While giving Ambree hugs tonight:
Ambree: Mommmy, you really love me!
Me: Of course!
Ambree: Are you taking all of my hugs?
Me: I think there are a few left, I better get them!
Ambree: I will save some just in case you need some later on.
Me: Oh, thank you!
Ambree: I will save them in my heart.
Me: Sweet, girl.
Ambree: I can give you everything in my heart.
Me [heart melting]: Where do you learn this stuff?
Ambree: I taught myself :)
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Jack-16 months old
Jack keeps changing so much every month, that I had a running log of things I wanted to post about him being 15 months old, but a month passed by, and I am just trying to keep up! There are some pictures from last month, though.
He has started talking more. Well, he talks plenty, almost as much as Ambree, but it's mostly jibberish. When I pick him up from the nursery, he looks me in the eyes and jibber jabbers for a good minute or two about what I missed out on. But he intelligible language has progressed, too. He can say poopies in context. He says eat ("geet"), again ("'gan"), Mama, Papa, doggie, water ("wawa"), out, up, bath, night night, bye bye, and some others. I'm pretty sure he's trying to say Ambree.
He eats all of the time. I've rarely seen him turn down a meal.
He loves to be outside. His favorite thing is to push the wagon while Ambree pulls it.
He loves slides, even the taller ones.
He loves to cuddle for brief moments throughout the day. They're short, but I cherish them.
He sees me from across the room, even if he's been with me all day, and squeals as he runs into my arms, practically throwing himself forward.
He loves Chloe and tries to tickle her.
If I tell him it's time to go, he runs to the alarm to set it before we leave.
He loves his lovey, LaLa. He squeal when he sees her too. He runs, grabs her and bites her nose. Then as he's holding her, his little fingers search for her tail to hold, just like Ambree does with Sizzles, and the two fingers go in his mouth, just like Ambree.
He's just precious and I adore him.
He has started talking more. Well, he talks plenty, almost as much as Ambree, but it's mostly jibberish. When I pick him up from the nursery, he looks me in the eyes and jibber jabbers for a good minute or two about what I missed out on. But he intelligible language has progressed, too. He can say poopies in context. He says eat ("geet"), again ("'gan"), Mama, Papa, doggie, water ("wawa"), out, up, bath, night night, bye bye, and some others. I'm pretty sure he's trying to say Ambree.
He eats all of the time. I've rarely seen him turn down a meal.
He loves to be outside. His favorite thing is to push the wagon while Ambree pulls it.
He loves slides, even the taller ones.
He loves to cuddle for brief moments throughout the day. They're short, but I cherish them.
He sees me from across the room, even if he's been with me all day, and squeals as he runs into my arms, practically throwing himself forward.
He loves Chloe and tries to tickle her.
If I tell him it's time to go, he runs to the alarm to set it before we leave.
He loves his lovey, LaLa. He squeal when he sees her too. He runs, grabs her and bites her nose. Then as he's holding her, his little fingers search for her tail to hold, just like Ambree does with Sizzles, and the two fingers go in his mouth, just like Ambree.
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| 10/17. Lovey LaLa. |
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| 10/13 Fun with Ambree. |
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| 10/13 Playing Outside. |
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| 10/31. Jumping Around |
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| 9/22. Being pulled around by Ambree. |
Fall Festival
To celebrate this year, Ambree chose to be a princess, so Jack got stuck being a frog :) Ambree's choice was no surprise. There isn't a day that she doesn't dress up as a princess. And she always wants to have her part down. She'll ask, Mommy, does a princess wear this shoe or this shoe; does a princess eat brocolli; does a pricess go potty in her pull-up? And everything around her transforms into royal this and royal that. Our car becomes a royal horse-drawn carriage, and Jack becomes a strong knight, ready to protect her. I of course get to be the queen.
Monday, September 12, 2011
My Little Cubbie
I have been looking forward to this for about 2 years now. Ambree has started AWANA, and she's a little cubbie. So cute.
Here she is at her first day, Sunday September 11, 2011:
Here she is at her first day, Sunday September 11, 2011:
Port A
We ended up having a great time once we got to the beach! After a fun ferry ride and some dinner, we headed out to the beach. Even though it was already dark, we had a great time running around.
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| We're here! |
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| One of my favorite pics of Jack |
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| And Ambree. |
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| Finally convincing Ambree to brave the waters. |
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| A sweet moment with PaPa |
Dell Children's
All of the pictures are similar, but he's just so stinkin cute.
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| Ambree trying to stay entertained |
Sunday, September 11, 2011
We're Going to the Beach, the Beach, the Beach...
On the spur of the moment, my family decided to go to Port Aransas. I am really a homebody, but I knew Ambree and Jack would love it, so I started packing (well, the night before I started).
Once the car was loaded up, our cargo included:
11 bags (plus 2 small bags)
a booster seat
a stroller
a pack n play
6 lovies, 3 pillows, 3 sheets and a blanket
2 sound machines, 2 sets of monitors
a sewing machine
All for two days and two nights. Just 3 people, two of who are smaller than one person when combined.
The plan was to leave between 8:30 and 9:30, so that we would be on the road asap, and in Port A by naptime. Well, that got pushed back to 10:45 because Mommy was a little behind. But that was fine. So I get everything into the car, including Chloe (who we were dropping off at a friend's house on the way) and Ambree. ALL I have to do is grab Jack and throw him in the car.
I come back into the house to get Jack after loading Ambree to screaming and crying. I find Jack covered in white. Crap, I think, this is the second wardrobe change of the morning and most of his clothes were packed. But the crying wasn't just because he was messy. More worried, I scooped him up, realizing upon inhalation that he had been in the baby powder. (I only had the baby powder out because the night before I tried to use it to deodorize Chloe, but gave up and had to bathe her anyway).
I rinsed his face and found the baby powder, which he had spit up on. So I called poison control, and went to get Ambree out of the car. (Chloe wouldn't leave the car, because she was too afraid of not getting to go somewhere). They said to put him in a warm, humid shower to rinse him and open up his arm ways, but to take him in if he showed signs of respiratory distress. I did all of that and changed his clothes. But he was still coughing, his nose was running, and sometimes it sounded like he was wheezing. Ughh. it seemed benign enough, but I didn't was to go across Texas and worry every time he coughed. So, I called the pediatrician, and like most times, they told me to go in, but not into the pedi office. We're going to the ER!
I unpack all of the interior of the car (after working at a hospital, I was mindful of car theft), coax Chloe out of the car, and head to Dell Children's. All was fine with Jack and we were in and out in about an hour. I fed Jack the lunch that I had packed for a picnic mid-trip out of my hand in the hospital room, while Ambree ate hers and watched Barney.
By the time we left, we were over 4 hours late. We should have already been there, no one had napped, and everyone was ready to go home.
Once the car was loaded up, our cargo included:
11 bags (plus 2 small bags)
a booster seat
a stroller
a pack n play
6 lovies, 3 pillows, 3 sheets and a blanket
2 sound machines, 2 sets of monitors
a sewing machine
All for two days and two nights. Just 3 people, two of who are smaller than one person when combined.
The plan was to leave between 8:30 and 9:30, so that we would be on the road asap, and in Port A by naptime. Well, that got pushed back to 10:45 because Mommy was a little behind. But that was fine. So I get everything into the car, including Chloe (who we were dropping off at a friend's house on the way) and Ambree. ALL I have to do is grab Jack and throw him in the car.
I come back into the house to get Jack after loading Ambree to screaming and crying. I find Jack covered in white. Crap, I think, this is the second wardrobe change of the morning and most of his clothes were packed. But the crying wasn't just because he was messy. More worried, I scooped him up, realizing upon inhalation that he had been in the baby powder. (I only had the baby powder out because the night before I tried to use it to deodorize Chloe, but gave up and had to bathe her anyway).
I rinsed his face and found the baby powder, which he had spit up on. So I called poison control, and went to get Ambree out of the car. (Chloe wouldn't leave the car, because she was too afraid of not getting to go somewhere). They said to put him in a warm, humid shower to rinse him and open up his arm ways, but to take him in if he showed signs of respiratory distress. I did all of that and changed his clothes. But he was still coughing, his nose was running, and sometimes it sounded like he was wheezing. Ughh. it seemed benign enough, but I didn't was to go across Texas and worry every time he coughed. So, I called the pediatrician, and like most times, they told me to go in, but not into the pedi office. We're going to the ER!
I unpack all of the interior of the car (after working at a hospital, I was mindful of car theft), coax Chloe out of the car, and head to Dell Children's. All was fine with Jack and we were in and out in about an hour. I fed Jack the lunch that I had packed for a picnic mid-trip out of my hand in the hospital room, while Ambree ate hers and watched Barney.
By the time we left, we were over 4 hours late. We should have already been there, no one had napped, and everyone was ready to go home.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Just Talking about the Weather
Today much of our state is in prayer for all of the fires surrounding us. Many friends have lost homes, or know people who have. And with a large, very dry field behind our home, I realize how transient our belongings are.
But the HIGH risk of brush fires, came with a cool front, and we enjoyed it. We spent the morning outside playing, and in the evening we went to the park. I realized this is the first real trip to the park for Jack. He loved it.
But the HIGH risk of brush fires, came with a cool front, and we enjoyed it. We spent the morning outside playing, and in the evening we went to the park. I realized this is the first real trip to the park for Jack. He loved it.
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| I was proud she wanted to wear her (homemade) dress again, but a little concerned that she would tear it up... |
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| A Helping Hand from a Loving Sister |
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Baby Signing Time
Jack is a great communicator. He just doesn't use language. By fourteen months, he could pretty much just say "Ow" [out], and "This?" [What's this?]. For everything else, he gestures and squeaks. The more he wants something, or the closer you are to guessing what he wants, the louder the squeak. Cute. For about 2 minutes. The rest of the day, not so much.
So, I've been indoctrinating him with Baby Signing Time. [see Rachel Coleman's blog- amazing!] For most meals, I turn on this 20 minute video that shows basic signs. Ambree loved it, and so does Jack. After a week of watching, he is consistently signing "more" and "eat," which has been so helpful. Ambree and I have also seen him sign banana, bird, horse, water, all done and milk. Yay, Baby Signing Time!
But probably my favorite thing about the show is when they play these little cartoon skits that are maybe 15 seconds long. They are perfectly catered to Jack's age. He loves when they come on, and stops what he's doing to watch. Then when the punch line comes (someone burps or slips on a banana- hilarious!), he looks up at me to smile, like, Mommy that's so funny, did you see? I love that he wants to share the moment with me. It warms my heart. Such a sweet little one.
So, I've been indoctrinating him with Baby Signing Time. [see Rachel Coleman's blog- amazing!] For most meals, I turn on this 20 minute video that shows basic signs. Ambree loved it, and so does Jack. After a week of watching, he is consistently signing "more" and "eat," which has been so helpful. Ambree and I have also seen him sign banana, bird, horse, water, all done and milk. Yay, Baby Signing Time!
But probably my favorite thing about the show is when they play these little cartoon skits that are maybe 15 seconds long. They are perfectly catered to Jack's age. He loves when they come on, and stops what he's doing to watch. Then when the punch line comes (someone burps or slips on a banana- hilarious!), he looks up at me to smile, like, Mommy that's so funny, did you see? I love that he wants to share the moment with me. It warms my heart. Such a sweet little one.
Clean Up, Clean Up...
Ambree hasn't been too sleepy during nap time lately, but I have, so I've extended liberties to encourage a rest time during the middle of the day. It sounds like a construction site in her room at times.
Earlier this week, I went in to wake her up, and all of the room was rearranged. Toys moved all over, and her sound asleep in bed. Then the next afternoon, she all of a sudden appeared in my room while I was napping. Jumping awake, I said, "Is everything okay, do you need to go to the bathroom?" She replied, "Oh, no, Mommy. I'm fine. Go back to sleep." And I did.
Then when I went to wake her up, she said her bed was wet. Oh, dear, I thought, she had an accident. But no, it was from shaking water out of her sippy cup, so that she could 'clean' her bedroom. She wiped everything down, and put everything away. All of her toys were either stuffed into her closet or her tent or a random drawer. It took us two days to find her second sandal.
So now this is the new normal for nap time. She cleans her self to sleep. After telling a friend, I found out one of Ambree's best friends (two months older) has started doing the exact same thing during nap time this same week. Must be a developmental milestone, or they talk during play dates or church, and share their latest ideas.
Earlier this week, I went in to wake her up, and all of the room was rearranged. Toys moved all over, and her sound asleep in bed. Then the next afternoon, she all of a sudden appeared in my room while I was napping. Jumping awake, I said, "Is everything okay, do you need to go to the bathroom?" She replied, "Oh, no, Mommy. I'm fine. Go back to sleep." And I did.
Then when I went to wake her up, she said her bed was wet. Oh, dear, I thought, she had an accident. But no, it was from shaking water out of her sippy cup, so that she could 'clean' her bedroom. She wiped everything down, and put everything away. All of her toys were either stuffed into her closet or her tent or a random drawer. It took us two days to find her second sandal.
So now this is the new normal for nap time. She cleans her self to sleep. After telling a friend, I found out one of Ambree's best friends (two months older) has started doing the exact same thing during nap time this same week. Must be a developmental milestone, or they talk during play dates or church, and share their latest ideas.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
I'm sure most kids who grow up in the church have a lot of questions and fill in the holes on their own with their imagination as they begin learning truths about God and His Word. Sean has a few stories from things he thought growing up- I'm sure he'd love to share.
One of Ambree's catechism questions is, "In how many persons does our one God exist." "Three persons". And then, "Who are those three persons?" "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
Pausing after answering this question, Ambree said, "Yeah, but you can't tell them apart." Just matter of fact, like didn't you know, Mommy? And then tonight, she asked, "Is the Holy Spirit yellow?"
I love this running dialogue.
One of Ambree's catechism questions is, "In how many persons does our one God exist." "Three persons". And then, "Who are those three persons?" "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
Pausing after answering this question, Ambree said, "Yeah, but you can't tell them apart." Just matter of fact, like didn't you know, Mommy? And then tonight, she asked, "Is the Holy Spirit yellow?"
I love this running dialogue.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Chalman Compound
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| What? |
Spent a fun night out with friends at the Chalmans'. It is great moving into a stage of life where enough of our friends have babies that we can all get together on a Saturday night and do something. The kids ate, played in the kiddie pool, ate more, and ran around using up energy while Mommy sat with friends and watched.
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| Jack ate way too many slices of watermelon. I imagine a leaky diaper in the morning, along with needing to change the bedding. Ahh, but it was worth it :) |
Friday, August 19, 2011
Ahhh- Super Behind on Blogging
Since I am so behind on blogging- I haven't even finished my Memorial Day weekend post, I decided to just start blogging again, and try to retro-post as I think of it.
So, in an effort to jump back into it....
This morning I had to meet with another adult. I spend the whole morning getting ready- up an hour before either child. Running to make sure everyone is fed and dressed before Aunt Linda comes over to babysit. Then Jack has a leaky, pooping diaper. On my white shirt. My shame is the amount of time I seriously contemplated not changing. And as I was walking out the door and still smelling poop, I realized I had some on my forearm. This is why I rarely meet with adults during the daytime.
So, in an effort to jump back into it....
This morning I had to meet with another adult. I spend the whole morning getting ready- up an hour before either child. Running to make sure everyone is fed and dressed before Aunt Linda comes over to babysit. Then Jack has a leaky, pooping diaper. On my white shirt. My shame is the amount of time I seriously contemplated not changing. And as I was walking out the door and still smelling poop, I realized I had some on my forearm. This is why I rarely meet with adults during the daytime.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Soon
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| Jack and Chloe, best buds |
Jack took a couple of steps a month ago, but it was mostly on accident and between the couch and a very closely placed standing toy. He didn't even seem to notice. But today he walked from a toy to me when I put my arms out for him. He just took one step, but it was intentional and he looked so proud.
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| Look at me standing! |
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| It's hilarious! |
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