It's All Good...

I thought that it would be a good idea to use my blog for something more than just cute stories about the kids. This is my blog so I can do what I want, right? And, since this blog is sort of like my own personal website or newspaper - why not include other items that might of interest? Maybe an informative article that I come across or a new product that I like...you get the idea! Now, I know what you are thinking - you just can't get enough of my kidlets and you want to hear more about our fascinating daily life. Don't worry! I will keep those stories coming but from time to time you will also get some bonus material! So, just to start this off, I wanted to post a link to an article I found about organic products and the items you should be buying. I know that ever since Evan was born, we really started to pay more attention to what we were putting in our bodies and trying to make healthier food choices. We can't always afford to buy organic but have tried our best to purchase it whenever possible. Take a few minutes and read this article over- I know that my next grocery list will be different now that I have this information! Here it is: http://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/kids/what-to-buy-organic/

Going to the Dogs...

We knew it was only a matter of time before we broke down and decided to get a dog. We had been talking about it for a while and finally came to the conclusion that there would never be a perfect time to adopt a pet. If we were going to do it, we just had to start looking. You know how it goes...get married, buy a house, have kids, get a dog...maybe not necessarily in that order but along those lines, right? We had two main criteria - obviously, we knew we wanted a dog that would be good with kids and while puppies are super cute, we also had to cross them off our list because it would be just too much to handle. Trying to raise two kids and train a puppy sounded like a very good way for me to completely go out of my mind! Anyway, golden retreivers were our first choice and Bull found a rescue organization just outside of Sacramento, so we filled out our application, had our home visited by their representative and then packed up the kids and went out to the ranch to meet some of the possible adoptees. That is how Kennedy came into our lives. We didn't expect to find a dog so quickly but he just seemed like the perfect fit for our family. We couldn't pass him by. It's been a week since he came home and what a crazy week it's been...just getting used to the routine of having a dog. So far it has been a pretty positive experience for all of us...OK, I admit, picking up his poop is not the highlight of my day but other than that, I am glad we decided to go ahead and adopt him. So now, for those of you keeping score, the final head count is - 1 Dad, 1 Mom, 2 kids, 2 cats and 1 dog! Yep, that's us...just living the dream!

Feeding the Whales

Ladies and Gentlemen...I have an important announcement to make - we are potty training! About two weeks ago, Ev woke up from his nap and I started changing his diaper. He informed me that he did not want a diaper - he wanted a pull up on instead. Not a problem! From that day forward, we progressed very quickly into underwear mainly because, according to Evan, that is what firemen wear. So, of course, that is what he has to wear too! Everything was going along just fine with only one problem. Evan did not really want to make #2 on the toilet. Well, I am not sure how this story evolved but Bull has convinced Evan that he can "feed the whales" if he does his duty and then flushes it on down! Hey, I know it sounds crazy but it works! I must say that we are very proud of him and overjoyed at only having one of our babies in diapers! Definitely an upgrade to all of our lives! And it certainly doesn't hurt the checkbook either! It's just funny how it all happened out of the blue. We had tried several times over the past year to get him to start using the toilet and just couldn't him on board. I should know by now, I can't rush him to do anything. It has to be on his time table. But then once he's ready, there's no turning back!

The Itch...

I have a confession to make. Sometimes I watch shows like "Deliver Me" or "A Baby Story" and I get what I call the pregnancy itch. For whatever reason, these shows make me all sentimental and I start thinking about having another child someday...and before anyone goes there - no, I am not pregnant and no, we are not trying either! So, now that we have that out in the open...I don't really understand why this happens to me. Does anyone else ever get like this? I think back to my last pregnancy and it was very tough going the first 4 months and then some. I was not a happy camper. But then I look at my little girl and all of that seems so minor. I have almost forgotten how miserable it was. I guess it is like breaking up with someone and suddenly all you can think of are all the good times you had - not the times when he didn't call or when he made you cry...only the good stuff. Being pregnant is such an amazing experience. The only thing better is being able to watch your little ones grow into their own little people each day. That said, do I want another baby or will I be able to ingore the itch? I am so happy and so blessed with Evan and Avery. I could stop now and be totally happy. On the other hand, you never know what life might have in store down the road. But both Bull and I agree, the next time I really start to feel the itch - we're getting a dog!

Free Ride

Avery has found a new way to get around the house and Evan is more than happy to be her personal taxi! Rare are the moments, when they get along and actually play with each other so it was fun to be able to capture this one on video! Sorry it is a little short but still fun to watch! Enjoy!

It's Fun to Be One!

Forgive me if I get a little sentimental with this post...my baby girl just turned one today! It doesn't seem that long ago when we were bringing this precious, pink bundle home from the hospital - has it already been a year? Really? Once you have a baby, people always tell you "They grow up so fast!" and you think that it 's just one of those things that everyone says and you continue on with your day to day family life. Then, on a day like today, I am sitting here, reflecting on the fact that yes, they do grow up fast. I know, I know - it's not like they'll be starting high school anytime soon but still, today, I have a birthday girl who is walking and talking and getting this whole big personality that is all hers! I know it won't be long until she is echoing her older brother, telling me, "I do it, Mama!" I know I am biased but I have to say that she truly is the sweetest thing. She never fails to make me smile! She loves the butterflies that hang over her crib and she points to them every time you go pick her up then tries to say "Butterfly". She loves her blankie and she will put her head down to snuggle on it whenever it's near even if she isn't tired. Most of all, she loves her older brother Evan despite the fact he takes her toys away and is constantly telling her "No, Sis!" And, I must say that I am one lucky Mama to have these two amazing beings in my life...Happy Birthday Sissy!

Sniff, sniff...

It is finally my turn...I'm sick! All last week, the kids were down with this crazy flu bug and I was able to make it through without so much as a sneeze. Now, I have this stupid cold that makes my head feel like it is going to explode! The best part is that because I am still breastfeeding Avery, I am severely limited in what I can take to combat the ever increasing list of symptoms...runny nose, cough, sore throat. You name it! Basically, I just get to let it run it's course and pray that it goes away soon. Bull says that it seems like every weekend someone starts getting sick. I agree - it sure seems that way lately. You can only hope that someone else in the house doesn't come down with it next. I guess we only have the next decade (and then some) to deal with this kind of stuff! I am so looking forward to the summer when we won't have to have a box of Kleenex in every room of the house.

A New Man in My Life

Yes, there is a new man in my life. His name is BOB and we have just started seeing each other. Right now, we are taking things slow but if all goes well, I hope our relationship will turn into something long term. OK, so I am talking about my new jogging stroller - a BOB Revolution Duallie. I finally broke down and bought it. I will be honest - I didn't want to do it. I thought it was too big and bulky which it is but what double side by side double stroller isn't? And, let's not even talk about the cost! Yikes! Thanks to Uncle Julian's Christmas gift, it became much more affordable for us. Anyway, after much consideration, hours of research and some serious soul searching, I broke down. I went down to REI and did it! I am happy to report that I am LOOOVING it! The kids are super comfortable in it (both have already taken naps in it which is a first for us) and it is exceptionally easy to manuever. I am glad that we bit the bullet and bought it. Almost every day I have been taking the kids out for long walks. I knew it would be a long time before I could join a gym and now I don't feel like I have to. Just strap the kiddies in and away we go...

Hot Rod

We have graduated from the tricycle to the two wheeler bike (with training wheels) at our house. Yes, Evan got a new bike or as he likes to call it a new "firetruck". Don't make the mistake of calling it a bike while you are in front of him. If you do, he will promptly correct you and remind you that it is his new firetruck. I am not sure when or how this fireman obsession started but we are in full fireman mode around our house! We were planning on giving the bike to him for his birthday (the day after Christmas - yes, we get the double whammy at our place - Christmas then birthday) but we were on toy overload so we decided to wait a while until things calmed down. At any rate, Ev loves the new ride and he zips around on it like he's an old pro! You would never know that this is the same kid who wouldn't even put his feet on the pedals of his tricycle just six short months ago! So, if you have an emergency and you live in our neck of the woods, you just might see Mr. Evan, Firetruck Man, racing to your house on his new rig!

Does This Come in Bulk?

Just when I thought the coast was clear, Evan woke up today sounding all congested and like he is on the verge of coming down with something! Again! I must say that this does not make me a very happy mama since we have spent the last week or so wiping endless snotty noses and changing some pretty nasty diapers due to the flu virus we caught! As of yesterday, I thought we were going to have a bit of a respite from all things cold and cough! It seemed like collectively we were all on the upswing and feeling good. It looks like I was wrong. Oh well, what are you going to do? I guess I will just have to saddle up and get ready to ride out this next bout of germs! I think next year I will have to buy Children's Tylenol in bulk - do they make it in gallon containers? Hopefully we can all get well in time for Avery's first birthday next week...I will keep you posted!