Friday, February 17, 2012

Two kids, One Blog, Zero posts :)


Well, It's been a few months since I last posted - Hope this finds everyone well!!

Things have been craaaaaazy. Luckily, for us, this Winter is flying by! It's almost Spring - Yay!!! The boys are doing great and we are just patiently waiting for more Sunshine and warm weather. I can't wait to play outside (and expel energy!) with the boys.

Christian is doing really well at his school. He has since been moved to the "Four Year Old" room and learning so much! He has even began writing his name (and all his classmates too!). He is still doing Tumble Bus which he loves, and loves his teachers. He can't wait to go to see Ms. Leslie (does my heart good!). We haven't had much snow, but when it does, we try and get out to play before it melts. We took Brody out for his first snow, which he didn't love so much, haha! 

Brody is 8 months already! I can't believe it. He is one big "little" man. He is weighing in at a whopping 19 pounds, and is almost 30" long. He is going to be my "big dog". He, too, is just the happiest baby. Even when he is not feeling so great, he just laughs and smiles at everyone and everything. He is such a different baby then he was 4 months ago (praise Jesus for that!!). He is sitting up and starting to pull up on things. He can stand by himself for a short time and even longer when he is "crusing". He has learned that he can shriek and boy, does he practice!!! He just babbles all the time - I didn't realize how much I missed it :)

Chris and I are going good. Chris absolutely loves his new job! Not alot of snow this year, so he hasn't had to work too many late nights.

Oh and......... We have a new addition coming to the family. My sister, Nik, is pregnant and is due in September!!! I'm going to (finally) be an Aunt, and the boys have a brand new cousin coming!! Finally, some little people to play within the family :)

I hope everyone is doing well and keeping warm! I'm hoping the snow keeps avoiding us until next year and Spring hurries up!!


Friday, December 2, 2011

Thanksgiving Getaway

The Red Caboose Inn

Inside our Caboose

Every year we go away the day after Thanksgiving. This year we went to Strasburg, PA and Hershey, PA. We headed up on Friday and slept at the "Red Caboose Inn". Yup, that's right, we slept in a train car!! Christian was beyond excited. That's all he could talk about - he became mildly obsessed. He also loved seeing the "Horse & Buggies". He got to meet two Reindeers, Star & Tundra. We also had dinner with Mrs. Clause and Yummy (A giant, kinda scary looking gingerbread man!). Storytime in front of the fireplace was after Dinner. He really enjoyed decorating his Gingerbread cookies, and making smores in the Village Square after the tree lighthing. Brody just kinda hung out and soaked all the lights in.

Decorating his Cookies
On Saturday, we went to the Railroad and rode the "Santa Train". It was a 45 minute ride through the countryside with Santa coming through and taking pictures with each child. He rode the mini train with Chris and I, before we snuck off into a storage garage to get a picture of the actual "Thomas the Tank" Engine (they stored it there after "A day with Thomas" was over) Chris got the picture, while I was the look out :)

We headed up to Hershey Park that afternoon. We stayed at the Hershey Lodge (Thanks Mom Mom!). It was beautiful!! The lobby had a huge four sided fireplace where everyone hung out and enjoyed the evening. All the kids were running around in their PJ's, it was so cute! Aunt Nik joined us too! We took Christian through Chocolate World (which he learned to love the second and third time we got on it!), and drove through the Christmas Light Park. Afterwards, we headed to the actual park and enjoyed the attractions there. The rides were open and everything was lit up beautifully.

On the Santa Train - Poor Bo :(
We had breakfast with Santa the next morning in one of the ballrooms (that was just breathtaking! You have got to see this place!) Christian and Brody got to see Santa and also was given a present from him.

Before heading home, we went back to Hershey Park and of course bought some candy! Poor Brody was over stimulated, but was happy most of the time. Christian had a blast! Everyone was wiped out and slept on the way home, except for Me, of course. I was driving, but Mom kept me company :)

Friday, November 18, 2011

We are Thankful for.....

As Thanksgiving approaches (quickly being overshadowed by Christmas), Chris asked me "Do you think Christian knows what Thankgiving is?" - I turned to him and said "Probably not because we haven't told him." I realized we were spending so much of our evenings rushing around, getting lunches packed, baths done, and savoring a quick 5 minute rest on the couch, we have been neglecting things we use to do. After some tweaking some things and convincing myself that some things can wait to be done (but not before bedtime!), we got back into the groove of things.

During dinner Wednedsday night, we started our conversation on Thanksgiving. I asked Christian what he thought it was and simply said "I don't know." I started to explain how Thanksgiving came about and why we celebrate it. Afterwards I asked him what he was thankful for...

"So Christian, what are you thankful for? What things or people are you happy to have?"

He smiled for a second and said "You Mommy...And Daddy...oh and Mom and Pop...Aunt Niiiik and Uncle Greeeeg"

I kissed him and said "That's great"... "Anything else?"

He nodded and started to list "Team Umizoomi, my cars, chicken nuggets and fries, fruit snacks..."

I was chuckling and said "What about the person who watches over you and is always in your heart?"

He nodded and said "Him too."

"Who?"

"You know Mommy.....God."

And with that, he ate the rest of his food and said "Can I be excused?"

Laughing I said "Yes", and off he went to play.

I came into work on Thursday and printed out the things he said he was thankful for, then got the template for the "Thankful Tree".

Last night, we went through the meaning of Thanksgiving while we put our "Thankful Tree" together. It turned out so cute - and he was sooooo proud :)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Four months and Two seasons later....


It's been four months since Brody has been born, and almost as long since I have posted.

 As we move into Winter, the days are getting shorter and its every day seems colder than the last. It feels as though the world just closes up until warmer weather arrives.

These passed four months have quickly passed, although in the moment they certainly feel like they take forever. The boys have adjusted well in daycare and are doing great. Christian is moving up to the 4 year old room beginning next week, even though he has just turned 3.Brody is doing well in his room. His teachers are so good with him - they are amazing! Even though I have to work during the day, they document his milestones and take pictures that I get at the end of the day, which I love!
Christian is getting bigger and smarter everyday. He has gotten better with Brody and has accepted (most days!) that he isn't going anywhere. He has gotten his first "pet", two hermit crabs - Mr. Crab and Oli. He loves watching and playing with them. We got them at Ocean City on vacation this year. He was terrified of the water this year, but he loved the sand - he constantly wriggled in it.... He looked like a cinnamon twist.

Brody has grown so much in four months. He is now suppose to be eating solid food, but he doesn't really seem to like it AT ALL. He will eat a small amount of Applesauce but will kick and scream the whole time while eating anything else. He is sleeping 6-7 hours at a time and wakes up to eat and usually goes back down. At his four month check up, he was 14lbs. 15 oz and 26.5" long. He is off the charts, just like his brother. He is such a mellow baby. He smiles and laughs at everything. He has even found his toes and has rolled over already.

Chris starts orientation for his new job November 10. He got the County position as a Fleet Mechanic and is excited to start. Nobody likes change, but the benefits and time off is well worth it!
The boys were so cute on Halloween. Brody was a Duck and Christian was a Firefighter. He, of course, cleaned up candy wise, but we patricipated in the "Halloween Candy Buy back" this year. Participating dentist offices "buy" the halloween candy with coupons and little toys. The candy is then packed up and sent to the deployed Soliders. I hope they enjoy it as much as Christian enjoyed collecting it :)



I hope everyone had a fun, safe Halloween! 



Monday, August 15, 2011

Daycare has begun...

Last week I started back to work after 6 weeks of maturnity leave. Christian was with me for the last 3 weeks of my leave - he was too jealous to go to daycare. He also knew I was home with Brody and didn't want to be left out. I can't blame him, but it was probably the hardest 3 weeks of my life.

Monday was Christian's first day at his "big boy school". He was really excited the last week of my leave, as we started to build him and the daycare center up. Sunday night, he was really excited, then...... Monday came and we went to daycare.

We dropped Brody off first in his classroom, then we made our way to his room.

It was horrible. It was heartbreaking. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. He was screaming, crying, reaching and pleading - "Mommy, don't go. Don't leave Mommy." I was crying, he was crying... The teachers probably thought we were crazy (I know they've seen it all before!). I called 6 times the first day he was there.

Tuesday morning... He cried when we got to the driveway. He was so upset. He threw up. I started to doubt this whole process.


Disney Week project - Mickey Mouse Mask

Wednesday as soon as his eyes popped open he said "I don't wanna go to big boy school". He still cried, but not as much. I stood outside his classroom door and cried quietly, but I was relieved to hear his cries stop.

Wednesday night, he started whining "I don't want to go to big boy school." (As you may have noticed, the whining got earlier and earlier.)



Thursday morning, he cried a bit, but not hysterically. He had Chick-Fil-A for lunch and was looking forward to that. Again, I stood outside his door and waited for his cries to stop. It didn't take long... maybe 3 minutes.

Friday, took a turn for the worst. It was like it was his first day all over again. Not sure what triggered that, but when I picked him up, he was smiling and playing in the sandbox!

Overall, I guess it went as well as it could have gone. I asked him everyday "Did you have fun"?" "Are your teachers nice?" .... he responds "Yes" to all the questions. It's just seperation anxiety that I hope he soon overcomes.

The center is great. He has learned already. He is beginning to write and trace shapes and numbers. The teachers are really good and I love the teachers in the infant room - They are so great with Brody!



Water Slide Wednesdays



Tuesdays are water play days, Wednesdays are movie days, Every other Thursday Chick-Fil-A brings lunch to the kids, and on Fridays they get snowballs. What isn't there to love? In September, he will start swim lessons on Mondays and the Tumble Bus will be there on Wednesdays. 

Inside the Tumble Bus

















It is a major adjustment for us all but hopefully it will be get easier and easier :) It's bound to right?

Sunday, July 31, 2011

I saw God today....

On June 27, 2011 @ 6:53am, Chris, Christian and I received the greatest gift. He weighed 7lbs 2oz and was 19.75" long.  He has reddish brown hair and the brightest blue eyes (that I hope he keeps!). His skin is as soft as silk and he has the cutest little lips - Brody Fredrick has arrived!

I was admitted into the hospital at 1am with contractions 3 minutes apart. After an hour in triage, I was transferred to the Labor and Delivery wing in preperation for his arrival. On the way to the hospital we called our family to tell them that it was time (stopping off at the Metro station to hand Christian off to my Mom on our way).

After getting settled into our room, we patiently sat and waited to meet our little guy. With Christian I was in labor for 38 hours, so we figured this would take awhile. I had been dialated at 1cm for over a week, and with the complications with Christian, we were anticipated on a very long wait.

My Mom, Nik, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Viv and Erica had gotten there in the mean time. I, of course, was in alot of pain so I wasn't very personable to say the least :)

The hospital would only allow 4 people in my room at a time, so they alternated passes and switch spots so I could see everyone.

At around 6:30am, Mom and Nik went to the cafeteria to get something to eat so Uncle Jeff and Aunt Viv came in. I opened a present they had brought for Brody and chatted a bit (at this point, I had had the epidural, so I was good to go!) At about 6:40, they came into check my dialation and to all of our suprise I was fully dialated and ready to go. I told Chris to call Mom and Nik and tell them to hurry up.

Chris and Erica looked as if they didn't know what to do, and at that point everything just happened really quick. Uncle Jeff and Aunt Viv gave me a kiss, wished me luck and left. Dr. Kates came in and changed into scrubs as the nurses broke the bed down. Chris was on the phone trying to tell my Mother to hurry up and that he was serious (she thought he was joking). It is 6:43am (there is a clock right in front of me and it kept my focus). I said to Dr. Kates "You think this will take long?" she smiled and said "Nah, I'll be out of here by 7." So with that, I was getting ready to push. Finally, My Mom and Nik walk in, both with coffee in their hands and some sort of pastry in their mouth. My Mom's eyes widen as she came through the curtain and she said "Oh my gosh" and Chris said to her "I told you I wasn't joking." It was 6:44am and I was started to push. I forgot how hard this process was and already began to lose steam, but luckily with three hard pushes, Brody was here @ 6:53 am. I had felt him come out and was waiting to here a cry but didn't. The cord was wrapped around his neck, but Dr. Kates was quick, cut the cord and I finally heard his cry (his little feet and hands were blue, but I didn't have time to react). I got to hold him very briefly but, then he was taken. He had some things that needed to be attended to and his temperture wasn't regulating so I didn't get to see him right away. I reassured Chris I was fine and to go to Brody. He came back over and told me how perfect he was and that I could hold him soon.

What felt like an eternity, I finally got to hold my new Baby Boy and kiss those perfect little lips. I'm not sure how long I held him, but I knew I didn't want to let him go. They had to take him to the nursery. I told Chris to go with him so he did along with my Mom.


Erica, my cousin and Brody's God Mother

When Dr. Kates got finished and changed, she walked over and shook my hand and congratulated me, I looked at the clock. It was exactly 7:00am. I thanked her and said "It's 7am". She just smiled and nodded, then left. After an hour or so, everyone had gone and it was just me alone in the room, waiting to be transferred. So, I grabbed the menu and ordered food (if you have followed my pregnancy, you would know I only gained 14lbs because I was so sick, I literally couldn't eat anything besides grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup, and even then that would sometimes come up.) Once I ordered my "brunch", I sat around in silence and looked at the cradle that held him. After 9 1/2 months of waiting, our baby boy had finally arrived. It almost didn't seem real.

Two days in the hospital and I was released. We got home that afternoon to a decorated house, thanks to my Sister and her fiance, Greg. It was good to be home, I couldn't wait to get home. It was a warm, sunny day and Brody was a sleeping Angel.


Christian was at daycare and didn't have to be picked up for another 3 hours. I was excited for him to meet his baby brother, but also very nervous at his reaction - in which, I have now come to realize why I was so nervous. The extreme jealousy that has developed was worse then I had expected (naive me!), but have been reassured that it is normal. Normal or not, it is almost unbearable at times....

At about 3:30am, that morning I had realized.... this is VERY real and it was only the beginning of a roller coaster ride that will (and still) takes me my way up and way down and everything in between. It is still a major adjustment and Christian hasn't yet mellowed out. He loves Brody and tells him so, but for now the jealousy seems to be exceeding the love. With time and patience, I know in the back (waaaay back) of my mind, his love for his new baby brother will grow and begin to fade that jealousy out, maybe not completely but enough to bring my loving baby boy back that isn't so angry with me all the time. Until then, I will have to suck it up and continue to retaliate his angry actions (and words) with reassurance and love, even if I have to dig deep (and sometimes I do mean deep!) to find them :)


Brody is going on 5 weeks. He has gained three pounds and has grown 2.5" inches. He is still up every 3 hours and doesn't always sleep as soundly as I would ideally like to think he would. With one more week off from work, I'm hoping to establish a schedule or at least get him into his crib so I can sleep in my bed again :)

Monday, May 16, 2011

To the Moon and back!!!

This passed week at daycare was "Space Week". Christian learned all about the moon and stars. He even took a rocket ship ride to the moon to eat cheese! (That's what he told me!) They also had a "Space Monkey" that took trips to the moon everyday!

Christian's Phases of the Moon!


Christian and his friends made rocket ships!

To go along with Space week, we took him to the library and checked out some space books. When I was in elementary school, in science, we watched "The Magic School Bus" alot and I remember that the books and videos really taught me and used easy words so we checked out "The Magic School Bus visits the Solar System".

Christian painting his "Moon Phases"















Monday, May 9, 2011

Mother's Day!


My favorite things are crafts that Christian makes. At daycare, for Mother's day they painted flower vases and made watering can cards!! The flowers in the vase were colored too! By putting food coloring in the water the flowers sat it, it turned the white pedals those colors. He loved changing the flower colors and explained to me (quite a few times!) how he did it.

They were so cute. Christian was so proud and excited to give me his presents, he gave them to me early :)

They also made cards for their Grandmothers!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Hoppy Easter!!!!


We wish everyone a fun, sunny Easter!!!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Living off the Land!!!



All winter, Chris and Christian have been talking about planting a garden. Well, the time is creeping closer. We went to Home Depot and bought an array of seeds:
  • Pumpkins
  • Tomatoes
  • Green Beans
  • Watermelon
  • Cantaloupe
  • Pickles
  • Green Peppers
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Sweet Peas



Since it is too cold to plant outside (and we haven't tilled or marked off the garden yet!), we planted the seeds inside. We learned and taught Christian the whole process as we went through it. It's actually quite simple. We had to perform "Seed Germination" - which means we planted the seeds in little paper cups with soil in them and added water (Told ya!). We had to keep them in a dark place for about a week and keep watering them. So after two weeks... We took them out and we had some growth. They all grew and are now sitting in the window to absorb the sunlight. Christian knows exactly where everything is and checks on his garden everyday! Okay, every hour, but he is really excited!! We will transfer them outside after the last frost, which is (according to the Farmer's Almanac) is May 15, 2011.




Let's hope we can keep it all alive or we will be buying produce and "planting" it in the backyard so Christian isn't disappointed :)