Ady is now six months! I can't even believe it. She got her first tooth last week, almost on her six month birthday (she cut it the day after) and just cut another one today!! She had her six month doctor's appointment today and is now 16 lbs and 1/2 ounce, she is 27 inches long and has a head size of 43 inches. She gained almost four pounds in the last two months!! The doctor said she looks great and is doing well!!
She is now eating all of her food groups and likes everything she has tried. Her new favorite food is bitter biscuits! She usually eats two to three meals a day. We tried to take her off of her acid reflux medicine last week and it didn't go so well. She is back on it and the doctor said if we want to try again in a month that we should. Hopefully she will grow out of it, but there is a chance she will has it her entire life (we are crossing our fingers she doesn't!!).
She is now crawling all over the house and is starting to pull herself up on the furniture and bigger toys. We are amazed at how fast she is becoming mobile and how fast she is getting at getting around! She is so much fun to watch and is very determined!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Colors
Today we were putting up our Christmas decorations and Brad was testing lights. He had a new package of LED lights that had big bulbs and had them plugged in. Will was sitting with him and I was standing in the doorway. I said, "Will, show daddy the red light" and he pointed to the red one. I then went through all the colors of the lights and he pointed to each of the them correctly. He did have a little trouble with the pink ones, he kept pointing to the red one. We were totally amazed. I don't really work with him on colors, other than when we are playing or something, I say, "blue car" or "red letter" or whatever. I just can't believe what a sponge he is and look forward to each day's discoveries!!
Daddy's little helper
Will has always been very interested in tools and building things. We recently bought some new furniture from Ikea and Brad was putting it together. Will was quick to come and help daddy. He was putting the screws in the holes and then putting the screwdriver in the heads and wanting to turn the screws. We were amazed at his hand eye coordination and his comprehension of advanced topics, such as a screw and screwdriver. He was also helping his daddy put together his laptop tray and knew where the casters went and where the screws went. I just can't believe how smart he is (I know, every mom thinks their kid is a genius)!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
New favorite place to play...
Will has learned that he LOVES the pantry in my kitchen. We were downstairs today and I couldn't find Will anywhere! I was looking all over for him and I walked by the pantry and heard this little giggle. He got inside and closed the door. He has also learned to use various things to stand on. He found a pitcher in bottom of the pantry, turned it over, and stood on it to reach his shelf of snacks. He is a pretty smart little cookie!! I have to do some rearranging now because the other day he was carrying around a very expensive bottle of Olive Oil!!!!
Trip to NE
We just got home this week from another trip to Nebraska. We first stopped in Omaha to visit my friends and family. We stayed with Casie and Vernon and their daughter Sopia. Will and Sopie had so much fun playing. He was pushing her around in the stroller and playing in the dog kennel. We let our friends know that we would be there and they stopped by to see us. It was tons of fun! I also had the pleasure of babysitting my youngest neice Aleia. She is such a doll and loved hanging out with her cousins.
While we were in Omaha, we received some devestating news that Brad's grandfather, whom lived in Hastings, passed away. We then changed our plans slightly and made a stop for three days in Hastings. We loved visiting the entire family, however we wished they were under better circumstances. I finally had the chance to meet the rest of Brad's family, which was fun. Will and Ady had their first hotel room experience....one we do not wish to repeat any time soon! I think I got, maybe, three hours sleep a night....it was exhausting. Will didn't want to have anything to do with staying there and kept pointing to the door saying, "go, go." Ady was going through a growth spurt that week and was super fussy the entire time....
We didn't have the camera with us, so we took pictures of the kids in their costumes when we got home.
We then finally made it to Alliance and spent a whirlwind weekend. Will and Ady got to spend Halloween with grandma and papa Johnston. It was not the best time ever, but one we will remember....Ady slept through it and Will just wanted out of the stroller to run around. Ady got the cutest baby award from everyone and Will wasn't a far second!! We thought they were both the cutest!! I spent the weekend helping my parents run the Quiv Fortner Memorial Master's Tournament (my grandfather's memorial bowling tournament). Will loved being at the bowling alley and is really into bowling. It is one of his favorite words to say! He had the pleasure of having my cousin's little girl, Bethany, watch him while Brad and I helped out at the tournament. Ady spent her time with us down at the bowling alley. She had lots of "grandmas" to cuddle her!!! It was tiring, but great to see everyone!
We finally made it home and again Will played with all of his toys the minute we walked in the house! Both kids slept like rocks the night we got home and then took over four hour naps the next day! I think they were pooped as well!! We love going back to Nebraska, but we are always glad to be back in our own beds!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
New TV...
Ady even likes to watch movies on the new TV!!
Will is watcing his new favorite movie, of course!!
Ady's new adventures...
Adalynn is getting very mobile. She is up on all fours now and can get across the room in a hurry doing her army crawl. She almost made it over the gate the other day from the living room in to the kitchen.
She is talking more and more everyday and is getting such a great personality. She is smiley most of the time and loves to watch her brother and her puppy. She also likes to be in the excersaucer and play. She likes biting on the elephants ears and sometimes bites so hard that she screams!
Here are some random pictures of her.
Lake Fun!
We went up a couple of weeks ago and helped Bill and Barb close the lake house for the winter. Will had fun playing in the leaves with Gabi. She was wheeling him around in a pile of leaves and he would take them out of the bucket and then put them back in! It kept him busy most of the day!
Ady stayed inside most of the day and played on the floor. Here is a picture of Ady with her Aunt Melissa!
Oh ouch!!
Will and I decided to go outside the other day. Ady was sleeping and Brad was working, so I decided to get Will out and get some fresh air. We were running up and down the sidewalk and then we got Will's car out. He was tired so I was pushing it back home and he was walking in front of me. He then decided that he was going to run up our driveway (a slight incline). He was going too fast and lost his balance and fell. It was a bad fall or hard fall, but the momentum forced him forward and he hit his mouth on the ground. He immediately started screaming and all I could see was blood coming out of his mouth. I ran him inside and set him on the counter and got a wash cloth out and ran cold water on it (it was covered in dirt). I let him suck on the wash cloth and tried to clean up the scrape. I had Brad come in and sit with Will while i went up and got the peroxide. I got a q-tip and was cleaning up the outside. He split his lip on the inside as well. I stuck the q-tip in his mouth and then he wanted to suck on it. I have such a weird kid!
It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. He got a pretty fat lip and the next morning it was pretty crusty. But all in all, he bounced back and even wanted to go back out side and play!
Fun with Food...
Will has been experimenting with his food lately. He was sticking peas to the side of his head the other night and then calling the balls and throwing them across the room.
He had tomato soup from a cup and straw and I think he had more on him then he ate. We also had grilled cheese with the soup and I cut them in to slices for him and showed him how to dunk them in the soup. He decided that he wanted to just soak all of them in the soup. He kept taking them out and putting them back in. It was a mushy mess!
I gave him a fudge bar after dinner the other night and put it on his plate and gave him a fork to eat it with. He still had some chicken left on his plate and he was dipping the chicken in the chocolate melted mess. He would eat it and say, "yummmmm, gooood!" It was so gross, but so funny!
My favorite place to play...
Will has one cupboard in our kitchen that is his. I sometimes put random toys or snacks in there for a surprise. He is in there playing at least everyday. He likes to close the door and knock and then wants you to say, "Where's Will?" He giggles and then flings the door open. It is really funny!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The time has come....
Today, I put Will down for a nap and came downstairs to make myself lunch. I kept hearing this weird noise from his monitor, so I went up stairs and opened his door. I didn't see him in his bed and couldn't see where he was. He was sitting behind his crib with the monitor base playing. He crawled out of his crib!!! We knew he was getting close to getting out, I just wasn't ready for when it happened.....
So now I think we are going to start transitioning him out of the crib to his "big boy" bed. We have a twin already set up and ready for him in his room, we just need to get a side rail. I can't believe that he is already growing out of his crib....he really isn't a baby anymore.....whimper, whimper....
My baby just wasn't a baby long enough!!!
So now I think we are going to start transitioning him out of the crib to his "big boy" bed. We have a twin already set up and ready for him in his room, we just need to get a side rail. I can't believe that he is already growing out of his crib....he really isn't a baby anymore.....whimper, whimper....
My baby just wasn't a baby long enough!!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Where is it?
Will's new favorite movie are the Toy Story movies....shocking, I know.....Dumbo and Cars are out right now!
Every time we watch the first movie there is a scene where Buzz and Woody look at the bottom of their shoes to see Andy's name written. And every time they do this, Will sits down and looks at the bottom of his foot (he is never wearing shoes) to see where his Andy is. It is so cute. He looks and then he does the hand signal for all gone. One of these days I am going to write Andy on the bottom of his foot when we are watching the movie so he can have an "owner" too!
Every time we watch the first movie there is a scene where Buzz and Woody look at the bottom of their shoes to see Andy's name written. And every time they do this, Will sits down and looks at the bottom of his foot (he is never wearing shoes) to see where his Andy is. It is so cute. He looks and then he does the hand signal for all gone. One of these days I am going to write Andy on the bottom of his foot when we are watching the movie so he can have an "owner" too!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Um, how did I get in here?
Today, Will wanted Ady to ride in his dump truck....so I put her in it for him. It was really funny...he picked up the scoop and was "scooping" her in and then we was pushing her around. At the end, he was trying to pull her out by her clothing. I am sure this is the first of many antics to come....
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Army Crawl
Today I had Ady on the dining room floor on her baby Einstein mat. She was playing while I was doing the dishes and cleaning the floor (glamorous, I know). I looked over and she was on her tummy Army crawling across the floor! I couldn't believe it. It isn't real fast, but she had made is half way across the room. I am amazed at how strong she is and have a feeling my life is going to get even more complicated very soon!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Will's first sentence...
We were all getting up for the day on Saturday morning. Brad went in and got Will out of his bed and then I went in to Ady's room. Will came in with Brad and I was getting Ady's clothes out of her dresser. Will climbed up on Ady's crib and looked up at Brad and said, "help me up, please daddy." It was clear as day!! We couldn't believe it. I was so excited. He has really started to string words together to make phrases and sentences (even though they aren't completely clear). It is so much fun to listen to him talk!
Will has really gotten into painting and using colors and markers. We do art projects a few times a week and he loves it. I hope he gets his father's passion and talent for art!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
WHAT??!?!!
Okay, I want to start this by saying that everyone that knows me, knows that I am a conservative Republican.
So today we met all my in-laws for lunch down in Golden Valley at a place called Good Day Cafe. We had a pretty long wait and so we had Ady in her car seat sitting on a bench. I was sitting next to her and we were people watching and talking. All of a sudden, this older lady came up to Ady, like right in her face, and was talking to her and cooing. Normally, I wouldn't mind, but this lady was covered in Obama wear. She had stickers on that said Impeach Bush and McCain = Bush and other ignorant sayings.
She was talking away to Ady and saying how beautiful she was and asked what her name was. "Oh, what a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl." Then, she gets right up in Ady's face and says, "You are going to grow up to be an Obama fan, aren't you?" I looked at the lady and said, "I don't think so, she will be smarter than that." The lady just looked at me and walked away!
I couldn't believe this lady....what nerve! Anyway, I wanted to document this for Ady and let her know that she had crazy liberals spewing nonsense at her when she was an infant!
So today we met all my in-laws for lunch down in Golden Valley at a place called Good Day Cafe. We had a pretty long wait and so we had Ady in her car seat sitting on a bench. I was sitting next to her and we were people watching and talking. All of a sudden, this older lady came up to Ady, like right in her face, and was talking to her and cooing. Normally, I wouldn't mind, but this lady was covered in Obama wear. She had stickers on that said Impeach Bush and McCain = Bush and other ignorant sayings.
She was talking away to Ady and saying how beautiful she was and asked what her name was. "Oh, what a beautiful name for a beautiful little girl." Then, she gets right up in Ady's face and says, "You are going to grow up to be an Obama fan, aren't you?" I looked at the lady and said, "I don't think so, she will be smarter than that." The lady just looked at me and walked away!
I couldn't believe this lady....what nerve! Anyway, I wanted to document this for Ady and let her know that she had crazy liberals spewing nonsense at her when she was an infant!
Adalynn's 4 month update
We had Ady's four month checkup last week. She gained a couple of pounds, she is now weighing in at a whole 13 lbs 10 ozs and is 25 inches long. The doctor was really surprised at how steady and strong she is on her feet and that she is so mobile already. She had a hard time keeping Ady on the table to do her exam! Ady kept wanting to roll over and off the table and then when she was on her back, she would arch all the way up on to her head and her heels. It was really funny to watch.
I just can't believe how much she is changing and how fast. I don't really remember this stage with Will because we missed so much with him being in daycare. Ady is very social and loves to be talked to. She "talks" all of the time and squeals and laughs at Will whenever he looks at her or walks by her. She loves to watch him and her daddy. She really likes it when I sing to her and she will "sing" along with me.
She is pretty much growing out of her fussiness...however, we have been having a few struggling nights lately. I am not sure if she is growing or what, but she has been waking up every half hour to hour all night long. It makes for little sleep for me!! She was sleeping through the night for at least 10-12 hours before this. She has also been fussy with eating, so I am not sure what is going on with her. I think she will always be my mystery baby!!
I just can't believe how much she is changing and how fast. I don't really remember this stage with Will because we missed so much with him being in daycare. Ady is very social and loves to be talked to. She "talks" all of the time and squeals and laughs at Will whenever he looks at her or walks by her. She loves to watch him and her daddy. She really likes it when I sing to her and she will "sing" along with me.
She is pretty much growing out of her fussiness...however, we have been having a few struggling nights lately. I am not sure if she is growing or what, but she has been waking up every half hour to hour all night long. It makes for little sleep for me!! She was sleeping through the night for at least 10-12 hours before this. She has also been fussy with eating, so I am not sure what is going on with her. I think she will always be my mystery baby!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
McDonald's Playland
Today we went with my neighbor Tori and her two boys, Logan and Cooper to McDonald's Playland for lunch. Will has never been in a playland or a McDonald's for that matter!
After he ate some french fries he wanted to get down and go check out the playland. He went right to the stairs and crawled up to the platform, however, he was hesitant to go inside. He wasn't quite sure of what to expect. I put him up inside (it is all enclosed tunnels) and he kind of freaked out a little so I just let him discover for himself.
After a little while and watching Logan play, he decided that it was time to head inside. He did fine and he could see us through some of the holes and the bottom level. Well, after a little while, he got more brave and decided to head up. I couldn't see him and wasn't too worried about it, and all of a sudden I see him at the very top looking down at me. He had a terrified look on his face so I tried to smile and wave and not make a big deal out of it. I got the camera out and took pictures of he and Logan and was keeping it fun for him.
Well, he didn't think it was too fun. He melted down and Logan was trying to help him out by pulling on his arms (Logan is only 2 1/2). That didn't work, so I had to crawl inside the silly thing and go up and get him! I can see why he was freaking out...that thing was confusing...all of the tunnels kept leading to more tunnels and it didn't feel like we were getting anywhere. We finally got to the slide (the one at the very top!) and got down. Will wasn't too thrilled about going back in and playing.
I think we will try again sometime down the road, but for now, I think we will probably stay away on the ground floor at Playland!!
After he ate some french fries he wanted to get down and go check out the playland. He went right to the stairs and crawled up to the platform, however, he was hesitant to go inside. He wasn't quite sure of what to expect. I put him up inside (it is all enclosed tunnels) and he kind of freaked out a little so I just let him discover for himself.
After a little while and watching Logan play, he decided that it was time to head inside. He did fine and he could see us through some of the holes and the bottom level. Well, after a little while, he got more brave and decided to head up. I couldn't see him and wasn't too worried about it, and all of a sudden I see him at the very top looking down at me. He had a terrified look on his face so I tried to smile and wave and not make a big deal out of it. I got the camera out and took pictures of he and Logan and was keeping it fun for him.
Well, he didn't think it was too fun. He melted down and Logan was trying to help him out by pulling on his arms (Logan is only 2 1/2). That didn't work, so I had to crawl inside the silly thing and go up and get him! I can see why he was freaking out...that thing was confusing...all of the tunnels kept leading to more tunnels and it didn't feel like we were getting anywhere. We finally got to the slide (the one at the very top!) and got down. Will wasn't too thrilled about going back in and playing.
I think we will try again sometime down the road, but for now, I think we will probably stay away on the ground floor at Playland!!
Words of the week....or month!
Will has mastered the word, open , in the past month. He wants to open everything.....books, cupboards, doors, even the wood slats on our hardwood floor! He is totally obsessed with opening everything!! It is so funny!
Another word, or I should say, phrase, is "what happened?" It is always something I say to him when he falls down or gets into something he is not supposed to. I also use it when we are watching other kids, or when Ady cries....I say, "oh no, what happened." He will drop something and look at me and say, "what happened." It is so cute!!
He also has been watching Playhouse Disney's My Friends Tigger and Pooh and they say, "Think, think, think" and tap their temples. Will has started to say that and tap his head. He understands how to use it too which is so crazy!! When he is trying to do something or put something together, he will tap his head and say, "think, think, think!"
When cars drive by and he can't see them anymore or when a movie or TV show is over, Will has started to say, "all done" and then he blows kisses....like he is saying bye bye. He also does that to everyone he sees at the store or when the school bus drops the kids off and drives off.
He is such a funny little man and getting such a great personality. I can't wait for the full sentences and to start having conversations about what he is thinking and learning! He is so much fun and I look forward to the new discoveries brain wrinkles he is creating everyday!! What an amazing little guy!!
Another word, or I should say, phrase, is "what happened?" It is always something I say to him when he falls down or gets into something he is not supposed to. I also use it when we are watching other kids, or when Ady cries....I say, "oh no, what happened." He will drop something and look at me and say, "what happened." It is so cute!!
He also has been watching Playhouse Disney's My Friends Tigger and Pooh and they say, "Think, think, think" and tap their temples. Will has started to say that and tap his head. He understands how to use it too which is so crazy!! When he is trying to do something or put something together, he will tap his head and say, "think, think, think!"
When cars drive by and he can't see them anymore or when a movie or TV show is over, Will has started to say, "all done" and then he blows kisses....like he is saying bye bye. He also does that to everyone he sees at the store or when the school bus drops the kids off and drives off.
He is such a funny little man and getting such a great personality. I can't wait for the full sentences and to start having conversations about what he is thinking and learning! He is so much fun and I look forward to the new discoveries brain wrinkles he is creating everyday!! What an amazing little guy!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A day at the Zoo
We decided to take the kids to the Como Zoo on Friday. Brad had the day off due to all of the overtime that he put in during the week. We could not have picked a more perfect day to go as far as the weather was concerned. It was absolutely beautiful.
We got there around 10:30 and it was already buzzing. We first say flamingos and then headed over to the "primates" exhibit. Will loved the monkeys (he kept doing his "ooo, aaaa" monkey sounds, it was so cute!!!). They had two gorillas and we were about 100 feet from them. I was amazed at how HUGE they were. I have never seen a gorilla that close and Brad was amazed as well. After the monkeys, we went over to see two zebras and three giraffes (they stink!!). Will has a book that has both in them and he kept saying, "wow" as we were walking by. I think he was a little overwhelmed and didn't really know what to think.
Brad took Will up to see the lions and the tigers. We got there just in time to see them throw bones down to them and they were out in the open so that we could see them. Will did his best "roar" down to them. We also saw wolves, seals, fish, bison, and random birds all over.
This zoo was a little underwhelming for me. I was expecting something much bigger and with more animals. I grew up going to the Omaha zoo and had much greater expectations of this zoo. However, it was nice because I don't think the kids were really ready for that big of a zoo and we spent two hours and saw everything to see at the Como Zoo. It was long enough. We are excited to take the kids to the Omaha Zoo next year!!
We got there around 10:30 and it was already buzzing. We first say flamingos and then headed over to the "primates" exhibit. Will loved the monkeys (he kept doing his "ooo, aaaa" monkey sounds, it was so cute!!!). They had two gorillas and we were about 100 feet from them. I was amazed at how HUGE they were. I have never seen a gorilla that close and Brad was amazed as well. After the monkeys, we went over to see two zebras and three giraffes (they stink!!). Will has a book that has both in them and he kept saying, "wow" as we were walking by. I think he was a little overwhelmed and didn't really know what to think.
Brad took Will up to see the lions and the tigers. We got there just in time to see them throw bones down to them and they were out in the open so that we could see them. Will did his best "roar" down to them. We also saw wolves, seals, fish, bison, and random birds all over.
This zoo was a little underwhelming for me. I was expecting something much bigger and with more animals. I grew up going to the Omaha zoo and had much greater expectations of this zoo. However, it was nice because I don't think the kids were really ready for that big of a zoo and we spent two hours and saw everything to see at the Como Zoo. It was long enough. We are excited to take the kids to the Omaha Zoo next year!!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Mommy's night out, daddy's night in
Friday night I got to go out for a girl's night out (the first one is two years.....how sad...). I met up with a group of my neighbor girls and we went to a movie and then out for drinks. It was so nice and wonderful to have girl conversation and have a night away from my children (not that I don't love them, I just needed some "me" time).
Brad has been working like crazy lately and he decided to stay in with the kids so that I could go out. He put Ady to bed for the first time since she was born, and she went to sleep right away. I played with Will for a while when Brad was putting Ady to bed. As I was leaving, Will was waving and blowing kisses to me out the window. I was really glad that he didn't have a meltdown when I left and was happy. Both kids did really well for Brad while I was gone....so much so that I can become a regular member of the girl's night out group!! I can't wait until the next one!
Brad has been working like crazy lately and he decided to stay in with the kids so that I could go out. He put Ady to bed for the first time since she was born, and she went to sleep right away. I played with Will for a while when Brad was putting Ady to bed. As I was leaving, Will was waving and blowing kisses to me out the window. I was really glad that he didn't have a meltdown when I left and was happy. Both kids did really well for Brad while I was gone....so much so that I can become a regular member of the girl's night out group!! I can't wait until the next one!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Ady's new milestones
Well, it has been a long road, but I think Ady has finally turned the corner for us. She is 16 weeks yesterday, and finally is almost a "normal" baby! We started cereal yesterday and she downed it like a champ!! She is still drinking about 35 oz of formula a day, so hopefully the cereal will help fill some of her empty leg!
She is sleeping so well at night...she sleeps about 10-12 hours a night (with a few wake-ups, but I just have to put her pacifier in and she goes right back to sleep!). She is getting better at napping, but it is still hard having her downstairs and keeping her brother quiet. I have been taking her up to her bed to put her down for a nap when Will goes down for his, but it hasn't been real successful so far. I am excited to let her cry it out and learn to sleep on her own!!
She is now rolling over both ways and smiling, laughing outloud and cooing like crazy. She is such a talker and loves to be talked to. She grins at everything! She also loves watching her brother play and be crazy.
We went for a walk today and it was the first time that she stayed awake (all until the last block before we got home) and enjoyed the walk and didn't cry the entire time. It was so nice for Will and I as well. We all had such a great time and the weather was perfect, a little on the chilly side, but great. When we got home, we left her in the stroller and Will and I got to play for about a 1/2 hour!! It was a great morning!
We are also making her room "girly" finally. Since the nursery is so neutral, we decided to add some pink and purple and make is cute. We found some stickers that you put on the wall and they are flowers and butterflies. It looks so cute. I also got her dolls out and put pink blankets on her bed. It is looking better, but I am anxious to make it more "girly!!"
I never thought this time would come with her and I know she isn't on the full upswing yet (she is still on her medicine, but we changed to regular formula and she seems to be doing okay), but we will take this much happier baby than the completely miserable one we had for the first four months!!
She is sleeping so well at night...she sleeps about 10-12 hours a night (with a few wake-ups, but I just have to put her pacifier in and she goes right back to sleep!). She is getting better at napping, but it is still hard having her downstairs and keeping her brother quiet. I have been taking her up to her bed to put her down for a nap when Will goes down for his, but it hasn't been real successful so far. I am excited to let her cry it out and learn to sleep on her own!!
She is now rolling over both ways and smiling, laughing outloud and cooing like crazy. She is such a talker and loves to be talked to. She grins at everything! She also loves watching her brother play and be crazy.
We went for a walk today and it was the first time that she stayed awake (all until the last block before we got home) and enjoyed the walk and didn't cry the entire time. It was so nice for Will and I as well. We all had such a great time and the weather was perfect, a little on the chilly side, but great. When we got home, we left her in the stroller and Will and I got to play for about a 1/2 hour!! It was a great morning!
We are also making her room "girly" finally. Since the nursery is so neutral, we decided to add some pink and purple and make is cute. We found some stickers that you put on the wall and they are flowers and butterflies. It looks so cute. I also got her dolls out and put pink blankets on her bed. It is looking better, but I am anxious to make it more "girly!!"
I never thought this time would come with her and I know she isn't on the full upswing yet (she is still on her medicine, but we changed to regular formula and she seems to be doing okay), but we will take this much happier baby than the completely miserable one we had for the first four months!!
Fun Weekend
We went to Brad's parents for the long holiday weekend. We got there on Saturday and before we could even get the car unloaded, Will was already in the water. He has so much fun with his cousins and grandparents when we got to the lake. He was so comfortable on the beach and in the water, you would think he was doing it everyday his whole like (which is only 20 months, but still!).
Also, Will had his first smore this weekend (one of his mommy's favorites!!). He loved it and kept calling it a "cookie." It was so cute. We love taking him to the lake and get great pleasure out of watching him have so much fun!
Also, Will had his first smore this weekend (one of his mommy's favorites!!). He loved it and kept calling it a "cookie." It was so cute. We love taking him to the lake and get great pleasure out of watching him have so much fun!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Happy to be home!
Last night we finally got back from our trip to NE. We had so much fun in Hastings with Brad's grandparents and hated that is was such a short stay! We had a nice visit with Bob and he really enjoyed watching the kids. We had to keep Will doused in hand sanitizer as he and Ady both came down with colds while in Alliance. Will kept climbing in and out of his stroller and Bob thought it was great and was really impressed with how smart Will is. He loved seeing Ady smile and she was in a great mood while we were there. We also got to see Aunt Karen and Uncle Rich and cousin Tom. It was fun to chat and catch up with them.
The real treat was Jean, Brad's grandmother. She treats us so well when we are there and is just so much fun to chat with and learn things from. She is an amazing cook and more of an amazing woman. It makes me miss my grandmother so much, but is such a comfort to have her as a surrogate grandparent!! She is awesome!!
We finally arrived home last night after a 10 hour car ride (Ady wasn't having a very good day!). We got to our house around 7:30, which is past bedtimes. Will came inside and he was so excited to be back home that he got every toy he owned and played. He didn't have dinner yet, so Brad tried to get him in his high chair and he didn't want to be strapped in a chair any longer for the day. He just wanted to run around and love all of his toys! It was so cute.
The real treat was Jean, Brad's grandmother. She treats us so well when we are there and is just so much fun to chat with and learn things from. She is an amazing cook and more of an amazing woman. It makes me miss my grandmother so much, but is such a comfort to have her as a surrogate grandparent!! She is awesome!!
We finally arrived home last night after a 10 hour car ride (Ady wasn't having a very good day!). We got to our house around 7:30, which is past bedtimes. Will came inside and he was so excited to be back home that he got every toy he owned and played. He didn't have dinner yet, so Brad tried to get him in his high chair and he didn't want to be strapped in a chair any longer for the day. He just wanted to run around and love all of his toys! It was so cute.
Leave my brother alone!!
Tonight, Brad was sitting on the couch with with Ady on his lap and Will was standing beside him. Brad was giving him raspberries on his stomach and I was giving him raspberries on his back (we had spaghetti for dinner and that is a non clothing dinner for Will!!) and Will was giggling and screaming. All of a sudden, Ady started making this grunting/throaty sort of cry, but she wasn't crying. It was really loud and it was like she was telling us to leave Will alone. Brad and I both looked at her and she had sort of a scowl on her face and we started laughing. We then let Will down and Ady was happy again. It was hilarious!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Broken Tooth
Will leaves Alliance with a semi-permanent memory. He fell in grandma and papa's bathtub and chipped his front tooth. He hit the side of the tub and got a really fat lip as well.
We have a hard time getting him to stay sitting down in the tub, and now hopefully he learned a lesson. We hope that he didn't hit a nerve or anything and it didn't crack all the way up, but we are going to take him to the dentist when we get home, just to make sure.
We have a hard time getting him to stay sitting down in the tub, and now hopefully he learned a lesson. We hope that he didn't hit a nerve or anything and it didn't crack all the way up, but we are going to take him to the dentist when we get home, just to make sure.
Grandma and Papa
We have spent the last two weeks in Nebraska at my parent's house. The first weekend, my brother, his wife and their daughter were here as well. Will and Aleia had so much fun playing together. They learned all kinds of new tricks together (for example Will has learned how to turn his body limp when he doesn't want to do something....a little trick he learned from Aleia). They played in the new car that grandma and papa got Will and sometimes had a hard time sharing. It was really good for both of them to learn to share.
Later in the week, Will got to go golfing with papa and grandma. Will got to drive the cart, have rootbeer and play all around the golf course. He even saw his first rabbit.
Then, grandma took Will to the lake here in town and he got to feed the ducks. They were all crazy for the food and Will wanted to play in the water with them. We didn't let him of course, because the water is disgusting! He had a really great time and kept saying duck, duck, duck all day. He then got to go see a train engine and climb up on it. After all that fun, Will got his first ice cream cone. He loved it....it was all over him and the car! What a day!!
The other night, grandma and I took Will to the fountain where Brad and I got married. The fountain has since been renovated and it is really pretty and Will loved seeing how high the water went. He kept saying, WOW! We then walked over to the park and he got to play on the play ground equipment. They have a really nice place for big kids and little kids. He went down all of the slides...even the BIG ones!! He also went on the swings and kept telling grandma, "again, again" (a new word he learned that night).
The bowling alley opened this week and we have been going down there for lunch. Will got to go bowling and he had a blast. Now every time we go in there, he says, "bowl, bowl." Papa even had a shirt that had a bowling pin on it the other day and Will went up to him and pointed at the pin and said, "bowl."
We are wrapping up our trip today and will be heading to Hastings tomorrow. We are sure going to miss grandma and papa and can't wait for another trip out here!!
Later in the week, Will got to go golfing with papa and grandma. Will got to drive the cart, have rootbeer and play all around the golf course. He even saw his first rabbit.
Then, grandma took Will to the lake here in town and he got to feed the ducks. They were all crazy for the food and Will wanted to play in the water with them. We didn't let him of course, because the water is disgusting! He had a really great time and kept saying duck, duck, duck all day. He then got to go see a train engine and climb up on it. After all that fun, Will got his first ice cream cone. He loved it....it was all over him and the car! What a day!!
The other night, grandma and I took Will to the fountain where Brad and I got married. The fountain has since been renovated and it is really pretty and Will loved seeing how high the water went. He kept saying, WOW! We then walked over to the park and he got to play on the play ground equipment. They have a really nice place for big kids and little kids. He went down all of the slides...even the BIG ones!! He also went on the swings and kept telling grandma, "again, again" (a new word he learned that night).
The bowling alley opened this week and we have been going down there for lunch. Will got to go bowling and he had a blast. Now every time we go in there, he says, "bowl, bowl." Papa even had a shirt that had a bowling pin on it the other day and Will went up to him and pointed at the pin and said, "bowl."
We are wrapping up our trip today and will be heading to Hastings tomorrow. We are sure going to miss grandma and papa and can't wait for another trip out here!!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Big Brother Fun
Today Brad was holding Ady and Will was running around the kitchen like a crazy person. His new thing is spinning in a circle and making himself dizzy. Ady was watching Will's every move today. When he would start laughing, she would start laughing or when she thought something was funny, she would get a big grin on her face. Brad and I were amazed at how intent she was upon her big brother. It was amazing to watch them.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Grocery Store Trip
Today I took the kids out for the first time by myself. It wasn't as bad as it could have been, but it was pretty stressful. I had to go grocery shopping and was going to do it last night and then Ady vomited all over me, so my entire evening consisted of taking a shower with Will and then with Ady. Then I had to clean up her room and get her back to sleep. Then she didn't sleep. So, I missed my opportunity to go to the grocery store last night.
Anyway, I put both kids in one cart and then pulled another cart behind me for the groceries. It worked out pretty well because the store wasn't very busy. Will was kind of being a little pistol as he kept pulling on Ady's carseat and making it rock and move around. She was awake the entire time and didn't cry or fuss. She was however, getting pretty annoyed with her big brother because he wouldn't leave her alone.
I managed to get the kids to the store, all the shopping done, groceries loaded in the car, drove home, unloaded the car, unloaded the kids, and put the groceries away without a single meltdown from either child!! YEAH!!
Anyway, I put both kids in one cart and then pulled another cart behind me for the groceries. It worked out pretty well because the store wasn't very busy. Will was kind of being a little pistol as he kept pulling on Ady's carseat and making it rock and move around. She was awake the entire time and didn't cry or fuss. She was however, getting pretty annoyed with her big brother because he wouldn't leave her alone.
I managed to get the kids to the store, all the shopping done, groceries loaded in the car, drove home, unloaded the car, unloaded the kids, and put the groceries away without a single meltdown from either child!! YEAH!!
Eating Better
We just changed Ady over the fast flow nipples and she seems to be eating better. She has been taking about 32-34 ounces in the last three days where she was only eating about 20-22 before. She now can drink about 4-6 ounces at a time, whereas before it took me an hour to get her to drink 2 ounces. She hasn't been crying through her feedings either so hopefully the crying was due to frustration rather than something that was wrong with her.
She still wants to eat every two hours, so we are working on stretching out the length between feedings now and she doesn't like that at all. She is very demanding!!
She still wants to eat every two hours, so we are working on stretching out the length between feedings now and she doesn't like that at all. She is very demanding!!
Lake Fun!!
We went to Alexandria this past weekend to visit Brad's parents. Will always has such a good time at the lake! The weather wasn't very nice this time, so we didn't get to do much playing in the water or the sand. However, Friday night, Will had a hard time going to sleep. After numerous attempts on my and Brad's part to get him to sleep, we decided to let him get up and come outside and join the rest of the family (minus Ady, she was sleeping). We took his pajamas off of him so they wouldn't get dirty and he was running around in his diaper. It was pretty funny. He was really tired and so he was extra silly. He kept going behind Uncle Tim's chair and standing waiting for Uncle Tim to "get him." He then found the dog chain and was pulling it around the porch. After that, he found the hose. (Earlier that day, Grampie and I sprayed the sand off of him with the hose. ) He went to the end of the hose and picked it up. He had to use all of his might to hold it and then pull the handle to make the water come out. His cousins saw what he was doing and they came up from the water and decided to run throught the water when it sprayed. Will was just giggle outloud. It was so cute. We did get a little bit of it on video.
Then on Saturday night, we had corn on the cob for dinner. Ady actually slept during dinner so I got to join the family. We decided to give Will a piece of corn on the cob to see what he would do. He immediately went to town on it!! It was so funny. Grampie would eat his and then say, "ummmm" and then Will started copying him. Will would eat his corn and then say "yummmm." He really enjoyed his first corn on the cob!!
Then on Saturday night, we had corn on the cob for dinner. Ady actually slept during dinner so I got to join the family. We decided to give Will a piece of corn on the cob to see what he would do. He immediately went to town on it!! It was so funny. Grampie would eat his and then say, "ummmm" and then Will started copying him. Will would eat his corn and then say "yummmm." He really enjoyed his first corn on the cob!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Green Bean Shower
We were finishing up dinner last night and I had put Will down on the floor to clean up his chair. As I was cleaning, all of a sudden Will starting screaming. I turned around and he had reached up on top of the island counter and grabbed the green bean container and pulled it off of the counter (it was plastic, thank goodness). He was covered from his head to toes in green bean water and there were beans everywhere. All I could do was starting laughing. I picked him up to calm him down and tell him that it was okay, and we were both covered in green bean water.
I put him over on the carpert and got him dried off and went back to clean up the rest of the mess on the floor and Will came running over to me. He slipped on the floor (the wood is really really slick when it is wet) and hit his head pretty hard. It was sort of a nightmare evening for us after that!
Just when you think you have stuff pushed back far enough on the counter...those little "go-gadget" arms reach up there and the next thing you know....GREEN BEAN SHOWER!!!
I put him over on the carpert and got him dried off and went back to clean up the rest of the mess on the floor and Will came running over to me. He slipped on the floor (the wood is really really slick when it is wet) and hit his head pretty hard. It was sort of a nightmare evening for us after that!
Just when you think you have stuff pushed back far enough on the counter...those little "go-gadget" arms reach up there and the next thing you know....GREEN BEAN SHOWER!!!
Friday, July 25, 2008
New Toys
Today, Brad gave Will his old cell phone and our old digital camera. Will has spent most of today "talking" on his phone and taking pictures of the front of his shirt. He loves both "toys" and has been doing his happy dance all day. He has already figured out how to turn the camera on and off and to take pictures. He giggles when the flash goes off. It is really funny!
He puts them both down on the floor and then chooses one to play with. He then will come back and sets one down and gets the other one. I have a feeling we are going to have another "geek" on our hands with all the obsession of electronics!!
He puts them both down on the floor and then chooses one to play with. He then will come back and sets one down and gets the other one. I have a feeling we are going to have another "geek" on our hands with all the obsession of electronics!!
Milestones
I have been trying to take Ady up to her room for one good nap a day while Will is down for his nap. Anyway, today she was fussing a little and I went up to check on her, and she had rolled over from her tummy to her back! I couldn't believe it! It is crazy how quickly these milestones happen!
She is also miss chatterbox! She coos and goos all of the time! I don't remember Will ever talking this much this early! The two sounds that she makes sound like "hi" and "ow." She also has kind of a happy shriek. It is really cute. She is getting so much personality and is spending more of her days happier than crying! Yeah Ady!!
She is also miss chatterbox! She coos and goos all of the time! I don't remember Will ever talking this much this early! The two sounds that she makes sound like "hi" and "ow." She also has kind of a happy shriek. It is really cute. She is getting so much personality and is spending more of her days happier than crying! Yeah Ady!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Will busting Mommy!
The other day I was sitting on the couch with Will and he was eating Goldfish crackers (his new favorite food!). We have been working on please and thank you with him. He can't quite say either, but with the word please he makes the p sounds. As he was eating I said, "Will, can mommy have one?" He looked at me and started to hand me a cracker and then stopped. He said, "pah, pah" meaning that I had to say please to him. It just melted my heart and made me crack up. He totally busted me for not saying please! He is such a funny little guy! Practice what you preach mommy!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Circus Fun!
We went to Alexandria to visit Brad's parents this past weekend and Will got to go to his first Circus with Grammie and Grampie! He had so much fun and came home with a little elephant on a leash!! He really liked the tigers and kept growling! Grammie and Grampie were really impressed at how well behaved Will is and what a good kid he is. They also had compliments from people sitting around them! Brad and I very proud!!
18 month & 2 month updates
Will's appointment was first. He weighs 24 pounds (25%) and is 33 1/2 inches (90%) long. He is finally gaining a little bit of weight, but has also grown three and a half inches in the last six months!! The doctor was happy with his development and was really surprised at how he communicates and was glad that he is gaining more words everyday! He is up to about 25 words now and communicates really well non-verbally. He is adding more everyday and really understands how to use the words that he does know.
Ady's appointment was second. She weighs 10.8 pounds and is 24 inches long. She is right at 50% for her weight and about 90% for height. The doctor was pleased that she is gaining well with her acid reflux. She did change Ady's medication again so that we don't have to refrigerate it anymore. She is on Previcid which is once a day for now! She also has eczema, which may be related to a milk allergy. The doctor does not know whether it is an allergy or if it is from just being dry from all of her acne. We are treating it with cortizone right now and a really heavy moisturizer and it seems to be going away. Hopefully we will get her on track in the next couple of months! The doctor thinks that she will start taking a turn for the better in the about four or five weeks (as far as her acid reflux and colic). We are still just taking it day by day!!
Ady's appointment was second. She weighs 10.8 pounds and is 24 inches long. She is right at 50% for her weight and about 90% for height. The doctor was pleased that she is gaining well with her acid reflux. She did change Ady's medication again so that we don't have to refrigerate it anymore. She is on Previcid which is once a day for now! She also has eczema, which may be related to a milk allergy. The doctor does not know whether it is an allergy or if it is from just being dry from all of her acne. We are treating it with cortizone right now and a really heavy moisturizer and it seems to be going away. Hopefully we will get her on track in the next couple of months! The doctor thinks that she will start taking a turn for the better in the about four or five weeks (as far as her acid reflux and colic). We are still just taking it day by day!!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Update of Will & Ady
Sorry it has been so long since I have updated the blog, but it just doesn't seem like I have a free minute during the day and I am too tired at night to even think about looking at the computer!
Will is just getting over some kind of bug he got when we got home from the lake. He had a 105.2 fever for a couple of days followed by some pretty bad diarrhrea. It was not fun....I hate when he is sick! He just wants to be held all of the time and it breaks my heart that I can't.
He is doing much better this week and even got some kid time this past weekend. We went to a birthday party and he made lots of new friends.
Ady is still struggling with her acid reflux and still has colic on top of that. She does a lot of crying all day long. I feel so bad that I can't console her and I have come to grips with her crying. I can now actually just leave her in the swing or the bouncy seat and let her cry instead of trying to hold her all of the time. It has helped both of us I think! She seems to be getting better with the acid reflux....we have gotten into a pretty good routine with the medicine and I think she is learning that she can't eat for 15-30 minutes after she takes it. She also doesn't fight me in taking it anymore. So, hopefully she grows out of the colic in the next month or so and we can have some peace around here!! HAHA!
We decided that we are taking a trip to Nebraska next month so we can see my family and friends. We are going to try to make the 12 hour drive all in one day.....we are actually giving ourselves a couple of days to make it in case we can't take Ady's crying for the entire trip. We will be out there for two weeks! I am so excited to have the help of my parents in caring for the kids! I may actually get to spend some quality time with Will and with Brad. We haven't had a moment to ourselves since Ady was born, so we would like to take an evening out when we are there!
Other than that, nothing too new to report. We do have Ady's 2 month doctor's appointment and Will's 18 month doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. I will report on their growth and development according to the doctor!!
Will is just getting over some kind of bug he got when we got home from the lake. He had a 105.2 fever for a couple of days followed by some pretty bad diarrhrea. It was not fun....I hate when he is sick! He just wants to be held all of the time and it breaks my heart that I can't.
He is doing much better this week and even got some kid time this past weekend. We went to a birthday party and he made lots of new friends.
Ady is still struggling with her acid reflux and still has colic on top of that. She does a lot of crying all day long. I feel so bad that I can't console her and I have come to grips with her crying. I can now actually just leave her in the swing or the bouncy seat and let her cry instead of trying to hold her all of the time. It has helped both of us I think! She seems to be getting better with the acid reflux....we have gotten into a pretty good routine with the medicine and I think she is learning that she can't eat for 15-30 minutes after she takes it. She also doesn't fight me in taking it anymore. So, hopefully she grows out of the colic in the next month or so and we can have some peace around here!! HAHA!
We decided that we are taking a trip to Nebraska next month so we can see my family and friends. We are going to try to make the 12 hour drive all in one day.....we are actually giving ourselves a couple of days to make it in case we can't take Ady's crying for the entire trip. We will be out there for two weeks! I am so excited to have the help of my parents in caring for the kids! I may actually get to spend some quality time with Will and with Brad. We haven't had a moment to ourselves since Ady was born, so we would like to take an evening out when we are there!
Other than that, nothing too new to report. We do have Ady's 2 month doctor's appointment and Will's 18 month doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. I will report on their growth and development according to the doctor!!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
4th of July
We spent six days in Alexandria with Brad's family for the 4th of July. Will had so much fun playing in the sand and in the water. He had so much to do, he was up at 5 am almost everyday, saying, "side, side" for outside. He loved spending time with his grandparents and also wanting to be one of the "big boys" like his cousins.
Unfortunately, Ady and I spent most of our time indoors due to the wind and the weather. We did get to hang out outside a couple of the mornings before the wind came up. It was wonderful. Also, it was nice to have a little bit a break a couple of the evenings as grandma Barb took Ady and "wrestled" her for me. She takes a lot of energy and I appreciate the break!!
Anyway, we had a wonderful time and are looking forward to heading back to the lake in a couple of weeks!
Unfortunately, Ady and I spent most of our time indoors due to the wind and the weather. We did get to hang out outside a couple of the mornings before the wind came up. It was wonderful. Also, it was nice to have a little bit a break a couple of the evenings as grandma Barb took Ady and "wrestled" her for me. She takes a lot of energy and I appreciate the break!!
Anyway, we had a wonderful time and are looking forward to heading back to the lake in a couple of weeks!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Will & Ady
Today, I laid Ady down on the couch to fix her spit rag on my shoulder. Will crawled up on the couch and laid down next to her. He just giggled and was so excited. He sat up and we put Ady in his lap and he was such a proud big brother. He kept giving her kisses and putting his finger in her mouth. She was in a good mood too and she was cooing and smiling the entire time. We did get a couple of pictures, so that is good!!
I picked her up to go in the other room, and Will started fussing and was patting the couch saying "sissy, sissy!!" He was sad that I took her away and wanted to keep her in his lap. It was so cute!!
I picked her up to go in the other room, and Will started fussing and was patting the couch saying "sissy, sissy!!" He was sad that I took her away and wanted to keep her in his lap. It was so cute!!
Ady's Acid Reflux
We took Ady to the doctor on Saturday morning (our clinic sees patients on Sat and Sun, which is awesome!!) as her fussiness with eating did not subside with the elimination of dairy in my diet. They put her on medication and also told us that we need to use Nutramigin formula (which is a hypoallergenic formula costing $25 for a small can!!) for her supplemental bottles. She seems to be doing better, but the medication wears off before she is due to have more. They said if it didn't work for the next week, that they will prescribe a stronger medication, which we are going to call and have them do.
We are working on getting her on more of a schedule with eating and sleeping. Up to this point, it has been hit and miss with both. She likes to just graze all day and night only taking 1 or 1.5 ounces at a time and taking short cap naps every time she eats. She has been waking up every 2 hours at night to eat, which is exhausting! I have started using the pacifier more and increasing the time in between her feedings. She did finally take 4 ozs today at one time, which is the first time.
She has definitely been a challenge for me and this family. I thank God for my mom (who left us on Monday) because I don't think I would have made it through Ady's first 6 weeks without her!
We are working on getting her on more of a schedule with eating and sleeping. Up to this point, it has been hit and miss with both. She likes to just graze all day and night only taking 1 or 1.5 ounces at a time and taking short cap naps every time she eats. She has been waking up every 2 hours at night to eat, which is exhausting! I have started using the pacifier more and increasing the time in between her feedings. She did finally take 4 ozs today at one time, which is the first time.
She has definitely been a challenge for me and this family. I thank God for my mom (who left us on Monday) because I don't think I would have made it through Ady's first 6 weeks without her!
A Whale of a Time
Will's Uncle Casey, Aunt April and cousin Aleia brought him a new pool when Ady was born. We got it out last week and he absolutely loved it. It is a whale that is a slide that goes down into the pool. We had such a blast watching him play. We invited the neighbor girls and Will's cousins over for a pool party. It was kind of cool outside, but Will didn't care. His lips were turning purple/blue he was so cold, and still didn't want to come inside. He was so tired after playing all day, that he was doing the head nod thing in his high chair. It was hilarious!
We also discovered on Sunday that Will had such a great time that he ended up with a black eye and we don't know how or when it happened!
Thanks for such a great gift Casey, April and Aleia!!
We also discovered on Sunday that Will had such a great time that he ended up with a black eye and we don't know how or when it happened!
Thanks for such a great gift Casey, April and Aleia!!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Adalynn's Doctor Appointment
We decided to take Ady (Brad and I decided to shorten her nickname to Ady instead of Addie) to the doctor today to check her weight as she isn't nursing very well (for only two or three minutes, every 1.5 to 2 hours) and has been really fussy with all out screaming fits for hours at a time. We were concerned that she has allergies or some issue with her sinuses (she is wheezing, snoring and just congested all of the time). We found out that her weight is okay, she is up to 8 lbs 12 ozs. The doctor said that she is sort of a grazer and there is nothing we can do about it, but just feed her on demand. He obviously doesn't know what it is like to have a 17 month old at home and a screaming infant and trying to breastfeed every five minutes while she is screaming her head off. I have started pumping and supplementing with formula just to keep up with her and to save time.
Also, we found out that her screaming may be due to acid reflux. He wanted me to eliminate all dairy for 5-7 days to see if helps her. If she is still fussy, then we are to start putting a little rice cereal in her bottle to help keep the milk down in her tummy. If that doesn't work, then she will go on medication. So we are hoping that we don't have to do medication, but anything to help her stop screaming, we are willing to do anything.
My mom is still here (thank goodness) and is planning to stay through this week and is planning on leaving next Monday (depending on if we can get Ady a little happier!). Also, we have decided to postpone potty training for Will as he is regressing with the baby. He takes her bottles and wants to drink out of them and always wants her pacifier. He has been having meltdowns when I am feeding Ady or tending to her. We are working on getting him in a more of a routine and helping more with Ady insteading of feeling left out and meeting all of his needs. It is a tough balancing act.
Also, we found out that her screaming may be due to acid reflux. He wanted me to eliminate all dairy for 5-7 days to see if helps her. If she is still fussy, then we are to start putting a little rice cereal in her bottle to help keep the milk down in her tummy. If that doesn't work, then she will go on medication. So we are hoping that we don't have to do medication, but anything to help her stop screaming, we are willing to do anything.
My mom is still here (thank goodness) and is planning to stay through this week and is planning on leaving next Monday (depending on if we can get Ady a little happier!). Also, we have decided to postpone potty training for Will as he is regressing with the baby. He takes her bottles and wants to drink out of them and always wants her pacifier. He has been having meltdowns when I am feeding Ady or tending to her. We are working on getting him in a more of a routine and helping more with Ady insteading of feeling left out and meeting all of his needs. It is a tough balancing act.
Minnesota Children's Museum
We tried to take Will to the Zoo on Sunday for father's day. However, when we got there, it was a nightmare! There were so many people, we couldn't even find a parking place that was relatively close to the zoo enterance. We sat in a line of cars for about an hour just getting through the streets to get out of there. We then decided that we would go to MCM.
Will had a blast!! He was almost overwhelmed at all of the things to do. He got to play with bubbles, put on a puppet show, climb through a beaver's log, explore "Earth World," climb an ant hill, just to name a few. He was a little young for some of the stuff, but he still had a great time...so much so that he crashed before we even got on the interstate on the way home.
We are so excited to take him back again!!
Will had a blast!! He was almost overwhelmed at all of the things to do. He got to play with bubbles, put on a puppet show, climb through a beaver's log, explore "Earth World," climb an ant hill, just to name a few. He was a little young for some of the stuff, but he still had a great time...so much so that he crashed before we even got on the interstate on the way home.
We are so excited to take him back again!!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Fish & Sponge Bob
We took Will to the Mall of America today to the Underwater Adventure Aquarium. He was so excited and just kept saying "fish" the entire time we were in there. We all had a great time.
As we were walking through the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, they had Sponge Bob and Patrick there for photographs. However, just as we were getting Will out of the stroller to go see them, they went on there break. We were so bummed out, but Will still got to see them from the fence.
We try to take him to MOA every once in a while. He loves to run and loves to people watch. Also, his new favorite thing is riding the escalators. Today when going down, he actually sat down on the step and was taking a ride....it was pretty funny!
As we were walking through the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, they had Sponge Bob and Patrick there for photographs. However, just as we were getting Will out of the stroller to go see them, they went on there break. We were so bummed out, but Will still got to see them from the fence.
We try to take him to MOA every once in a while. He loves to run and loves to people watch. Also, his new favorite thing is riding the escalators. Today when going down, he actually sat down on the step and was taking a ride....it was pretty funny!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
First Smile
Adalynn gave us her first real smile this morning! She has been smiling a lot because she is really gassy, but this morning she was in her bouncy seat and grandma was talking to her and she was smiling huge and cooing. She has a great smile...her entire face and eyes light up!!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Potty Training
Well, we have started potty training Will this week. He has been taking off his diaper, so we decided that it is time. We bought a little potty for him and he is really excited about it. He is not scared of it (which he is of the big toilet, I tried that first before we bought the little one) and is willing to go every time I ask. He hasn't gone potty on it yet, but he sits on it for a couple of minutes about every hour. I know it is going to be time consuming, but once he is trained, it will be so nice to not have two babies in diapers! We are starting with pull-ups right now and then will go to underware when he gets the hang of the potty. I just can't believe that my baby is getting to be such a big boy!!!
Addie is growing and gaining weight everyday. She was pretty easy in the beginning, but has now gotten really gassy and fussy. She has about three or four hours a day of just crying and then usually in the middle of the night around 3:00 am, she gets really fussy for about 2-3 hours. It is pretty exhuasting, but I know that it won't last forever (thank goodness!!). We were really spoiled with Will as he was such an easy baby, so she is throwing us for a loop!
Addie is growing and gaining weight everyday. She was pretty easy in the beginning, but has now gotten really gassy and fussy. She has about three or four hours a day of just crying and then usually in the middle of the night around 3:00 am, she gets really fussy for about 2-3 hours. It is pretty exhuasting, but I know that it won't last forever (thank goodness!!). We were really spoiled with Will as he was such an easy baby, so she is throwing us for a loop!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Beach Bum
We went to Brad's parents in Alexandria this past weekend for the day. Will had a blast on the beach and in the water (the water was freezing, but he didn't seem to mind!!). He was so excited about playing in the sand. He spent the entire day outside and was so worn out by the end of the day. We took him in and gave him a bath before we came home (he had sand in every crease of his body!!) and when he got dressed, he went right back out for the sand!!
He also got to play on the "Rainbow" play system and took a tractor ride with Granpie! He didn't seem too excited about the tractor ride...too focused on the water and the sand!!
We are so happy that he loves the water and beach so much. We will be spending a lot of time at the lake this summer!!
He also got to play on the "Rainbow" play system and took a tractor ride with Granpie! He didn't seem too excited about the tractor ride...too focused on the water and the sand!!
We are so happy that he loves the water and beach so much. We will be spending a lot of time at the lake this summer!!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Mini Van
Ok, so I said that I would never drive a minivan, however, we now have a brand new one sitting in our garage. Brad and I realized that life has become much more complicated in the car with strollers, diaper bags, two car seats, toys, etc. and that we needed more space. So, he went last night and bought a minivan. I am now an official "soccer mom!"
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Updated pictures...
There are updated pictures of Addie and Will on the website. We also were so lucky to have April, Aleia and Diane (sister-in-law, neice, and sister-in-law's mother) here to visit this weekend. Will and Aleia had fun playing together.
www.bollingerbabies.com/adalynn
www.bollingerbabies.com/adalynn
Addie's first few days at home...
Addie has been such a good baby. She is growing and changing daily. We took her to the doctor on Friday for her checkup and she had already gained an ounce in less than 24 hours. They were very pleased and want to see her back for a weight check in 2 weeks.
She has been eating like such a champ. She nurses about every 2-4 hours and usually for about 45 minutes to an hour. She has quite the appetite. She has been sleeping really well at night. I usually get up with her around midnight or one and then again around 4 or 5. Last night she slept from 8:00 until 1:00 which was really nice. I have been getting some pretty good rest at night and today took my first nap during the day.
I can't imagine doing this without any help here. I feel like all I get done is feeding Addie and trying to spend time with Will. I haven't had to worry about cooking or anything which is nice. I am not sure how this is going to work when my mom is gone and Brad goes back to working downtown. It is going to be a huge adjustment for the entire family. I just want to make sure that I spend enough time with Will and also get everything else done. It has been so hard to not pick him up. I can't wait to heal a little more and be able to do normal daily activities (and also be out of pain and be able to sleep comfortably).
She has been eating like such a champ. She nurses about every 2-4 hours and usually for about 45 minutes to an hour. She has quite the appetite. She has been sleeping really well at night. I usually get up with her around midnight or one and then again around 4 or 5. Last night she slept from 8:00 until 1:00 which was really nice. I have been getting some pretty good rest at night and today took my first nap during the day.
I can't imagine doing this without any help here. I feel like all I get done is feeding Addie and trying to spend time with Will. I haven't had to worry about cooking or anything which is nice. I am not sure how this is going to work when my mom is gone and Brad goes back to working downtown. It is going to be a huge adjustment for the entire family. I just want to make sure that I spend enough time with Will and also get everything else done. It has been so hard to not pick him up. I can't wait to heal a little more and be able to do normal daily activities (and also be out of pain and be able to sleep comfortably).
Do a litte dance
Today the TV was on and Will was in the living room watching. There was music playing and he was dancing along. Then he spun himself in a circle with his little foot stomping dance. It was so funny. I have never seen him dance that long and do any circles or anything. He was so proud of himself and was clapping.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Photos of Addie
Here are photos of Addie. We will continue to update with pictures as we take more.
www.bollingerbabies.com/adalynn
www.bollingerbabies.com/adalynn
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Announcing....
Adalynn Quivette Bollinger
Addie was born at 10:15 am today. She weighed 7 lbs 6 ozs and was 20 inches long. She has tons of black hair and is a little tiny thing!! So far she is a pretty fiesty baby with a great set of lungs. The grandparents could hear her screaming from the OR out in the waiting room! She is eating like a champ and has been sleeping most of the afternoon. I got about an hour of rest with her and that was really nice. She is currently sleeping in her daddy's arms and we are just soaking up every minute with her!
Will was pretty indifferent about his new baby sister. He just kind of looked at her and had better things to do around here! He didn't stay very long as there are too many things for him to get into here. We will probably bring him back tomorrow afternoon after he has had a nap to spend a little more quality time with his new baby sissy!
We are thrilled and blessed! We will be posting pictures tonight and will let you know the address as soon as we get them done!!
Addie was born at 10:15 am today. She weighed 7 lbs 6 ozs and was 20 inches long. She has tons of black hair and is a little tiny thing!! So far she is a pretty fiesty baby with a great set of lungs. The grandparents could hear her screaming from the OR out in the waiting room! She is eating like a champ and has been sleeping most of the afternoon. I got about an hour of rest with her and that was really nice. She is currently sleeping in her daddy's arms and we are just soaking up every minute with her!
Will was pretty indifferent about his new baby sister. He just kind of looked at her and had better things to do around here! He didn't stay very long as there are too many things for him to get into here. We will probably bring him back tomorrow afternoon after he has had a nap to spend a little more quality time with his new baby sissy!
We are thrilled and blessed! We will be posting pictures tonight and will let you know the address as soon as we get them done!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Grandpa, my hero
My dad got to our house last night and Will has been his little shadow ever since. It is so funny how much he adores his grandfather! He just would whimper and kind of whine because he doesn't really know how to express himself yet.
He has already had grandpa down on the floor playing cars, sat in grandpa's lap for dinner and breakfast this morning, and they have read a hundred books. Will had a hard time sleeping last night and we think it is because he was so excited that his grandpa is here. He just sat in his bed and was talking away. I finally had to go in there around 9:30 and give him some warm milk to get him to go to sleep. He was up bright and early at a little before six this morning looking for him!
He and his grandpa will have a blast for the next three weeks!! What will we do when grandpa and grandma leave????
He has already had grandpa down on the floor playing cars, sat in grandpa's lap for dinner and breakfast this morning, and they have read a hundred books. Will had a hard time sleeping last night and we think it is because he was so excited that his grandpa is here. He just sat in his bed and was talking away. I finally had to go in there around 9:30 and give him some warm milk to get him to go to sleep. He was up bright and early at a little before six this morning looking for him!
He and his grandpa will have a blast for the next three weeks!! What will we do when grandpa and grandma leave????
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Baby Dream
Well, we went to see the doctor this morning and I am still 2 cm and nothing really has changed. I am still having contractions, but nothing regular enough yet. The Dr. thought I would probably make it to Tuesday, so we are just taking it easy and getting some rest. I am just tired of waiting and aniticipating.
I did have my first baby dream two nights ago. I dreamt that we had an ultrasound and I had "band of baggoline" which is nothing real (they told me it was related to bag lettuce and there was a bag of lettuce sitting in chair next of me). They then put the baby's picture up on the big screen in the office and the baby was swimming. We learned that it was a boy and it looked just like Will looks right now. It was a big baby!! I am not quite sure what Fraud would have to say about that?!?!?
I did have my first baby dream two nights ago. I dreamt that we had an ultrasound and I had "band of baggoline" which is nothing real (they told me it was related to bag lettuce and there was a bag of lettuce sitting in chair next of me). They then put the baby's picture up on the big screen in the office and the baby was swimming. We learned that it was a boy and it looked just like Will looks right now. It was a big baby!! I am not quite sure what Fraud would have to say about that?!?!?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Mad Motor Skills
We are amazed every day at the motor skills Will has. I have been reading things on motor skills and the things that he is doing are things that a 3-4 year old do. He is walking backwards with ease, standing on one foot, marching, running, he is balancing on objects, sometimes with one foot (he was standing on the handlebars of his trike trying to reach something on the counter the other day) and he just starting snapping his fingers. I am just amazed watching him. He still isn't communicating verbally very well, however, he is learning new words and consistantly using the sames sounds or words for objects. We have really been working on vocabulary with him, but I know that will come soon enough!
He provides us comic relief everyday with all of his little quirks! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful and amazing son!!
He provides us comic relief everyday with all of his little quirks! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful and amazing son!!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Baby Update
I went to the doctor today and we have nothing new to report. She did not check me today because I have been having contractions (however, nothing regular) and by checking me it would stimulate more contractions. She just indicated that if they become more regular to go to the hospital immediately.
So we are just sitting and waiting. We will keep you posted as things progress.
So we are just sitting and waiting. We will keep you posted as things progress.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Hi-eeeee!!
Will has learned how to say Hi to people recently. We were at Target the other day and he said hi to everyone that walked by. However, it isn't your typical short, Hi!, but it is a long drawn out "Hi-eeeee!" It is so funny. Everyone that walked by that he said hi to would just start laughing.
His verbal skills are starting to come along!!
His verbal skills are starting to come along!!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Baby Scoop
Well, I visited the doctor on Friday afternoon (we had reschedule from Wednesday). As I sat on the table I shared some concerns of going in to labor early with my provider (a new doctor that I had not seen yet) and he gave me the standard, "just because your first baby was early, doesn't mean this one will be, so you should be fine," speech. I told him that I have been having some pretty intense contractions in the last week and he said "false labor" to get me ready.
Then, as he was checking me, he said, "oh my goodness, the head is really far down!" He quickly changed his tune and said you better have your bags packed and back up plan ready. I am dialated to 2 cm already and still having random contractions. Nothing regular yet. He indicated that I probably have another week or so, but to be prepared about the first week in May. I go back again next week to be checked.
SO, we are on high alert at our house!! I couldn't sleep a wink last night....all I could think about was 38 weeks....38 weeks....(that is when the doctor said I would probably go into labor...so about another week). Today I am getting things finalized around here and getting my bag ready to go. My mom also decided to come early this week (thank goodness!!) to help out. It is getting harder to chase Will all over the house and he has been sick, so he is extra needy right now. I am starting to get exhausted....it is funny how everyone tells you to get rest...it is easy to say, but with a curious toddler at home and when you are the size of a whale, it is hard to get good sleep!
We will keep you posted!!
Then, as he was checking me, he said, "oh my goodness, the head is really far down!" He quickly changed his tune and said you better have your bags packed and back up plan ready. I am dialated to 2 cm already and still having random contractions. Nothing regular yet. He indicated that I probably have another week or so, but to be prepared about the first week in May. I go back again next week to be checked.
SO, we are on high alert at our house!! I couldn't sleep a wink last night....all I could think about was 38 weeks....38 weeks....(that is when the doctor said I would probably go into labor...so about another week). Today I am getting things finalized around here and getting my bag ready to go. My mom also decided to come early this week (thank goodness!!) to help out. It is getting harder to chase Will all over the house and he has been sick, so he is extra needy right now. I am starting to get exhausted....it is funny how everyone tells you to get rest...it is easy to say, but with a curious toddler at home and when you are the size of a whale, it is hard to get good sleep!
We will keep you posted!!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Nesting, Nesting, Nesting
Well, it has begun. I have officially started nesting. Last week I had the OMG, I am going to have a baby in less than a month and started to freak out a little. We have been working on projects around the house like crazy. We also had Brad's entire family here this past weekend, so I had to get my house in order for that.
We are at the 3 week mark already. I can't believe it. I have been working on sorting baby clothes and getting all of the baby "stuff" washed. It is a little bit frustrating because we don't know what we are having so I have bins to separate. We have a girl bin, boy bin, clothes that are the wrong season donation bin, and then we have the unisex clothes in the dresser. It will be so nice to have all of that junk out of the nursery once we know the "flavor" of the baby.
I haven't got the point of pulling out the appliances and cleaning under and behind them or climbing ladders to clean ceiling fans, so that it good. We have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and we will let you know what they say about measurements and the like. Hopefully, we are still on track to go to the end, but we will see. I have been measuring high for the last couple of months, so it may be early.
We are at the 3 week mark already. I can't believe it. I have been working on sorting baby clothes and getting all of the baby "stuff" washed. It is a little bit frustrating because we don't know what we are having so I have bins to separate. We have a girl bin, boy bin, clothes that are the wrong season donation bin, and then we have the unisex clothes in the dresser. It will be so nice to have all of that junk out of the nursery once we know the "flavor" of the baby.
I haven't got the point of pulling out the appliances and cleaning under and behind them or climbing ladders to clean ceiling fans, so that it good. We have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and we will let you know what they say about measurements and the like. Hopefully, we are still on track to go to the end, but we will see. I have been measuring high for the last couple of months, so it may be early.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
A New Experience
Today, Will had watermelon for the first time. He absolutely loved it!! I gave him a few big chunks on his tray and in no time they were gone!! As he was eating, all I could hear is, "yum, yum, yum." It was so cute. I decided to give him a big chunk to see what he would do and he just put his face in it and started sucking all of the juice out. It was so funny.
He is definitely his mother's son!!
He is definitely his mother's son!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A New Level
Well, tonight Will achieved it.....he climbed up the chair and was sitting on top of our table. This may not seem like a big deal, but we have barstool height chairs and a pub top table....so they are much higher than your normal kitchen table and chairs. We could not believe it.....however, we had to give a little chuckle and got it on video. However, I am very concerned and we are trying to come up with ways to attach the chairs to the table so he can't climb them.
All in time for the new baby to arrive.......
All in time for the new baby to arrive.......
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Tender Moments to Cherish
Will wasn't feeling very well yesterday and just kind of had a punky day. He just wanted to sit in my lap and cuddle....which I love, not that he is sick, but because I don't get those moments very often anymore. Anyway, last night, Will woke up in the night crying at 12:30. Brad got up and consoled him and came back to bed. Brad was fast asleep again, but Will was still kind of whimpering. He had that "I just don't feel good and I want my mommy" cry. I went and got him some warm milk and got some Motrin. I took him out of his crib and we were laying on his bed and I was stroking his hair, face, arms and just cuddling with him. I stopped stroking him and was just laying there looking at him, when he looked up at me and started stroking my face, my hair and my arm. I just melted. He is such an amazing and loving boy.
It these little moments that make getting up at 1:00 am all worth while. I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything in the world!!
It these little moments that make getting up at 1:00 am all worth while. I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything in the world!!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Climbing, Climbing, Climbing
Yesterday was a day to keep mom on her toes. We started off the day with Will pushing one of our barstools over to the pantry and almost pulling himself up on to the chair. I have been just letting him climb lately so if he falls that he understands what it means to climb up on things (within reason....I would never let him intentionally get really hurt). Then it was off to the living room....he pulled out one of his toy bins, emptied on the floor and then turned it over. He first used it to climb into and sit down...just testing it out. Then he turned it over and used it to climb up the bookcase where there are other toys. He didn't too far before he fell off and just gave a little grunt. Another healthy fall and respect for his surroundings. Later in the day, he managed to stand on one of his toys, climb into the toy box, stand on the toys in the toy box and turn the light switches on and off. He then used his tricycle to climb onto to get out of the toybox.....pretty impressive! Finally, after dinner, Brad cleaned him up and let him down out of his high chair while I was doing the dishes. Brad said, 'look' and as I turned around, Will was climbing up his highchair. He climbed all the way up to the seat and was standing in it. I went over and let him climb up and to make sure he didn't fall on to the hardwood floor.
I am afraid that we have crossed a whole new threshold of abilities.
I am afraid that we have crossed a whole new threshold of abilities.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Updated Pictures
We wanted everyone to know that we updated pictures on our website of Will. You can really see his precocious side. He has the funniest "devil" grin and most of the pictures that we have are capturing him doing something funny. Welcome to my everyday!! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!!
http://www.bradandjules.com/will
http://www.bradandjules.com/will
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The Worm
Yesterday I took Will to our Early Childhood Family Education class and I let him walk from the car to the front door. It was kind of rainy/snowy yesterday. On our way in, Will bent down to the sidewalk and I immediately pulled him back up to keep walking. I didn't think he had picked anything up, but as we got closer to the door, I heard him say, "yum." I bent down to see what he had in his mouth (thought probably a rock) and he had half a worm hanging out of his mouth. I about lost it!! It was so gross!!! I made him spit it out and cleaned out his mouth with my sleeve. I had the realization that he is a true boy and this is the first of many live things to go in his mouth!! I think this is just the beginning!!!
The First Blog Ever
This is the first time I have ever created a blog. I thought it would be fun and a good way to talk about my babies.
Well, Will is officially 15 months. We took him in for his 15 month checkup and the doctor said he was healthy. He actually lost about a pound from his 12 month checkup, but she said that was normal because he is so active. He is weighing in at 22 pounds, 10% and is 31 inches tall, 80%. He has 14 teeth already and is working on two more. He is so active and into climbing everything right now. He loves to be outside and to run run run!!
As far as the other baby, we are at 34 weeks, almost 35. We will be having the baby on May 13 and are so excited to finally meet he/she. We still don't know what we are having and are very anxious!! I have been having a really hard time sleeping lately, but other than that, feeling really good.
Well, that is all for now, check back for many updates!!
Well, Will is officially 15 months. We took him in for his 15 month checkup and the doctor said he was healthy. He actually lost about a pound from his 12 month checkup, but she said that was normal because he is so active. He is weighing in at 22 pounds, 10% and is 31 inches tall, 80%. He has 14 teeth already and is working on two more. He is so active and into climbing everything right now. He loves to be outside and to run run run!!
As far as the other baby, we are at 34 weeks, almost 35. We will be having the baby on May 13 and are so excited to finally meet he/she. We still don't know what we are having and are very anxious!! I have been having a really hard time sleeping lately, but other than that, feeling really good.
Well, that is all for now, check back for many updates!!
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