Halloween Preparations

 Dear Nathan,
Just looking at all the pictures that I took, we've had a busy week! But before I start the reacap, I'd like to tell you that I am so proud of how gentle you have become with Hannah. The following pictures really portray how you are with her now.

 A week ago, I would not have trusted you to be in the same room with her if I wasn't close by. After some talking, practice and episodes of Ni Hao Kai Lan about being gentle, you have learned to be more gentle with Hannah. Yay!

So, I think you are ready for a more intense version of potty training. By "intense" I mean with bribes. A few days ago, we went to Target and you got to pick out your special undies. You were torn between a pack of Hello Kitty and Thomas undies, but ultimately, you picked the Thomas ones. On our way home you told me you wanted to look at them, so I gave the pack to you and when I opened the door once we were home to get you out, this is what I find...

A little boy covered in Thomas undies. 

 After washing them, you got to wear them the next day. To up the hype, I employed you as an underwear model for the afternoon. This may be one of my favorite shots.

 You came up with this one on your own.

 I'm pretty sure you are sick and tired of me asking you "Are your undies still dry?" It seems like in the morning, you are better at keeping the undies dry. But some days you go through 4-5 pairs in a couple of hours. I've been setting a timer for 20-30 minutes and making you go, but sometimes you have an accident 5 minutes after you get off of the potty. That can be frustrating. So I'm going to take a new approach. Gummy bears. I just bought a brand new bag and we will start after you get up from your nap.

Halloween is coming up in a few days. It's actually one of my favorite times of the year because you get to dress up and I love looking at all the adorable kids in costume running around. I was inspired by Pinterest to paint pumpkins. So, one fine afternoon, we went out on the back porch and painted pumpkins.

 Hannah was such a good girl and just quietly watched us create our masterpieces.

 And you decided that your pumpkins needed some glitter.

 Of course, more glitter ended up on your tummy than on the pumpkin...

 The final products.

On Saturday we attended our church's annual BBQ where you really fell in love with the accordion music that was playing. You threw a temper tantrum because we had to leave and you couldn't dance to polka music anymore. Who knew? (By the way, you are really into "The Gummy Bear Song" and "Gangnam Style." We had so much fun dancing last night that I think we are going to start a new tradition: post-dinner dance party...meanwhile, Hannah was looking at all of us like we were crazy!)

In the afternoon we went back to church and attended the fall festival. It's gotten huge this year, but other than it being hot, we actually had a great time because there were surprisingly almost no lines for the activities. You got to wear your Yoda had that your grandmother knit for you a few years ago. This is what it looked like on you when you received it.

 And look at it now.

Your shirt was made from a thrifted pillowcase, and the light saber is a glow stick inside a bubble wand. Hannah's costume is made from another pillowcase and the ears were made from a thrifted glove. I spent no more than $10 to make our costumes.

At the fall festival, there was a fire truck.

 And legos to play with...

 For a little while, Hannah was awake, but she was asleep for most of it.

 And then there were really cool trunks to get treats from.

 And then you and Daddy caught the last hayride of the day.

 For October, it was a little on the hot side, but we had lots of fun.

Oh, Nathan, I don't know why sometimes you get super hyper and crazy. This happened this weekend at our Chinese class. You got super active, played rough and cranky all at the same time. Poor daddy had to try to keep you from hurting the other kids and hold Hannah at the same time. I hope it was just a phase, but you need to start playing gently with other kids. There are times for rough play and times for gentle.

But most of the time you are pretty calm. You still love playing with your train set.

 And we still play games with our food.

 And this week you helped me make popcorn. You've asked for it 2 days in a row since then and I love how you imitate cookie monster when you eat it. I'm glad Teddy likes popcorn, otherwise we'd have a huge mess.

 Have I mentioned what a great helper you still are? When you want to help, you say "Help me." You really should be saying "Can I help you?"

Look at those strong muscles! 

Mommy went a bit overboard with the TP. 

 Well, that' about it for you this week. Oh yeah, I think your 2 year molars are coming in. A few days ago you were rubbing your gums with your fingers and you are drooling a lot more than usual. Let's see when they will officially pop through your gums.
****
Dear Hannah,
I can't believe how fast you continue to grow.

September 2014

October 2014

Your eyes are starting to turn more brown. They are still this gorgeous grayish brown color, but I'm sure in a few more weeks, they will look more like my dark brown eyes. 

 As far as sleep goes, you are going to bed for the night earlier each week. This week you have drifted off around 8-8:30. You wake for a dream feed around 11 and sleep till 2:30am; then you nurse, and sleep until around 5:30; nurse some more, and wake up for the day around 8 - 8:30. Morning naps are still sporadic, and then you take a 3 hour afternoon nap starting at around 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Afterwards, you are pretty much awake until 8, but you are pretty fussy and are nursing for about half of that time.

I'm still glad that most of the time I can put you down drowsy and you will fall asleep on your own.

So cute!

I know I'm breaking so many rules as far as sleep set-up goes...no pillows or blankets are supposed to be in with the baby, but while she is wearing a harness, I can't swaddle her, so to keep her warm we put blankets on her, which she can't kick off anyways because of the harness. And the sleep positioner is actually a bath mat that I used to keep Nathan's head slightly elevated to keep him from getting too congested when he was sick. I find that Hannah sleeps better with it, so I'm keeping it. When she starts to become more mobile, I will take it out, but until then, it makes her feel cozy and secure.

We are getting more smiles out of you, especially when we make funny faces. You are liking tummy time a bit more than Nathan did when he was your age and you handle car rides like a pro. Thank you for being such a chill baby.

I'm getting through the day without having to take a nap, but I am pretty exhausted by the end of the day. I've also started to go to the gym. On Monday I went to a weight lifting class and am still sore from it. Today I went to a Zumba class. I have forgotten how much I enjoyed dancing.  I felt parts of me jiggle that I have never felt before, but I'm ok with that because that just comes with being a mom of 2 and I'm sure that in time those jiggles will become less noticeable.

Ok, this post has become quite long, but I'm happy that Grandparents come this weekend and I'm sure we will have lots of fun.

Until next week,
Mommy

Nathanisms and Hannah Smiles

Dear Nathan, 

You are starting to use your words pretty well. For the most part, you say things correctly, but here are a few word pronunciations that we want to document for you right now. Most words with the "ck" sound is replaced with "t." You can say the "ck" sound, but you just can't blend it with the rest of the word. We are not worried, you'll fix it in time. 

This is also for the family and friends who will be seeing you soon. I want them to know that when you ask for a beer, you're really not. 

“A Beer” = Gummy Bear 

“A Yute” = Yogurt

“A-B” = HEB (local supermarket)

“Andea” = Andrea (Neighbor)

“Appa” = Grandpa

“Ch-Ch” [claps hands with serious, but eager face] = Kai Lan

“Daddy or Mommy Lie” = Come, Mommy, Daddy.

“Dart” = Dark

“Doo Dee” = Dorothy (Elmo's fish) or Birthday (when accompanied with finger dance)
"Doe" = Go

“E – G” = airplain

“Eddy” = Teddy

“Eight Piece” = Yes, Please, Percy, or this piece. (We're not sure)

“Fuffy” = Fluffy

“Gay” = Gray

“Geeng” = Green

“Mart” = Mark

“Nye” = Milk

“Nit” = Nick (Neighbor)

“Oatmeal” = Naomi (Teacher)

“Pa Pa” = I'm Scared

“Peas” = Please

“Poy” = Pour

“Pway” = Pray, Play and Spray

“Sashi” = Sorry

“Shoot” = Shirt

“Tot” = Hot

“Uddie” = Undies

“Wee Wee” = Woody

We've had a busy week with school and birthday parties. Next week will be even busier and then Halloween followed by a visit from your grandparents. 

I really think you are ready for potty training. One of these days we will go out and you will pick out your own undies. I think if we can encourage you to go to the bathroom, with some external reward like a chocolate chip, or a stamp on the hand, you will be able  to stop playing with whatever fun thing you are doing and go to the potty. Life is too much fun to stop to sit on the potty.

 Right now, you are able to go pee pee on command and poop when we set you down at the right time. It's been over 2 weeks since you've pooped in a diaper. You've done a good job. 

Before I leave, I need to let you know that we are working on being gentle this week. Your hugs have turned into tackles and your pats and rubs have been closer to smacks. I also discovered that you tend to hit people when they are crying. I realized that you didn't know what to do so you hit them. All it took was a quick talk about how if we see someone crying, we rub their backs and ask them if they are OK. Gentleness. 

*** 
Dear Hannah, 
You continue to grow so fast. It's actually so much less stressful to have a child who is falling in the average / above average percentile as far as baby stats go. You had your 2 month appointment and you were 10 pounds 10 ounces and 22.5 inches long. It's pretty exciting to see you develop and change. You are now able to hold your head up, smile, and hold onto something when I hand it to you. 

I am trying to document your growth through monthly pictures at the same location. Sometimes it is not so easy especially when you are not very stable. 

So we try different positions. Some turn out well, 

 Some just turn out awkward. 

 And finally, you get one that will work. 

 I am loving your smiles and all the cute girly outfits that I can dress you up in. 

As your sleep schedule evolves even more I find that we've gotten into a pretty good routine. This week I tried dream feeding and I've been able to sneak in an extra hour of sleep each night. Here's the breakdown of a day. 

AM

8:00 Daddy wakes up first and takes care of Nathan's breakfast. 

8:30 Mommy wakes up with Hannah and nurses. 

8:50 On Tuesday/Thursday Daddy takes Nathan to School

9:00 Playtime with Nathan or walking outside without Nathan. 

10:30 - noonish Hannah takes a nap. 

PM

12:00 Lunch and nurse Hannah 

1:00 Pick Nathan up from school or play for a bit at home.

1:30 Nathan goes down for his nap and Hannah nurses. 

2:00 Hannah goes down for a nap. 

***mommy free time (prep dinner, chores, rest, fun stuff)

3:30 Nathan wakes up from nap and we play. 

4:30ish Hannah wakes up from nap and nurses while Nathan watches a 30 minute TV show. 

5:00ish we go out on a walk to get the mail and play. 

5:45 Daddy gets home and mommy cooks dinner. 

6:00 Quick nursing session with Hannah

6:30 Family dinner time while Hannah takes a 30 minute catnap. 

7:15 Mommy goes on walk with Hannah while Nathan gets ready to take bath with Daddy. 

8:00 Nathan bedtime and Hannah bathtime. 

8:15 Hannah Nurses and is in bed by 9:00. 

11:00 Dreamfeed

AM

2:00 Hannah wakes for a feeding. Usually about 40-50 minutes. 

5:50 Hannah wakes up again for a feeding. Usually about 20-30 minutes. 

7:30 Hannah wakes up again for a feeding. Mommy usually takes Hannah into bed with her to nurse and cuddle. 

You are still wearing your brace for about 12 hours at night. You usually will protest a bit when I put it on after your bath at night. I'm curious to see if you will sleep better with it off. Two more weeks and we'll find out for sure. 

Yesterday, you received your first round of shots. I wish I could say that you handled it like a champ, but you didn't . After enduring 3 shots, you cried and cried and cried. I was able to eventually calm you down with a bit of nursing, but it was tough to get you settled. One of your legs was super sore that afternoon: you would cry when I touched it.  But it seemed to not bother you anymore after I took off the band aid at bath time and now you are back to your normal happy self. 

Nathan was pretty colicky at 2-4 months and I'm pretty happy that you are not a colicky baby. I think you are what the books call an "angel" baby. I've been blessed to have 2 kids with such amazing temperaments. 

I feel pretty well rested and can manage to get through a day without caffeine or a nap. I am starting to lose my hair and I'm constantly craving sweets. I think I am addicted.

Well, that's all for now.  

Love, 

Mommy

Pumpkin Patch Pictures

Hannah's First Smiles and Whacks of Week 8

Dear Hannah, 

You have suddenly gotten so much more alert recently. You are able to hold your head up pretty well for awhile and when you are awake, you stay awake and alert for about 30 mins to 1 hour before you start to get cranky or fall asleep. 

You seem to love bath time. You like to splash your feet around in the water. In the picture below, you don't look very happy, but trust me, you love bath time. When you are fussy, you immediately calm down as soon as you are placed in the warm bath water. 

 This week I've been placing you on the activity mat while we watch Nathan play. You started batting at one of the toys! We all cheered for you and we are very proud of this milestone.

 Sometimes if you are awake when Nathan is getting ready to go down for a nap, he will read to you.

 Sometimes out of the blue, Nathan will hit you. I can assure you that he loves you so much, but he just can't control his impulses. Mommy always sends him into a time out and we talk about how it hurts you when he hits.

Here's that social smile that I was talking about. You smile when I sing to you.

 This is your gassy smile.

You actually like being on the swing. You love to look at the mobile that hangs above your head. You sometimes can sit quietly and entertain yourself for up to 30 minutes.

Your sleep schedule is falling into a more predictable pattern:
Wake up at 9 am
Down for a nap from 10:00 - 12:00, waking once for a quick feed.
Down for a nap from 2:00 - 5:00
1 to 2, 30 minute quick cat naps from 6 to about 8:30.
Bath time at 8:30.
Fall asleep from 9:30 to 10:00 for 3-4 hours. (One night, you almost slept 5 hours)
From then you wake up after 2 hours to nurse, but go back to sleep quickly.

For now, it's predictable, so it's nice to help me plan and schedule things to do.

Tomorrow, we go to the doctor to get your hips checked. You have 2 more weeks in the harness. In 2 weeks, you will get an x-ray taken of your hips to make sure that things are ok. I'm curious to see how that is going to go. Well, that's it for now. Stay sweet.

Now I'm going to write to your brother...

Dear Nathan,
You are starting to become quite the talker, and a demanding one at that too. You've also become quite the backseat driver. When I'm driving, you are constantly telling me to drive faster, slower, go, or stop. You have also started to request song tracks from our chinese songs CD.

At home, you are still obsessed with your trains. You want me to play with you. If I ever leave for a bit to get something, you will yell "Mommy, Lai (Come)" repeatedly until I am right in front of you once again. But you don't want me to play with your trains. I'm only allowed to build the track and watch you play. Lucky for me, I feel like building the track is the fun part.

Sometimes you randomly will hit Hannah and they say "Waah." You know that hitting Hannah hurts her and that it makes her cry, so why do you continue to do it? I wish you could use your words to tell me about how you are frustrated or sad about something. Here's a picture of  you hitting Hannah that I just happened to get while I was taking a picture of you spinning the butterflies for Hannah to look at.

 In the afternoons we are still doing some cooking. One day this week, we made cookies and on another, we made granola bars. I thought it would be fun for us to try to eat like Teddy, so I had you try to eat the granola bar crumbs without your hands. You thought it was pretty fun, but you prefer to use your fingers.

You continue to still drool a lot, especially when you are concentrating on something. I'm thinking about having you go back to using your electric toothbrush. It seemed like it helped when I had you use it about a year ago. But then again, I think your 2 year molars are coming in as well, causing you to be extra drooley.

On the potty training front, you still continue to use the potty for number 2. You are actually able to recognize that you need to go and run to the bathroom. (But you call it "pee pee") Lately, you have been trying to keep your diaper dry and will tell me that your undies or diaper is still dry. However, when you realize that you've gone number 1, it's often too late. I have a feeling that we are just going to have to do the no diaper boot camp over one of these weekends.

That's it for this week.

Love,
Mommy

Life with a 7 Week and 2 Year Old

Dear Children,
I feel like this past week we have finally settled into a pretty good routine. Life with 2 children is starting to work itself out and become less unpredictable. One thing for sure is that second time around, I am definitely able to really enjoy the blessings of a newborn without being stressed out about whether or not what I'm doing will pave the way for the next serial killer.

When Hannah wakes up in the middle of the night, instead of grumbling and desperately wondering when she will sleep through the night, I actually find joy in providing her with nourishment that only I can provide.

During the infamous (misnamed) "witching hour" I don't mind spoiling her with cuddles while being completely unproductive.

And while I stressed out about sleep schedules and feedings with Nathan, I find it surprising that I don't even think about those things anymore. She sleeps when she's tired and eats when she's hungry.

While I find many joys with being blessed with two children, there are also some challenges that come up occasionally as well. I think the toughest moments for me are when Hannah is crying and Nathan desperately needs my undivided attention for some reason. I'm still trying to find a balance between rushing to pick up Hannah while having Nathan wait and just letting Hannah cry while I work things out with Nathan.

Hannah's sleep schedule has started to become a bit more predictable. At night she will start sleeping around 8:30 for about 3 hours. Then from that point, she will sleep for 2 - 3 hour stretches until about 8:30 in the morning. In the afternoon, she will take a nap from about 2 to 4. The rest of the day is random. She takes about a 2 hour nap before lunch and then in the afternoon, she just takes short cat naps. She is just a little over 10 pounds at this point.

As Hannah becomes more alert during the day, I'm going to have to find some activities that we can do to entertain both Nathan and Hannah. If there are any moms reading this, please feel free to comment below.

It seems like Nathan talks non-stop recently. I just realized how vocal he was today while we were at the play ground. We were on the swings and he was the only one talking and screaming joyfully as he swung back and forth. He's also mastered the phrase, "Mommy, Lai! (Come)" and will repeat it constantly when he wants my attention (even if I am right in front of him). He also called me "Mom" for the first time this week. I'm not sure where he got it, but I prefer Mommy for now.

Nathan finds so much pride and joy with helping me out. He can now get water by himself from the fridge, turn on light/fan switches (which are all super helpful for a nursing mom) and pull out laundry completely by himself and pull it to a specified location.

He is also more adventurous in trying out new phrases and words. Things like "poo poo boo boo"
(pain from being constipated) only have to be said once before Nathan picks it up and knows what it means. Nathan is starting to develop a sense of humor. He knows when things are socially funny and sometimes he will join in the laughter during an adult conversation.

Nathan doing the "Wei Baby" (Feed Baby) 

Two weekends ago, we went to the museum at Camp Mabry. Nathan was pretty intrigued by the different military vehicles. While we were at goodwill, I found this plane and showed it to Nathan. He immediately took it and handed me me the other toys that were in his cart quickly and said, "all done." He played with his new $.59 plane the rest of the day. 

 Nathan still really likes to play with his train set. Today he overcame his fear of the battery powered Percy and actually included it during his play time.

So, ever since Nathan was born, I secretly wished that I could put these huge flowery headbands on him. Luckily, Hannah came around and  now I can publicly parade her around in cute headbands and bows. I saw a few tutorials on Pinterest and decided to try it out during my rare free moments. I was able to use the fabric from clothes that I was going to throw out to make all of these bows (except for the top left one). They are surprisingly easy and don't take much time to make at all. Plus they are super cute.

Can you believe that these were all made from old shirts? (except for top left corner)

Well, that's all I can remember to write about for now. Oh, we are getting ready for Halloween and I'm getting the family costumes together. I already have Nathan's completed and will work on Hannah's next. Daddy and my costume will come later. I can't wait.

Until next week,
Mommy