Our Weekend

Playing in the snow with Daddy, Celebrating a birthday with family, spending time with cousins, shopping with Mommy & Daddy, Ethan reaching another milestone, sledding, barfing, and then a double ear infection....

It started out so good right? It was a really fun weekend until the very end. Our little Ebee is sick. What started out looking like the stomach virus Kendall had since he lovingly spewed all over me, is now a double ear infection too. Yucky.

But lets recap.

When Andy got home on Friday Evening he took the kids out to play in the snow, racing Kendall around in her friend Sarah's pull sled and making a snowman. Saturday we got up and went to my favorite place to shop, Target, and among other things, purchased Ethan his front facing booster seat! When I was at the doctor with Kendall last week, he asked if I had moved him into one yet, when I asked if I should he said, oh he will do just fine.

We then went to Andy's sister, Jenn's birthday lunch with the kids behaving really, really well, surprisingly. I am one who really dislikes taking my kids to restaurants, and mostly for selfish reasons. I probably wouldn't even want to go out to eat to see Oprah if it meant bringing my kids. It is just really stressful for me. I think through the eyes of other patrons for the most part. And who would want a screaming kid next to them while they are paying good money to not be at home eating? So I spend most of my time entertaining them trying to keep them as happy as can be. In doing so, I miss mostly all of the adult interaction at the table, don't really get to see the menu because a little hand is snatching it from me, so I either order something I had pre-kid at that place, or something I know would be on the menu. Then when the food FINALLY arrives, I have to get them excited about eating, make sure they eat, and give them most of my food, because of course whatever Mommy is eating has got to be better, and by that time my food is cold, and I really just don't feel like eating because everyone else is done, and ready to move on, and in all honesty, if they are ready to go, so am I, lets get the kids out of there! Of course Andy is there, and he does help upon being summoned, but they really just want their Mommy to do it, and lets be honest, I think that one of us should enjoy a meal and be able to socialize, if we both were taking care of the kids the entire time out would be pretty pointless. So I am resident, self-volunteered watch dog, making sure needs are being met, the toy that dropped is picked up, their thirst is quenched, that their diapers are fresh, and that they are at least at medium volume level, which is still quite loud, but manageable. I would much rather have whomever we are to eat with over our house for takeout from wherever it is we were going to eat, and then my kids can feel free to roam, play with their toys, watch a show, or take a nap, and do it with me just watching from a distance while I can interact with people older than 2 at a meal. But it isn't all about me when we go out to eat and I realize that, so I will continue in this way.I am not complaining about my kids, they are my world, but when it comes to something where they have to stay seated for an adult determined amount of time, I anticipate catastrophe, and annoying glares from fellow diners. The glares are understandable, I used to be one of them. So I am sorry Oprah, but if you want my kids and me for lunch, you have to come to my house.

And that is my venting about that. Back to the weekend.

For some reason, we went to the Q Mart after birthday lunch. I don't know what I was doing when this decision was made, but it was, and I went, not knowing we would spend 2.5 hours in there. But really, I was so involved with the people watching, that I didn't even notice the time go by, and again my kids were good, and I like the places that sell the country stuff. Other then that, I could go on about the Q Mart like I did about restaurant eating, but I will save that for another time. Lets just sum up the Q Mart for those who don't know about it...It really is a place that appeals to my people watching habit, I watch people and wonder why they love it so much and also, snottily why they are wearing what they are wearing. (as I am there too) But let me stand up for myself and say that we are only there typically for the meat market, that is fresh that day, a real deal, and really great meat, the country store, and the occasional sticky buns, and it is in and out. The Q Mart is an indoor flea market, that smells of everything fried from mexican food to oreos, and sells scrunchies, French fries, and ferrets within 100 feet from each other. Enough said. But Kendall had a great time with her cousins, and if it tired her out for an easy bedtime routine, well I was all for it. What I did gather is that Ethan like me, is a people watcher, his head would stretch and follow some people as they passed and I would catch myself doing the exact same thing at the exact same person.

The next morning I woke up feeling funny but attributed it to the pasta from the day before being too heavy in sauce, garlic, and onions. So I continued on. Kendall & Ethan had slept in and so we did too, and it was too late to race around to get ready for church. Instead I ran some errands. I was in Target, (again, I know, but it is 5 minutes or less away), with Kendall, and as we were shopping I felt the need to just throw up, so I ran to the medicine aisle, swiped a bottle of water on the way, grabbed a bottle of pepto caplets, and popped in two, willing them to work instantaneously. We had plans to go sledding! So I ignored it. I went into Mommy-mode.

We went to lunch with the Landis' (another interesting restaurant adventure, but this time there were other small children, so the entire place was chaos and filled with people from our party, so Kendall wandering, no big deal, and Ethan was quiet, (little did I know) & I didn't eat bc I didn't feel well, so all focus was on that and making sure restaurant behavior was established.

We then went to meet my parents at my Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop's for sledding. I of course felt terrible, but pushed it way down because my kids were going to go sledding. So that we did. Ethan did not want to be put down the entire time, he went in to play, we assumed that he just didn't really like the snow all that much that day. Kendall on the other hand relished in being the snow bunny!

(he even looks a bit sick in that picture...poor baby)

Kendall just loved sledding and went down this run my dad created, much like those he created for us when we were little, and she went down all on her own after her first time down with my dad. She giggled the entire time. I hope to attach a little video of her, perhaps she will become a bobsledder, she had no fear. You get to see a little of her bossiness involved with the run and then which way she wanted to be pulled to do it again, but all in a day of sledding and life with Kendall.I think my dad is really looking forward to teaching her to ski next year, and I secretly hope that she just loves it so that I can go skiing again, I miss it so much, but never have the heart to voice that since I know it requires a lot of extra cash and a sitter for the day. I love to ski but haven't been able to do so because of being pregnant for two years and now having babies who's needs come first, and I don't mind that one bit, but its ok to miss something.


Ethan and I didn't eat dinner that night, and it looked really good, I could now go for some. Then like I knew it would happen, Ethan drank his bottle and fell off to sleep at 6:30, and then within 5 minutes, threw up all over me. After a shower, two separate baths, and a redressing, the day was done, and we were shipped home, me deteriorating the entire ride.

After a night of me being freezing then hot, babies waking up, and tossing and turning, the next day began, and one look at Ethan and I knew something was up and it wasn't just the tummy. There was something in the cry that told me, ears. After waiting it out and waking up screaming from a nap, I decided to take him to the doctor. As we were getting ready to go I doubted myself bc he began to perk up, and questioned Andy, who just told me there was no harm in taking him. When it was confirmed that he had a double ear infection, Ethan just giggled and smiled at the doctor. Amazing. He said that Ethan was the happiest and the sickest baby he had seen that day, that's my kid. He then asked since Ethan had no fever what made me think it was his ears, I said the cry, and he said, no its just that mother's intuition, it freaks me out personally. And how was I feeling, I know, Mommy's get lost in the sauce, I guess ok, I had not eaten anything, but really had no time to think about my ailments. I suppose that was for the best.

Andy did stay home yesterday to help out. But of course I was nasty. I believe I was just overwhelmed and sick, and I really wanted him to be a miracle man and heal everyone. I can get pretty mean when I don't feel good, some sulk, I bark. Looking back, I know him helping with Kendall, bc all E wanted was his mama, was more helpful than anything he could have done. I didn't have to worry about her once, she was with Daddy.

Last night Kendall was being super silly, and letting out her growing imagination, she gave us all new names, hers is Lu Lu, Andy's is Crack Jack, Ethan's is Do-Do, mine is Tsst-Tsst, and this morning she named Lily, Vlump, Vlump. No idea where she came up with this, but she thinks it is hilarious, and actually uses these names when addressing us. She is turning into her mother...but don't tell anyone.

Oh and Ethan just LOVES his new seat in the car. I love when the get to face they front for the first time it is as if there are seeing things in a new light. He had a huge grin on his face like he knew he was a big boy now and danced and clapped away to the music.

And another week begins...

Long Blog, but a lot has occured in a few days, unusual for us to some extent. (it only took me two days to finish)

Snow Day!

I woke up this morning at 5 a.m. to go and pop Ethan's binky back in his mouth and happened to notice that familiar glow that happens when it is snowing while it is still dark out. I couldn't believe how much had fallen and knew that Kendall would be so exited!

This week was a hard week for Kendall. She came down with some stomach bug and was out of commission for the greater part of the week. She seems to have bounced back today and her appetite is returning. It is always worrisome to me when she doesn't eat at all since she is tiny to begin with and gives me a hard time about eating anything that is good for her. We were at the doctor when she was running a continual fever and he said to just keep her hydrated and not worry too much about her food intake until it gets to be more then 3 or 4 days. We have her 2 year check up on Monday so she will weigh in then.

Ethan continues to pick up the pace. He is now sleeping through the night. Hallelujah! I don't know why I am so surprised, it happened around this time for Kendall as well. But when you go so long without sleeping through the night you begin to think it may never end! I think the trick is sleeping on his tummy. They tell you not to put them on their tummy's so I never did. (but for some reason I let him sleep with a pillow and blankies) So Ethan has found on his own, tummy sleeping, and this suits him wonderfully!

He is all boy and continually makes me laugh at these boy things that he does. I was one of three girls with alot of girl cousins, so I am not too familiar with boys. Today he found it fun to fly around the downstairs in his walker and crash into things and laugh hysterically upon impact or run over things and laugh while his sister screamed at him because he was running over her doll house! He moves super fast in this walker and is a bruiser in size, so the impacts were quite forceful, none the less, he found this incredibly fun. He is such a brut in this walker that when he is put in it, Kendall races up the stairs to get shoes on because her little toes have been run over many times while he has raced around.

He is still at the same spot with walking. Since he refuses to crawl he doesn't have the security in the falling and balence, so he is a little weary to just GO! But in due time. I am no longer concerned for him since I know he can do it, its just a matter of him knowing he can do it.

Kendall has now entered the terrible two's. Again, I don't know why I am so dismayed by this. I knew it was coming. I knew since she has been an angel to this point that it was only a matter of time until she gave me some bumps. I was just saying to my good friend Steph this morning, it almost is as if she turned 2 and a switch went off and a monster was released. She certainly has her moments. I know it could be worse. Because for the most part, she is a good girl, it is just that you never know when the switch is going to go off and release the beast. So today is a new day for me, and I am willing myself to be the big girl, the mama, and take charge. Kendall will be getting timeouts and learn the fine art of who the boss is. She certainly has been testing me. Immediately after this decision was made, we were working through a tantrum over play-doh because everything has to be precise. I turned to her and said, "Kendall, Mommy said that you are going to get only two containers of play-doh today, because that is all you need." She began to screech, and I said, "No, mommy is the boss, and if you do not want the two things of play-doh, then we will not play with play-doh." And with that she turns and looks at me and says, "No Mommy, I am the boss." We have a long road ahead of us...



Beyond being sick earlier in the week and beyond the terrible two's being terrible, today was a snow day, and we did enjoy ourselves outside until lunch time playing with Kendall's best friend and neighbor, Sarah. It seemed as though even Ethan loved the snow and watching the kids run in it with a little look of envy on his face. Next year E.

and he begins to walk...

i do not care what people say, i think sometimes they forget that i also have another child just 13 months older, but i do want ethan to walk or crawl or something that gets my back out of this hunched over and painful position. i hear, 'oh once he goes you will be begging for those immobile days.' 'fraid not my friends. i loved it when Kendall did it, and i am excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel for ethan. It makes my life so much easier. really...i spend a majority of my day picking up toys and walking ethan to the toys or to assist him in kicking a ball all over the house. seeing my little ducklings waddling behind me will bring me so much joy and back relief.

ethan has REFUSED to take any steps away or to me. he began taking a step or two for my mom a few weeks ago, but since he is a mama's boy, when i would peek in to observe he would collapse in tears, as if to say, 'i can't do it mama.' if he is walking, holding my hands and i let go of one hand he frantically reaches for it. if it is not done in a timely manner, well then we have a tantrum. but today he let me release his hands as he stood for some time and then decided to take steps away from me. Andy was able to see this accomplishment as he was coming own the stairs having just gotten home from work. however, you cannot get over excited about his newly obtained skill bc he starts to giggle and move super fast and crashes to his bottom. so i suppose once his confidence is up a little higher and he gets ahold of the concept that walking requires some patience and concentration he will be on the move!

i glanced in my baby book a week ago and saw that i never crawled until i learned to walk. good information to have known while i was upset about Ethan not crawling yet.

oh well.

so hopefully there will be some video soon

Monday, Monday


I actually write this on tuesday morning bright and early as Kendall curls up next to me complaining that her tummy is sore. A fun day with Daddy off from work and Mommy even getting a nap ended yucky. I should have known while taking my first nap in ages that this was a sign of things to come.

As I was giving Ethan his bottle in his room I hear Andy start yelling franitcally for me. I deposit Ethan in his bed and go into our room to find Kendall leaning over Andy throwing up. Complete panic because I am deathly afraid of stomach viruses. I hate throwing up I acually still cry when I do it. So I command Andy to the shower, strip Kendall, put her in there with Andy, and then race around stripping sheets and blankets and throwing them into the washer at warp speed. When everyone is wrapped up and cozy in my bed again, I jump in the shower with it as hot as I can stand it hoping I am killing germs.

She made it through the night. Although she is up early than usual. So I hope it was just some fluke thing.

I will get it, not matter how much I bleach. That is just the way. I just don't want Ethan to get it.

The weekend was fun though, we went to Ryan's Birthday Party, where this disease was most likely contracted since there were a ton of kids in a small space playing. However, Kendall & Ethan seemed to really enjoy playing with their cousins. The pic to the left is E & Ry they are 6 weeks apart. Kendall was in her glory when her prince arrived, (Eddie, my sister Meghan's boyfriend), and when he left, spent the evening racing around in circles with Marlaina, Brynn, & Molly.

Sunday was its usual going to church and hanging out at my parents.

And yesterday we went to breakfast with MomMomMom, Andy took Kendall to play at our neighbor's house, her BFF Sarah , and later we went over for some take out and more playtime.

So it was a great weekend, until the barf incident.

But as I finish this, she is clapping along to the Diego theme song...so perhaps the worst is over, now I just get to go around and obsessively clean all surfaces today. Good Times.

A Week's End...

This week our baby girl turned 2.
Can I believe it? The time has flown.
As I watched her sleep on the night of her birthday, most likely at the time she was born two years ago, I was reminded of all it took to bring her to us, our little miracle, and all that she was that day as she turned 2.
I thought...
she now speaks in sentences, she has interests; favorites, she is starting to share her feelings verbally, she is forming friendships, her personality is booming. She makes sure to remind me that I have polka dots on my face. (freckles) She loves life. She loves her brother Ethan with all that she has. She loves her new Dora Bike that she got from Mommy & Daddy for her birthday. In her own words, " I love it, love it, love it!! It is the best, ever, ever!" And not to leave her brother out, she makes sure to tell him, "When you get Big E, like me, you get Diego bike."



The morning after her birthday as I was attempting to get her dressed Ethan began to cry, so I was infamously side tracked. She took off telling me she would 'be right back guys." Ethan is calmed, and I am off to find her. This is what I find as I enter the kitchen. (Image Left)

We were able to go to the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey on her birthday. My mom & I took the kids. They enjoyed it so much. It is perfect for their age group. I can only imagine what it all seemed like through their eyes. Kendall loved the hippos, and we returned to see them again at the end of our visit. Ethan especially enjoyed the tunnel we would go through that surrounded us by sharks. (typical boy)


Kendall just loves birthdays, so for it to be hers, this was quite the week.

Ethan has had own week as well. It seems as though this week he has gotten noticeably older all of a sudden. I can remember that with Kendall. In a week's span she would all of a sudden obtain all these skills. He of course is not crawling or walking. He stands for some time on his own, and will hold on to things and stand freely. However, we believe he prefers to just scream to have his needs met instead of accomplishing these tasks on his own. He has become much more vocal, adding the words, "again" and "balloon" to his vocabulary. (for those who don't know he says, Mama, Mom, Hiiiiii, Dada, Pop-Pop, and Ball) I also think he is attempting to say Thank You, since when I hand him something the syllables that come out of his mouth sound just like that. It is no surprise to me that he is starting to talk. I talk all day and now his sister is doing the same, so he just wants to get his word in edge wise amongst two blabber mouths! He is now stacking blocks, throws a ball directly to a person that asks, is starting to follow directives like, 'give that to mama, please," he is also dancing, (he looks just like an old man ), and loves to take things apart and put them together again. His toy of choice still remains to be a ball, which couldn't please his father more. But oh he has a temper. Kendall didn't throw temper tantrums well into her second year...this boy...look out, he throws his entire body into it!


Now if I could just get the bugger to sleep through the night and crawl or walk.

We are now off into our weekend.

We have Ryan's 1st Birthday Party tomorrow. (our cousin)

Andy is off on Monday. Thanks Presidents.

Enjoy Yours.

...and thus it begins.

I have been inspired to start a blog. (thanks shannon) My greatest of intentions are to scrapbook for my kids. But scrapbooking requires ALOT. Alot of time, alot of space to spread out, alot of patience, alot of spare cash, and alot of energy. I am the mother of two, almost two toddlers. Kendall is now 2, and Ethan almost 11 months. If you would like to come and find "alot," in my day of the previously mentioned things, then I will scrapbook. So until this evening each time my babies would hit a milestone, say something silly, do something worthy of noting, I would grab whatever was handy that would write, a scrap of paper, and record the accomplishment and put it in their box from the GAP in my scrapbook closet. So in each of their shirt boxes are cards, random pics that aren't in photo books, thier hospital bracelets, scraps of hair from their first haircut in little baggies, so on and so forth and tons and tons of notes, from me, dated.

Blogging is my attempt at:
1. organization
2. letting those who are interested in on what is going on with my little family
3. venting
4. multi-tasking

I say multi-tasking bc I can blog, watch the news, talk with Andy, listen to a monitor, all at the same time. But I can also pack it up in a jiffy with no prying, sticky hands reaching to get at just what Mommy is doing.

I hopefully will be able to look back on this when I do have "ALOT," and scrapbook till my heart's content.