I love my kids (and everybody else) so much more after a cup of coffee.
I'm just saying ...
I'm just saying ...
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Happy Birthday...
to the sweetest Father-in-law a girl could ask for.
We love you, Grandpa "Michael" and can't wait to see you soon!
We love you, Grandpa "Michael" and can't wait to see you soon!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Oh, Happy Day!
Friday was a big day for one very special boy in our house.
It was Potty Day (a.k.a. "Day of 1,000 Bribes")! The day we said goodbye to diapers and HELLO to big boy underpants! We had a "Potty Party" all day and ended up having lots of fun together doing some potty training!
When Tanner came downstairs in the morning, the bathroom was decorated with crepe paper and balloons, along with a "Happy Potty Day" sign. He loved it and kept saying, "Look at the decorations! They're for MEEEE!!!" (I think he was a little confused most of the day, actually, thinking it was also his birthday.) He didn't want to go potty yet, so we went to the kitchen for breakfast. While he was sitting at the table, I took his favorite (very LARGE) stuffed dog and set him on the potty with big boy underpants around his legs. Then, I put a few chocolate chips into the toilet bowl.
"Tanner, get in here!! Look at Cocoa -- he's going poopy on the potty!"
I wish you could have seen Tanner's face when we lifted Cocoa off the potty and he saw the "poopies" left behind. Priceless. I think it motivated him to get "going" and from then on, it was smooth sailing. We had potty treats (jelly beans), poopy treats (little candy bars), a sticker chart, a huge chocolate cake that we baked together, and finally the promise of a trip to get ice cream if things went well.
All in all, lots of sugar, and lots of fun. Yay, Tanner! Mommy is soooo proud of YOU!!!
It was Potty Day (a.k.a. "Day of 1,000 Bribes")! The day we said goodbye to diapers and HELLO to big boy underpants! We had a "Potty Party" all day and ended up having lots of fun together doing some potty training!
When Tanner came downstairs in the morning, the bathroom was decorated with crepe paper and balloons, along with a "Happy Potty Day" sign. He loved it and kept saying, "Look at the decorations! They're for MEEEE!!!" (I think he was a little confused most of the day, actually, thinking it was also his birthday.) He didn't want to go potty yet, so we went to the kitchen for breakfast. While he was sitting at the table, I took his favorite (very LARGE) stuffed dog and set him on the potty with big boy underpants around his legs. Then, I put a few chocolate chips into the toilet bowl.
"Tanner, get in here!! Look at Cocoa -- he's going poopy on the potty!"
I wish you could have seen Tanner's face when we lifted Cocoa off the potty and he saw the "poopies" left behind. Priceless. I think it motivated him to get "going" and from then on, it was smooth sailing. We had potty treats (jelly beans), poopy treats (little candy bars), a sticker chart, a huge chocolate cake that we baked together, and finally the promise of a trip to get ice cream if things went well.
All in all, lots of sugar, and lots of fun. Yay, Tanner! Mommy is soooo proud of YOU!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
In Case You've Been Wondering ...
I never got sick after all!
Somebody must have been praying -- was it you, Grammy?
I have no idea why germs travel so fast in this house. Do you?
** P.S. Don't worry, Aunt Kat -- we're cutting the mullet any day now. ;)
Somebody must have been praying -- was it you, Grammy?
I have no idea why germs travel so fast in this house. Do you?
** P.S. Don't worry, Aunt Kat -- we're cutting the mullet any day now. ;)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Waiting
I've always felt like the waiting that occurs before a dreaded event is often worse than the event itself.
For example, the weeks leading up to Jon's first deployment were terrible. We were both filled with anxiety about what was to come. We didn't know what life would be like for either of us. We weren't sure exactly when the unit would leave. Every week for about 6 weeks, we were told "this is the week." It was insane. But ... after he finally left, the focus changed to getting through the deployment, writing letters, etc. It was definitely very hard, but not as terrible as those weeks before he left.
I felt the same way after I had Landon. I think I cried almost the entire time my mom and sister were here helping me that first week. I just kept repeating, "How am I going to do this when you leave? How will I take care of two? I'm never going to be able to do it!" And guess what ... my first day by myself was great.
So ... want to know what I'm waiting on now?
I'm such a wimp.
On Thursday, this guy woke up vomiting. Yuck. He only did it once, though, and seemed to be feeling much better for the rest of the day. I thought it was just some sort of fluke.
Today, this guy threw up ALL day. And he was either on my lap or in my arms each time. Double Yuck.
So, now I'm waiting for my turn. I HATE stomach viruses. I know most mothers would say, "I would rather be sick myself than see my child sick." I am not one of those mothers ... not when it comes to throwing up. Better you than me. Know what I'm sayin?
The worst part about the stomach flu when you are a mom is that first you get to clean up everyone else's vomit, then you get to vomit yourself ... while you are still responsible for taking care of everyone else.
LORD, please SPARE ME!!!! (Just FYI ... I actually prayed this at dinner and Jon told me not to get mad at God if he didn't come through on this one -- like it might just be too tough for him. I was like -- Seriously, dude? It's GOD!)
For example, the weeks leading up to Jon's first deployment were terrible. We were both filled with anxiety about what was to come. We didn't know what life would be like for either of us. We weren't sure exactly when the unit would leave. Every week for about 6 weeks, we were told "this is the week." It was insane. But ... after he finally left, the focus changed to getting through the deployment, writing letters, etc. It was definitely very hard, but not as terrible as those weeks before he left.
I felt the same way after I had Landon. I think I cried almost the entire time my mom and sister were here helping me that first week. I just kept repeating, "How am I going to do this when you leave? How will I take care of two? I'm never going to be able to do it!" And guess what ... my first day by myself was great.
So ... want to know what I'm waiting on now?
I'm such a wimp.
On Thursday, this guy woke up vomiting. Yuck. He only did it once, though, and seemed to be feeling much better for the rest of the day. I thought it was just some sort of fluke.
Today, this guy threw up ALL day. And he was either on my lap or in my arms each time. Double Yuck.
So, now I'm waiting for my turn. I HATE stomach viruses. I know most mothers would say, "I would rather be sick myself than see my child sick." I am not one of those mothers ... not when it comes to throwing up. Better you than me. Know what I'm sayin?
The worst part about the stomach flu when you are a mom is that first you get to clean up everyone else's vomit, then you get to vomit yourself ... while you are still responsible for taking care of everyone else.
LORD, please SPARE ME!!!! (Just FYI ... I actually prayed this at dinner and Jon told me not to get mad at God if he didn't come through on this one -- like it might just be too tough for him. I was like -- Seriously, dude? It's GOD!)
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Dear Mom
I saw that last post you wrote about me. All I can say is WHAAAAATTT??
Do I look like TROUBLE to you?
Give me a chance to explain myself.
I'm just trying to keep you sharp, that's all! I notice that you're trying to get into shape. That's why I keep climbing up onto things when you're not looking. It gives you a chance to do a few sprints during the day. And all that wrestling we do when it comes time to change diapers? I'm just trying to throw in a little resistance training! As for the mulch I've been gnawing on in the backyard -- I thought I'd set a good example by eating a diet that's high in fiber.
Now, you're probably wondering why I threw that can of Diet Dr. Pepper onto the floor a few nights ago. Trying to avoid the spray as the can flew all over the floor really made you dance ... and they say that's good for the soul. I also heard that your blood pressure was very low at your last checkup, so that's why I decided to get into the trash can and start eating the raw chicken. I though your head might explode, which means we definitely got the BP up for a minute there!
Just a few more things ...
Remember the other day when you couldn't find anyone's shoes in the mud room? You looked all over the place trying to solve that mystery ... and problem solving definitely exercises the mind. Aren't you glad you finally found all three pairs in the trash can?
As for that toy I threw down the lint trap of the dryer while you weren't looking. I was way ahead of you on that one. I knew that later that night -- after you'd taken apart the whole dryer, retrieved the toy, and put the dryer back together -- you would feel a real sense of accomplishment. I'm really sorry that you electrocuted yourself in the process, but really, Mom. You should ALWAYS unplug an appliance before trying to fix it.
And last, but certainly not least, the toilets. I know that if I play in them enough, it will motivate you to clean them regularly. And who couldn't use a little motivation when it comes to cleaning your toilets?
So, you see, Mom. I'm really no TROUBLE at all. Just a little boy trying to take care of his best girl. Aren't you glad I'm YOURS?!!!
Now, you're probably wondering why I threw that can of Diet Dr. Pepper onto the floor a few nights ago. Trying to avoid the spray as the can flew all over the floor really made you dance ... and they say that's good for the soul. I also heard that your blood pressure was very low at your last checkup, so that's why I decided to get into the trash can and start eating the raw chicken. I though your head might explode, which means we definitely got the BP up for a minute there!
Just a few more things ...
Remember the other day when you couldn't find anyone's shoes in the mud room? You looked all over the place trying to solve that mystery ... and problem solving definitely exercises the mind. Aren't you glad you finally found all three pairs in the trash can?
As for that toy I threw down the lint trap of the dryer while you weren't looking. I was way ahead of you on that one. I knew that later that night -- after you'd taken apart the whole dryer, retrieved the toy, and put the dryer back together -- you would feel a real sense of accomplishment. I'm really sorry that you electrocuted yourself in the process, but really, Mom. You should ALWAYS unplug an appliance before trying to fix it.
And last, but certainly not least, the toilets. I know that if I play in them enough, it will motivate you to clean them regularly. And who couldn't use a little motivation when it comes to cleaning your toilets?
So, you see, Mom. I'm really no TROUBLE at all. Just a little boy trying to take care of his best girl. Aren't you glad I'm YOURS?!!!
Dear Landon
I thought we'd start a little early with learning how to spell your name. I mean, I am a teacher and I want you to be very smart. So here we go.
The first letter is T. Yes, that's right. T.
The next letter is R. Can you say, R?
Oh yes, I know you might think I'm wrong, but I'm not.
The next letter is O. You know, Mommy says this letter a lot. "O My! What have you gotten yourself into?!"
Then we have a U. Because I love U.
And next is a B.
Then an L. What's that? You thought your name started with an L? Oh, I did, too, but sometimes names are tricky like that.
And we'll end with an E.
Okay, time to put it all together. Are you ready?
The first letter is T. Yes, that's right. T.
The next letter is R. Can you say, R?
Oh yes, I know you might think I'm wrong, but I'm not.
The next letter is O. You know, Mommy says this letter a lot. "O My! What have you gotten yourself into?!"
Then we have a U. Because I love U.
And next is a B.
Then an L. What's that? You thought your name started with an L? Oh, I did, too, but sometimes names are tricky like that.
And we'll end with an E.
Okay, time to put it all together. Are you ready?
T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!
Monday, April 05, 2010
The Birthday Boy Walks!
Yes, I realize that I have yet to post about Landon's first birthday. Here's my excuse:
Every time I sit down to write a birthday post, I start by going through pictures. This leads me to start browsing through older pictures. And even older pictures. And before I know it, I'm caught up in reminiscing about life a year ago, two years ago, three years ago, etc. And then it's 10:30 and I can hardly keep my eyes open anymore.
But ... NOT TONIGHT!! Tonight, I'm going to finish this post! Because if I've learned anything during my past few attempts at this, it's that time FLIES, and before I know it, Landon will be TWO and I'll still be thinking about this post.
Anyways ...
Last Sunday, my littlest love turned one. And just like Tanner, he was sick on his first birthday. Poor guy! The doctor told us he had a sinus infection and gave us a prescription, but unfortunately, the meds weren't very effective. Still, we did our best to try and make him happy! We decided a few weeks earlier that we wanted to do something special, so we got a hotel room that Saturday night and had a little overnight with the boys. The hotel was only a few towns over, so we didn't feel like we were going on a huge trip. Tanner had a blast swimming in the pool and then staying up late to watch a movie and sleep in our bed. Landon, bless his heart, would have had way more fun if he was feeling better. He had a fever all during the night, but was such a trooper!
When we came home, Landon opened his presents. Well, for the record, Tanner opened his presents. Then we all had some cake. Poor Landon was just feeling so yucky. We finished up pretty quickly and then the boys had a nap.
The next day was Landon's well-baby checkup. He still wasn't really well, so the doctor prescribed some different meds (they worked!!!) and we went forward with the rest of the checkup. Here are the stats:
32.5 inches (off the charts)
23 lbs 4 oz (65%)
Despite the sinus infection, he's quite the healthy little boy.
Fast forward to this past weekend. The Hall Gang traveled to Michigan to celebrated Easter and Landon's birthday again with the grandparents. We got in late on Friday night. Saturday morning, we had planned to go to an Easter Egg Hunt on the bluff. It rained (of course) but we were brave and decided to stick it out. This turned out to be a huge mistake. Poor Tanner froze once the siren went off to start the hunt. By the time he was ready to get in on the action, all of the eggs were gone. He was NOT a happy camper after that. (I think he was just exhausted. He was up ALL NIGHT playing with the toys in his room at Grandma and Grandpa's!)
Later that afternoon (after ALL of my boys had a nap) Grandma and Grandpa Hall hosted a birthday party at their house, complete with decorations, pizza, etc. It was great! (And, of course, I forgot my camera!!) Grammy and Poppy came and we ate pizza and cake, opened presents, then watched the Final Four together. The boys had a blast with all of their favorite people there. I wish I had some pictures to share!
Easter Sunday was full of good times with family. The boys woke and immediately started looking for their Easter baskets. Once they were found, it was on to an Easter Egg hunt. Tanner did MUCH better this time. :) After church, it was on to my Grandparents' house and ANOTHER egg hunt. This time, Tanner found 10/30 eggs. (I didn't realize they were only supposed to get 3 or 4!!) We dubbed him "Most Improved Player" for the weekend. :)
Birthday week officially ended last night when we returned home. Landon surprised us all by taking his FIRST steps! It was so exciting for everyone -- even Tanner was dancing and cheering! The little man is definitely far from a "walker," but now we know that he CAN do it. YAY!! He took a few steps again today, but he's totally not as excited about it as we are. Stay tuned for a video as soon as we can manage to catch him in the act!
Every time I sit down to write a birthday post, I start by going through pictures. This leads me to start browsing through older pictures. And even older pictures. And before I know it, I'm caught up in reminiscing about life a year ago, two years ago, three years ago, etc. And then it's 10:30 and I can hardly keep my eyes open anymore.
But ... NOT TONIGHT!! Tonight, I'm going to finish this post! Because if I've learned anything during my past few attempts at this, it's that time FLIES, and before I know it, Landon will be TWO and I'll still be thinking about this post.
Anyways ...
Last Sunday, my littlest love turned one. And just like Tanner, he was sick on his first birthday. Poor guy! The doctor told us he had a sinus infection and gave us a prescription, but unfortunately, the meds weren't very effective. Still, we did our best to try and make him happy! We decided a few weeks earlier that we wanted to do something special, so we got a hotel room that Saturday night and had a little overnight with the boys. The hotel was only a few towns over, so we didn't feel like we were going on a huge trip. Tanner had a blast swimming in the pool and then staying up late to watch a movie and sleep in our bed. Landon, bless his heart, would have had way more fun if he was feeling better. He had a fever all during the night, but was such a trooper!
When we came home, Landon opened his presents. Well, for the record, Tanner opened his presents. Then we all had some cake. Poor Landon was just feeling so yucky. We finished up pretty quickly and then the boys had a nap.
The next day was Landon's well-baby checkup. He still wasn't really well, so the doctor prescribed some different meds (they worked!!!) and we went forward with the rest of the checkup. Here are the stats:
32.5 inches (off the charts)
23 lbs 4 oz (65%)
Despite the sinus infection, he's quite the healthy little boy.
Fast forward to this past weekend. The Hall Gang traveled to Michigan to celebrated Easter and Landon's birthday again with the grandparents. We got in late on Friday night. Saturday morning, we had planned to go to an Easter Egg Hunt on the bluff. It rained (of course) but we were brave and decided to stick it out. This turned out to be a huge mistake. Poor Tanner froze once the siren went off to start the hunt. By the time he was ready to get in on the action, all of the eggs were gone. He was NOT a happy camper after that. (I think he was just exhausted. He was up ALL NIGHT playing with the toys in his room at Grandma and Grandpa's!)
Later that afternoon (after ALL of my boys had a nap) Grandma and Grandpa Hall hosted a birthday party at their house, complete with decorations, pizza, etc. It was great! (And, of course, I forgot my camera!!) Grammy and Poppy came and we ate pizza and cake, opened presents, then watched the Final Four together. The boys had a blast with all of their favorite people there. I wish I had some pictures to share!
Easter Sunday was full of good times with family. The boys woke and immediately started looking for their Easter baskets. Once they were found, it was on to an Easter Egg hunt. Tanner did MUCH better this time. :) After church, it was on to my Grandparents' house and ANOTHER egg hunt. This time, Tanner found 10/30 eggs. (I didn't realize they were only supposed to get 3 or 4!!) We dubbed him "Most Improved Player" for the weekend. :)
Birthday week officially ended last night when we returned home. Landon surprised us all by taking his FIRST steps! It was so exciting for everyone -- even Tanner was dancing and cheering! The little man is definitely far from a "walker," but now we know that he CAN do it. YAY!! He took a few steps again today, but he's totally not as excited about it as we are. Stay tuned for a video as soon as we can manage to catch him in the act!
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