Matt and I decided that we'd have a lobster dinner tonight. Being New Year's and all. We head over to the Marina Market (if you haven't been there, it's an experience) to pick out our dinner. Owen loves all the fish tanks and could spend hours there.
We put the lobster in the sink and instantly Owen is obsessed with it. All night he wants to go back and see it. He talks about it being "so cute" and tells daddy to "be careful" so that it doesn't bite him. This goes on for hours.
Then suddenly Owen excitedly says, "Let's cook him and eat him!"
::insert stunned faces here::
Thursday, December 31, 2009
I hate sleep/schedule parenting books!
So I stumble across my copy of the Baby Whisperer this morning and I stupidly I open and read it. I hate it. I hate that it makes me feel like I'm doing everything wrong. I hate that it makes me second guess my instincts. I hate that I try anything this crazy woman suggests.
Thus far, Nate has been an outstanding sleeper. A superior napper. And clearly a phenomenal eater (weighing in at 13lbs 14oz at his 2 month appointment). Why didn't I live by "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!?!?! Why? Why? Why, do I do this to myself?
So I read the book and think that I should try some of her techniques. First, I try to swaddle. The Whisperer insists that swaddling is vital to a happy, well rested baby. We haven't swaddled Nate a day in his life. I actually consciencely unswaddled him in the hospital because I remember regretting that Owen spent his first 6 months as a blanket burrito. So does Nathan appreciate being wrapped in a straight jacket and decide to sleep soundly for hours on end? Not. For. A. Single. Second.
I also try to stick to the Whisperer's suggested "EASY" routine/schedule. E= eat, A=activity, S=sleep, and the Y-you! You, as in me. As in "me time"! Hold on as I wipe away my tears from laughing so hard. Anyway, Nate scoffs at this whole idea. I should have known the kid was not going conform to anyone else's schedule but his own (being a Scorpio myself).
Anyway, the result of finding the Baby Whisperer in the closet today? Misery. Utter and complete misery. Nate didn't sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. Cried more than he ever has and will probably be up all night!
I threw the book away.
Thus far, Nate has been an outstanding sleeper. A superior napper. And clearly a phenomenal eater (weighing in at 13lbs 14oz at his 2 month appointment). Why didn't I live by "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!?!?! Why? Why? Why, do I do this to myself?
So I read the book and think that I should try some of her techniques. First, I try to swaddle. The Whisperer insists that swaddling is vital to a happy, well rested baby. We haven't swaddled Nate a day in his life. I actually consciencely unswaddled him in the hospital because I remember regretting that Owen spent his first 6 months as a blanket burrito. So does Nathan appreciate being wrapped in a straight jacket and decide to sleep soundly for hours on end? Not. For. A. Single. Second.
I also try to stick to the Whisperer's suggested "EASY" routine/schedule. E= eat, A=activity, S=sleep, and the Y-you! You, as in me. As in "me time"! Hold on as I wipe away my tears from laughing so hard. Anyway, Nate scoffs at this whole idea. I should have known the kid was not going conform to anyone else's schedule but his own (being a Scorpio myself).
Anyway, the result of finding the Baby Whisperer in the closet today? Misery. Utter and complete misery. Nate didn't sleep for more than 20 minutes at a time. Cried more than he ever has and will probably be up all night!
I threw the book away.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Dinner
We had Christmas dinner at our place. The kids ran around crazy and we all had a great time.
Nana and Poppy clearly having the time of their lives!
The handsome Robins men!
Mackenzie & Owen, two little monkeys jumping on the bed.
Everyone's kickin' it on the couch! I really like this picture!
Cutie Coco!
Owen & Coco needed to relax and watch some TV.
How cute are these two??
Bryan and Elisabeth.
The whole fam!
Nana and Poppy clearly having the time of their lives!
The handsome Robins men!
Mackenzie & Owen, two little monkeys jumping on the bed.
Everyone's kickin' it on the couch! I really like this picture!
Cutie Coco!
Owen & Coco needed to relax and watch some TV.
How cute are these two??
Bryan and Elisabeth.
The whole fam!Merry Christmas!!
Christmas Morning at Nana & Poppy's!
After our family Christmas, we headed over to Nana & Poppy's for more!
Rob, Mindy and the girls were all there, along with Bryan and his family and they were all ready to rip through the gifts. The tradition there is that you open youngest to oldest.
Nate was fast asleep:
and Owen wanted to play, so really we just watched the others and Owen opened his gifts later that morning with the help of Mackenzie (see the empty chairs all around them).
Owen opens one gift with the family!
Coco's turn and everyone watches.
The girls:
Poppy's turn:
Mackenzie and a cranky Nate:
Katie with Nate (still cranky):
Rob & Mindy 
Rob, Mindy and the girls were all there, along with Bryan and his family and they were all ready to rip through the gifts. The tradition there is that you open youngest to oldest.
Nate was fast asleep:
and Owen wanted to play, so really we just watched the others and Owen opened his gifts later that morning with the help of Mackenzie (see the empty chairs all around them).
It was a wonderful morning.
Bryan & Coco watch and wait!
Owen opens one gift with the family!Coco's turn and everyone watches.The girls:Poppy's turn:
Mackenzie and a cranky Nate:Katie with Nate (still cranky):
Rob & Mindy The meaning of Christmas!
Christmas is an interesting time of year for me.
I remember feeling the excitement of Christmas as a kid. Going to Grandma Hathaway's house where there were MOUNTAINS of presents. I mean wall to wall gifts. There are a couple of presents that really stand out in my memory. I have no idea idea how old I was but I remember getting a homemade "doctor's kit" from Grandma Hathaway. It was a white box filled with candy for medicine. I loved that thing. I also remember the pure joy of seeing that Barbie RV from the top of the stairs.
But aside from presents what I really remember is the feeling of Christmas, the anticipation, the build up and I fear that I'm not providing that for my kids. I'm not a big decorator (mainly because I'm not good at it) and I hate shopping (a vital component to the season). Owen won't even go near Santa. I see my friends' Christmas display and realize that we certainly don't go overboard, in fact, we hardly even get near the board. Everything we got for boys fit nicely in their cute little Santa bags.
And while I feel a little bit guilty about this, there are lots of positives too:
Here are some pictures of our Christmas morning.
Checking out the stocking goods:
Nate soaking it all in:
Nate helping mom open presents:
I remember feeling the excitement of Christmas as a kid. Going to Grandma Hathaway's house where there were MOUNTAINS of presents. I mean wall to wall gifts. There are a couple of presents that really stand out in my memory. I have no idea idea how old I was but I remember getting a homemade "doctor's kit" from Grandma Hathaway. It was a white box filled with candy for medicine. I loved that thing. I also remember the pure joy of seeing that Barbie RV from the top of the stairs.
But aside from presents what I really remember is the feeling of Christmas, the anticipation, the build up and I fear that I'm not providing that for my kids. I'm not a big decorator (mainly because I'm not good at it) and I hate shopping (a vital component to the season). Owen won't even go near Santa. I see my friends' Christmas display and realize that we certainly don't go overboard, in fact, we hardly even get near the board. Everything we got for boys fit nicely in their cute little Santa bags.
And while I feel a little bit guilty about this, there are lots of positives too:
- Owen wants to play with his toys.
- He's not just sitting there screaming "what's next".
- He doesn't care if he has one present to open or 100.
- We actually opened presents for days, because he'd open one and want to play with it and forget there were more.
- He LOVES to wrap and give presents and was getting things out of his room to wrap for his friends.
- He doesn't ask/beg/cry for toys. If he does ask for something, he will take no for an answer.
- Owen really only wanted to see and play with his cousins. They were present enough!
Here are some pictures of our Christmas morning.
Checking out the stocking goods:
Nate soaking it all in:
Nate helping mom open presents:
Owen opening presents:
This was one of Owen's favorite gifts, Max.
This was one of Owen's favorite gifts, Max.
PS It breaks my heart that I can't figure out how to get the videos off this new camera! We have so many and it kills me that I can't share them!!!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Christmas! Bryan's Fam is in town!
There are so many Christmas pictures that it's taking me awhile to go through and edit them. But I'm doing it. Slowly but surely.
It was fun to have all of Matt's family in town! We don't get together often, so it's nice for the kids to be able to reconnect and play. Per usual, Owen is by far the most active kid and was leading the pack in laps around Nana & Poppy's house. This quickly made us realize that maybe our house with all the toys might be a better location for future get togethers! At least when Owen breaks something, it's ours!
Playing with Poppy:
Pretty Coco:
On Christmas Eve Matt and I hosted a Mexican buffet. Despite having dropped the entire pan of enchiladas on the floor, the rest of the evening was a blast!
It was fun to have all of Matt's family in town! We don't get together often, so it's nice for the kids to be able to reconnect and play. Per usual, Owen is by far the most active kid and was leading the pack in laps around Nana & Poppy's house. This quickly made us realize that maybe our house with all the toys might be a better location for future get togethers! At least when Owen breaks something, it's ours!
Playing with Poppy:
Pretty Coco:On Christmas Eve Matt and I hosted a Mexican buffet. Despite having dropped the entire pan of enchiladas on the floor, the rest of the evening was a blast! Poppy & Bryan enjoying some chips and vodka!
Nathan & Coco play:
Nathan & Coco play:
Monday, December 14, 2009
My newest time saver!
My problem:
Nate needs to get a bath, be fed and put to bed by 7pm (sometimes 6pm). Owen needs to be watched at all times since his newest tricks include, opening and exiting out the front door (deadbolt included) and/or forcing and locking Jack into his room, tent or closet.
My solution:
They both love it. Owen especially loves when I take Nate out and he gets a turn in the "boat"!
Nate needs to get a bath, be fed and put to bed by 7pm (sometimes 6pm). Owen needs to be watched at all times since his newest tricks include, opening and exiting out the front door (deadbolt included) and/or forcing and locking Jack into his room, tent or closet.
My solution:
They both love it. Owen especially loves when I take Nate out and he gets a turn in the "boat"!
A Holiday Craft
Owen and I decided to make a gingerbread house this year! It was a great, easy holiday craft. We bought the kit for $8 at Target and got right to work! Eating the candy is just as much fun as making the house. Maybe even more so! You can tell by the wardrobe change, it took more than one day to create our masterpiece. As all great art should!!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
The Close-up Comparison
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Every Freakin' Time!
Every time we put Nathan in the car he screams. From beginning to end! Today we were in the car for a total of five trips. Nathan screamed for four of them. And the one time he didn't scream, Owen did (side bar: a tantrum over not getting a candy cane from Santa. Santa was giving out books, not candy canes plus Owen wouldn't even go near the man.), so we didn't even get a break!
I am thankful that he did well on our drive to Southern California, but I think I'd prefer one bad long trip to another year of daily screaming in the car!
I will try to film it for you non-believers out there!
I am thankful that he did well on our drive to Southern California, but I think I'd prefer one bad long trip to another year of daily screaming in the car!
I will try to film it for you non-believers out there!
Visit with Santa
As previously mentioned we went to see Santa Claus this weekend. Owen really wants nothing to do with him. Nothing. We tried to explain that you tell Santa what you want for Christmas and Owen answers with "I already have lots of toys at my house".
We finally decided that we'd at least take Nate, who can't yet protest and maybe Owen would follow suit. We should have known better.
The pictures below shows how close Owen would get. He got the book from the nice helper lady and was on his way. This said book was the cause of one mighty large tantrum. Owen wanted a candy cane (which wasn't an option) and threw himself on the floor as soon we were off that red carpet. We had to carry him, screaming, to the car, force his arching back into the car seat and listen to him scream all the way home. Scream. Not cry. Scream. It was not fun. Not one little bit. At home, still screaming, he was put on his chair and told to come out when he was done. He came out about 20 minutes later, perfectly calm, got Matt and said "let's paint". Tantrum over. But we were all exhausted.
Here's Nate's first Santa picture:
We finally decided that we'd at least take Nate, who can't yet protest and maybe Owen would follow suit. We should have known better.
The pictures below shows how close Owen would get. He got the book from the nice helper lady and was on his way. This said book was the cause of one mighty large tantrum. Owen wanted a candy cane (which wasn't an option) and threw himself on the floor as soon we were off that red carpet. We had to carry him, screaming, to the car, force his arching back into the car seat and listen to him scream all the way home. Scream. Not cry. Scream. It was not fun. Not one little bit. At home, still screaming, he was put on his chair and told to come out when he was done. He came out about 20 minutes later, perfectly calm, got Matt and said "let's paint". Tantrum over. But we were all exhausted.
Here's Nate's first Santa picture:
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
So far, so good!
I love being a mother of two. Believe me, I had my doubts! I didn't know what to expect and I've heard horror stories, but the first five weeks have been delightful.
I think the key to my success is not to stress. I don't worry about what I don't get done and feel accomplished with what I do check off my list. Nate slept from 10:30am-2:30pm the other day, on his own and I got a ton done. Today, he hasn't slept more than 20 minutes unless I'm holding him or wearing him and that's fine! I do what I can do. Is my house spotless, nope. Yesterday I even hosted playgroup with dirty dishes in my sink (OH THE HORROR) and nobody cared. We played, we chatted and the dishes just sat there. I took the two boys out Christmas shopping and we all had a fabulous time. I put Nate in the bjorn, Owen in the cart with a lollipop and we strolled the aisles for almost 2 hours, completely tear/stress free! And bought lots of great gifts!
Considering the nutcase I was right before Nate was born, I'm pretty proud of myself.
Here some pix of the goings on around here. Nothing but cuteness:
This is why they make these things with safety straps!
The boys on the couch, our favorite place to be.
A nice weekend nap.
Cheese.
Just because it's the cutest picture ever. He was so happy, sitting the shower, in the lego bucket. Really, who wouldn't be?
I think the key to my success is not to stress. I don't worry about what I don't get done and feel accomplished with what I do check off my list. Nate slept from 10:30am-2:30pm the other day, on his own and I got a ton done. Today, he hasn't slept more than 20 minutes unless I'm holding him or wearing him and that's fine! I do what I can do. Is my house spotless, nope. Yesterday I even hosted playgroup with dirty dishes in my sink (OH THE HORROR) and nobody cared. We played, we chatted and the dishes just sat there. I took the two boys out Christmas shopping and we all had a fabulous time. I put Nate in the bjorn, Owen in the cart with a lollipop and we strolled the aisles for almost 2 hours, completely tear/stress free! And bought lots of great gifts!
Considering the nutcase I was right before Nate was born, I'm pretty proud of myself.
Here some pix of the goings on around here. Nothing but cuteness:
This is why they make these things with safety straps!
The boys on the couch, our favorite place to be.
A nice weekend nap.
Cheese.
Just because it's the cutest picture ever. He was so happy, sitting the shower, in the lego bucket. Really, who wouldn't be?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Nathan Smiles!
Nathan was all smiles today! We never reached for the camera because once again thought it was a fluke and were completely unprepared, but the kid smiled all day long! Ten bucks he doesn't even have a gas grin tomorrow while I stalk him all day with the camera!!
Thanksgiving
We survived 16 hours in the car with a 5 week old and 2.5 year old! Yep, it took eight hours each way.
We stopped three times each way. Although long and exhausting, we were pleased with our plan of action. We had decided ahead of time to stop before either of the kids were in complete hysterics. And you know what? It worked! We didn't have a single in-car freak out. It took over two hours longer than it should have, but at least it was relatively pleasant.
Once we got there, you would have thought we were at Disneyland! Owen could not have had more fun! It's rare you go somewhere where it's all completely kid-proofed! At Robin's, Ross's, and Grandma's house it is absolutely kid heaven. Toys are everywhere, you can play inside, you can outside and the best part....cousins are EVERYWHERE. And Owen is a big fan of the cousins!! I could actually sit down and eat and not worry about what Owen was getting into, a full meal, that lasted more than five minutes. If I heard a scream come from the other room, I wouldn't even have my beer down before some OTHER adult would say "I'll go check" and then come back and wave me off with a "they're fine"! It was oddly relaxing while in complete chaos.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were very thankful for all the love and family we experienced in such a short visit.
Here are lots of pictures to share our fun!
This big smiley face on Owen describes his entire weekend. Happy, Happy, Happy!
Owen hugging my mom's HUGE dog, Yabo, who for whatever reason, Owen called "Sharky"!
Nate doing what Nate does best!
Joe and Owen playing!
We stopped three times each way. Although long and exhausting, we were pleased with our plan of action. We had decided ahead of time to stop before either of the kids were in complete hysterics. And you know what? It worked! We didn't have a single in-car freak out. It took over two hours longer than it should have, but at least it was relatively pleasant.
Once we got there, you would have thought we were at Disneyland! Owen could not have had more fun! It's rare you go somewhere where it's all completely kid-proofed! At Robin's, Ross's, and Grandma's house it is absolutely kid heaven. Toys are everywhere, you can play inside, you can outside and the best part....cousins are EVERYWHERE. And Owen is a big fan of the cousins!! I could actually sit down and eat and not worry about what Owen was getting into, a full meal, that lasted more than five minutes. If I heard a scream come from the other room, I wouldn't even have my beer down before some OTHER adult would say "I'll go check" and then come back and wave me off with a "they're fine"! It was oddly relaxing while in complete chaos.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were very thankful for all the love and family we experienced in such a short visit.
Here are lots of pictures to share our fun!
This big smiley face on Owen describes his entire weekend. Happy, Happy, Happy!
Matt playing with the kids in the pool!
Owen hugging my mom's HUGE dog, Yabo, who for whatever reason, Owen called "Sharky"!
Nate doing what Nate does best!
Joe and Owen playing!
A family photo.
Robin & Nate.
All the grand kids, back row from left to right: Nate w/Abbi, Tiffany, Hollis, Trent (front row) Owen, Cash, Avry
Hollis, Owen & Avry playing.
Owen and Avry were besties all weekend!
Robin & Nate.
All the grand kids, back row from left to right: Nate w/Abbi, Tiffany, Hollis, Trent (front row) Owen, Cash, Avry
Hollis, Owen & Avry playing.
Owen and Avry were besties all weekend!
How freakin' cute are they?!
Mema soothing a cranky Nate.
Hollis could not leave Nate alone. Hollis has the cutest smile I've ever seen!
The girly, girls, Tiffany, me, Robin & Abbi.
Joe & Nate
Trent & Tiff w/Nate.
As you can see, we had a blast!
Mema soothing a cranky Nate.
Hollis could not leave Nate alone. Hollis has the cutest smile I've ever seen!
The girly, girls, Tiffany, me, Robin & Abbi.
Joe & Nate
Trent & Tiff w/Nate.
As you can see, we had a blast!
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