I really don't enjoy the holiday of New Year's Eve. I never have. But I always love a new year. Maybe for the same reason I like mornings and Mondays. Just the idea of a clean slate is appealing to me. I love reflecting on all that has happened, and thinking about what we know for sure this year holds for us, and imagining what will happen that we don't know about.
I always take a long luxurious bubble bath on New Year's Eve. It's like my own personal tradition of washing away the old. I give myself a facial, shave my legs and feel all clean and ready for the new year. Last night I thought about how hard the beginning of last year was. Aaron left on New Year's Day and I stayed in Arizona for 10 days with our kids. 3 year old Olivia, 2 year old Abigail and brand spankin new Nathan. It was HARD. My hormones were crazy. I wanted my own bed, my own home, and my husband to get up with the bed wetters, deal with the tantrums and bad dreams, and I just wanted to connect with and love on my new baby. But we got through it and I suppose I'm stronger for the experience.
But last night was just perfect. We did fireworks with the kids at 8:00 - and let them think it was midnight. They loved it so much. We were just together as our little family and it was so perfect. Besides the fact that Nathan cried and cried and cried for hours yesterday. I told Aaron that is a plus to having more than one kid. If one is super grumpy it's tolerable because at least you have two other kids who are being cute. If Nathan was my only child yesterday, I don't even know. I would have gone a little more nuts. Poor boy is still getting more teeth. He got a molar! Hopefully the other one comes in quickly and we can be done for a while.
Anyway, I'm full of all sorts of resolutions. Lose weight. Take more pictures. Read more books. Family scripture study. Cook a new recipe every day for 30 days. Play more with my kids. Overcome my sugar addiction (seriously it's an addiction at this point, people). Blog more. And if at least one of those are successful we'll call it a good year.
2013 felt like it would never get here. This is the year Aaron graduates from LECOM. The year we will find out where we will get a residency, or a job. We will most likely be moving. I can't wait to find out where. Olivia will start Kindergarten in August this year. I'm sure there will be a few trips to New Jersey. Certainly a trip to Erie for graduation in June. So much to look forward to!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Saturday, December 29, 2012
My Baby Boy
I want to take pictures of Nathan with my fancy new cameras, and I keep thinking I will do this post once I get his pictures done. But those pictures may never happen. So here's a snap shot in words of my baby boy at age 1.
He repeats everything you say like a little parrot. It's so cute. He won't say it again though. Like seriously I've heard him say so many words! But just mimicking what I've said and not really saying them. Words he uses himself are: Mama, Dada, woowoo (for dogs), yaya (Olivia), abba (Abigail) and thank-you. I think that's it.
He's walking more and more. Ooh I made a video! Let's see if I can figure out how to upload it here.
The other lady being excited with me was a random grandma at the museum. She was so funny. She started crying after watching him walk. And she was the one who made sure I got it on video. She was a sweet lady.
He still crawls some, but I think he's starting to prefer walking.
He's the lightest sleeper ever. He never wants to miss a thing. He has to be sure his sisters are going to bed for him to go to bed as well. If hears them at all he starts screaming because he's missing out on the fun.
Screaming. He is a screamer. It drives me and I'm sure everyone else that lives in this house nuts. If he wants something he screams a blood curling scream. He's started using other sounds and signs which is good. And hilarious. He just smacks himself in the head as a general sign for "I want that". Which as I thought about it... most baby signs do involve hitting yourself somewhere on your head or face, so I guess he's not too far off.
His favorite time of the day is bath time. He absolutely loves taking a bath. He hates getting dressed. Cue the blood curling scream. But he also loves getting out of the house. If he's grumpy just going outside instantly improves his mood. He really enjoys the car, and just going places.
My favorite thing about Nathan is his inability to NOT suck his thumb if he touches something soft. It's like a reflex for him. He truly can't help it. He pets the dog, and instantly the thumb is in his mouth. Every night he cuddles up with his soft blanket and sucks his thumb and rests his head on my chest and I just soak it in. I mean how long will a little boy want to sit on my lap and cuddle me? I know this time with him as a baby is short so those moments when we cuddle and he sucks his thumb just melt my heart every time.
And I think that about sums him up. Loud. Talkative. Thumbsucker.
He repeats everything you say like a little parrot. It's so cute. He won't say it again though. Like seriously I've heard him say so many words! But just mimicking what I've said and not really saying them. Words he uses himself are: Mama, Dada, woowoo (for dogs), yaya (Olivia), abba (Abigail) and thank-you. I think that's it.
He's walking more and more. Ooh I made a video! Let's see if I can figure out how to upload it here.
The other lady being excited with me was a random grandma at the museum. She was so funny. She started crying after watching him walk. And she was the one who made sure I got it on video. She was a sweet lady.
He still crawls some, but I think he's starting to prefer walking.
He's the lightest sleeper ever. He never wants to miss a thing. He has to be sure his sisters are going to bed for him to go to bed as well. If hears them at all he starts screaming because he's missing out on the fun.
Screaming. He is a screamer. It drives me and I'm sure everyone else that lives in this house nuts. If he wants something he screams a blood curling scream. He's started using other sounds and signs which is good. And hilarious. He just smacks himself in the head as a general sign for "I want that". Which as I thought about it... most baby signs do involve hitting yourself somewhere on your head or face, so I guess he's not too far off.
His favorite time of the day is bath time. He absolutely loves taking a bath. He hates getting dressed. Cue the blood curling scream. But he also loves getting out of the house. If he's grumpy just going outside instantly improves his mood. He really enjoys the car, and just going places.
My favorite thing about Nathan is his inability to NOT suck his thumb if he touches something soft. It's like a reflex for him. He truly can't help it. He pets the dog, and instantly the thumb is in his mouth. Every night he cuddles up with his soft blanket and sucks his thumb and rests his head on my chest and I just soak it in. I mean how long will a little boy want to sit on my lap and cuddle me? I know this time with him as a baby is short so those moments when we cuddle and he sucks his thumb just melt my heart every time.
And I think that about sums him up. Loud. Talkative. Thumbsucker.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
My iPhone ruined my blog
Before blogging was so easy because all my pictures were so easily uploaded from my blog to my phone. I haven't figured out a super easy way to do this with my iPhone so I don't know.
I don't even know what I'm talking about - most of my posts never even include pictures so that's a bad excuse.
Christmas was wonderful.Well for the kids. I got sick shortly after they opened their presents. Like out of nowhere it hit me like a ton of bricks, so sick. It was no fun. I ended up spending all day in bed. Aaron was like, "At least you got to lay in bed all day like you've always wanted." Which is true. I just wish it didn't happen on Christmas day. And that I didn't have a 102 temp and body aches and vomiting all day. Kind of ruins the whole thing really.
But thank goodness Aaron was home so I could rest all day. I couldn't imagine what the day would have been like if he wasn't here.
And now he's sick. Sicker than I was. So today I kept the kids as far away from him as possible.
This year for Christmas the kids got three presents (each) from Aaron and I, and two presents from Santa. We decided on Olivia's first Christmas that we would do three presents. Originally I think our plan was for three presents total (like Jesus got three presents...) but things have evolved. It's just so easy to go way overboard, and they have so many people who love them that they have more than enough stuff. Growing up all of our presents were from Santa. Aaron had "Santa presents" and then presents from his parents. I think it's a little confusing. But at least this way Santa doesn't get ALL the credit. Santa brought the girls Power Wheels. They were a huge hit and it's hilarious to watch them drive all over the basement. Today Olivia took Nathan for a little drive on her lap. He loved it.
I also got spoiled this year. Aaron got me an awesome, amazing, fantastic fancy DSLR (is that what it's called?) camera with lots of different lenses and whatnot. I am SO excited to learn how to use it. Right now every picture comes out pretty fuzzy. But I'm excited to start a hobby of photography. And lucky for me my mom also got me a camera. The one from her is more of a point and shoot. Granted it's 14 megapixel and also super fancy and awesome -- it's easy to use. I love them both. Here are some pictures from the camera from my mom...
I don't even know what I'm talking about - most of my posts never even include pictures so that's a bad excuse.
Christmas was wonderful.Well for the kids. I got sick shortly after they opened their presents. Like out of nowhere it hit me like a ton of bricks, so sick. It was no fun. I ended up spending all day in bed. Aaron was like, "At least you got to lay in bed all day like you've always wanted." Which is true. I just wish it didn't happen on Christmas day. And that I didn't have a 102 temp and body aches and vomiting all day. Kind of ruins the whole thing really.
But thank goodness Aaron was home so I could rest all day. I couldn't imagine what the day would have been like if he wasn't here.
And now he's sick. Sicker than I was. So today I kept the kids as far away from him as possible.
This year for Christmas the kids got three presents (each) from Aaron and I, and two presents from Santa. We decided on Olivia's first Christmas that we would do three presents. Originally I think our plan was for three presents total (like Jesus got three presents...) but things have evolved. It's just so easy to go way overboard, and they have so many people who love them that they have more than enough stuff. Growing up all of our presents were from Santa. Aaron had "Santa presents" and then presents from his parents. I think it's a little confusing. But at least this way Santa doesn't get ALL the credit. Santa brought the girls Power Wheels. They were a huge hit and it's hilarious to watch them drive all over the basement. Today Olivia took Nathan for a little drive on her lap. He loved it.
I also got spoiled this year. Aaron got me an awesome, amazing, fantastic fancy DSLR (is that what it's called?) camera with lots of different lenses and whatnot. I am SO excited to learn how to use it. Right now every picture comes out pretty fuzzy. But I'm excited to start a hobby of photography. And lucky for me my mom also got me a camera. The one from her is more of a point and shoot. Granted it's 14 megapixel and also super fancy and awesome -- it's easy to use. I love them both. Here are some pictures from the camera from my mom...
 |
| Sparkly setting on my camera |
 |
| Three |
 |
| Two |
 |
| One.. we're out of here! |
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Rambling thoughts
This time last year I was a few days away from my due date with Nathan. Super stressed about traveling right after my baby was to be born. Stressed about the end of the semester. And just life in general.
I don't even remember New Year's Eve last year. Really, like at all. Was I still in AZ?
All I know is that I like to live life one day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time. And then things happen and life forces me to think into the future and make these big huge decisions about a thousand tomorrows from now. And I'm like, I can't even decide what to cook for dinner! How am I supposed to decide if and where Aaron should do a Pharmacy Residency. Of course it's a decision we are making together. And with the help of prayer and all that. But still. It stresses me out to literally not even know where to register Olivia for Kindergarten next year.
It is a stressful time.
But at least I'm not pregnant.
Sometimes that thought is my saving grace. Wow these kids are driving me crazy! At least I'm not currently growing another one.
That probably sounds horrible. If you think I am horrible for thinking this I invite you to come spend 24 hours with my little crew.
See how fast you get your tubes tied.
Kidding!
But really...
No, no, my kids are great. In fact, old blog, you might want to know that Nathan isthisclose to walking. He will just stand right up and I know he's just getting ready to take off.
Also, tonight Abigail told me I'm the best cooker in the world of soup. (I made a really yummy black bean soup for dinner. Which Aaron only gave a 4/5 so I won't bother sharing the recipe...)
Also, did you know Netflix got the rights to Disney movies? There are a few titles already available like Dumbo and Pocahontas. When I told Abigial Dumbo was on Netflix and we could watch it whenever she wants she happily exclaimed, "THIS IS MY MAGICAL DREAM COME TRUE!" Her magical dream. So cute. So we watched Dumbo, twice.
Oh I've also been meaning to tell you Abigail has an imaginary friend. Named Abigail. She will often talk about "the other Abigail". From what I know so far she always wears pink. And lives in a pink house. And she taught Abigail how to peddle her bike today.
Olivia is seriously my biggest helper. Most days. Tonight while giving the kids a bath, I was letting them play and Olivia took a wash cloth and cleaned Nathan's face for me. She is always trying to cheer him up if he's crabby and tonight she shared her ice cream with him. She really has a good heart.
Speaking of which, when she emptied her piggy bank and counted her money ($1.57) she asked me if she could go buy something for Abigail. I said sure when Dad gets home. Then she asked if she could just give it to an orphan. Or maybe that little girl in New Jersey whose house got washed away. Or maybe someone in Japan whose house got washed away. Finally deciding on an orphan since that is just the saddest thing she could possibly imagine. So we are sending her money to a local orphanage. She wished she had hundreds of dollars so she could give it to everyone. When I asked her if she would buy anything for herself she said, "I don't care about myself, Mom. I just like to help people. Isn't that what Jesus would do?" Yes, yes I think it is exactly what Jesus would do. And that's what I told her. And she beamed.
Maybe I do like these kids after all.
I don't even remember New Year's Eve last year. Really, like at all. Was I still in AZ?
All I know is that I like to live life one day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time. And then things happen and life forces me to think into the future and make these big huge decisions about a thousand tomorrows from now. And I'm like, I can't even decide what to cook for dinner! How am I supposed to decide if and where Aaron should do a Pharmacy Residency. Of course it's a decision we are making together. And with the help of prayer and all that. But still. It stresses me out to literally not even know where to register Olivia for Kindergarten next year.
It is a stressful time.
But at least I'm not pregnant.
Sometimes that thought is my saving grace. Wow these kids are driving me crazy! At least I'm not currently growing another one.
That probably sounds horrible. If you think I am horrible for thinking this I invite you to come spend 24 hours with my little crew.
See how fast you get your tubes tied.
Kidding!
But really...
No, no, my kids are great. In fact, old blog, you might want to know that Nathan isthisclose to walking. He will just stand right up and I know he's just getting ready to take off.
Also, tonight Abigail told me I'm the best cooker in the world of soup. (I made a really yummy black bean soup for dinner. Which Aaron only gave a 4/5 so I won't bother sharing the recipe...)
Also, did you know Netflix got the rights to Disney movies? There are a few titles already available like Dumbo and Pocahontas. When I told Abigial Dumbo was on Netflix and we could watch it whenever she wants she happily exclaimed, "THIS IS MY MAGICAL DREAM COME TRUE!" Her magical dream. So cute. So we watched Dumbo, twice.
Oh I've also been meaning to tell you Abigail has an imaginary friend. Named Abigail. She will often talk about "the other Abigail". From what I know so far she always wears pink. And lives in a pink house. And she taught Abigail how to peddle her bike today.
Olivia is seriously my biggest helper. Most days. Tonight while giving the kids a bath, I was letting them play and Olivia took a wash cloth and cleaned Nathan's face for me. She is always trying to cheer him up if he's crabby and tonight she shared her ice cream with him. She really has a good heart.
Speaking of which, when she emptied her piggy bank and counted her money ($1.57) she asked me if she could go buy something for Abigail. I said sure when Dad gets home. Then she asked if she could just give it to an orphan. Or maybe that little girl in New Jersey whose house got washed away. Or maybe someone in Japan whose house got washed away. Finally deciding on an orphan since that is just the saddest thing she could possibly imagine. So we are sending her money to a local orphanage. She wished she had hundreds of dollars so she could give it to everyone. When I asked her if she would buy anything for herself she said, "I don't care about myself, Mom. I just like to help people. Isn't that what Jesus would do?" Yes, yes I think it is exactly what Jesus would do. And that's what I told her. And she beamed.
Maybe I do like these kids after all.
Friday, November 30, 2012
A Post To Make You Feel Better About Your Parenting
Last night I forgot to feed my children dinner. Completely forgot.
There is a story behind it, I guess. But the bottom line is I put my children to bed without feeding them dinner!
So here's the whole story. Maybe it will improve your opinion of me a little bit...
Last night I cooked dinner early while Abigail and Nathan were napping. It was just homemade burritos, that we could warm up later. So dinner was all done and ready by 4:00PM. When the little ones woke from their naps we watched a show, and then made those cinnamon Christmas ornaments you see all over Pinterest. It was a total mess. So when we were done I made the kids go straight to the tub. And then my brain just switched to our bedtime routine - totally forgetting they hadn't eaten since lunch. Kissed them goodnight and went downstairs to make some cookies for a project I'm working on. Still never even thinking about the fact that they didn't eat dinner! I had eaten so much while cooking, that I wasn't hungry, so I guess that was factor. Anyway I went upstairs to check on them and heard them chatting. I opened the door to tell them to go to sleep, and they both said, "But Mom, we're SO hungry! We never had dinner."
*slaps forehead*
Mom of the year, right here! And to make you feel even better about your own parenting skills I will tell you what I did next.
I gave them each a giant cookie that I had just made. To eat in bed. After they already brushed their teeth.
I need a vacation. Good thing my husband is taking me away tonight!! I can NOT wait.
There is a story behind it, I guess. But the bottom line is I put my children to bed without feeding them dinner!
So here's the whole story. Maybe it will improve your opinion of me a little bit...
Last night I cooked dinner early while Abigail and Nathan were napping. It was just homemade burritos, that we could warm up later. So dinner was all done and ready by 4:00PM. When the little ones woke from their naps we watched a show, and then made those cinnamon Christmas ornaments you see all over Pinterest. It was a total mess. So when we were done I made the kids go straight to the tub. And then my brain just switched to our bedtime routine - totally forgetting they hadn't eaten since lunch. Kissed them goodnight and went downstairs to make some cookies for a project I'm working on. Still never even thinking about the fact that they didn't eat dinner! I had eaten so much while cooking, that I wasn't hungry, so I guess that was factor. Anyway I went upstairs to check on them and heard them chatting. I opened the door to tell them to go to sleep, and they both said, "But Mom, we're SO hungry! We never had dinner."
*slaps forehead*
Mom of the year, right here! And to make you feel even better about your own parenting skills I will tell you what I did next.
I gave them each a giant cookie that I had just made. To eat in bed. After they already brushed their teeth.
I need a vacation. Good thing my husband is taking me away tonight!! I can NOT wait.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
An eventful week.
Aaron was off all of last week.
Tomorrow it's back to the grind. I'm not looking forward to it.
Although this week with him home was anything but relaxing. We spent Monday getting everything done so we could enjoy the rest of "vacation".
Woke up Tuesday morning to the news that my friend was in labor! On her due date! Who does that?! Anyway we had arranged for me to watch her little girl while she was in the hospital. So for the next three days we had an extra little person around. Oh and then Obama won the election that night... it was a ROUGH night!
I have also been feeling extremely helpless as I watch my hometown grieving at the lose of our Jersey shore. My heart seriously broke. And I sat here racked with this feeling of wanting to do something but what can I possibly do from 2,000 miles away? We are living on student loans so it's not like we really have money to donate or anything. Well then I got a crazy idea about a cookie fundraiser. I made a facebook page and started taking orders. I got pretty busy. Baked dozens and dozens of cookies and raised $255 to donate. It made me feel great to be helping, but it was insanely stressful.
We did take some time to got the Phoenix Children's Museum, which is always a good time. Although it was really crowded and as we were leaving Abigail said, "Mom - I tried to have fun, but I was scared of all those people." She is kind of a homebody - like someone else I know. But really they had a great time. (Thanks for the Groupon Mom!)
Nathan is going to be 11 months this week. !!! Time is crazy. He is crawling everywhere, but I'm sure going to just stand up and start toddling off any minute. He will stand for longer and longer periods of time. He walks around every pushing things around. Chairs, strollers, etc. His vocabulary is growing - added "ow" and "uh-oh" this week. And we're pretty sure we heard a "woof" when he was petting the dog. And then the rest of the time I'm pretty sure he's speaking Parsletongue. And he's our first child who likes Daddy best. It's sad being the reject parent, but after having Olivia and Abigail attached to me 24/7 it's nice to have a baby leap from my arms and into Aaron's.
Abigail and Olivia have the most volatile relationship. But they end every day as best friends. There have been quite a few nights lately where we find them in the same bed. Or hear them singing to each other. I love when they get along. Olivia is loving preschool. She is learning letter sounds now, and will be reading soon. I'm excited for her. Abigail and I do Mommy school most days when Olivia is at school. I cherish the time with her so much. She is such a sweet girl and tells me she loves about 526 times a day.
Just thought I'd do a quick update of what's been going on lately. There are so many times Aaron and I try to figure out what we did for say... Abigail's second Halloween. Were we in NJ? Did we stay in Erie? Let's check the blog! It has answered lots of questions. So future self.. there ya go.
Tomorrow it's back to the grind. I'm not looking forward to it.
Although this week with him home was anything but relaxing. We spent Monday getting everything done so we could enjoy the rest of "vacation".
Woke up Tuesday morning to the news that my friend was in labor! On her due date! Who does that?! Anyway we had arranged for me to watch her little girl while she was in the hospital. So for the next three days we had an extra little person around. Oh and then Obama won the election that night... it was a ROUGH night!
I have also been feeling extremely helpless as I watch my hometown grieving at the lose of our Jersey shore. My heart seriously broke. And I sat here racked with this feeling of wanting to do something but what can I possibly do from 2,000 miles away? We are living on student loans so it's not like we really have money to donate or anything. Well then I got a crazy idea about a cookie fundraiser. I made a facebook page and started taking orders. I got pretty busy. Baked dozens and dozens of cookies and raised $255 to donate. It made me feel great to be helping, but it was insanely stressful.
We did take some time to got the Phoenix Children's Museum, which is always a good time. Although it was really crowded and as we were leaving Abigail said, "Mom - I tried to have fun, but I was scared of all those people." She is kind of a homebody - like someone else I know. But really they had a great time. (Thanks for the Groupon Mom!)
Nathan is going to be 11 months this week. !!! Time is crazy. He is crawling everywhere, but I'm sure going to just stand up and start toddling off any minute. He will stand for longer and longer periods of time. He walks around every pushing things around. Chairs, strollers, etc. His vocabulary is growing - added "ow" and "uh-oh" this week. And we're pretty sure we heard a "woof" when he was petting the dog. And then the rest of the time I'm pretty sure he's speaking Parsletongue. And he's our first child who likes Daddy best. It's sad being the reject parent, but after having Olivia and Abigail attached to me 24/7 it's nice to have a baby leap from my arms and into Aaron's.
Abigail and Olivia have the most volatile relationship. But they end every day as best friends. There have been quite a few nights lately where we find them in the same bed. Or hear them singing to each other. I love when they get along. Olivia is loving preschool. She is learning letter sounds now, and will be reading soon. I'm excited for her. Abigail and I do Mommy school most days when Olivia is at school. I cherish the time with her so much. She is such a sweet girl and tells me she loves about 526 times a day.
Just thought I'd do a quick update of what's been going on lately. There are so many times Aaron and I try to figure out what we did for say... Abigail's second Halloween. Were we in NJ? Did we stay in Erie? Let's check the blog! It has answered lots of questions. So future self.. there ya go.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
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