5 days went by and there were so many things that I said "Oh, I have to write that on your blog." But, since I didn't do it IMMEDIATELY, the thought is gone. That is what comes with old age boys - senility.
Saturday was super exciting. We had swim lessons. I had to go figure out what your next levels will be. I talked to Joey's teacher and I said "He will be level 1 again, right?" The teacher said "He is super close but he needs probably one more session of level 1." I told her "you know he isn't ever leaving level 1 because he likes putting his head on your chests." She said "I know." Yes, Joey, you are a ladies man. I just shake my head watching you floating on all those bosoms.
Elijah moved from level 1 to level 2 this session. In the middle of the session, you we.re moved to level 3. I asked your teacher and he was on the fence between level 3 and level 4. You jumped in and we had you freestyle down the pool. I was so proud watching you. It was amazing! You are moving into level 4 next session - breast stroke and butterfly.
We went bowling last night and had a great time. I think Joey bounced for 2 hours in excitement. What started out as a cheap night - $2 bowling, $2 shoes, $2 tacos ended up being super expensive. WOW! I don't know how people go out all of the time.
Tonight was parent teacher conferences and Elijah got good marks. You are right where you should be and progressing like you should. So proud of you buddy! Afterwards, you got to choose Dairy Queen or TCBY for a treat. You chose TCBY. We loaded up our cups up with yogurt and dug in. While we were talking, you said "I sure do wish I had a machine to go back in time." I was surprised by that and said "Why? What would you do?" I was waiting for something profound and really excited to hear the answer. It was "I would go to Dairy queen instead." Cracked me up.
I had a really, really rough day today. I am not ready to talk to you guys about it but my emotions and brain are just not firing right today. I can't remember a time where I would cry every 5 minutes - even after Grampa Larry died it wasn't this bad. But, one tiny silver lining in the whole day was that I was crying when Joey got home. I asked for a big Joey hug and you gave me one. You said "It will be alright, mom." I kept crying - probably harder at that point. You said "It will all be ok, mom." It made me feel a tiny bit better. Someday, we will talk about it but it is too raw for me now.
You guys are off school tomorrow and Friday so we have 4 days together. I am sure that once I am sobered up from the stress of it, I will have lots of gems to tell you.
Friday, February 19, 2016
I'm back boys!
Hi babies!
2.5 years later and I am back. I realized that I don't have a place to talk to you like I used to. I post a few things on Facebook that get printed in a book. I do scrapbook pages but those are usually a couple of months after the fact and I forget the details. I miss talking to you to tell you little things. And, let's face it - your mom isn't getting any younger so the little details slip my mind frequently. I had a revelation last night that i could put those snippets here for you.
I can't go back and catch up 2.5 years but let me tell you where you are now. Elijah - you are 6. Some days, I think you are 35. I just put you to bed and we spent 30 minutes talking about the presidential election and how you hope only someone nice is president. What 6 year old talks about the presidential election? I realized that I need to continue to talk to you because I have to deprogram you from your dad's views so you have some balance! haha.
You don't love school. Most days, you try to get out of it for any reason possible. I am not sure if you don't like it because it isn't as fun as daycare, if you haven't made friends yet or if you are bored. We are leaning towards you being bored but we will find out more during conferences next week. From all appearances, you have made a few friends and one even called the house.
You love your brother - most of the time. Last night, Joey hit his head and you started crying because he was bleeding. I asked you today why you were so upset and you said "You know why." I really didn't know why you would cry as hard as Joey. You said "It is because I love Joey."
Joey - you are closing in on being 5. You talk about it DAILY - your birthday is in June and you are going to have a Tsum Tsum cake. (You are obsessed with Tsum Tsums) You LOVE school. I kept you home because you were sick and you were mad at me. I hope that passion stays with you as you transition from fun pre-k to Kindergarten. All of our concerns about you not talking are GONE! You talk up a storm. Yesterday at the park, a man walked by and you said "Hi, how are you? Have you had a good day?" You are so polite even though you are developing a bit of a temper.
I have to keep reminding myself that you aren't a baby anymore. In my eyes, you are still a NICU baby. But, if I don't snap out of it, you will grow up to be rotten. We are working on it but you are a tough egg to crack. You think a smack on the butt is funny, you like to get sent to your room, you don't care if I take your toys away. I am not sure how to get through to you! We will figure it out.
You love your brother most days but you also like to be alone. You can play with other kids or you can play alone. You are like an only child. You are also so lovey lately. I am used to Elijah being affectionate but now you will say "I want to give you a hug." We have been joking lately because you want to kiss Elijah all the time but he doesn't want to. I hold him down while he giggles and you plant a smacker on his cheek. I realized that might not be setting the best behavior of "No means No" so I am cutting back on that!!
Anyway boys - I just want a place to tell you random things every once and awhile and here it is. Tomorrow, we have a few things on our plate - we have swim lessons, we have to go shopping and a birthday party. You guys both love swim lessons. Elijah just jumped to level 3 and Joey is probably going to stay in level 1. You can't seem to float on your back Joe. But, I think you just like resting your head on all those girls' chests. haha.
Love you both!
2.5 years later and I am back. I realized that I don't have a place to talk to you like I used to. I post a few things on Facebook that get printed in a book. I do scrapbook pages but those are usually a couple of months after the fact and I forget the details. I miss talking to you to tell you little things. And, let's face it - your mom isn't getting any younger so the little details slip my mind frequently. I had a revelation last night that i could put those snippets here for you.
I can't go back and catch up 2.5 years but let me tell you where you are now. Elijah - you are 6. Some days, I think you are 35. I just put you to bed and we spent 30 minutes talking about the presidential election and how you hope only someone nice is president. What 6 year old talks about the presidential election? I realized that I need to continue to talk to you because I have to deprogram you from your dad's views so you have some balance! haha.
You don't love school. Most days, you try to get out of it for any reason possible. I am not sure if you don't like it because it isn't as fun as daycare, if you haven't made friends yet or if you are bored. We are leaning towards you being bored but we will find out more during conferences next week. From all appearances, you have made a few friends and one even called the house.
You love your brother - most of the time. Last night, Joey hit his head and you started crying because he was bleeding. I asked you today why you were so upset and you said "You know why." I really didn't know why you would cry as hard as Joey. You said "It is because I love Joey."
Joey - you are closing in on being 5. You talk about it DAILY - your birthday is in June and you are going to have a Tsum Tsum cake. (You are obsessed with Tsum Tsums) You LOVE school. I kept you home because you were sick and you were mad at me. I hope that passion stays with you as you transition from fun pre-k to Kindergarten. All of our concerns about you not talking are GONE! You talk up a storm. Yesterday at the park, a man walked by and you said "Hi, how are you? Have you had a good day?" You are so polite even though you are developing a bit of a temper.
I have to keep reminding myself that you aren't a baby anymore. In my eyes, you are still a NICU baby. But, if I don't snap out of it, you will grow up to be rotten. We are working on it but you are a tough egg to crack. You think a smack on the butt is funny, you like to get sent to your room, you don't care if I take your toys away. I am not sure how to get through to you! We will figure it out.
You love your brother most days but you also like to be alone. You can play with other kids or you can play alone. You are like an only child. You are also so lovey lately. I am used to Elijah being affectionate but now you will say "I want to give you a hug." We have been joking lately because you want to kiss Elijah all the time but he doesn't want to. I hold him down while he giggles and you plant a smacker on his cheek. I realized that might not be setting the best behavior of "No means No" so I am cutting back on that!!
Anyway boys - I just want a place to tell you random things every once and awhile and here it is. Tomorrow, we have a few things on our plate - we have swim lessons, we have to go shopping and a birthday party. You guys both love swim lessons. Elijah just jumped to level 3 and Joey is probably going to stay in level 1. You can't seem to float on your back Joe. But, I think you just like resting your head on all those girls' chests. haha.
Love you both!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Some scrapbook pages
Hey boys...
We have had a rough 2 weeks... Joey was puking one week, you both had fevers the next week and now I have the flu. Nothing better than not being able to breathe and losing my voice. Daddy is in KC today so we are on our own. You have been playing around in your room for 2 hours when you were supposed to be napping. Finally, it is quiet in there so I think now you may be sleeping. You two really are all that I thought you would be - best buddies one minute then beating each other up the next. Cracks me up to hear Joey scream "LIJAH...NO" You are sure growing up!!
We have had a rough 2 weeks... Joey was puking one week, you both had fevers the next week and now I have the flu. Nothing better than not being able to breathe and losing my voice. Daddy is in KC today so we are on our own. You have been playing around in your room for 2 hours when you were supposed to be napping. Finally, it is quiet in there so I think now you may be sleeping. You two really are all that I thought you would be - best buddies one minute then beating each other up the next. Cracks me up to hear Joey scream "LIJAH...NO" You are sure growing up!!
Finally did our 4th of July photos with Auntie Becky & Uncle Steve. I love Joey against the flag - just Americana 4th of July
Our visit to the Children's Museum
Snapped these photos on my new phone at Valas Tuesday night. Joey looks so different to me. I am not sure if it is the angle or just an eye opening smack in the face that he is growing up.
This is a little bit older photo. I love it - it is one of my all time favorites of your dad with one of you. This was in Colorado in June.
Mary posted these photos on facebook of your Mohawks. Love it!
You guys loving Jake's toys at Cracker Gramma's. We haven't been there in 3 weeks because of all of us (and now Gramma) being sick.
Uncle Zachary picked you up 2 times this week. I think you guys had fun with his toys and you were so happy someone besides me picked you up.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Random things
Hey Boys!
You know what I realized this week? You two spend more time with each other than we do with you. For the most part, you guys are together 24x7 - daycare together, home together, sleeping together. Your dad didn't see any obvious point in that revelation but I guess it was just kind of amazing to me that you are always together. While you are now starting to push, shove and slap each other, one of my biggest wishes is that you guys are close and have each other until you are old and grey!
I had a reoccurring thought this week. When we prayed for you guys, we never really got past the point of delivering you safely full term. We never really thought about you growing up. But, I am always completely amazed by how fast you are growing. I don't mean that in the sense of growing older (while that is shocking, too), I mean it how fast you are learning and changing. Because I had no frame of reference, I had no idea that a 3.5 year old would be so smart or talk so much. I think I figured you guys would be pretty clueless until you were in school but you both are so much more advanced than I thought you would be. I am so proud of you!
Joey is making potty training progress! You have been doing great at Mary's but not so great at our house. I would not be comfortable leaving the house with you in undies but we are getting closer. I joked that we need a plumber to come to the house and install a toilet next to my bed. You will only go on one certain chair and only when it is in front of the TV :)
Few scrapbook pages to share to close for today!
Our trip to Adventureland last weekend. It was a good time and, thankfully, it wasn't hot!
Mila's party - you guys had a great time playing with your cousins and having a sleepover at Aunt Sheila's.
Our annual Orchard trip. As usual, I am so over apples!!
First day of school at Mary's!
Elijah's soccer clinic. I can't decide if you love it or not. You wanted to play so bad but now, you don't want to go. 2 more weeks!
You know what I realized this week? You two spend more time with each other than we do with you. For the most part, you guys are together 24x7 - daycare together, home together, sleeping together. Your dad didn't see any obvious point in that revelation but I guess it was just kind of amazing to me that you are always together. While you are now starting to push, shove and slap each other, one of my biggest wishes is that you guys are close and have each other until you are old and grey!
I had a reoccurring thought this week. When we prayed for you guys, we never really got past the point of delivering you safely full term. We never really thought about you growing up. But, I am always completely amazed by how fast you are growing. I don't mean that in the sense of growing older (while that is shocking, too), I mean it how fast you are learning and changing. Because I had no frame of reference, I had no idea that a 3.5 year old would be so smart or talk so much. I think I figured you guys would be pretty clueless until you were in school but you both are so much more advanced than I thought you would be. I am so proud of you!
Joey is making potty training progress! You have been doing great at Mary's but not so great at our house. I would not be comfortable leaving the house with you in undies but we are getting closer. I joked that we need a plumber to come to the house and install a toilet next to my bed. You will only go on one certain chair and only when it is in front of the TV :)
Few scrapbook pages to share to close for today!
Our trip to Adventureland last weekend. It was a good time and, thankfully, it wasn't hot!
Mila's party - you guys had a great time playing with your cousins and having a sleepover at Aunt Sheila's.
Our annual Orchard trip. As usual, I am so over apples!!
First day of school at Mary's!
Elijah's soccer clinic. I can't decide if you love it or not. You wanted to play so bad but now, you don't want to go. 2 more weeks!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Happy Wednesday
Do you guys see a correlation between scrapbooking and blogging? Seems like when I have time to scrapbook, I have time to talk to you. Few random things...
Joey has gone on the potty chair 3 times the past 2 days. Maybe you are getting the hang of it? Well, you aren't getting the hang of it at our house but maybe once you master it at Mary's, you will master it at home.
Elijah has been sleeping in his bed all night pretty consistently for over a month. YAY MOM AND DAD! It has required some bribing but whatever it takes! We had a storm last night and I figured you both would end up in our room. For some reason, I ended up in yours. I don't recall why but I recall a night of being completely uncomfortable.
Joey is so darn cute when he wants something. You will grab my hand and say "Come on, Mommy." It almost sounds British. Then, if I don't go quick enough, you will say "Come on, Mommy, please." Your talking has really taken off lately. You are saying a lot more words and sentences.
We have lots of plans this weekend. We have soccer, we are going to the Orchards, we have Mila's birthday party and we have a date on Sunday while daddy is at the Chiefs game. We should all be worn out!!
I did some scrapping last night and it was the wedding in June. Slowly but surely, I am making some progress. I also did our yearly recaps. I have these is a separate book that is kind of like a quick reference for my life. I will be like "It was the year we got the new car...." and then I can go find it :)
Joey has gone on the potty chair 3 times the past 2 days. Maybe you are getting the hang of it? Well, you aren't getting the hang of it at our house but maybe once you master it at Mary's, you will master it at home.
Elijah has been sleeping in his bed all night pretty consistently for over a month. YAY MOM AND DAD! It has required some bribing but whatever it takes! We had a storm last night and I figured you both would end up in our room. For some reason, I ended up in yours. I don't recall why but I recall a night of being completely uncomfortable.
Joey is so darn cute when he wants something. You will grab my hand and say "Come on, Mommy." It almost sounds British. Then, if I don't go quick enough, you will say "Come on, Mommy, please." Your talking has really taken off lately. You are saying a lot more words and sentences.
We have lots of plans this weekend. We have soccer, we are going to the Orchards, we have Mila's birthday party and we have a date on Sunday while daddy is at the Chiefs game. We should all be worn out!!
I did some scrapping last night and it was the wedding in June. Slowly but surely, I am making some progress. I also did our yearly recaps. I have these is a separate book that is kind of like a quick reference for my life. I will be like "It was the year we got the new car...." and then I can go find it :)
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Decisions Decisions
Hi Boys!
I had some free time on this lazy Sunday - dishes are in the dishwasher, dinner is in the crockpot and I had nothing better to do than scrapbook a few pages! But, before I show you those, I have to tell you a secret.
Here goes....being a parent sucks. I don't mean that in a day-to-day fashion when you are being rotten. Those days suck but they go quick. I mean that in the sense that being a parent forces you to fundamentally shift your thinking into ways that aren't fun. See, here is the deal. Your dad and I have to make a life-changing decision. If you guys weren't here, it is a no brainer. But, because you are here, we are forced to think about your best interests. That makes this decision agonizing. We have to decide what is best for your short term interests and long term interests. We have to make sure that we aren't making a decision emotionally or rash. And, to top all that, it is the kind of decision that can permanently change your lives. That is a lot of responsibility. In the end, we are going to have to work through it, pray on it and put an extra $10 a month into your therapy account.
Back to fun stuff! Elijah started soccer clinic this weekend. You loved it. It is only 5 weeks so it will go by quickly. I caught Joey counting. 3 days of school and Joey is counting :) You made it all the way up to 8!!
While this falls into the category of too much information but it is too funny to keep inside! This morning, you guys went to the Safari. Apparently, Elijah had to use the portapotty and things got a little out of hand. Apparently, Elijah was unable to hit the target. Your daddy was telling me about it and Elijah said "Mommy, my pee pee just went CRAAZZYYY." haha.
An early 4th of July at Gramma Lang's.
Joey's roller coaster for his birthday in May. I love how you were helping to put it together.
I had some free time on this lazy Sunday - dishes are in the dishwasher, dinner is in the crockpot and I had nothing better to do than scrapbook a few pages! But, before I show you those, I have to tell you a secret.
Here goes....being a parent sucks. I don't mean that in a day-to-day fashion when you are being rotten. Those days suck but they go quick. I mean that in the sense that being a parent forces you to fundamentally shift your thinking into ways that aren't fun. See, here is the deal. Your dad and I have to make a life-changing decision. If you guys weren't here, it is a no brainer. But, because you are here, we are forced to think about your best interests. That makes this decision agonizing. We have to decide what is best for your short term interests and long term interests. We have to make sure that we aren't making a decision emotionally or rash. And, to top all that, it is the kind of decision that can permanently change your lives. That is a lot of responsibility. In the end, we are going to have to work through it, pray on it and put an extra $10 a month into your therapy account.
Back to fun stuff! Elijah started soccer clinic this weekend. You loved it. It is only 5 weeks so it will go by quickly. I caught Joey counting. 3 days of school and Joey is counting :) You made it all the way up to 8!!
While this falls into the category of too much information but it is too funny to keep inside! This morning, you guys went to the Safari. Apparently, Elijah had to use the portapotty and things got a little out of hand. Apparently, Elijah was unable to hit the target. Your daddy was telling me about it and Elijah said "Mommy, my pee pee just went CRAAZZYYY." haha.
An early 4th of July at Gramma Lang's.
Gramma's bday party at Sortinos.
Joey's roller coaster for his birthday in May. I love how you were helping to put it together.
A quick video to capture Joey's giggling this morning.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Mom is MIA
It has been 3+ months since I wrote you last. I am a slacker! I have been highly unmotivated and probably a bit down in the last few months. We only swam twice the whole summer and that is crazy!! Last year, we went almost weekly! So, what have we been up to?
June was all about our Colorado trip for Brian and Erica's wedding. We also celebrated Daddy's birthday, Joey's birthday and Gramma Lang's Birthday. We had Father's Day with daddy.
July flew by me going to Phoenix for convention and lots of locket parties! We spent 4th of July with Aunt Becky & Uncle Steve. We had our 15th wedding anniversary with little or no fanfare! You went to the Zoo with Gramma Debi D and Allen and had lots of fun. She visited with you another time and you went bowling.
August was lots of fun. You went to a family reunion/birthday party on the Lang side. I couldn't go so Aunt Val & Gramma took you. We went to St. Joe for a hotel night with a pool and KC Chiefs training camp - so much fun! My birthday came and went. Now, August is over and it is time for fall!!
I need to get on here more often so that I can make notes of little things. It was nap time on Friday and Joey was having a hard time settling down. I went in there and he laid on my tummy for a bit. Elijah asked if he could lay on his tummy. Joey laid his head down and Elijah stroked his hair and sang "Hush little baby." I just had to watch and sigh in contentment. You guys sure do kill me sometimes!!
We have some assigned chores around the house. Just today, Joey has started helping, too. You guys have 3 chores... gather your milk cups around the house so we can wash them, unload the dishwasher (handing me one item at a time) and then putting the soap in the dishwasher and starting it. Joey would just play but today, he took it all over. He unloaded about 75% of the dishwasher and was ready to put the soap in and close it before I even started loading it. He also likes to stand on his chair and rinse out dishes to hand them to me for the dishwasher!
This weekend is a holiday weekend and our intent was to stay home all weekend and boot camp potty train Joey. Well, yesterday was a fail. And, it looks like today, we gave up because you guys are at the Children's Museum with Andrew & Tyler. :)
I am way behind on my scrapbooking but I got quite a few pages done yesterday. I haven't posted in awhile and so some of these go all the way back to October!!
Christmas morning at our house. I think I am finally done with scrapping Christmas!
The Halloween party at Disney during our last trip.
Joey's 12:55 shot on his birthday! We were in Colorado.
Elijah's bounce house party. And, he is planning on having his party there again this year. (So he thinks)
Joey's favorite - the carousel during our last Disney trip
Our visit to the circus in May with Morgan.
Erica's visit in March
Yummy chocolate fondue in December
My garden this year. You guys loved helping me water and drinking hose water :)
Disney photos from our trip this year.
Impromptu shot of Joey while we were at the gymnastics studio in March. I put my camera on the ground and just took a shot.
Two year old photos.
Joey's bday party in Colorado.
Photos from the lake party in August.
Daddy's birthday
The big helmet walk at Chiefs Camp. Elijah was an internet sensation - ha. He made facebook (KC Chiefs site), Twitter (Tamba Hali's site) and Kansascitychiefs.com!!
Mom should have done her hair, huh?
Christmas again!
Ramada hotel pool day
Elijah's birthday present to Joey. We made Spongebob at Build a Bear.
June was all about our Colorado trip for Brian and Erica's wedding. We also celebrated Daddy's birthday, Joey's birthday and Gramma Lang's Birthday. We had Father's Day with daddy.
July flew by me going to Phoenix for convention and lots of locket parties! We spent 4th of July with Aunt Becky & Uncle Steve. We had our 15th wedding anniversary with little or no fanfare! You went to the Zoo with Gramma Debi D and Allen and had lots of fun. She visited with you another time and you went bowling.
August was lots of fun. You went to a family reunion/birthday party on the Lang side. I couldn't go so Aunt Val & Gramma took you. We went to St. Joe for a hotel night with a pool and KC Chiefs training camp - so much fun! My birthday came and went. Now, August is over and it is time for fall!!
I need to get on here more often so that I can make notes of little things. It was nap time on Friday and Joey was having a hard time settling down. I went in there and he laid on my tummy for a bit. Elijah asked if he could lay on his tummy. Joey laid his head down and Elijah stroked his hair and sang "Hush little baby." I just had to watch and sigh in contentment. You guys sure do kill me sometimes!!
We have some assigned chores around the house. Just today, Joey has started helping, too. You guys have 3 chores... gather your milk cups around the house so we can wash them, unload the dishwasher (handing me one item at a time) and then putting the soap in the dishwasher and starting it. Joey would just play but today, he took it all over. He unloaded about 75% of the dishwasher and was ready to put the soap in and close it before I even started loading it. He also likes to stand on his chair and rinse out dishes to hand them to me for the dishwasher!
This weekend is a holiday weekend and our intent was to stay home all weekend and boot camp potty train Joey. Well, yesterday was a fail. And, it looks like today, we gave up because you guys are at the Children's Museum with Andrew & Tyler. :)
I am way behind on my scrapbooking but I got quite a few pages done yesterday. I haven't posted in awhile and so some of these go all the way back to October!!
Christmas morning at our house. I think I am finally done with scrapping Christmas!
The Halloween party at Disney during our last trip.
Joey's 12:55 shot on his birthday! We were in Colorado.
Elijah's bounce house party. And, he is planning on having his party there again this year. (So he thinks)
Joey's favorite - the carousel during our last Disney trip
Our visit to the circus in May with Morgan.
Erica's visit in March
Yummy chocolate fondue in December
My garden this year. You guys loved helping me water and drinking hose water :)
Disney photos from our trip this year.
Impromptu shot of Joey while we were at the gymnastics studio in March. I put my camera on the ground and just took a shot.
Two year old photos.
Joey's bday party in Colorado.
Photos from the lake party in August.
Daddy's birthday
The big helmet walk at Chiefs Camp. Elijah was an internet sensation - ha. He made facebook (KC Chiefs site), Twitter (Tamba Hali's site) and Kansascitychiefs.com!!
Mom should have done her hair, huh?
Christmas again!
Ramada hotel pool day
Elijah's birthday present to Joey. We made Spongebob at Build a Bear.
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