June 19, 2013
June 18, 2013
baby at play
Where there's a baby, there's usually a big sister. He really loves that toy and his sister really loves him, though I'd say the feeling is totally mutual! Oh, and Dean's a sitter now! Actually he's been sitting for about a month, but was just getting sturdy when these photos were taken.
He still lays around a lot too. Lazy baby!
June 17, 2013
making rainbows
Avery has been drawing a lot of rainbows and she often asks about the colors in a rainbow. We've been over Roy G. Biv, but she's only three so basically her rainbows can include WHATEVER COLORS SHE WANTS. She's taken to lining up crayons and then informing me that she is "making rainbows." Her "rainbows" can get fairly long, like, stretch across rooms long.
When did my baby girl's tiny feet get so long?! She still has such a petite foot, it's so narrow and I feel like I'm always buying shoes a size too small so they don't slip off! And yes, I let her climb on the table and basically hang off the edge. I've always been all about safety!
Sometimes Rocky, the world IS all sunshine and rainbows! Happy Monday!
June 16, 2013
for the dads
The day is almost over, but I want to say Happy Father's Day to all the dads in my life. I could get really mushy but I won't. Deran, I love you and appreciate all you do for our family!! You're a great daddy to our two babies and I know they love you lots, especially that AK! ;) Besides my own sweet husband, I'm blessed with a great dad of my own. He's pretty fantastic and is a much-loved daddy and Pop. I'm also thankful for my father-in-law and Paw - two great guys and I feel lucky to be a part of their family!
And what would a holiday be without a lazy pic with my iPhone before the littles were off to bed! :)
And what would a holiday be without a lazy pic with my iPhone before the littles were off to bed! :)
June 10, 2013
more than chocolate chips
One day last week as I got Avery out of the car I gave her a hug and told her I loved her. She said that I gave her a "really really big hug!" Then she threw her arms around my neck and squeezed tightly as she leaned in and said, "I love you more than chocolate chips." Oh my girl, I love you so!
June 9, 2013
the sicks
A large part of why I haven't blogged over the last few months is that I've been tending to two sick kiddos. And I have to say, the sicks really suck. Like, really. This past week is one of THREE weeks that we've not been to a doctor's office since making the move mid-March. How sad is that?! Super sad for my sweet babies!! And as I type this, Dean has a stuffy nose yet again. Both kids have been on two separate rounds of antibiotics and breathing treatments since leaving Austin and I'll be glad to have it all behind us!
I have been taking pictures along the way and I hope to catch up soon! I must say that both kids handle being ill fairly well. I belatedly noticed how snotty Dean was when I took the first picture. I think I've met my snot-wiping quota for their entire toddling years. Fact: snot is gross.
Dean somewhat enjoys being in the bouncer. I find he doesn't play with the toys as much as Avery did because he's usually watching Avery while he's in it. Speaking of toys, a while back I sat Dean in the bumbo at breakfast with a key chain and an orange to keep him entertained. Oh, second babies! ;)
May 15, 2013
March 4, 2013
a willing captive
This morning Avery told me she wished the iPad battery would go dead so she didn't have to watch TV anymore. Hmmm.
March 3, 2013
three years + seven months
'Tis official, Avery is closer to four than three. For once I can't say that I'm sad about her aging as three is proving to be...challenging...yeah, we'll go with that. Avery is still sweet and amazing and the best girl ever. The good will always outweigh the bad, some days I just have to repeat that a few more times. ;)
At 43 months Avery really loves watching TV. No really, that's it - this update is DONE. She has really been digging Busytown Mysteries, My Little Ponies, and the occasional Dora. Phineas & Ferb, who?! We've hardly seen them over the last month!
She does enjoy a few other activities, like playing outside, "riding" her bike (really she just sits), and her imagination is as fantastic as ever. Lulu and Brother are still very much a part of our lives and the two are always up to no good. Any wrongdoing that could be attributed to Avery...nope, Lulu did it. I love that she has this imaginary friend, it's great, I just wish he wasn't such a pain in the behind. She can be mischievous on her own and at separate times I've found a plastic pony and a cheese wheel in the sleeve of my shirt. While I'm wearing it. One night when I went to give Dean a bath, Avery came walking down the hall with a soccer ball and another bouncy ball and asked if I minded her going to play soccer with Lulu and Brother in the living room. Since it was already trashed with a million tiny toys and all breakables have been packed, I said, "Go right ahead! Have fun!" A few minutes later she ran into the bathroom to let me know that Lulu said she scored. Awesome! :)
Speaking of imagination, it's so funny to me to see where she draws the line. We have to get creative some days because we have Dean to consider too. So for two days Avery used P&F stickers as characters and she would hold a few up, stick one on me to act out, etc. On the second day she put a Doofenshmirtz and Isabella on my arm while I nursed Dean. She began the bit as Agent P but when I tried to be Isabella she said, "No, she is just a sticker." Of course. Then one morning while I was reading, "Are You My Mother?" and the dog tells the bird no, Avery said, "Dogs can't talk." Doesn't matter that a bird was doing the asking or that a hen had already answered, she's totally right - dogs can't talk. I wish I could be in her head for just a minute.
We've had a lot of gorgeous weather so we try to spend some time outside in the afternoons and there's a collection of toys near the stairwell Avery always asks to play with. It started out as one lion and one tiger, then another tiger, and the collection now includes two dinosaurs, three tigers, two lions, a gorilla, a human baby, an ostrich, and a zebra. I know at least one neighbor that's contributing to the stash, though we never see when another is added, only that there is something else. It's hilarious to walk out because Avery will notice whatever new thing is there and say something like, "Oh my gosh! Why is this happening to me?! There's a...."
Avery still loooooves Dean! She loves him most when he's asleep. As soon as he's asleep she decides it's time to smother him with kisses and hugs and if we're in the car then rattle his toys around! Because?! When I asked she told me she "loves to wake babies up!" Yay! Thankfully our boy is an easygoing guy. :)
Lots going on in the next month as we make the move back to Houston and settle in. We're excited to be near family again and I can't wait to see how our favorite girl finds our old haunts after a year of being away. She is daily both ridiculous and a delight, these last few months of three should be fun!
The iPhone tribute, left to right and top to bottom: 1) Being resourceful in setting up her entertainment center. 2) Sour face over breakfast. 3) Waiting at the doctor's office on Valentine's Day! 4) Looking fancy at dinner ;) 5) Looooong baby! 6) Enjoying some treats at Sesame Street Live 7) Playing at Hoppy House 8) Moo! 9) Driving us home. She should really pay more attention to the road.
At 43 months Avery really loves watching TV. No really, that's it - this update is DONE. She has really been digging Busytown Mysteries, My Little Ponies, and the occasional Dora. Phineas & Ferb, who?! We've hardly seen them over the last month!
She does enjoy a few other activities, like playing outside, "riding" her bike (really she just sits), and her imagination is as fantastic as ever. Lulu and Brother are still very much a part of our lives and the two are always up to no good. Any wrongdoing that could be attributed to Avery...nope, Lulu did it. I love that she has this imaginary friend, it's great, I just wish he wasn't such a pain in the behind. She can be mischievous on her own and at separate times I've found a plastic pony and a cheese wheel in the sleeve of my shirt. While I'm wearing it. One night when I went to give Dean a bath, Avery came walking down the hall with a soccer ball and another bouncy ball and asked if I minded her going to play soccer with Lulu and Brother in the living room. Since it was already trashed with a million tiny toys and all breakables have been packed, I said, "Go right ahead! Have fun!" A few minutes later she ran into the bathroom to let me know that Lulu said she scored. Awesome! :)
Speaking of imagination, it's so funny to me to see where she draws the line. We have to get creative some days because we have Dean to consider too. So for two days Avery used P&F stickers as characters and she would hold a few up, stick one on me to act out, etc. On the second day she put a Doofenshmirtz and Isabella on my arm while I nursed Dean. She began the bit as Agent P but when I tried to be Isabella she said, "No, she is just a sticker." Of course. Then one morning while I was reading, "Are You My Mother?" and the dog tells the bird no, Avery said, "Dogs can't talk." Doesn't matter that a bird was doing the asking or that a hen had already answered, she's totally right - dogs can't talk. I wish I could be in her head for just a minute.
We've had a lot of gorgeous weather so we try to spend some time outside in the afternoons and there's a collection of toys near the stairwell Avery always asks to play with. It started out as one lion and one tiger, then another tiger, and the collection now includes two dinosaurs, three tigers, two lions, a gorilla, a human baby, an ostrich, and a zebra. I know at least one neighbor that's contributing to the stash, though we never see when another is added, only that there is something else. It's hilarious to walk out because Avery will notice whatever new thing is there and say something like, "Oh my gosh! Why is this happening to me?! There's a...."
Avery still loooooves Dean! She loves him most when he's asleep. As soon as he's asleep she decides it's time to smother him with kisses and hugs and if we're in the car then rattle his toys around! Because?! When I asked she told me she "loves to wake babies up!" Yay! Thankfully our boy is an easygoing guy. :)
Lots going on in the next month as we make the move back to Houston and settle in. We're excited to be near family again and I can't wait to see how our favorite girl finds our old haunts after a year of being away. She is daily both ridiculous and a delight, these last few months of three should be fun!
The iPhone tribute, left to right and top to bottom: 1) Being resourceful in setting up her entertainment center. 2) Sour face over breakfast. 3) Waiting at the doctor's office on Valentine's Day! 4) Looking fancy at dinner ;) 5) Looooong baby! 6) Enjoying some treats at Sesame Street Live 7) Playing at Hoppy House 8) Moo! 9) Driving us home. She should really pay more attention to the road.
Happy 43 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!
February 20, 2013
happy together
Everybody loves The Turtles, right?! Right! Really this is just a post about my kids. Yea! Most of the time Avery really loves Dean and just can't get enough of him. Especially if he's asleep or trying to go to sleep, then she really can't get enough. As frustrating as that can be, she's ridiculously sweet and as we pry her off of him she says, "I just love Dean sooo much! I'm so glad he came home from the hospital! He's so cute!" Every. Single. Time. Oh, big sisters!
These are few pics from the last month I've snapped with my phone. Top to bottom, left to right: 1) She looks miserable but I swear she asked to hold him and then she acted like he knocked her down! 2) Us! Sitting in the recliner reading books helps us pass the time in the late afternoon. 3) Her usual position, IN HIS FACE. 4) Dean is all, "What?" 5) Sweet sister kisses on a cold morning. 6) Cousins! Give or take a few hours, Dean is almost exactly 9 weeks younger than his sleepy cousin Drew. 7) Feet in the face make me sad too. For the record, he was crying before she put her foot on his face. I was trying to take a picture of his sad face to compare it to a sad face of Avery at the same age. I'm sweet like that. 8) At least Avery is happy! 9) Just another good morning!
These are few pics from the last month I've snapped with my phone. Top to bottom, left to right: 1) She looks miserable but I swear she asked to hold him and then she acted like he knocked her down! 2) Us! Sitting in the recliner reading books helps us pass the time in the late afternoon. 3) Her usual position, IN HIS FACE. 4) Dean is all, "What?" 5) Sweet sister kisses on a cold morning. 6) Cousins! Give or take a few hours, Dean is almost exactly 9 weeks younger than his sleepy cousin Drew. 7) Feet in the face make me sad too. For the record, he was crying before she put her foot on his face. I was trying to take a picture of his sad face to compare it to a sad face of Avery at the same age. I'm sweet like that. 8) At least Avery is happy! 9) Just another good morning!
February 19, 2013
fancy shoes
We didn't go anywhere today, Avery never even made it out of her pajamas. We read a lot of books, did puzzles, watched some PBS, and at some point this afternoon she decided it was necessary to don her sparkly shoes.
We began packing over the weekend for our move back to Houston. Once again Aunt Wanda came to help and get our behinds in gear. She's a great motivator and besides that, she won't let you sit down! I've said it before and I'll say it again, everyone needs an Aunt Wanda. She left last night and today I continued packing in Avery's room. We stumbled across many of her old board books and I'm so glad I saved them all because they're just what Dean needs! And actually, Avery has been enjoying them again too. We read this book countless times the first two years of Avery's life. Elmo doesn't quite pop out on the last page like he used to, Avery told me today it's because she broke it when she was a baby. But as she would say, "That's okay, you know accidents happen!"
It's a great book and I remember being so excited when she first started to copy the actions I was reading/acting out. Today I made her sign when we read it the first time. I plan to task her with teaching Dean to sign in a few months, during all those hours I make her babysit and whatnot. ;)
We began packing over the weekend for our move back to Houston. Once again Aunt Wanda came to help and get our behinds in gear. She's a great motivator and besides that, she won't let you sit down! I've said it before and I'll say it again, everyone needs an Aunt Wanda. She left last night and today I continued packing in Avery's room. We stumbled across many of her old board books and I'm so glad I saved them all because they're just what Dean needs! And actually, Avery has been enjoying them again too. We read this book countless times the first two years of Avery's life. Elmo doesn't quite pop out on the last page like he used to, Avery told me today it's because she broke it when she was a baby. But as she would say, "That's okay, you know accidents happen!"
It's a great book and I remember being so excited when she first started to copy the actions I was reading/acting out. Today I made her sign when we read it the first time. I plan to task her with teaching Dean to sign in a few months, during all those hours I make her babysit and whatnot. ;)
February 15, 2013
dean kyler | 2 months
So I'm a few days behind in posting this, but not because I forgot. No, I most definitely remembered his two-month birthday! Really! I just never got around to posting anything that day and then we had company all weekend and looky here, it's been another whole week!! Today he is actually TEN weeks old. At times I feel like he's been here forever and then I think, I JUST HAD A BABY! Well, ten weeks ago, but still!
Dean actually had his two month check-up on the 7th and it was mostly a happy time, just a little traumatic. The shots really did a number on him and he was sad the rest of the day. When he wasn't sleeping, anyway. The hysterical crying was so out of character for him, it left me feeling a little helpless and I was glad when he woke up much later that evening with a smile. He weighed in at 13 lbs. 5 oz and measured 22 3/4 inches long.
At two months, Dean looooves...to eat. That is all. Not really. He also loves to sleep! He started sleeping through the night at eight weeks and I'm so amazed by this! I'm pretty sure Avery still wouldn't sleep through the night if she weren't in our bed. But guess what?! Dean sleeps in his own bed. AWESOME. When he first wakes up and he's picked up, his back arches and he curls his legs up like a newborn. It's so cute and I'll be sad when it stops.
He started smiling (intentionally) a few days into week five and his sweet face brightens our days. He is starting to talk/coo a lot more and is getting so strong! He still doesn't love tummy time, but he gets plenty of practice holding his head up as we sit him on our lap or hold him tummy to tummy. In general, he gets a kick out of crazy faces and a few Sandra Boynton books. I know a few by heart so I just recite them and make crazy faces - double the fun!
He gets lots of love from his sister and tolerates it well. Maybe all that bouncing around she did on my baby bump did help condition him for life outside the womb! At the rate he's growing he'll be able to hold his own soon enough.
While he is a great sleeper, I've been trying to take a page from Pavlov and do some training in the form of sleep conditioning. I sing him the same song every afternoon before nap and at night after his bath while I nurse him. I'm hoping I'll eventually be able to start the first verse and he'll be all, Zzzzzz. I sing my favorite hymn, Victory in Jesus. He seems to really like music, though his taste runs more to Mumford & Sons and the like. No surprise since we played them for him while I was pregnant. If ever he gets really fussy and I'm mid-task, I grab my phone and turn on some M&S or Avett Brothers to calm him down. He's got good taste in tunes, that boy of ours.
Two months in and I can honestly say that Dean has brought us nothing but joy. His birth was such a positive, happy experience and I don't think we could ask for a better baby. I wasn't sure what to expect with the second baby, but I'm happy (and grateful) to say we've been blessed with two fantastic babies. Sure, his sister is crazy now - but she was a good baby! ;)
Lots going on in the next month, we can't wait to see what's in store for our boy. No doubt more happy days and peaceful nights! Should I beating on some wood right now?! Nah, even if he starts waking up five times a night I won't love him any less.
The monthly iPhone collage, top to bottom and left to right: 1) sleeping/rocking out? 2) feeling stripey 3) early morning smiles 4) sleeping on D, he crossed his hands himself and looked so dadgum cute! 5) happy! 6) playing in sister's room, not very amused 7) another happy morning! 8) sweet boy after a bath, and 9) yet another happy morning!
Dean actually had his two month check-up on the 7th and it was mostly a happy time, just a little traumatic. The shots really did a number on him and he was sad the rest of the day. When he wasn't sleeping, anyway. The hysterical crying was so out of character for him, it left me feeling a little helpless and I was glad when he woke up much later that evening with a smile. He weighed in at 13 lbs. 5 oz and measured 22 3/4 inches long.
At two months, Dean looooves...to eat. That is all. Not really. He also loves to sleep! He started sleeping through the night at eight weeks and I'm so amazed by this! I'm pretty sure Avery still wouldn't sleep through the night if she weren't in our bed. But guess what?! Dean sleeps in his own bed. AWESOME. When he first wakes up and he's picked up, his back arches and he curls his legs up like a newborn. It's so cute and I'll be sad when it stops.
He started smiling (intentionally) a few days into week five and his sweet face brightens our days. He is starting to talk/coo a lot more and is getting so strong! He still doesn't love tummy time, but he gets plenty of practice holding his head up as we sit him on our lap or hold him tummy to tummy. In general, he gets a kick out of crazy faces and a few Sandra Boynton books. I know a few by heart so I just recite them and make crazy faces - double the fun!
He gets lots of love from his sister and tolerates it well. Maybe all that bouncing around she did on my baby bump did help condition him for life outside the womb! At the rate he's growing he'll be able to hold his own soon enough.
While he is a great sleeper, I've been trying to take a page from Pavlov and do some training in the form of sleep conditioning. I sing him the same song every afternoon before nap and at night after his bath while I nurse him. I'm hoping I'll eventually be able to start the first verse and he'll be all, Zzzzzz. I sing my favorite hymn, Victory in Jesus. He seems to really like music, though his taste runs more to Mumford & Sons and the like. No surprise since we played them for him while I was pregnant. If ever he gets really fussy and I'm mid-task, I grab my phone and turn on some M&S or Avett Brothers to calm him down. He's got good taste in tunes, that boy of ours.
Two months in and I can honestly say that Dean has brought us nothing but joy. His birth was such a positive, happy experience and I don't think we could ask for a better baby. I wasn't sure what to expect with the second baby, but I'm happy (and grateful) to say we've been blessed with two fantastic babies. Sure, his sister is crazy now - but she was a good baby! ;)
Lots going on in the next month, we can't wait to see what's in store for our boy. No doubt more happy days and peaceful nights! Should I beating on some wood right now?! Nah, even if he starts waking up five times a night I won't love him any less.
The monthly iPhone collage, top to bottom and left to right: 1) sleeping/rocking out? 2) feeling stripey 3) early morning smiles 4) sleeping on D, he crossed his hands himself and looked so dadgum cute! 5) happy! 6) playing in sister's room, not very amused 7) another happy morning! 8) sweet boy after a bath, and 9) yet another happy morning!
Happy two month birthday sweet boy, we love you lots!
February 13, 2013
a whale of a tale
In November, Avery & Deran brought home a fish, a pink Betta that Avery named Goldie. At first she was Avery's "best friend" and she loved her "so much!" Avery borrowed my phone and took 288 pictures of her new pet. She would stare at her tank during meals and talk to her and it was all super cute. Until it wasn't.
Sometime before Dean was born Avery really started asking about death and Heaven. She would ask if she could have a new fish when Goldie died and I always told her that we hoped Goldie would live a long time, etc. Then she began talking about the dogs she would get when the pugs die. I'm not kidding, it was all very morbid. Anyway, we've convinced her she can get her two chihuahuas when she grows up. I can't commit to any future dogs in our household at this time!!
Soooo Goldie died on Saturday, February 9th. Deran was standing at the bar, looked over at her tank and said, "Well, Avery...Goldie is dead." He tells it like it is, y'all! Goldie was flushed (you're welcome, apartment pipes!) a day later and that afternoon Avery told me she was scared to use that toilet because she didn't want to pee on Goldie. Thankfully, she soon got over her fear.
On Tuesday when I was helping her to wash her hands after using the restroom she started talking to me about how she missed Goldie and how Goldie was her best friend. My kid has A LOT of best friends and favorite toys!!! Then she asked me if there was a heaven for fish. Do I really think there's a heaven for fish? No Internet, I do not. However, she is only three and I can't be all, I believe your fish had NO SOUL! So our conversation went something like this:
Me: I do think there's a heaven for fish.
Avery: Is it a toilet?
Me:...I think...it's like a toilet...? There's water and Goldie is swimming around happily now.
Avery: How can she be swimming if she's dead?
Me: Because in Heaven, you're well. Whatever was wrong or causing you to hurt is all better!
I tried to change the subject and we left the bathroom and went back to reading books over breakfast. Then later Avery randomly asked, "Momma, how did Goldie grow up to be a whale in Heaven?" :)
Sometime before Dean was born Avery really started asking about death and Heaven. She would ask if she could have a new fish when Goldie died and I always told her that we hoped Goldie would live a long time, etc. Then she began talking about the dogs she would get when the pugs die. I'm not kidding, it was all very morbid. Anyway, we've convinced her she can get her two chihuahuas when she grows up. I can't commit to any future dogs in our household at this time!!
Soooo Goldie died on Saturday, February 9th. Deran was standing at the bar, looked over at her tank and said, "Well, Avery...Goldie is dead." He tells it like it is, y'all! Goldie was flushed (you're welcome, apartment pipes!) a day later and that afternoon Avery told me she was scared to use that toilet because she didn't want to pee on Goldie. Thankfully, she soon got over her fear.
On Tuesday when I was helping her to wash her hands after using the restroom she started talking to me about how she missed Goldie and how Goldie was her best friend. My kid has A LOT of best friends and favorite toys!!! Then she asked me if there was a heaven for fish. Do I really think there's a heaven for fish? No Internet, I do not. However, she is only three and I can't be all, I believe your fish had NO SOUL! So our conversation went something like this:
Me: I do think there's a heaven for fish.
Avery: Is it a toilet?
Me:...I think...it's like a toilet...? There's water and Goldie is swimming around happily now.
Avery: How can she be swimming if she's dead?
Me: Because in Heaven, you're well. Whatever was wrong or causing you to hurt is all better!
I tried to change the subject and we left the bathroom and went back to reading books over breakfast. Then later Avery randomly asked, "Momma, how did Goldie grow up to be a whale in Heaven?" :)
R.I.P. Goldie
11/2012 - 02/2013
**photo by Avery Schilling**
February 3, 2013
three years + six months
Our girl is officially at the half-way point. Tomorrow she'll be one day closer to FOUR!!! But today (and for another six months), she's still three so we'll celebrate Avery at 42 months!
At 42 months Avery loves to watch TV, her parents, her toys, Perry, playing outside, being overly affectionate towards her brother, eating chocolate chip granola bars, and being sneaky. She dislikes going to bed and is not too fond of being reprimanded. I feel like a broken record where her dislikes are concerned. :)
Avery has been a television watching fiend. It escalated after Dean was born and I let too many days slide with too many cartoons. Now she will ask to see the iPad or her phone to "play a game." This is actually code for "pull up netflix and watch cartoons" while I wash dishes or fold laundry or anything that doesn't involve me being right next to her. Another day I turned off the cartoons to go over some counting skills and numbers with her. After a few minutes she said, "So what, I'll go get the iPad!" Sneaky, that one. She still loves Phineas and Ferb, but she has also started watching Dora, Diego, and My Little Ponies again. She still loves to play with her Perry/Agent P stuffed doll and she has really been playing with her MLP figures again too.
While she does love television, she also loves to play outside. We've been enjoying great weather off and on over the last few weeks and have ventured out many days for a walk around the complex and usually end up having various adventures involving the stairwell. She loves to pretend the landing is her house and I come to visit, etc. We've also started going back to the park, something we both enjoy! I love being outside on the gorgeous days and letting her run around and expel some of that extra energy. It benefits us all, I think. ;)
Avery loooooves her brother! Sometimes a bit too much. I have several photos of the two of them, or at least I'm pretty sure there's a baby boy in there somewhere. I feel like I'm always reminding her to STAY OUT OF HIS FACE. Of course the reminders do no good, 'tis the way of an older sister I guess. A couple of weeks ago Avery and I both fell ill with a yucky virus/cold that resulted in high fevers. I tried my hardest to keep her away-ish from Dean those days. On the second morning of fever, she sat up in bed and tried to kiss him as I was talking to him and changing his diaper. I gently reminded her that she was sick and to NOT BREATHE ON HIM. Really, I was gentle, I knew she felt bad! Anyway, she started crying and told me she just loved him so much. Break my heart! Of course this month she has also told me that maybe he should go back in my stomach because "it's not always awesome to have a baby brother, " and "we should take him back because sometimes it's hard to take care of a baby," and finally that she didn't want to babysit him anymore. Because I often make her stay home and tend to the baby while I go out and get my party on before Deran gets home...not really! She is so dramatic! I think she gets that from her daddy.
I will miss Austin when we move later this spring, but one thing I'm looking forward to is more playmates for Avery. She mostly interacts with adults and I think sometimes we expect too much from her at three. I know some of the behavioral changes have been since Dean arrived, but I also think my girl misses her cousins and friends. She still attends her Gymboree class and I know she loves to play with other littles!
This month has passed in a blur!! We visited our families for the first time (and probably last time before the move) and it took us an extra TWO hours to get home. Soooo, traveling with two kids is a bit different and I think best done around bed time. ;) I've been keeping notes on my phone because Avery has said and done some hilarious things and these days if I don't take care of whatever immediately, I'll likely forget. So without further ado, a couple of paragraphs that don't flow but are filled with my sweet girl's craziness...
One day I said, "Oh, Avery!" and she replied, "I'm not O Avery. I'm just Avery Kate, spelled double S-N. It means you're going down, Momma!" She was really going on about wanting a horse and I told her she has lots of horses to play with (my little ponies), "A pony is not a horse. It's not like a cat. It's ears are up, see?" One night she wanted me to put an outfit on Dean but I told her I had to wash it first, "Well start washing them, girl!" She told me she will love me "forever and forever and forever and forever and forever and forever!!" I told her I will love her back, then she said, "You will never leave me." I said, "I will never leave you." Then, "You will always be there for me." I replied, "I will always be there for you." She's making statements, not asking questions. I think she knows how much she's loved! She squeezed me in a tight hug and said, "Come here, you!" Love her so much!!
One night I told her it was bath time and she told me "riding a horse is more fun than taking a bath." I told her I'm sure that it is but we don't have a horse and it's time for a bath. She then got on all fours and went around the living room saying that Lulu (yes, he's still with us) is pretending she's a horse. And speaking of imaginary things, one morning while I was feeding Dean on the bed, Avery was jumping all around pretending chihuahuas were climbing up the bed. "How can I escape them?!" she asked me. I told her to climb the stairs and get into her plane! She looked up at the ceiling fan I was pointing to and said, "Actually, that's just a fan." OF COURSE IT IS. But there were chihuahuas climbing up the bed?! Clearly, only one at a time can use her imagination.
One morning she kissed my calf because she just loves me too much. Random acts of loving sweetness?! Okay! She recently had this conversation with Deran...
Avery: Can I have a kitty like Aubrey?
D: No, you're allergic.
Avery: Can I just keep it in my room without me?
D: Then why would you want one?
Avery: 'Cause I'm crazy.
Crazy, indeed. Avery has been known to "forget" her pants in the bathroom a time or twenty and one afternoon I remember shouting, "I don't want to see your hiney again until it's time for a bath!" Fun times, fun times...
And the last little tidbit that made me smile happened one day while I was reading a Wonder Pets book to Dean. I was trying to include Avery by asking her questions about the animals on each page. When the WP saved a baby kangaroo it led to a discussion about marsupials. We'd read a book several months ago about animals native to Australia so I started talking to her about these things again. First we talked about possums being marsupials, then I said, "Oh, and a koala!" She was like, "Huh?! A koala is a possum?!" :)
Avery at 42 months is incredibly sassy and sweet. She made us parents and our lives are better with her. I can't wait to see what the next month has in store for our favorite girl and her kid brother!
As always, the monthly iPhone tribute - top to bottom and left to right: 1) early morning grumpy eye 2) swinging "not too high!!" at the park, 3) sitting on the stairs, 4) crazy, just...crazy 5) super girl! 6) sporting some crazy glasses from a craft fair, 7) waiting in line at Sam's and reading a new Lalaloopsy book, 8) avoiding sleep and looking fancy with her leopard sleep mask, 9) bubbles!
Happy 42 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!
At 42 months Avery loves to watch TV, her parents, her toys, Perry, playing outside, being overly affectionate towards her brother, eating chocolate chip granola bars, and being sneaky. She dislikes going to bed and is not too fond of being reprimanded. I feel like a broken record where her dislikes are concerned. :)
Avery has been a television watching fiend. It escalated after Dean was born and I let too many days slide with too many cartoons. Now she will ask to see the iPad or her phone to "play a game." This is actually code for "pull up netflix and watch cartoons" while I wash dishes or fold laundry or anything that doesn't involve me being right next to her. Another day I turned off the cartoons to go over some counting skills and numbers with her. After a few minutes she said, "So what, I'll go get the iPad!" Sneaky, that one. She still loves Phineas and Ferb, but she has also started watching Dora, Diego, and My Little Ponies again. She still loves to play with her Perry/Agent P stuffed doll and she has really been playing with her MLP figures again too.
While she does love television, she also loves to play outside. We've been enjoying great weather off and on over the last few weeks and have ventured out many days for a walk around the complex and usually end up having various adventures involving the stairwell. She loves to pretend the landing is her house and I come to visit, etc. We've also started going back to the park, something we both enjoy! I love being outside on the gorgeous days and letting her run around and expel some of that extra energy. It benefits us all, I think. ;)
Avery loooooves her brother! Sometimes a bit too much. I have several photos of the two of them, or at least I'm pretty sure there's a baby boy in there somewhere. I feel like I'm always reminding her to STAY OUT OF HIS FACE. Of course the reminders do no good, 'tis the way of an older sister I guess. A couple of weeks ago Avery and I both fell ill with a yucky virus/cold that resulted in high fevers. I tried my hardest to keep her away-ish from Dean those days. On the second morning of fever, she sat up in bed and tried to kiss him as I was talking to him and changing his diaper. I gently reminded her that she was sick and to NOT BREATHE ON HIM. Really, I was gentle, I knew she felt bad! Anyway, she started crying and told me she just loved him so much. Break my heart! Of course this month she has also told me that maybe he should go back in my stomach because "it's not always awesome to have a baby brother, " and "we should take him back because sometimes it's hard to take care of a baby," and finally that she didn't want to babysit him anymore. Because I often make her stay home and tend to the baby while I go out and get my party on before Deran gets home...not really! She is so dramatic! I think she gets that from her daddy.
I will miss Austin when we move later this spring, but one thing I'm looking forward to is more playmates for Avery. She mostly interacts with adults and I think sometimes we expect too much from her at three. I know some of the behavioral changes have been since Dean arrived, but I also think my girl misses her cousins and friends. She still attends her Gymboree class and I know she loves to play with other littles!
This month has passed in a blur!! We visited our families for the first time (and probably last time before the move) and it took us an extra TWO hours to get home. Soooo, traveling with two kids is a bit different and I think best done around bed time. ;) I've been keeping notes on my phone because Avery has said and done some hilarious things and these days if I don't take care of whatever immediately, I'll likely forget. So without further ado, a couple of paragraphs that don't flow but are filled with my sweet girl's craziness...
One day I said, "Oh, Avery!" and she replied, "I'm not O Avery. I'm just Avery Kate, spelled double S-N. It means you're going down, Momma!" She was really going on about wanting a horse and I told her she has lots of horses to play with (my little ponies), "A pony is not a horse. It's not like a cat. It's ears are up, see?" One night she wanted me to put an outfit on Dean but I told her I had to wash it first, "Well start washing them, girl!" She told me she will love me "forever and forever and forever and forever and forever and forever!!" I told her I will love her back, then she said, "You will never leave me." I said, "I will never leave you." Then, "You will always be there for me." I replied, "I will always be there for you." She's making statements, not asking questions. I think she knows how much she's loved! She squeezed me in a tight hug and said, "Come here, you!" Love her so much!!
One night I told her it was bath time and she told me "riding a horse is more fun than taking a bath." I told her I'm sure that it is but we don't have a horse and it's time for a bath. She then got on all fours and went around the living room saying that Lulu (yes, he's still with us) is pretending she's a horse. And speaking of imaginary things, one morning while I was feeding Dean on the bed, Avery was jumping all around pretending chihuahuas were climbing up the bed. "How can I escape them?!" she asked me. I told her to climb the stairs and get into her plane! She looked up at the ceiling fan I was pointing to and said, "Actually, that's just a fan." OF COURSE IT IS. But there were chihuahuas climbing up the bed?! Clearly, only one at a time can use her imagination.
One morning she kissed my calf because she just loves me too much. Random acts of loving sweetness?! Okay! She recently had this conversation with Deran...
Avery: Can I have a kitty like Aubrey?
D: No, you're allergic.
Avery: Can I just keep it in my room without me?
D: Then why would you want one?
Avery: 'Cause I'm crazy.
Crazy, indeed. Avery has been known to "forget" her pants in the bathroom a time or twenty and one afternoon I remember shouting, "I don't want to see your hiney again until it's time for a bath!" Fun times, fun times...
And the last little tidbit that made me smile happened one day while I was reading a Wonder Pets book to Dean. I was trying to include Avery by asking her questions about the animals on each page. When the WP saved a baby kangaroo it led to a discussion about marsupials. We'd read a book several months ago about animals native to Australia so I started talking to her about these things again. First we talked about possums being marsupials, then I said, "Oh, and a koala!" She was like, "Huh?! A koala is a possum?!" :)
Avery at 42 months is incredibly sassy and sweet. She made us parents and our lives are better with her. I can't wait to see what the next month has in store for our favorite girl and her kid brother!
As always, the monthly iPhone tribute - top to bottom and left to right: 1) early morning grumpy eye 2) swinging "not too high!!" at the park, 3) sitting on the stairs, 4) crazy, just...crazy 5) super girl! 6) sporting some crazy glasses from a craft fair, 7) waiting in line at Sam's and reading a new Lalaloopsy book, 8) avoiding sleep and looking fancy with her leopard sleep mask, 9) bubbles!
Happy 42 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!
January 11, 2013
toesies
Avery loves to pull off Dean's socks and say, "Awww! Look at his cute little toesies!" She had some pretty cute toesies herself. :)
Today our sweet boy is five weeks old. I surely do love him and his tiny toes!
Today our sweet boy is five weeks old. I surely do love him and his tiny toes!
January 7, 2013
celebrating dean | one month later
Soooo I had a baby! A whole MONTH ago today!! I've been away from technology for most of this month. It's been days since I checked my email and honestly, it's been nice. Life with two littles is surprisingly...not that different. It takes us a little longer to get out the door and of course I'm wearing my favorite old perfume, Eau De Spit Up, but life is really really good!
Dean Kyler joined us at 2:04 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2013. He weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21.25 inches long. He has these adorably dimpled chunky hands and they were the first thing I noticed when he was placed on me. He has a fantastically cute hairline and lots of hair! His eye color is still to be determined. At first we thought brown, then they started looking more blue/gray, and sometimes they look green. No doubt we'll love our boy with whatever color his sweet eyes settle on! I plan to blog his birth story so I won't share too much now because I have a WHOLE MONTH of news to get through.
Dean loves to be held, is a champion eater, and is a super laid back little guy. He dislikes dirty diapers and not being picked up immediately when he cries. He really is low-key and doesn't fuss too often. Most nights he doesn't even cry when he wakes up to eat, he just starts grunting and sometimes snacks on his hand. Avery says he sounds like a little pig. :) She also calls him "little tooter boy" because he can be gassy. Gotta love being a baby!
I thought he was so little when he was born and the doctor was like, "Mmmmm nope, he's a good size baby!" He gained 11 ounces between his one-two week check-ups! I'm sure he is between 10-11 pounds now and has been in size one diapers for about two weeks. I think drinking my breast milk is the equivalent of slurping down heavy whipping cream, maybe even mixed with butter. At any rate, he's a healthy boy and that makes me happy!
We started doing tummy time just before three weeks and he doesn't like it. Not even a little bit. He actually rolled over once! But alas, no one was paying attention. Avery and I were about a foot away reading a book and I looked over to see him on his back and was all, whaaaat?! He loves his swing and often naps in there during the day.
His umbilical stayed on well into the second week and it was stinky. I mean, I know it's rotting flesh, but his actually smelled like rotting flesh. We were ready for his first real bath from about day three. :) His first bath was a tearful event but he's since learned to tolerate them and no longer cries. Yea!
It's still a little early for the social smiles to start, but I swear just this morning I earned the smile! I was holding him at the table and reading a book aloud while Avery ate her breakfast. I started making a funny noise and he smiled. I mean, it could have been coincidence, but I think not. I'm pretending it was real even if it wasn't!
We are so happy Dean is finally here and while this last month has passed in a blur, it almost feels like we've had him forever. He is such a perfect addition to our family and we can't wait to see what next month holds for our boy. He is such a good baby!! Avery was a great baby too, I'm thankful we've been doubly blessed!
And now for the monthly iPhone tribute, top to bottom and left to right: 1) A babe is born! 2) Sleeping in his swing, looking super comfy? I have a similar picture of Avery (look at the last row of September). 3) I love duck themed infant clothing and sleepy baby boys. 4) Little monster 5) World's best little brother, for sure! 6) Yaaaawwwwwn 7) He really has fantastic hair! 8) Oh boy! 9) A sweet baby, sleeping again. It's kind of what newborns do, ya know!
Dean Kyler joined us at 2:04 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2013. He weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21.25 inches long. He has these adorably dimpled chunky hands and they were the first thing I noticed when he was placed on me. He has a fantastically cute hairline and lots of hair! His eye color is still to be determined. At first we thought brown, then they started looking more blue/gray, and sometimes they look green. No doubt we'll love our boy with whatever color his sweet eyes settle on! I plan to blog his birth story so I won't share too much now because I have a WHOLE MONTH of news to get through.
Dean loves to be held, is a champion eater, and is a super laid back little guy. He dislikes dirty diapers and not being picked up immediately when he cries. He really is low-key and doesn't fuss too often. Most nights he doesn't even cry when he wakes up to eat, he just starts grunting and sometimes snacks on his hand. Avery says he sounds like a little pig. :) She also calls him "little tooter boy" because he can be gassy. Gotta love being a baby!
I thought he was so little when he was born and the doctor was like, "Mmmmm nope, he's a good size baby!" He gained 11 ounces between his one-two week check-ups! I'm sure he is between 10-11 pounds now and has been in size one diapers for about two weeks. I think drinking my breast milk is the equivalent of slurping down heavy whipping cream, maybe even mixed with butter. At any rate, he's a healthy boy and that makes me happy!
We started doing tummy time just before three weeks and he doesn't like it. Not even a little bit. He actually rolled over once! But alas, no one was paying attention. Avery and I were about a foot away reading a book and I looked over to see him on his back and was all, whaaaat?! He loves his swing and often naps in there during the day.
His umbilical stayed on well into the second week and it was stinky. I mean, I know it's rotting flesh, but his actually smelled like rotting flesh. We were ready for his first real bath from about day three. :) His first bath was a tearful event but he's since learned to tolerate them and no longer cries. Yea!
It's still a little early for the social smiles to start, but I swear just this morning I earned the smile! I was holding him at the table and reading a book aloud while Avery ate her breakfast. I started making a funny noise and he smiled. I mean, it could have been coincidence, but I think not. I'm pretending it was real even if it wasn't!
We are so happy Dean is finally here and while this last month has passed in a blur, it almost feels like we've had him forever. He is such a perfect addition to our family and we can't wait to see what next month holds for our boy. He is such a good baby!! Avery was a great baby too, I'm thankful we've been doubly blessed!
And now for the monthly iPhone tribute, top to bottom and left to right: 1) A babe is born! 2) Sleeping in his swing, looking super comfy? I have a similar picture of Avery (look at the last row of September). 3) I love duck themed infant clothing and sleepy baby boys. 4) Little monster 5) World's best little brother, for sure! 6) Yaaaawwwwwn 7) He really has fantastic hair! 8) Oh boy! 9) A sweet baby, sleeping again. It's kind of what newborns do, ya know!
Happy one month birthday sweet boy, we love you lots!
January 3, 2013
three years + five months
Oh my goodness, where to even start this month?! It's been a loooong month and yet here we are, at 41 months already. We welcomed our much anticipated baby brother on December 7th and Avery is just the best big sister. She tells us everyday how much she loves Dean and that she's so glad we have a baby brother. :)
At 41 months Avery loves her brother, television, reading, shopping, her family, asking WHY?, cooking, making a mess, and chocolate. She dislikes going to sleep, the idea of turning into a marshmallow, and being a good listener. Though I'm sure she'd dispute the last, she most definitely has selective hearing.
The biggest news this month is of course Dean's arrival. Avery was so cute when Deran brought her into the room after Dean was born. She smiled big and then asked if she could pet him. Then she said, "I knew you were in here having a baby!" Indeed, I was. I labored quietly and Avery was actually in and out of the room until it was time to push. Avery loooooves her brother, sometimes she's maybe even a little too affectionate. I feel as if we're always telling her not to squeeze so hard or you know, GET OUT OF HIS FACE. I know the capitals convey shouting, but we actually issue gentle reminders. Not that it matters because two seconds later she is bending over his bed or the swing or on the floor and right up in his business. :) I've been keeping a list of a few things she has said or done over the last month that have changed since adding a baby to the house...One day she came up to me and spit up on my shirt because she "didn't burp very good." I swear, I don't know what it was but she did indeed spit something on my shirt. Right after an early morning feeding, Avery grabbed the burp rag and said, "Abra dabra, your boob disappeared!" Another time we were all sitting on the couch and she said, "I have a breast pad stuck on my leg, you guys." I've written about Avery living life as a musical before, so imagine this to any tune you want...she was playing with her Phineas & Ferb figurines and started singing, "Perry put the babies to sleep but they woke up because they just wanted some of my mommy's milk..." All of these things make me laugh because when else will she randomly have a breast pad stuck to her leg?! :)
In the few weeks since having Dean, Avery has been allowed to eat more snacks and watch more television than ever before. I'm awesome like that. We're pretty much back on track with eating but the tv has been on too much. I blame the cold weather! Next week is looking sunny with some highs in the 60s so I think we'll be able to get out a bit. One week after Dean was born Avery was sitting on the couch snacking on marshmallows before dinner. I told her to put them away because we would be eating soon. Then Deran piped up with, "Yeah, if you eat too many marshmallows you'll turn into...this!" and pulled up a picture of this guy from Ghost Busters. Big mistake. For over a week she cried and said she never wanted to eat marshmallows again. She wanted to throw ours away and she fretted over her cousin coming over and trying to eat marshmallows. Three year olds are pretty literal, you know, you gotta be mindful of what you say.
As usual, she still dislikes going to bed. She is still sleeping in our bed and more often than not, actually stays up until one of us goes to bed with her. It's exhausting and heartbreaking because she cries and says she doesn't want to be alone. Deran and I were wanting to watch Shaun of the Dead recently but we couldn't because Avery was still awake. Then she started crying and told us that she's not afraid of zombies. Of course she isn't! She often tells us she's a big girl and can take care of herself so maybe 2013 will see her back in her own bed! Maybe I should write that one down.
Lulu has made an appearance (or not really) on many days and he's always naughty. He flips the lights on and off, pushes, pulls hair, throws things on the floor, basically makes life CRAZY. Sometimes I just want him to go home. If only I knew where his imaginary abode was. :/ I have no doubt some of his behavior is due to the addition of Avery's beloved baby brother, though even knowing it doesn't make me like Lulu any more.
Avery still loves to watch Phineas and Ferb but she's also started watching My Little Ponies again and is also into Spider Man right now. Ever since the Christmas parade, she's been a little crazy about him. We've gone through three cans of silly string and have several versions of the cartoon in our Netflix queue.
But as much as she loves to watch TV, she also still loves to read. We still blow through several books a day and she was really sad just this morning when I mentioned needing to return a Barney book to the library. I'm so glad she loves to read!!
Her vocabulary and speech is always expanding and improving. I just noticed a few days ago that she no longer says, "hungy" or "angy" but actually says, hungry and angry. She still says, "I'm am" for "I am" and seriously?! Soooo cute! "Because" has morphed several times over the last two years and right now it sounds something like, "Puh-tuzz." It makes me smile every time. :)
She is still a light eater but has started to try new foods and really loves to help in the kitchen. She recently started eating oranges (like, a piece) and one day I asked her, "Do you like oranges?" She replied, "I do. Especially from coconuts. Mmmm, juicy!" :) At any rate, we're proud of her for trying new things!
Avery has been very inquisitive over the last month. Sometimes I fear my sanity is at a breaking point when she continues to ask, "Why?" after every answer I give. But we push on and try to answer as best we can. Yesterday we talked about tornadoes and then today Deran came home for lunch and I overheard Avery reciting some of the twister facts. It made me happy because maybe my sanity (or lack of) is worth it if she's actually listening and retaining the information. Though she certainly hears when she wants to as I can ask her to pick up her toys ALL DAY LONG and yet, at the end of the day the place still looks as if a twister has been through.
Big changes for our girl this month in becoming a big sister and learning to share our attention. It's not always easy and sometimes I find myself missing her even though she's in the same room. I think it's partly her growing up, but it still makes my heart hurt to not be able to pick her up every time she asks or to ask her to hold on so I can tend to Dean. Probably the hardest thing about having two tots. Though I honestly believe loving Avery so much has made having a second child so much easier. I know how great it is to parent a fantastically amazing girl, adding a sweet boy into the mix has been pretty easy.
So 41 months with our best girl and 41 of the best months of our lives. Lots of changes coming in the new year. I know she is so excited to be moving closer to all of her cousins and old friends and we're so excited for her to have those playmates again! She still tells me all the time that I'm the best momma and she's going to love me forever and forever and forever and forever. Goodness, I love that girl!
The monthly iPhone update, top to bottom and left to right: 1) making a mess...something in which she excels 2) using Deran's phone to take pictures of Dean 3) sporting some stylish festive shades 4) early morning snuggles 5) snacking in brother's bed 6) sweet sibling kisses 7) bubble bath! 8) running downhill at the park 9) late night playing on her phone. And I just noticed that she's wearing pajamas in nearly all of the photos. Whatevs, we'll get dressed tomorrow. ;)
Happy 41 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!
At 41 months Avery loves her brother, television, reading, shopping, her family, asking WHY?, cooking, making a mess, and chocolate. She dislikes going to sleep, the idea of turning into a marshmallow, and being a good listener. Though I'm sure she'd dispute the last, she most definitely has selective hearing.
The biggest news this month is of course Dean's arrival. Avery was so cute when Deran brought her into the room after Dean was born. She smiled big and then asked if she could pet him. Then she said, "I knew you were in here having a baby!" Indeed, I was. I labored quietly and Avery was actually in and out of the room until it was time to push. Avery loooooves her brother, sometimes she's maybe even a little too affectionate. I feel as if we're always telling her not to squeeze so hard or you know, GET OUT OF HIS FACE. I know the capitals convey shouting, but we actually issue gentle reminders. Not that it matters because two seconds later she is bending over his bed or the swing or on the floor and right up in his business. :) I've been keeping a list of a few things she has said or done over the last month that have changed since adding a baby to the house...One day she came up to me and spit up on my shirt because she "didn't burp very good." I swear, I don't know what it was but she did indeed spit something on my shirt. Right after an early morning feeding, Avery grabbed the burp rag and said, "Abra dabra, your boob disappeared!" Another time we were all sitting on the couch and she said, "I have a breast pad stuck on my leg, you guys." I've written about Avery living life as a musical before, so imagine this to any tune you want...she was playing with her Phineas & Ferb figurines and started singing, "Perry put the babies to sleep but they woke up because they just wanted some of my mommy's milk..." All of these things make me laugh because when else will she randomly have a breast pad stuck to her leg?! :)
In the few weeks since having Dean, Avery has been allowed to eat more snacks and watch more television than ever before. I'm awesome like that. We're pretty much back on track with eating but the tv has been on too much. I blame the cold weather! Next week is looking sunny with some highs in the 60s so I think we'll be able to get out a bit. One week after Dean was born Avery was sitting on the couch snacking on marshmallows before dinner. I told her to put them away because we would be eating soon. Then Deran piped up with, "Yeah, if you eat too many marshmallows you'll turn into...this!" and pulled up a picture of this guy from Ghost Busters. Big mistake. For over a week she cried and said she never wanted to eat marshmallows again. She wanted to throw ours away and she fretted over her cousin coming over and trying to eat marshmallows. Three year olds are pretty literal, you know, you gotta be mindful of what you say.
As usual, she still dislikes going to bed. She is still sleeping in our bed and more often than not, actually stays up until one of us goes to bed with her. It's exhausting and heartbreaking because she cries and says she doesn't want to be alone. Deran and I were wanting to watch Shaun of the Dead recently but we couldn't because Avery was still awake. Then she started crying and told us that she's not afraid of zombies. Of course she isn't! She often tells us she's a big girl and can take care of herself so maybe 2013 will see her back in her own bed! Maybe I should write that one down.
Lulu has made an appearance (or not really) on many days and he's always naughty. He flips the lights on and off, pushes, pulls hair, throws things on the floor, basically makes life CRAZY. Sometimes I just want him to go home. If only I knew where his imaginary abode was. :/ I have no doubt some of his behavior is due to the addition of Avery's beloved baby brother, though even knowing it doesn't make me like Lulu any more.
Avery still loves to watch Phineas and Ferb but she's also started watching My Little Ponies again and is also into Spider Man right now. Ever since the Christmas parade, she's been a little crazy about him. We've gone through three cans of silly string and have several versions of the cartoon in our Netflix queue.
But as much as she loves to watch TV, she also still loves to read. We still blow through several books a day and she was really sad just this morning when I mentioned needing to return a Barney book to the library. I'm so glad she loves to read!!
Her vocabulary and speech is always expanding and improving. I just noticed a few days ago that she no longer says, "hungy" or "angy" but actually says, hungry and angry. She still says, "I'm am" for "I am" and seriously?! Soooo cute! "Because" has morphed several times over the last two years and right now it sounds something like, "Puh-tuzz." It makes me smile every time. :)
She is still a light eater but has started to try new foods and really loves to help in the kitchen. She recently started eating oranges (like, a piece) and one day I asked her, "Do you like oranges?" She replied, "I do. Especially from coconuts. Mmmm, juicy!" :) At any rate, we're proud of her for trying new things!
Avery has been very inquisitive over the last month. Sometimes I fear my sanity is at a breaking point when she continues to ask, "Why?" after every answer I give. But we push on and try to answer as best we can. Yesterday we talked about tornadoes and then today Deran came home for lunch and I overheard Avery reciting some of the twister facts. It made me happy because maybe my sanity (or lack of) is worth it if she's actually listening and retaining the information. Though she certainly hears when she wants to as I can ask her to pick up her toys ALL DAY LONG and yet, at the end of the day the place still looks as if a twister has been through.
Big changes for our girl this month in becoming a big sister and learning to share our attention. It's not always easy and sometimes I find myself missing her even though she's in the same room. I think it's partly her growing up, but it still makes my heart hurt to not be able to pick her up every time she asks or to ask her to hold on so I can tend to Dean. Probably the hardest thing about having two tots. Though I honestly believe loving Avery so much has made having a second child so much easier. I know how great it is to parent a fantastically amazing girl, adding a sweet boy into the mix has been pretty easy.
So 41 months with our best girl and 41 of the best months of our lives. Lots of changes coming in the new year. I know she is so excited to be moving closer to all of her cousins and old friends and we're so excited for her to have those playmates again! She still tells me all the time that I'm the best momma and she's going to love me forever and forever and forever and forever. Goodness, I love that girl!
The monthly iPhone update, top to bottom and left to right: 1) making a mess...something in which she excels 2) using Deran's phone to take pictures of Dean 3) sporting some stylish festive shades 4) early morning snuggles 5) snacking in brother's bed 6) sweet sibling kisses 7) bubble bath! 8) running downhill at the park 9) late night playing on her phone. And I just noticed that she's wearing pajamas in nearly all of the photos. Whatevs, we'll get dressed tomorrow. ;)
Happy 41 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!
January 1, 2013
it's a new year, y'all
And I'm not pregnant anymore! Wahoo!!! Anyway, 2012 was a big year for our family as we moved cities, sold our first home, and welcomed our sweet boy - good times! It appears 2013 will also be a big year for our family as we move back to the Houston area and begin our search for our first home as a complete family of four. That's right, we're moving AGAIN. Honestly, I'm hoping it's not an annual thing as it's just too much work. ;)
That's probably the biggest news for us heading into 2013, though we certainly know to expect the unexpected and leave our hearts and minds open to whatever God has planned for us. Deran found out during my last week of pregnancy that his company would be opening a Houston office sometime next year and he was offered a spot. It's so much sooner than either of us thought, but moving back to Houston was always in our long-term plans. Soooo, just after I'd gotten my epidural and just a few hours before Dean joined our family, Deran took a conference call to finalize some Houston plans. We're not sure exactly when we'll be packing, but it looks like sooner rather than later.
So about an epidural...totally worth it! I've got lots to share (you're welcome!) about Dean's arrival and life with two littles, I just have to find the time to sit down and type it all out. We took fewer pictures during our hospital stay so I feel like I really need to write about it to preserve those sweet memories. I had a successful VBAC and his birth experience was just...amazing. I could cry happy tears thinking about it now. I've got the baby joy, y'all! And seriously, all glory and thanks to God for the delivery and recovery. We serve an awesome God, can I get an AMEN?!
A new year usually calls for resolutions and I'll be honest, I haven't written anything down yet. Lots I'd like to do in 2013 but it all boils down to being happy and healthy. I almost hate to write down a list of resolutions because I can look back on previous years and be so disappointed by my lack of accomplishments. On the other hand, I really like to mark things out so lists are kind of fun. And of course if I made a realistic list of goals then perhaps I wouldn't be so disappointed!
I've got lots planned for the blog, it's current state should be fixed in the next day or two. Avoiding technology has its downfalls! Anyway, I hope 2013 is off to a fabulous start for everyone and look for regular posting to resume soon! Or at least soon-ish.
That's probably the biggest news for us heading into 2013, though we certainly know to expect the unexpected and leave our hearts and minds open to whatever God has planned for us. Deran found out during my last week of pregnancy that his company would be opening a Houston office sometime next year and he was offered a spot. It's so much sooner than either of us thought, but moving back to Houston was always in our long-term plans. Soooo, just after I'd gotten my epidural and just a few hours before Dean joined our family, Deran took a conference call to finalize some Houston plans. We're not sure exactly when we'll be packing, but it looks like sooner rather than later.
So about an epidural...totally worth it! I've got lots to share (you're welcome!) about Dean's arrival and life with two littles, I just have to find the time to sit down and type it all out. We took fewer pictures during our hospital stay so I feel like I really need to write about it to preserve those sweet memories. I had a successful VBAC and his birth experience was just...amazing. I could cry happy tears thinking about it now. I've got the baby joy, y'all! And seriously, all glory and thanks to God for the delivery and recovery. We serve an awesome God, can I get an AMEN?!
A new year usually calls for resolutions and I'll be honest, I haven't written anything down yet. Lots I'd like to do in 2013 but it all boils down to being happy and healthy. I almost hate to write down a list of resolutions because I can look back on previous years and be so disappointed by my lack of accomplishments. On the other hand, I really like to mark things out so lists are kind of fun. And of course if I made a realistic list of goals then perhaps I wouldn't be so disappointed!
I've got lots planned for the blog, it's current state should be fixed in the next day or two. Avoiding technology has its downfalls! Anyway, I hope 2013 is off to a fabulous start for everyone and look for regular posting to resume soon! Or at least soon-ish.
December 3, 2012
three years + four months
I was sure hoping to be posting this monthly update from the hospital, but alas, I'm seated on the sofa instead. My sweet girl fell asleep before 7:00 p.m. tonight after a tragic slip and a busted lip. Ha! I just realized it may have sounded like Avery should have been at the hospital, but I totally meant me with a new baby. :) Anyway, enough I'M STILL PREGNANT mumbo jumbo - this is about our favorite girl!
Avery at 40 months is just the most amazingly fun, wild, and sweet girl. She basically loves everything, it's all her favorite anything EVER. She is still all about Phineas and Ferb, Perry was actually in our Santa photo too. She loves us "so much!!" and right back at her, she's the best! Avery very much dislikes not getting her way and sleeping in her own bed.
Avery has lots of imaginary friends and is always talking to them, about them, etc. Lulu and Brother are still hanging around but she also talks on her phone to her pretend friends a lot too. At least we know where most of them originated. When she's pretending to be Candace of P&F fame, then she talks to her best friend Stacey. She also talks to Becky, who I believe is PBS's Word Girl? Maybe. Anyway, Avery has always had a fantastic imagination and I'm glad to see it's still going strong.
She loves to cook in her kitchen and I think she will be especially excited to see all that Santa is preparing in his toy shop for her! She makes us soup or eggs most often and loves to serve up some orange juice. She also likes to help in the real kitchen and is so cute when she has to put on her apron first. Though she ends up spending more time playing with the tiger over mitt than working, her help is always appreciated. ;)
We have been out and about A LOT this past month. We've just been doing various activities, holiday shopping, and lots of walking. I've been looking forward to Christmas for a while now and I admit to getting caught up in the gift buying/giving. Avery is used to getting something nearly every time we go to Target or Hobby Lobby or wherever, but because Christmas is nearing I've started saying no. It's such a novelty to her that she gets hung up on whatever she didn't get for days. First, it was a baby horse from Toys R Us. And actually, she's still talking about that one weeks later. More recently she has been talking about two babies she didn't get at Marshall's. She'll wake up the morning after visiting a store and say, "I'm not mad, maybe I'll get it for Christmas! I put it on my list." She puts eeeeeverything on her list. Drawing the line is tough because we want to give her what she wants but then I think about the real reason we celebrate Christmas (she has been playing with her Veggie Tales Nativity for a month, baby Jesus is still her fave!) and the massive amount of toys we already own, not to mention what she'll be receiving from Santa and grandparents...and I think we're done.
Make no mistake though, Avery is also a kind-hearted girl. Someone offered to put away our shopping cart at Babies R Us one day after thanking her, I put Avery in the car and she said, "That was really very nice of her." And we've been going through her toys to donate. Now the problem here is that she's okay with getting rid of some things but she's also bad about getting things out of the bag. :) She knows we want to give to those who don't have anything, but it's a hard concept for a happy girl with lots of toys to understand.
Avery and Deran have been on a couple of dates over the last month and on one outing they came home with a pet fish, Goldie the betta. It's a miracle Goldie actually made it home but she's still swimming about. Avery loves to feed her and takes the time to talk to her several times a day. She's really so sweet! Goldie is actually supposed to be a pet for Oscar and Harper, like those two need more responsibility, right?! One Saturday I took Avery to make a craft and then we walked to the pet store. They had rescue dogs out front up for adoption and she has been wanting to get a big dog for Oscar and a little dog for Harper ever since. I told her I didn't think Daddy would agree to any more dogs in the apartment but maybe we could get the pugs a fish. Except Avery's F is still a W so it's a really a pet "wishy." Totally changing the subject but gosh I love to hear her talk. When she has chocolate on her "wace" or we see a "wiretruck" it's always cute!
While Avery's Goldie is still swimming around, my mom's fish is not. Avery has asked me repeatedly why Nana's fish went to Heaven. Talk about hard to explain in a way she understands! She broke my heart a little when she asked about us going to Heaven. She teared up and asked if we would never come back and if the pugs could go with us. I told her I think she's going to live a long happy life and that seemed to bring back a smile. I don't think I was quite prepared to answer questions like that just yet!
And not to totally bring this post down after the last paragraph, because this is actually a praise, but I randomly found a knot behind Avery's knee earlier in the month and it fortunately turned out to be a cyst. She was so good during the x-ray and then the ultrasound a few days later. Deran ended up taking a long lunch and coming to the ultrasound with us and I was so thankful. We were so glad the radiologist came in to talk to us before we even left the appointment to let us know his diagnosis. Seeing our sweet girl laying on the table and finding out all is okay was such a relief! Lots of prayers went up for her and I'm so grateful for God's presence and healing!
Enough sad happiness, onto the crazy! Avery has been antagonizing the pugs to the point I want to kennel her instead. Not really. Maybe. Sometimes. She gets semi-attacked by Harper on a daily basis. It's totally provoked so we don't punish Harper. Avery is always trying to trap her or chase her or take her toy and put it on a high shelf or...the list could go on and on. Oscar doesn't fare much better, he's just more tolerant.
A few things I want to remember from this month that she said or happened...One morning she was hugging me on the couch and told me she just couldn't stop hugging me because she loved me too much - one afternoon she put on some dress-up heels and then told me she wasn't a little girl, she was 16 - She dropped some toys in Dean's carseat one day and then cried because when he comes out he is going to tear up everything - she picked out purple panties one day to match her purple socks and fancy shoes, then told me she was going to look "wamous!" - She said she picks her nose so much because her nose likes it - After class one day as I was putting on her socks and shoes for a trip to the park, she asked if Daddy was coming. I told her he was still at work and she looked over at her teacher and told her, "You know my daddy is smart." Statement not a question. - She wants to get headphones to fit the pugs. - She has mastered taking photos with our phones and took several of me making various funny faces. She was laughing so hard I didn't think she'd be able to actually take a picture. She made sure to show it to Deran that night after dinner and giggled so much! - At the Christmas parade Spider Man came along and sprayed us all with some silly string. Initially she was not a fan but then she played with it throughout the rest of the parade but kept asking, "Why did Spider Man do that?!" - She got so much joy out of rolling down the hill at the park and I got so much joy out of swinging with her. She was facing me, sitting on my lap with her head on my shoulder and though we snuggle a lot it was one of the sweetest moments I keep thinking about several days later.
So Avery at 40 months is truly the best! She always says she has the "best Daddy!" or the "best Momma!" and she's going to love us forever and forever and forever and forever. I always respond with the same and I mean it. We wouldn't trade our days with her for anything. Forty months of parenting and she's still the best part of both of us. We're soooo excited for what this next month holds!!! We'll most definitely be welcoming a brother and then getting to celebrate our favorite holiday. Lots of activities and life to be lived, I can't wait to see it through Avery's eyes!
The monthly iPhone update, top to bottom and left to right: being the saddest kid ever to visit Santa, laughing crazily while holding her snowman made at a tea party benefiting St. Jude's at our local PBK, lunching at the mall food court, holding Super Pug and being darn cute, headed out for a date with Daddy, testing out brother's new bed with lots of ponies and a Ming Ming mask, snacking on a cookie we got at the local Subway while out walking the 'hood, swinging from the monkey bars because she's a big kid now, a rare moment of contentment and snuggles between those two.
Happy 40 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!
November 29, 2012
the night my water didn't break
On Tuesday night I was sitting on the couch after dinner and I moved so that I could put my legs up and lay back a bit. I felt my pants get wet and in the span of a second I was like, "Wait! Is this it?!" but it was strangely cold. Then I realized I still had Avery's juice box in my lap and she'd taken out the straw. Apparently my shift had upended the box on my crotch. Too much information? Perhaps. But I'm still pregnant.
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