Play Play Play and Hailey's sitting up at 30 weeks

Dear Kids, 

This past week has been just full of play. On Thursday we met up with some good friends at the Wildflower center about an hour before they closed. Hailey's been sleeping until 4 pm in the afternoon, and the weather was just perfect, so we were going to get outside even if it meant that we were going to be the last ones out of the center. 

I'm so glad we went because the center was in full bloom. I loved seeing you Hannah as you "ooh" and "ahh"ed at the different beautiful flowers that you saw. You really are my child who just likes to enjoy life around you. As a baby you loved different textures. You love food, and you appreciate beautiful things. 

 As we were about to leave, I realized that we have not yet taken any bluebonnet pictures! It's so unfortunate that bluebonnets usually peak when Oak pollen is at its peak. So, we did a quick picture in front of a small patch of bluebonnets and called it a success. Well, sorta.

 Of all the pictures, these seriously were the best ones.

So Nathan is starting to read simple words. You've been working on sight words at school and you are showing a lot of interest in being able to read. (I think your main motivation is being able to play all the board games where you have to be able to read).

 I've actually checked out a book "Teach your child to read in 100 lessons." Your cousins used this book to learn how to read and I think it's time for us to try it out. Hannah is even excited about learning how to read. While I'm excited for you guys to learn this skill, a part of me knows that the days of reading stories to you guys will come to an end soon. Luckily, there is still Hailey. She can't even talk yet!

Hailey, you are getting pretty good at sitting up. I can feel pretty confident about plopping you down on a semi-soft surface. We met up with some friends at a playground on Friday and while we were waiting, I witnessed a sweet moment between the three of you. Hannah would first blow bubbles. Nathan would run wildly around to pop them and then Hailey, you would just giggle in excitement. Too cute!

 On Saturday, the weather was just drizzly. Our neighborhood garage sale was postponed and so we just putzed around the house and when we thought it was safe to go and play, it started to rain. Luckily we brought our umbrellas, which you two are always so excited to be able to use.

 Now that Hailey is sitting up and will be crawling soon, we have kind of been like Nazis when it comes to cleaning up the playroom. Now usually, there are toys strewn about the room, but we are trying to keep things clean so that Hailey doesn't have as easy access to all of your small lego pieces and doll accessories.

One good thing that comes out of a clean playroom is more room to run around.

 Mainly more room to push your baby sister around in baby doll things.

 Hailey, you don't mind at all, don't you? You really are just a happy and chill baby. Horrible sleeper, but otherwise, very chill.

 Another good thing that comes out of a clean play room is more room to jump.

In these pictures, you guys are putting things in front of the stool to see how high you can jump. You kids are just too crazy!

On Tuesday, it was a very emotional morning at the Havlir household. Dad had been sick with some sort of debilitating bug for almost 24 hours. I've been on parent duty solo and that morning I heard Hannah dAnd ump toys out of the bins upstairs. It turns out that you wanted to crawl into the bins and be a butterfly wrapped in a cocoon. Fine, but I asked you to put things back when you are done. You end up not doing it so I threatened to throw everything that's on the floor away. You start to clean, but then are easily distracted and so I go up again, this time with a bag. You plead and plead and so I give you another chance and go back to making your lunches.

A few minutes later, Daddy grabs the bag, marches upstairs and starts to put things in the bag. Meanwhile, you guys both burst into tears and are pleading, screaming, and hysterical over losing your toys. The race was on. You both started to pick up toys like there was no tomorrow. You knew it either needed to be put away or it was going in the trash.

After everything got cleaned (which only took 10 minutes max) we had a talk about why it is important to put things away especially now. You both now understand. The lesson that I learned here is just to take action. Nagging is just going to stress me out and annoy you both.

Hailey's schedule is getting to be pretty predictable. You will wake up either at 6:00 or 7:00 for the day. Your first nap goes from 9 to almost 11. You would love to go down for your next nap at 1, but usually it ends up being closer to 2 and you will wake up at almost 4:00. When you do that, I try to get you down to bed as close to 7 as possible. Sometimes your second nap lasts 45 minutes. When that happens, I'll try to put you down for another nap at 5 and you will sleep for an hour or so, making your bedtime 8.

You'll wake up around 10:30 - 11:00 for a feed, another one around 2:30 and then wake up.

You are able to suck baby food from pouches. I usually will give you a pouch and then give you some solid food to practice feeding yourself. If you don't like the food that I make you, I can usually add a little dollop of applesauce into it and you will eat it without a problem.

Strawberries and other acidic foods will irritate your bottom, so we've been leaving those out of your diet. But I've really noticed a change in you now that you eating more and getting fuller.

Well, I love this time we have together! Until next week,
Love,
Mommy

Another Tooth Emerges @ Week 29

Dear Hailey, 

This week I have reached the height of my zombie state. We have a busy few days ahead of us and all I want to do is sleep. I've been going to bed earlier than I have ever been since I was in elementary and during the day, I just want to lay my head down and rest. But alas, last night, you slept pretty well, giving me a 3 hour stretch and then an almost 4 hour one, so today I am less of a zombie. 

Compared to Nathan and Hannah, you are a lighter sleeper, and so you really need it to be quiet while you slumber, otherwise, it ends up being a short nap. 

You are the most mobile of the 3 kids. I usually put you down with your head facing away from the camera, but you sometimes end up on the opposite side of the bed.

And you also will sleep in weird positions, like with your legs up on the rails, or in between the slats. Nathan freaked out when that happened, and I don't remember ever having to rescue Hannah legs from crib rails.

You've been having rough nights for the past few nights, waking up after sleeping for only an hour or two (when you used to go at least 3). Just when I thought that I was doomed, Nathan discovered that a new tooth had emerged. This was just today, and tonight you are still asleep after 3 hours.

I actually have been stressing out about the amount of sleep you were getting, almost ordering a sleep book from Amazon in the middle of the night. (Which I have learned to always wait until morning before I hit the "purchase" button, because 99% of the time, I end up deleting it from my cart).

You still haven't reached the 14 pound mark, so I'm hoping now that this teething bout is over for now, you will sleep better and possibly grow better. Yesterday and today, I noticed that you've just been a happier and chattier baby. It's almost like someone swapped you out. I pray that things start to look better in the area of sleep.

Dear Nathan and Hannah,
The weather has been wonderful, but since I was trying to make sure Hailey was not getting overtired, and sleeping badly, we've been home most of the time. Last week, a friend told me about a Poke restaurant that opened up, so I went by myself during the week. On Saturday, Hannah went with me to the gym and I figured that you would love it, so we went and you built your own poke bowl, seaweed sprinkles and all. You were not a big fan of the seaweed salad, but slowly worked on the bowl throughout the day. (Which is what happens when I let you have your mochi ice cream dessert before the actual meal.)

One of the fun things we did this week was wash my car. While Hailey was napping, we went out, turned the hoses on, poured some soapy water into a bucket and scrubbed away.

I loved hearing you both laugh and shriek with joy when some water would splash on you.

Oh, and Hannah also earned a leotard. Last week I pretty much had it with the wetting of the undies. For months, I have been very chill about it, simply requiring you to clean up your mess and change into new clothes. I don't yell, I don't lecture, but you were still having accidents almost every day. The frustrating part would be that I would see you do the "potty dance," ask you if you needed to go, you would think about it, and say, "No" but then a few minutes later, have an accident.

At first I decided I would get you a book as a reward, like I did with Nathan, and I picked out a different version of a book that you both really enjoyed from the library. But then that day, as I was picking you up from gymnastics, I noticed that they had restocked the leotards, which you always ask me to buy when we walk past them. *Ding* an idea popped into my head and I quickly took you inside to pick out one that you would like.

We went home, I made a chart and told you that every time you go potty on your own, you get a stamp. Just like that, on day 1, you had no accidents. (Except for the time you had an accident in your car seat, but you were asleep, so I won't count that) 2 days, 3 days, and 6 days later, you filled up your chart and you managed to keep your undies dry for almost a week.

So, today, you got to wear your leotard to gymnastics class. (It's backwards in the pic below). 

I have decided to reward you with the book, "26 Princesses" after you keep your undies dry for 26 days.  Hopefully by then, it will be a habit and you will then be considered "fully potty trained."

Well, that's about it for now. I'm headed to bed!

Love,
Mommy

Thoughts on Serving the Homeless

5 years ago, our church started organizing fellowship time for families with young children. Potluck style, we meet once a month and we eat and chat while our kids play in the gym. A little over a year ago, we added a service portion to the time and tonight we brought in items to give to the homeless with the intention of visiting a camp in a few weeks to pass the items out.

We started out by talking about the meanings of "poor" and "homeless" and then we talked about what feelings they may feel being homeless. Then, we talked about ways we can help, which led us to packing bags to pass out with necessities such as water, hats, sunscreen, snacks etc.

So tonight, we talked about the topic, which was the easy part, but what about when we take the kids to the camp? What do I want my kids to get out of the experience? How can our family be a blessing to those in need without making them feel like they are being looked down upon?

Here are some thoughts:
I want them to know. I want them to be able to see that even though people's lives look very different, we are all loved by God. And because God loves all of us, we should want to show love and kindness to all.

I want them to feel. I want their hearts to ache at the sight of poverty. I want them to cry with those who are sad and pray fervently with those who are crying out to God.

I want them to act. I wish I were brave enough to approach a pan handler and ask them, "what would it take for you to get back on your feet again?" and then have the means to help them through it. But I don't. I want my kids to be movers and shakers, to know that their actions can make a difference, no matter how small it is. Social injustices will always exist, but I want them to feel empowered and know that they can do something about it.

So I guess I have answered my question.
When we visit the camp, I want to emphasize that God loves us all and we are showing love and kindness to others. I want to include kids as we talk with the homeless. I want my kids to hear their stories and then we'll ask them, "what can we do for you?" and "How can we pray for you?"

I don't know what sorts of lessons we'll get out of this experience, but I know that God will bless us all through it.

Sitting up and blowing raspberries. Baby Language

Dear Nathan and Hannah, 

Per Nathan's wishes, we have been just hanging out at home for the past week. Except for the quick trip to Michaels to pick up some Perler beads and glitter glue, we've stayed put at home. The house is a mess because we've played with everything, and I'm getting ready to get rid of stuff at our upcoming neighborhood yard sale day. 

Hannah, you have been requesting to play the purple pillow game all week. This game consists of throwing a purple throw pillow after following a sequence off silly moves with the pillow. One person stands at the foot of the bed (on the floor) and the kids stand on the bed. If the pillow falls on the floor, we lose a point. If the pillow lands on the bed, we gain a point.  You guys can sure come up with some silly flips and cannon moves. 

We still are loving the games King of Tokyo and Kingdomino, which Hannah can play by yourself and not on a team. 

And Perler beads. You guys have made so much stuff with them lately. We've used up almost the entire 15,000 bead bucket. (This is even with 3,000 refill beads of commonly used colors)

We've worked out a system with the timer to help everyone get just a little bit more sleep in the morning. As a result, everyone is happier and not as grumpy. The timer turns the night light on at 7:00 which lets you guys know that you can get out of bed. It turns off at 7:30, which lets you know that you guys can come out of your rooms to wake us up. 

I'm usually with Hailey until after 7:30, so when I walk out, I usually see you two playing legos side by side. I love how close you two are getting. Some days each of you will say mean things like, "I never want to play with you again" when you are mad at each other, but you always end up coming back and apologizing for saying hurtful words. That always makes me so proud. 

Dear Hailey, 

You are now doing a pretty good job with sitting up. I still don't trust you to sit up by yourself on the floor, but you are quite content sitting up against a couch for a long time. Especially when your brother and sister will bring toys to you for your amusement. 

 You are also becoming quite squirmy during diaper changes. It's like when I take the diaper off, I release something and you start squirming like crazy. Luckily, the wipes bag keeps you occupied...for now.

 See, I told you, you can sit up unassisted for a little while.

 Oh, and you have learned to blow raspberries to show that you are hungry. Kind of cool way of communicating.

You got your first tooth! Lower left incisor. It actually popped through on the same day Nathan got his first tooth. I'm curious to see if the others will follow suit. The next one should come on the 22nd.

Ok, you up crying...I better go. Until next week,
Love,
Mommy

The Easter Post

Hallelujah! He is risen! Easter always marks a new season of rebirth, spring, and oak pollen. 

Dear Nathan and Hannah,

It finally came: Easter, the time when you both can finally start having candy again. On Easter morning, I let each of you pick out a piece of candy and held the candy in front of you as I attempted to relate how it felt to wait for Easter to eat candy to how it feels to wait for God to come back again. By the glazed look on your faces, I'm sure I sounded like an adult in an episode of the Peanuts show, but hey, I tried my best and we do have many more Easters to come. 

On the day before Easter, our church put on an Easter celebration with lots of fun activities. Top thing on both of your lists: pony rides. I stayed home with Hailey as she took her nap, so you both got some quality Daddy time. 

 And there was the petting zoo. I heard that you both liked the fuzzy and fluffy animals, but not the "porcupine" which I think is actually a hedgehog, or other non-soft animals like the turtle.

 And of course, there is the never ending Easter egg hunt where you pick up eggs and trade them in for prizes.

Prior to the church event, we also had a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. It was neat to see neighbors out and reconnect with ones whom we haven't seen in awhile. Once kids start elementary school, we don't get as many playdates with them.

Easter Sunday. We went to church and ended up sitting right by our close friends who have moved up North and were visiting for Easter. We took each other's family pictures and then went our separate ways for lunch.

 It has almost become a tradition to spend Easter with the family who usually hosts our GIFT (small group bible study) group. The parents are amazing hosts and always put on a great party. You guys had so much fun with the egg hunt,

 and cascarones (for you non-Texans, these are confetti filled eggs). 

The Oak has been at its peak this week so after a whole weekend of being outside, Hannah, you ended up loosing your voice from all the allergy induced post nasal drip. We have been doing allergy medicine at night as well as during the day and it seems to be working pretty well. Of course, Allegra, is the only effective one and the only one brand we can't get generic of at the stores. Go figure.

On Good Friday, our friends from up North visited in the morning and due to the oak and baby naps, we pretty much stayed in all morning. You guys played with cars, had snacks, and painted. It was a great morning for you guys and us mommies had some time to chat. 

 Nathan has been obsessed with playing Kings of Tokyo. One of your favorite action cards, poison spit, always seem to "magically appear" near the top of the deck when you shuffle. You always say, "Oh, that's weird, how come it is on top even after I shuffle?!?!" Gee, I wonder why.

Nathan, you have also expressed to me how you don't like to go places and you wish to just stay home so you can play with your toys. Your comment totally helped me see that down time is OK and made me less guilty about spending time at home. So this week, we've been staying home and I've been running errands as much as I can while you both are at school.

The other night, I was reading a parenting book and came across a paragraph on quality of parent sleep and how interrupted sleep really does take its toll on parents. I immediately felt the need to hug the book. I have never felt so validated in my life! 6 months of interrupted sleep is taking its toll on me. All 3 of you are not long night sleepers. With Nathan and Hannah, I was able to take naps when needed in the afternoons because you two took naps at the same time, but with Hailey, you guys don't take naps anymore, so I've been going to bed around 9 or 10 to make sure I get enough sleep. I still feel like a zombie most days. 

I've found out that if Hailey does not take a good morning nap, night time sleep will be a nightmare. Last night, I went to bed at 9. Then I was woken up at the following times: 

-10:44 (fell back asleep at 11:20) 

-1:15 (Hannah had a nightmare)

-1:20 (just as I was falling asleep...Hannah wanted mickey mouse)

-1:32 (fell back asleep at 2:13)

- 3:27 (fell back asleep at 4:42) 

-7:00 (Nathan comes in to tell me that Hannah wet the bed)

-8:00 (Wake up for the day)

This is not every night, but maybe 2 nights out of the week. *sigh* I keep telling myself, it'll be over so quickly. 

I want to get angry and frustrated, but then I see this little face.  

 Hailey has tried carrot, sweet potato, purple sweet potato, oatmeal, strawberries, watermelon, pear, yogurt, avocado, banana and chicken bone. There is no food that she dislikes yet. There are days she pushes a particular food away and prefers something else, but for the most part, she will eat what I put in front of her.

Dear Hailey,
You are also sitting up on her own for about 10 seconds or so and then you topple over. You love blowing raspberries with your lips (especially when you are hungry) and you still love for us to pull you to standing.

 You are particularly interested in what Teddy is doing and you loved to be lifted up and down while being held laying on your back. You give us your best belly giggles then. 

Well, after a week of being cooped up in the house, I'm looking forward to clearer air and cool temps in the next few days. 

Until next week, 

Love, 

Mommy