Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Big 3-0
That's right friends and family, today I am 30. My wonderful husband organized, prepared for, and hosted a terrific BBQ yesterday. He invited some new friends from Mira Mesa, some neighbors, some family, a couple from Boston that now live in Irvine (Pete and Gretchen) and a friend from college (Emily Hern/Turner) and her family. It was such a fun mix of people that have been with me at every point of my life.
Ouch!!
Two of the cutest little boys you will ever meet Wade and Elec
Gliding with Hannah and Naomi in the pool
Sam, Boyce and the back of Wade's head
Hannah swimming while Jeff holds Kate
Kate and Marcus hanging out on the steps
Moving the party inside
Hannah enjoying her cupcake
Cousin Amy all tuckered out!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time yesterday with family and friends, and am blessed to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 30 years.
Ouch!!
Two of the cutest little boys you will ever meet Wade and Elec
Gliding with Hannah and Naomi in the pool
Sam, Boyce and the back of Wade's head
Hannah swimming while Jeff holds Kate
Kate and Marcus hanging out on the steps
Moving the party inside
Hannah enjoying her cupcake
Cousin Amy all tuckered out!I thoroughly enjoyed my time yesterday with family and friends, and am blessed to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the past 30 years.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
9 Monther
Jeff just informed me that today is not May 17, and that Kate actually turned 9 months 3 days ago...I need to look at a calendar more often! My dear Kate, if you ever read this blog posting know that your mama forgets things more often these days. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and wider than a river it cannot be measured by how often I blog!
Kate is nine months. Nine months. That means she is only 3 months away from her one year birthday. Kate has brought so much joy, laughter, and happiness to our family. Kate has preferences and is clearly understood through her giggles, babbles, squeals and cries.
At nine months Kate rolls and rolls and rolls! She hates to be on her tummy, and will sound as if she is being tortured if we keep her on her tummy for longer that 10 seconds. She has yet to crawl, which I take as a blessing. It is so great to set her down and know that she will not be crawling somewhere. She will squirm a little to get toys that are out of her reach, but would rather roll and find a different toy than spend time on her tummy.
She sleeps on her side unswaddled and in the same room as her big sister. She likes her pacifier, but doesn't need it to go to sleep. We have started to give her rice cereal before I nurse her at night and the last three nights she has only gotten up once, fed really well, and then returned to sleeping. Praise the LORD!!! I don't know if this will continue, but it is so nice to not have crying in the middle of the night, or waking at night multiple times. I tried some rice cereal before bed a few weeks ago, and she refused to eat any of it. Jeff now holds her while feeding her and she eats a good amount of cereal. It's not a habit we want to continue, but if it means a few more hours of sleep we will do it!
Kate likes being held, but she is picky about who can hold her. Her preference is me, then Jeff, and after that it's a completely subject to her whim. We have noticed that she will let smaller women with a quiet demeanor hold her and if some men look at her as if they might take her she lets out a wail that scares them off. I love my Catherine! I really do! In grocery stores or at the park people come up and say how cute she is, and she gets this pouty lip, her hands start to quiver and she burst into tears. It's the best way to keep strangers from touching her.
Kate is eating finger foods with every meal, and in between her bites of food we manage to slip in some baby food. So far she seems to love cheese, and like whole wheat bread, whole wheat noodles, chicken, and peas. Fruits have never been her favorite thing, and she will pick around them to get to her favorite items. Yeah, we have a picky eater on our hands!
b
Kate nurses 4 times a day and once at night. I have a sippy cup that she is learning to use, and at meal times I offer her formula in a bottle. I love that nursing has gone so well, but I really do miss my freedom and await the one year mark when I hope to have her weaned.
Kate likes sliding and swinging, and will often hold up a blanket in front of her face to play peek-a-boo. She also love to hold our fingers and walk around, trying to keep up with Hannah. She has a tickle spot under her chin and on her thighs and will give you the greatest laugh ever if you nibble on her toes.
Kate continues to have many nicknames. The one that Jeff and I use the most is Tate, which is how big sis pronounces Kate. We also call her Tatters and Tatter Tot as variations of Tate. She still likes to put her fingers in my mouth while she nurses, and has started doing this to anyone holding her as a kind of greeting. It's not a good habit, and I am trying to break her of it, but her little hand flapping around is really hard to control!
Kate is nine months. Nine months. That means she is only 3 months away from her one year birthday. Kate has brought so much joy, laughter, and happiness to our family. Kate has preferences and is clearly understood through her giggles, babbles, squeals and cries.
At nine months Kate rolls and rolls and rolls! She hates to be on her tummy, and will sound as if she is being tortured if we keep her on her tummy for longer that 10 seconds. She has yet to crawl, which I take as a blessing. It is so great to set her down and know that she will not be crawling somewhere. She will squirm a little to get toys that are out of her reach, but would rather roll and find a different toy than spend time on her tummy.
She sleeps on her side unswaddled and in the same room as her big sister. She likes her pacifier, but doesn't need it to go to sleep. We have started to give her rice cereal before I nurse her at night and the last three nights she has only gotten up once, fed really well, and then returned to sleeping. Praise the LORD!!! I don't know if this will continue, but it is so nice to not have crying in the middle of the night, or waking at night multiple times. I tried some rice cereal before bed a few weeks ago, and she refused to eat any of it. Jeff now holds her while feeding her and she eats a good amount of cereal. It's not a habit we want to continue, but if it means a few more hours of sleep we will do it!
Kate likes being held, but she is picky about who can hold her. Her preference is me, then Jeff, and after that it's a completely subject to her whim. We have noticed that she will let smaller women with a quiet demeanor hold her and if some men look at her as if they might take her she lets out a wail that scares them off. I love my Catherine! I really do! In grocery stores or at the park people come up and say how cute she is, and she gets this pouty lip, her hands start to quiver and she burst into tears. It's the best way to keep strangers from touching her.
Kate is eating finger foods with every meal, and in between her bites of food we manage to slip in some baby food. So far she seems to love cheese, and like whole wheat bread, whole wheat noodles, chicken, and peas. Fruits have never been her favorite thing, and she will pick around them to get to her favorite items. Yeah, we have a picky eater on our hands!
b
Kate nurses 4 times a day and once at night. I have a sippy cup that she is learning to use, and at meal times I offer her formula in a bottle. I love that nursing has gone so well, but I really do miss my freedom and await the one year mark when I hope to have her weaned.
Kate likes sliding and swinging, and will often hold up a blanket in front of her face to play peek-a-boo. She also love to hold our fingers and walk around, trying to keep up with Hannah. She has a tickle spot under her chin and on her thighs and will give you the greatest laugh ever if you nibble on her toes.
Kate continues to have many nicknames. The one that Jeff and I use the most is Tate, which is how big sis pronounces Kate. We also call her Tatters and Tatter Tot as variations of Tate. She still likes to put her fingers in my mouth while she nurses, and has started doing this to anyone holding her as a kind of greeting. It's not a good habit, and I am trying to break her of it, but her little hand flapping around is really hard to control!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
9 Monther
Jeff just informed me that today is not May 17, but May 19...I need to look at a calendar more often! My dear Kate, if you ever read this blog posting know that your mama forgets things more often these days. My love for you is deeper than the ocean and wider than the rivers!
Kate is nine months. Nine months. That means she is only 3 months away from her one year birthday. Kate has brought so much joy, laughter, and happiness to our family. She has also brought humility and confusion to us as we realize that she already has her own personality despite what we do as parents. It's that interesting mix and nature and nuture, and we pray that as we continue to nuture our sweet Kate that she will know and love God deeply.
At nine months Kate rolls and rolls and rolls! She hates to be on her tummy, and will sound as if she is being tortured if we keep her on her tummy for longer that 10 seconds. For this reason she has yet to crawl, which I take as a blessing. It is so great to set her down and know that she will not be crawling somewhere. She will squirm a little to get toys that are out of her reach, but would rather roll and find a different toy than spend time on her tummy.
She sleeps on her side unswaddled and in the same room as her big sister. She likes her pacifier, but doesn't need it to go to sleep. We have started to give her rice cereal before I nurse her at night and the last three nights she has only gotten up once, fed really well, and then returned to sleeping. Praise the LORD!!! I don't know if this will continue, but it is so nice to not have crying in the middle of the night, or multiple wakings at night. I tried some rice cereal before bed a few weeks ago, and she refused to eat any of it. Jeff now holds her while feeding her and she eats a good amount of cereal. It's not a habit we want to continue, but if it means a few more hours of sleep we will do it!
Kate likes being held, but she is picky about who can hold her. He preference is me, then Jeff, and after that it's a completely subject to her whim. We have noticed that she will let smaller women with a quiet demeanor hold her and if some men look at her as if they might take her she lets out a wail that scares them off. I love my Catherine! I really do! In grocery stores or at the park people come up and say how cute she is, and she gets this poutty lip, her hands start to quiver and she burst into tears. It's the best way to keep strangers from touching her.
Kate is eating finger foods with every meal, and in between her bites of food we manage to slip in some baby food. So far she seems to love cheese, and like whole wheat bread, whole wheat noodles, chicken, and peas. Fruits have never been her favorite thing, and she will pick around them to get to her favorite items. Yeah, we have a picky eater on our hands!
Kate nurses 4 times a day and once at night. I have a sippy cup that she is learning to use, and at meal times I offer her formula in a bottle. I love that nursing has gone so well, but I really do miss my freedom and await the one year mark when I hope to have her weaned.
Kate likes sliding and swinging, and will often hold up a blanket in front of her face to play peek-a-boo. She also love to hold our fingers and walk around, trying to keep up with Hannah. She has a tickle spot under her chin and on her thighs and will give you the greatest laugh ever if you nibble on her toes.
Kate continues to have many nicknames. The one that Jeff and I use the most is Tate, which is how big sis pronounces Kate. We also call her Tatters and Tatter Tot as variations of Tate.
Kate is nine months. Nine months. That means she is only 3 months away from her one year birthday. Kate has brought so much joy, laughter, and happiness to our family. She has also brought humility and confusion to us as we realize that she already has her own personality despite what we do as parents. It's that interesting mix and nature and nuture, and we pray that as we continue to nuture our sweet Kate that she will know and love God deeply.
At nine months Kate rolls and rolls and rolls! She hates to be on her tummy, and will sound as if she is being tortured if we keep her on her tummy for longer that 10 seconds. For this reason she has yet to crawl, which I take as a blessing. It is so great to set her down and know that she will not be crawling somewhere. She will squirm a little to get toys that are out of her reach, but would rather roll and find a different toy than spend time on her tummy.
She sleeps on her side unswaddled and in the same room as her big sister. She likes her pacifier, but doesn't need it to go to sleep. We have started to give her rice cereal before I nurse her at night and the last three nights she has only gotten up once, fed really well, and then returned to sleeping. Praise the LORD!!! I don't know if this will continue, but it is so nice to not have crying in the middle of the night, or multiple wakings at night. I tried some rice cereal before bed a few weeks ago, and she refused to eat any of it. Jeff now holds her while feeding her and she eats a good amount of cereal. It's not a habit we want to continue, but if it means a few more hours of sleep we will do it!
Kate likes being held, but she is picky about who can hold her. He preference is me, then Jeff, and after that it's a completely subject to her whim. We have noticed that she will let smaller women with a quiet demeanor hold her and if some men look at her as if they might take her she lets out a wail that scares them off. I love my Catherine! I really do! In grocery stores or at the park people come up and say how cute she is, and she gets this poutty lip, her hands start to quiver and she burst into tears. It's the best way to keep strangers from touching her.
Kate is eating finger foods with every meal, and in between her bites of food we manage to slip in some baby food. So far she seems to love cheese, and like whole wheat bread, whole wheat noodles, chicken, and peas. Fruits have never been her favorite thing, and she will pick around them to get to her favorite items. Yeah, we have a picky eater on our hands!
Kate nurses 4 times a day and once at night. I have a sippy cup that she is learning to use, and at meal times I offer her formula in a bottle. I love that nursing has gone so well, but I really do miss my freedom and await the one year mark when I hope to have her weaned.
Kate likes sliding and swinging, and will often hold up a blanket in front of her face to play peek-a-boo. She also love to hold our fingers and walk around, trying to keep up with Hannah. She has a tickle spot under her chin and on her thighs and will give you the greatest laugh ever if you nibble on her toes.
Kate continues to have many nicknames. The one that Jeff and I use the most is Tate, which is how big sis pronounces Kate. We also call her Tatters and Tatter Tot as variations of Tate.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Noses
I was playing "gotcha nose" (you know, where you pretend to grab the kids nose and then put your thumb between your fingers like it's their nose) with Hannah and Kate this morning. Hannah really got into it and said, "eat nose" to Kate (can you see where this is leading??) "Silly Hannah, we don't eat noses!" Hannah sticks her finger in her nose, licks it and says, "Yes, eat nose." My child loves to eat her nose...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Independence
So I would love for Kate to be a more independent sleeper, but instead she wants to be a more independent eater. She wins.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sometimes...
I got this really funny card from Audrey, my sister-in-law, for Mother's Day. It says, "Sometimes...(then you open it)
...you have to pick your battles."
Check our best Mother's Day family picture...
That's right, Hannah has her finger in her nose. But what I find especially funny is that the scrunchy face the girl has on the card, as if she is really getting her fingers as far up as she can, is the same scrunchy face that Hannah has.
We do have another Mother's Day family pic but Kate isn't looking and although Hannah's hand is out of her nose, it's still not in the best spot:
Such is life when you have a two year old and a 9mth old. They keep my life interesting and without them I would be sorely selfish and lonely. I love my girls and I love being a mom!
ps thanks for the hilarious card audrey! you clearly have my girls pegged!
...you have to pick your battles."Check our best Mother's Day family picture...
That's right, Hannah has her finger in her nose. But what I find especially funny is that the scrunchy face the girl has on the card, as if she is really getting her fingers as far up as she can, is the same scrunchy face that Hannah has.We do have another Mother's Day family pic but Kate isn't looking and although Hannah's hand is out of her nose, it's still not in the best spot:
Such is life when you have a two year old and a 9mth old. They keep my life interesting and without them I would be sorely selfish and lonely. I love my girls and I love being a mom!
ps thanks for the hilarious card audrey! you clearly have my girls pegged!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Yesterday lunch time was hectic as normal - prepping food for three people when two people know very little about patience. Lunch is served, Kate and I are eating and Hannah takes off for the toilet. After a few minutes she announces, "DONE!" which is my cue to...you get the idea. Kate is not happy that a. I left the room without her and b. was not putting food in her mouth so she begins to cry. In the bathroom I go to put Hannah's undies on and notice that they are bright sky blue on the inside cotton lining - weird. I looked at Hannah and she was all blue in the...what should I say...bathing suit area. I look around, totally confused...how did she get sky blue - and then I notice it. Hannah had an oil pastel in her undies for who knows how long. I had to laugh. This is why mothers need Mother's Day - and coffee for that matter!
Here is sweet Hannah taking care of Doll-doll. Too bad she is the one sick now!
And just because I can easily upload videos here a two of Kate:
Here is sweet Hannah taking care of Doll-doll. Too bad she is the one sick now!
And just because I can easily upload videos here a two of Kate:
Really?
I'm standing in line at Kaiser while holding two fussy, sick kids and a lady behind me starts up a conversation - I remember those days. They go by quickly. When are you going to have a boy?
Seriously??
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Medical insurance
2. Tylenol
3. Sunny days
4. Videos
5. Nap time
Seriously??
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Medical insurance
2. Tylenol
3. Sunny days
4. Videos
5. Nap time
Monday, May 11, 2009
Retreat
Jeff and I went on our first family church retreat, well, kinda. It was a weekend thing, and we went for the Saturday portion of the retreat. We attended two talks, took a family hike, played on a tire swing, and met some other people from the church. It was a nice time, and we all came home very tired and happy to sleep in our own beds (except for Kate who wishes to sleep in our arms still).
Kate and Hannah sharing a swing.
Dr. Murry - I love my husband!
Hannah loved swinging with daddy more than swinging by herself.
Blue stuff?
It was lunch time and hectic as normal - prepping food for three people when two people know very little about patience. Lunch is served, Kate and I are eating and Hannah takes off for the toilet. After a few minutes she announces, "DONE!" which is my cue to...okay, you get the idea. Kate is not happy that a. I left the room without her and b. was not putting food in her mouth so she begins to cry. In the bathroom I go to put Hannah's undies on and notice that they are bright sky blue on the inside cotton lining - weird. I looked at Hannah and she was all blue in the...what should I say...bathing suit area. I look around, totally confused...how could she be sky blue - and then I notice it. Hannah had an oil pastel in her undies for who knows how long. I had to laugh - the pastel is now in the trash, Hannah is clean, Kate is fed and I am off to do some laundry during this nap time. This is why mothers need Mother's Day - and coffee for that matter!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Moving
Kate is not officially crawling, and I think we are weeks away from any true movement, but Kate rolls and scrunches up to move around and get things. On one hand I would like for her to gain the independence to get the toy she wants, but on the other hand I love putting Kate down and knowing that she will be there when I return without having to worry about where she is or what she has found. Here are her rolls and scrunches in action:
Hannah has shown a little reluctance smiling for the camera...I don't want to antagonize her, but look how cute she is when she doesn't want a photo...I love it!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Hair 101
Hannah has difficult...ahem...unique hair. Every morning she wakes up with a massive knot in the back. I really want to let her hair grow and not have to deal with bangs, but her hair never stays put. My niece always has such perfect ponytails or pigtails, and so I enrolled in Hair 101 with instructor Jenna Pine (my sister). Here are the cliff notes:
Before:
Tools needed for the job:
1. Soak the hair - don't just wet the hair, soak it. It should be dripping wet (this is what I always failed to do for Hannah).
2. Comb the hair straight.
3. Comb the hair repeatedly until all the hair seems to be where you want it.
4. Use the rubber bands to secure. Once you think it is tight enough, wrap it around once or twice more so it is sure to hold.
5. Put clips on top of the bands to hold nay lose hairs that might fall out.
After:
Did I mention that a video might aide as a distraction? Well, it does.
And just because I can upload videos now, here are some more.
I'm not sure this is a game that I want to encourage, but Kate was laughing so hard, and Hannah was so careful to hit just the bottom of the exersaucer...I love how they are learning to play together!
Before:
Tools needed for the job:
1. Soak the hair - don't just wet the hair, soak it. It should be dripping wet (this is what I always failed to do for Hannah).
2. Comb the hair straight.
3. Comb the hair repeatedly until all the hair seems to be where you want it.
4. Use the rubber bands to secure. Once you think it is tight enough, wrap it around once or twice more so it is sure to hold.
5. Put clips on top of the bands to hold nay lose hairs that might fall out.
After:
Did I mention that a video might aide as a distraction? Well, it does.And just because I can upload videos now, here are some more.
I'm not sure this is a game that I want to encourage, but Kate was laughing so hard, and Hannah was so careful to hit just the bottom of the exersaucer...I love how they are learning to play together!
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