Monday, January 24, 2011
in a dress
Today when I picked up Thatcher from the gym daycare he was wearing a very pretty barbie dress. He looked very pretty in it too. It completely surprised me and made me laugh so hard. The ladies who work there said he brought it to them and said, "put this on." He was very excited to show me the picture of the barbie that was on the front of the dress. I love my boy and the little ways he surprises me and makes me laugh every day.
Monday, January 17, 2011
life
The only pictures I have of the last couple weeks are these of James hitting Ty on the head when Ty was sick. Ty stayed home from work as he was taking his turn with the stomach bug that we all got and James thought it was pretty funny to seek out his hammer, then uncover his dad who was hiding under a blanket, and then whack him on the head. He thought it was pretty funny...he thinks lots of things like that are funny. Whenever he gets a reaction from us, he will do it over and over again. The other day he kept putting his filthy pig stuffed animal in my face and I would try and move away and he thought that was hilarious. He is a little tease and already has such a personality.
He has certain things he really likes (besides his Mr Pig who is a constant companion these days) and he will carry whatever it is he likes for the day up and down that stairs with him and wherever he goes. I love to see how determined he gets to take things with him.
James cracks me up...he loves to talk to the birds when we are outside and does a pretty good job of impersonating their sound. He is just a funny kid and as soon as he sees he is getting a reaction out of me, Ty, or Thatcher, he hams it up and does it over and over again.
James is also a master tantrum-thrower. He likes to bang his head on whatever he can whether it is the carpet, his crib, or something else. It is super sad, but kind of funny too that his tantrum is hurting him more than anyone...poor baby.
One of my favorite things to watch is when James goes to town with his toy...it is like 'wack-a-mole' and he is pretty good at it too. He will play with it for the longest time, just placing the balls where they need to go and whacking them. He is such a smart little baby and I love my boy.
Thatcher has had a constant tummy bug for over a week, but is such a trooper...and we haven't had any on-the floor pooping since last Tuesday, nor any throwing up since Saturday night. We are keeping our fingers crossed, but potty training has been a struggle to say the least.
Thatcher is the best kid. He is so nice to everyone. He loves to count and just to be a part of everything. He never stops talking and I love hearing what he has to say. I am sure it will get exhausting at some point in time, but right now I can't imagine my life without it.
While I was typing this, Thatcher just said, "I do a big poop, that's so awesome." I love my kid.
Both boys got haircuts on Saturday. Thatcher was a nightmare, but James was a trooper and they both look quite handsome. I am hoping I can get better and better. It would be so nice to not have to take my boys to ever get hair cuts.
We spent a day in Phoenix with the Ridings and we had a fun time. I love being close to family and hope we can be even closer soon. It is funny...I am really happy and content in Flagstaff. I am excited about my calling and the opportunities to serve and be involved. I love our day to day routine and our house. I really do love my life and I feel like I have friends and things to do...and maybe I will really miss Flagstaff more than I recognize right now...but I do think I could be even happier in Gilbert. I hope I am right.
He has certain things he really likes (besides his Mr Pig who is a constant companion these days) and he will carry whatever it is he likes for the day up and down that stairs with him and wherever he goes. I love to see how determined he gets to take things with him.
James cracks me up...he loves to talk to the birds when we are outside and does a pretty good job of impersonating their sound. He is just a funny kid and as soon as he sees he is getting a reaction out of me, Ty, or Thatcher, he hams it up and does it over and over again.
James is also a master tantrum-thrower. He likes to bang his head on whatever he can whether it is the carpet, his crib, or something else. It is super sad, but kind of funny too that his tantrum is hurting him more than anyone...poor baby.
One of my favorite things to watch is when James goes to town with his toy...it is like 'wack-a-mole' and he is pretty good at it too. He will play with it for the longest time, just placing the balls where they need to go and whacking them. He is such a smart little baby and I love my boy.
Thatcher has had a constant tummy bug for over a week, but is such a trooper...and we haven't had any on-the floor pooping since last Tuesday, nor any throwing up since Saturday night. We are keeping our fingers crossed, but potty training has been a struggle to say the least.
Thatcher is the best kid. He is so nice to everyone. He loves to count and just to be a part of everything. He never stops talking and I love hearing what he has to say. I am sure it will get exhausting at some point in time, but right now I can't imagine my life without it.
While I was typing this, Thatcher just said, "I do a big poop, that's so awesome." I love my kid.
Both boys got haircuts on Saturday. Thatcher was a nightmare, but James was a trooper and they both look quite handsome. I am hoping I can get better and better. It would be so nice to not have to take my boys to ever get hair cuts.
We spent a day in Phoenix with the Ridings and we had a fun time. I love being close to family and hope we can be even closer soon. It is funny...I am really happy and content in Flagstaff. I am excited about my calling and the opportunities to serve and be involved. I love our day to day routine and our house. I really do love my life and I feel like I have friends and things to do...and maybe I will really miss Flagstaff more than I recognize right now...but I do think I could be even happier in Gilbert. I hope I am right.
Monday, January 10, 2011
New Year craziness
Instead of recording my New Years resolutions here, I thought I would follow up on how the first ten days of those resolutions have gone. They were indeed written on New Year's day, but things have been crazy this last week and the list never made it to the blog:
-My over-arching goal for this year is to do more of the things that I like to do. This last week which has been full of cleaning up poop, and dealing with kids who don't take naps and who don't stay in their beds at night has made it a little more difficult...but I'm working on it. We still had a fun week full of the gym, library, gymnastics, play dates, dinner with friends and family time.
-I have been really good at exercising, and pretty good and not baking something every day and then eating most of it. I have been taking notes at all my classes and hope to start training with the group fitness coordinator soon.
- I have been pretty good at using my awesome new sonicare toothbrush, at wearing my retainers every night and at washing my face...but the goal to wear my contacts every day has not yet taken flight.
- I have been a lot better at praying, but have a ways to go. I haven't gotten back into the routine of reading the scriptures, but I am pretty sure my new calling is going to aid in that area. I got called a week ago to be the second counselor in the relief society presidency. I am excited to get the spiritual kick in the pants I think I have been needing for a while. I am excited about the ladies I will be working with and even though the next two months are going to kill me with Ty being MIA and so much going on, it is going to be really great too. I am excited to serve more and to get pushed into being better.
- I have been reading, but not as intensely as before. I am in the middle of two books, but neither are riveting which makes it hard to prioritize reading with so much else going on.
- FHE weekly is going ok if you count a 5 minute story about Jesus one week, and a temporarily homeless family over for dinner the next. Not the greatest, but it is a start. Bi-weekly dates was attempted and we are still determined to find success even though our plans were foiled after Thatcher threw up all afternoon of the day we were planning on going out on the town.
- Other goals that will be accomplished as the year progresses: go to the temple 12x, take a dance or tennis class, and get Thatcher in a preschool or joy school
Our family theme this year is TRUST. Trust in the Lord: his timing and his will and trust in each other. I hope we can be better about this as we make big decisions for our family's future. I know the Lord knows what is best and if we can have faith in that everything really will work out. I am so nervous right now thinking about our future I could scream...so this is a big one I need to work on personally.
So there you have it...resolutions for 2011. I think the best one is 'wear retainers every night'. Who honestly makes a goal like that? I know I am a nerd, but if it keeps my teeth straight, then it is worth it.
-My over-arching goal for this year is to do more of the things that I like to do. This last week which has been full of cleaning up poop, and dealing with kids who don't take naps and who don't stay in their beds at night has made it a little more difficult...but I'm working on it. We still had a fun week full of the gym, library, gymnastics, play dates, dinner with friends and family time.
-I have been really good at exercising, and pretty good and not baking something every day and then eating most of it. I have been taking notes at all my classes and hope to start training with the group fitness coordinator soon.
- I have been pretty good at using my awesome new sonicare toothbrush, at wearing my retainers every night and at washing my face...but the goal to wear my contacts every day has not yet taken flight.
- I have been a lot better at praying, but have a ways to go. I haven't gotten back into the routine of reading the scriptures, but I am pretty sure my new calling is going to aid in that area. I got called a week ago to be the second counselor in the relief society presidency. I am excited to get the spiritual kick in the pants I think I have been needing for a while. I am excited about the ladies I will be working with and even though the next two months are going to kill me with Ty being MIA and so much going on, it is going to be really great too. I am excited to serve more and to get pushed into being better.
- I have been reading, but not as intensely as before. I am in the middle of two books, but neither are riveting which makes it hard to prioritize reading with so much else going on.
- FHE weekly is going ok if you count a 5 minute story about Jesus one week, and a temporarily homeless family over for dinner the next. Not the greatest, but it is a start. Bi-weekly dates was attempted and we are still determined to find success even though our plans were foiled after Thatcher threw up all afternoon of the day we were planning on going out on the town.
- Other goals that will be accomplished as the year progresses: go to the temple 12x, take a dance or tennis class, and get Thatcher in a preschool or joy school
Our family theme this year is TRUST. Trust in the Lord: his timing and his will and trust in each other. I hope we can be better about this as we make big decisions for our family's future. I know the Lord knows what is best and if we can have faith in that everything really will work out. I am so nervous right now thinking about our future I could scream...so this is a big one I need to work on personally.
So there you have it...resolutions for 2011. I think the best one is 'wear retainers every night'. Who honestly makes a goal like that? I know I am a nerd, but if it keeps my teeth straight, then it is worth it.
Thatcher-isms
Thatcher has been cracking me up lately. He is so funny. Sometimes he tries to be funny, but most of the time it just happens. He is the sweetest boy and it has made all the pooping accidents, throwing up, diarrhea at church incidents, and not-going-to-bed dramas bearable. But, to be honest, it has been a rough week with the Thatch-man.
Here are some of his funny saying from the last couple days:
- this morning when I was brushing my teeth he came into my room yelling, "Hey, Jen Martin!"
- yesterday, Thatcher came up to Ty and said, "Dad, I lost mom."
- this morning I told James that we should start calling him 'handsome' and maybe he would respond better to that. Thatcher agreed that "hamster" was a great name for James and that he wanted to be called "hamster" too
- yesterday Thatcher informed us that "Mom is Sally, Dad is Yeti, and Thatcher is Lightning"
- we are working on "excuse me" but right now Thatcher prefers to say "stop talking Mom" when he feels he has something important to say
- we have been discussing the importance of earning things, especially since we have been pulling out all our trick to work on the aforementioned problems (pooping on the floor, not staying in bed, etc.). Now Thatcher informs me when he feels he has "earned it"
- the other day Thatcher explained that "Mater loves Ramone, and Slow (what he calls Flo) loves Lightning". He had them kiss and everything
- Thatcher is very good at expressing when he is happy or whatever else he is. He often tells us, "I so excited", "I go potty!", "I happy", "I love you", "Thatcher tired", and "Thank you mom/dad". He really is the sweetest kid.
Here are some of his funny saying from the last couple days:
- this morning when I was brushing my teeth he came into my room yelling, "Hey, Jen Martin!"
- yesterday, Thatcher came up to Ty and said, "Dad, I lost mom."
- this morning I told James that we should start calling him 'handsome' and maybe he would respond better to that. Thatcher agreed that "hamster" was a great name for James and that he wanted to be called "hamster" too
- yesterday Thatcher informed us that "Mom is Sally, Dad is Yeti, and Thatcher is Lightning"
- we are working on "excuse me" but right now Thatcher prefers to say "stop talking Mom" when he feels he has something important to say
- we have been discussing the importance of earning things, especially since we have been pulling out all our trick to work on the aforementioned problems (pooping on the floor, not staying in bed, etc.). Now Thatcher informs me when he feels he has "earned it"
- the other day Thatcher explained that "Mater loves Ramone, and Slow (what he calls Flo) loves Lightning". He had them kiss and everything
- Thatcher is very good at expressing when he is happy or whatever else he is. He often tells us, "I so excited", "I go potty!", "I happy", "I love you", "Thatcher tired", and "Thank you mom/dad". He really is the sweetest kid.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
My baby James is one
I can't believe he is that big...but then he does things that remind me that he is definitely a one year old. Today alone James has been standing for longer periods of time than he ever has before, he climbed into the bathtub twice (scary), he rolled all the way down the stairs (scarier), and he has been climbing up anything he can get on (which happens every day).
We celebrated in Salt Lake with cupcakes and James was in heaven with his giant cupcake. He also loved the birthday song and laughed every time we sang (which was probably 5 times in the end because he loved it so much). We tried to celebrate with the Martins as well, but James and Thatcher were completely at the end of their rope and we went home before we were able to sing and eat cupcakes with them. James got some fun presents from his grandparents and I hope he felt loved.
Yesterday we went to the doctor for his 1-year appointment and he did great. He throws a fit every time I try to get him to hold still for a diaper change, but he was perfectly still every time the doctor or nurse was measuring or examining him. I was in total shock. He has jumped on the charts for both weight (82%) and height (88%) and as usual his head is off the charts. I love my chubby big-headed boy. I love watching him play. He watches Thatcher and really tries to imitate everything Thatcher does. He loves to play peek-a-boo, is hilarious with his cars, he loves throwing balls, loves riding his rocking horse, has discovered an ability for clapping which he loves, and is just busy exploring all the time.
Oh...and James has a new nickname thanks to his uncle Ryan. Minion (from the movie 'Megamind'. With James's three jagged bottom teeth and huge round eyes, I have to agree with Ryan, and I like the name minion anyway...so Minion it is.
We celebrated in Salt Lake with cupcakes and James was in heaven with his giant cupcake. He also loved the birthday song and laughed every time we sang (which was probably 5 times in the end because he loved it so much). We tried to celebrate with the Martins as well, but James and Thatcher were completely at the end of their rope and we went home before we were able to sing and eat cupcakes with them. James got some fun presents from his grandparents and I hope he felt loved.
Yesterday we went to the doctor for his 1-year appointment and he did great. He throws a fit every time I try to get him to hold still for a diaper change, but he was perfectly still every time the doctor or nurse was measuring or examining him. I was in total shock. He has jumped on the charts for both weight (82%) and height (88%) and as usual his head is off the charts. I love my chubby big-headed boy. I love watching him play. He watches Thatcher and really tries to imitate everything Thatcher does. He loves to play peek-a-boo, is hilarious with his cars, he loves throwing balls, loves riding his rocking horse, has discovered an ability for clapping which he loves, and is just busy exploring all the time.
Oh...and James has a new nickname thanks to his uncle Ryan. Minion (from the movie 'Megamind'. With James's three jagged bottom teeth and huge round eyes, I have to agree with Ryan, and I like the name minion anyway...so Minion it is.
The aftermath
Since Christmas the boys have had a lot of fun with their toys. Thatcher plays his guitar constantly and is more than happy to serenade anyone who makes a request. His best song so far was one about 'buzz flying to infinity and beyond in the movie'. Thatcher is having a rough time understanding that he won't get to see Santa until next Christmas. He asks about seeing Santa every day...I guess seeing Santa three days in a row led Thatcher to believe that it was normal to just see him around.
Kelly is the sweetest aunt and two of my favorite memories of her with my boys happened after Christmas...Kelly had a tea party with James and her friends. She just played with James while two of her friends were over and took such good care of him. I don't think that is a normal thing for a 12-year-old. She is so great. Also, the night before we left Salt Lake, Ty and I were gone so Kelly snuggled in bed with Thatcher to help him fall asleep. Thatcher tickled her back and put her arm around him so she would snuggle. They are so cute together.
My personal highlights after Christmas where when I got to spend some time with Emily Mitarai and Tori's Christmas dinner for our high school girlfriends. It was spectacular to say the least. The food was amazing and it was a fun night.
Here are some random pics of our time in Salt Lake...
Drive home...
On our drive home we stopped in Kanab at a church to let Thatcher run around for a minute. There was a nativity set up outside and a camel big enough that Thatcher could ride it. When he was riding it I told him that he was a wise man and that wise men give presents to baby Jesus. Thatcher was holding his beloved Big Buzz and Big Woody and went right over to baby Jesus and laid his two gifts on the manger. Then he looked at us like he was ready to go. I think he would have left them there too if Ty hadn't picked them up. I thought that was so sweet. There was no question about making that sacrifice. I love his heart. It makes me want to be a better person every day.
A funny Thatcher-ism that Thatcher came up with on the way home was the phrase "That's so much cool." Ty thought it was pretty funny so of course Thatcher repeated is over and over again.
Since we have been home... the boys have been super happy to be back. Thatcher asks to go to Nanny and Pop's and Nana and Papa's, but he is still happy here. Thatcher told us that he missed Josh the night that we got home and yesterday when Thatcher heard dad was talking to Kelly (Marsden) he insisted on talking to her thinking it was his Kelly. We have played with (and found homes for) all of their new toys, built trains, and taken a bunch of colored baths. Thatcher has taken a number of pretend naps in his tent and in his bed. A new game Thatcher plays is he will usually say, "Thatcher going to sleep, Mom/Dad wake up me with a roar!" and then he pretends to sleep and we say, "roar" and he 'wakes up' laughing hysterically.
It has been snowing like crazy which has kept us indoors except for a treacherous trip to the doctor's and a freezing snow-shoeveling experience outside with Thatcher. We had fun, but it is definitely cold when Thatcher (who never wants to go in) said it was too cold.
So..it is good to be back, but my kids sure do miss their loved ones in Utah. I am excited and hopeful about this next year (and really really nervous too). I think it is going to be a good one. I hope we can make good decisions and good goals and stay focused on what is most important for our family. I haven't written out my resolutions but there are a few Thatcher issues that need some tackling in 2011 (among others):
Fear of dogs...I am a little concerned about that. If we are in a real house by June I think we are going to seriously consider getting a dog. I don't know if I am ready for that, but I want Thatcher to love animals and I think that will be the best way to get comfortable.
Potty training setbacks...Thatcher is so great at going on the potty most of the time. He even will get up on a normal toilet seat all by himself and go. But he is inconsistent. He is so inconsistent that I think every day for the last week I have cleaned up at least one accident...which is usually poop on the floor or bed. He always is good about taking off his diaper (if he is napping or down for the night) or his clothes (if it is during the day) but then he will just go and it doesn't seem like he is ever rushing to the potty and just doesn't make it. I don't get it, but it is frustrating.
Sleeping issues...I am guessing this one is a result of us sleeping in the same bed for two weeks in Salt Lake, but he will not stay in his bed. This entire week we have been dealing with Thatcher for AT LEAST two hours after we out him down. It starts out funny (Thatcher will push his dump truck and use it to reach the light switch, then do dances and get out toys and do things to make baby James laugh) but it always ends up with both boys over-tired and grumpy. Then last night he woke up at 11:30 and was so hysterical that we let him sleep in our bed after he woke James up. I don't know what to do about this one, but hope we can find a solution. Typical isn't it? James is finally a great sleeper and now Thatcher isn't.
I am excited and ready for 2011 and all the changes and fun times it is going to bring.
Kelly is the sweetest aunt and two of my favorite memories of her with my boys happened after Christmas...Kelly had a tea party with James and her friends. She just played with James while two of her friends were over and took such good care of him. I don't think that is a normal thing for a 12-year-old. She is so great. Also, the night before we left Salt Lake, Ty and I were gone so Kelly snuggled in bed with Thatcher to help him fall asleep. Thatcher tickled her back and put her arm around him so she would snuggle. They are so cute together.
My personal highlights after Christmas where when I got to spend some time with Emily Mitarai and Tori's Christmas dinner for our high school girlfriends. It was spectacular to say the least. The food was amazing and it was a fun night.
Here are some random pics of our time in Salt Lake...
Drive home...
On our drive home we stopped in Kanab at a church to let Thatcher run around for a minute. There was a nativity set up outside and a camel big enough that Thatcher could ride it. When he was riding it I told him that he was a wise man and that wise men give presents to baby Jesus. Thatcher was holding his beloved Big Buzz and Big Woody and went right over to baby Jesus and laid his two gifts on the manger. Then he looked at us like he was ready to go. I think he would have left them there too if Ty hadn't picked them up. I thought that was so sweet. There was no question about making that sacrifice. I love his heart. It makes me want to be a better person every day.
A funny Thatcher-ism that Thatcher came up with on the way home was the phrase "That's so much cool." Ty thought it was pretty funny so of course Thatcher repeated is over and over again.
Since we have been home... the boys have been super happy to be back. Thatcher asks to go to Nanny and Pop's and Nana and Papa's, but he is still happy here. Thatcher told us that he missed Josh the night that we got home and yesterday when Thatcher heard dad was talking to Kelly (Marsden) he insisted on talking to her thinking it was his Kelly. We have played with (and found homes for) all of their new toys, built trains, and taken a bunch of colored baths. Thatcher has taken a number of pretend naps in his tent and in his bed. A new game Thatcher plays is he will usually say, "Thatcher going to sleep, Mom/Dad wake up me with a roar!" and then he pretends to sleep and we say, "roar" and he 'wakes up' laughing hysterically.
It has been snowing like crazy which has kept us indoors except for a treacherous trip to the doctor's and a freezing snow-shoeveling experience outside with Thatcher. We had fun, but it is definitely cold when Thatcher (who never wants to go in) said it was too cold.
So..it is good to be back, but my kids sure do miss their loved ones in Utah. I am excited and hopeful about this next year (and really really nervous too). I think it is going to be a good one. I hope we can make good decisions and good goals and stay focused on what is most important for our family. I haven't written out my resolutions but there are a few Thatcher issues that need some tackling in 2011 (among others):
Fear of dogs...I am a little concerned about that. If we are in a real house by June I think we are going to seriously consider getting a dog. I don't know if I am ready for that, but I want Thatcher to love animals and I think that will be the best way to get comfortable.
Potty training setbacks...Thatcher is so great at going on the potty most of the time. He even will get up on a normal toilet seat all by himself and go. But he is inconsistent. He is so inconsistent that I think every day for the last week I have cleaned up at least one accident...which is usually poop on the floor or bed. He always is good about taking off his diaper (if he is napping or down for the night) or his clothes (if it is during the day) but then he will just go and it doesn't seem like he is ever rushing to the potty and just doesn't make it. I don't get it, but it is frustrating.
Sleeping issues...I am guessing this one is a result of us sleeping in the same bed for two weeks in Salt Lake, but he will not stay in his bed. This entire week we have been dealing with Thatcher for AT LEAST two hours after we out him down. It starts out funny (Thatcher will push his dump truck and use it to reach the light switch, then do dances and get out toys and do things to make baby James laugh) but it always ends up with both boys over-tired and grumpy. Then last night he woke up at 11:30 and was so hysterical that we let him sleep in our bed after he woke James up. I don't know what to do about this one, but hope we can find a solution. Typical isn't it? James is finally a great sleeper and now Thatcher isn't.
I am excited and ready for 2011 and all the changes and fun times it is going to bring.
Christmas Day
Christmas days was great, even though my favorite things about Christmas is all the excitement leading up to it. Thatcher was so excited Christmas morning that he had a little meltdown while waiting upstairs with Kelly and Josh. The meltdown quickly subsided when he saw what Santa had brought him...his very own tent with a tunnel. He was so excited. Then he went to his stocking. I think this was my favorite part of the whole morning because every time he pulled something out he let out a huge gasp and did a little giddy jump. Even when the last thing he pulled out was a little clementine, he gave the same reaction. He is the funniest kid and so great at reacting how every parent would hope their kids would react. It took a while to open the presents because there were a bunch, but we succeeded in the end. The boys got spoiled, but it was fun...really fun. Thatcher wanted to watch his 'Buzz movie' as soon as we were done opening presents and so that is what he did. Big Buzz, Big Woody, Big Jesse, and a bunch of 'little' members of the gang joined him.
We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon at the Martins where the boys went crazy over their wiggle cars. James was surprisingly good at maneuvering his car and we have had a blast with those things. Ty and I got sonicare toothbrushes and as boring as it may sound, we were really excited about them. We stayed at the Martins eating tons and drinking cranberry tea until our boys were on the brink of losing it and then came back to Nana's. We spent the afternoon and evening playing with toys, eating, and playing 'the game of things' which was fun.
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