Monday, August 26, 2013

Lots of Changes for Cora

Today Cora started in a new room, new POD at daycare.  She's with the "big kids" now.  ha.  Actually there's a little boy in her room that is huge compared to her... running everywhere.  Certainly he should be moved up!  ha.

Anyway, with the new room...  there are new rules.  The biggest one is we go from a morning and afternoon nap to 1 nap.  ONE NAP.  I know this was a HUGE deal for Kayson (and us), but that was when K was about 16 months old.  There are new 'rules' and regulations now...  so starting at age 1, kiddos go to 1 nap.  Cora has visited that room a couple times over the past two weeks...  she's done well, and you can tell when she's only had the one nap.  Tonight was the same story... oh my goodness that little girl was exhausted.  All out of sorts.  This is going to be a huge adjustment for her... and us... and I hope she does ok.  (We'll be doing the two nap thing on the weekend until we feel she's ready for the transition at home).

The other big change is the real food thing.  Daycare has been offering real food for weeks now.  Some times she eats it, most of the time not.  Tonight - she screamed, literally screamed at dinner time.  I put the food in front of her...  and she cried.  Oh boy.  I eventually gave in and gave her a jar of baby food.  I know it's not the right thing...  but oh my goodness.  I hope this gets better too!!  I'm not sure how much screaming at dinner time we can handle!!  Poor girl.

She also gets to go outside... which is fun for her I'm sure.  She has to wear shoes now, which is another adjustment...  but it's going well actually!  So yeah, they get to go outside.  I think that's pretty sweet...  her crawling all over the ground.  haha. 




Sunday, August 25, 2013

Catch Up!

Well...  the last time I posted was Tuesday, Cora's birthday.  She's 1.  She's 1... and a busy, feisty girl.  :)  She was already that months ago, but it's just really evident now.  We also need to start getting her to eat table food (big people food).  Once again, (like Kayson), it's a struggle...  she might loose those fat thighs, cuz she's not eating much these days!

We had a pretty good rest of the week... Ryan got home from South Dakota a day early, so that nice.  We did our 'normal' stuff...  and I could tell the kids were happy to have him home.  Friday evening Ryan and the kids stayed in while I went next door to Nicky's for a "Girls Night In".  She had yummy snacks and drinks... and great conversation with just girls.  It was just what I needed after the couple weeks I had had with the kiddos.  :)  


Playing rough
Saturday morning was Cora's 1 year photo shoot...  and it was fun, minus the 20 minute drive there and back of her screaming.  She hates.the.car.  We plan on flipping her forward-facing this week, so I'm hoping that will improve our driving experiences.  Poor thing.  Anyway, pictures went well... and we had a quick lunch at home.  During the kids' 3 plus hour naps (yes, love it)... Ryan and I did some cleaning.  We pulled the fridge out... GROSS.  We pulled the washer and dryer out...  GROSS #2.  They are clean and I feel so much better about it!  

Saturday evening we wanted to do something 'fun' for Kayson.  We called our neighbors to see if they wanted to take the kids bowling.  It was a quick trip and totally fun for the kids... and adults.  We had a quick supper out as Cora was beyond tired...  

Today we've just hung out...  it's been a nice day... not too many meltdowns from the kids.  ha.  We stayed inside due to the heat... and I guess it's only going to get hotter.  Which stinks...  that means even K won't go outside at school.  Big bummer.  

Cora is walking now...  not everywhere, only a few times (when she really wants something and she's already standing up).  But she's got pretty good balance, so I give it another week and she'll be doing it more often.  It's pretty darn cute...  :)

 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Happy Birthday Cora May!

Our precious little girl is 1 years old today.  I can't believe it.  I can't believe a whole year has passed!  I've said this before, I barely remember my maternity leave - that should have been my first inkling that having a second child - life just happens faster.  

We've had a fantastic year of raising Cora.  She was 8 days 'late'... but well worth the wait once she was here.  Ryan and I had a wonderful 2 day stay in the hospital with her...  with barely any complaints from this Momma (besides my tummy hurting so badly!)  From day one, Cora was a good napper, great eater and told us when she was pissed.  She still does that.  :)  

Cora gave us a run for our money with ear problems starting at 6 months old.  It was ear infection after ear infection, and tubes were put in.  Best decision ever.  So far, we've had great luck with the tubes...  she's done awesome.  

Cora has also had her milestones happen a lot sooner than Kayson's ever did.  We can call tubes a milestone for the Taylor family!  She got teeth sooner, she crawled sooner, and she walked sooner (she's officially taking steps now!!!)  I guess the saying is right - that the second child does do everything faster.  

We've enjoyed her so much...  I love everything about Cora.  Her soft hair that's coming in so nicely... her beautiful blue/grey eyes (again, crazy to think that we have two blue-eyed children!)...  her little button nose... her small dimple on her left cheek... her fat thighs that we can squeeze and tickle...  the way she crawls so fast it sounds like a herd of elephants...  the way she looks at books (I swear she's reading them!)...  her personality - the dramatic part already, and the part where she just soaks everything in.  Cora May is perfect in our eyes and we love her so much.  

It's hard to believe she's 1 already, but she is.  We survived raising another baby...  I couldn't be prouder of her and our family.  

Blowing Kisses
12 Month Stats
Weight - 23 lbs. 7 oz. (90%)
Height - 30 1/4" (85%)
Head Cir - 18 1/4" (85%)
She's proportionate!  :)

The shots were terrible, as expected, but the finger prick for iron wasn't actually bad at all!  I was so proud!  Cora just sat on my lap and watched the nurse so carefully.  The nurse was pretty impressed.  :)
  • 6 teeth!  (4 on top, 2 on bottom)
  • Wearing 18 month clothing
  • Shoes - Size 4
  • Diapers - Size 3, Nighttime - Size 4
  • Bottle free!!  
  • Loves Kayson
  • Loves Kayson's toys!
  • Taking steps - only about 2 or 3 at a time!
  • Waves "Bye Bye"
  • Blows Kisses - mainly only to Daddy :)
  • Says "Momma"  and maybe a "Hi" 

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Cake Smashing Videos

ENJOY!  

https://picasaweb.google.com/104170235914356154906/Cora1stBirthday#5913643549112123490

https://picasaweb.google.com/104170235914356154906/Cora1stBirthday#5913193306868561058

Cora's 1st Birthday Party

We celebrated Cora's 1st birthday yesterday morning. Once all of our immediate family arrived, we just mingled and enjoyed the beautiful weather.  Cora enjoyed being 'spoiled' and played with the entire time. She did awesome!

Instead of slaving in the kitchen for this bash, we made the best decision by ordering in Olive Garden.  It was SO YUMMY and a huge hit for everyone!  After we all stuffed ourselves, it was time for gifts!  Cora did pretty darn well for not really knowing what was going on!  I did most of the unloading of bags, but once she would see the gift, she was all over it!  Kayson helped as well... which I think he enjoyed.  All in all, Cora got some fantastic gifts - books, a few toys, awesome clothes for this Fall and spoiled with love for her 1st birthday.

Then it was time for dessert - cookies and ice cream... and special cuppie cake for Cora.  We sat it in front of her and she was all in... checking out the frosting, then her hands dug in and smashed the check out of it!  It was awesome!!  (Kayson didn't do this at all!... oh how kids can be so different!)  :)

It was an amazing day for our little girl...  she's very special to us and such a joy.  Ryan and I are truly blessed to be able to share that special moment with our families.  Here's to Tuesday - her actual birthday.


Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Tired Kid = Terrible Night

We are on night #3 of Ryan being out of town...  we are used to it, I'm used to it.  And I always try to have a positive attitude when I'm picking up the kiddos.  Tonight on the way home we talked about what we'd have for supper...  maybe go for another walk...  maybe do some art (all for Kayson).  K seemed to have a good day (from his words and his teachers)... and he was ok with the fact that there would be no cartoons or movies tonight.  (Those were taken away last night due to a bad evening of talking back and a bad bedtime). 

Well, we got home... and Kayson must have forgotten our conversation on the short drive home - no cartoons, no movies.  Instant melt down.  It didn't last long, then he actually went to his room and played - made a tent with some blankets...  even let Cora play with him.  It was great - and I applauded him.  Supper went fairly well... then it kind of went down hill from there.  

Ryan called to talk for a bit, and Kayson wouldn't talk on the phone.  This has been something he's been 'pulling' the last couple nights.  In our eyes, this is unacceptable.  We've talked about it...  and explained how we need to talk with Dad on the phone, how important it is for Daddy to hear his voice and hear about Kayson's day.  Nothing worked.  Which then just makes me and Ryan upset/disappointed.  We are at a loss on this...  Ryan and I talked a little later tonight - we are going to attempt to take away a few more things (that are important to him) and we'll see how this goes.  I don't know.  :(

Bedtime went fairly well...  K wanted two short books.  I could tell he was tired.  I understand that...  but I'm still upset that he didn't talk with Ryan.  I'm sure that kills Ryan... just as it does me.  

Tired Kid = Terrible Night = Tired Momma


Saturday, August 10, 2013

Oh What a Day!

We headed out to the State Fair this morning...  we got there around 8:40 having every intention to stay til early afternoon (at least through lunch time so we could eat the 'good stuff' - corn dog for Ryan!)  We walked through the "Little Hands on the Farm" exhibit for Kayson.  It was really neat... I think he enjoyed it... Then we just walked some more... having a snack and looking at the cows, pigs and some horses.  Kayson also got to enjoy the potato sack slide... both Ryan and I went down with him...  crap, it's fast.  ha.  We then found a spot to just sit for a bit.  Soon enough, I looked over at Kayson and his lips were white and he just wasn't looking good at all.  He said his tummy hurt and needed to potty.  Him and I found a bathroom as fast as we could...  stopping mid way for him to throw up.  UGH.  It wasn't a lot of stuff... just a little, and he instantly looked better, but still said his tummy hurt.  We found the bathroom and afterwards, he said he was better.  He didn't look 'perky', but he was at least chatting a little.  We tried to walk around a little more... but again, soon enough, he just wasn't feeling well.  He asked to go home.  

Once we were home, he rested for over 4 hours (from 11:30 til after 4:00)...  he seemed much better after that rest.  He was thirsty and was hungry.  We started with crackers and a piece of cheese and water...  ate it and he perked up.  He had some much needed quiet time... and then played outside for a short time.  He didn't want anything for supper...  but then had some toast before bath.  By bath time and bed, he was talking a lot (like his normal self) and goofing around a little...  I sure hope this was a small bug and it's over.  I cleaned some, did laundry and am hoping for this to stop with him!!!  I'm hearing that this stuff is going around... unfortunately.  I hate 'bugs'!!!!

Meanwhile, we are trying the sippy cups with Cora.  And today went well!!  This morning she took the sippy cup for about half of the milk...  I gave her the remaining in a bottle.  Then tonight we tried the same concept - she drank about half from the sippy, the rest from the bottle.  I'm THRILLED!!  Kayson's transition did.not.go.like.this!  I remember him crying anytime we tried the sippy.  So I'm excited to say this is going much better with Cora.  

It's been one of those days, that's for sure.  You would think I'd be exhausted, but I'm not...  thankfully.  I'm hoping for a good day tomorrow...  Ryan has to travel to South Dakota tomorrow afternoon through the week, so we'll have our morning together and maybe a lunch out!  Here's to a new day tomorrow!




Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Restless!

It's 11:30 Wednesday night...  I'm restless.  I don't think this is for any particular reason...  just can't sleep, my mind is just thinking...  I'm tired, but obviously not tired enough to close my eyes.  While Ryan snores, I'm on the couch in the dark...  searching Pinterest... and figured I'd write on the blog.  Maybe then I'll get my thoughts out and sleep!


  • Work has been crazy busy lately...  I'm taking on some more responsibilities, in hopes to get that promotion I've been working for!!  The part of saying "yes" to everything when it comes to work is great, but it also can come tumbling down...  (be too much at times).  But I'm fighting through it, because I want to prove to everyone that I do do a good job and deserve to be paid more for the things I do.  Period.  :)
  • We are in the process of introducing the sippy cup to Cora.  I remember this with Kayson and it was brutal... especially getting rid of the bedtime bottle.  We originally got the same sippy cup that Kayson uses...  thinking it will do.  We are finding that Cora isn't interested - obviously, because it's not.the.bottle!  So I asked around... and I purchased a different kind tonight.  So at supper, I gave her a little...  she LOVED the sippy, wouldn't put it down, but didn't drink out of it!  haha.  Our weird child!  So we'll keep trying... and she'll just have to figure it out, especially when the bottles are gone!
  • Kayson's been doing pretty well lately...  He had a 'bad' day at school Monday.  His ears didn't work.  Hmmm... interesting!  They don't work at home most of the time either!  The thing about school though - is he actually feels bad if he gets into trouble!  Tuesday and today were better days, according to his teachers.  I honestly think he's bored... and he needs to be moved up. 
  • Kayson has been saying some funny things lately...  
    • One in particular was said Sunday night.  We were eating supper - steak, potatoes, and corn on the cob.  Ryan was getting seconds... and Kayson said "Daddy, why are you so hungry tonight?"  Ryan basically just said "Because"... and Kayson proceeded to say "I know why - are you hungry because you screamed at me all day??!?!?"  Yes, that came out of our son.  Oh Lord.  And Ryan (or myself) did not scream at him all day... so I'm not sure where that came from!!
    • Tuesday morning we were getting ready for the day...  I said to Cora (like I do almost every morning), "You look so cute today!" and Kayson says to me "Mom, you don't look cute today."  Nice.
  • We need some rain.  Period.  I told Ryan we should go wash our cars, then it might sprinkle.
  • We are wrapping up the details to Cora's birthday party (which will be on the 17th).  The theme is picked...  the decorations are bought...  a small gift was purchased...  and the food has been decided on.  I'm looking forward to it... I'm anxious to see her reaction to certain things (like opening gifts and her 'smash cake').  I hate to see her grow up, but it's also bittersweet. 
  • I'm still restless...  but this has helped!  G'Night!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

A Saturday Night Photo Dump!

It's been a great day...  beautiful weather!!
My parents visited today...  they got here around lunch time and left a little before supper.  We had a nice visit.  Tonight the four of us went to Indianola to watch the Balloons take off.  Can I say it again - it was a BEAUTIFUL night!  Oh my goodness.  We enjoyed a supper at A&W (our once a year trip!)... then we found a place on a huge soccer field and watched the balloons.  We also played a little frisbee and just enjoyed being outside.  It was fun!

And tonight, Ryan and Kayson are 'camping' in the basement!!  We pitched the tent and they are trying it out down there tonight...  it's so funny.  Kayson was so flipping excited - running around helping and getting anything they were going to need.  So sweet.  I hope they both sleep well!!! tee hee.

Here are some pictures from today...  so fun.  


Reading TO Grandma.  He has so many books memorized.
She looks thrilled huh!!?
She's always climbing on Kayson!
She's totally enjoying the soft, green grass!
Balloons!
CAMPING in the basement!