Sunday, February 22, 2015

January Events and Happenings

January 6-13: Luke had Curious George for the week from school.  George had many fun adventures with us during the week.
 January 8: Hannah has not been taking the greatest naps at school.  This has happened a couple of times on the way home.
 January 15: There were a few warm, nice days in January.  It was great to be outside!
January 18: Luke asked me all fall if he could play in a leaf pile.  We never really had one so when the kids found this pile they went after it.  Every pic I took is blurry somewhat because they were moving constantly and screaming and giggling in delight.
 January 19: Just being a crazy boy--spider ninja witch cowboy dinosaur
 January 21:  Hannah started gymnastics.  She never wants to have anything done to her hair but I told her she had to have it out of her face for gymnastics.  Oh man, doesn't she look like such a big girl with it all pulled back?!?!?!  It will be no surprise to learn that this girl LOVES gymnastics.  She's really good at somersaults and doesn't have a fear of anything.
 January 23:  We made some Valentine decorations out of tissue paper and contact paper (thank you Pinterest).  It was a fun project for a cold afternoon.
 January 24:  A family trip to the dinosaur museum in Norman a.k.a. The Natural History Museum.  We all had a great time!  Troy and I even learned some interesting facts about fossil displays.  We finished our outing with a trip to Jason's Deli.
 January 25: "I made you a heart, Mommy!"  Man, I love this girl.
 January 26:  Another warm day brought a quick after school trip to the zoo to see the new baby elephant that was born on Hannah's birthday.  We timed it just right because the elephants were heading into their inside pens about 10 minutes after we got there.  We also watched the baby rhino for a bit.
 January 28:  Each Wednesday morning at gymnastics is pure entertainment for me.  Hannah is constantly cracking me up!  Here she was supposed to be jumping on the trampoline and then doing a split in the air.  She never quite mastered jumping straight legged after her first split attempt.
 January 30:  Tea parties are a very important part of the day.
 January 30:  We all went to see "Paddington"--it was Hannah's first time at the movie theater.  Overall, she did fairly well.  The highlight for her was the seemingly endless supply of popcorn.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Tidbits

It's been a while since I've done a post about random stuff going on in our household.  I wish I could include a few pics but my external hard drive with all my pics on it is acting weird so hopefully that will be fixed soon.  That's also why I haven't done a post about Christmas at all.

Right now:
*It's Friday which is usually a low key day at home.  However, LJ is home from school because he's not feeling too well.  We're hoping the low grade fever goes away and doesn't develop into something more.  I took him to the dr yesterday and even though he's been coughing for over two weeks, his lungs were clear as were his ears.  He is currently upstairs playing with his Star Wars Legos.

*Hannah is laying on the couch in her pj's (Fridays are also usually pj days for her).  She's watching a Curious George movie we got from the library about spring.  We've had the movie for almost 3 weeks and I think she's watched it almost every day.  We all have the numerous songs memorized.

*Troy is at work.  Since it's Friday he'll be home for lunch.  His well is set to spud on Sunday.  It's a huge project and it's causing a bit of stress and anticipation.  We're praying for success!

*I'm obviously sitting here typing out this blog keeping Hannah company.  A fun fact: I got a new phone yesterday.  I was past due and it's nice to have a screen that's not cracked and missing a few small pieces.

Lately:
*We've all been sick.  Troy has just this week gotten rid of a cough he's had since before Christmas.  I was sick two weekends ago but thankfully mine didn't last too long.  Hannah is on her second round of coughing with congestion.  And LJ as mentioned above.  We are all ready to be well!!!

*The weather has been fantastic and awful.  It's January in OK which means who knows what we'll get.  Monday was in the low 70's (great day to not have school for MLK--we enjoyed a picnic lunch at the park) and yesterday morning there were snow flurries.  

*I've been trying out some healthier recipes this week.  Troy and I both really liked the stuffed portabella mushrooms we had on Wednesday night and everyone liked the turkey meatballs I made last night.  I'm not sure what's on the menu for tonight yet.

*Hannah is full on into the terrible tantrum three's.  It's bad, really bad.  'Nough said.

*LJ is really getting into reading.  It's so much fun listening to him.  He can get frustrasted still but his patience for sounding out words has really increased the last month.

Hearing:
*Hannah
   ~singing constantly
   ~One thing that she has said for a long time and continues to say that I love is, "Mommy, hold her." Which means hold me mom.  There are numerous versions of it too but they all mean she wants me to hold her.  
          "Me hold her."
          "Hold her."
   ~"Let's have a tea party."

*Luke
   ~playing with his Legos and the noises of battle that go along with it
   ~About 2-3 months ago Luke started calling me Momma rather then Mom.  It's cool.  He says it in the sweetest little voice.
   ~"Mom, I'm too tired."  Almost every single school day morning when it's time to get out of bed.
   ~And of course, "I'm not tired!"  Every single night when it's time for bed.
   ~Before Christmas on the way to school we were listening to the radio.  A commercial came on:
       Lady: "We have everything you could possibly have on your wish list."
       LJ (completely deadpan): "Seriously!  There is NO way you can have everything on my list."
     Oh man!  I died laughing!  It was SO good.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

3 Year Old Questionnaire

I decided it would be interesting to see what Hannah had to say when I asked her these questions.

How old are you? Big then laughs a whole bunch
How tall are you? Big and jumps
How much do you weigh? big and strong
What is your favorite toy? baby dolls
Favorite book? puppy one
Favorite movie? Jasmine (Aladdin)
Favorite TV show? Daniel Tiger
Favorite food? picnic
Favorite fruit? strawberries
Favorite snack? fruit snacks
Favorite drink? water
Favorite activity? play babies
Favorite color? pink
Favorite sport? 
Favorite song? dance songs
Favorite animal? giraffe
Favorite game? hungry hippos
Favorite outfit? underwear
Favorite holiday? Hannah's holiday (her birthday)
What do you need in bed when it's time to go to sleep? lot of babies
Best Friend? Luke
When I grow up I want to be? 
Nicknames? HannahBean, Sugar Bean, Beanie, Hannah Banana
Thing I am really good at? 

Some other stats:
Clothing size: 4T although that is probably going to quickly change
Shoe size: 9
Height: 39 1/2" (100% or slightly higher)
Weight: 37 lbs (99%)

The unanswered questions are ones she didn't answer or understand.  Her percentages for height and weight are my estimations based on the CDC growth curve (I forgot to ask at the doctors office).  It's no wonder people think she's older than she really is.

6 1/2 Year Old Questionnaire

It's a week past Luke's half birthday--better late than never.

How old are you? 6 1/2
How tall are you? Shrugs his shoulders and says you need to measure me
How much do you weigh? Smiling, maybe 2000 pounds.  Then he laughs and says never mind.  So I ask again.  He makes several more random guesses before going to the scale.  44 pounds
What is your favorite toy? Legos
Favorite book? Giant dinosaur book
Favorite movie? Star Wars
Favorite TV show? Odd Squad
Favorite food? french toast and pancakes
Favorite fruit? cantaloupe
Favorite snack? fruit by the foot
Favorite drink? Capri Sun
Favorite activity? Play Madagascar on my LeapPad
Favorite color? green and orange
Favorite sport? soccer
Favorite song? Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Favorite animal? elephants specifically the new baby at our zoo
Favorite game? Connect 4
Favorite outfit? my dinosaur shirts
Favorite holiday? Christmas
What do you need in bed when it's time to go to sleep? pillow doggy and blanket
Best Friend? Aubrey Northcutt (friend at school)
When I grow up I want to be? a Lego maker and miniature golf course maker
Nicknames? Munchkin, Kiddo, Lukester, Lukey
Thing I am really good at? Playing on my LeapPad

Some other stats:
Clothing size: tops are 6/7 and bottoms are 5 slim or 6 slim 
Shoe size: 12 1/2
Height: 46"
Weight: 44 lbs

Monday, December 22, 2014

Hannah is 3!

What?!?!?!  She's 3, already???  I really don't like the adage that as you get older time goes by faster.  I can still remember three years ago just praying our baby girl would decide it was time to come into the world.  Cliche but it seems I've blinked and now here we are.

Our sweet girl is still full of life, even more independent, and usually as happy go lucky as you can be.  We've experienced a few periods of some not so happy Hannah within the last few months and I have to say these have been some trying times for all of us.  I believe the terrible three's have hit our house early again (hopefully they don't stick around too long).  

*Hannah's schedule pretty much revolves around school--hers and Luke's.  I get her up about 7:30 to get LJ to school.  On Monday and Wednesday she is down for her nap by noon.  She is usually awake by the time we have to get LJ from school about 2:45.  Tuesday and Thursday she goes to MDO and on Friday and during the weekend she's down for her nap by 1 and usually sleeps about 2 hours.  She goes to bed between 7 and 7:30.

*Stats: The last time we went to the doctor Hannah weighed 37 lbs.  Whoa!  (She's going to pass her brother soon as he's only 45 lbs.)  I'm not sure exactly how tall she is put it's at least 36 inches.  Her check-up is at the beginning of January so we'll find out then.  Hannah is wearing 4T clothes (much to my dismay some of the 3T clothes I had for her this fall never even fit).

*She recently had her first "real" haircut with clips and layering etc.--it's a very cute bob now.  There is still curl to it but it's lessened without the humidity.

*Hannah's eating habits haven't changed a whole bunch.  She still loves to eat but she's definitely more picky about what she's eating.  Some of her favorites include: peanut butter, strawberries, cheese, sugar snap peas, Caesar salad, spaghetti, yogurt and mac n cheese.

*Hannah seems to have a habit of asking for the parent that's not around/available at the moment.  She is constantly asking for Daddy when he's at work but then when he gets home she won't leave my side and sometimes makes fixing dinner a bit challenging.  She also wants only me at bedtime (much to Troy's disappointment) although we alternate nights with each kid.

*Hannah has never back-tracked with potty training.  We rarely have accidents now although she is still wearing a diaper at naptime and overnight.  We're still working on going poop in the potty but it's not something we are pushing too hard right now.

*As I mentioned above, we've had some trying times the last few months.  She seems to be going in phases of every few weeks being happy and energetic to being sort of whiny and clingy and not in a good mood.  It's hard going through this roller coaster but looking back I remember it with Luke too.  Hopefully it phases out quickly and she goes to back to happy, smiley Hannah all the time soon.

*Dolls, dolls, dolls!!!  Hannah loves her baby dolls.  For the last couple of months, "Baby Sister" has been the #1 doll.  Then at her birthday party last weekend she got a "Baby Stella" doll and literally the doll has not been out of her sight except when she is at school.  Both dolls seem to constantly be crying and needing attention.  They also like to take naps, sit in a highchair to eat and to look in a dressing mirror, and they love a fast stroller ride around the house.  Bedtime does not go well if one of them hasn't made it into her crib.

*Hannah still loves to be outside.  The weather hasn't cooperated much in this lately but we've taken advantage of the nice days we have had.  Riding bikes, playing ball and going to the park to swing or swinging here at home are all high on the list of fun.

*Legos are still a favorite as well.  She received a few sets for her birthday and has enjoyed helping mom and dad put them together.  She still just really likes to sort them and pick out the flat pieces to cover a base plate with but I think she's starting to understand that you can make really cool stuff with them.

*Rather recently she has started asking me to do art projects.  I love it!  She made some very fun gifts for Christmas and she is very good at holding a writing utensil properly.  I have some fun projects planned for both kids over the Christmas break.

*Hannah sings constantly--eating, riding in the car, playing, literally all the time.  They have different songs they sing each month at school so we've had turkey songs, Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas and others that I can't quite understand.  She also loves Old MacDonald, ABC song, Frere Jacque, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and she is always making up songs to go along with her activities.  We love the made up ones the best; they are SO funny!

*She is counting correctly up to 13 and sometimes gets up to 17.

*One thing that has definitely not changed is the love she has for Luke.  The last few months they have really been playing well together--making up games, building Legos, chasing each other in circles upstairs.  They have become true playmates as Hannah has gotten a bit older.  This is not to say there aren't times when they're not getting along but I've really noticed how much more they are interacting and love watching them together.

*Hannah has several phrases that we hear repeatedly:
--"Go to the baseball game next summer with Mom and Dad and Luke and Hannah."  After the baseball season ended we heard this one every day for over 2 months (no joke) and we still hear it on a fairly regular basis now.
--"Baby sick" or "baby's crying"
--"Mom, fix dinner?"  Almost every time I go in the kitchen in the late afternoon.
--"Mommy's turn to read stories?!?!"
--"No eyes in soap" while in the bathtub
--"HUH?" when she doesn't hear or understand what you've said
--"Go bye bye."
--"Somefing just smells."  I can hear her perfect little way of saying something whenever I think about her saying this one.  It's one of my favorites.

*Her favorite color is blue with pink and purple close behind.  When we change into underwear she insists that they are blue or have blue on them somewhere.  I have to stay up on the laundry with that one because no blue underwear is apparently cause for major meltdown.

*Hannah really is enjoying books with flaps or anything interactive.  We reread the same books over and over until Troy or I refuse and we start the cycle over again.

*Hannah has a very sweet habit of giving kisses on cheeks especially when snuggling or singing a good night song.  She'll grab your face with both hands and just plant a big one on your cheek.  I love it!!!  Such a sweetie!

*Current nicknames: HannahBean, Sugar Bean, Princess Sugar Bean, Beanie

Sunday, December 21, 2014

December Daily: 8-11

So, I'm obviously a bit behind on this.  There's been a lot going on lately (when is there not in December) and I'm not remembering many details of some of the days gone by.  It is what it is and I know I'll be glad to have what I get down years from now.

December 8
I don't have any pictures from this Monday.  All I remember is that I had my board meeting at FUMC and Hannah came with me (rather than stay with Grandma as usual because she had a dr appt).  It was a nice day and after picking LJ up from school we went to what the kids call "the dinosaur park."  They had a great time chasing each other and enjoying some time outside.  I also enjoyed the sunshine.

December 9
Again no pictures from today.  I had a dentist appointment while the kids were both at school.  I was majorly bummed to learn that I had my first ever cavity :(  It really depressed me.  Not to mention I really don't like the idea of having it filled tomorrow morning.  Blech!

December 10
Another afternoon at the park followed by some bike riding time in the driveway at home.  If I remember correctly, this is the last nice day we've had.  It's been so cloudy and overcast/drizzly for over a week now.  We are all very ready to see the sun!

December 11
No pics today.  Honestly, I don't remember much about this day except that Hannah and I went to Sam's Club after we dropped off LJ at school and then after I dropped her off I ran some more errands before I cleaned out the toys in anticipation of all the incoming toys.

Friday, December 19, 2014

December Daily: 7

Troy and I had had this surprise planned since October.  We were really excited for the kids to learn what it was.  Doby, our elf, sort of spilled the beans a little earlier than we wanted but the kids (mostly Luke) was beyond excited that Doby was telling them a secret.  Doby said that the kids needed to be good that morning because he knew we were planning a surprise but he wasn't sure what it was.  Luke couldn't stand not knowing so we gave him clues until he figured out that we were going on a train ride called "The Polar Express" that afternoon.  This was Hannah's first train ride and Luke's second.  Part of the experience included wearing pj's.  The kids wanted to wear their "Christmas jammies" they got for Christmas last year.

Our ride lasted about an hour.  The book was read, we had hot chocolate and cookies, saw the north pole (LJ was super disappointed at this because it was pretty awful as far as imitations go) and we got to meet one of Santa's helpers who handed out a bell to each of the kids.  Overall, it was a fun afternoon even if just a bit cheesy.