Random

• Ryan's been busy this week...  gone over night Monday... Commuting the remainder of the week.  Such a busy season for him.  
• Cora has a fire engine red bottom...  well, it's better, but she DID have a fire engine red bottom.  I noticed it Sunday morning...  even by Monday it was ok, but by Tuesday night, it was BAD.  She was crying hard anytime we changed her - bathtime was terrible, even telling us 'bottom hurt'.  Ryan was able to get her into the doctor Wednesday afternoon - a home remedy was the prescription.  Zinc Oxide & Cornstarch.  Weird.  But... it seems to be helping.  I do think she's had a little bug - her stools have been less than solid...  she's not eating the best (as usual), so I think that hasn't helped the situation at all.  I sure hope by this weekend, she's back to a smooth bottom!
• Tonight I was able to get out for a drink and quick dinner with Nicky and Nikki - we really haven't hung out in a really long time, just the three of us.  It was nice...  good talks.  
• It's thundering and lighting like crazy right now...  my guess is I'll be awake at some point tonight!!
• When Ryan is gone, I have to do both drop offs in the morning.  I knew it would be a 'change' for me...  it would take longer, etc.  But wow - I didn't realize how much longer it would take.  And I don't think I'm THAT slow (at driving or walking!)  I think Tuesday was a bad morning - it took me a little over an hour to get from my front door to just my work ramp.  EEEK!  I know we need to leave a tad earlier than we have... but wowza!  I can't imagine how it'll be this winter!! 
• Work has been crazy busy.  Like neck deep in projects!  I know I'm ready - and will thoroughly enjoy the 3 day weekend coming up!
• Someone needs to start working out again...  I'm squishy!  ha.  I haven't had the time to step away at work lately, so I've just stopped.  I've signed up to play Fall VB again with my girlfriends, so I'll at least have that once a week, but I need to really commit to more.  It only makes me feel better, so I need to do it.
• Kayson's had a good week... at school.  At home - we can tell he's been tired.  The talking back and whining continues.  Poor kid - tough being 5 1/2 and having to listen and follow the rules.  :)  Stinker.

Cora's 2nd Birthday Party

We've had a GREAT weekend.  It started by having Ryan home Friday night...  he was gone last week, and I'm not going to lie - it was a LONG week.  Long days at work... long nights at home...  tired kids... tired Momma.  I was happy to have him home. 

Saturday morning more cleaning was done, and some prepping for our weekend.  Blair, Martina, Tate and Landry were coming!!!  They arrived late morning... and the playing and fun began!  We had lunch, we played, we laughed, we talked...  did errands, etc.  Ashley came and hung out with us too for a bit.  It was a great afternoon.  Saturday night we ordered pizza in...  and got the kids to bed at a fairly decent time!  The adults were wiped out too!  But it was such a nice day with those guys... I'm so glad they came a full day early and spent it with us.  Next time we make the trip to them!

Today was the big Princess Birthday party!!!  I had insomnia last night, so I didn't get much sleep - I'm not sure what was going on, but my mind raced and I just couldn't relax.  I think I got about 3 full hours.  :(  Anyway, the birthday girl was ready...  everyone was ready, until EVERYONE showed up!  Then Cora decided she was a little overwhelmed and wanted to only be next to me.  BOO.  It did get better, but not quickly!  ha.  Oh well... she is only 2!!  Completely common.  

Our immediate families were here with us, and it was great.  The house was full and hot, but I think everyone had a good time.  Kayson, Tate and Little Ryan played hard... Tate loved Ryan, so that was fun.  I just think it's so nice that there is such great conversation when both our families are together - pretty awesome.  

Cora got some great gifts...  lots of Princess stuff - Sofia the First dress and shoes, fall jammies, puzzles, Dream Lite Ladybug (which she loved tonight at bedtime!), Fairies, stickers and Princess bandaids (which was a hit)!  ha.  Plus more.  We had some yummy food from Smokey D's, and tasty cuppie-cakes.  It was a success!

Enjoy the pictures!!

True Princess 'cake'

Happy birthday honey!

Gotta have a Hardy cousins picture

Cora's 2nd Birthday

Happy Birthday to our little Princess Cora May.  She's a feisty one!  :)

Stats from this mornings 2 year well check:
Weight: 30 lbs 9 oz (90%)
Height: 35 1/2" (90%)

She has grown over 3 inches in 6 months!  Doc was impressed!!  She said that was fast!  :)  I love hearing that!  She's only gained about 2 pounds... which doesn't surprise us at all.  Especially since her appetite is pretty much non-existent lately.  She's just not eating well at all.  Big bummer, but like we assumed - doctor said it's common, and just keep offering food.  Done.

Some of the major things going on right now are:

• Counts to 10 - easily.  Counts to 10 in Spanish too.  So awesome!
• Beginning to say 2 or 3 word phrases.  Examples: Hi Daddy, Hi Momma, Brother school
• Pottying pretty well.  We aren't very consistent at home, but at daycare, they are on a good schedule.  She's doing really well!   - with that, she tries to get dressed as well.
• Hitting.  A lot.  Period.  It's not fun... so we are attempting to teach her that's not what we do.  We've started doing Time Outs.  Obviously this isn't working right now, but I hope to see improvement soon! 

Cora has become very independent lately... I love that, however, you have to really watch her.  This girl gets into trouble!  She doesn't know her limits yet, so we have a long ways to go!  :)

Basic information:

• Clothes - mostly 3T.  I can imagine seeing some tighter things in 4T
• Shoes - size 6
• Diapers - size 5
• Likes to watch movies, but it honestly only lasts about 5 minutes.  Not long enough for us to go through the trouble!  ha. 
• Loves to do art - coloring, markers, paint, etc.
• Likes to have her picture taken by ME.  Not anyone else.  ha.  This doesn't go over well when I pay someone else to take her pictures.  :)
• Wants to be sang to at bedtime.  "Rock baby" = Rock-a-bye-Baby, "AB" = sing the ABCs
• Still loves to look through books... mostly brothers books.
• She's a climber - bar stools...  table... even my bathroom vanity.  UGH.
• Has one blanket she loves... and only wants.  I struggle to get that thing washed!  
• Opens doors so easily.  
• Has figured out she can climb up to turn on lights.  

Cora is a busy girl...  full of energy.  I can find her getting into trouble one minute, then the next minute, she's sitting nicely looking at books (maybe ripping pages), but quiet... or she's sitting playing with a toy of Kayson's. 

She loves giving hugs and kisses... a routine we've done since day one.  I heart that.  

She milks bedtime quite a bit... and I fall for it every night.  Surely it's because she's my last... and she's my girl, right?  She always wants one more hug.  Always.  :)

Getting Organized

With the start of Kindergarten, we are realizing that there is A LOT to remember and keep track of.  I know it's all new to us, and it will soon be all routine and 'normal', but for now, there's a lot to remember.  Ryan suggested us using a calendar for some of the stuff... so I've updated an online calendar for us.  We need to remember things like: when to take a Library book back (so he can check out another one!), when it's his turn to do snacks, check his folder every night... things like that.  

Tonight was Curriculum Night - a parents only meeting with the teacher.  Ryan's out of town, so I contacted a sitter.  We debated me going or not, but I'm glad I went.  I really like his teacher - and getting to talk with her without children distractions is nice... and I really, really enjoy hearing about what she does, plans to do and all the things the kids will learn this year.  I'm so intrigued by it and I can't wait to see how much MORE Kayson learns and grows.  It's very exciting. 

We learned about the children's day - morning routine, afternoon routine.  We learned about the books they will start to read - yes, read!  They'll introduce math, science... and of course, reading and writing.  It's all just amazing.  

Anyway, I feel as of now, there's a lot to keep track of... so I'm writing stuff down in my purse calendar, then the online one too.  We'll see how it works for us!  

Random

• We gave Kayson a 100 piece puzzle - just because.  He flew thru that like it was nothing.  What the heck!?  So...  I instantly purchased a couple others - a 200 piece and 300.  In the meantime, he had asked if Daddy had any puzzles.  So... we do have some adult puzzles (like nature, stuff like that) - 1000 pieces... then one that was 500.  I asked if he wanted to try it.  Yep.  He was all in.  He's done REALLY well...  he kept telling me "I'm not going to give up Mom!"  Pretty cool. 
• Cora hasn't ate supper for us for about 8 days now.  Awesome.  If she eats, it's yogurt, applesauce or chips.  Double awesome.  I know it's common... normal... blah blah.  But it's SO annoying!  Kayson's starting to do really well with eating, so at least we have one good eater at this point.  
• Cora turns 2 on Wednesday!  EEEK - I'm excited for her... and sad at the same time.  She's just changing so much - growing up... and totally showing her feisty personality.
• Ryan mowed before he headed out today... and shortly after, the entire neighborhood was mowing.  Funny.  Loved seeing all the green grass again... 
• Kindergarten is going really well... so far!  Wednesday and Thursday of last week were short days...  they went great.  K was tired, but talkative and ready to go back.  Friday was the first full day - and also when the before and after school was available.  I dropped him off around 7:20 at Beyond the Bell - he said he was a little nervous, but he did it.  We talked with the lady in charge, and just stood and looked around for a few minutes...  there were a lot of kids there already, so he was a little intimidated at first... but soon enough, he sat down next to Mrs. Tracy (lady in charge), and I said I needed to leave for work.  When I picked him up - he was in the gym playing tag with 30 other kids.  He looked like he was having a blast!  I was thrilled.  :)  It's going to be a good place for him. 
• I'm hoping for a smooth... quick week.  We have some planning to do for Cora's birthday party this coming Sunday! 

Weekend

Where the heck did the weekend go??  Grr.
Friday evening we stayed in...  which was great.  My niece, Ashley, had called - wanted to come hang out.  I love that!  We ordered in Chinese... and hung out...  lots of giggles and good talk.  

Saturday the day started early...  Cora didn't sleep well, instantly whiny.  Ugh.  I left to get my hair cut...  so Ryan got to enjoy her on his own!  I got home around 9:30...  and then I loaded the kids up and we went to a park nearby to celebrate a neighbor girls birthday.  It was kind of a gloomy, misty morning...  but it worked out.  We played for about an hour...  well, Kayson played, Cora ran around asking for snacks.  Figures.  :)  Home we went...  and nap was taken for Cora.  Another short one. 

Ryan's parents came to stay with the kids Saturday night...  we had a wedding to go to.  My friend, Katie, was getting hitched!  She was an intern in my area a couple years ago, and we totally hit it off.  She's such a great person... fun, caring and a spit-fire.  I think Ryan wasn't really interested in going to the wedding, but once we were there, he actually knew a few people... and the table we sat at had some great conversations through the night.  It was a lot of fun for us...  and nice to get away just us. 

Today we slept in a little... just a little.  Then I took the kiddos up to Ames to get their pictures taken.  2 year pics for Cora... and hoping for at least one of the two of them together.  It got done... and I already have the pictures - pleased.  I'll post a few later.  The drive up there and back were pretty terrible...  my kids just don't do well in the car.  Or I should say Cora doesn't do well.  She's constantly whining...  I just am over it.  :)  And Kayson talks the ENTIRE TIME.  I asked him if he'd like to actually 'listen' to the music...  he said yes... that lasted about 30 seconds, then he was talking again.  ha.  I don't mind the talking, there's just not any silence - ever!  ha.  :)  

Anyway, then Ryan unfortunately had to leave for South Dakota early this afternoon.  Oh boy - it was 2:30 and I thought - 'this is going to be a long afternoon!'  Cora took another short nap...  owly and whiny.  She developed a cough overnight... and a snotty nose.  SO...  watching that.  I'm hoping for a good nights sleep... for all of us!  I miss Ryan already!!! 

Just a few pics from today.

Kayson - First Day of Kindergarten!

Today was it!  The day we've been waiting for and talking about for weeks! Kayson is officially a Kindergartner!  Today and tomorrow are 'short days' - 9:45 to 1:45, then Friday is a full day.  I think that was a good decision...  even for the parents!  I was excited to hear about his day (even if he was only there for 4 hours!)

K and I hung out in the morning...  just took our time, played outside a little bit... then finally headed over to the school.  Daddy met us there - we got there plenty early, so we walked around, and then made our way to the doors.  We waited.  Soon enough, here came all the other little boys and girls.  It was pretty cool.  One of the little boys (Ryan) in his class was a Tball teammate, so that was super nice.  K and Ryan talked a little and giggled, so that was awesome.  

Then right at 9:45, all the kids got lined up with their classmates, and the teachers led them into the building.  We blew kisses and we were off.  There were no tears - from Kayson or myself.  I was pretty proud.  He just looked like he fit in and he knew what was going on...  which was a great feeling.  

Ryan picked Kayson up at 1:45... since we don't have the before and after school care yet (not til Friday), Ryan took K back to his work...  thankfully there's this thing called Netflix - and K was happy and quiet.  

Tonight, Kayson was pretty owly for me...  crabby, tired, and did a lot of talking back.  That did not make me happy...  very sad actually.  But when Dad walked in the door...  things were fine.  Figures.  It's just me.  :)  Anyway, overall - Kayson talked a little about his day.  I think he enjoyed it.  I'm anxious to see what he learns and the new routine we get into.  I'm sure it'll be great.  

Pictures from our morning.

  

Koalaty Time

Today was Kayson's last 'official' day at daycare.  I've said this before - but we've been very, very lucky to have had such a great daycare center for over 5 years.  Kayson has grown up so much and has learned more than we could ever do on our own...  we are very blessed. 

I'm the silly Mom that got a picture of him in front of the KT sign.  Love it.  :)

Sister got in on it too. :)

Iowa State Fair

The fair is not one of my favorite things to do...  but I know it's not about me.  ha. :)  We decided to go to the fair this morning...  we all slept in, cuz we were all up late Saturday night.  We had some neighbors over last night... and I think we closed down the party around midnight.  YAWN.  

Anyway, it was a cloudy, humid day...  better than 100 degrees and sunny!

We walked... and walked some more.  Cora didn't really want to be in her stroller, so we'd let her walk a little... she's roam a little too much for Kayson's liking.  Yes, Kayson's liking.  He gets so worried about her getting too far away from us.  Protective.  Kayson did pretty well...  however, he's ready to move on to the next thing shortly after we've started something.  He tends to get a little bored.  A little like me.  :)  We ate a little, but not a ton.  Kids wouldn't really eat.  We looked at the horses, piggies and sheep.  Overall, it was good... and much better than last year, since he had gotten sick about an hour in last year!  So success. 

Here are some pictures of our morning.  

Before we left - Clean and happy!

Papa Paul needs one of these!

With Herky!

Cora really liked the horses.

Little Hands on the Farm

Picking veggies!

San Diego 2014

Our trip was GREAT!!!  But just as great to be home as well!  :)

We headed out early Saturday morning...  My sister, Trish, and her daughter, Eden, came down Friday night...  we got them all up to speed on the kids' "stuff", then just hung out - while I was finishing packing and organizing.  

We did leave Saturday without waking the kids...  that was painful, but worth it.  There was no reason to have Cora upset.  Trish said the kids slept in, so that was great.  

Ryan and I arrived in San Diego around 11:30 their time (1:30 our time).  It was cloudy, humid and started to rain as we pulled into the hotel.  UM... not what we were expecting!!!  We pretty much threw our stuff in the hotel room, and off we went to meet up with the others.  We had lunch, then walked and walked around the Gas Lamp Quarter, and Seaport area.  It was great - even with the rain!!!  We hung out with one of Ryan's coworkers, Greg, and his wife Renae - had a fantastic time with them.  We drank and ate a lot that day... and it hit us hard that night!!!  ha.  :)  But it was great day.  

Sunday we were up and at 'em fairly early.  We were off from the time change (which actually continued throughout our whole trip!)  We met up with Greg, Renae, Dennis (boss) and Lorrie.  We walked some more. Again, lots of walking and eating.  Not so much drinking this day!  ha.  Later in the afternoon, we headed over to Coronado Island.  We took a ferry, which was cool... and spent the majority of our late afternoon and evening over there.  We got to see the Pacific Ocean - and feel the amazing, soft sand there!  I have to say that was by far my favorite part of the trip.  It was so awesome!!!!

We had a nice dinner out, then headed back to 'land' late that night.  

Monday was the start of the conference for the guys.  I slept in a little... then met the other ladies at the pool around 9:30.  Nearly 6 hours later - we were wiped out (from sitting on our butts all day!!!) and sun burnt!  We totally enjoyed the weather, the pool, the drinks and the conversation.  It was a great day.  The guys skipped out of their meetings a little early, so they got to enjoy the pool as well.  So that was super fun. 

Monday evening Ryan and I went out on our own...  we walked some and then found a great restaurant to enjoy dinner.  We eventually met up with the others later, but it was a fairly early evening for all of us.  

Tuesday was another meeting day for the guys.  The ladies and I found a mall near by - so we did breakfast out, did some shopping, then after all the walking from the previous 3 days - we were pooped!!!  We all headed back to our rooms...  I just enjoyed the quiet, watched some TV and relaxed.  I thought I would get bored, but it was a nice change, since we had been so non-stop.  

Tuesday evening was another night out - we met up with everyone from Ryan's work, and went for dinner at Fogo de Chao.  It's a Brazilian restaurant (which I was nervous about), but it was fantastic.  There was a great salad bar... and then they brought all sorts of meats around for us to try.  It was really cool!!!  Followed by ice cream, we all called it a night.  

We headed home yesterday morning...  Ryan went to one of his meetings, then we got a taxi with a few others and headed for the airport.  We had a wonderful time, but we were ready to be home.  Ready to see the kiddos.  Our flights went well - a little random turbulence, that throws my tummy off a little, but we made it home safely! 

The kids were excited to see us, which was awesome.  Kayson talked our ears off for a long time, and Cora just sat our on laps.  We eventually got them to bed (late), but we let them sleep in today.   I hung out with them a little this morning, but now I'm at home - working...  and multi-tasking!  I'm getting caught up on our laundry and a little cleaning as well - so tonight, I can really sit and spend time with the kids.  

It was great to be away (of course, I was nervous), but it was good!!

Here are some pictures of our trip (all from my phone)!!!

Our Hotel - Omni Hotel

First day of walking...  at San Diego Bay

View of the boats... water... bridge to Coronado Island

Ryan wanted this yacht - only $1.9 million

A HILARIOUS ride with this guy - biked us about 4 blocks with MANY laughs!

Petco Park - Padres vs. Braves

Before the game

Pacific Ocean... beautiful

Our babies!  Hope we can take them there someday!

Loved the waves... the noise... the sand... everything.

Fogo de Chao

Our hotel at night...  viewed from the Marriott's rooftop bar.  So cool!