Art

Tonight was another warm evening...  so I did my best to keep Kayson inside.  It didn't last too long, until he remembered we could water the grass and he could run through the sprinklers.  :)  We did that too, but first we did some art.  

We haven't had the arts and crafts out for a long time, so it was a nice change and he did art for about 30 minutes.  I thought that was great.  

Here are some pics from tonight.

Finally wearing the Art Smock that Aunt Tina gave him for Christmas!  So cute!

Concentrating!

Fake smile.  :)

Our Routine Child

When Ryan and I first even thought about having children, my (and assuming Ryan's) first 'concern' was - 'Keep a child on a routine - it's important.'  I can firmly say that from the beginning, Kayson has been on a routine. I remember working very hard at getting him on a sleeping/eating routine when he was a baby, and we were successful - and we are still successful at 3 1/2 years old.  This routine includes everything -- eating, napping, how we do baths, some of the activities we do, morning routine, etc.  Daycare has had him on a good routine as well - which has been awesome, since he spends A LOT of his time there!  I'm actually very proud that we have done so well with Kayson.

There are obvious pros about having a child on a routine - some things I can think of right now are: 

• We can really tell when he's tired, crabby, hungry.  We don't have to guess when it comes to stuff like that.
• We make the time for his naps...  sure, we may miss out on some things, but I'd rather have a child that takes a nap and is happy, then to 'force' a child to stay active during his nap when it's obvious a nap is needed.

And there are some cons to having a child on a routine - examples:

• When Ryan takes Kayson to daycare nearly 80% of the time (or for a long period of time), and then all of the sudden he needs to travel, and I do the drop off for daycare.  Kayson gets off.  Just something as simple as that can mess up a child (or our kid) for several days.  
• When one parent (me) does the bedtime routine 95% of the time, and we try to 'mix' it up a little bit, that throws our kid off.  (This is something we really need to work at over the next 6 weeks in prep for Baby Girl - will be a little difficult when Ryan's traveling.)
• And when a kid is as smart as Kayson - he knows something's going on (with Baby Girl - prepping, room stuff, more talk of her, my belly is huge, etc)...  it's gonna mess with his routine.  Period.

Like I said, I'm very proud of what we have done... and I only hope we continue with him... and making a routine with Baby Girl.   We are currently going through some 'stages' with Kayson - back talking, making up words and sentences (with not so nice words) - that he's learning from daycare kids by the way!, and a lot of just plain not listening.  I know and understand this is his age, and again goes back to the routine being kind of 'jacked up', but we are working hard on figuring this out and keeping Kayson (and the rest of us) happy. 

Being a parent is hard.  But I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Me/Baby & Belly Photo

How far along: 33 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 18 lbs 
Size and Growth of Baby: Baby weighs a little over 4 pounds, and has passed the 17 inch mark!  She's losing the 'alien' look and starting to be wrinkle-free!

Movement: Oh yes...    
Food Cravings:  Nothing in particular this week...  I don't have much of an appetite in the afternoons...  but still very thirsty!    

What do I miss:  Not waddling by evening time!  I definitely am slower, and feel extremely front-heavy by evening time!

OTHER: Heartburn is still pretty consistent...  tums are close by all the time.  Only 7 more weeks... and again, in a little of panic mode that nothing is done.  I plan on washing her clothes and blankets this coming week, so at least that's done.  I'm hoping for a phone call from the painter this week as well... otherwise, I'll be calling him!

Front view is interesting now!

Wedding Night

This afternoon/evening we celebrated our favorite daycare teachers wedding day - Miss Whitney!  

First, we had a off and on morning - Ryan worked, K and I stayed home and tried to stay busy...  I don't think I did a very good job of that.  We were both kind of owly towards each other!

Anyway a very short nap was taken by Kayson (I did lay down too, which was nice), then we got ready for the wedding...  

Taking a 3 1/2 year old to a wedding can always be interesting...  a lot of waiting, a lot of sitting, a lot of us telling him to be quiet, etc.  Afterwards, I feel bad for the kid (or any kid in that situation)  As a parent, you end up expecting probably way too much out of them.  You can only do so much.  But either way, I'm glad we were there to see Miss Whitney and Jake tie the knot.  Whitney looked beautiful and very happy...  

During the reception, there was a lot more waiting and sitting...  finally we were able to eat.  Of course, Kayson ate practically nothing - besides a roll and about 3 chocolate kisses.  Yah, dinner of champions.  Soon enough, he was exhausted and whining, and all those 3 1/2 year old things.  Him and I waited in line to dance with Whitney for the Dollar Dance (the whole time, him telling me that his tummy hurt).  We got a quick hug and 'dance' with Whitney, then we moved on.  (I had my cell phone ready to take a picture, and it froze or locked or something... grr... so no proof of our adorable son with one of his favorite teachers).  Bummer.  Anyway, we headed out.  Kayson cried nearly the entire way home from Ames...  not really telling us what was wrong, but finally I asked one more time, and he said his tummy hurt bad.  

We finally got home, and he had to potty... bad.  Poor kid.  He was upset and just doesn't understand why his tummy was like that, etc...  I feel bad.  And of course, he was wiped out...  didn't take him long to fall asleep once he did potty. 

I'm hoping for a more productive and 'fun' day for Kayson tomorrow.  

Here's a picture of us before the wedding...  smiles and all.  :)

It's Friday!

TGIF. 

I live for the weekends anymore.  This is probably cuz work has just been a whirl-wind of all kinds of crazy!   Even if we end up having a super busy weekend, or a really low-key one, I look forward to not having to think about work!

We've had a pretty good week.  Ryan traveled Monday through Wednesday evening... it wasn't too terrible.  He has been around for months, so it was an adjustment for both Kayson and me.  Next week he's gone the full week.  Again, an adjustment, but we should be ok!  

Kayson and I had a 'date' Tuesday night...  with the warm weather, I wanted to still get him out and about, so we went to the germ-infested play place at the mall.  I mentioned to Nicky & Avery to join us for a bit...  they did, for about 15 minutes.  Poor Avery just wasn't feeling well.  But Kayson and I continued our 'date'.  We ate at the mall, then spent a good amount of time at Barnes & Nobel.  I'm always wanting to get Kayson new books (I think that's about the only thing we really buy the kid!)  ha.  But anyway, we had a nice time there...  and soon enough, it was time to come home for bath and bed.  He was such a good boy for me.  A pleasurable date night with my favorite little boy.

That's all I've got right now...  Here's to plenty of sleep this weekend and plenty of random things to do and relaxation as well!  :)  Is that asking for too much?!  ha.

Ryan's Father's Day

Sunday we spent most of the day up in Nevada at Blair & Martina's.  They had invited us up there for lunch and play time...  it was a perfect day for lots of playing outside for the kids.  We had a great lunch, and then the kiddos hit the pool.  Man, they had fun.  Then Blair took them for a ride in the wagon thingie behind his bike.  Of course, Kayson was hesitant at first, but then he was all in.  (He's just a little skeptical of things!)  We adults just sat and watched the kids play, which was awesome. 

We had such a nice time... thanks you guys.

Pool time!

a ride - with a snack of course.

The boys.  Happy Father's Day Ryan, Mike & Blair!

Me/Baby

How far along: 32 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 18 lbs 
Size and Growth of Baby: Baby is measuring over 16 1/2 inches long (she's taking up a lot of space right now!)  She weighs about 3.75 pounds already...  big girl!  According to Baby Center, I'll gain about a pound a week from here on out.  Watch out!   (Hope that's easy to come off this time around!)  She now has toenails, fingernails and hair.
Maternity Clothes: Yep.    Taking this one off...  it's obvious!  ha. 
Movement: Yes...  she gets up in my right ribs and digs...  really uncomfortable, and takes my breath away.  
Food Cravings:  Thirsty and pineapple this week.  ha.  I also seem to be addicted to Caesar salads.  :)      

What do I miss:  Not complaining.  I feel like I complain (or think about complaining) a lot... I don't want to be like that.

OTHER: 8 more weeks.  REALLY?  Seems unreal.  The crib and extra rail is in, but still waiting on the dresser.  We are also waiting on the painter still.  (Hope to hear from him by the first of July).  Pray for rain people.  :)

Clean Dogs & Week

With this growing belly, it's becoming harder to do things quickly and just some things in general.  One of the things is bathing Quincy & Murphy.  The last time I did this was nearly a month ago and it wore me out.  So...  today I took them to the kennel they go to when we need to leave them overnight.  They had a "Spa Treatment" today.  ha.  

They played all day, then were bathed and even got their nails trimmed.  Spoiled dogs.  ha.  And tonight, they are WIPED.OUT!  Love it!

Moving on.

I'm so glad this week is nearly coming to an end.  It's been one of those weeks...  I think one of my Facebook posts said "If I could have a stiff drink, I would."  Work has been almost unbearable...  I have a lot going on, and a lot to do/accomplish in the next 8 weeks.  Makes me nervous, but then again, I think - "they should be able to figure it out when I'm on maternity leave."  

Anyway, that's all I have!

My mind is racing

This is one of those posts where it's been 'saved' for a couple weeks...  and I just keep adding to it... and putting it off to actually 'publish'.  Today I'm ready to 'publish' it.  These are just my thoughts.

My mind is racing.  Period. 

• Baby Girl --- I'm assuming this is normal - to have your mind race and race and your heart beat extra fast when you think about bringing Baby #2 into our lives.  I'm excited and blessed, there's no doubt about that...  but I also get the feeling that it's not as exciting to others around me.  Why is that?  Is it because it's not a 'first'?  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our lives now, that we (even ME) go through an entire day and only think about Kayson.  But really - we do have another child.  Again, I'm only going to assume that this is normal. 

• Kayson ---My mind races about how Kayson's life is going to be flipped upside down the second Baby Girl arrives (not even just at home - but at the hospital).  He'll know.  I pray and pray and pray some more that Ryan and I can pull out our patience cards and really talk with Kayson... and explain and answer the questions he has... and be up for the challenges we'll have with attitude and behavior... and be able to grasp that he'll revert on some things.  It worries me, it scares me.  I just want Kayson to be happy and know that we, as a family, are happy.

• Content Baby? --- I only can hope that Baby Girl is a good baby.  Meaning - sleeps well, eats well, is content, those type of things.  I'm scared we will have so much going on with Kayson, that I won't have time to concentrate on Baby Girl...  then she'll be 3 before I know it. 

• Do we know what we are doing? --- There are days when I feel like "we've never done this before!"   We have a few things bought for Baby Girl, but again, we are trying to be more realistic with her and clothes, but then I worry we won't have enough.  (again, mind racing!)  We obviously know how to take care of and raise a child, but this one is a GIRL!  ha.  That makes me laugh...  a girl.  I have 4 beautiful nieces that I was around as they grew up... I have SEVERAL friends who have girls...  I can do this, we can do this.  
• Room ready? --- We are still waiting (trying to be patient!) for the painter to come and for Baby Girl's furniture to arrive.  First - we need rain!!  This way we can get pushed up a little on the painters list.  I walk into Baby Girls room and it's empty, just waiting to be completed and filled... and I'm very much looking forward to that step.

• Need sleep --- I am not sleeping well...  I toss and turn at night, trying to get comfortable.  I can barely take a nap either.  I lay down, absolutely exhausted, and my mind races or I just toss and turn.  Then after a couple hours, I think that I've slept only a few minutes, or did I?  I don't even know anymore.  

• My Mom --- I won't go into details, but I'm worried about my Mom.  Just prayers are needed.

• Work --- There's a lot going on at work right now.  Mostly me getting the appropriate people trained for when I'm out on maternity leave.  This is a challenge.  We have a new member to our team, and he's just 'not getting it', and it's very much a struggle.  Everyday I struggle to go to work just knowing that I have to do this training and work on my patience at work (and not just at home).  It's a lot that weighs on my shoulders.

• Me --- I'll be the first to admit it, I'm probably not the 'funnest' person to be around right now (and I apologize now).  I'm not the most attractive person right now either.  Being pregnant is hard...  even if you do have a 'perfect' pregnancy and feel awesome, it's still hard on your body.  I could use a lot of hugs right now.

• My prayers --- I pray for a healthy and happy Baby Girl.  I pray for a happy 3 1/2 year old - that will love his Baby Sister.  I pray for a happy Daddy and Mommy.   I pray for laughter, love and patience.  I pray for more blessings in our lives to come.

 

Knees & Dentist

We've had a busy week thus far.  Busy meaning - 1) catastrophe and 2) a first.

1) Monday evening Kayson and I visited a neighbor (to talk to her about a softie for Baby Girl).  We chit chatted, then headed out the door.  10 steps out the door, Kayson tripped and fell on their driveway.  It was one of those slow motion type falls, where I couldn't really help and really thought it was fine... until the blood curling scream.  I swopped him up (as my adrenaline pumped up because I knew the scream was serious).  I thought his face was hurt, but it was fine...  however, his knees were shot.  I am pretty sure we left skin on the driveway.  Again, I was holding Kayson... as he is screaming and bawling.  I felt terrible.  I walked as fast as I could (should have called for help, but again, adrenaline was pumping at that point - wanted to make sure he was ok).  We got home and I put Kayson up on the counter so we could get his knees cleaned up.  Blood everywhere.  Again - another blood curling scream from him when he saw the blood.  Ooooo it broke my heart (and still does).  Soon Ryan got home and assisted... getting some band-aids on the sores, which was another catastrophe in itself!  So fast forward... the last three morning and evenings have been rough.  His knees are super sore, but finally this morning we saw some scabbing starting on the sores.  Which is a good sign.  We need these to heal!  Poor kid.  And tonight was the first night Kayson actually ran around and didn't whine TOO much about them being sore.  

Here's a picture of them from last night...   Gross huh?

Now moving on.  We had a 'first' this afternoon.  Although I should say the bad scrapped knees are a big first too.  :)  This afternoon, I took Kayson to see the dentist.  For being 3, and not really knowing what to expect (besides reading a book and seeing Daddy in a dentist chair), he did well.  The hygienist counted his teeth and showed Kayson some of the 'cool' tools, then she wanted to polish his teeth, but he wasn't having it.  Which was fine.  We didn't push it.  The dentist then came in and counted his teeth again, and talked to him about brushing morning and night.  And that was it.  Kayson gave the dentist a hi-five and a pound, and we were outta there!  I was very proud of him!  We'll go back in 6 months.  :)

Enjoy the pictures!

All smiles.  Such a big boy.

Counting his teeth - 10 on top, 10 on bottom = Perfect.  :)

Dentist talking to him!

And more counting.  :)

Me/Baby & Belly Photo

How far along: 30 weeks
Total Weight Gain: 15 lbs 
Size and Growth of Baby: Baby is measuring over 15 inches long!  Just about 5 more inches til she's 'full length'... and needs to start packing on the pounds!  She's working on her eyesight, but 90% of the time, her eyes are still closed.
Maternity Clothes: Yep.   
Movement: Yes...  she moves a LOT. 
Food Cravings:  Really thirsty!  With the warmer days, I could just drink and drink - water, flavored water, and Dr. Pepper.      

What do I miss:  Sleeping for a full night in my own bed.  I play musical beds a lot - between our bed and the recliner/couch.  UGH!  

OTHER: I've been stretching at night...  it seems to help my achy legs a little.  I also have been doing some light weights to kind of keep me 'strong'.  :)  I am now seeing the Baby Doc every 2 weeks... seems crazy!  Only 10 weeks to go!

5 Years - How we spent our day!

5 years ago, Ryan and I were married...  seems like just yesterday actually!!  We've had a great 5 years together and many, MANY more to come.  We are truly blessed to have what we have.  I couldn't be luckier!

We spent most of our day with Blair, Martina & Tate... and it was great!!! 

Martina was antsy, so she cleaned my kitchen floor!  What a GREAT gift! :)

We got a new sprinkler for Kayson!!

A snack break with the boys!

Dunked his head in the bucket of water!

Tate loves the water!!

and some playing time inside.

As you can see, we had a great day...  lots of playing, a great nap taken by both boys, some shopping & girl time for Martina & I, and just great company.  We may not have really concentrated on our anniversary, but that's ok...  we were happy just hanging out for the day!

Thanks for visiting Taylor's!