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| Seren sitting on Grandma D |
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| Patriotic Kendall - I LOVE this picture |
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| 4th of July Firework watching (poor camera = poor picture) |
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| At the zoo...enjoying themselves despite the heat (can you tell I don't bring my good camera on outtings haha) |
Monday, July 9, 2012
July 4th, The Zoo and Our Monkeys...
Just wanted to share some recent stories with the girls (mostly for my own good). We enjoyed a great 4th of July this year. We are still living with my in-laws (hoping for a resolution on this short sale in the next month or so and closing the month after...we'll see). So anyway we walked to the park near their home about a mile or so away and enjoyed some accapella performers...okay somewhat. The girls got restless and didn't want to sit still. On one occasion at picking up and redirecting Seren she must have gotten frustrated because she bit my shoulder...hard, leaving a bruise as of today. She felt bad afterwords and starting bawling when I handed her off to Jeff. But after that we decided it was best to leave Jeff's family and let the girls roam around on the grass. When it got darker we attempted to rejoin the family but it wasn't to be. We threw Kendall and Seren into the stroller and walked them around the park, actually ending up in the perfect spot for the fireworks by accident. They enjoyed them. Seren was a little nervous of the cherry bomb type and clung to me a few times. But eventually they both loved them. They stared at the sky with wonder and pointed to them and babbled. It was adorable.
Also we recently took Seren and Kendall to the zoo with the grandparents. They also enjoyed this much more than they did last year, as you would expect. They stared at animals and laughed when we could find one close enough to a window to watch (orangutan and polar bear). We even tried to get them to talk to the monkeys by imitating a monkey. Seren didn't care but Kendall caught right on and copied us with some higher pitched "ooohhh ahhhh ahhhh" sound making. It was so funny. I wish we would have gotten it on video.
I think they are starting to catch onto verbalizing a little better. I still worry they are behind but hopefully they will be talking our ears off soon. You can definitely hear them trying to imitate what we say to them though so that is a great jumping off point I'm sure.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
18 Months
Height/Weight: Kendall: 32.76 inches (81%), 20 lb 11 oz (6%)...yeah! she hit the chart again and 46.1 cm head circ (38%). Seren: 31.85 inches (57%), 21 lb 14.5 oz (16%) and 47.7 cm head circ (81%). Seren was freaking out at being measured so her's may be off somewhat.
Eating: They eat 3 meals a day and a snack before afternoon nap and an hour or so before dinner. They are starting to use their utensils fairly well...pasta, oatmeal, applesauce (I really need to let go on the mess it makes haha)
Foods They Like: They are doing better about being picky (I think...depends on the day). They love almost all fruit including prunes and grapefruit juice (thanks Grandma and Grandpa D haha). They like some veggies okay...carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, etc. They love ham fried rice, pizza, zucchini bread, pancakes, and their new favorite is this pasta dish (tomatoes and all), etc.
Foods They Don't: broccoli, avocado, etc.
Favorite Things: They love being at Grandma and Grandpa's house (the extra attention). They love going outside and playing in the water (Seren literally begs me to dump water on her). They love the dog...they both chase after him trying to hug or kiss him. They play well together. Kendall is starting to pick up on Seren's assertiveness and pushes Seren out of the way if she picks on her (somewhat happy she's sticking up for herself with Seren now but we still correct them both for pushing, etc). Kendall loves hair things and insists on having them in her hair despite the fact it is taking it's sweet time growing.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Getting into trouble or being told "no". Teething for Seren (3 molars at once poor kid).
Their Accomplishments: They both go up and down stairs pretty well. Such a relief. They are walking and nearly running now. They talk but not nearly like the books and checklists say they should (10-20 words by 18 months). They say a handful of words...picking up on "doggie", "boo" and "water" (I think). They understand so many words though which is great. Seren became interested in the grown-up toilet a week or so ago and I showed them both how it worked/flushed. Then we've been offering to let them use the grown-up toilet before bathtime (with a training seat) and Seren has peed a couple times on it. I am not toilet training but want them to get used to the idea and not be scared of it (plus hoping to avoid training potties and as much clean up).
Teeth: Kendall has three on bottom, four on top and two left molars (weird order to her teeth). Seren has four bottom, four on top and four molars (three cutting right now and one mostly in; gotten them in standard order).
Our Accomplishments: Usually on a good schedule. We take them out with us whenever we need to. We still work well together.
Sleep: They sleep 12-13 hours at night and one 2 hour nap. Routine has been key to this. They usually are in bed by 7:30 pm. But they hate to sleep at night if they know a "party" is going on (so Sunday nights with family dinners they usually don't sleep until 8:30 or 9:00p).
Looking forward to: Full confidence in the stairs (although I'm sure there will still be topples). Their being able to feed themselves better without mess making. Hoping for better eating habits too. We are also still sitting on the short sale we made an offer on so really hoping to get the go ahead on this soon (at least another 3 weeks out we're told : P yuck)
Eating: They eat 3 meals a day and a snack before afternoon nap and an hour or so before dinner. They are starting to use their utensils fairly well...pasta, oatmeal, applesauce (I really need to let go on the mess it makes haha)
Foods They Like: They are doing better about being picky (I think...depends on the day). They love almost all fruit including prunes and grapefruit juice (thanks Grandma and Grandpa D haha). They like some veggies okay...carrots, tomatoes, zucchini, etc. They love ham fried rice, pizza, zucchini bread, pancakes, and their new favorite is this pasta dish (tomatoes and all), etc.
Foods They Don't: broccoli, avocado, etc.
Favorite Things: They love being at Grandma and Grandpa's house (the extra attention). They love going outside and playing in the water (Seren literally begs me to dump water on her). They love the dog...they both chase after him trying to hug or kiss him. They play well together. Kendall is starting to pick up on Seren's assertiveness and pushes Seren out of the way if she picks on her (somewhat happy she's sticking up for herself with Seren now but we still correct them both for pushing, etc). Kendall loves hair things and insists on having them in her hair despite the fact it is taking it's sweet time growing.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Getting into trouble or being told "no". Teething for Seren (3 molars at once poor kid).
Their Accomplishments: They both go up and down stairs pretty well. Such a relief. They are walking and nearly running now. They talk but not nearly like the books and checklists say they should (10-20 words by 18 months). They say a handful of words...picking up on "doggie", "boo" and "water" (I think). They understand so many words though which is great. Seren became interested in the grown-up toilet a week or so ago and I showed them both how it worked/flushed. Then we've been offering to let them use the grown-up toilet before bathtime (with a training seat) and Seren has peed a couple times on it. I am not toilet training but want them to get used to the idea and not be scared of it (plus hoping to avoid training potties and as much clean up).
Teeth: Kendall has three on bottom, four on top and two left molars (weird order to her teeth). Seren has four bottom, four on top and four molars (three cutting right now and one mostly in; gotten them in standard order).
Our Accomplishments: Usually on a good schedule. We take them out with us whenever we need to. We still work well together.
Sleep: They sleep 12-13 hours at night and one 2 hour nap. Routine has been key to this. They usually are in bed by 7:30 pm. But they hate to sleep at night if they know a "party" is going on (so Sunday nights with family dinners they usually don't sleep until 8:30 or 9:00p).
Looking forward to: Full confidence in the stairs (although I'm sure there will still be topples). Their being able to feed themselves better without mess making. Hoping for better eating habits too. We are also still sitting on the short sale we made an offer on so really hoping to get the go ahead on this soon (at least another 3 weeks out we're told : P yuck)
Seren hiding behind a chair
Kendall getting ready to run through sprinklers
Letting go of control...
...so far it's been very messy :) haha
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Having it all...
How can I possibly want more when I already have it all? That is the question that keeps running through my mind this morning. Jeff and I decided that we would have our "discussion" this week while his parents are away so that we don't have to worry about them over hearing things. Decisions. Real decisions. I don't know. I feel like I don't even know what I want anymore. For so many months I felt so strongly that I wanted to have one more baby. And as the girls have been growing and we've been enjoying them so much I keep thinking...what if that throws things off? What if this happy equilibrium that we are at right now is not so perfect once we throw in a third child? Right now I picture us growing up together with these beautiful girls and daddy daughter dates and times where we can split them up between us and get lots of one-on-one time with them. Would that be so easy if there were a third? But I also think of how much I have wanted more kids in the past and if maybe I'm just scared to try again. I think of our frozen embryos. Possibilities of life put on hold. Waiting. Waiting for us to make decisions. What if in the eternal scheme of things I let them down? What if we make a decision and later regret it? It's not like we can go back and do this all over again. The cost alone would be a big enough deterrent much less all the genetic connection and such that I would want another child to have also.
What if we decide to try to have another child and it doesn't work? What if we (or maybe just I) get my hopes wrapped up in the process again and we don't get pregnant? What if it changes my 70/30 split towards having another child into a 99/1 split and Jeff doesn't want to try again. Do I leave myself more open for heartache? I don't know.
I think a lot too of the couples that we could help. We are satisfied and happy with our life and could give soooo much happiness to someone else. I think of friends and acquaintances that I know who struggle with infertility. I know how hard it is and the memory of that kind of heartache is still fresh when I look back on it. I know (or at least I believe) that it would make me just as happy to have someone with infertility succeed at having a child with our embryos as it would for me to have another child. Although I do have some worry that I might be a little envious at the same time. I think the overwhelming feeling would be happiness for them and for that child...that life that was created for the purpose of being born and living.
I have been trying to think and look into all aspects. I've talked to our clinic about our choices and I've been reading on the Miracles Waiting website and I've been thinking and trying to feel out how I feel about having another child. I would love another baby. But I also love the babies (who aren't so much babies anymore) that we have. I honestly just haven't come to a decision still and while Jeff has mostly come to his decision he isn't completely opposed to another if it's what I want. I kind of just feel like there isn't a right or wrong answer to this. Which is making this decision so hard to try to make. The debate goes on for now.
What if we decide to try to have another child and it doesn't work? What if we (or maybe just I) get my hopes wrapped up in the process again and we don't get pregnant? What if it changes my 70/30 split towards having another child into a 99/1 split and Jeff doesn't want to try again. Do I leave myself more open for heartache? I don't know.
I think a lot too of the couples that we could help. We are satisfied and happy with our life and could give soooo much happiness to someone else. I think of friends and acquaintances that I know who struggle with infertility. I know how hard it is and the memory of that kind of heartache is still fresh when I look back on it. I know (or at least I believe) that it would make me just as happy to have someone with infertility succeed at having a child with our embryos as it would for me to have another child. Although I do have some worry that I might be a little envious at the same time. I think the overwhelming feeling would be happiness for them and for that child...that life that was created for the purpose of being born and living.
I have been trying to think and look into all aspects. I've talked to our clinic about our choices and I've been reading on the Miracles Waiting website and I've been thinking and trying to feel out how I feel about having another child. I would love another baby. But I also love the babies (who aren't so much babies anymore) that we have. I honestly just haven't come to a decision still and while Jeff has mostly come to his decision he isn't completely opposed to another if it's what I want. I kind of just feel like there isn't a right or wrong answer to this. Which is making this decision so hard to try to make. The debate goes on for now.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Trouble Times Two...
I am starting to feel a little stir crazy. I want to be on our own again. There are pros and cons to our arrangement and I'm not complaining that we are able to save money for a down payment and I'm not complaining against my in-laws as they have been absolutely wonderful hosts. But I am ready to have independence and a house I don't have to clean up after each little playtime and nap and toddler proofing to my liking not just enough to save their hides and a schedule that isn't thrown off at the whim of grandparents who want to take them walking.
We've had the grape juice scare...Seren found a mostly empty glass of grape juice in the computer room and came to proudly show it to me while I was changing Kendall's diaper in the front room. Grape juice was slung over brand new carpet (literally a month or two old). Thank goodness it all came out or at least to the point you can't tell and my in-laws weren't upset and hopefully keep these treasures out of reach more often now. Then came the spiral stair case that comes out of the floor fire-house-like except with carpet. The girls weren't interested much at first and we blocked the entry with a chair but they soon found it was fun to stick a leg out and wiggle it while mom rushed to stop them. This lasted two days before Seren (see the trouble maker here haha) stuck her leg out while I was holding Kendall a few feet away and when Seren went to step down discovered the step wasn't close and toppled right through the railing and half way down the stairs giving me a heart attack in the process as when she came to stop on her back with her head hanging over the edge that I thought if she moved she'd fall the 4 feet + to the basement. Oh and then we had a comet scare last week...the girls got a hold of a canister of comet while I was throwing stuff in the car for a weekend getaway and it was flung over the front room. I freaked out at first thinking they had swallowed some or gotten some in their eyes or such and wondering where on earth they found it. Thank goodness none of the above happened and a little vacuuming took care of the clean up. We've had dish soap with lids broken off moved out of reach, dish detergent in capsules hid and re-hid, spiral stairs wrapped in rope to prevent more falls, chairs and furniture moved to block trouble and drawers rearranged to keep curious hands out of jewelry, etc. I had no idea it required so much rearranging to child proof things. And bless their hearts all of these has been happily done to accommodate these grandchildren. Like I said this is nothing against my in-laws. I simply am ready to child proof in a way that doesn't feel like an inconvenience for anyone else.
We have an offer on a short sale and we're in first position so we wait to hear from the bank. Meanwhile I look at houses and real estate websites and try to otherwise occupy my time when the girls are napping. I hope that this is a short transition and I hope that we are not wearing out any welcome yet or that we even get to that point. Just me. Rambling on about the mischief two little 17 month old girls can get into.
We've had the grape juice scare...Seren found a mostly empty glass of grape juice in the computer room and came to proudly show it to me while I was changing Kendall's diaper in the front room. Grape juice was slung over brand new carpet (literally a month or two old). Thank goodness it all came out or at least to the point you can't tell and my in-laws weren't upset and hopefully keep these treasures out of reach more often now. Then came the spiral stair case that comes out of the floor fire-house-like except with carpet. The girls weren't interested much at first and we blocked the entry with a chair but they soon found it was fun to stick a leg out and wiggle it while mom rushed to stop them. This lasted two days before Seren (see the trouble maker here haha) stuck her leg out while I was holding Kendall a few feet away and when Seren went to step down discovered the step wasn't close and toppled right through the railing and half way down the stairs giving me a heart attack in the process as when she came to stop on her back with her head hanging over the edge that I thought if she moved she'd fall the 4 feet + to the basement. Oh and then we had a comet scare last week...the girls got a hold of a canister of comet while I was throwing stuff in the car for a weekend getaway and it was flung over the front room. I freaked out at first thinking they had swallowed some or gotten some in their eyes or such and wondering where on earth they found it. Thank goodness none of the above happened and a little vacuuming took care of the clean up. We've had dish soap with lids broken off moved out of reach, dish detergent in capsules hid and re-hid, spiral stairs wrapped in rope to prevent more falls, chairs and furniture moved to block trouble and drawers rearranged to keep curious hands out of jewelry, etc. I had no idea it required so much rearranging to child proof things. And bless their hearts all of these has been happily done to accommodate these grandchildren. Like I said this is nothing against my in-laws. I simply am ready to child proof in a way that doesn't feel like an inconvenience for anyone else.
We have an offer on a short sale and we're in first position so we wait to hear from the bank. Meanwhile I look at houses and real estate websites and try to otherwise occupy my time when the girls are napping. I hope that this is a short transition and I hope that we are not wearing out any welcome yet or that we even get to that point. Just me. Rambling on about the mischief two little 17 month old girls can get into.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Something right...
I am sitting in an empty house tonight (well me and the girls are home...oh and the dog). Jeff is out of state for the week with training and my in-laws are gone until Thursday night. Kendall just randomly woke up crying and now I'm killing time after checking on them before I can continue my movie.
I am loving this stage of them growing up. Most of it. They are definitely developing attitudes and I don't care for the tantrums and neediness but I am so loving the tenderness and the giggles and other pieces of their personality that are shining through. Kendall and Seren are eager to be held and given attention and are pretty darn great at giving affection too. Kendall will often turn and give us big kisses as we finish dressing her in the morning. Both of them will give random hugs to us and sometimes to each other. Seren has started showing excitement for her favorite people by running into their arms (mostly daddy and grandma lately).
But the things that make me happy and think "hey maybe we're doing something right" are the times when I catch them caring for each other. A week or so ago the girls were climbing up the stairs and Seren beat Kendall to the top and through the baby gate. Once Kendall was close enough, Seren (who had waited patiently for her sister) was reaching out to Kendall and literally trying to help her. When Kendall made it through the gate Seren gave her a hug and kiss on the head and then ran off. I watched them from a step or two down and just melted.
Last night we took the girls swimming (they didn't freak out...yeah!! They hated the water last year) and when we got home and were getting ready for dinner Kendall had a mild meltdown. Seren came walking across the kitchen right away and leaned down and hugged Kendall. Kendall stopped crying (maybe it helped or maybe it was shock haha) and Jeff and I both expressed gratitude to Seren for being nice so then of course she gave Kendall another hug or two (haha she's a people pleaser).
Kendall is also very good with Seren. She will give Seren the toy they both want. She gives more random kisses to Seren...she's not big on the hugs yet. But you can see them looking after each other and it just makes me feel good. I think perhaps we are (hopefully) doing something right and teaching them how they should treat others and especially to look out for one another. Such sweet blessings to watch them grow.
I am loving this stage of them growing up. Most of it. They are definitely developing attitudes and I don't care for the tantrums and neediness but I am so loving the tenderness and the giggles and other pieces of their personality that are shining through. Kendall and Seren are eager to be held and given attention and are pretty darn great at giving affection too. Kendall will often turn and give us big kisses as we finish dressing her in the morning. Both of them will give random hugs to us and sometimes to each other. Seren has started showing excitement for her favorite people by running into their arms (mostly daddy and grandma lately).
But the things that make me happy and think "hey maybe we're doing something right" are the times when I catch them caring for each other. A week or so ago the girls were climbing up the stairs and Seren beat Kendall to the top and through the baby gate. Once Kendall was close enough, Seren (who had waited patiently for her sister) was reaching out to Kendall and literally trying to help her. When Kendall made it through the gate Seren gave her a hug and kiss on the head and then ran off. I watched them from a step or two down and just melted.
Last night we took the girls swimming (they didn't freak out...yeah!! They hated the water last year) and when we got home and were getting ready for dinner Kendall had a mild meltdown. Seren came walking across the kitchen right away and leaned down and hugged Kendall. Kendall stopped crying (maybe it helped or maybe it was shock haha) and Jeff and I both expressed gratitude to Seren for being nice so then of course she gave Kendall another hug or two (haha she's a people pleaser).
Kendall is also very good with Seren. She will give Seren the toy they both want. She gives more random kisses to Seren...she's not big on the hugs yet. But you can see them looking after each other and it just makes me feel good. I think perhaps we are (hopefully) doing something right and teaching them how they should treat others and especially to look out for one another. Such sweet blessings to watch them grow.
Recent pictures...
Just wanted to share some recent pictures that I absolutely adore of these two cuties...
Kendall
Seren
PS I love that photoshop allows me to "erase" runny noses and food stains from clothing.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
17 Months
Foods They Like: They love almost all fruit. They love cheese, ham fried rice, minestrone soup, pizza, zucchini bread, pancakes, etc. They are getting better with vegetables (especially if it's mixed in with other things) mostly corn, tomatoes and carrots.
Foods They Don't: Avocado, olives, pickles and a lot of vegetables still.
Favorite Things: They love splashing in puddles, going on walks, dogs of all sizes, people (Seren especially loves to wave at anyone and everyone). They like bath time and stories. Playing in the back yard and with bugs and dirt. They still love on each other and it is the cutest thing.
Favorite toy: rolling monkey balls and corn popper push toy and a little cell phone my nephew left behind.
Dislikes: Being hungry and tired. Getting into trouble or being told "no". Teething again. Bumps and falls...they do this more with stairs and more confidence walking/running.
Their Accomplishments: Both Kendall and Seren are confident walkers now. They climb up stairs and are getting pretty good at going down. They seem to be understanding language more ("give that to sister", "show ___ to daddy", "where is the dog?", etc). We're working on body parts and they are learning those.
First words/Verbal: Seren says "uh-oh" quite a bit and a week or so later Kendall said "dirt" while we were playing outside. Seren also loves to hum or babble "Rock A-bye Baby" as Grandma D often rocks them in the recliner and sings this. They are also enjoying songs with motions (ie Popcorn Popping).
Teeth: Seren has four on top, four on bottom and one molar peeking through. Kendall has four on bottom, three on top and two molars.
Sleep: Same bedtime routine and usually works well. They had a little trouble adjusting to the new surroundings I think but sleep great usually now.
Looking forward to: Looking forward to them talking more and being better at the stairs (they make me so nervous around stairs still). Also just getting into our own place again.
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