Bummer Weekend

The forecast was for 78 degrees for Saturday and we planned to take advantage and try out a new park and pack a picnic lunch too...well after Brad let me sleep in Saturday morning (thank you!), we realized Lorelei was definitely not her usual enthusiastic self as she just sat on the couch...then realized she had a temp around 100 degrees. It lasted all day Saturday and into some of Sunday morning as well before she started getting back to normal.

When somebody is sick around here (amazingly doesn't happen too often but has now happened twice in a couple of weeks!) the rules go out the window...so Lorelei watched TV the entire day and ate plenty of cinnamon and sugar toast (although not an upset stomach THANK GOODNESS we weren't sure at first). She had already watched so many shows she even watched a bit of golf with Brad for some variety. They also got some good time watching Caillou on the ipad.



The fever broke probably around 9:30 Sunday and she still had a slight fever but much better...and really it is how they are acting that is most important, and she was running around like crazy, so we figured she must be feeling much better.

Thought the pic with Makin was funny...he was surrounded by toys but really just wanted his chance on the ipad...yikes, soon this will turn into a fight when he learns how to move!

Wine Anyone??? Maybe not the 5 month old...

Makin was just entranced by my wine glass so had to catch it on video. He also likes looking at his Vitamin E Oil which is the same color...perhaps a connection here but I'm not motivated to look into it...I'm just going to take it as a sign he will enjoy a good glass of wine when he is the right age. :)

This is his reaction to our food too...cannot wait to start baby food!

A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day.

I read this proverb in a teachers wall while subbing once, and think of it often if I have a rough morning...trying to remind myself that the day can get better. :) This time, it actually applied to our weather!

It was cloudy and rainy all morning and we even had a few downpours (naturally, pretty much anytime I go to the post office, it is pouring rain or snowing) but then by afternoon it was absolutely gorgeous. High of 78. We are getting spoiled and loving it so much. It turned out to be a surprisingly extra-special day as Brad ended up coming back to work from home as they were loosing power off and on at his office. The lack of commute after his job is done makes us have much more time together before supper and bed.

Makin was watching Lorelei enviously as she was drawing with chalk (thankfully we have a roof over the balcony so can still go out with the rain) so I put him out with his "regrettably pink Bumbo" and he loved watching her. It was so sweet because right away Lorelei came over and sat right next to him to include him in her fun. :) She also later accidentally smeared some pink chalk on his forehead...you can tell he loves it with his expression right? ;)



After nap we headed straight outside looking for "piwwoes" (puddles) but found that none were left! Apparently they have very good drainage around here. (Good thing I let her splash in one in her boots while we were out in the morning!) We were out until nearly dark (about 2 1/2 hours). First the kids and I enjoyed a little walk and got to learn a lot about tree roots (for some reason they are sticking out all over the place here...not enough dirt??) and watch the wind do its work as leaves were blowing in huge waves over/around us. Then we found our little "fake beach" and decided to play in the sand, which was perfect since it was damp from the rain. Then Brad was done working and brought out the sand toys. As usual, Lorelei was very happy just being outside getting dirty. :) Makin got to experience the first sand in his toes! He was not sure for the first few seconds, but then was excited to jump around in it. Lorelei immediately had to bury his feet.

Looking forward to easily being able to walk to this little pool and enjoy it when it warms up a bit more!



(Ok, have to agree I finally think that Makin looks like Brad in this one...what do you think?)

A Little Playground and Walk Time

And boy was it it a little playground! :) But of course to Lorelei its no biggie and she had fun anyway. She enjoyed the slide, some climbing bars, the swings and a nice walk in a semi-wooded area followed by a golf course. Just great to get outside!





Attempting to teach Lorelei how to be a wheelbarrow...in case for some reason you couldn't tell. ;)

Fun With Nana

Fun With Aunt Heather

Nana and Papa With The Grandkids

We are so glad that everyone was able to visit and have a fun weekend together. Thanks so much for coming! Looking forward to the whole family being together in a couple of months. :)

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

We love you and are thinking of you today! Hope you have a wonderful day!

(Make sure you turn it up, Lorelei does sing along...when she isn't meowing :) )

Coffee, Carousels and Crazy-Long Trips for Much-Needed Jeans

Had to put the picture comparison up from the last picture I had of these two first thing in the morning...hmmm think she's changed much? ;)

Cute story: One of the times these two were sitting together they were talking about Dad's cows and how she can go see them when she visit's their farm. He was, of course, doing his "real version" of a cow's moo, which sounds more like a sheep. Lorelei had no trouble telling him, "No, MOOOO." :)



We enjoyed a trip to Starbucks and Barnes and Noble - my dad's next firsts of the trip! I'm not sure he was too impressed, but we all loved an excuse to get to go! Lorelei even got a special treat of a "Blondie blast" that morning...always have to make exceptions when grandparents are around...they thought it was a name suitable for both snack and child. :) A few of us parused the books for a bit and then followed it up with one of Lorelei's favorite things...a "carouself" ride.

























On our way out to head home for lunch and a little down time after our excursion.











Then Mom, Heather and I took Makin with us to do some much needed jean shopping for me. Unfortunately the closest store was at least 45 minutes away! Also unfortunately we had a screaming baby for about 30 of those minutes...which makes it seem a whole lot longer! The good news is, I did get one pair of jeans, and Heather found some great shoes on super sale...so it was PROBABLY worth it. Now I can look a bit more respectable going out. :)

Winding down with a little wine (the adults of course) when Lor was glad to have us back. She got to go out with Papa and Dad and play in the sand while we were gone...she also did something with her play food that it ended up in the back basket of her bike...but I do not know how it go there...guess I'll have to ask the babysitters. :)

3 Generations Together Again!

"Red Wopper!"

We were very excited to see my family this weekend! My parents and Heather arrived around 4:30 for a quick but fun weekend visit. We decided to celebrate by heading to Red Lobster...or "Red Wopper/Red Chtropper" for supper :)

Lorelei had no trouble warming right back up to everyone and was loving all the extra attention. Makin did great after the first few minutes. :) This was Dad's first time seeing Makin and he hadn't seen Lorelei in almost 2 years, so it was great having ALMOST everyone together. (missed you AJ!) This was also Dad's first trip ever to Red Lobster...the start of many firsts this weekend while we got him "Citified" during his visit.

Apt Tour

Well it certainly took long enough to get mostly unpacked...but you finally get your tour of the apt. :)

Had to upload separate videos because it wouldn't do the whole thing!

After Nap Cuddles

Lorelei loves to go in with me to get Makin after his naps. She loves to just lay with him and snuggle a bit. Love it.

"TUM HERE BIRDS!!!"

Last weekend Brad and Lorelei worked on a little father/daughter project together - building and painting their own bird house! They both love this sort of thing, so I'm excited Lorelei is getting to the age where she can do this with Brad. She had to be pretty patient waiting for glue and paint to dry, but she was very excited when we finally got it hung up.



Now if only the birds would come...




Amazingly enough, despite every bird's tendency to come when called relentlessly by an adorable two year old, they have not come!!! To be continued... :)

Still Lovin Bath...And The Mirror

Um, Mom...when did I get a twin? ;)

Makin loves his bath and now wants to sit up the entire time...we have had a few incidents of crazy splashing so I'm sure in another month or so we will have to get promoted to the duck tub!

Gorgeous, Amazing, Incredible Weather

And we cannot believe it...we are getting so spoiled and I sure hope it doesn't get cold again or I will pout. We have had the windows open and ceiling fans on and just loving every minute of it...AMAZING.

Getting a little bike time FINALLY. She did awesome and is much better at stearing, even with a couple months of no bike time.
















Enjoying some more bubble time with little brother looking and wishing he could join her right after his breakfast!

Ice Cream For Supper?

Well, not quite, but that was Lorelei's request when we had an evening on our own this week during Brad's conference. I asked what she wanted for supper since it was just us and she said "ice cream" then followed with "Mac n cheese Ice Cream. Dip Cwackers in it!" With a devious smile on her face...well I decided to go with Chicken and fries with it being special to have ice cream for dessert...we'll see if she becomes some kind of weird ice cream inventor and can have her wish someday... ;)

February Family Pic

So yet again, I'm steeling a great idea from Sara! They are taking a family picture at the first of every month to show how much they change throughout the year. Thought this was a great idea but that I missed the boat since we didn't get a pic Jan 1st...then realized we DID get on on January 15th (the day we moved into the new apt), so ours will be a middle-of-the-month photo each month! Looking forward to watching how we all change throughout the year...(and hopefully I can actually fix my face and hair for the rest of the pictures! Oh the woes of motherhood ;) )

Our Valentines

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Around the end of January it finally clicked that we actually get to have lots of fun for holidays now! Lorelei is finally at the age where she really gets excited and enjoys everything, so bring on the creativity and fun activities! :)

Some of our Vday Projects

We enjoyed decorating the house, making a place mat, making and mailing Valentines, making and frosting sugar cookies, and of course, EVERYTHING could be made into hearts! From toast for breakfast to any sandwiches she may have. :) Amazing how much better things taste when they look special. We also learned that Lorelei thinks decorating cookies means piling them with as many M&M's as possible...after dumping out the entire bag, I'm thinking we'll save those for the last few cookies next time. :)

We actually had a special breakfast Sunday morning since we knew we wouldn't have time Monday with Brad going to work. Brad even volunteered to make it! I found a recipe for some special french toast and it was AMAZING. Felt like were eating at a fancy restaurant...minus the paper plates we were eating on because I forgot to run the dishwasher... ;) Including the recipe in case you want to try it!

Chocolate and Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
Ingredients

* 4 slices French or Italian loaf (not a baguette) -- 1-inch (2 cm) thick
* 1/4 cup (50 mL) cream cheese
* 1/4 cup (50 mL) semisweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup (50 mL) strawberry jam
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup (50 mL) milk
* 2 tbsp. (30 mL) granulated sugar
* 1 tsp. (5 mL) vanilla extract
* 2 tbsp. (15 mL) butter
* powdered sugar for dusting
* maple syrup and fresh strawberries as accompaniment

Cooking Instructions

1. With a sharp knife, cut a pocket into the side of each slice of bread -- cutting almost, but not quite all the way, to the edges. Spread the inside of each pocket with 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of the cream cheese, stuff with 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of the chocolate chips and spoon in 1 tbsp. (15 mL) of the strawberry jam. Depending on the size of the pocket and the slice of bread, you may not be able to use the full amount of stuffing ingredients -- just play it by ear and use as much as will fit inside. Squash the bread closed to enclose the filling.
2. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla. Dip the stuffed bread slices into the egg mixture, turning to soak both sides evenly. Arrange on a plate.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the stuffed bread to the pan and cook, turning each slice over several times to let it brown evenly and allow the heat to penetrate and melt the chocolate -- about 5 or 6 minutes total. Dust lightly with icing sugar and serve with powdered sliced fresh strawberries and maple syrup.

How We Spent Valentine' Day

We decided it would be fun to have a little scavenger hunt for the Valentine's gifts. (Although we are not as original as I thought...apparently my friend Verna did it too, as did one of her friends!) I even found a "treasure chest" on sale at Hobby Lobby! (Yay for living a few minutes away from there now!) We gave Lorelei 5 clues to find her special surprise and she was very excited about playing a game. Took her a while to get the idea, but she got the hang of it towards the end. We put something we loved about her on one side of the card and then the clue on the other side. We will have to remember not to put one in the frig next time, as she was ready to eat some strawberries instead of finish her hunt! :) She also loved being able to eat one candy before breakfast!

Then the kids and I were on our own. We had to make a quick Target run for pizza sauce to make our special Valentine pizzas, shaped like hearts of course, with heart pepperoni's too! :) Thankfully Makin napped so we could make them and catch a late lunch.

When Brad got home he grilled chicken and we had Alfredo, broccoli and of course, heart shaped bread sticks. And chocolate covered strawberries for desert!

Really...we just like an excuse to eat special wonderful food...good thing its only once a year!

Cuteness

First Valentine's Day
(the sweater lasted the entirety of the photo shoot as it was a gorgeous 70 some degrees! both kids ended up shedding their red so they could wear short sleeves)

Lorelei loving her strawberries while Brad was cooking. Then new sunglasses and enjoying painting with water on the balcony, her latest favorite hobby.

We are so blessed!

My Ideal Winter Morning

Starbucks + Barnes and Noble = Mommy's way of surviving February! :)

I believe this is our third trip there in the last couple of weeks? (But first Starbucks...I have been resisting!) Since the roads were clear we decided to get out of the house. Lorelei wore her Zebra rain boots because she got them on "I-self" (myself) so who was I to ask her to change!? We then spent nearly 2 hours enjoying our scone and reading countless books. Makin enjoyed a nap and bottle as well. Pretty great way to spend a cold morning! :)

Jacques the Peacock

After watching Makin play with this for the millionth time I realized he was probably a note-worthy toy. One of his top toys choices and keeps him entertained way longer than most. We are very glad we bought Jacques! :)

And no...I didn't know how to spell his name. Good thing we have Google. :)

Heading Out With The Snow Bunny

You reach a certain point where you finally throw up your hands and have to head outside. This time I had a purpose...get the Valentines in the mailbox...so it had to be done, snow or no snow. The walk there was not pleasant, but thankfully Makin fell asleep on the walk back. When I say walk...Brad thinks its only 300 steps to the mailbox...I think further, but maybe I'm thinking in toddler steps? :) ANYWAY. Makin fell asleep with me carrying him, so that gave Lorelei a chance to lolly gag and look at prints in the snow etc. Then after we got upstairs we headed out to the balcony and got some good time together (seems rare these days that she and I get good one on one, so I try to enjoy as much as I can!) and built a "Mickey Mouse Snowman" because it had ears. She had a great time and didn't even want to come inside. :) Perhaps we will end up with a snow bunny...but I told her I'm manning the cabin with the hot chocolate while SHE skis. :)

Bouncing Baby Boy

Well, I was waiting to get a video of Makin bouncing like crazy, but he never wants to cooperate when we start taping, so since this picture is already several weeks old, wanted to make sure and post it. The exasaucer started out over there next to the side table...yep he bounces the thing 3+ feet on a daily basis. The other day I tried to keep him near the kitchen and had to drag it back about three times within 10 minutes. :) He loves to bounce on our lap too of course, but this is the picture we caught. :) Getting his exercise!

Makin At 5 Months Old

You are growing up so fast little boy!

At 5 Months you:

Are eating 7 oz every 3 hours and very close to moving up to 8 oz. You also eat approx 2-4 oz of cereal twice a day. You seem to like oatmeal better than the rice!

Sleep - Some nights you sleep perfectly all the way through, other nights you wake up around 1-1:30 and after a bottle are quickly back asleep. Nap 3-4 times a day, depending on how long they are. Usually cat naps, but then I end up putting you in your car-seat to get a longer nap...now on the washing machine with the dryer going for noise.

Still have not rolled over! You lay on your side but have no motivation to go ahead and roll.

Are doing a great job sitting up! Up until the last week or so you only sat up for about 4 seconds at a time, now you are up to a couple of minutes as long as you are distracted at eye-level and on the carpet.

Seem to be teething, so chewing on your hand etc a lot, but nothing showing up quite yet!

Have a nice little fuzz ball head of hair growing back that your sister likes to rub. :) Still not sure whether you will be blond or brown.

Have blue eyes that look like they are turning brown.

Started grabbing your feet, usually when being changed and barefoot.

Are very envious of our food and seem to know that what we are eating is way better than the stuff you are getting.

Chew and suck on fingers quite a bit. If trying to fall asleep will suck fingers rather than try and find a paci. You use your paci only to fall asleep while being rocked.

You are quick to smile and laugh and generally very happy and content.

Just got moved to your own crib!



Loves:
Your exa-saucer, no question about that. :)

Blankets.

The animal zoo.

Bouncing, bouncing and more bouncing.

Tickles.

Music, singing and dancing.

Holding tight onto fingers (yep, still love it!)

Grabbing our face and giving us the hugest open-mouthed slobbery kisses.


Okay so I went a TAD picture crazy...bear with me. :)

Ugh! Is my mom ever going to stop taking pictures!? :)

Super Bowl/Family Get Together

We were lucky enough to be invited over to Uncle Bob and Aunti Di's house for the superbowl! We had certainly heard about it the entire week since it was being played right here in Arlington! We made sure to leave a little after half time, not only for bed time reasons, but also so we didn't run into traffic on the way home!

We were very excited that the Packers made it, and since I'm from a Cheese-head family, had no problem choosing our team this time. :)

We got to join Bob and Di (Brad's mom's sister and husband) as well as their son Rob, his wife Karen and their three kids, Nathan, Jillian and Clarissa, for the big game. What fun to live close to family (they live near Ft. Worth) and for Lorelei to have little cousins to play with! She was on cloud nine and very much looking forward to going to their house after meeting Bob and Di the first week here with Grandma and Grandpa. (Who she asked for a handful of times as well, and when we said they weren't there, "Where are they...Nebraska...why...because thats where they live...why..." You get the idea. :)) It was great to be able to chat and just let Lorelei play, as the big kids had no trouble doting on the younger one of the group. :) Looking forward to more get-togethers to come!

We headed home around 8 and were thankful for DVR so we could finish the game...well that is, if we could stay awake. :) But happy for a Packers win!

Face Time

Makin loves his face time. He just grabs ahold of your face and covers you with his slobbery open mouthed kisses. LOVE IT. :)

Toddler Bed

Our original plan was to go ahead and get Lorelei a twin bed and not worry about a toddler bed in between, so she would just have one she could grow into. As I started looking at craigslist, the twin beds are hard to come by, and pricey after buying the bed AND mattress. Luckily I found this toddler bed which came with the mattress for a steal, and was one of the first to email the owner, so we got it!

Last time in her first bed.













New bed!

I actually had a really hard time with this and even just teared up at the idea. I guess it was just the last part of Lorelei that was still from her "babyhood" and I was not quite ready to make that change...but a certain little boy was in need of a crib, so I had to get over it! :) Thankfully, Lorelei had no problem switching and was simply excited about her new bed. :)

More on Makin's new crib...when he has his own bedding and maybe when his room is finally finished? :)

No Hands!

Thats right! Our little boy is sitting up on his own! :) He has quickly gotten the hang of sitting up, although we are always nearby ready to catch and will probably need to just line pillows up around him pretty soon. He does great if focused on something at eye level, usually the Fisher Price Zoo.

Lorelei even praised him for the accomplishment. "Sit up Makin! (pats head) Big boy!"

More Snow

After being sick Friday, Lorelei was raring to head out into the snow on the balcony Saturday morning. She even took some toys cars and sand toys out to enjoy it.

More snow in the forecast for Wednesday. Um, where did we move again?

Cute story: Notice she isn't wearing gloves? Well soon she started crying since her hands were frozen from playing in the snow. I put the glove on her first hand and she promptly stuck it in the snow...apparently to test it out. She said "Hey! Works!" :)

Best Parts Of Being In A Highchair

Would be the bowl and the towel after the cereal is done. :)



At this point Makin isn't thrilled with the rice cereal, but tolerates 2 oz twice a day (if I get time) for his Mom. :) Hoping my memory serves correctly and Lorelei liked the oatmeal better, so that's on the shopping list. :)