Dancing in the livingroom

Ok, it is way past my bed time, but all of the boys are sleeping (yes, including daddy) so I have been trying to catch up on all of my interneting. I have one quick cute story to share ...

Andrew was acting up tonight - nothing major, just pushing buttons. It seemed to me like he was acting up because he wanted attention and since we were busy making dinner and feeding/holding Tyler, Andrew was not getting the attention he wanted. Some of my more experienced mommy friends have warned me that when children don't get attention they will sometimes act up to get any attention, even if it is negative attention. Anyhow, when I caught on to this, I decided I needed some Mommy and Andrew time just as much as Andrew needed it, so we turned on the radio and started dancing like crazy in the living room. It was so much fun that daddy got up and joined us too. Andrew had a blast, and amazingly enough, his behavior completely changed for the better. As an added bonus, I think that it helped tire him out for bed.

Speaking of bed -- I put Tyler down for bed tonight at 9:00 after he had been fed and changed so he was awake but happy and he went to sleep without fussing at all!!!

Ok, I am off to bed because 5 a.m. gets here a lot quicker than I would like ... good night!

Cute Stories

Two sweet stories I just have to share ...

Story One - Douglas picked Andrew up from school on Friday and took him to his parents house so they could spend some one on one time with him . When Douglas got to school, Andrew asked him, "Where's Mommy?" Douglas told him that Mommy was at work and Andrew replied, "Oh, Mommy take pictures." ... That's right, my sweet Andrew thinks that his mommy is a photographer!

Story Two - Tyler's baptism is coming up at the end of June and Douglas and I will be convalidating our marriage at the same time. For the non-Catholics, it means that we are getting married / renewing our vows in the Catholic church so that the church will recognize our marriage (since we got married outside of the church). We have been meeting with the Deacon to complete our marriage preparation requirements, including a compatibility questionnaire. Worry not, the test indicates that we are very compatible. :) Anyhow, during our last meeting with the Deacon we were going over the service and he got to the blessing of the rings part. The Deacon casually mentioned that Douglas could buy me a new ring for this special event. Fast forward a couple of weeks to Friday evening. Douglas asked me if I would marry him again, and of course I said yes. Then he presented me with a photo of a lens for my camera that I have been lusting after with a note that said, "The lens is on order. Will this do in lieu of a ring? ... it does have a focus ring."

What a nice surprise! I thought the focus ring comment was really cute and clever. I am a very lucky girl :)

The protective big brother

When I get to school in the afternoons to pick up the boys, I usually go to Tyler’s room first because it takes a while to gather his things and put him in his car seat. Plus, all of the baby rooms (or rooms where the children are not walking yet) require staff and visitors to remove their shoes before entering the room. So, all of this is to say it is easier for me to get Tyler ready to go before picking up Andrew because otherwise Andrew wants to come into the baby room (which means taking off his shoes), play with the baby toys, etc. So, each day when I pick up Andrew I walk into his classroom with Tyler ready to go in his car seat. Andrew is normally waiting for me because his room has a large window that faces the sidewalk and the parking lot so he sees me pull up at school.

When a parent arrives into the classroom lots of children say hello and want to tell you what they have been up to – it is actually really cute. Well, if I thought the children were excited to see parents … they are even more excited to see babies! All of the kids run over when I come in with Tyler. They want to look at him, touch him, kiss him, etc. I usually have the car seat on one of the tables so he just out of reach so the kids can look but not touch. Well, yesterday when all of the children came over to see Tyler, Andrew proudly announced, “This is my baby Tyler!” When the children started getting too close for Andrew’s comfort, he first put up the sun shade on the car seat and then told the other kids not to touch Tyler OR Tyler’s toys (we have a little toy bar that attaches to the car seat so Tyler has something to look at in the car). He even told his friends to go sit down on the carpet (where they have circle time)! It was oh so sweet to see big brother being protective of his little brother. Of course, Andrew always gives Tyler kisses when he sees him in the afternoons before we head out, but he is clear to everyone else, “don’t touch!” Surprisingly, the other kids actually listened to Andrew and stopped trying to touch Tyler, although they did not go sit down on the carpet.

When it was time to leave, I told Andrew to say goodbye to his friends, which he does by saying, “Bye, Friends!” rather than saying goodbye to everyone individually and two of the children came over to give him a hug and kiss goodbye. The whole scene was just too precious!

In other news, we are STILL working on potty training Andrew. He has made some progress in the last week or so and he seems more interested in telling us when he needs to go potty, so we will see if actually stays interested. The good news is that a lot of the kids at school are recently potty trained now and I think that he wants to be a “big boy” and wear underpants like his friends. Crossing fingers that he figures it all out soon …

The photography class last night was ok, but not great. The problem with free classes is that all experience levels attend and the classes are geared to the lowest common denominator, so even though it was supposed to expand on last week’s class it was really more like a repeat of the same information. I have been reading so much about my camera and about using the manual side of the dial that I was actually ahead of the curve. I am going to stick with it though because I do pick up a thing or two each class and they are not a huge time commitment (and well, they are free!). Next week’s class is geared for Canon camera owners, so that should be a good one. I am considering taking an 8 week online course that has assignments that require you upload your work to be critiqued, etc. I think that will force me to practice some of the techniques that I have been reading about. Plus, the best way to get over the “fear” of something new is to jump in feet first so that it is no longer new! I am already starting to covet some accessories for my camera …

Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

Andrew’s favorite book right now is “Where the Wild Things Are” and we read it every night before bed. His favorite part of the book comes right after the Wild Things make Max their king and he says, “Let the wild rumpus start!” This is followed by three pages of great illustrations but no text, so Douglas and I have taken to repeating “rumpus”, “rumpus”, “rumpus” over and over again (so now Andrew says it too) until we get to the next page with words. The first sentence on that page starts with, “Now stop!” So, I say … “Now …” and Andrew says “Stop!” which prompts Douglas to stop saying “rumpus” mid-word. Andrew just loves it!

Andrew is a lot like his mommy in that he loves his routine … we brush teeth, read books, sing songs, and then lights out. It can make for a disastrous evening if we skip a step in the routine. We typically read the same book or books for a month or longer every night until Andrew knows the book by heart and he can practically recite it. He seems to really enjoy the books that he knows very well, but there is a breaking point – there does come a point when he knows the book too well and he loses interest / refuses to sit still while we read and that means it is time to pick a new book. It is almost time for a new book … any suggestions?

Tyler is usually sitting on my lap while I read and Andrew sits next to me or climbs on Daddy or tries to jump on the bed, etc. Tyler’s favorite activity these days is grabbing at his toys on his play mat or on his swing. He just discovered that he can reach toys with his hands and that has provided loads of entertainment for him. He is cooing and smiling up a storm too. Knock on wood … he has been great in the car most days to and from school and he has been sleeping from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. or so in his bassinet. I visit him every day at lunch at school and he seems really happy and well taken care of by his teachers. As I watch them interact with the other children while I am visiting Tyler you can see that these ladies in the baby rooms really have a special quality and they just love all of the children. Today at lunch Tyler was really alert and we had the best staring contest, although he normally wins because I end up caving in and giving him kisses because he is so darn cute!

I am taking my second photography class tonight and I feel far more prepared than I did last week because I have learned SO much from the books that I have been reading. I now understand the relationship between aperture / f-stop, shutter speed and ISO, and I actually know how to set and change all of the functions on my camera. The tricky part is figuring out which setting to use when and I think that is really only going to come with practice. One of the big things in photography is lighting (or lack thereof) so I am excited that I have a class on lighting coming up – maybe that will help me understand what aperture and / or shutter speed I need to use in a given lighting situation. The other thing that I learned this week is that the tripod is your friend and it is a sure fire way to vastly improve your pictures. I will keep that in mind …

The other thing we have doing this week is watching the Shrek movies because we are planning to take Andrew to the drive-in this weekend to watch Shrek and possibly Pirates of the Caribbean. The drive-in is great because we don’t have to worry about the boys disturbing anyone and you get to see 2 newly released movies for $5 each! We are definitely looking forward to the long holiday weekend! I *really* need to take and post some photos soon!

Back in the saddle again

With the first work week behind me, I can honestly say that it has been a pretty easy transition back. It feels like I never left ...

I actually felt guilty my first day when it was so easy. It was just so different this time because I knew what to expect ... and Andrew has spent the last 2.5 years at this school and he is really happy there. With a whopping one week under Tyler's belt at school, he seems to be doing great! He has been laid back and very happy. I am very fortunate that I get to visit Tyler every day at lunch too, which makes the day easier for both of us :)

I am working a bit of a different schedule which means waking up really early, but the commute in and home on the HOV lane is a major time saver and that means more quality time with the boys in the evening. We don't have our routine down to an exact science yet, but we are working on it. The morning routine is actually going well, but we are still working on perfecting the getting home from work part of the routine. The hardest part is leaving the office at the same time everyday, it is so easy to get caught up doing something and get behind schedule.

In other news, I recently bought a couple of photography books and I took my first photography class this week. I am planning on going to 5 more night classes and 1 full day Saturday class. I finished one of the photography books and I am currently reading 2 more -- one specific to my camera and the other about getting the right exposure. I am excited that I have started pursuing this particular passion. Now, I just need to find the time to play with my camera to practice some of the tips I have been reading about. Isn't that always the case ... finding the time!

Because I Said So

I am up way too late tonight considering how early I am going to be waking up tomorrow morning, but alas I am just not tired yet. That will soon change -- waking up early means my bed time is going to be several hours earlier!

We had a wonderful mother's day celebration at our house today. This morning Douglas and I made brunch for our families and then spent the remainder of the day relaxing in preparation for the week ahead. I feel really great about the week ahead because the house is clean, my car is already packed for work tomorrow, my lunch is made and I have a schedule that I am *hoping* to follow all lined up. We'll see if the schedule actually pans out ...

In reference to the title of the blog ... Doug and I were talking yesterday evening and I mentioned that I have found myself saying to Andrew all of the things that parents notoriously say, and most of them without even thinking about it. I guess it just comes naturally to parents! A few of my favorites: "Because I said so" and "Don't even think about it". I know that there are several others that I say, but I just can't think of them right now.

I just can't get over what a great big brother Andrew is and how sweet he is with Tyler. Lately Andrew has been calling Tyler "MY baby Tyler". His possessiveness is very cute! Andrew and Doug have a nightly routine of giving each other high five, low five, and knuckles, which we refer to as "some" as in "give me some" right before bed. Andrew likes to give "some" on other occasions too, especially when he has done something fun or cool. The other day Andrew did something cool and he gave daddy some, and then decided that he wanted to give mommy and Tyler "some" too. He actually helped Tyler make a fist and then gave him "some" - it was really sweet to watch. It makes me so happy that Andrew really wants Tyler to be included in what we are doing. On the rare occasion that Tyler is not in the same room with us, Andrew immediately inquires as to Tyler's whereabouts. I am interested to see what Andrew is going to think about Tyler going to school with him tomorrow.

Ok, I just caught myself yawning so it is off to bed for me. Have a great week, and for those that are curious, I will be posting new pictures soon. :)

My little duckies

My boys looking too cute after bath time

It is already Summer weather here in Houston. Yesterday Doug washed Zeke outside to help her lose some of her winter coat since she has been shedding like crazy. Andrew had so much fun splashing around in the water. After Doug finished washing Zeke he chased Andrew around in the backyard with the hose. Andrew had mixed feelings about this -- he was shrieking with delight one moment and then fake crying the next, but overall he had a blast running around the backyard.

Our yard is an "L" shape, so at one point Andrew disappeared around the corner of the house. Doug went after him with the hose and found Andrew hiding in the window cut out near the front of the house ... and promptly soaked him again. It was a really fun afternoon. :)

We love these photos of Andrew playing in the water - he looks like such a bog boy! I can't believe that he is almost 3 years old!

Andrew being chased by Daddy with the water hose


Daddy and Tyler having some bonding time ... they are both sleeping on the job!

A Retrospective

As my maternity leave comes to an end (this is my last week off) and I look back over the last several months, I have come to the following realizations:

• Days and weeks may pass slowly but the years are sure flying by - my boys (yes, both of them!) are growing up so fast!
• I am far more confident as a parent this time around. I have learned to trust my instincts, to not sweat the small stuff and to pester doctor(s) when needed. There are not necessarily right and wrong answers to all parenting dilemmas and doing the best you can any given day is ok.
• Maternity leave is such a blessing and I was very fortunate to be able to take 12 weeks off with both Andrew and Tyler (in aggregate that is almost a half year off!). First and foremost, the bonding time is priceless. I just love cuddling on the couch with Tyler in the afternoons when it is just the two of us. Second, being able to temporarily disconnect from the office is very refreshing. When I go back to work I will have a fresh outlook since I have had a chance to 100% completely de-stress.
• I think that a lot of people (based on responses I received when I was pregnant with Tyler when people learned that I was pregnant with my second boy) feel that the "ideal" American family includes having 2 children, one boy and one girl. I was honestly extremely happy when I found out that I was having another boy and now that Tyler is home I can see how much fun having 2 boys is going to be -- and how much fun it already is!
• There are not enough hours in a day (I already knew this one) :)

Next week is going to be a tough week as we try to establish a new routine, especially the waking up super early part! Experts say that if you do something for 2 weeks it becomes a routine, so my goal is to go with the flow and be flexible as we iron out the kinks of the new routine over the next couple weeks. Hopefully by the first week in June we will all be comfortable in our newly established routine.

The Perfect Storm

I am very thankful that today is not my first day back at work because I am sitting in my living room in my PJ's -- sick -- that's right, sick :( . Can you imagine me having to call in my first day back at work sick?

Sunday was just one of those days ... those perfect storm days. I woke up feeling weak and queasy. I was really hoping for a little more sleep when I heard Andrew over the monitor. He was whining crying saying "Mommy, I have poop!". So, being the good mommy that I am, I rolled over and out of bed and went upstairs to get Andrew. While I was upstairs Tyler started crying, so Doug woke up to take care of him. The day went downhill from there.

Actually, the day itself was not too bad. Andrew went through, oh ...about a half dozen or so diapers by lunch time and my workout with my mom was mired by 100% humidity, but we all got to relax during the afternoon. It was during the afternoon that I started to feel worse rendering me mostly helpless. We had plans to go out to dinner with my family to celebrate Doug's birthday (my step-dad not my husband) but we decided to postpone going out since I was feeling so puny. So, we went to my parents house instead to have a bland dinner (well, a special bland dinner for me anyway - everyone else had regular fare) and birthday cake. It was on the drive home from my parents house that the day became a perfect storm. Tyler cried hysterically the entire 15 minute plus drive from my parents house to our house. We were both on edge at this point. Doug REALLY hates to hear the crying and while I can normally deal with it, I was feeling so sick that I was just miserable. We got home and got Tyler out of his car seat and he calmed down right away.

So, with Tyler calm, we went upstairs to put Andrew to bed. The bedtime routine was normal, we sang our songs, kissed Andrew good night and then the other shoe dropped. Andrew started crying hysterically for Daddy as soon as we left the room. I thought that I heard him say over the monitor that he had "poop" again, so Doug went upstairs to change him but it turned out that he just had a "boo boo" -- where, we are not sure. Doug calmed him down and said good night again. As soon as Doug left the room, Andrew started wailing again. We let him cry it out for 10 minutes or so (normally that does the trick), but he didn't calm down. Poor Doug was really on edge now. It just breaks his heart when Andrew cries, especially when he is calling out for Daddy.

In the mean time, Doug fed the dogs and Major wouldn't eat (he has been doing this little song and dance for the last several months where he won't eat). I offered him some dry food and that did the trick. Yeah! Well, shortly after Major ate he did something else has been doing off and on for the last several months - he threw it all up. Urrrgh. Side note - we have taken him to the vet but they have not been able to figure out the cause. We are going to have to take him in for more blood work soon. Now Doug was really frustrated because he was so worried about Major and cleaning up dog puke is no fun.

So, at this point Tyler had nursed so it was my turn to go upstairs to check on Andrew. Thankfully, I was able to calm Andrew by giving him some water and finding his stuffed Goofy from Disneyland (he had left it downstairs). It is so nice that he can tell us what he wants and to some extent we can reason with him. So, I said good night, gave him kisses and closed the door. He went straight to sleep. Whew!

Talk about a trying evening ... and then I didn't sleep well at all over night, but thankfully, the boys did :) . I am starting to feel better too now, so I am going to attempt to eat some toast and applesauce. Apparently, bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are my go to foods for the next 24 hours.

Hope everyone had a good weekend - and here is to a good week -- my last week of maternity leave!

Ahhh ... sleep

Tyler slept in his bassinet last night for 7 hours! Yeah!

On the other hand, Andrew woke up in the middle of the night because of the storm and started crying because he was scared, so he came to sleep in our room ... or should I say he came to toss and turn in our room. He is a great sleeper in that he will sleep for a good 11 or 12 hours, but he is a fitful sleeper and we never know where we are going to find him on his bed. Sometimes he is laying across the bed, sometimes he has his head at the foot at the bed, and on occasion he may actually have his head on the pillows at the head of the bed. Last night he kept stealing my pillow and he even tried to put his leg over me once.

Andrew does not sleep with us very often -- only when there is a storm -- but he knows that he can't get up until it is light outside. So, this morning as soon as it was light outside he said, "Get up, Mommy!"

Needless to say, it was a long night!

"The" Picture

One of my afternoon treats while out on maternity leave is to put down a white or black sheet and take photos of Tyler. I wanted to take photos this week because I didn't get very many of Tyler on vacation since he was usually in his carrier or on me in the sling or Ergo. Anyhow, I try all sorts of angles and hope that he stays in a good mood as I move him around. Up until now I have taken a handful of photos of Tyler that I really like, but today I got it -- the picture -- the one that I have been trying and hoping to capture. There are several other good ones (in my humble opinion) as well, but this one is my favorite.

"The" Picture

The next 2 photos come in a close second to "the" picture above

And here a couple more just for fun!

Notice that Tyler is holding his head up really well too (especially in the photos where is he wearing the navy shirt) ... my sweet baby boy is growing so fast! You can also see that he is starting to smile a lot too. His smiles and coos just make me melt!

In more exciting news I also got a pretty darn good picture of both boys looking at the camera yesterday -- talk about good luck!

Here is a photo of my mom with little Ty

Needless to say, I am a very happy camper!