ago we got her the Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set by Leap Frog. The box says it is intended for ages 2 and up...but we figured she was close enough - so we got it anyway. Lets just say that we are THRILLED that we got it for her. This morning before he left for work, my husband stood by the fridge and pointed at the letters, asking Kendall to tell him what each letter was. With the exception of about 6, she knew ALL of them. Now - I can't guarantee that she will be able to do it again if asked...but the fact that she did it once just amazed me! We are already sending out applications to Harvard and Yale...haha

Anyway - between reading book after book after book to her each day, playing with her letters, helping her identify colors (she has black and white down pat...occasionally it seems she knows blue and green, but not consistently), and playing with her shaped blocks and putting them in their appropriate shaped holes - Kendall has been such a sponge lately! It is amazing to me watching her learn...you can actually see the wheels turning in her head when she looks at something or asks me a question. It is fantastic!!! Last night as we were getting her ready for bed, Jeff showed her the difference between up and down by pointing at the ceiling and floor. Now - she has already been saying the words for a long time...but last night was the first time we got her to actually point to indicate she knew what "up" was and what "down" was. I saw an article that said that a child her age is learning 10 words a day. She may not be able to use the word yet...but she is absorbing it (lets just say we are being SOOO careful now with any expletives that might slip out now and then...) to be able to repeat back later. It is fantastic to watch and know that is some way I contributing to her learning. I told Jeff this morning that I am actually a little scared of it all as well - because although I consider myself to be intelligent - I don't think that I am as intelligent as Kendall is...and there will be a point in time that she will be smarter than me and I won't be able to challenge her intellectually anymore. That terrifies me...

My "little" guy, Carson, is doing great! Eat, sleep, poop, repeat. That is our day. However - he is a little more alert each day. He is also smiling at Jeff and I when we talk to him. I just love that little smile!!! Someday I hope to actually catch it on film...but I haven't been able to yet. It is so hard to believe that it was 5 weeks ago that he was born. In some ways it seems like eons ago...and in others - it was just yesterday! But seeing where his big sister is now...I just know that I'm going to blink and they are both going to be in high school...

Oh - I almost forgot - Kendall will most likely be moving to a toddler bed here in the very near future...as she climbed out of her crib for the first time on Monday. She hasn't done it again yet...but I'm just waiting... That brings its own set of worries to this already worry-wart mother! haha

I've attached a few pictures that were taken this weekend. One is of Kendall in a little "Chinese" outfit my sister, Dee, picked up for her in Los Angeles when she was on vacation. Goodness she is adorable!!! The others are of my mom with both of her Grand kids and Dee with her niece. I just LOVE my family!!!! I don't think there is a luckier person out there than me!

Life with 2 in diapers...

Well - we knew it wouldn't be easy... But honestly - so far it isn't that bad. The days that I have to change 3 diapers within 15 minutes are fun...but since Carson pretty much just eats, sleeps and poops...he isn't too much of a handful yet. Plus - he is so far such a good baby!!! If he is crying - you know he is hungry or has a dirty diaper. And more often than not...it is because he is hungry. Boy can that boy eat!!! The tricky times come when I am feeding him and Kendall wants to get up in my lap at the same time. She doesn't understand that she can't do that...and there really isn't a way to explain it to a (almost) 20 month old. Also - it is hard for me because all I want to do is cuddle with Carson like I did with Kendall when she was that little. But...I can't because Kendall needs my attention, especially now more than ever so that she knows we still love her as much as before. But she continues to be a great big sister. She has shown no anger towards Carson - all she wants to do is hug him and kiss him. She has been very sweet!

Kendall was so fun the other night. A friend brought us dinner - and Kendall's consisted of fettuccine noodles in a butter sauce. She was covered in butter sauce by the end of her meal. We stripped her naked right there at the table and walked her back to get a bath, minding that she didn't touch anything...

We gave Carson his first real bath last night. He has had the "sponge" bath a few times since we've been home - but now that his umbilical cord finally fell off and his circumcision is healed - we could give him a "real" bath. Um...he didn't seem to like it very much...at least not after this picture was taken...then he really let it out...

But - once he was dry again and warm and wrapped up in a blanket and in Daddy's arms - he was a happy guy. Here are some of the many pictures I took of my handsome little man and his Daddy.

I still haven't decided who he looks like - me or Jeff. Anyone out there think one way or another?? :)

He's here!!!!

Although it has taken me a while to actually sit down and update my blog - there is a VERY good reason! For the last week and a half I have been the proud mommy to my precious 19 month old girl, Kendall, AND to my now 10 day old baby boy, Carson.

Tuesday, July 3 at 12:48 am we welcomed 10 pound 12 ounce, 22 1/2 inches long Carson. Weighing in at a full pound heavier and 1/2 inch longer than his big sister - he was sure a LOT easier to deliver. After starting contractions at about 3pm on Monday the 2nd, we started to push at 12:40am on Tuesday...and less than 10 minutes later (only 5 pushes total)...he was welcomed into this world and expressed his excitement as well...screaming loud enough I swear that people in the next county could hear him!

Big sister Kendall is adjusting well to no longer being the one and only in our life. Although she has had a few moments of jealousy and acting out - honestly she has been an angel. She constantly wants to give her little brother kisses and hugs, is very curious about him, and although we are still working on her remembering his correct name (Carson...NOT Wyatt [which is the name of a friend's 8 month old]), she seems to be picking up on being a big sister very well.

Although Carson is as big as a 3 month old...no he isn't sleeping through the night yet. He has a voracious appetite and wakes himself up to feed every 2-3 hours - no need for mommy to set an alarm clock - he is it!

We are still trying to figure out who he looks like. He has my nose...his daddy's eyebrows...and beyond that...I really don't know. His hair is currently a light brown with lots of red accents - but so was his sister's when she was born and now she is our little blondie.

I'm sure we will have lots of interesting and funny stories to share along the way. Two kids in diapers is sure going to be a challenge at times...

Stay tuned!!! :)

No news...

Well...apparantly I've been a slacker in regards to my blog. I was told by a good friend yesterday that she has been checking my blog every couple of days to see if I've put an update to Baby Watch 2007... So...to answer everyone's questions that are reading this now - no...he isn't here yet. BUT we do have a light at the end of the tunnel. Unless he decides to come within the next few days, I am being induced on Thursday, July 5. Which means that less than one week from this very moment our little boy will finally be in the world and in our arms!!! Yeah!!! Until then - here are some pictures of Kendall and her Daddy in our community swimming pool.

She just loves to fly!!!

A tribute to Buddy

Approximately 19 months ago, I thought I had done the hardest thing I have ever done - giving birth to my precious daughter. However, what my husband and I had to do today is by far the most difficult thing I can ever imagine. We had our darling 13 year old lab, Buddy, put to sleep. This post is a tribute to Buddy and his life.

The picture above was taken just 9 days after Kendall was born. Although he got a little grumpy with her once she started moving around and pulling on him, Buddy loved Kendall. He would protect her from anything and everything. In the end, and after an anti-dementia drug to help keep him mellow, Kendall could just about do anything to the big guy, and he wouldn't bat an eyelash. He loved her and she loved him. She knew that in the morning when we got her up, Buddy and Chance (our 6 1/2 year old German Shepard/Chow mix) would always be there to greet her. She knew that when she was sitting down to a meal, one or both of the boys would be under her chair waiting for a dropping or two to fall, which she happily did on purpose on many occasions. Unfortunately - she will probably never remember Buddy except in stories we tell her and pictures she sees.

I didn't meet Buddy until he was 8 years old, when Jeff and I started dating. Buddy was a BIG dog - at his heaviest, 95 pounds. But he was all love and energy and happiness. He LOVED chew bones, and would normally finish a decent sized chew bone within 2 or 3 days tops. Jeff loves to tell the story of several Christmas' before we met and a chew bone that was longer than the door frame. Jeff's Mom would buy Buddy one of these chew bones every Christmas. "Buddy would walk around the house as proud as can be with the chew bone in his mouth. Once he got to a doorway, he would bump into it since the chew bone couldn't fit through, then he would tilt his head just enough to angle the chew bone, and off he would go." He would finish one of those bones within a week.

Buddy loved milk bones. There for a time he knew exactly where the milk bone box was. If you mistakenly even said the words "milk bone" he would jump up and run to the cabinet and press his nose against the door, waiting for you to open it. If you asked him, "Buddy, what do you want?" he would bark and then run to the cabinet.

Buddy loved to play football. Although I never saw him at the height of his talent, he was the best catcher I've ever seen in a dog! You could wail a football at him, and he would jump up and catch it in his mouth. Same thing with a tennis ball most of the time. And pull toys...wow...if you wanted to get your arm out of socket...just play with him and a ring or rope.

Jeff crate trained him when he was young...and he never lost his love of his "box." If he was bad or in the way or you just wanted to show off, all you had to say was "Buddy, go to your box" and he would tromp off and lay down in it. And although it was an "eyesore" decoratively - we always had to make sure his box was there for him to go to at anytime - otherwise he just wasn't happy.

There are hundreds of stories and anecdotes I could put into this post. Buddy was a one of a kind dog. Kind and happy and strong and loyal and smart. In the end, besides old age, Buddy suffered from severe arthritis in his shoulders, hips and lumbar/spine; 3 cracked ribs (probably from falling when he couldn't support himself in his last days); a malignant tumor in his lung; and a severe urinary tract infection. Our strong, happy boy became a weak, tired old man in just a matter of months it seems. In the end we decided it was best for Buddy to end his pain and suffering. One of the hardest decisions a person can make. However, we know that he is now back to being strong and young again, and he is chasing squirrels and catching balls for Jesus, and looking down on his family sending us kisses.

Good boy!

I think I need an attitude adjustment...

So we went to the doctor today to see if conditions were "favorable" to have the little guy in my tummy come out and visit the world this weekend. Simple answer...NO. I won't lie...I'm a bit disappointed. And I've tried to say the reason I'm disappointed is because this pretty much means that my OB won't be able to deliver him, as he is out of town the week before I'm due, and isn't on call anytime before that. However - I just need to admit it...I'M TIRED OF BEING PREGNANT!!! I'm tired of getting up 2 or 3 times a night to go potty. I'm tired of not being able to bend over. I'm tired of my hands and ankles swelling up like balloons. I'm just tired. However - this is where I need my attitude adjustment. I apparently am trying to push my timing on this little guy. He, in the meantime, is probably saying to me "Stop pushing me, Mommy! I'm comfortable! I don't want to get out yet! I'll let you know when I'm ready!" And I can see it now - he will be the child I'm going to "push" the rest of his life. Which tells me, that although I have said that I've given it up to God for Him to tell us when the little guy needs to make his big appearance...I really haven't. God may think Pudge needs to go the full 2 1/2 weeks that I have left. He may think Pudge needs to go beyond that. I just need to accept the fact that I'm pregnant (ha!) and be happy with the fact that all signs indicate that Pudge is healthy and strong and have faith that God will take care of both of us. So - no more complaining from me. I'll update you all when Pudge decides to make his big arrival!


Onto my precious girl. Here are her 18 month old pictures. Isn't she a doll???

Discovering Rain...

I think one of my favorite things as a Mom is discovering common things all over again through the eyes of my daughter.

Today it started to rain. First, we went out on the front porch, sat down on the step and stuck our feet out into the rain. "Wa'er" she kept yelling over and over. "Rai'ing" again and again. Every once in a while she would stand up, venture out from beneath the cover of the porch and let some of the rain fall on her head. With a full giggle, she would run back to me and sit down next to me again. Looking out, as I was, across the yard and into the street where sheets and sheets of rain fell on a much needed land. Eventually we came back inside...but the minute I put her down...she ran to the front door. "Nonny, 'ook. Rai'ing!"

So we went out onto the pack porch, and after a little coaxing from me, she started to really experience rain for what it can be. On hot summer days like today - rain is so refreshing it can't help but make you smile. The smell of clean falling from the sky. The feeling that the rain is washing away any problems or worries of the day. Or, from her eyes, a way to play in water that isn't in a bath tub or a pool.

So I took the first plunge and walked out to the edge of our patio where a puddle was forming. I slowly walked around, arms outstretched, smiling again like a child as I saw her look at me with surprise and glee. Then I started stomping my feet in the puddle, letting the water splash up around my ankles. Next thing I know, giggles were filling the air as she ran out into the puddle herself. By this time, I was back under the safety of the roof with my camera and I was able to catch her running back and forth, splashing the water, really enjoying herself.

I hope it rains again soon.

Its a waiting game...

Our little girl sure doesn't seem so little sometimes! We went to Toys R Us on Saturday and picked up a tricycle for her. Although she still doesn't get the whole pushing the pedals thing...she sure loves sitting on it, having her daddy push her around, or she herself pushing or pulling the tricycle around. She is such a hoot!! I just love seeing her in her little helmet!! :) I think that her Daddy looks just as cute in it as well...haha

So we went to the doctor today for my 36 week check-up. While there, we had an ultrasound to determine the size of the baby. "Pudge" is estimated to be 7 pounds 11 ounces at this time...which means he is on track to be as big as or bigger than his big sister, who was born at 9 pounds 12 ounces and 22 inches long. So...next Friday (the 15th), I will go back to the doctor. At that time he will see if my cervix is "favorable" to be induced early (in other words - am I already dilated or effaced?). If it is favorable - we will most likely have the baby that weekend (the 16th or 17th). If not, then he will have me come back in the middle of the next week to check again - at which point we might do another ultrasound for size - and determine what comes next.

At this point...in the next two weeks (especially next week), I plan on doing a lot of walking, eating a lot of spicy foods, force down some eggplant (which I've heard does miracles), and do some other...ahem...natural activities that are normally advised by your doctor. That way when I see my doctor on the 15th, hopefully my cervix will be "favorable" and I can get this beach ball out and about! :)