Sunday, April 27, 2008

the weekend recap

Yesterday I got to go off by myself and was gone for almost 3 entire hours! It was wonderful!!

First I headed over to Joanns Fabrics. I wanted to use my 40% off coupon on some blackout fabric for the curtains in our bedroom. I also picked up some fleece and some cute appliques to make some fleece soakers and shorts out of. Then I wandered around Mardens and found Alexa a pair of croc wanna-be's and myself a pair of shorts...all only $7.

Then I had to go to the grocery store which wasn't all that fun. And drop the check off to the landlord which isn't even less fun. Especially if they are home and you get stuck talking to them.

I came home to find everyone alive...in fact the house was cleaner than when I left. Too bad none of the laundry found it's way home...

Alexa has decided the nasty dirt at the end of the driveway is a sandbox. After Chris left to umpire we all went outside to play. I once again attempted to use the empty kiddie pool as a container for small kids. Didn't work as Liz pulled herself up and attempted to flip herself out. Jake saw what she was doing. He didn't try to get out. Instead he used it as an opportunity to find something to eat (like dirt, grass, and possible some ants). I finally gave up and hauled the exersaucers out of the yard sale pile. I found a bit of shade as their hats were in the van and let everyone just play.

Today hasn't been quite as pleasant...being cooped up inside is stressful on everyone. I did get the curtains done though. What a difference!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

day 3 of 4

Today is the third day of Chris being out of town. He flew out Monday afternoon for Little Rock, where apparently the airport is much smaller than Portland according to Chris (to his surprise). He's there for some conference for Young Elected Officials...not that I'm really sure what that means.

Poor A was devastated. Easily bribed however by a stop at Haven's Candy Factory. It's amazing how $5 of candy will cheer you up. The next morning she asked me if there was anything of Daddy's around to help remind her of him. I mentioned a sweatshirt he left out but she got busy watching something...probably Lion King. When he called that morning to check in she told him how she was "surrounded" by his things so she wouldn't feel so sad which wasn't really true. I can't help but wonder if we have another politician in our midsts (not that there is anything wrong with politicians).

Yesterday ended up being an errand day. Post office, chiropractor appointment, lunch then the library. It was nice to get home! Getting around with 3 kids isn't easy and I've really developed a hatred for car seats despite the fact they keep kids safe. Maybe I need to design a model that makes buckling and unbuckling and tightening easier...maybe even one-handed.

I'm not sure what we'll end up doing today. It's a bit of a lazy morning (A is just getting to her breakfast). I mentioned going to Smiling Hill Farm...just have to get up the energy. And probably a grocery store stop for more fruit and bread - two things that go fast in this house!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

sharing some of the cuteness....


a tooth has come

Soon when Elizabeth is grinning at you it will be a bit more than gums and tongue. I noticed on Friday that she's got a bit of a razor's edge poking through. Maybe that has what has made her so cranky lately...I just figured she was tired of her brother scaling over her.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Had a hat for 5 minutes!

It's a beautiful day here today! I decided to head down the street to the local children's second hand store to shop for spring coats and sunhats. J and E got to cruise in style while A rode her bike.

It was an interesting ride as we have to go down a hill. A is a good book (make that BIKE...thanks Melissa!) rider but needs some work going down a hill. After crashing into the stroller for the 3rd time we decided it was safer to walk.

Made it to the store and found what we needed...plus some things we didn't. I put J and E in their new sunhats and we headed back for home. To avoid the hill and busy traffic we took the long way going through a development.

It was when we arrived at my old office that I discovered J had tossed his hat somewhere along the way. There was no way I was walking back to find it so I plan on having Chris do a drive-thru when he gets home just in case. I have a feeling however that it is a lost cause.

Oh well...it was only a $1. Next time I'll get one that attaches under the chin.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

recovering...or trying at least!

What aren't we recovering from?

Chris is trying to recover from the nasty germ bug he picked up at the State House. He tried to blame it on the kids but this one is courtesy of the State. From what I heard many people up there are or have been sick (that's as in sick with a virus or bacterial infection by the way). He's complaining that it's taking him so long to get over because he's old. I think it's because he doesn't take anytime to rest...but what do I know?

All of us are recovering from our crazy out of town trip last weekend. Friday we went to visit Nokomi for the day followed by staying overnight in Augusta. Alexa was very excited about the hotel room. I think she was the only one. Chris was comatose courtesy of nightquil. Jake and Liz were upset about having separate cribs. I ended up feeling sick during the night but just had to suffer through. We spent Saturday visiting Grampa Fred. Well...me, Jake and Liz anyways. Chris and Alexa napped in Grampa's bed most of the day. That visit was followed by a stop to my cousin's baby shower and then a long drive home.

Alexa is spending some of today recovering from 2 injuries. First thing this morning she decided to jump and try to catch dust in the air. That ended in her landing on her knee when she leaped from her bed. The second injury involved her elbow.

She managed to hurt her elbow when running while carrying Jacob. I sound like a broken record telling her not to pick the babies up without my okay and then not to run with them. I think today she finally learned.

Jake had smacked his nose into the floor but at first everything looked fine so I put him down for his nap. I checked on them and found him sleeping on top of Liz. Went to move him and then was when I discovered blood all over the crib and poor Elizabeth (who was obliviously asleep). Cleaned him up and called the dr to see what I should watch for. It was a hard way to learn that lesson but I think she may finally understand why she needs to be more careful.

So that's what I'm recovering from as well. The fright of seeing your kids fall...especially when one is a baby. And having to clean up blood and booboos...all before 9 in the morning. It's only 10:30 and already it's been a very long day and I am ready for it to be over.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

9 months

Today Jacob and Elizabeth are 9 months old. How fast the last 9 months have gone. Yet I can't really remember or imagine what life would be like without them. They have grown and changed so much.

Like I did with Alexa every month I've been taking their picture with Gayla the dog. Here they are for this month:


If you browse through their photo album I think I have the very first ones I took (remembered at 2 months...oops...I had a lot on my mind that first month).

The weather is finally starting to get a little nicer around here. Yesterday we were able to go for a walk although fleece suits were still needed. Alexa did a great job riding her bike through the entire neighborhood. And slept very good as a result.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

the day trip

Thursday night I decided that we'd go up to the state house with Chris. He's been wanting Alexa to be a page. I've been wanting to give the representatives and senators a chance to see the twins...especially after the wonderful gifts they gave us last spring.

Chris was in charge of Alexa...for the most part. She had issues with sitting still. According to Chris she burst into tears while some group played the Star Spangled Banner with the violin. His seat mate Dave commented that while they were a bit out of tune it wasn't that bad!

I started off behind the glass in the chamber. I didn't last long. It's a lot of work trying to hold 2 squirmy babies in your lap and keep them quiet. They like to get chatty when it's supposed to be quiet. I gave up and headed back to the stroller.

I knew there was a retiring room nearby and took them in there. A quick scan showed that while there were some potential hazards (lots of magazines...good for ripping and eating) there was nothing on the floor to eat. So I set them free.

The first thing to happen - Liz pulled herself to a standing position for the first time. Shortly after she fell over. I'm not really sure how it happened as I had my eye on Jacob. But I quickly picked her up and calmed her down. Then I had to quickly set her down and grab Jake. He'd discovered the phone cords and the phone book underneath a different table. By this time I was no longer alone in the room and admitted defeat. I put Jake back into the stroller and went to rescue Liz. She was stuck under the coffee table as she tried to crawl to me and Jake...but I move too quickly for her. I coaxed her out and we went to find someplace to nurse.

They are very used to being able to eat at the same time. And this just doesn't happen when we are out in public. Not enough seating...you need at least a love seat to nurse 2 at a time...or a comfy floor spot. It was a short session but at least they were happy. We parked in the great hallway b/w the house and senate chambers and I set them free. Chris's comment when he found us was "you look like you are homeless". Apparently it's not "cool" to sit on the floor at the state house. But it was the only safe place...nothing to eat, nothing to pull up on, nothing to pull down.

Shortly after I gave up and loaded everyone to head home. Chris was going to be getting a ride and it was starting to rain. I've never been so glad to get home. I was so exhausted!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

act of god?

I think Chris's exact words were "does it take an act of god to get an appointment with those people?" The answer - pretty much. Back in January Jacob had 2 incidents of hives. I felt pretty confident that it was the dairy proteins in some cereal and formula. The pediatrician had us come in. We saw Dr. Girard who agreed with my assessment. Two days later we got a call from our "official" pediatrician Dr. Brewster - he's the one that wanted us to see the allergist. Probably comes from my fight to get him to send Alexa to one years ago.

So yesterday was finally "the day". Alexa went to stay with some friends for the afternoon and the rest of us headed into Portland. Chris entertained Liz in the lobby while Jake and I sat in the tiny stuffy room. He got to have a skin test done and got pricked 7 times - 6 were the allergens, 1 the control. After 30 long minutes (have you tried to hold a mobile child still for that long? It's a workout!) it showed positive for dairy and casein. Thankfully though he doesn't react to what he gets through breastmilk so I 'm not planning a diet overhaul unless some experts can tell me it's definitely necessary.

It will mean all of us being extra careful...especially Alexa. I sometimes wonder if she has a whole at the base of her throat so that things fall out instead of going to her stomach. That would explain why things are always on the floor...and why she's always hungry!

Jacob's milestones

  • weight/length @ 7: 55.6lbs, 48.75"
  • weight/length @ 5: 42lbs, 43.5"
  • weight/length @ 4: 36 lbs, 39+"
  • weight/length@ 3: 32lbs, 36.5 inches
  • weight/length @ 2 years: 26lbs, 33.5 inches
  • weight/length @ 1 year: 18lbs, 29 inches
  • walking: 11/17/08
  • standing: 3/31/08
  • crawling: army, 2/5/08
  • first time rolling: 9/30/07, belly to back
  • first smile: 9/7/07
  • birth date/time: 7/8/07, 12:49am
  • birth length: 19.5 inches
  • birth weight: 6lbs, 1oz

Elizabeth's milestones

  • weight/length @7: 53lbs, 47.75"
  • weight/length @ 5: 40 lbs, 42.25"
  • weight/length @ 4: 34lbs, 38"
  • weight/length 3 years: 28lbs, 35.5 inches
  • weight/length 2 years: 24lbs, 6oz 33 inches
  • weight/length 1 year: 18lbs, 1oz 27.5 inches
  • walking: 9/1/08
  • standing: 4/4/08
  • crawling: army 3/16/08
  • sitting alone: 2/29/08
  • first time rolling: 11/23/07, back to belly
  • first smile: 9/7/07
  • birth date/time: 7/8/07, 12:50am
  • birth length: 18.75 inches
  • birth weight: 5lbs, 8oz

Alexa's milestones

  • weight/height @ 10 (really 10.8): 186, 5'3"
  • weight/height @ 8.4 years: 113 lbs, 55.5 inches
  • weight/height @ 5 years: 61lbs, 4oz 45.25 inches
  • weight/length @ 4 years: 49lbs, 42 inches
  • weight/length @ 3 years: 38lbs, 38 inches
  • weight/length @ 2 years: 32lbs, 8oz 35.75 inches
  • weight/length @ 1 year: 22lbs, 3 oz 29.5 inches
  • 1st day of preschool: 9/3/08
  • solo somersault: 3/4/08
  • whistling: 3/2/08
  • potty training: 10/7/05
  • walking: 12/21/04
  • standing: 8/23/04
  • crawling: 8/21/04, only a week, then became a butt scoot
  • first wave: 7/27/04
  • rolling: 5/2/04, belly to back
  • sleeping thru the night: 3/1/04
  • first smile: 1/20/04
  • birth date/time: 12/4/03, 10:41pm
  • birth length: 20 inches
  • birth weight: 7lbs