Hearing 2 little boys at 7:40 in the morning singing "E-I-E-I-O".
Love those little guys!
Our Family
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Spatula
Over the last few days, I have found myself saying that the boys are smarter than we realize, and they keep proving me right.
Yesterday, we got out one of the boys Christmas gifts - a pot and pan set with some utensils. Santa Clause is really hoping that the boys will play with their kitchen tools now, and leave Mommy's alone. Mommy isn't convinced though, as Mommy's pots and pans make much louder noises!
The boys were playing along with their new toys - mixing up pudding and cookies. Soon, it was time to taste the goodies they had chefed up. Lincoln held up a pancake turner and announced "spatula" to us! Now, if we had said "Say spatula" and he did, we wouldn't have been quite so surprised, but we didn't even know that he knew that word.
We continue to be amazed by everything the boys know, and yet I am sure that they know even more than we know they know! Way too smart for not even being two yet!
Yesterday, we got out one of the boys Christmas gifts - a pot and pan set with some utensils. Santa Clause is really hoping that the boys will play with their kitchen tools now, and leave Mommy's alone. Mommy isn't convinced though, as Mommy's pots and pans make much louder noises!
The boys were playing along with their new toys - mixing up pudding and cookies. Soon, it was time to taste the goodies they had chefed up. Lincoln held up a pancake turner and announced "spatula" to us! Now, if we had said "Say spatula" and he did, we wouldn't have been quite so surprised, but we didn't even know that he knew that word.
We continue to be amazed by everything the boys know, and yet I am sure that they know even more than we know they know! Way too smart for not even being two yet!
January 2012 Birthdays and Anniversaries!
Birthdays
John and Pam Hart - January 20th - 39 years
Special celebrations:
Two years cancer free for my mom - January 7 :-)
- Jennifer Schug - January 1 - 38 years old
- Katelin O'Connor - January 2 - 10 years old
- Lucia Hart - January 14 - 6 years old
- Hannah Burkholder - January 18 - 20 years old
- Natalie Ginter - January 19 - 12 years old
- Eric Wolff - January 19 - 31 years old
- Joe Young - January 19 - 45 years old
- Joyce Gels - January 22 - 81 years old
- Lincoln and Jackson - January 27 - 2 years old
- Tasha Muehlfeld - January 28 - 30 years old
- Normal Gels - January 28 - 78 years old
- Jennifer Luce - January 30 - 37 years old
John and Pam Hart - January 20th - 39 years
Special celebrations:
Two years cancer free for my mom - January 7 :-)
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Hot Dog!
For the past few years, the Hart's have asked each family member what their favorite song is, and then they compile a CD of everyones songs. Everyone gets a copy of the CD for Christmas This year, the boys have many favorite songs, but we submitted "Old MacDonald" and "Row Row Row your boat" for Lincoln, and "Ba-Ba Black Sheep" and the "Hot Dog Dance" song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for Jackson.
On our way up north on Monday to have Christmas with my Grandma and the entire Muehlfeld family, we were listening to the CD. 2 notes of the Mickey Mouse song played, and we heard Jackson in the backseat exclaim "Hot Dog!" with his arms stretched out wide. He was so excited, and he knew the song instantly. It was so cute! It happened again on Tuesday during our drive back home too, so it wasn't a fluke!
Guess we picked the right song for him!
On our way up north on Monday to have Christmas with my Grandma and the entire Muehlfeld family, we were listening to the CD. 2 notes of the Mickey Mouse song played, and we heard Jackson in the backseat exclaim "Hot Dog!" with his arms stretched out wide. He was so excited, and he knew the song instantly. It was so cute! It happened again on Tuesday during our drive back home too, so it wasn't a fluke!
Guess we picked the right song for him!
"Toddlers"....
Although I've been off work the past few days, we've still been taking the boys to daycare for part of the day. We have to pay for the week anyway, so this keeps them partly in their normal routine, and also gives me some time to run errands and get things done around the house.
Today when I picked the boys up, Lincoln kept saying "Toddlers". I assume that now that they are in their new room, they are hearing the daycare workers to refer to them as Toddlers, like "Toddlers, it's time for lunch. Toddlers, it's naptime". My little Lincoln has picked up on it.
I wonder how long we'll hear him saying "Toddlers"????
Today when I picked the boys up, Lincoln kept saying "Toddlers". I assume that now that they are in their new room, they are hearing the daycare workers to refer to them as Toddlers, like "Toddlers, it's time for lunch. Toddlers, it's naptime". My little Lincoln has picked up on it.
I wonder how long we'll hear him saying "Toddlers"????
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Bless you....
Oh, cold season is here - and it's only December!
All of us have runny noses right now, but mine has also included sneezing. Last night at home, I sneezed a few times which caught Lincoln's attention. It didn't take long until he would hear me sneeze, then pretend sneeze. Once I caught onto him, he would fake sneeze, then just laugh and giggle. It was quite adorable, but also a great teach opportunity. So, when he fake sneezed the next time, I looked at him and said "God Bless You". He just laughed some more.
This morning, the sneezes came again (one right after the other). I paused to see if the fake sneezes would continue, but instead, I heard Lincoln saying "Bless you". Yeah! Score one for Mommy. :-)
On the drive to daycare, I sneezed a few more times, and this time it was Jackson in the backseat saying "Bless you".
Just another extraordinary moment in this proud mom's ordinary life that I wanted to share!
Happy Holidays, and GOD bless each of you!
All of us have runny noses right now, but mine has also included sneezing. Last night at home, I sneezed a few times which caught Lincoln's attention. It didn't take long until he would hear me sneeze, then pretend sneeze. Once I caught onto him, he would fake sneeze, then just laugh and giggle. It was quite adorable, but also a great teach opportunity. So, when he fake sneezed the next time, I looked at him and said "God Bless You". He just laughed some more.
This morning, the sneezes came again (one right after the other). I paused to see if the fake sneezes would continue, but instead, I heard Lincoln saying "Bless you". Yeah! Score one for Mommy. :-)
On the drive to daycare, I sneezed a few more times, and this time it was Jackson in the backseat saying "Bless you".
Just another extraordinary moment in this proud mom's ordinary life that I wanted to share!
Happy Holidays, and GOD bless each of you!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Officially Toddlers...
Yesterday, the boys had their first full official day in the Toddler room at Daycare! Oh my...next time they move into a new room, they move into a different part of the building!
We asked what's different about the Toddler room vs. the Large Tots room they were in. Basically, they do more educational activities to continue building their vocabulary and learning their ABC's. They will get more outdoors time (which the boys will love), and they will have "movie Fridays", so that will be new for the boys!
Can't believe how fast they are growing, and everything that they know. We are just trying to soak it all in, and enjoy it as long as we can!
We asked what's different about the Toddler room vs. the Large Tots room they were in. Basically, they do more educational activities to continue building their vocabulary and learning their ABC's. They will get more outdoors time (which the boys will love), and they will have "movie Fridays", so that will be new for the boys!
Can't believe how fast they are growing, and everything that they know. We are just trying to soak it all in, and enjoy it as long as we can!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas 2011 Part I
We had our first Christmas celebration!
Friday afternoon, we headed out of town to go to mom and dad's house to celebrate Christmas with everyone. The boys were a bit fussy on the drive up, but overall, did pretty well. We stopped at Bob Evans in Celina for dinner, and they were GREAT! Guess we can add another restaurant to the list!
We arrived at mom and dad's house around 9:00 Friday night. The boys slept the second half of the drive, so they were able to visit with their cousins a bit once we arrived at our destination.
Saturday we started Christmas around 10:00 in the morning. Jackson remembered what the presents were all about from St. Nick's day a few weeks ago, so he dove right in when he got his stocking and packages. I actually had some difficulty keeping him from opening OTHER people's packages! I know he helped Peyten, Addison, and Brady open a few of their gifts!
All in all, the boys (as well as Brian and I) were very blessed with kindness from everyone.
The biggest hit of the day was definitely Knox's slide. The kids had a blast on it, although I thought it was funny that Knox was the one who played with it the LEAST!
I have a great video of Lincoln, Jackson, and Lylah enjoying the slide - I'll get it posted later this week!
After church Saturday afternoon, we were able to visit with Great-Grandma Emmie. Hope she enjoyed the chaos! Aunt Shirley and Uncle Larry came out to mom's after dinner too, and it was great to see Aunt Shirley, and know that she really is doing better. Now, we have to keep her that way!
Please keep my Uncle Dave in your prayers - he had 5+ bypass surgery a few weeks ago, and has a long recovery ahead. We really need to get these Wappes kids well!
Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season! Wishing you all the best in 2012!
Friday afternoon, we headed out of town to go to mom and dad's house to celebrate Christmas with everyone. The boys were a bit fussy on the drive up, but overall, did pretty well. We stopped at Bob Evans in Celina for dinner, and they were GREAT! Guess we can add another restaurant to the list!
We arrived at mom and dad's house around 9:00 Friday night. The boys slept the second half of the drive, so they were able to visit with their cousins a bit once we arrived at our destination.
Saturday we started Christmas around 10:00 in the morning. Jackson remembered what the presents were all about from St. Nick's day a few weeks ago, so he dove right in when he got his stocking and packages. I actually had some difficulty keeping him from opening OTHER people's packages! I know he helped Peyten, Addison, and Brady open a few of their gifts!
All in all, the boys (as well as Brian and I) were very blessed with kindness from everyone.
The biggest hit of the day was definitely Knox's slide. The kids had a blast on it, although I thought it was funny that Knox was the one who played with it the LEAST!
I have a great video of Lincoln, Jackson, and Lylah enjoying the slide - I'll get it posted later this week!
After church Saturday afternoon, we were able to visit with Great-Grandma Emmie. Hope she enjoyed the chaos! Aunt Shirley and Uncle Larry came out to mom's after dinner too, and it was great to see Aunt Shirley, and know that she really is doing better. Now, we have to keep her that way!
Please keep my Uncle Dave in your prayers - he had 5+ bypass surgery a few weeks ago, and has a long recovery ahead. We really need to get these Wappes kids well!
Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season! Wishing you all the best in 2012!
Shoes! Shoes!
When Lyn was visiting us at Thanksgiving, her feet were hurting her a bit, so she asked if I had some house slippers. Of course, I did, so I let her borrow them.
On Thanksgiving after, Lyn and her family traveled to Louisville. After she left, Lincoln found my house slippers, and brought them to me saying "Lyn. Lyn." My sweet boy thought she had left them behind, so I explained to him that they were mommy's, and that Aunt Lyn had just borrowed them while she was here.
I don't know if he understood or not, but since Thanksgiving, he has been obsessed with my house slippers. If he finds them, he brings them to me saying "Shoes! Shoes!" and pointing at my sock covered feet. He insists that I put them on.
I have used my slippers more in the past few weeks than in the few years that I've had them. I have them on everyday, and I think of my sweet baby every time I put them on now!
On Thanksgiving after, Lyn and her family traveled to Louisville. After she left, Lincoln found my house slippers, and brought them to me saying "Lyn. Lyn." My sweet boy thought she had left them behind, so I explained to him that they were mommy's, and that Aunt Lyn had just borrowed them while she was here.
I don't know if he understood or not, but since Thanksgiving, he has been obsessed with my house slippers. If he finds them, he brings them to me saying "Shoes! Shoes!" and pointing at my sock covered feet. He insists that I put them on.
I have used my slippers more in the past few weeks than in the few years that I've had them. I have them on everyday, and I think of my sweet baby every time I put them on now!
Friday, December 9, 2011
embarrassing daddy
Last night after we picked the boys up at daycare, we were dealing with horrible traffic do to a few different accidents. It was going to be much later than we normally get home, and there was no way I would have what I had planned to make for dinner ready before 7:00. So, Brian suggested we stop at City Barbeque for dinner.
We didn't know what we wanted, so we both needed to go in to decide. We debated getting dinner to go, but with how traffic was, decided to try eating at the restaurant, otherwise it would be cold by the time we got it home.
We placed our order, then I took the boys to a booth to sit down. We found some booster seats and got everyone situated while Brian got us some water, brought our food, got utensils, etc. The boys sat and ate very well - of course, we made our selections based on what they would eat- BBQ pork, maccaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole. And of course, cornbread.
We were nearing the end of our meal, so Brian went to the counter to get some To Go boxes for us to take the leftovers home. He was waiting for someone to help him when he heard Jackson calling for him - "Daddy! Daddy!". When Brian turned to look at him, he then very emphatically called out "Hi!".
Needless to say, all eyes in the restaurant were focused on Brian responding to the call of his young son. Brian's cheeks got a little bit red, but he still managed to smile and wave back to Jackson.
All I could hear was my dad saying, "It's nice to be loved, isn't it?"
We didn't know what we wanted, so we both needed to go in to decide. We debated getting dinner to go, but with how traffic was, decided to try eating at the restaurant, otherwise it would be cold by the time we got it home.
We placed our order, then I took the boys to a booth to sit down. We found some booster seats and got everyone situated while Brian got us some water, brought our food, got utensils, etc. The boys sat and ate very well - of course, we made our selections based on what they would eat- BBQ pork, maccaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole. And of course, cornbread.
We were nearing the end of our meal, so Brian went to the counter to get some To Go boxes for us to take the leftovers home. He was waiting for someone to help him when he heard Jackson calling for him - "Daddy! Daddy!". When Brian turned to look at him, he then very emphatically called out "Hi!".
Needless to say, all eyes in the restaurant were focused on Brian responding to the call of his young son. Brian's cheeks got a little bit red, but he still managed to smile and wave back to Jackson.
All I could hear was my dad saying, "It's nice to be loved, isn't it?"
Sweet brother
One morning this week, I went in to get the boys clothes for the day before waking them up. Lincoln was rustling around, and Jackson popped up once I opened the dresser drawer. I scooped Jackson up, and he immediately wanted Lincoln (Jackson usually helps me wake Lincoln up). So, I put Jackson in Lincoln's bed. To my surprise, he laid down beside his brother, and started rubbing his back.
This melted my heart, as although the boys can be downright rotten to each other, they can also be so kind and sweet. I love the bond that the two of the have!
This melted my heart, as although the boys can be downright rotten to each other, they can also be so kind and sweet. I love the bond that the two of the have!
Church - part 2
On Saturday after Thanksgiving, we went to church with my parents. In an effort to have the boys behave, I went in the pew first with Jackson, then my parents, then Brian with Lincoln. The strategy was to keep them separated, maybe they would behave better.
Things actually were going pretty good for the first part of church. Both of the boys played with books and were behaving well. After offertory, I was kneeling and holding Jackson. He looked down the pew to the end where Brian was and spotted his brother. He kept pointing and saying "Winkin" (Jackson-ese for Lincoln). He did this over and over and over.
He suddenly had a desire to be with his brother. He tried knocking Mawmaw off the kneeler several times before I put him up on the pew seat. He then crawled past Mawmaw and Pawpaw, and tapped his dad on the shoulder. When Brian turned around, Jackson very enthusiastically said "Hi!" to Lincoln. (very loudly too). He proceeded to tell Brian and my dad "Hi!" as well.
Brian managed with both of the boys for a few minutes, and then sent Lincoln down to me. We made the swap!
The rest of church went fairly well, but I'm thankful that we had very understanding churchgoers around us, and hope they enjoyed the entertainment that night!
Things actually were going pretty good for the first part of church. Both of the boys played with books and were behaving well. After offertory, I was kneeling and holding Jackson. He looked down the pew to the end where Brian was and spotted his brother. He kept pointing and saying "Winkin" (Jackson-ese for Lincoln). He did this over and over and over.
He suddenly had a desire to be with his brother. He tried knocking Mawmaw off the kneeler several times before I put him up on the pew seat. He then crawled past Mawmaw and Pawpaw, and tapped his dad on the shoulder. When Brian turned around, Jackson very enthusiastically said "Hi!" to Lincoln. (very loudly too). He proceeded to tell Brian and my dad "Hi!" as well.
Brian managed with both of the boys for a few minutes, and then sent Lincoln down to me. We made the swap!
The rest of church went fairly well, but I'm thankful that we had very understanding churchgoers around us, and hope they enjoyed the entertainment that night!
It must be dementia setting in...
Can you believe there was ANOTHER person left off my blog with a special December celebration? And a BIG milestone one at that? Yes, I'm really losing it in MY old age.
Please join me in wishing my bestest friend in the world - Ms. Barb Brocki - a happy 50th birthday on December 16th. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you Barb...maybe in January???
Please forgive me for missing you...
Please join me in wishing my bestest friend in the world - Ms. Barb Brocki - a happy 50th birthday on December 16th. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you Barb...maybe in January???
Please forgive me for missing you...
torture...
People often ask me if the boys fight. My standard response any more is that they are worst enemies and best friends, all in one. They will wrestle and fight, then get up, brush off the dust, and hug each other.
Seriously. This is my life.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, my parents thoroughly enjoyed watching the boys play, and how they interact with each other. One particular morning (Friday or Saturday - I don't remember which) they showed Mawmaw and Pawpaw just how well they know each other.
Jackson was playing in the living room, stacking plastic containers that help us organize toys. Each container is about a foot long, and maybe 6-7 inches high - pretty good size. About 6 high reaches Jackson's height, but he's gotten as many as 8 stacked on top of each other. He LOVES stacking the containers.
The problem is, Lincoln likes knocking the containers down. :-)
So, that morning, Jackson would stack them. Lincoln would knock them down. Jackson would get mad. This went on for a while, until I put Lincoln on a chair in the kitchen.
Things were going well - Jackson was playing, and Lincoln was just sitting in the kitchen talking with me and mom. A while later, Jackson walked out into the kitchen, and went over by the window seat in the breakfast knook. Lincoln was sitting on a chair near the living room. He waited until Jackson rounded the table, and OFF HE WENT. He was running into the living room to knock down the containers while Jackson was in the kitchen and couldn't fight back.
I would say Lincoln was about 3/4 of the way to the containers when Jackson' little antenae went up with the distress signal. You could physically see him stiffen up like he instantly knew he had let his guard down and was in trouble. Then, we heard the containers go flying, watched Jackson run to the living room to assess the damage, and saw Lincoln come running back out to the kitchen - laughing and wearing the most triumphant cheezy grin you've ever seen.
I know as a mom I should have disciplined Lincoln again, but I was completely powerless. He was so proud of himself for getting one over on his brother. And watching the whole scene unfold was comical.
Plus, it was hard to be upset with the little guy when Mawmaw was laughing right along with him. Even the mention of this story gets her snickering.
See...Pawpaw isn't the ONLY bad influence!
Seriously. This is my life.
Over Thanksgiving weekend, my parents thoroughly enjoyed watching the boys play, and how they interact with each other. One particular morning (Friday or Saturday - I don't remember which) they showed Mawmaw and Pawpaw just how well they know each other.
Jackson was playing in the living room, stacking plastic containers that help us organize toys. Each container is about a foot long, and maybe 6-7 inches high - pretty good size. About 6 high reaches Jackson's height, but he's gotten as many as 8 stacked on top of each other. He LOVES stacking the containers.
The problem is, Lincoln likes knocking the containers down. :-)
So, that morning, Jackson would stack them. Lincoln would knock them down. Jackson would get mad. This went on for a while, until I put Lincoln on a chair in the kitchen.
Things were going well - Jackson was playing, and Lincoln was just sitting in the kitchen talking with me and mom. A while later, Jackson walked out into the kitchen, and went over by the window seat in the breakfast knook. Lincoln was sitting on a chair near the living room. He waited until Jackson rounded the table, and OFF HE WENT. He was running into the living room to knock down the containers while Jackson was in the kitchen and couldn't fight back.
I would say Lincoln was about 3/4 of the way to the containers when Jackson' little antenae went up with the distress signal. You could physically see him stiffen up like he instantly knew he had let his guard down and was in trouble. Then, we heard the containers go flying, watched Jackson run to the living room to assess the damage, and saw Lincoln come running back out to the kitchen - laughing and wearing the most triumphant cheezy grin you've ever seen.
I know as a mom I should have disciplined Lincoln again, but I was completely powerless. He was so proud of himself for getting one over on his brother. And watching the whole scene unfold was comical.
Plus, it was hard to be upset with the little guy when Mawmaw was laughing right along with him. Even the mention of this story gets her snickering.
See...Pawpaw isn't the ONLY bad influence!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Forgot another one...or two....
Angie Coles turns 28 today (December 7)
Craig and Sue Lynn will celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary on December 27.
Is there anyone else out there feeling neglected?
Craig and Sue Lynn will celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary on December 27.
Is there anyone else out there feeling neglected?
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
What Pawpaw taught us over Thanksgiving...
On Saturday after Thanksgiving, we put the boys down for a nap, then mom and I went out shopping for a few hours. I figured since the boys were sleeping, Brian and my dad could handle them for a little while. What I didn't take into consideration was that the Ohio State/Michigan game was on - which had the older males attention.
When we returned home from shopping, the living room looked like a tornado had touched down. No big deal - Brian is usually the one responsible for picking up toys at the end of the day. However, in addition to the mess, I also found the boys playing behind the loveseat (which is angled in the one corner of the living room).
Pawpaw had been lifting the boys up and over and putting them behind the loveseat. No big deal...until Lincoln decided he could get back there all by himself - he didn't need Pawpaw's help. Thankfully, he had enough common sense to pull himself up onto the back of the loveseat, then slide his legs over and go feet first. This time at least. We'll see how long it takes till they decide to dive head first!
The only good part about it - once they got back there, they couldn't get back out!
When we returned home from shopping, the living room looked like a tornado had touched down. No big deal - Brian is usually the one responsible for picking up toys at the end of the day. However, in addition to the mess, I also found the boys playing behind the loveseat (which is angled in the one corner of the living room).
Pawpaw had been lifting the boys up and over and putting them behind the loveseat. No big deal...until Lincoln decided he could get back there all by himself - he didn't need Pawpaw's help. Thankfully, he had enough common sense to pull himself up onto the back of the loveseat, then slide his legs over and go feet first. This time at least. We'll see how long it takes till they decide to dive head first!
The only good part about it - once they got back there, they couldn't get back out!
Fixing their hair...
The fun stories have been flowing lately!
Our normal morning routine is for Brian and I to get up and get around for work, then we get the boys up and eat breakfast together. Last Thursday morning though, the boys woke up just as I was getting out of the shower. So, I got them out of their beds, changed their diapers, then found something to occupy them while I finished getting ready for work. Giving them something to play with is the key - otherwise, they are trying to play in the toilet, bathtub, cupboards, closet, or anything else they can get their hands on.
Thursday morning, I opted to give each of them a can of hair spray.
I was getting around for work, and the boys were playing well, so I wasn't paying much attention to what exactly they were doing. Brian walked in the bathroom and started laughing, then said something about "that's the cutest thing I've seen in a while". One of the boys was sitting on the bathroom floor, holding the hairspray can up to his head and saying "Shhht Shhht" (the sound an aerosol can makes).
Guess Mommy taught them right...pretending to spray and fix their hair is so much better than actually spraying it!
Our normal morning routine is for Brian and I to get up and get around for work, then we get the boys up and eat breakfast together. Last Thursday morning though, the boys woke up just as I was getting out of the shower. So, I got them out of their beds, changed their diapers, then found something to occupy them while I finished getting ready for work. Giving them something to play with is the key - otherwise, they are trying to play in the toilet, bathtub, cupboards, closet, or anything else they can get their hands on.
Thursday morning, I opted to give each of them a can of hair spray.
I was getting around for work, and the boys were playing well, so I wasn't paying much attention to what exactly they were doing. Brian walked in the bathroom and started laughing, then said something about "that's the cutest thing I've seen in a while". One of the boys was sitting on the bathroom floor, holding the hairspray can up to his head and saying "Shhht Shhht" (the sound an aerosol can makes).
Guess Mommy taught them right...pretending to spray and fix their hair is so much better than actually spraying it!
Twin Toddler's
Click here to view this photo book larger
Visit Shutterfly.com to create your own personalized photobook.
Monday, December 5, 2011
I forgot someone special...
Recently, I experienced a computer issue at work, and I've lost access (hopefully temporarily) to my file that houses all of my important dates (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.). Because of that computer issue, I inadvertently overlooked a VERY important birthday.
So, I'm here to wish a VERY SPECIAL happy birthday to Uncle Bud Gels, who will celebrate his 70th birthday on Wednesday, December 7.
Thinking of you on 12-7 Uncle Bud, and always!
I recently heard the story of Uncle Bud's birth - you see, he was born on 12-7-1941, and it upset the Japenese so much that they attacked Pearl Harbor. Seems he's been causing havoc from the very beginning!
Please pause Wednesday to also remember all those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
So, I'm here to wish a VERY SPECIAL happy birthday to Uncle Bud Gels, who will celebrate his 70th birthday on Wednesday, December 7.
Thinking of you on 12-7 Uncle Bud, and always!
I recently heard the story of Uncle Bud's birth - you see, he was born on 12-7-1941, and it upset the Japenese so much that they attacked Pearl Harbor. Seems he's been causing havoc from the very beginning!
Please pause Wednesday to also remember all those who lost their lives at Pearl Harbor.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Evidently, twins share everything...
I guess last night was a really good night in our house, as yes, I have ANOTHER story!
Dinner was a hodge-podge. I made garlic chicken and vegetables (Birdseye frozen dinner) 2 pieces of Texas Toast garlic cheese bread (one for Brian, one for the boys to split), and we warmed up some Calico beans that Mawmaw left for us last weekend. The boys ate REALLY well. They each had 2 helpings of the garlic chicken, the garlic bread, and about 4 helpings of beans. They wiped out the beans totally. Jackson wanted cleaned up, even though he still had a few vegetables from the garlic chicken left on his plate. As Brian was washing Jackson's hands and face, I loaded some dishes in the dishwasher. Then we watched as Lincoln got down out of his chair, went and crawled in Jackson's chair, and finished his left over vegetables!
The poor little man was still asking for more, but I had nothing to offer him! Today should be a good day since everything was eaten last night!
Dinner was a hodge-podge. I made garlic chicken and vegetables (Birdseye frozen dinner) 2 pieces of Texas Toast garlic cheese bread (one for Brian, one for the boys to split), and we warmed up some Calico beans that Mawmaw left for us last weekend. The boys ate REALLY well. They each had 2 helpings of the garlic chicken, the garlic bread, and about 4 helpings of beans. They wiped out the beans totally. Jackson wanted cleaned up, even though he still had a few vegetables from the garlic chicken left on his plate. As Brian was washing Jackson's hands and face, I loaded some dishes in the dishwasher. Then we watched as Lincoln got down out of his chair, went and crawled in Jackson's chair, and finished his left over vegetables!
The poor little man was still asking for more, but I had nothing to offer him! Today should be a good day since everything was eaten last night!
Lincoln picked a birthday theme...
As I was making dinner last night, the boys were playing and being unusally good (vs. begging to be held as they miss their mom and dad while they are at daycare). Jackson was moving the pumpkins around the floor and putting them in the window seat. Lincoln was sitting on a chair in the kitchen, looking like such a big boy, flipping through a magazine that had come in the mail.
Brian chuckled as he was REALLY into the magazine. Then, we realized it was a magazine for party supplies, so Brian joked that Lincoln was going to pick out a theme for their birthday party.
A little while later, Lincoln was very passionately saying "TRACTOR! TRACTOR!". Yes, he had found his birthday theme - John Deere tractors. How could a mom resist her almost 2 year old?
The only question remaining...do I buy the tractor cake pan, or try to sculpt one myself????
Brian chuckled as he was REALLY into the magazine. Then, we realized it was a magazine for party supplies, so Brian joked that Lincoln was going to pick out a theme for their birthday party.
A little while later, Lincoln was very passionately saying "TRACTOR! TRACTOR!". Yes, he had found his birthday theme - John Deere tractors. How could a mom resist her almost 2 year old?
The only question remaining...do I buy the tractor cake pan, or try to sculpt one myself????
we have a "thirty pounder"....actually 2 of them!
Last night before baths, Jackson hopped on the scale with just his diaper and socks on. The scale registered 32 pounds, and instantly I went to the Christmas song "Thrity-pointer", but adapted it to be a "thirty-pounder"!
It's hard to believe, but in just 22 short months, our boys have grown to be about 5 times the size they were when they were born. Can you believe it? FIVE TIMES the size!
It's hard to believe, but in just 22 short months, our boys have grown to be about 5 times the size they were when they were born. Can you believe it? FIVE TIMES the size!
Fish kisses
I don't know how it happened exactly. I think it started with the boys trying to make "fish" faces when they would see fish in a book (they learned this at daycare). Seeing them try to pucker their lips led to mommy doing it too. Now, I dig to find books with fish in them...because where there are fish pictures, there are fish faces. And that always leads to fish kisses.
There is nothing better than fish kisses....NOTHING!
There is nothing better than fish kisses....NOTHING!
December celebrations
Birthdays:
- December 7 - Uncle Bud Gels turns 70, Angie Wolff turns 28
- December 10 - Karen Zank turns 51
- December 15 - Cassie Muehlfeld turns 26
- December 16 - Barb Brocki turns 50!!!!
- December 19 - Payden Schug turns 15
- December 26 - Joey O'Connor turns 12
- December 28 - Zoe Maier turns 10
- December 28 - Jerry Haas turns 48
- December 30 - Matt Schug turns 37
- December 2 - Bill and Jean Muehlfeld celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary
- December 13 - Mom and Dad celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary
- December 14 - Bud and Lorae gels celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary
- December 27 - Craig and Sue Lynn celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Update on mom...
When I called my parents the morning of October 7 to let them know that Brian's mom had passed away, my dad was obviously upset when he answered the phone. At first, I thought he was just upset as he knew why I was calling so early in the morning. Then, I quickly figured out that mom wasn't feeling well, and dad was VERY worried about her.
"St. Dar" had already been out to check mom out,and she thought maybe mom just had the flu. This helped to calm dad down, but we all were still a bit worried. I spoke to mom a few times throughout the day on Friday, and knew she still wasn't feeling well, but she seemed better than she was that morning. I was a little surprised when I called dad at 9:30 that night to see how she was doing, only to find they were in the emergency room.
They admitted mom, and they determined she had a bowel blockage. We were hoping that it would clear itself, but it didn't, so they did surgery on Monday afternoon. They found that mom had several adhesions that were wrapped around her bowels, which was causing her issues. They freed everything up, but she was in the hospital for nearly 2 weeks.
Mom has spent the last few weeks at home recovering. She is still very tired, and trying to get her digestive system back in normal working order.
She returned to work on Monday of this week, but only part time. I spoke with her Monday night and she was exhausted.
Please continue praying for her!
"St. Dar" had already been out to check mom out,and she thought maybe mom just had the flu. This helped to calm dad down, but we all were still a bit worried. I spoke to mom a few times throughout the day on Friday, and knew she still wasn't feeling well, but she seemed better than she was that morning. I was a little surprised when I called dad at 9:30 that night to see how she was doing, only to find they were in the emergency room.
They admitted mom, and they determined she had a bowel blockage. We were hoping that it would clear itself, but it didn't, so they did surgery on Monday afternoon. They found that mom had several adhesions that were wrapped around her bowels, which was causing her issues. They freed everything up, but she was in the hospital for nearly 2 weeks.
Mom has spent the last few weeks at home recovering. She is still very tired, and trying to get her digestive system back in normal working order.
She returned to work on Monday of this week, but only part time. I spoke with her Monday night and she was exhausted.
Please continue praying for her!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
another amazing moment for mommy
Sunday night, I returned home with the boys while Brian stayed in Toledo for a concert with his friend Jay. It was just me and my boys, and I was soaking up every moment!
As I prepared to give the boys a bath, Lincoln kept asking for a book (he loves to have books read to him). I calmly explained to him that we needed to take a bath, then mommy would read any book he wanted. I even asked him which book he wanted to read....to which he replied "Biscuit".
Now, please understand that Biscuit is a book that we have read for months to the boys. They love it as it is about a puppy, includes "Woof" about a hundred times, and is very simple for little kids. However, we hadn't read Biscuit for 3-4 days...so I was BLOWN away. I couldn't believe that he could tell me a specific book that he wanted to read!
How did my little baby get to be so smart, so quickly?
I just love that little man....
As I prepared to give the boys a bath, Lincoln kept asking for a book (he loves to have books read to him). I calmly explained to him that we needed to take a bath, then mommy would read any book he wanted. I even asked him which book he wanted to read....to which he replied "Biscuit".
Now, please understand that Biscuit is a book that we have read for months to the boys. They love it as it is about a puppy, includes "Woof" about a hundred times, and is very simple for little kids. However, we hadn't read Biscuit for 3-4 days...so I was BLOWN away. I couldn't believe that he could tell me a specific book that he wanted to read!
How did my little baby get to be so smart, so quickly?
I just love that little man....
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Must be doing something rght...
Parents frequently quesiton how they are raising their kids. Do I praise my kids enough? Do I discipline them the right way? We want so desparately to be "successful parents" by raising stable, strong, intelligent, and well-rounded children.
For us, faith is an intregal part of that equation.
We took the boys to church for the first time when they were just over a week old, and had them baptised the following weekend. We want to raise them in the Catholic faith. We carefully chose their Godparents - selecting those who would help us teach them the Catholic faith, but also set an example for how to treat people, and live their life honoring God.
These were decisions that Brian and I made for our boys.
Now that they are older, teaching faith is getting harder.
Taking the boys to church is very challenging. They are little boys...they don't want to sit down and be quiet. The want to run around and make loud noises. We continue to take them, but there are weeks that we don't get much out of church. This is where my story begins.
We were having a rough time in church over a month ago. We had tried getting the boys to read books, gave them snacks - nothing seemed to work. Lincoln was unusually fussy, so I scooped him up in my arms. I tried talking to him softly to settle him down, but nothing worked. As a desperate attempt, I pointed to the crucifix that hangs over the alter, and told him that was Jesus. I instantly had his attention. I continued, explaining to him that we were at church to talk and pray to Jesus, but we needed to be quiet. Next, he placed his little finger over his persed lips, and said "Shhhhh...". My heart melted.
One down - one to go.
Jackson is definitely a harder nut to crack. He enjoyed looking at Jesus, and Shhhh'ed me as well, but exploring won out. I declared a minor victory for that week.
It was a few days later that I realized it wasn't a minor victory, but a slam dunk. We were taking the boys upstairs to do baths, and one of them pointed at the crucifix/sick call in our downstairs hallway and said "Je-sus. Shhhhh." Both Brian and I did a double take, but then our little guy said it again. He remembered seeing Jesus on the cross at church, and recognized Him right there in our home. We continued upstairs for bathtime, and were astounded when the boys also found the crucifix that hangs in our bedroom, just outside the door from where we do baths. We again heard "Jesus".
This has continued over the past several weeks, and has become a part of our nightly bath and bedtime routine. We say "Hi" to Jesus when we go upstairs for baths, and we tell Jesus goodnight when it is bedtime.
Somewhere along the way, the boys seemed a bit confused by how Jesus could be in the hallway downstairs, then beat them upstairs. Brian quickly explained this to them as Jesus is everywhere (like Brutus...but that's another story). The boys have embraced that understanding - Jesus IS everywhere.
A few weekends ago, we went to visit mom to see how she was progressing. We had to find Jesus. That same weekend, we went to visit my Grandmother, and let me tell you she was beeming when the boys found her crucifix and proudly informed all of us that it was "Jesus". She couldn't believe they had really said it, but we assured her she had heard correctly, and shared the story above with her.
Since that weekend, I've also made note of other ways that we have taught our boys the importance of faith, just through our everyday actions. We always say prayer before dinner. Lately, we have actually been saying "Are we ready to pray", and I'm very proud to say that some nights when we do this, I've actually seen the boys put their spoon/fork/food down, and stretch out their hands to Brian and I so that we can all hold hands around the table as we pray. Additionally, the boys are starting to say "Amen" at the end of the prayer.
I pray that God will continue to guide us in raising our little boys in His likeness. And on those tough days, I'm going to remind myself that our boys know who Jesus is, so we must be doing SOMETHING right. Right?
For us, faith is an intregal part of that equation.
We took the boys to church for the first time when they were just over a week old, and had them baptised the following weekend. We want to raise them in the Catholic faith. We carefully chose their Godparents - selecting those who would help us teach them the Catholic faith, but also set an example for how to treat people, and live their life honoring God.
These were decisions that Brian and I made for our boys.
Now that they are older, teaching faith is getting harder.
Taking the boys to church is very challenging. They are little boys...they don't want to sit down and be quiet. The want to run around and make loud noises. We continue to take them, but there are weeks that we don't get much out of church. This is where my story begins.
We were having a rough time in church over a month ago. We had tried getting the boys to read books, gave them snacks - nothing seemed to work. Lincoln was unusually fussy, so I scooped him up in my arms. I tried talking to him softly to settle him down, but nothing worked. As a desperate attempt, I pointed to the crucifix that hangs over the alter, and told him that was Jesus. I instantly had his attention. I continued, explaining to him that we were at church to talk and pray to Jesus, but we needed to be quiet. Next, he placed his little finger over his persed lips, and said "Shhhhh...". My heart melted.
One down - one to go.
Jackson is definitely a harder nut to crack. He enjoyed looking at Jesus, and Shhhh'ed me as well, but exploring won out. I declared a minor victory for that week.
It was a few days later that I realized it wasn't a minor victory, but a slam dunk. We were taking the boys upstairs to do baths, and one of them pointed at the crucifix/sick call in our downstairs hallway and said "Je-sus. Shhhhh." Both Brian and I did a double take, but then our little guy said it again. He remembered seeing Jesus on the cross at church, and recognized Him right there in our home. We continued upstairs for bathtime, and were astounded when the boys also found the crucifix that hangs in our bedroom, just outside the door from where we do baths. We again heard "Jesus".
This has continued over the past several weeks, and has become a part of our nightly bath and bedtime routine. We say "Hi" to Jesus when we go upstairs for baths, and we tell Jesus goodnight when it is bedtime.
Somewhere along the way, the boys seemed a bit confused by how Jesus could be in the hallway downstairs, then beat them upstairs. Brian quickly explained this to them as Jesus is everywhere (like Brutus...but that's another story). The boys have embraced that understanding - Jesus IS everywhere.
A few weekends ago, we went to visit mom to see how she was progressing. We had to find Jesus. That same weekend, we went to visit my Grandmother, and let me tell you she was beeming when the boys found her crucifix and proudly informed all of us that it was "Jesus". She couldn't believe they had really said it, but we assured her she had heard correctly, and shared the story above with her.
Since that weekend, I've also made note of other ways that we have taught our boys the importance of faith, just through our everyday actions. We always say prayer before dinner. Lately, we have actually been saying "Are we ready to pray", and I'm very proud to say that some nights when we do this, I've actually seen the boys put their spoon/fork/food down, and stretch out their hands to Brian and I so that we can all hold hands around the table as we pray. Additionally, the boys are starting to say "Amen" at the end of the prayer.
I pray that God will continue to guide us in raising our little boys in His likeness. And on those tough days, I'm going to remind myself that our boys know who Jesus is, so we must be doing SOMETHING right. Right?
A little late...November special dates
Birthdays:
- November 1 - Uncle Bob Gels turned 74
- November 3 - Daphne Wolff turned 30
- November 12 - RJ Willinger turns 31
- November 14 - Knox Willinger turns 2, Stephanie Wappes turns 24
- November 20 - Alissa O'Connor turns 8
- November 28 - Pete Hug turns 89
- November 1- Brian and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary!
- Novmeber 14 - Sean and Beth O'Connor celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary
- Novemer 21 - Rodney and Dennis celebrate 22 years together!
- November 25 - Dennis and LouisAnn Brunswick celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary
- November 28 - we remember Brian's Grandma and Grandpa Hart's wedding anniversary
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Toddlers....seriously?
Today the boys turned 21 months. Yes, in just 3 short months, they will be TWO!
Daycare has told us that the boys would likely move to the next room when they are around 2, so imagine our surprise today when we picked them up, and they told us that they had the boys visiting the Toddler room! Wait...don't push them to grow up too fast!
Jackson spent most of the afternoon in the Toddler room. They said he did fine (which doesn't surprise me). He probably took toys from the bigger kids, and just kept on keeping on - that's what Jackson does. He's still a very independent little man.
Lincoln however was having no part of it, and they ended up taking him back to the large tot room. Lincoln had a lot of difficulty when he moved from the small tot to the large tot room, so again, not too surprising. But, last time they tried to move him without his brother - this time they took both of them over. Still, Lincoln is a little resiliant to change (kind of like his dad). The ladies at daycare said Lincoln settled down being back in the large tot room, but he was very sad - they could tell he was missing his brother!
Guess this momma is going to have to get used to her little boys growing up. I'm very excited to see them continuing to develop and learn new things, but sometimes, I just want my babies back so I can hold them. I'm afraid my snuggle days with the boys will draw to a close all too soon!
Daycare has told us that the boys would likely move to the next room when they are around 2, so imagine our surprise today when we picked them up, and they told us that they had the boys visiting the Toddler room! Wait...don't push them to grow up too fast!
Jackson spent most of the afternoon in the Toddler room. They said he did fine (which doesn't surprise me). He probably took toys from the bigger kids, and just kept on keeping on - that's what Jackson does. He's still a very independent little man.
Lincoln however was having no part of it, and they ended up taking him back to the large tot room. Lincoln had a lot of difficulty when he moved from the small tot to the large tot room, so again, not too surprising. But, last time they tried to move him without his brother - this time they took both of them over. Still, Lincoln is a little resiliant to change (kind of like his dad). The ladies at daycare said Lincoln settled down being back in the large tot room, but he was very sad - they could tell he was missing his brother!
Guess this momma is going to have to get used to her little boys growing up. I'm very excited to see them continuing to develop and learn new things, but sometimes, I just want my babies back so I can hold them. I'm afraid my snuggle days with the boys will draw to a close all too soon!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Heart melting moments
Over the past several days, we've experienced some pretty heart warming moments.
Last Wednesday when we picked the boys up from school, we were listening to the news. Everything was about the exotic animals that were released in Zanesville. We hadn't went over animal noises with the boys for a while, so we started in: what does a lion say, what does a tiger say. Well, those pretty much make the same noise, and the boys know that. Then, I asked what a bear says - evidently, they haven't learned that one at daycare yet. I didn't want to completely confuse them and tell them a bear says the same thing as a lion and a tiger, so without thinking, I just said "Hey - Boo Boo!" (remember Yogi Bear?) The next thing I knew, each of the boys were doing their own "Hey-Boo Boo!" in the back seat...and laughing. It was definitely a priceless moment!
Later that night, as we were heading to bed, the boys started to cry and fuss a bit. Brian had been sleeping for a while as he wasn't feeling very well, so I went to take care of the boys. I scooped them both out of their beds and sat in the glider rocker. Jackson doesn't like sharing his mommy, so he quickly pushed Lincoln off my lap. Poor little man just leaned on my leg fussing a bit, but laid his head on my knee and kept snuggling. Jackson settled down, so I put him back into his bed, and scooped Lincoln up. He snuggled up on my chest, and laid his little head in the crook of my neck. As we snuggled under his blanket, he slowly went back to sleep, and I realized that although he is bigger, talks, walks, eats solid foods nows, etc. one thing hasn't changed - he still needs his mommy. Love that little man.
Don't worry - I love Jackson too! He surprised me Thursday morning. Usually, we have to wake the boys up in the morning to get them ready for school. Thursday was no different, in that regard. I headed into the boys room to pick out their clothes, and I heard Jackson start rustling in his bed. Typically, he would stand up, and fuss until I pick him up out of his bed. Well Thursday morning, he rolled over, saw me in his room, and gave out the happiest little squeal in the world! He was so excited to see me! It was very sweet, and melted my heart.
Thursday night when we put the boys to bed, I told them goodnight, and then told them I love them as I do every night. Well, Thursday night, they both told me "Love you" in return! It was a very happy night for us!
I have other moments to share...like our trip to the pumpkin patch, and our family nap on the couch today, but those will have to wait till another day!
Hope everyone has a great week!
Last Wednesday when we picked the boys up from school, we were listening to the news. Everything was about the exotic animals that were released in Zanesville. We hadn't went over animal noises with the boys for a while, so we started in: what does a lion say, what does a tiger say. Well, those pretty much make the same noise, and the boys know that. Then, I asked what a bear says - evidently, they haven't learned that one at daycare yet. I didn't want to completely confuse them and tell them a bear says the same thing as a lion and a tiger, so without thinking, I just said "Hey - Boo Boo!" (remember Yogi Bear?) The next thing I knew, each of the boys were doing their own "Hey-Boo Boo!" in the back seat...and laughing. It was definitely a priceless moment!
Later that night, as we were heading to bed, the boys started to cry and fuss a bit. Brian had been sleeping for a while as he wasn't feeling very well, so I went to take care of the boys. I scooped them both out of their beds and sat in the glider rocker. Jackson doesn't like sharing his mommy, so he quickly pushed Lincoln off my lap. Poor little man just leaned on my leg fussing a bit, but laid his head on my knee and kept snuggling. Jackson settled down, so I put him back into his bed, and scooped Lincoln up. He snuggled up on my chest, and laid his little head in the crook of my neck. As we snuggled under his blanket, he slowly went back to sleep, and I realized that although he is bigger, talks, walks, eats solid foods nows, etc. one thing hasn't changed - he still needs his mommy. Love that little man.
Don't worry - I love Jackson too! He surprised me Thursday morning. Usually, we have to wake the boys up in the morning to get them ready for school. Thursday was no different, in that regard. I headed into the boys room to pick out their clothes, and I heard Jackson start rustling in his bed. Typically, he would stand up, and fuss until I pick him up out of his bed. Well Thursday morning, he rolled over, saw me in his room, and gave out the happiest little squeal in the world! He was so excited to see me! It was very sweet, and melted my heart.
Thursday night when we put the boys to bed, I told them goodnight, and then told them I love them as I do every night. Well, Thursday night, they both told me "Love you" in return! It was a very happy night for us!
I have other moments to share...like our trip to the pumpkin patch, and our family nap on the couch today, but those will have to wait till another day!
Hope everyone has a great week!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
A walk on the bright side...
Our family has struggled over the past few months. Things are starting to look a little brighter, even as the days get shorter. It is very likely that my mom is going home tomorrow! We are all so excited. She can't wait to get home. We hope that she can recover comfortably over the next few weeks, and that the tough part is over.
Tonight, I was reflecting on the simple, yet amazing things the boys are doing these days. Last week, they learned to say "Love you" - not everyone would understand what they are saying, but I always know! We've been teaching them how to say I love you in sign language too!
Yes, sign language. They know how to sign several words: more, please, thank you, uncle, dog, toothbrush, bird, cracker...there are more that they have learned at daycare, and we will figure them out eventually. It really does help to communicate with the little guys!
They are learning more and more words all the time too. They are both saying "Lincoln" (or Linky) now. They ask for snacks (instead of just grunting), and they are singing songs too. Row row row your boat, Ba Ba Black Sheep are the favorites, but tonight Jackson was doing a really good job singing "I'm a little teapot"!
I know that my boys aren't doing anything new or different than what other peoples kids do, but I'm still amazed at how those helpless little babies have grown into smart little boys. I am a very lucky mommy!
Tonight, I was reflecting on the simple, yet amazing things the boys are doing these days. Last week, they learned to say "Love you" - not everyone would understand what they are saying, but I always know! We've been teaching them how to say I love you in sign language too!
Yes, sign language. They know how to sign several words: more, please, thank you, uncle, dog, toothbrush, bird, cracker...there are more that they have learned at daycare, and we will figure them out eventually. It really does help to communicate with the little guys!
They are learning more and more words all the time too. They are both saying "Lincoln" (or Linky) now. They ask for snacks (instead of just grunting), and they are singing songs too. Row row row your boat, Ba Ba Black Sheep are the favorites, but tonight Jackson was doing a really good job singing "I'm a little teapot"!
I know that my boys aren't doing anything new or different than what other peoples kids do, but I'm still amazed at how those helpless little babies have grown into smart little boys. I am a very lucky mommy!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Asking for prayers...
Brian's uncle Ralph is having surgery tomorrow. Please keep him and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers.
thanks!
Kate
thanks!
Kate
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Another angel...
Shortly after midnight on October 7, 2011, Grandma Janice Hart went to be with our Lord and Savior.
We rejoice that she is finally Home, but weep for the hole that she has left on our lives.
Rest in peace Janice.
We rejoice that she is finally Home, but weep for the hole that she has left on our lives.
Rest in peace Janice.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
October special dates....
Birthdays
- October 15 - Sean O'Connor celebrates a birthday
- October 24 - Justin Zank turns 29
- October 31 (Halloween) - Peyten Young turns 15
- October 5 - Bob and Norma Gels celebrate their 43rd wedding anniversary
- October 9 - Larry and Shirley Maier celebrate their 46th wedding anniversary
- October 10 - Pat and Barb Brocki celebrate their wedding anniversary
- October 28 - Jim and Marie Woff celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary
- October 29 - Grandma Emmie and Pete Hug celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary
Is it possible to get the "first born" wrong with twins?
As my "babies" turn 20 months old today, I have found myself reflecting on all their achievements and continued development. It really is amazing how fast they grow up.
Several of the girls at daycare have asked periodically which of the boys is technically older. When we tell them Lincoln, they usually say "Really?". I've come to expect their surprise. Jackson is definitely more independent, and at daycare, more outgoing. You may recall that when they moved into Tiny Tots (their current room), they tried to take Lincoln over there a few times, and he cried, but once they moved Jackson, Lincoln was fine since his brother was there.
Both of the boys are doing great on their development, but at home, Jackson definitely is mastering skills faster than Lincoln. He is a great helper too - puts his toys back where they belong, picks up his books when he's asked to, and even fights with daddy for the broom and dust pan so he can "help" sweep up the mess on the floor after dinners. Last night, he even went up a few stairs without holding onto anything! Gotta love my little independent man.
The cutest thing happened last night, which has me wondering if it is possible that the doctor pulled the wrong child out of my uterus first. After baths, we were heading downstairs for milk. Lincoln has been refusing to walk up and down the stairs - easier to be carried. Brian is trying to be steadfast that this is the "week of walking up and down the stairs". Well, Lincoln was having no part of it last night. Jackson was holding my hand going down the stairs, and Lincoln was throwing a fit. Brian tried asking if Lincoln wanted to hold mommy's hand instead, but to no avail. We were talking things through, trying to get Lincoln to come down the stairs on his own. Next thing we knew, Jackson turned around, walked back up the 3 stairs he had come down, and stood beside his brother. He reached over and took Lincoln's hand - like he was going to help him down! It was so cute and adorable...and made my heart melt. Not only does Jackson like to help mommy and daddy with things around the house, he's trying to be "big brother" and help Lincoln too. I wish I would have had my camera.
After seeing Jackson do this, I also remember the times that he's given Lincoln his sippy cup, or taken a toy to him (usually after he's swiped it in the first place, but still...). He may be the little brother (in both birth order and size), but he definitely looks out for and tries to help take care of his little brother.
I hope and pray that their close relationship continues for many years to come.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
Several of the girls at daycare have asked periodically which of the boys is technically older. When we tell them Lincoln, they usually say "Really?". I've come to expect their surprise. Jackson is definitely more independent, and at daycare, more outgoing. You may recall that when they moved into Tiny Tots (their current room), they tried to take Lincoln over there a few times, and he cried, but once they moved Jackson, Lincoln was fine since his brother was there.
Both of the boys are doing great on their development, but at home, Jackson definitely is mastering skills faster than Lincoln. He is a great helper too - puts his toys back where they belong, picks up his books when he's asked to, and even fights with daddy for the broom and dust pan so he can "help" sweep up the mess on the floor after dinners. Last night, he even went up a few stairs without holding onto anything! Gotta love my little independent man.
The cutest thing happened last night, which has me wondering if it is possible that the doctor pulled the wrong child out of my uterus first. After baths, we were heading downstairs for milk. Lincoln has been refusing to walk up and down the stairs - easier to be carried. Brian is trying to be steadfast that this is the "week of walking up and down the stairs". Well, Lincoln was having no part of it last night. Jackson was holding my hand going down the stairs, and Lincoln was throwing a fit. Brian tried asking if Lincoln wanted to hold mommy's hand instead, but to no avail. We were talking things through, trying to get Lincoln to come down the stairs on his own. Next thing we knew, Jackson turned around, walked back up the 3 stairs he had come down, and stood beside his brother. He reached over and took Lincoln's hand - like he was going to help him down! It was so cute and adorable...and made my heart melt. Not only does Jackson like to help mommy and daddy with things around the house, he's trying to be "big brother" and help Lincoln too. I wish I would have had my camera.
After seeing Jackson do this, I also remember the times that he's given Lincoln his sippy cup, or taken a toy to him (usually after he's swiped it in the first place, but still...). He may be the little brother (in both birth order and size), but he definitely looks out for and tries to help take care of his little brother.
I hope and pray that their close relationship continues for many years to come.
Hope everyone has a great day!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
September special dates
Yeah, I'm behind on a lot of things this month. Trying to catch up!
Congratuations to Chad and Cassie (Scott) Muehlfeld! They were married on September 10th!
Birthdays:
Congratuations to Chad and Cassie (Scott) Muehlfeld! They were married on September 10th!
Birthdays:
- September 9 - Craig Lynn turns 65
- September 11 - Levi Muehlfeld turns, Stephani Haas turns 20
- September 12 - Doug Maier turns 43
- September 13 - Beth O'Connor turns 35
- September 19 - Kelan Wolff turns 3
- September 22 - Brother Boy and Drama (my brother's dogs) turn 4
- September 23 - Don Muehlfeld (my dad) turns 61
- September 24 - Bill Muehlfeld turns 58
- September 29 - Maria Hart turns 30
- September 30 - Ruth Wappes celebrates a birthday
- September 10 - Tim and Karen Zank celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary
- September 24 - Lyn and RJ Willinger celebrate their 6th wedding anniversary
Family matters...
Wow...it's been a long month or so!
Baby Nash is doing much better. For those who didn't know, he was put in the hospital the end of August with spinal meningitis. It was a long week for the Willingers, and rough on the rest of us to see a little 4 week old suffer so much! They gave him medicine in the hospital, ran tests, and we were all relieved when it was NOT bacterial. Little man is doing much better...growing, and thriving. We are all very thankful for Nash's quick recovery!
Things have been rough on the Hart side of the family too. A few weeks ago, we found out that Brian's mom's cancer is back. She's been having a rough time keeping food down for some time. Tests have been run throughout the summer, without many answers. Her cancer is in her stomach, liver, and lungs. She is seeing her cancer doctor in Celina, and was scheduled to have a swallow test yesterday, and is supposed to get her catheter/port in this week. She will start chemo on Monday. Please keep all of the Hart's in your prayers over the next few months.
Our little family of 4 has been doing well, other than fighting runny noses and coughs with this inconsistant weather. I love the cooler weather, watching the leaves change color and fall to the ground. However, I do not like what the weather does for my allergies/sinus - and unfortunately, the boys are following my lead! Right now, we are just praying that this winter is healthier than last!
Hope everyone is having a blessed day!
Baby Nash is doing much better. For those who didn't know, he was put in the hospital the end of August with spinal meningitis. It was a long week for the Willingers, and rough on the rest of us to see a little 4 week old suffer so much! They gave him medicine in the hospital, ran tests, and we were all relieved when it was NOT bacterial. Little man is doing much better...growing, and thriving. We are all very thankful for Nash's quick recovery!
Things have been rough on the Hart side of the family too. A few weeks ago, we found out that Brian's mom's cancer is back. She's been having a rough time keeping food down for some time. Tests have been run throughout the summer, without many answers. Her cancer is in her stomach, liver, and lungs. She is seeing her cancer doctor in Celina, and was scheduled to have a swallow test yesterday, and is supposed to get her catheter/port in this week. She will start chemo on Monday. Please keep all of the Hart's in your prayers over the next few months.
Our little family of 4 has been doing well, other than fighting runny noses and coughs with this inconsistant weather. I love the cooler weather, watching the leaves change color and fall to the ground. However, I do not like what the weather does for my allergies/sinus - and unfortunately, the boys are following my lead! Right now, we are just praying that this winter is healthier than last!
Hope everyone is having a blessed day!
Last molar...
Jackson is up to 12 teeth now! His last molar (lower, left side) popped through Tuesday or Wednesay of last week. We had a rough couple of nights where he was up crying, inconsolable, but we are through the worst of it now. Not looking forward to his I-teeth coming in!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Still more teeth...
Hi everyone -
Just another quick tooth update...Lincoln's 16th tooth - his last I-tooth - popped through the skin yesterday finally! He has a full set now!
Jackson is getting #11 finally...his bottom left front one. Presuming his lower left molar will follow, then it will be time for his I-teeth!
It's amazing how quickly we fall in love with their gummy smiles, then those first few teeth, and before we know it, there is the full set!
Just another quick tooth update...Lincoln's 16th tooth - his last I-tooth - popped through the skin yesterday finally! He has a full set now!
Jackson is getting #11 finally...his bottom left front one. Presuming his lower left molar will follow, then it will be time for his I-teeth!
It's amazing how quickly we fall in love with their gummy smiles, then those first few teeth, and before we know it, there is the full set!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Baby Nash...
Thoughts and prayers for baby Nash. He was admitted to the hospital today, and diagnosed with spinal meningitis. They believe it is viral and not bacterial, but please keep all of the Willingers in your prayers!
Vacation!
Brian and I were on vacation last week. We've enjoyed a great week.
We started off our vacation by taking the boys to their first Red's game on 8/12. Saturday was a relaxing day visiting with the Brocki's, and included a trip to Graeter's (YUMMY).
Sunday, Brian went to Fort Recovery to work on bills while the boys and I stayed home and caught up on laundry, and prepared for our vacation week.
We were all packed up on Monday morning and out the door at ten till nine. Not bad! We drove to Toledo, and spent the day with Aunt Lyn, Uncle RJ, Lylah, Knox, and Nash. Tuesday, Lyn, Brian, me, and Rachelle took all 8 kids to the zoo! Overall, it was a great trip. We saw lots of animals, and the kids did really well overall. Jackson had a few meltdowns, but what do you expect from an 18 month old?
Check out the group kid picture - Nash wasn't included, but Brian took his place.
Tuesday night, Brian, the boys and I went to visit Jay, Tracy and Ashley Wagner. Tracy made a delicious dinner that we all enjoyed, the boys played on Ashley's swing set, and we spent the evening visiting. Ashley had lots of toys the boys loved, and we definitely need to get all the kids together again soon.
Wednesday, it was time to start packing up to head out of Toledo. We were all a little sad, but knowing we would be back again in just a week and a half made it a little easier.
After we packed up, we took the kids to the neighborhood park to play for a bit. The boys LOVED the swings, once they let us put them in them. Neither of them were quite brave enough to go down the twisty slide, but there is plenty of time for that later.
After the park, the boys ate some maccaroni and cheese, and we finally headed out around 1:30.
We took our time heading west as Great Grandma had a dentist appointment. However, we then found out that Pawpa didn't work Wednesday, and Mawma only worked till 2:00. So, we went to visit them for a bit first, then went and visited with Great Grandma and Pete. After an amazing dinner that Mawma made for us, the boys took their first GATOR ride! I am sure that it won't be the last one for Jackson...as he loved it. Check out how much fun we had!
Great Aunt Shirley and Uncle Larry stopped out quick to see us ride the gator, and give the boys baths. It was a very short visit, but we had a great time!
Thursday morning, it was time to pack up again and head to Grandma Hart's for the day. The boys enjoyed seeing Aunt Lori, Uncle Sean, Aunt Beth and the kids as well as visiting with Grandma. They played outside on the swing set, and Jackson was very excited to see the cows!
After visiting for the afternoon, we continued our journey back home to sleep in our own beds. We enjoyed the long weekend at home...
We are back to work, and missing vacation already. Hope the week goes fast!
We started off our vacation by taking the boys to their first Red's game on 8/12. Saturday was a relaxing day visiting with the Brocki's, and included a trip to Graeter's (YUMMY).
Sunday, Brian went to Fort Recovery to work on bills while the boys and I stayed home and caught up on laundry, and prepared for our vacation week.
We were all packed up on Monday morning and out the door at ten till nine. Not bad! We drove to Toledo, and spent the day with Aunt Lyn, Uncle RJ, Lylah, Knox, and Nash. Tuesday, Lyn, Brian, me, and Rachelle took all 8 kids to the zoo! Overall, it was a great trip. We saw lots of animals, and the kids did really well overall. Jackson had a few meltdowns, but what do you expect from an 18 month old?
Check out the group kid picture - Nash wasn't included, but Brian took his place.
Tuesday night, Brian, the boys and I went to visit Jay, Tracy and Ashley Wagner. Tracy made a delicious dinner that we all enjoyed, the boys played on Ashley's swing set, and we spent the evening visiting. Ashley had lots of toys the boys loved, and we definitely need to get all the kids together again soon.
After we packed up, we took the kids to the neighborhood park to play for a bit. The boys LOVED the swings, once they let us put them in them. Neither of them were quite brave enough to go down the twisty slide, but there is plenty of time for that later.
We took our time heading west as Great Grandma had a dentist appointment. However, we then found out that Pawpa didn't work Wednesday, and Mawma only worked till 2:00. So, we went to visit them for a bit first, then went and visited with Great Grandma and Pete. After an amazing dinner that Mawma made for us, the boys took their first GATOR ride! I am sure that it won't be the last one for Jackson...as he loved it. Check out how much fun we had!
Thursday morning, it was time to pack up again and head to Grandma Hart's for the day. The boys enjoyed seeing Aunt Lori, Uncle Sean, Aunt Beth and the kids as well as visiting with Grandma. They played outside on the swing set, and Jackson was very excited to see the cows!
After visiting for the afternoon, we continued our journey back home to sleep in our own beds. We enjoyed the long weekend at home...
We are back to work, and missing vacation already. Hope the week goes fast!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
First Red's Game
The boys went to their First Red's game on Friday, August 12th.
Since they were born at Good Sam, they were part of the Rookie class this year. We got to participate in a parade on the field before the game (we walked all along the warning track, clear around the ballpark). Definitely a different perspective of the ballpark when you are ON the field.
The boys also received little T-shirts that say "Future All-stars", and Reds baseball hats! Very adorable.
The Brocki's (Barb, Pat, and Jamie) as well as Aaron joined us for the game. I hope everyone had as much fun as we did.
After the parade, we got the boys some hotdogs and ice cream before settling into our seats to watch the game. The boys did really well for being completely off their game. We had to take Jackson out a few times and let him walk around, and we used a sucker and popcorn to keep him occupied. Lincoln was quite content sitting on Jamie's lap for most of the game. We stayed for the whole game, but had to skip the fireworks (bummer). However, it was 11:30 before we got the boys home and in bed even with skipping the fireworks.
Here is a pic of the boys ready to head to the game!
Daddy and Jackson during the pre-game parade....
Mommy and Lincoln during the pre-game parade...
Since they were born at Good Sam, they were part of the Rookie class this year. We got to participate in a parade on the field before the game (we walked all along the warning track, clear around the ballpark). Definitely a different perspective of the ballpark when you are ON the field.
The boys also received little T-shirts that say "Future All-stars", and Reds baseball hats! Very adorable.
The Brocki's (Barb, Pat, and Jamie) as well as Aaron joined us for the game. I hope everyone had as much fun as we did.
After the parade, we got the boys some hotdogs and ice cream before settling into our seats to watch the game. The boys did really well for being completely off their game. We had to take Jackson out a few times and let him walk around, and we used a sucker and popcorn to keep him occupied. Lincoln was quite content sitting on Jamie's lap for most of the game. We stayed for the whole game, but had to skip the fireworks (bummer). However, it was 11:30 before we got the boys home and in bed even with skipping the fireworks.
Here is a pic of the boys ready to head to the game!
Daddy and Jackson during the pre-game parade....
Mommy and Lincoln during the pre-game parade...
More teeth for Lincoln
Lincoln has 15 teeth now. Sometime in the past week or so, 3 of his I-teeth have broken through the skin. He is only missing his top right I-tooth, then he will have his complete set. It's close, so it won't be long till we'll have another update!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Peek a Boo!
The boys have always loved playing peek a boo, but lately, they've figured out how to do it themselves. They cover up their eyes, then scare us. We started pretending to be scared....and they find it hilarious! Here is a snapshot!
Follow the leader
The boys were playing in the stove drawer as usual, but I started noticing a pattern. It was too cuate not to tape and share! enjoy!
Pool time fun
We spent a weekend with Aunt Lyn, Uncle RJ, Lylah and Knox after little Nash was born. Saturday was a great outdoor day - so the boys were playing with their cousins in the pool! Here are a few videos of the day!
First, we have Jackson playing in the pool. He loves playing with the cup in the bathtub, so the pool was no different. Only issue (we have this with the tub too) - he doesn't like to keep the water in the pool!
After watching cousin Knox go down the slide into the pool, Jackson decided he would try it! Later in the day, he went down head first (again, Knox was leading the way).
All of the kids had fun playing in the little slide/playhouse!
The boys just loved being outside, and being able to run around and have fun. Unfortunately, you can hear commentary in the background on this one as Knox got hurt!
First, we have Jackson playing in the pool. He loves playing with the cup in the bathtub, so the pool was no different. Only issue (we have this with the tub too) - he doesn't like to keep the water in the pool!
After watching cousin Knox go down the slide into the pool, Jackson decided he would try it! Later in the day, he went down head first (again, Knox was leading the way).
All of the kids had fun playing in the little slide/playhouse!
The boys just loved being outside, and being able to run around and have fun. Unfortunately, you can hear commentary in the background on this one as Knox got hurt!
Monday, August 8, 2011
August Special dates
Birthdays:
- Dennis Taylor turns 47 on August 14
- Brady Young turns 9 on August 19
- Ryan Muehlfeld turns 31 on August 23
- Brother Boy and Drama celebrate spending 3 years with their daddy's on August 24
- Mackenzie Sheneyfelt turns 1 on August 27
- Kendyl Zank turns 16 on August 29
- Dick Willinger celebrates a birthday on August 31
- Sean and Jen Boggess celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary on August 9
- Ralph and Janet Gels celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on August 10
- Ken and Joyce Gels celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary on August 16
- Ryan and Tasha Muehlfeld celebrate their 9th wedding anniversary on August 24
Sunday, August 7, 2011
More news on the boys....
Today was a big transitional day for us. We've been having issues with Jackson standing up in his highchair for a while, but this weekend, he pushed Brian's buttons a bit too much. So, I thought we would try the booster seats. We have used them when we go places, and always strap the boys in. When they are strapped in, Jackson can't stand up. So, we set up the boosters, and put the boys in them for lunch. They both did really good sitting up at the table like big boys! Dinner was great too - the boys are used to sitting beside each other in their high chairs, but at the table, they sit across from each other. At dinner, they were talking back and forth and laughing. It was really fun to watch.
Since they did so well today, we are planning to clean the high chairs up and put them away! It's a great transition, but another reminder of just how fast our little guys are growing up.
I keep saying how they are talking more and more. We figured out this weekend that they know what a butterfly is - they hold their hands up and flutter them like a butterfly! If you ask them what a birdie says, they say "tweet tweet tweet".
Other words that are quickly becoming part of our everyday life: shoe, hat, cracker, ball, bee, no (this is more Jackson than Lincoln), nose, ear, mouth, toes, head....again, I'm sure I'm forgetting some!
Hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln, and Jackson
Since they did so well today, we are planning to clean the high chairs up and put them away! It's a great transition, but another reminder of just how fast our little guys are growing up.
I keep saying how they are talking more and more. We figured out this weekend that they know what a butterfly is - they hold their hands up and flutter them like a butterfly! If you ask them what a birdie says, they say "tweet tweet tweet".
Other words that are quickly becoming part of our everyday life: shoe, hat, cracker, ball, bee, no (this is more Jackson than Lincoln), nose, ear, mouth, toes, head....again, I'm sure I'm forgetting some!
Hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln, and Jackson
Need another weekend....
Unfortunately, our great week went downhill fast, starting Thursday night. Earlier in the week, we had some issues with the fridge - it wasn't distributing ice - but we didn't think much of it. But as I was cleaning up from dinner Thursday, I noticed it was making some strange noises. I started checking it out, and realized it wasn't running. So, after we got the boys to bed, we transfered everything that was in the freezer portion into our deep freeze in the basement, put what we needed out of the fridge in a cooler, and called Aaron to see if we could store our condiments and non-essentials in his fridge.
Thankfully, Aaron has a friend who is an electrician who works on appliances, but he lives in Florida. However, he is VERY familiar with our fridge, and was able to diagnose our issue over the phone. He looked up the part we needed, gave us the model number and told us where we could get it.
So, we got up early and on Friday and went into work early so we could leave around 4:00 to make it to the appliance store to get the part by 5:00. We made it in the nick of time, and the part was even $30 cheaper than we thought! Brian was able to replace the part Friday night, and we cautiously plugged the fridge back in - it started running! YEAH! We let the fridge cool down, and at 10:30 Friday night, we put the stuff from the cooler back in the fridge.
We were very happy when it was cooled down to the appropriate temperatures on Saturday morning - all was well again. So, we decided we would feed the boys breakfast, then go get the rest of our stuff from Aaron's house. Breakfast was a little challenging. We were going to do waffles, but realized the syrup was at Aarons. Then I started to make toast for the boys...and remembered the butter was in the freezer, and the jam was again at Aarons. We stuck with the toast though, and opened a jar of mom's homemade peach jelly. Oh - all was right with the world again!
After breakfast, we decided it was safe to push the fridge back into it's normal place. However, when we were doing this, we broke the water line! Oh...the bad luck was back. Brian shut the water off, and we cleaned up what was on the kitchen floor. Brian went back to the appliance store to get a new water line. It was finally all fixed by 2:00, and we carefully moved the fridge back.
The rest of our Saturday was great. We went to TJMaxx to look for sippy cups for the boys, then stopped at Aaron's to get the rest of our food. We had a nice visit with Aaron, Scott and Ed, had a few adult beverages (we needed it after the previous 48 hours), checked out the progress on Aaron's bathroom, then came home and BBQ'd chicken for dinner.
Unfortunately, I had a restless night of sleeping, and the storms around 5:00 this morning didn't help either. Thankfully, the boys slept until 8:15 this morning! I don't think Jackson has ever slept later than 7:00 - EVER, so this was a very pleasant surprise. Both of the boys woke up very happy. We had waffles and bacon for breakfast, then did a bit more housework to prepare for our guests coming Friday. Before we knew it, it was time to feed the boys some lunch and put them down for their nap. While they were sleeping, Brian and I did some filing and shredding. I decided it was time to shower so we could go to the grocery store. I was a bit surprised that the water wasn't very hot, but figured we had used a lot with laundry and dishes. However, it was even colder later when Brian took a shower, so he went to check out the water heater. Guess what? it's leaking water....don't think that's a good thing.
The water heater is original to the house....so it's probably close to 20 years old. We finally decided tonight that it's best to just get a new one rather than waisting time having a plumber come and tell us what's wrong with it. So, we heated water on the stove to give the boys a sponge bath, and I'm planning to do the same for washing my hair so I can go to work tomorrow. Oh...good times this weekend!
I guess we all need reminders once in a while to appreciate all of our modern conveniences. But really - two in one weekend? Believe me...I'm glad I didn't live back in the days before running water and electricity!
Thankfully, Aaron has a friend who is an electrician who works on appliances, but he lives in Florida. However, he is VERY familiar with our fridge, and was able to diagnose our issue over the phone. He looked up the part we needed, gave us the model number and told us where we could get it.
So, we got up early and on Friday and went into work early so we could leave around 4:00 to make it to the appliance store to get the part by 5:00. We made it in the nick of time, and the part was even $30 cheaper than we thought! Brian was able to replace the part Friday night, and we cautiously plugged the fridge back in - it started running! YEAH! We let the fridge cool down, and at 10:30 Friday night, we put the stuff from the cooler back in the fridge.
We were very happy when it was cooled down to the appropriate temperatures on Saturday morning - all was well again. So, we decided we would feed the boys breakfast, then go get the rest of our stuff from Aaron's house. Breakfast was a little challenging. We were going to do waffles, but realized the syrup was at Aarons. Then I started to make toast for the boys...and remembered the butter was in the freezer, and the jam was again at Aarons. We stuck with the toast though, and opened a jar of mom's homemade peach jelly. Oh - all was right with the world again!
After breakfast, we decided it was safe to push the fridge back into it's normal place. However, when we were doing this, we broke the water line! Oh...the bad luck was back. Brian shut the water off, and we cleaned up what was on the kitchen floor. Brian went back to the appliance store to get a new water line. It was finally all fixed by 2:00, and we carefully moved the fridge back.
The rest of our Saturday was great. We went to TJMaxx to look for sippy cups for the boys, then stopped at Aaron's to get the rest of our food. We had a nice visit with Aaron, Scott and Ed, had a few adult beverages (we needed it after the previous 48 hours), checked out the progress on Aaron's bathroom, then came home and BBQ'd chicken for dinner.
Unfortunately, I had a restless night of sleeping, and the storms around 5:00 this morning didn't help either. Thankfully, the boys slept until 8:15 this morning! I don't think Jackson has ever slept later than 7:00 - EVER, so this was a very pleasant surprise. Both of the boys woke up very happy. We had waffles and bacon for breakfast, then did a bit more housework to prepare for our guests coming Friday. Before we knew it, it was time to feed the boys some lunch and put them down for their nap. While they were sleeping, Brian and I did some filing and shredding. I decided it was time to shower so we could go to the grocery store. I was a bit surprised that the water wasn't very hot, but figured we had used a lot with laundry and dishes. However, it was even colder later when Brian took a shower, so he went to check out the water heater. Guess what? it's leaking water....don't think that's a good thing.
The water heater is original to the house....so it's probably close to 20 years old. We finally decided tonight that it's best to just get a new one rather than waisting time having a plumber come and tell us what's wrong with it. So, we heated water on the stove to give the boys a sponge bath, and I'm planning to do the same for washing my hair so I can go to work tomorrow. Oh...good times this weekend!
I guess we all need reminders once in a while to appreciate all of our modern conveniences. But really - two in one weekend? Believe me...I'm glad I didn't live back in the days before running water and electricity!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Some firsts...
We had a fun night with dinner last night.
We gave the boys corn on the cob for the first time! Neither of the boys were quite sure of it at first. They watched Brian and me eat ours, then started nibbling on the end of the corn. Lincoln figured it out first...and started devouring it. He did a pretty good job!
Jackson was having a hard time getting started, but after I gave him a few bites of mine, he quickly dove into his. The two boys ate a whole ear of corn!
To reward them for doing such a great job on the corn, we also gave the boys homemade tapioca pudding! I wasn't sure if they would like it, so we didn't give them a whole lot at first, but they cleaned their boys up, and were begging for more. They loved it!
All in all, a great night!
We gave the boys corn on the cob for the first time! Neither of the boys were quite sure of it at first. They watched Brian and me eat ours, then started nibbling on the end of the corn. Lincoln figured it out first...and started devouring it. He did a pretty good job!
Jackson was having a hard time getting started, but after I gave him a few bites of mine, he quickly dove into his. The two boys ate a whole ear of corn!
To reward them for doing such a great job on the corn, we also gave the boys homemade tapioca pudding! I wasn't sure if they would like it, so we didn't give them a whole lot at first, but they cleaned their boys up, and were begging for more. They loved it!
All in all, a great night!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
18 Month check up
The boys had their 18 month check up with Dr. Korn yesterday afternoon.
Lincoln is just over 30 pounds (80-85 percentile), and measures 33 3/4 inches.
Jackson is only about 27 1/2 pounds (65-70 percentile) and measures 33 1/4 inches.
Both the boys continue to be good eaters...evidently Jackson just works more of his off!
The doctor talked to us about different things to be mindful of, like...
Otherwise, the boys are doing great!
They know a LOT of animal noises, and we are still figuring out they know more! Last night, we added the elephant to the list of animal noises. They put their arm up for the trunk, and say "woo-oo" like an elephant! That's in addition to: cat, dog, duck, chicken, lion, horse, cow, pig and sheep! What other animals can they learn?
Funny story to share...we stopped at Cracker Barrel on Sunday for a late lunch. Throughout eating, I would say things like "Jackson, you eating your chicken?" or "Is your chicken all gone" or "Do you need some more chicken". Anytime a mention of chicken was made, Jackson promptly said "Bawk Bawk". I'm sure the people at the table next to us got a kick out of it!
The boys talk a lot...and we are understanding them more all the time. They get pretty shy around others, but at home...watch out! After spending the weekend with my family, Lincoln keeps asking for Mawma and Jackson pipes in and asks for Pawpa.
It also appears that I will be in the minority in our household when it comes to sports. Brian has been reading "Hello Brutus" to the boys daily, so now whenever they see anything OSU related with Brutus on it, they point and call out "Brutus!".
Other words in their growing vocabulary:
bubble, book, milk, bath time, poop (yes...seriously), cup, bye-bye, nite-nite, car, truck, tractor, choo-choo, and Jackson
So, overall, we have 2 growing and developing little boys who amaze us every day!
Lincoln is just over 30 pounds (80-85 percentile), and measures 33 3/4 inches.
Jackson is only about 27 1/2 pounds (65-70 percentile) and measures 33 1/4 inches.
Both the boys continue to be good eaters...evidently Jackson just works more of his off!
The doctor talked to us about different things to be mindful of, like...
- they will figure out how to open doors, cupboards (even with the safetly latches), and most likely the baby gates
- they are taller now, and can reach things on the counter tops
- they will soon figure out they can push a chair over and SEE what's on the counter tops
- it will be harder to hide stuff from them. even if you remove something from their sight, they know you've put it somewhere
- establishing different levels of "no" so that they know when you really mean it, versus you would prefer they don't do something
Otherwise, the boys are doing great!
They know a LOT of animal noises, and we are still figuring out they know more! Last night, we added the elephant to the list of animal noises. They put their arm up for the trunk, and say "woo-oo" like an elephant! That's in addition to: cat, dog, duck, chicken, lion, horse, cow, pig and sheep! What other animals can they learn?
Funny story to share...we stopped at Cracker Barrel on Sunday for a late lunch. Throughout eating, I would say things like "Jackson, you eating your chicken?" or "Is your chicken all gone" or "Do you need some more chicken". Anytime a mention of chicken was made, Jackson promptly said "Bawk Bawk". I'm sure the people at the table next to us got a kick out of it!
The boys talk a lot...and we are understanding them more all the time. They get pretty shy around others, but at home...watch out! After spending the weekend with my family, Lincoln keeps asking for Mawma and Jackson pipes in and asks for Pawpa.
It also appears that I will be in the minority in our household when it comes to sports. Brian has been reading "Hello Brutus" to the boys daily, so now whenever they see anything OSU related with Brutus on it, they point and call out "Brutus!".
Other words in their growing vocabulary:
bubble, book, milk, bath time, poop (yes...seriously), cup, bye-bye, nite-nite, car, truck, tractor, choo-choo, and Jackson
So, overall, we have 2 growing and developing little boys who amaze us every day!
Monday, August 1, 2011
More teeth...
I forgot to mention that while we were at the hospital, I found another tooth in Jackson's mouth! Not his molar...he finally got his other bottom right front tooth! That makes ten, so now he only needs his lower molar and other bottom left front tooth and he will be caught up with Lincoln. However, Lincoln's I-teeth are coming any day now, so not sure Jax will catch him!
Nash Richard Willinger
Congratulations to my sister Lyn and her husband RJ on the birth of Nash Richard Willinger on 7-28-2011. He arrived at 9:00 p.m. on the dot, and weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce.
Brian and I left work at 2:00 on Friday, picked the boys up, and headed home to pack up to head to Toledo to meet Nash. We were on the road around 3:30, but hit a bit of traffic before we got to Dayton, and again between Bowling Green and Toledo. We stopped at McDonald's to grab some dinner, and were at the hospital around 7:45.
Brian and I fell in love with Nash instantly. Hard not too, as he is super cute! The boys weren't too impressed...they eventually came to see him when I was holding him, and they were very gentle with rubbing his head. Jackson was a bit infatuated with his ear, but we made sure he didn't rip it off! (They have been learning body parts at school, and he's been saying "ear" all week!)
The boys had a little too much fun playing at the hospital...Jackson got his finger pinched in the cabinet door, and Lincoln had a twin reaction to it, and just started crying for no reason. Brian was holding Nash at the time, so I took care of consoling both of them. Then they started playing on the couch in the room. After one or the other of them almost fell off quite a few times (luckily we caught them), we decided it was time to take the boys to Lyn's house and do baths and get ready for bed.
Nash came home from the hospital on Friday night, and finally met Mawma and Pawpa.
The Willingers were in town as well, so Lyn and RJ had a housefull! Saturday was a great day just being outside, watching the boys play in the pool, visiting with mom and dad, the Willingers, and Rachelle and the kids, who came over in the afternoon. We were brave and took the boys to church at 4:30 (first time in quite a few weeks we've taken them), and they were great. We had a nice dinner Saturday night with everyone, and just relaxed on the front porch. A perfect summer day!
Sadly, Sunday came, and it was time to pack up and head home...after we washed all the sheets, towels, etc. for Lyn and RJ, and ensured we put the house back together before we left.
We were going to visit with Jay, Tracy and Ashley, but Ashley was going down for a nap, and our boys were exhausted too. The boys slept for over an hour in the car, and were hungry when they awoke so we stopped in Lima at Cracker Barrel for a late lunch. We were still home and unpacked by 6:00.
Thanks to Lyn and RJ for opening their house, and sharing their newest little man with us. We miss Nash already, and can't wait for our next visit!
Brian and I left work at 2:00 on Friday, picked the boys up, and headed home to pack up to head to Toledo to meet Nash. We were on the road around 3:30, but hit a bit of traffic before we got to Dayton, and again between Bowling Green and Toledo. We stopped at McDonald's to grab some dinner, and were at the hospital around 7:45.
Brian and I fell in love with Nash instantly. Hard not too, as he is super cute! The boys weren't too impressed...they eventually came to see him when I was holding him, and they were very gentle with rubbing his head. Jackson was a bit infatuated with his ear, but we made sure he didn't rip it off! (They have been learning body parts at school, and he's been saying "ear" all week!)
The boys had a little too much fun playing at the hospital...Jackson got his finger pinched in the cabinet door, and Lincoln had a twin reaction to it, and just started crying for no reason. Brian was holding Nash at the time, so I took care of consoling both of them. Then they started playing on the couch in the room. After one or the other of them almost fell off quite a few times (luckily we caught them), we decided it was time to take the boys to Lyn's house and do baths and get ready for bed.
Nash came home from the hospital on Friday night, and finally met Mawma and Pawpa.
The Willingers were in town as well, so Lyn and RJ had a housefull! Saturday was a great day just being outside, watching the boys play in the pool, visiting with mom and dad, the Willingers, and Rachelle and the kids, who came over in the afternoon. We were brave and took the boys to church at 4:30 (first time in quite a few weeks we've taken them), and they were great. We had a nice dinner Saturday night with everyone, and just relaxed on the front porch. A perfect summer day!
Sadly, Sunday came, and it was time to pack up and head home...after we washed all the sheets, towels, etc. for Lyn and RJ, and ensured we put the house back together before we left.
We were going to visit with Jay, Tracy and Ashley, but Ashley was going down for a nap, and our boys were exhausted too. The boys slept for over an hour in the car, and were hungry when they awoke so we stopped in Lima at Cracker Barrel for a late lunch. We were still home and unpacked by 6:00.
Thanks to Lyn and RJ for opening their house, and sharing their newest little man with us. We miss Nash already, and can't wait for our next visit!
Monday, July 25, 2011
More blood...
Brian and the boys were playing in the living room tonight while I was making dinner. I heard Brian tell Jackson to stop throwing things, then Brian went into the bathroom, followed by two curious little boys. Evidently, Jackson threw a toy tractor, and it got Brian in the nose. Cut him up pretty good, and it was bleeding a lot.
To stop the bleeding, Brian put a bandaid on the wound. Lincoln didn't like it at all. Brian thought he was scared of him because of the bandaid and blood, but I think he was just worried that Daddy wasn't ok. He warmed back up to him eventually, but it took a little bit of time.
Hopefully it won't look too bad tomorrow. Brian is going to have a lot of explaining to do tomorrow...just a matter of if he needs to wear a bandaid or not!
To stop the bleeding, Brian put a bandaid on the wound. Lincoln didn't like it at all. Brian thought he was scared of him because of the bandaid and blood, but I think he was just worried that Daddy wasn't ok. He warmed back up to him eventually, but it took a little bit of time.
Hopefully it won't look too bad tomorrow. Brian is going to have a lot of explaining to do tomorrow...just a matter of if he needs to wear a bandaid or not!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Weekend Wrap-up
We had a great weekend!
Saturday, we worked on laundry, and a few things around the house in the morning. We had an early lunch, and put the boys down for a nap around noon. Jackson went to sleep right away, but Lincoln was stubborn. First, he cried and screamed for about 10 minutes. Then decided to make the most of it, and just laid down and chattered on and on. He woke Jackson up once, but little man went back to sleep pretty quickly. It was nearly one o'clock before Lincoln finally gave in and went to sleep. Jackson woke up around 1:15, but Lincoln slept till we woke him up around 2:40.
Once Lincoln was up, we got the boys dressed, packed the diaper bag, and headed out. We spent the late afternoon/early evening at Coney Island for the TNS picnic. We hadn't been to Coney Island, and it was quite enchanting. Dinner was great, as was visiting with Brian's co-workers and their families.
We tried a few rides, but the boys didn't like them too much. We tried the carousel first. The boys loved seeing the horses, and sitting on them, but when the ride started, the horses went up and down as well as the whole thing spinning - and neither of the boys liked it! So, we spent most of the ride holding the boys, and waiting for it to stop.
Next, we went to the super slide. The boys loved going down the slide last weekend with their cousins, so I thought they would love the super slide. Jackson was ok with it, but Lincoln tensed up as soon as we started down it, and when we were done, he took off and couldn't get away fast enough!
After the rides weren't a hit, we grabbed ice cream cones and shared them with the boys. They tasted SO GOOD since it was really hot and muggy out. The boys enjoyed them too! We let the boys run around the tent site for a bit while we visited with a few of Brian's co-workers, then loaded them in the van and headed home for baths and bedtime.
Today started earlier than we were expecting. Lincoln awoke around 3:30, and woke Jackson up. All four of us were up for almost an hour. We changed diapers, and got the boys some water to drink, which helped calm them down. I thought we were going to end up with 2 boys in our bed, but thankfully genious struck. Since they were both up, I suggested we try our normal "nite-nite" routine. I told Jackson it was nite-nite time, and asked him to lead Lincoln into their room - HE DID! And the even more amazing part was that Lincoln followed. So, we said our nighttime prayer, gave hugs and kisses goodnight, and put the boys in their beds. We held our breath, but went back to bed, and were pleasantly surprised when we didn't even hear a peep. IT WORKED!
The boys went back to sleep, but Jackson awoke again around 6:30 (he's usually up around 6). Brian got up with him, but he only wanted mama. After 15 minutes of him fussing, the boys came back upstairs. Jackson crawled in bed with me, snuggled up, and went to sleep until almost 8:00. When we woke back up, he read books, and played quietly till around 8:30 when Lincoln woke up.
After lunch, we headed up to the outlet mall. We spent a few hours up there this afternoon, looking at a lot of stuff, but buying little. After we shared some cookies and Sprite, we came back home to relax.
Now the boys are in bed, and we are just enjoying some quiet before heading to bed to prepare for the week ahead.
TOOTH UPDATE:
Jackson's bottom right molar has popped through the skin. That makes 9 teeth for him. No sign of his other two bottom front teeth yet, but I'm sure they will come soon.
Lincoln is still holding at 12 teeth, but I think that will change before too long. His I-teeth on the bottom look like they are coming in, which probably explains why he was up in the middle of the night last night. He has also been quite rambunctious lately too. Hopefully they will come in quickly and we can get our patient, sweet little boy back.
Hope everyone has a great week! We are still patiently waiting to meet our new nephew!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln, and Jackson
Saturday, we worked on laundry, and a few things around the house in the morning. We had an early lunch, and put the boys down for a nap around noon. Jackson went to sleep right away, but Lincoln was stubborn. First, he cried and screamed for about 10 minutes. Then decided to make the most of it, and just laid down and chattered on and on. He woke Jackson up once, but little man went back to sleep pretty quickly. It was nearly one o'clock before Lincoln finally gave in and went to sleep. Jackson woke up around 1:15, but Lincoln slept till we woke him up around 2:40.
Once Lincoln was up, we got the boys dressed, packed the diaper bag, and headed out. We spent the late afternoon/early evening at Coney Island for the TNS picnic. We hadn't been to Coney Island, and it was quite enchanting. Dinner was great, as was visiting with Brian's co-workers and their families.
We tried a few rides, but the boys didn't like them too much. We tried the carousel first. The boys loved seeing the horses, and sitting on them, but when the ride started, the horses went up and down as well as the whole thing spinning - and neither of the boys liked it! So, we spent most of the ride holding the boys, and waiting for it to stop.
Next, we went to the super slide. The boys loved going down the slide last weekend with their cousins, so I thought they would love the super slide. Jackson was ok with it, but Lincoln tensed up as soon as we started down it, and when we were done, he took off and couldn't get away fast enough!
After the rides weren't a hit, we grabbed ice cream cones and shared them with the boys. They tasted SO GOOD since it was really hot and muggy out. The boys enjoyed them too! We let the boys run around the tent site for a bit while we visited with a few of Brian's co-workers, then loaded them in the van and headed home for baths and bedtime.
Today started earlier than we were expecting. Lincoln awoke around 3:30, and woke Jackson up. All four of us were up for almost an hour. We changed diapers, and got the boys some water to drink, which helped calm them down. I thought we were going to end up with 2 boys in our bed, but thankfully genious struck. Since they were both up, I suggested we try our normal "nite-nite" routine. I told Jackson it was nite-nite time, and asked him to lead Lincoln into their room - HE DID! And the even more amazing part was that Lincoln followed. So, we said our nighttime prayer, gave hugs and kisses goodnight, and put the boys in their beds. We held our breath, but went back to bed, and were pleasantly surprised when we didn't even hear a peep. IT WORKED!
The boys went back to sleep, but Jackson awoke again around 6:30 (he's usually up around 6). Brian got up with him, but he only wanted mama. After 15 minutes of him fussing, the boys came back upstairs. Jackson crawled in bed with me, snuggled up, and went to sleep until almost 8:00. When we woke back up, he read books, and played quietly till around 8:30 when Lincoln woke up.
After lunch, we headed up to the outlet mall. We spent a few hours up there this afternoon, looking at a lot of stuff, but buying little. After we shared some cookies and Sprite, we came back home to relax.
Now the boys are in bed, and we are just enjoying some quiet before heading to bed to prepare for the week ahead.
TOOTH UPDATE:
Jackson's bottom right molar has popped through the skin. That makes 9 teeth for him. No sign of his other two bottom front teeth yet, but I'm sure they will come soon.
Lincoln is still holding at 12 teeth, but I think that will change before too long. His I-teeth on the bottom look like they are coming in, which probably explains why he was up in the middle of the night last night. He has also been quite rambunctious lately too. Hopefully they will come in quickly and we can get our patient, sweet little boy back.
Hope everyone has a great week! We are still patiently waiting to meet our new nephew!
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln, and Jackson
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Buzz cuts
The boys have desperately been needing haircuts, and we finally went last night.
Brian has been talking all week about buzzing their hair off - as it's been so hot, and poor Jackson sweats so much. I was nervous about it - and wasn't sure how it would look on Jackson as he doesn't have as much hair as Lincoln. But now....I'm thrilled we did it!
We didn't go super duper buzz short, but it's a lot shorter than it had been. It looks super cute on both the boys, and really helped Jackson a lot. He looks like he has more hair now!
But, don't let me be the only one to comment - check out the survey in the margin and let us know what you think!
Brian has been talking all week about buzzing their hair off - as it's been so hot, and poor Jackson sweats so much. I was nervous about it - and wasn't sure how it would look on Jackson as he doesn't have as much hair as Lincoln. But now....I'm thrilled we did it!
We didn't go super duper buzz short, but it's a lot shorter than it had been. It looks super cute on both the boys, and really helped Jackson a lot. He looks like he has more hair now!
But, don't let me be the only one to comment - check out the survey in the margin and let us know what you think!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
So Blessed...
Today was my 37th birthday.
My day started out with Jackson getting up early - he just couldn't wait to wish me a happy birthday. Brian and Lincoln also sang to me and made me feel very special.
Next, the texts and emails started - from friends, co-workers, and family.
I went out to lunch with friends from work to celebrate my special day.
On the way home from daycare, I called and talked to Lylah. She sang happy birthday to me, and asked me all about my birthday plans. She also told me about her day with cousins Peyten and Brady, and how she is still waiting for her new baby brother to arrive. Lyn returns to the doctor tomorrow to determine next steps. No baby on my birthday, but that's ok - he needs his own special day.
Dad called as we were preparing dinner. He wanted to let me know he was thinking of me today (and to call me an old battle ax - that's my dad!). I talked to mom for a few minutes as well, even though we traded emails throughout the day. After I wrapped up that phone conversation, Aunt Shirley called with her birthday wishes, and to check in and see how the boys are doing.
For dinner, we grilled steaks, had sweet potatoe casserole and sauteed zucchini and onions. A perfect meal for a perfect day. Aaron made me my favorite cake - pineapple upside down cake - for dessert.
After visiting with Aaron, my brother Rod called, and I just finished catching up with him.
Some people dread birthdays and growing older. But for me, my birthday is such a great reminder of how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life who love and care for me.
Thank you to everyone for their birthday wishes, and for remembering me today. You all hold a very special place in my heart.
Love,
Kate
My day started out with Jackson getting up early - he just couldn't wait to wish me a happy birthday. Brian and Lincoln also sang to me and made me feel very special.
Next, the texts and emails started - from friends, co-workers, and family.
I went out to lunch with friends from work to celebrate my special day.
On the way home from daycare, I called and talked to Lylah. She sang happy birthday to me, and asked me all about my birthday plans. She also told me about her day with cousins Peyten and Brady, and how she is still waiting for her new baby brother to arrive. Lyn returns to the doctor tomorrow to determine next steps. No baby on my birthday, but that's ok - he needs his own special day.
Dad called as we were preparing dinner. He wanted to let me know he was thinking of me today (and to call me an old battle ax - that's my dad!). I talked to mom for a few minutes as well, even though we traded emails throughout the day. After I wrapped up that phone conversation, Aunt Shirley called with her birthday wishes, and to check in and see how the boys are doing.
For dinner, we grilled steaks, had sweet potatoe casserole and sauteed zucchini and onions. A perfect meal for a perfect day. Aaron made me my favorite cake - pineapple upside down cake - for dessert.
After visiting with Aaron, my brother Rod called, and I just finished catching up with him.
Some people dread birthdays and growing older. But for me, my birthday is such a great reminder of how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life who love and care for me.
Thank you to everyone for their birthday wishes, and for remembering me today. You all hold a very special place in my heart.
Love,
Kate
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Videos to share from Saturday
We were in Fort Recovery on Saturday for Brian's niece's high school graduation party.
The boys LOVED playing outside the entire day. Luckily, there was a huge tree over the play area which provided some much needed shade.
First, here is Lincoln enjoying his first horsey ride!
The boys also enjoyed going down the slide. First, here is Jackson - this wasn't one of his best runs, but the only one I caught on video!
Lastly, here was Lincoln enjoying the slide. Don't blink!
The boys LOVED playing outside the entire day. Luckily, there was a huge tree over the play area which provided some much needed shade.
First, here is Lincoln enjoying his first horsey ride!
The boys also enjoyed going down the slide. First, here is Jackson - this wasn't one of his best runs, but the only one I caught on video!
Lastly, here was Lincoln enjoying the slide. Don't blink!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Monday Monday...
Monday night was exciting in the Hart household.
We had given both the boys a bath, and I was reading a book to Jackson in the rocking chair in our bedroom. For some reason, Brian was heading back into the bathroom, and Lincoln ran after him. Unfortunately, he lost his balance, and fell into the door jam.
At first I didn't realize he hit the door jam - just thought he hit the floor, but then Brian said something about blood. I put Jackson down and went to scoop up Lincoln. He was bleeding pretty bad, so I just held him, and asked Brian to get me a cold wet washcloth. Lincoln fought me a bit, but I had to put pressure on his mouth to try to stop the bleeding. It worked for a while, but he had a pretty bad gash on the inside of his bottom lip. Brian went and got some ice cubes, and we let Lincoln just suck on an ice cube - strategically placed over the cut. :-)
Unfortunately though, he also had a cut on the outside, just under his lip. The more I tried to touch it, the more upset Lincoln got. We ended up giving Lincoln his bedtime milk to help calm him down, and he let me hold a wet paper towel on the cut on the outside to stop the bleeding.
We were pretty worried about how hard he hit, so I didn't want to give him any pain medication initially, so I held him until he went to sleep. He woke up about an hour later, and seemed fine, so we gave him some motrin then. However, we had him sleep in the Pack and Play in our room for the night so that we could keep a closer eye on him.
We were able to get the blood out of his clothes, and mine. There was a little drop of blood on the carpet, but I think Brian was able to take care of that. It really is amazing how much blood can come out of a lip!
Little guy has looked pretty rough the past few days, but its actually healing nicely. Brian has been applying Neosporin to the rug burn (door jam burn) so hopefully he won't have a scar!
That's the third busted lip in the past 3 weeks. Can we catch a break now?
First, Jackson pulled the highchair over on himself at mom and dad's Relay weekend and busted up his top lip. Then, Lincoln fell (well, Jackson accidentally tripped him) on the way into daycare a few days later, and he tore up his bottom lip. Guess we better keep a close eye on Jackson - it's his turn!
We had given both the boys a bath, and I was reading a book to Jackson in the rocking chair in our bedroom. For some reason, Brian was heading back into the bathroom, and Lincoln ran after him. Unfortunately, he lost his balance, and fell into the door jam.
At first I didn't realize he hit the door jam - just thought he hit the floor, but then Brian said something about blood. I put Jackson down and went to scoop up Lincoln. He was bleeding pretty bad, so I just held him, and asked Brian to get me a cold wet washcloth. Lincoln fought me a bit, but I had to put pressure on his mouth to try to stop the bleeding. It worked for a while, but he had a pretty bad gash on the inside of his bottom lip. Brian went and got some ice cubes, and we let Lincoln just suck on an ice cube - strategically placed over the cut. :-)
Unfortunately though, he also had a cut on the outside, just under his lip. The more I tried to touch it, the more upset Lincoln got. We ended up giving Lincoln his bedtime milk to help calm him down, and he let me hold a wet paper towel on the cut on the outside to stop the bleeding.
We were pretty worried about how hard he hit, so I didn't want to give him any pain medication initially, so I held him until he went to sleep. He woke up about an hour later, and seemed fine, so we gave him some motrin then. However, we had him sleep in the Pack and Play in our room for the night so that we could keep a closer eye on him.
We were able to get the blood out of his clothes, and mine. There was a little drop of blood on the carpet, but I think Brian was able to take care of that. It really is amazing how much blood can come out of a lip!
Little guy has looked pretty rough the past few days, but its actually healing nicely. Brian has been applying Neosporin to the rug burn (door jam burn) so hopefully he won't have a scar!
That's the third busted lip in the past 3 weeks. Can we catch a break now?
First, Jackson pulled the highchair over on himself at mom and dad's Relay weekend and busted up his top lip. Then, Lincoln fell (well, Jackson accidentally tripped him) on the way into daycare a few days later, and he tore up his bottom lip. Guess we better keep a close eye on Jackson - it's his turn!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
What are the boys up to?
First, Jackson is now up to 8 teeth! Yesterday, he let me put my finger in his mouth and feel around. Sure enough, his upper left molar is through the skin. Still waiting on those other bottom teeth though! I sure hope those come in before his bottom molars!
The boys are talking, talking, talking and learning, learning, learning!
There are several animals that if you ask them, they will tell you what noise each animal makes. Started out with ducks (as they have 4 rubber ducks in the bathtub), then we added cows, and sheep (they love to sing BaBa Black Sheep). They now know puppies, chickens, and horses too! We are trying to get them to "gooble gooble" for a turkey, and snort like a pig...that's a work in progress!
They love to sing songs - so we sing in the van, at dinner time, in the bath tub, and definitely during diaper changes! Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (as well as the Peek a Boo books) are helping the boys learn the different parts of their bodies. They really like the Itsy Bitsy Spider and If you're happy and you know it. If you ask them to sing the sheep song, they just say BaBaBaBaBaBa. It's totally cute.
I had the best surprise this morning though. Jackson was up at six as usual, but Brian got up with him. They played a bit, and Brian got him some milk, but brought Jackson upstairs around 7:00. He asked me to watch him so he could get a few things done. So, Jackson crawled in bed and snuggled with me. He was being really good (usually he crawls all over the bed) and cuddling up with me. We were talking, and I asked him where his belly was. Unfortunately, he had a onsie on, so he couldn't find his belly. Being a silly mommy, I pulled my shirt up a little, and showed him my belly. He laughed, and tickled my belly a little bit, and I thought that was the end of it....until he bent down and blew raspberries on my belly! We both laughed, and he kept doing it! I'll tell you, I can handle being woken up like that anyday!
Jackson has definitely mellowed out, and grown up a lot over the past few weeks. He's still very stubborn, and doesn't like to sit still, but he's getting there.
Lincoln is mostly even tempered, and still very patient. He's a bit taller than Jackson, and starting to learn that he's just as strong. It could be interesting in the coming months! But for every fight they have, they usually end up giving each other hugs too!
Long week ahead, but we'll be sure to share any fun facts that we experience!
Hope everyone has a great week.
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
The boys are talking, talking, talking and learning, learning, learning!
There are several animals that if you ask them, they will tell you what noise each animal makes. Started out with ducks (as they have 4 rubber ducks in the bathtub), then we added cows, and sheep (they love to sing BaBa Black Sheep). They now know puppies, chickens, and horses too! We are trying to get them to "gooble gooble" for a turkey, and snort like a pig...that's a work in progress!
They love to sing songs - so we sing in the van, at dinner time, in the bath tub, and definitely during diaper changes! Head Shoulders Knees and Toes (as well as the Peek a Boo books) are helping the boys learn the different parts of their bodies. They really like the Itsy Bitsy Spider and If you're happy and you know it. If you ask them to sing the sheep song, they just say BaBaBaBaBaBa. It's totally cute.
I had the best surprise this morning though. Jackson was up at six as usual, but Brian got up with him. They played a bit, and Brian got him some milk, but brought Jackson upstairs around 7:00. He asked me to watch him so he could get a few things done. So, Jackson crawled in bed and snuggled with me. He was being really good (usually he crawls all over the bed) and cuddling up with me. We were talking, and I asked him where his belly was. Unfortunately, he had a onsie on, so he couldn't find his belly. Being a silly mommy, I pulled my shirt up a little, and showed him my belly. He laughed, and tickled my belly a little bit, and I thought that was the end of it....until he bent down and blew raspberries on my belly! We both laughed, and he kept doing it! I'll tell you, I can handle being woken up like that anyday!
Jackson has definitely mellowed out, and grown up a lot over the past few weeks. He's still very stubborn, and doesn't like to sit still, but he's getting there.
Lincoln is mostly even tempered, and still very patient. He's a bit taller than Jackson, and starting to learn that he's just as strong. It could be interesting in the coming months! But for every fight they have, they usually end up giving each other hugs too!
Long week ahead, but we'll be sure to share any fun facts that we experience!
Hope everyone has a great week.
Love,
Kate, Brian, Lincoln and Jackson
July bits and pieces so far
Hard to believe it is already the 10th of July!
After the long Relay weekend, we decided to stay home for the 4th of July weekend. Saturday we did a few things up around the house, and Brian worked outside on the lawn and landscaping.
Sunday, Brian went to early church at 9, and I went at 11. We've found that we each get more out of it if we go separately. The boys laid down for a nap after I got back from church, and once they woke up, we went out to run a few errands. Monday was a lazy day as we geared up for the week ahead.
This weekend we were home again. The boys were up by 7:00 yesterday, so we headed off to Winton Woods. We were hoping to take the boys to Parky's farm to show them the animals, but that didn't open till 11:00 - and we were there before 9:00. So, we lathered the boys and ourselves with sunscreen, strapped the boys in the wagon, and took a lap around the lake. After our walk, we let the boys explore the playground. It took a bit of convincing, but they finally came down the slide - very, very slowly. Of course, the camera was in the car. :-( But, you can trust me, it was really cute. Jackson crawled through the clown tunnel a few times, but Lincoln couldn't be convinced.
We left the park and stopped at Costco to get gas, and to pick up a few things that we needed before heading home. We heated up some leftovers for lunch, then tried to put the boys down for a nap. It didn't go so well. Each of them had napped a bit in the car, and they really didn't want to go to sleep. Unfortunately, I had a horrible headache, so Brian got stuck with the cranky tired boys who didn't want to nap.
Waffles and sausage for dinner seemed to do wonders for all of us. My headache finally started to ease up, and the boys love waffles. After dinner, we talked about going for a walk, but decided to take the boys to the pool for the first time this summer. We started out in the kiddie pool, but the boys were very tentative. They were uncertain about walking around, and didn't want to sit down in it either. I finally got Lincoln to lay back in my arms, and he was kicking and having a bit of fun, so I decided to try taking him to the big pool. He loved it. I put my arms under his and let him float. He laid his head back on my chest, and kicked his legs, and giggled. Seeing how much fun his brother had, Jackson then wanted to come in the big pool with mommy. So, Lincoln got out, and Jackson got to float around for a bit. However, it was getting late, so we headed back to the house for baths, milk, and bedtime.
Today, Brian and I went to separate churches again, and the boys napped for a bit this afternoon. Brian trimmed some more bushes, and worked in the flower beds while I cleaned up the kitchen from lunch, and prepared dinner. When the boys woke up, we made a trip to Meijer for groceries, and Dairy Queen for a cool treat. After sharing our blizzards, Brian began working on the picnic table. I helped for a while, but then needed to tend to the boys. Jackson somehow flipped a plastic container up into his face, and got a bloody nose. After playing nurse, it was time to make dinner, clean up, give the boys baths, and put them to bed.
Not looking forward to a full week of work, but hoping it goes fast!
After the long Relay weekend, we decided to stay home for the 4th of July weekend. Saturday we did a few things up around the house, and Brian worked outside on the lawn and landscaping.
Sunday, Brian went to early church at 9, and I went at 11. We've found that we each get more out of it if we go separately. The boys laid down for a nap after I got back from church, and once they woke up, we went out to run a few errands. Monday was a lazy day as we geared up for the week ahead.
This weekend we were home again. The boys were up by 7:00 yesterday, so we headed off to Winton Woods. We were hoping to take the boys to Parky's farm to show them the animals, but that didn't open till 11:00 - and we were there before 9:00. So, we lathered the boys and ourselves with sunscreen, strapped the boys in the wagon, and took a lap around the lake. After our walk, we let the boys explore the playground. It took a bit of convincing, but they finally came down the slide - very, very slowly. Of course, the camera was in the car. :-( But, you can trust me, it was really cute. Jackson crawled through the clown tunnel a few times, but Lincoln couldn't be convinced.
We left the park and stopped at Costco to get gas, and to pick up a few things that we needed before heading home. We heated up some leftovers for lunch, then tried to put the boys down for a nap. It didn't go so well. Each of them had napped a bit in the car, and they really didn't want to go to sleep. Unfortunately, I had a horrible headache, so Brian got stuck with the cranky tired boys who didn't want to nap.
Waffles and sausage for dinner seemed to do wonders for all of us. My headache finally started to ease up, and the boys love waffles. After dinner, we talked about going for a walk, but decided to take the boys to the pool for the first time this summer. We started out in the kiddie pool, but the boys were very tentative. They were uncertain about walking around, and didn't want to sit down in it either. I finally got Lincoln to lay back in my arms, and he was kicking and having a bit of fun, so I decided to try taking him to the big pool. He loved it. I put my arms under his and let him float. He laid his head back on my chest, and kicked his legs, and giggled. Seeing how much fun his brother had, Jackson then wanted to come in the big pool with mommy. So, Lincoln got out, and Jackson got to float around for a bit. However, it was getting late, so we headed back to the house for baths, milk, and bedtime.
Today, Brian and I went to separate churches again, and the boys napped for a bit this afternoon. Brian trimmed some more bushes, and worked in the flower beds while I cleaned up the kitchen from lunch, and prepared dinner. When the boys woke up, we made a trip to Meijer for groceries, and Dairy Queen for a cool treat. After sharing our blizzards, Brian began working on the picnic table. I helped for a while, but then needed to tend to the boys. Jackson somehow flipped a plastic container up into his face, and got a bloody nose. After playing nurse, it was time to make dinner, clean up, give the boys baths, and put them to bed.
Not looking forward to a full week of work, but hoping it goes fast!
June activities
Obviously, we've been very busy (too busy to blog).
June definitely kept us hopping. Last we blogged, Grandma Hart was down to visit for a few days while she underwent some testing. Didn't find much out, but trying a few medications, and seeing how it goes.
Aunt Lori (and soon to be Uncle Tyler) graduated from The Ohio State University on June 12th. Brian went to the ceremony by himself, as there was no way the boys could have sat through over 3 hours in the stadium. Wishing Lori and Tyler both luck with the job hunt!
For Father's Day, Brian wanted to take the boys to the Fort Recovery Jubilee Parade. He was sure that Lincoln would go nuts seeing the tractors. Instead, Lincoln chilled in a little lawn chair, and just watched everything go by. We ended up chasing Jackson around of course, but still fun other than the rain that fell toward the end of the parade. After the parade, we celebrated cousin Seth's 5th birthday with a jello cake and presents!
Brian's birthday was the 23rd. I made him a cake, but we were busy preparing to leave town, so he didn't even get a piece of cake for his birthday! We had a delicious chicken dinner with sweet potato casserole from Boston Market though, so he was happy!
We headed out around 8:30 a.m. on Friday 6/24 to head north for the Relay for Life event. We were able to join Mawma, Pawpa, Pete and Great-Grandma Hug for fish at Sam's just after noon. Jackson was more impressed with the tartar sauce than the fish, but they were both really good while we were out for lunch. While at lunch we saw Dick and Sally Steffes, and are so happy to hear that they are going to be grandparents again! Congratulations to Kim, Matt, and Bowen!
The Relay event itself was a very fun experience. We arrived at the fair grounds around 3:00 on Friday, and we were there till after noon on Saturday. The boys stayed with us the whole time. They love being outdoors! It was a bit chilly on Friday, and we had to break out blue jeans and coats for the boys (who would have thought we would need those in June). The event kicked off at 6:00 with the survivors lap, caregivers, then everyone walked. We walked for a while, then found some food for the boys (and us). Most of the evening was spent visiting with family and friends. The boys were up until around 10 that night, just because there were so many people around. After they completely checked out the tent, they laid down and went to sleep. Brian stayed and napped with the boys while I helped man the cookies and walked. Somewhere around 2:00 they both woke up - mostly as they rolled off the airmattress and were startled, not knowing where they were. We wrapped them in blankets, and snuggled them back to sleep pretty quickly. I decided to rest with the boys for a little while, so Brian took to the track from 2:00 till around 4:00 in the morning. I rested till around 6:00, then went back to fullfilling our team duties for the event.
Jackson slept till around 7:00, and Lincoln till almost 8:30. We were able to grab some pancakes and sausage, and then enjoyed the closing ceremonies. It was shortly after noon when we had the entire campsite cleaned up, and headed to mom and dad's house.
I am very proud to say that our "Counting Our Blessings" team raised nearly $5,000 for cancer research! This is more than twice our original goal, and quite good considering we didn't even start talking about the event until late January. Thanks to everyone who made a donation and supported our team in this endeavor!
The rest of the weekend was busy. We had a bit of lunch when we got back to mom and dads house, then went to cleaning things up, and preparing dinner. We had prime rib, baked potatoes, and salad for dinner, follwed by cake (Brian's birthday cake) and homemade ice cream. Thanks to Uncle Bryce for the prime rib, and for coming over to visit and spend time with all of us. Uncle Dave and Aunt Ruth came over later and had ice cream with us as well.
Sunday morning was packing things up, and getting things ready for Great Grandma Emmie's 83rd birthday party. It was great to see all of our aunts, uncles, cousins, and 10 of Gram's 11 great-grandchildren. the family has grown SO MUCH in the past 4 years! We hit the road around 4:00 to head back to Cincy, very tired from a great, but very long weekend.
All in all, June was a great month, full of celebrations and time with family. We hope you all enjoyed the first month of summer just as much!
June definitely kept us hopping. Last we blogged, Grandma Hart was down to visit for a few days while she underwent some testing. Didn't find much out, but trying a few medications, and seeing how it goes.
Aunt Lori (and soon to be Uncle Tyler) graduated from The Ohio State University on June 12th. Brian went to the ceremony by himself, as there was no way the boys could have sat through over 3 hours in the stadium. Wishing Lori and Tyler both luck with the job hunt!
For Father's Day, Brian wanted to take the boys to the Fort Recovery Jubilee Parade. He was sure that Lincoln would go nuts seeing the tractors. Instead, Lincoln chilled in a little lawn chair, and just watched everything go by. We ended up chasing Jackson around of course, but still fun other than the rain that fell toward the end of the parade. After the parade, we celebrated cousin Seth's 5th birthday with a jello cake and presents!
Brian's birthday was the 23rd. I made him a cake, but we were busy preparing to leave town, so he didn't even get a piece of cake for his birthday! We had a delicious chicken dinner with sweet potato casserole from Boston Market though, so he was happy!
We headed out around 8:30 a.m. on Friday 6/24 to head north for the Relay for Life event. We were able to join Mawma, Pawpa, Pete and Great-Grandma Hug for fish at Sam's just after noon. Jackson was more impressed with the tartar sauce than the fish, but they were both really good while we were out for lunch. While at lunch we saw Dick and Sally Steffes, and are so happy to hear that they are going to be grandparents again! Congratulations to Kim, Matt, and Bowen!
The Relay event itself was a very fun experience. We arrived at the fair grounds around 3:00 on Friday, and we were there till after noon on Saturday. The boys stayed with us the whole time. They love being outdoors! It was a bit chilly on Friday, and we had to break out blue jeans and coats for the boys (who would have thought we would need those in June). The event kicked off at 6:00 with the survivors lap, caregivers, then everyone walked. We walked for a while, then found some food for the boys (and us). Most of the evening was spent visiting with family and friends. The boys were up until around 10 that night, just because there were so many people around. After they completely checked out the tent, they laid down and went to sleep. Brian stayed and napped with the boys while I helped man the cookies and walked. Somewhere around 2:00 they both woke up - mostly as they rolled off the airmattress and were startled, not knowing where they were. We wrapped them in blankets, and snuggled them back to sleep pretty quickly. I decided to rest with the boys for a little while, so Brian took to the track from 2:00 till around 4:00 in the morning. I rested till around 6:00, then went back to fullfilling our team duties for the event.
Jackson slept till around 7:00, and Lincoln till almost 8:30. We were able to grab some pancakes and sausage, and then enjoyed the closing ceremonies. It was shortly after noon when we had the entire campsite cleaned up, and headed to mom and dad's house.
I am very proud to say that our "Counting Our Blessings" team raised nearly $5,000 for cancer research! This is more than twice our original goal, and quite good considering we didn't even start talking about the event until late January. Thanks to everyone who made a donation and supported our team in this endeavor!
The rest of the weekend was busy. We had a bit of lunch when we got back to mom and dads house, then went to cleaning things up, and preparing dinner. We had prime rib, baked potatoes, and salad for dinner, follwed by cake (Brian's birthday cake) and homemade ice cream. Thanks to Uncle Bryce for the prime rib, and for coming over to visit and spend time with all of us. Uncle Dave and Aunt Ruth came over later and had ice cream with us as well.
Sunday morning was packing things up, and getting things ready for Great Grandma Emmie's 83rd birthday party. It was great to see all of our aunts, uncles, cousins, and 10 of Gram's 11 great-grandchildren. the family has grown SO MUCH in the past 4 years! We hit the road around 4:00 to head back to Cincy, very tired from a great, but very long weekend.
All in all, June was a great month, full of celebrations and time with family. We hope you all enjoyed the first month of summer just as much!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)