Mom, this post is for you, so that you know I am documenting all the little things!
Today I realized that August and September are big birthday months in our family. Within a few short weeks we celebrate Uncle Jonathan, Grandma Denese, Grandma Becky, mine, Sarah and Grandpa John's birthdays (and I think I am forgetting someone in there...blame it on pregnancy brain!). Not only does this make for ice cream and cake (or ice cream cake, in my family) every Sunday for almost two months, it also makes for a lot of singing of the Happy Birthday song.
While Morgan has known the Happy Birthday song (extended Tate version and regular version) for a long time now, I didn't realize just how much we must sing it until today...
We called everyone in to "sing happy birthday to Grandpa John" and as Chloe was walking in the room, we all heard her distinctly singing (not saying, singing with inflection and changing pitches), "Happy birthday to you..." Of course I second guessed that she actually sang it and thought I might be interpreting just a little too much, but when my mom said, "did you hear that?" and Seth and Grandpa John said they had, I knew I was not just nuts. Who knew that a 17-month-old girl could sing the first line of happy birthday? Next thing I know she will be two-years-old, busting into the Cleaners singing "Just another maniac Monday" like her momma used to do. (Oh, and I do know that it is manic monday, but I used to sing maniac.)
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
To My Cute Hubby...
Seth has finished his second week of school, and it is already overwhelming with homework, classes, 3 pm to 3 am work shifts, and all the projects you are finding the time to work on at home. So, this post is just to say THANK YOU to my wonderful hubby for all you are taking on to make sure our growing family has a happy future ahead. I know that school and work are time-consuming and demanding, but the fact that you are willing to help me out around the house, spend time with the kids, and finish up all of our projects in your "spare time" (and still find time to read this blog) is just amazing ! Hopefully all our projects will be done soon and we can spend some "spare time" playing rock band...until then, know that the kids and I are really proud of you and grateful to have you as our dad/hubby. We love you Sethy!
P.S. I don't think there is anything sweeter than the sight of you concentrating on doing homework on your laptop with Chloe sitting on your lap reading a book, while you occasionally point out her favorite pictures. You are the best!
P.S. I don't think there is anything sweeter than the sight of you concentrating on doing homework on your laptop with Chloe sitting on your lap reading a book, while you occasionally point out her favorite pictures. You are the best!
Quirky
First of all, let me just say that I really like the word quirky. It just sounds so cool! Anywho...I have been ignoring a number of tags (mostly because I have been slacking in my blogging) and thought I'd get back on the tag-wagon by completing this one...
List 6 quirky things about you.
1. I am really really really happy when my house is clean (that's not the quirky part) but it very rarely is. I really hate clutter on my countertops/table/dresser/piano/etc. but can never keep any of them clear for more than a couple of days at a time. I wish that I could afford a housecleaner!
2. When it comes to my social views, I see things more like a guy than a girl - I am not easily offended (though I do notice things that should be offensive and wonder why I am not offended), I am quick to forgive and forget, I am a believer in "work it out and move on", I am not into clicks - I am an includer, and I HATE drama...so much that I will subconsciously distance myself from people who create drama in my life.
3. I really don't like watching (and often reading) the news which is funny since I graduated with a degree in Public Relations (a very close relative to journalism). I cry during the broadcasts and I am bored during the rest, so I just avoid the news altogether. This was a huge problem when I was in school and a portion of every class was devoted to discussing current events or how public relations was affecting the hot topics in the media. When I was working, "stay more aware of current events" was the only suggestion for improvement on my annual review.
4. While I am a bit of a daredevil in real life, I can't handle scary movies or the sight/implication of blood. In fact, I can't handle commercials for scary movies, they give me nightmares for weeks. Have you ever seen the movie First Knight? Well, the fight scene from that movie doesn't even show blood, but I still can't handle it! Pathetic, I know.
5. Even though I survived and thrived on an average of 3-5 hours of sleep a night in college, if I don't get a solid 8 hours plus nowadays, I feel exhausted all day long. Luckily, my kids are really good sleepers, and I usually get my 8+.
6. I always take on more than I can handle...not just a little more...a lot more (I realize that this is a statement of the obvious). Whether it be home improvement projects, crafts, furniture to refinish, schedules filled with commitments, responsibilities or an ornate dinner in a tiny slice of time - I try to take on the world! In fact, I don't know what to do with myself when I haven't taken on too much.
Sorry to all of you whose tags I have failed to complete!
List 6 quirky things about you.
1. I am really really really happy when my house is clean (that's not the quirky part) but it very rarely is. I really hate clutter on my countertops/table/dresser/piano/etc. but can never keep any of them clear for more than a couple of days at a time. I wish that I could afford a housecleaner!
2. When it comes to my social views, I see things more like a guy than a girl - I am not easily offended (though I do notice things that should be offensive and wonder why I am not offended), I am quick to forgive and forget, I am a believer in "work it out and move on", I am not into clicks - I am an includer, and I HATE drama...so much that I will subconsciously distance myself from people who create drama in my life.
3. I really don't like watching (and often reading) the news which is funny since I graduated with a degree in Public Relations (a very close relative to journalism). I cry during the broadcasts and I am bored during the rest, so I just avoid the news altogether. This was a huge problem when I was in school and a portion of every class was devoted to discussing current events or how public relations was affecting the hot topics in the media. When I was working, "stay more aware of current events" was the only suggestion for improvement on my annual review.
4. While I am a bit of a daredevil in real life, I can't handle scary movies or the sight/implication of blood. In fact, I can't handle commercials for scary movies, they give me nightmares for weeks. Have you ever seen the movie First Knight? Well, the fight scene from that movie doesn't even show blood, but I still can't handle it! Pathetic, I know.
5. Even though I survived and thrived on an average of 3-5 hours of sleep a night in college, if I don't get a solid 8 hours plus nowadays, I feel exhausted all day long. Luckily, my kids are really good sleepers, and I usually get my 8+.
6. I always take on more than I can handle...not just a little more...a lot more (I realize that this is a statement of the obvious). Whether it be home improvement projects, crafts, furniture to refinish, schedules filled with commitments, responsibilities or an ornate dinner in a tiny slice of time - I try to take on the world! In fact, I don't know what to do with myself when I haven't taken on too much.
Sorry to all of you whose tags I have failed to complete!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Ultrasound
We had the ultrasound today and the gender was clear. Watch the video to find out...girl or boy?
If you couldn't tell from the video, it is definitely a girl, and I'm afraid she may be just as stubborn as her sister is. She was such a little stinker during the ultrasound - it took forever to get everything they needed because she wouldn't stop moving and when she did stop she was in the weirdest positions. A big HOORAY for dressing up my little girls up in twinner outfits, though.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Mesmerized
Yesterday we took a little family outing to Toys-R-Us. I wish I had captured on video Chloe's reaction to the moving puppies, barbies and especially the baby doll aisle. Every time she would see something new (and preferably pink) she would inhale really long with her mouth wide open and make this gasping noise as if to say, "WOW, look at that!" (It was the equivalent of what my reaction would be shopping for diamond tennis bracelets or boats that I could afford.) Then she would figure out which buttons to push to make it move, talk or cry, until she saw something else that was equally cool and exciting and start the process over again! I have a feeling that Christmas is going to be really fun with her this year. Oh, to be 1 again!
Where did he learn that?
I often find myself asking this question about Morgan. It seems like he knows so much that I haven't "taught" him. He only watches limited Signing Time Videos, Elmo's World Videos and the occasional Veggie Tales or Disney movies, so he isn't picking this stuff up from TV and Preschool doesn't start for another 5 days (yes, the countdown has begun) so he isn't getting it there...yet, though I know he will soon.
Today, we were coloring a picture to give his preschool teacher on his first day, and as I watched him color, I realized that he was holding the crayon with the correct writing grip - we've never worked on that, so I wonder how he figured it out? Then he said, "I'm going to write my name now," and 'signed' his name in one long squiggly line at the bottom as he sounded out Morgan - again, writing his name is not something we have even talked about. Lately at mealtime he has been very grateful for his food. It doesn't matter whether I have whipped up Chicken Piccata, mashed potatoes, squash and bruschette or a grilled cheese sandwich, Morgan always says, "This ________ is really good Mommy. Thank you for making it for me." I probably should have taught him this, but I capped my manners training at a simple please and thank you - I know, low expecations for a 3 year old, right? So, while I am blissfully happy that he has learned these things, I am still left to wonder where he learned it.
Then there are the things that I see him do and know exactly where they come from...often to my dismay. "Freaking dogs," "Not gonna happen" and a bossy little, "Sit down Chloe or you will have to get out of the bath right now," are among the many phrases he has picked up from yours truly. I occassionally notice him biting his nails when he gets nervous or edgy about something and his expectations that everything to be done exactly his way are all too familiar.
One thing is for certain, I sure love watching this little guy learn new things. I'm glad he is picking up some good stuff along the way, and while I may not know the source, It's great to know that even if you don't do everything right as a parent ('cause who really does) kids learn the stuff they need to anyway!
Today, we were coloring a picture to give his preschool teacher on his first day, and as I watched him color, I realized that he was holding the crayon with the correct writing grip - we've never worked on that, so I wonder how he figured it out? Then he said, "I'm going to write my name now," and 'signed' his name in one long squiggly line at the bottom as he sounded out Morgan - again, writing his name is not something we have even talked about. Lately at mealtime he has been very grateful for his food. It doesn't matter whether I have whipped up Chicken Piccata, mashed potatoes, squash and bruschette or a grilled cheese sandwich, Morgan always says, "This ________ is really good Mommy. Thank you for making it for me." I probably should have taught him this, but I capped my manners training at a simple please and thank you - I know, low expecations for a 3 year old, right? So, while I am blissfully happy that he has learned these things, I am still left to wonder where he learned it.
Then there are the things that I see him do and know exactly where they come from...often to my dismay. "Freaking dogs," "Not gonna happen" and a bossy little, "Sit down Chloe or you will have to get out of the bath right now," are among the many phrases he has picked up from yours truly. I occassionally notice him biting his nails when he gets nervous or edgy about something and his expectations that everything to be done exactly his way are all too familiar.
One thing is for certain, I sure love watching this little guy learn new things. I'm glad he is picking up some good stuff along the way, and while I may not know the source, It's great to know that even if you don't do everything right as a parent ('cause who really does) kids learn the stuff they need to anyway!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Oh Baby
My little baby is no longer a baby. Chloe has gotten to be so grown up lately. Between the full sentences she speaks in, the girly pouting faces she pulls when she doesn't get her way, her continued obsession with shoes, her new obsession with bows and bracelets and her latest craze for "babies" (dolls and stuffed animals that she can carry around on her hip), I find myself wondering when my little baby girl grew up into such a big girl.
Lately, Chloe really loves her babies. Any stuffed animal, bear or doll will do (though she strongly prefers the dolly Grandma Becky gave her for Christmas), and she totes them around with her everywhere. DO NOT try to pry the baby from her hands, though, or you will be faced with World War III. She talks to her babies, gives them loves and kisses, tries to tie bows in their hair, tries to give them baths in mommy's bath water or the dog's water dish, and even tries to sit them next to her in the high chair (cloth dolls and real food don't mesh well, by the way).
I know that I frequently complain about Chloe and the emotional turmoil that comes with raising a girl (I know, I know, it only gets worse from here), but she really is a delight and such a precious blessing in our home. There is just nothing greater than getting random cuddles from Chloe when she is on her way to do something and decides to stop for a cuddle on her way. I will never tire of hearing her say "love you" with the sweet little inflection she uses or "thank you" when someone gives her something she wants. I love that she loves to read books and even more that her favorite place to read is sitting on my lap. I love how much she loves her Grandpas and her favorite uncles - she can't get enough of them and they can't get enough of her. I love (and hate) that she has a melt-down when her daddy leaves for school or work or just to take Morgan to the bathroom during Sacrament meeting because she is such a daddy's-girl and I love the look Seth gets when he is watching his baby girl play. I love that she adores her brother and I love that her brother adores her. The first person they each look for in the morning is each other and I can't help but smile when I see their faces light up as they are reunited after a good night's sleep.
I am so excited for frilly dresses and pretty bows, colorful tights and princess costumes. I look forward to playing with dolls and Barbies and having tea parties with warm water. As I watch Chloe interact with the world around her, I know that, while they come with their challenges, there is just something so sweet about a little girl and the potential of the woman she will be.
Lately, Chloe really loves her babies. Any stuffed animal, bear or doll will do (though she strongly prefers the dolly Grandma Becky gave her for Christmas), and she totes them around with her everywhere. DO NOT try to pry the baby from her hands, though, or you will be faced with World War III. She talks to her babies, gives them loves and kisses, tries to tie bows in their hair, tries to give them baths in mommy's bath water or the dog's water dish, and even tries to sit them next to her in the high chair (cloth dolls and real food don't mesh well, by the way).
I know that I frequently complain about Chloe and the emotional turmoil that comes with raising a girl (I know, I know, it only gets worse from here), but she really is a delight and such a precious blessing in our home. There is just nothing greater than getting random cuddles from Chloe when she is on her way to do something and decides to stop for a cuddle on her way. I will never tire of hearing her say "love you" with the sweet little inflection she uses or "thank you" when someone gives her something she wants. I love that she loves to read books and even more that her favorite place to read is sitting on my lap. I love how much she loves her Grandpas and her favorite uncles - she can't get enough of them and they can't get enough of her. I love (and hate) that she has a melt-down when her daddy leaves for school or work or just to take Morgan to the bathroom during Sacrament meeting because she is such a daddy's-girl and I love the look Seth gets when he is watching his baby girl play. I love that she adores her brother and I love that her brother adores her. The first person they each look for in the morning is each other and I can't help but smile when I see their faces light up as they are reunited after a good night's sleep.
I am so excited for frilly dresses and pretty bows, colorful tights and princess costumes. I look forward to playing with dolls and Barbies and having tea parties with warm water. As I watch Chloe interact with the world around her, I know that, while they come with their challenges, there is just something so sweet about a little girl and the potential of the woman she will be.
The Name Game
Morgan is obsessed with names. Phrases like, "What's your name mom?" "My name is Morgan." and "Wyatt's daddy's name is Ryan." can frequently be heard coming from his mouth lately. At Sunday dinner a few weeks ago, his aunts and uncles were quizzing him on everyone's names, and after he had named everyone else at the table, they asked, "What's Chloe's name?" To which Morgan responded, unphased, "Sister." No tricking this kid.
So, I got this brilliant idea to sing "The name game" song for Morgan when we were eating dinner one night. We started with his name and then did Chloe, Mommy, Daddy, Jen, Seth, Callie, and Roxy and went back through the fam again. He thought it was hysterical. Both Morgan and Chloe laughed the whole time.
That was the start of what has now become a dinnertime ritual at our house when Seth isn't home. It has expanded to include our extended families now: grandmas, grandpas, great-grandmas and great-grandpas, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, girlfriends and fiances of uncles...you know, the whole family!
I wish that song wasn't quite so repetitive though...after singing it 30 or so times, it gets really old. I also wish I were as good at remembering names as Morgan is. That kid knows every one of his aunts and uncles, cousins (including my cousins and their kids), buddies and most of his buddies' parents by name (even the ones we only see every couple of months). This is quite the accomplishment when you consider how big our families are and how many friends this kid has. It is really pretty amazing!
So, I got this brilliant idea to sing "The name game" song for Morgan when we were eating dinner one night. We started with his name and then did Chloe, Mommy, Daddy, Jen, Seth, Callie, and Roxy and went back through the fam again. He thought it was hysterical. Both Morgan and Chloe laughed the whole time.
That was the start of what has now become a dinnertime ritual at our house when Seth isn't home. It has expanded to include our extended families now: grandmas, grandpas, great-grandmas and great-grandpas, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, girlfriends and fiances of uncles...you know, the whole family!
I wish that song wasn't quite so repetitive though...after singing it 30 or so times, it gets really old. I also wish I were as good at remembering names as Morgan is. That kid knows every one of his aunts and uncles, cousins (including my cousins and their kids), buddies and most of his buddies' parents by name (even the ones we only see every couple of months). This is quite the accomplishment when you consider how big our families are and how many friends this kid has. It is really pretty amazing!
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