Bode skis

Here is a short video clip of Bode skiing at West Mountain.  Today was a big day because he rode the lift for the first time!  This video was shot at the end of his class.  RWF joined him for a run down the hill.


Watch Bode ski here.

It's Friday, I'm in love

I'm in love with an Auntie who sends the babies care packages. Care packages that contain fun things like....

new sparkle jeans!

I'm in love with this little girl who is loyal to her friend Hop-hop.

I'm in love with a little boy who loves LEGOs.

This boy is so into LEGOs now.  This means that I am into LEGOs, too. I (or RWF) have to build the things, and then Bode enjoys the end-product. I built this little yellow car myself. It took me about 4 hours. I have to say that Bode was so patient, waiting for me to make sense of the diagrams, fumbling with the tiny pieces as I tried to shove them together, making them fit.  I have a new appreciation for LEGOs.  I didn't know that they involved so many pieces and layering! 

We are waiting for this winter storm to hit.  Hopefully it won't be so bad.
Stay cozy and happy weekend.
xo

Gianna's new schedule

I've decided that I need to enjoy this time with Gianna for as long as she is at home. It is not easy to carve out time to do something with her. After we drop Bode at school, I am usually feeding Nico, changing Nico, or moving Nico in tummy time, etc.  And when I am not doing that, I'm trying to clean up, do laundry, or something equally boring and mundane.  

It seems like every night, my constant lament is, "Oh, Gianna is growing so fast," or, "Oh, she is really missing me, I can tell!"  I have minimized how hard having a new baby has been on Gianna. 

On Monday, I thought, "Why am I trying so hard to keep the house neat when I have this adorable, lovable baby girl right here in front of me?"  

I decided that we needed to do more things together.  We may not be able to get out and do things, but that is no reason to not do something.  So I made up a plan: Mondays, we will bake or cook something (make a soup, prep dinner, etc). Tuesdays, we have the toddler program at the Y. Wednesdays, we will craft or run an errand.  When the weather is nicer and Nico is a little bigger, maybe we will be able to do more things outside the house.

Yesterday, we made marshmallow treats.  I wanted to bake cookies with Gianna, but thought it might take too much time.  I never know how much of a "window" I have with Nico, so I needed something simple and quick.  

It was the perfect "intro to baking" for my 2 1/2 year old sweetie.  We had a lot of fun together. And she loved eating what we made.

Last night, she was so excited about going to the toddler program at the YMCA.  When I tucked her in, she said, "Tomorrow, I go to Y."   This morning, when I went into  her room to get her dressed, she said, "Yay! I go to Y!" She reminded me all morning. When we dropped Bode off at school, she said, "I go to Y!"  Later, when I was on the phone with RWF, she interrupted, "Are you done yet, Mommy? I go to Y!" She was not going to let me forget to take her to the Y!  It was pretty funny.  We did go, and she had fun playing "basketball" with the boys (She is the only girl in the class right now. This poor girl can not get away from boys!) (sigh).  

Tomorrow, I will try to fit in a quick art project with Gianna.  Or, I'd like to get her bangs trimmed.  We will try to fit in something fun. Hopefully, this mommy will stick to her plan.  I think it will be beneficial for both of us! 

Happy Tuesday.

xo

Words of wisdom

Dear Gianna,

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."

For more truth, see this movie.

Love,
Mommy
xo

This is Bode not smiling

When I pulled out the camera last night and aimed the lens at Bode, he looked at me solemnly and said, "I'm not going to smile, awright?"  "Okay," I said.

And then he did.

Happy weekend.
xo

It's Friday, I'm in love

It's Friday, and I'm in love with...

this boy!  Bode trial'ed Kindergarten today.  It went well, I think.  When I picked him up from school, I swear he looked 5 years older than when I dropped him off this morning.

I'm in love with...

this girl!  Gianna is such a sweet pea. She is always saying, "I love you, mama." Then again, she can burn me so quick. The other day, I was hugging her and asked, "Did you have a good-good day?" and she said, "Yes!" and so I pressed, "What made it such a good-good day?" and she responded, "Jackren was here!"  Ouch. Jacquelyn is our baby sitter.  I felt like Gianna had just knifed me in the back with that response.

I'm in love with...

this baby!  Nico had his first big fever and cold this week. It has been so rough!  This poor little guy has fluid in his ears, a horrible cough and terrible congestion. The pediatrician made me feel worse by explaining that Nico was throwing up because he is "probably nauseous from all the mucous." (I know that you wanted to read that. You're welcome.)  It just breaks my heart that he is only 4 months old and has already had a big sickness.  The pediatrician also said that Bode will be bringing home lots of "stuff" from school. I wish I could feel so matter-of-fact about it.  After this incident, I will have a hard time taking my children anywhere!

This week, with Nico being sick, I have dozed/sat in our green chair, and RWF dozed/lied on our sofa, while Nico would sit in his swing in our living room. Nico didn't sleep, so Mommy and Daddy didn't sleep either. I look longingly at our bed every time I change Nico's diaper. It is funny how you get to a point in sleep deprivation where you would give anything to just sleep in your bed.  At least, that is where I was this week. 

The entire family has been sick over the past 2 weeks. I know that we are not unique in this situation.  But UGH! it has been so hard. 

Stay healthy and warm!

xo

Best in Show

I'm happy to report that Priscilla's breed, Treeing Walker Coonhound, is now officially recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club!  Hooray!  

Watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of my annual traditions. I love it! It is so much fun to sit and watch the doggies "compete."  And now, I can look forward to seeing a "Priscilla" in the mix!  To read the news, and check out this year's schedule, go here.

Priscilla is the best dog in temperament and looks. She is "Best in Show" with us!

We love you, P.

xo