June 2010

Wow! What a month....

We just came back from a 2 week trip to Florida. It was wonderful to see Grandma, Grandpa, Meme, Poppop, Aunt Jen, Uncle Joe, Isy, and JoJo. We stayed the first week in a hotel. Will had a business trip. Unfortunately, Will had to go back the second week, but we stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They had lots of toys for the kids to play with and three pack and plays we could use. We moved them out of beds for the trip, but it made everything so much easier. My parents made everything so much easier (from helping with bath or giving me time to shower and exercise).

While we were down there, we went to the beach, played at many splash parks and regular parks, swam in the pool, went to Lion Country Safari, explored the Discovery Museum and another science museum in the park, rode Merry Go Rounds and thoroughly exhausted everyone. The drive was long, but totally worth the adventures for the children!!!

So many things are changing or starting to change - I know this is going to be a busy month. Emily has pooped on the potty for 6 days in a row. She would not wear panties today, but I think we are going to make the plunge in the next week. Daniel is really using his sense of humor and making everyone laugh lately. He says the funniest things, and sometimes it is hard to put him in time out because I am laughing at his originality. Nathan is becoming more and more silly, and he is reading. I am so impressed - he can read between seven and ten words (including he, of, the, play, it). He also knows the difference between Daddy and Daniel and other words like that.

They are also getting so creative. They make up new words to songs, come up with creative games and sayings, and totally love different things. Emily loves rides and amusement park things. She is always placing herself in the middle of her brothers and leads them around. She was definitely in charge this week but they all say Nathan is in charge. Nathan likes to keep his feet on the ground but loves books, trains, and songs. He might be a mechanical engineer the way he can put tracks together. Daniel is still a people person - he loves attention and electrical things. His photography is actually getting pretty good. As soon as he is potty trained, he may get to use my old camera. He is also very physical and runs or jumps everywhere. His throwing and catching are great. I may try him on Wii tennis soon to see if he can do it. Today, he wants to be a fireman. They are all doing really well at playing with each other and sharing when someone really wants something. I will say Nathan is the best sharer right now and so flexible with what he plays with. I often here him say, "Sure" when someone asks him for something. Maybe it is a middle child thing!

May 2010

The children are busy. I can't believe there are only 2 days of school left this school year. They have learned so much and are growing physically, socially, and they are talking up a storm. Just the other day, Emily said, "I want to wash my hands, please, to make them nice and clean." It is part of a song I sing them but she put the sentence together. They have completed three gymnastics lessons so far. Nathan was the first to get excited by it - climbing right onto the beam and wanting to walk backwards on the first day. Daniel is a mad man on the rings and did his first forward somersault independently on the angled ramp. Emily tried to jump on the horizontal bar and did a kick step on the beam. I am so proud of all of them. They are also taking swim lessons. Although they like the teachers and the lessons, they are having a little mommy-itis. I think it is time for me to stay out of room when they take lessons.

We have had some very exciting things in the last couple of months. We had a Passover performance at school (we had the only two students in the school who cried) and then we had an Easter egg hunt at a neighbor's house. Nathan found the largest egg but put it into Emily's basket to share with her. Grandma and Grandpa came and took them to the farm, a park by a little airport, and swimming. Although they were intimidated by the farm, they talked for weeks like it was the best adventure they ever had. We then took the children to Chattanooga to ride Thomas. They loved being on the train. We'll have to do that again next year if they are still into Thomas like they are now. Finally, Meme and Poppop came last week. Our big highlight was going strawberry picking, where we ate our weight in huge delicious strawberries. Daniel came home bright red from all he ate, and Nathan took tiny bites out of fifty of them.

They do anything for a laugh these days. They love to dance - the Chicken Dance is a favorite. We have it on video. They love to ride the rocking cow together and fall off laughing. Their goal sometimes is to make each other laugh. They make me laugh every day.

Thanks to another "fall" out of the crib, we have transitioned them to big kid beds. Emily now has her own room. Mimi came out and painted a mural in each room. When I showed Emily the castle in her room and asked if it was Cinderella's castle, she said no - Emily's castle. She also has harlequin diamonds with Mickey Mouse ears and Tinkerbell. The boys have a huge tree and tree house with sports equipment everywhere. I love their rooms and hope they will love them for years.

We are looking forward to a busy summer. We will travel to Florida, Jen and Isy will visit, and Nadine, Jack and Ella will visit. Grandpa and Grandma will come when Nadine's family comes.

February 2010

Above, Daniel playing at his Chanuka party at school. Below, Cousin Isy and Emily

Above, two of our play group friends. Below, Nathan plays hard with his trains.

Above, Emily and her friend Co Co. Below, Daniel makes his first snow angel.

Above, all three play in the beginning of snow. Below, Nathan tries on his new Thomas underwear. The last picture is one of our many Lego creations.




Hi,
I am so proud of my children. I have seen so many ways that they have grown in the last couple of months. They are all talking in phrases, and I can understand so much of what they want. The comments they use are so funny, too. They say: sure, yeah, okay Mommy, no thank you Daddy, yummy, delicious, yucky, yes, look Mommy, and excuse me. I can usually understand what song they want to sing or play on the radio. They carry on conversations with me and each other. It is so much fun. It is also helpful when they don't feel good and can tell me what hurts. It is not as helpful when they begin to tattle on each other.

They are also so interested in different things. Daniel is both the adventurous one still and the most cuddly. He pushes the envelope (and occasionally the boundaries) but then will ask for a kiss and tell me he loves me. He excels with technical things, and he completely works the camera - from turning it on to taking pictures. His teacher, Judi, has called him a flirt because of the way he grins and plays with the girls in class.

Nathan has been exploring a lot with his trains, finding new places to play them (like the kitchen table). He loves experimenting with different colors on paper and poses for pictures with a big "cheeeese." He is the most cautious physically, but I think he knows the most words. He can count to 20 (minus numbers 15 and 16) and has a laugh that draws everyone in. He also seems to always be observing and studying everything.

Emily is singing all the time. She asks me to sing songs with her all the time. Her word sounds have increased exponentially and it is so easy to understand what she wants now. She loves playing with her little people and has made friends with others in play group. One of the pictures I included is her holding hands with Co Co (one of our playgroup friends). She is also still a little bit of a "Monkey do." She sees what others are doing and jumps right in.

They all are loving Legos and their imaginations are blooming. I am brought new creations called towers and boats all the time. They have become more independent, and are doing many more things on their own. They can take off their shirts and pants (though they don't do this often, luckily). They are getting interested in potty training. Emily told me after she poo pooed that she wanted to sit on the potty and why. Nathan loves his Thomas underwear and wore it on top of his pants one day.

We had snow a few days and they loved touching and running around in it. It was fun for them to experiment with the new texture. They are still loving school and they talk about Ms. Judi all the time. All of the teachers know them by name, and they have been spending a lot of time with the older two year old class. The teachers have said the children love to be with the older children and are trying to copy some of the things they do. They now sing and dance with Ms. Dana (the music, Judaics, and art teacher) and love to paint and glue. Nathan came home one day talking about Tu'bishvat. They also sing the songs at home that they sing in school. They now know their upper case and lower case letters and sounds.

We had the opportunity to see Jen, Joe, Jo Jo, and Isy in North Carolina this New Years and it was great. The children had a great time in the snow and meeting Joe's family. Emily absolutely adores Cousin Isy, and Daniel followed her around like he was as old as she was. Meme and Poppop also came to visit at the beginning of the year. The kids had a blast with them and knew them from the start!!!

We're 2 Years Old!!!

Birthday Cake excitement above - and Magic Kingdom below with Grandma and Grandpa.


We got to meet Tigger above with Aunt Jen and Isy above and Daniel poses below.

Nathan giving a smile above and Daniel, Emily, and Nathan caught in a great picture below.

Emily smiling above before Veroniuq's wedding (we found out after that she had fever during professional pictures and wouldn't smile) and Uncle Dean, Jack, and Ella below.



We're not sure how it happened so quickly - but our children are two years old. Time really flies - doesn't it? A ton has happened. We went to Disney World for their second birthday and had a blast. Both sets of grandparents and Jen's family came to meet us. We wish we could see them more often! Isy entertained the kids for hours!

My parents and Nadine's family came for Thanksgiving. We had so much fun with them that the kids ask for Jack and Ella daily. Daniel thought he was Jack's age (4) and Ella fit right in with our crew! After that, Daniel had his tonsils out. It was an overnight procedure because he is so young - but he came through it like a champ. Though it has taken 2 1/2 weeks for him to finally sleep 4 hours at a time.

So many firsts have happened with our kids - let's see. All are talking in phrases and singing. They all walk/run forwards and backwards and jump like Tigger (or a frog depending on who they say they are). They are silly, and Emily will even tell you who is being funny. Their personalities are coming out stronger every day. They tell me what they will wear that day or what they want to eat. Nathan and Thomas the Train have rarely parted in the last few days. Emily has started to love feeding her new doll and Daniel loves his cars and the trampoline. All of them know their letters and letter sounds. They all count - but the number/object correlation isn't quite there yet.

The kids went to the doc for their 2 year appointment. He was happy with their growth. Daniel is 32" tall (3-5%ile), 24lbs 2 1/2 oz (5-10%ile) and his head is 49 1/2 cm (50-75%ile). Nathan is 33 1/2" tall (10-25%ile), 25 lbs 7 1/4 oz (10-25%ile) and his head is 50 cm (75-90%ile). Emily is 32" (5-10%ile), 21 lbs 9 1/2 oz. (<3%ile) and her head is 46.7 cm (10-25%ile). He was very pleased with Emily's growth - she is much closer to being on the weight chart. Daniel doesn't seem small - but those measurements are never exact since the kids don't stay still.

The kids love opening presents and eating "birthday cake". All cakes are birthday cakes. It's kind of funny. They know so much now - that sometimes you think you are talking above them and they answer. I need to watch out - because they repeat and come up with their own answers for things! They had their conference with their teacher -and she said they were far beyond others in their ability to share. There are some things (like Thomas) that are not negotiable - but usually, they are pretty good at taking turns. Our au pair, Veroniuq, got married this month and the kids had a great time at her wedding. Emily was in love with Veroniuq's dress, but due to Daniel recovering from his tonsils we didn't get to stay for the whole thing. I promise to write more soon!

Happy September

First Day of school



Theme Pictures


Hi all,
It has been a while, but I have been swamped and unable to write. This semester has started with Daniel, Nathan, and Emily attending school and my starting to work part-time. Wow - what business. I was worried that Nathan would have had a hard time adjusting, but he is doing great! Emily - they say- is the perfect preschooler - always excited by the next activity. Daniel has been a little weepy now and then. I am not sure if he has had a cold for part of it, or if he is seeing the other little boy in the class cry and cried himself for attention. It's so hard when I am not there to see what they are doing. I do know they come home happy, tired, and covered with paint.

I am working part-time for Walden and Kennesaw. I have loved having a student teacher. She is a Walden University student. I am also teaching a course for Kennesaw. I have enjoyed teaching the students, they are great! I have had frustrations with the Dean's office losing my paperwork, and being overbooked for a different class I was supposed to teach and switching classes at the last second. Hopefully, when I return at week 7, I can get my ID which will let me into the classroom I am teaching and get my parking pass.

At the end of August, we went to the doctor for their flu shots and a vaccine. They are all doing well, but Dr. Papciak is concerned with Emily's weight. She is a little further from the weight chart. Stats: Daniel - height 31 1/2" (5-10%ile), weight 23 lbs 8 oz. (5-10%ile), and head 49 cm (50-75%ile). He is catching up to Nathan's weight. Nathan - height 32 1/4" (10-25%ile), weight 24 lbs 3 oz. (10-25%ile), and head 49.4 cm (75%ile). Emily - height 31 1/2" (10-25%ile), weight 20 lbs 6 oz. (<1%ile), and head 46.2 cm (25%ile). We have been feeding them a little more and giving milk supplements. All had a Babies Can't Wait evaluation. All passed, but they want an OT to look a little closer at Nathan to give us suggestions for a few sensory issues - but nothing that qualifies him for services! Daniel had a sleep study last night to see why he still can't breathe out of his nose and he breathes rougher at night. The doctor said he was the best patient in 2 years, but of course he breathed better while there than normal. Isn't that always the case!

My parents came to visit this week while Veroniuq was out of town. We had a great time going on adventures, but all had to be indoors because we had a week of rains and floods. They called it a 100 year storm, so hopefully we won't ever see this again. We were very lucky our home was not damaged - some friends were not so lucky. While inside, we played with Play-Doh for our first time and at Play! Activity center and Jeronimos jumpy center.

They are advancing on so many things right now. Daniel is jumping a ton. He jumped the entire length of the mall the other day. It was cute. Emily skips a lot of places, I'm not sure if she is trying to jump - but it is cute. They are beginning to put a couple of words together - making phrases. I think it's great. One thing they have learned (in school?) is "I'm sorry." Emily fell the other day and whimpered and said, "I'm sorry." I told her she should apologize for it, I feel badly that she fell. She was fine - just a scraped knee. Nathan has become a lot braver. I always thought he was the cautious one, but he is becoming more independent and loves the roller coaster now. He is very fair when it comes to turns. It is adorable. Of course with all almost two year olds - isn't it always their turn? Nathan knows all of his numbers 0-9 - recognizing them. The other two know about 6-7 numbers - though in no exact order. They also all know some letters. Nathan loves the W, Daniel loves the O, and Emily like the I the best. They are so cute!

20 Months

Wow - it has been a busy six weeks, but not in the way I imagined. I had extensive stomach surgery, and the recovery was longer than anyone besides the doctor anticipated. It took the full 6 weeks to get back to 85%. A huge thank you to both my parents and Will's mom for all the hard work over the six weeks. They got up in the 5 o'clock hour every morning and worked until 7:30 pm every night. I know they have to be exhausted! On Monday, I can finally pick up the children. My parents are leaving on Monday as well. I have also learned I have the best friends in the whole world. Thank you for the dinners, the offers, the love, and the support.

Daniel had his adenoids out and tubes replaced the week before my surgery. The doctor said that his adenoids were "ginormous" and had to be removed. We were hoping he would breathe easier at night than he is, but he recovered well and never complained.

Daniel, Nathan, and Emily have had a busy six weeks, too. They now love to sing and sing along to so many songs. E-I-E-I-Ohhhhhhh is hysterical. Their hand motions are great and they still love to read. They go to story time at least once a week, and we try to take them to the park and an activity center, too. Unfortunately, their climbing skills have also improved and they can practically get anything. We also learned they love Carvel ice cream cake. From our adventures to the store to the cake for my dad's birthday, it has been fun to watch them enjoy.

I am posting some pictures of their adventures with grandparents.

19 Months Narrative - See Pictures Below

It has been a busy month. We took lots of pictures for their 18 month celebration. It is still hard to get them to all smile and stay still. What you don't see in the pictures is them climbing down, escaping, jumping to the top of the couch, etc.

They definitely have more and more words. The other day, Nathan accidentally bit me and I said, "Ouch!" He said, "Ouch, Ow, Ouch, Ouch" about 12 times. It was so funny. When I blow on food before giving it to them, they say, "Hot." But when you think they can say anything, I say,"Mama" and they say "Da Da" or it sounds likely they are saying, "Ma Ma" and I turn around with a big smile and they were really saying, "More, more." Oh, well. Glad to have words. Not as happy about having tantrums - but we have had 1-2 tempers arise. It is amazing - the best toy is what someone else has - even if they discarded it 10 seconds before! Nothing we can't handle, and luckily all tantrums have happened in the house (whew).

We went back for their 18 month appointment and Emily gained a pound!!! We actually went to Sweet Tomatoes first and they ate tons. All of them gained weight. I might take them there every time they are going to get weighed. Daniel's weight was 22 lbs 10 oz (10%), height 30" (5-10%) and head count was 48.2 cm (50-75%). Nathan's weight was 23 lbs 13 1/4 oz (10-25%), height 31 1/8" (less than 25%) and head count was 49 cm (75-90%). Emily's weight was 19 lbs 13 oz (less than 3%), height 29 3/4" (5-10%) and head count was 45 1/2 cm (25%). Daniel and Emily had their MMR shots. Daniel had a Measles type rash on his arm. Nathan had his last DTAP and first Hepatitis. He visited Urgent Care for a huge egg on his arm from one of the shots. Daniel had his adenoids out and tubes replaced this week. He seemed tired for a couple of days (it actually took him almost four hours to wake up from the procedure) but is doing really well. I had a tummy attack this week and am going in for surgery next week to remove the bad part. Hopefully, we will all be healthy for a really long time after this.

We have taken them to the baby pool, sometimes they love it, sometimes they are less sure. Part of it depends on how many kids are around. They do LOVE running around the tennis court. One of our neighbor's children (Leah's daughter, Georgia) has been a huge help. She loves running around with them and has saved them from falling. She also loves playing with both of the boys just as much as Emily...what a great help (and she is going into first grade next year). Leah and Georgia even came over for a play date! It was wonderful. We took the children to their first story time. It was okay, but we want to try out some of the activities at the library this summer.

We are finished with My Gym - so sad that she closed -she was wonderful. We have taken them about one time a week to Jeronimo's Bounce House. They love the slide and the musical dance floor. We may do music classes there in the fall if they don't go to preschool. They also love the playground at the mall. That's a good thing, because it is air conditioned - I just wish no one else knew about it! It gets crowded!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We also will spend a lot of time at the pool and playing outside. Thanks to all of our neighbors, we have lots of toys in our backyard to play with.