Incident Report

Holden's preschool is extremely diligent with paper work. I am sure it is to protect them from any potential lawsuits. I have become accustomed to getting emails from the nurse's office stating that "Holden has visited the nurses" for various reasons. Most of the time, I think it is just to get a Superhero bandage and lollipop. I would frequent the nurses too if I knew I was going to get a lollipop for just visiting. Wouldn't you?

Well, at pick up on Monday, Ms. Jan came out with a form. I knew even before she said anything that it was an "Incident or Accident Report". She proceeds to tell me that Holden was the victim. They make it sound like these kids are juvenile delinquents. Apparently, they were on the playground, and some child tackled and scratched Holden's face. Well, I was expecting a huge scratch they way the described it. As soon as I saw him, I knew a little Aquaphor would help heal it pretty quickly. And a good thing since Spring pictures were the next day!

Look at how handsome both boys look! Holden looks like a little man to me! (Amazing what a little Aquaphor can do-you can barely see the scratch!)

Funny story from that morning- I was saying to Kevin how grown Holden looked and how big Rylan is getting and that we should have another baby. Kevin very quickly answered "No, but we can get a dog." Holden interrupts to say, "We can trade Rylan for a dog." "What! Trade Rylan, wouldn't you miss him?" I asked. Holden answered after a LONG pause, "I'm just kidding." Hmm...I am not sure he was "just kidding" but at least he had to think about it!

First Tooth-Actually Teeth

Rylan has been drooling and chewing on everything lately. Today, I felt and he has cut his bottom two teeth! To help ease the pain and to introduce new foods we've been using the teething feeder. It is great. So far he has enjoyed everything. I am not sure if it is just because it is something to chew on or if he likes the new foods. At this point, we've used watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, bananas (which is a pain to get out of those mesh bags!), avocado, and skinless grapes. And wouldn't you know it, once I give Rylan something in the teether Holden has to have whatever too!

Here is a picture of the boys as they "cheers" their bananas.

Rylan's first teeth came in without too much fussiness or pain. I am in hopes that the others will come in as smoothly.

I Was Just Pretending

I can appreciate a child's imagination. Actually, I encourage it. And my Holden has a great one! I thought he was getting his shoes so that we could leave for choir. Yes, my little entertainer is in the children's church choir. The kids are really cute! Where was I, oh yes, back to the story. Holden was supposedly getting his shoes when I kept hearing the water turn on and off. I thought he was going potty, but after I heard the water turn on and off a couple more times, I knew he was up to something. So I yelled for him to come downstairs. He leaned over the banister and he was drenched! "What are you doing? And why are you all wet?" I asked. He said, "I was pretending I was hot and I had to jump in the ocean. So that is why I am all wet." Of course that was what I was thinking too...yeah right.

While we were laughing, we scared Rylan and when I picked him up, my poor little fella had an explosive diaper. Poop was all over his back! Now, I have one child who is wet and thinks we are at the ocean and the other one is covered in poop. As I am changing Rylan, he decides it is time to practice his new skills of rolling from his back to his tummy. Poop was everywhere! And I have Holden under my feet yelling "Eww, that is disgusting" (His new favorite word that he learned at school-everything is disgusting food, clothes, mud, you name it). Finally, I managed to get everyone cleaned up and in the car. Surprisingly, we were on time. I do not know how, but somehow we made it. What an exciting Wednesday. And it all started with someone "just pretending".

Spring Sunday Afternoon

What a beautiful weekend we just had! We enjoyed everything about spring today - playing at the park, feeding the ducks, popsicles, playing in the sand and grilling out. With the economy in meltdown, days like this help me remember that the simplest outings and things in life are always the best. Happy Spring!

A Little Lost?

Kevin called on Friday from work and said he wanted to cook for me on Saturday night. I was waiting for the catch. In the 8 years that we have been together, he has NEVER cooked for me. He may grill, but the stove top and oven are foreign to him. A little in shock, I sat there on the phone and then he said, "Can you get a recipe and then buy everything? And I will cook for you. Nothing too difficult." I knew there was a catch. But hey, I will take what I can get:) I decided Mozzarella Chicken Bake was not that hard, and it only has 5 ingredients. How could he possibly mess it up. Right?

I missed taking the picture of everything spread out on the counter. But I did manage to snap this one at the end. Doesn't he look a little lost in the kitchen?

Although he looks a little confused, dinner turned out great.

A New Favorite

Rylan has a new favorite food. Stoneyfield Yo Baby has come out with Yo Baby Simply first yogurt and Rylan LOVES it! I could not feed it to him fast enough! He kept banging the highchair for more. Not exactly the sign language I've been teaching, but I got the point.

Day at the Zoo

Since Spring Break seemed to sneak up on me, I really did not have too many activities planned for the week. After checking the weather forecast, we decided the best day for the zoo would be Wednesday. Kevin took a vacation day and joined us.

I woke up early to pack the diaper bag and make muffins. I noticed it was dreary outside. Hmm...was the weather forecaster wrong? Let's just say when I go back to work, I should be a weather forecaster-you never have to be right and you will still have a job! But we had already promised Holden we were going and Kevin had taken off, so we went anyways hoping for blue skies and warmer weather.

Even though the weather was poor, the animals apparently loved it. All of them were out and awake for visitors! Here are some of our favorite animals...

Yes, the kangaroo's were fighting! I guess one did not wake up on the right side of the bed:)

Holden brushing the animals in the petting zoo

The family on the train

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Holden is on Spring Break this week so, I decided that we would have our own St. Patrick's Day celebration. Wanting it to be a surprise when he woke up this morning, I decorated last night. From the look on his face I think he was surprised.

I tried to do everything green, which was a little harder than I thought. In the end, I decided to just go with Lucky Charms and a bagel with green colored cream cheese. After breakfast we went to Barnes and Noble for a St. Patrick's Day story time to end our celebration.
On a side note, I wanted to share a cute story from this morning. While Holden was eating breakfast he said,"Mom, thank you leprechaun for buying all theses treats for me. And for all the gold. I love the leprechaun with all my heart" I was thrilled he liked it so much so I said, "Oh, you are welcome Holden. I love you with all my heart" Holden's response to me was, "Mom you are not the leprechaun! The leprechaun lives at the North Pole. Can you write it on your list to tell him for me?" Sure- I guess I will send a thank you note to the leprechaun. If I remember to put it on my list of "things to do"!

If you are wondering-what does this child have on? Yesterday, I was cleaning out Holden's closet and drawers and came upon these Buzz Lightyear PJ's that are 2 sizes too small. Well, he spotted them as I was putting them in the container and wanted to wear them. Thinking that he would realize that they were too short and too tight. I kept them out. Oh but I was wrong! Mom, they fit perfect if you wear a long sleeve shirt under it! Oh he keeps me laughing:)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

6 Month Check-Up

Baby Rylan is 6 months! Where has the time gone?

Rylan had his check-up last week and is growing beautifully! However, he caught Holden's stomach bug and had really not been eating the days leading up to his appointment. But is feeling much better now. Here are his stats from his appointment:

Weight: 16 pounds

Height: 28 inches

Head Circumference: 17 inches

They performed a vision screening test, which he passed. Checked his development and is on track.

At the appointment Dr. Burnham discussed starting a third meal and a sippy cup. Well, Holden took the opportunity to teach Rylan how to drink from a sippy cup seriously!

At least he has a big brother ready and willing to teach him!

What A Difference A Week Makes

Wow! What a difference a week makes with the weather! This past weekend was beautiful! Much different from the cold/rainy/snowy mess we had the previous week. We took full advantage of the weather after being cooped up with the stomach bug. Holden and I had PLENTY of time to plan something to do. We decided to do a Nature Hunt. Originally, we were planning on going to the Chattahoochee Nature Trail, however, Kevin's coaches meeting for Holden's T-ball team took longer than expected. So, we ended up going on our Nature Hunt in the neighborhood. Holden helped me compile a list of things to find on our hunt. Some of his suggestions I had to put as "bonus finds" because I do not think we will be finding a bear anytime soon!

Holden was a little tired after the "hunt"

Additionally, Rylan had his first experience in the play set swing. From the looks of things, I think he enjoyed it!

(I do not remember what Holden was saying to Rylan, but you can see they are up to something!)

And what would a spring-like day be with out bubbles?

Too bad the weather report is calling for cooler weather later this week.

Parental Supervision?

Holden is finally feeling better after having a stomach bug. Today, he was up for an activity. I thought stickers and stamps would be fun. I also thought this would keep him busy while I unload the dishes and clean up a bit. He was having fun and wanted to show me his art work. I walked over to the table to see this...

And then I looked at him and saw this....

"Oh, Holden you have ink on your face." "I know momma, it's a mustache!" I suppose I need to supervise a little better next time!

After the "mustache" activity, I put on the Baby Genius Nursery Rhymes. I really put on the music for Rylan, however, Holden loves to sing to each of the songs. He especially loves"Take Me Out To the Ballgame" From looking at the picture, I think he is ready for T-ball this year. Don't you??

Happy Birthday Kimberly!

Old Family Pictures of Us

Today my sister, Kimberly, is 30 "something"! To think she has teenagers makes me feel so old! When we were little, I was the "pain" she had to babysit and take care of. Then she was a teenager that could drive. Her responsibilities changed, and she had to take me to and from school. But who could forget what she had to drive, the old yellow Mercedes that we fondly called "Bessie". Bessie did not run half of the time, and on a cold day she could not get up a hill, had a leaky sunroof that would flood the car when it rained, and how could I forget, you could hear her coming from a mile away because she needed a new muffler. We liked to talk to "her" in hopes that she would not break down! Such great times! Now, it seems like our lives have swapped. I used to work while she stayed at home with the kids. Now she is working, volunteering for everything known to man, studying for her CPA, raising teenagers & a family, and most of all being a great sister. We have been through a lot together as children and as adults. I just wanted to let you know how much I love, respect, and value you! Hope you have a wonderful birthday! Happy Birthday! We love you.

And We Are Up

Rylan will be 6 months next week. Gosh, where has the time gone? For the past couple of days he has been sitting up with no assistance! I remember when Holden was little, not that he is not little now but, I could not wait for him to sit up, crawl, walk and talk. Now, I just wish that I could rewind time and enjoy each stage again. It used to drive me crazy when people would stop me in a store and tell me how fast time would pass by,or how their children were grown. I would always think, yeah right. However, I completely understand today what they were talking about. They grow up so quickly! My little baby is sitting up.

The Joys of Motherhood

I love being a mother. However, there is one thing I could do without, sick little ones! Especially vomiting!!! On the way to preschool this morning, Holden said his tummy was hurting so as any good mother would do I turned the car around to go back home. We were not that far from home, maybe two or three stop lights when I looked back to see the color of his face go from normal to green. And just our luck, we got stuck at each red light making it LONGER to get home. We pulled into the garage but it was too late - he was already sick! Needless to say, he was hysterical not only because he did not feel well but because it was all over him! YUCK, YUCK,YUCK!!!

After cleaning him up, he parked himself on the couch to watch a movie. (Actually, it turned into a Disney Movie Marathon)

(Yes, we do own other pajamas! However, these ugly superhero ones are his favorite and that is what he wanted to put on after he was cleaned up)

Once I got Rylan down for his nap, I was left with the nasty chore of cleaning the car, car seat, bathroom, and washing the clothes! For those of you who have not had the pleasure of cleaning a car seat full of vomit, let me tell you that is the WORST JOB EVER!!! Who ever thought there were so many crevasses it could get into! After an hour of cleaning and disinfecting, I checked my email only to see that school was cancelled due to snow. What snow?? I know most of the United States was being covered in snow but we did not get any. Look at the picture of Holden in the yard yesterday. As you can see, we just got a dusting of snow. But I guess it was enough to call off school. If only I would have known maybe then we would have been sick at home! Oh well, I guess I should have checked email or the television. Lesson learned!

If that were not enough, after Holden calmed down, he remembered he was missing Dr. Seuss' Birthday party at school. I told him no one was at school to have the party, he felt better. (He only goes M,T,TH so he looks so forward to seeing his friends) Unfortunately, I did not have the heart to tell him he will be missing school tomorrow since he has the stomach virus. I better think of some way to celebrate at home. I am thinking Green Eggs and Ham does not sound too appetizing! Maybe just toast and a book! Oh the joys of motherhood!

I tried to keep Rylan away from Holden so that he does not get any of his germs. While I folded laundry, he played in his crib. Such a good baby:)

Winter Gymnastics

Wednesday was Holden's last class for the winter session of Gymnastics. We have been taking gymnastics for the past 2 years and he loves it! Especially the winter session, when we can not get outside to burn off all his energy! This is a great outlet and usually he takes a great nap afterwards, which is an added bonus! For the final class, all of the parents are invited into the gym to take pictures/videos of their little ones. Holden was excited that his daddy surprised him and showed up for the final class. He really demonstrated how he can tumble, walk the balance beam, hang on the bars, and swing on the rope (his favorite). My little gymnast!

Setting up to jump

Walking the balance beam

Standing on the bars

Getting ready to swing on the rope. Holden's favorite-swinging into the foam pit.

Swing on the rope

Gymnastics Class (yes, it was practically all girls!)

Note: For some reason all of the pictures turned out dark. The gym must have been darker than I thought.