My Friday Babblings

• Kayson had jamma day today at daycare... he was so excited!  He picked them out and was all ready to go!  He thought it was funny to wear shoes with them!  ha.  :)
• Cora is doing well...  growing so fast.  Makes me sad - especially when I honestly don't feel like I see her at all!  She's so good, that during the evenings we are so busy getting supper ready and get K bathed/ready for bed, that I don't sit down long enough to even hold her.  BAD ME.  I WILL make a better effort.  Thank god for weekends.
• Ryan's work/boss is awesome.  Simply awesome.  I was surprised with an amazing gift yesterday in the mail from his boss - personalized card and signed by him with a very generous gift inside.  Very, VERY thoughtful.  Ryan and I talked about it (and have talked about this for years now) --- the traveling my suck, but we do it, we make it work.  And not one other company is going to treat him (OR ME) the way they do... so we are lucky and Ryan's staying!  :)
• I'm thrilled it's Friday.  Period.
• This Saturday evening we have Ryan's work holiday party - it's a fancy one this year.  I was told on Monday that it's 'formal' wear...  WHAT?!  REALLY?!?  What the hell am I going to wear?!  I tried some skirts from a few neighbors...  out of the 5, only 1 worked, but I didn't think it was dressy enough...  so I went out and bought something.  Not exactly what I wanted to do (especially with Quincy's vet bill and Christmas in general), but I did.  Ryan approved and I think it'll be nice...  something I can wear again too. 
• We are getting family pictures taken this Sunday...  I'm excited.  I'm excited to have someone else do this... and it's a professional.  I'm just hoping that Ryan keeps his eyes open and Kayson's chapped lips don't look TOO terrible!  :)

Here's to Friday and the weekend!

Money sucks

Do you like that title?  That's how I feel today...  money just plain sucks.  Or should I say, I almost wish everything was free.  I know that's not realistic or ever going to happen...  but I'm annoyed.  

First, Christmas is expensive...  of course, we want to give nice things to family and friends... and of course, we want nice things for our home (decorating, etc.), and nice things for ourselves and our kids.  Who doesn't?  

Second, Quincy went BACK to the vet today... he's been chewing at his other leg (opposite leg that had the tumor on it)...  I've put an E-collar on him thinking that would help (keep him away from licking/chewing), it didn't help...  I finally took him today.  Result is an infection that he's caused by licking/chewing and it's got a lot of healing to do.  It's painful for him too.  So...  after another large bill, we have pills and a spray for him.  I hate spending the money on stuff like this...  I don't want that to sound disheartening or that I don't care for Quincy, because I do.  I may get irritated with him, but knowing this is hurting him, it does make me sad - I just HATE spending the money. 

So today I'm annoyed with money.  I know that my credit card bill is going to be outrageous...  so maybe Santa will bring me a wad of cash.  :)  Or like Ryan says, I should have played the lotto today...  he did, I didn't.  ha.

Thankful, of course.

It's Sunday... Sunday night after a 4 day wonderful weekend.  
We had a nice long weekend...  on the go, but it was nice... and nice to be with our families. 

Wednesday evening we headed up to Clarion... prepping to eat all day long on Thursday.  We had a great time, we did our "Grandkid" pictures for my parents...  always, ALWAYS such fun.  I've said it before, I've never met 5 'big' kids that LOVE doing this.  Even Kayson somewhat enjoys it, cuz he loves to look up to his big cousins.  Now we just hope Cora grows up to love the picture taking as well! 

Friday we were home... well, Ryan and Mike (and some others from Creston) headed over to the last Iowa football game.  (Glad it's the last one...!!!!)  I think Ryan is too - we are hoping to erase the bad games/season and start a new season next year!   We didn't do much of anything... JeanAnn spent the day with us... her and Kayson did a few errands in the morning...  but that's about it.  It was a lazy day at home!

Saturday morning we headed down to Creston and Diagonal.  We spent the afternoon and evening with Ryan's extended family...  we haven't seen most of them in months, so we had a nice time.  The kids have a complete blast...  Kayson was wiped out!!  Great food, great company... lots of laughs. 

Today we headed back home around lunch time.  The Christmas tree and other decorations are up and I'm loving it.  It surely makes me 'in the holiday spirit'.  I love it.  (but have lots of shopping to do!!)

Moving on to what I'm thankful for.  I haven't been doing the 'daily' thankful stuff that some people do on Facebook...  it's nice to see some of the fun things that people think of (after the important stuff, like family, friends, health and roof over your head).  I, of course, am thankful for all of those important things...  plus more.  We are blessed with two beautiful children... and a great marriage.  We surely have ups and downs with kids and the marriage thing, but I am more happy and blessed than I ever have been before (and I can compare to about 10 years ago!)  Other things I'm thankful for today are: the smiles of my kids, the laugh of my husband, the laugh of my father in law, the thoughtfulness of my in laws, the role models that my sisters are to me, the respect I have and have learned from my parents, the friendships of certain family members and friendships that I've made over the years (and the ones I've had for 34 years!).  I'm thankful for lights, water, heat (and air conditioning), soap, hair products, clothes, makeup, our vehicles, our home, health, ice cream & strawberries, and the ability to take photos for memories.

Here are some specific photos I'm thankful for:

Nieces & Nephew on Hardy side

Priceless - the Boys

My pretty girl (in her white onesie!)  ha!

My BIG boy!

My little family.

Nephew Tater.

Cora - 3 Months Old

Today Miss Cora is 3 months old!!!  My little sugar.

• Eating 5 oz. about every 3 hours (typically can't go over the 3 hr. mark!)  We knocked back the 6 oz. to 5 oz. due to her spitting up, and it's seemed to help (some).  We still have some moments! 
• Sleeping (typically) from about 8:00 pm to 6:30 am (having to wake her in the morning - BOO!)  Still being swaddled. (Moves like crazy in her crib - see picture below!)
• Naps are a little more consistent for daycare - using a sleep sack for naps.
• Still talks to us, but I've realized over the past week or so, she does A LOT of staring and just soaking things in!!! 
• Loves to watch Kayson and the dogs!
• Chews and chews on her hands!
• She'd much rather sit up or be propped up, than laying down on the Boppy.  She definitely wants to see the action!
• I'm starting to read more to her... she's really enjoying the pictures on the books!  So sweet.
• Doesn't mind tummy time... thanks to daycare!!
• Wearing Size 2 diapers 
• Wearing (mostly) Carter's 3 Mo. clothing and other brands are at 3-6 Mo. 

She looks like a different baby with that smile!

Freaking Hilarious

I have more Kayson Funnies.  Oh that kid.
No.1
Last week him and I went to Kohl's to pick up a Christmas gift (we had a 30% off coupon AND a $30 Cash Back!)  After looking around, we ended up in the toy section... he found a Tonka blader thing.  He was in heaven.  I took a picture of it on my phone and told Kayson we would pass it on to Herky the Elf when he arrives.  He seemed okay with that.

Today we did a few errands... the entire time, Kayson is asking about this blader and how he wants to show Ryan.  Ryan gave in and we went to Kohl's - telling Kayson we would not be buying it.  On the way into the store, Ryan says "How much is it Kayson?" Kayson's response was "I don't care!"  WHAT!??!  OMG, Ryan and I laughed and laughed... hilarious.  (and by the way, Ryan gave in even more and bought it for him!!)

No.2
Moving on...  we went to HyVee to get groceries after our other errands...  as we were leaving, there was a car in the area right in front of the store loading up groceries...  (slowing down all the cars - and on a Sunday morning, everyone and their dog are at the grocery store!)  Ryan proceeds to say (somewhat quietly) - "You are slowing it up, Jack O."  (Yah, Nice...).  Kayson then says "Pull your head outta your butt and let's go!"  Again... OMG.  I'm literally crying as I type this, it was SO.FUNNY.    (You may be wondering when he has heard that -- of course, Ryan -- he had said that multiple times during the Iowa FB game Saturday.)  Again, nice.  :)

Don't judge.  :)

This and That

• Thank God tomorrow is Friday.  It's been a long week... a long week back to work.  
• I've missed Cora (and Kayson) this week...  it's been hard being away from Cora for one, and even Kayson too.  He's just growing up so fast and has been so good lately.  Minus the bedtime battles that we have!
• Bedtime battles include Kayson and I not getting along.  ha.  Usually (or should I say, about 2 or 3 months ago), it was Daddy and Kayson not getting along at bedtime!  Kayson just likes to argue and delay bedtime now...  Oh well, we'll figure it out.  It's always something!
• Cora's done great at daycare.  The teachers like her!!!  Stacy told me today that she's just 'a sweet little thing'.  Always nice to hear.
• We had Cora's baptism scheduled for this coming weekend, but we needed to postpone it.  My Mom has shingles pretty bad, and she can't really be around Cora (or at least shouldn't be)...  so we are postponing... I hope to get it done in January sometime.  It's hard to find weekends that work for all of the immediate family.  We'll shoot for January, after the holidays.
• With me back to work, I hate the fact that I don't get home with the kids til after 5:00.  Before Cora, I think we would get home around 4:30 or 4:40 at the latest.  I've been staying at work a little later, or running a quick errand after work (since I can't do that during the day anymore!), so by the time I get to daycare it's nearly 5:00.  It's dark out (which is annoying!) and then I feel like I am rushing around cleaning up bottles, getting bags ready for the next day, washing hands and faces, and getting supper ready.  Sigh... a lot of work.  
• On my maternity leave, I got onto Pinterest, thanks to my two neighbor friends.  I like it.  It's neat.  I love the ideas that I get from it, but I'm just not sure if I'll ever follow through on any of them.  
• With us not going home to Clarion, I am looking forward to being home and spending real quality time with the kids.  It's hard going from seeing Cora every minute of the day, to really only seeing her for about 4 hours - 30 minutes in the morning, then about 2 1/2 to 3 hours at night time (if she's awake for most of it).  Big adjustment.
• Cora does have her first little cold from daycare...  snotty nose.  Poor thing.  
• I haven't taken ONE picture of Cora this week!!  Bad me!

My babies.

We are surviving!

Day 2 of work and daycare is done and everything has went well.  I'm pleased, but sad to be back to work and away from Cora, but glad to be on a routine (and getting Cora on a routine at daycare). 

So far, I'm tired.  Wow - a different type of tired than having a newborn...  it's the "Working Mom" tired.  I know it gets better, but right now, I'm suffering!  :)  2:00 rolls around and my eyes.are.heavy!  I've been also getting headaches - staring at a computer screen all day is another adjustment!

I have also learned over the past two days that my feet hurt BAD.  I mean, I haven't worn dress shoes/heels/boots for MONTHS and to go back to dressing up and walking quite a ways in these shoes - HURTS!!  It's crazy how not only your mind has to adjust to these changes, but my body does too!  ha.

People at work were glad to have me back...  it was a nice welcoming day yesterday.  My boss brought in cookies - very nice, and I handed them all out to others!  Only leaving myself with 1!  (Good job Janelle!)  I had several people stop by to talk, which was nice too.  It sure made the day go fast, which was EVEN more nice! 

So... we are all surviving! 

It's Over

As of tomorrow morning, my maternity leave is over.  Done.  
This brings tears to my eyes... as it has for the past couple weeks just thinking about it.  But now it's here.  I have to go back to work tomorrow.  I have to take my beautiful daughter to daycare for 9 hours a day.  

My maternity leave has been amazing...  awesome... perfect.  Ryan and I have been more than blessed with two beautiful, healthy children and the ability for me to stay home for 12 weeks with them.  I'm more than thankful...  I have no words to explain how I'm feeling. 

Over the past 12 weeks, we've done a lot.  
Cora and I have bonded more than I can express.  She's an amazing little girl.  I can honestly say that this time around (second baby), I was WAY MORE RELAXED.  I knew what to do, what to try, etc.  The first 6 weeks we were tired...  I was tired.  (I'm still tired, but it's different now).  She had her first cold/cough.  She started smiling and cooing (which is the best thing ever!)

Along with being with my baby every day, I also got the ability to really catch up with some good friends.  We got out from time to time and had lunch dates...  which was nice.  We spent a lot of time with Lacey & Laityn...  which was awesome.  Having the ability to see each other weekly for about 10 weeks was amazing.  We were very lucky to be able to have that this time around.

Kayson has adjusted well to being a big brother.  Sure, we had our rough moments, especially at the beginning, but slowly we've got a very happy little boy who loves his baby sister.  It's awesome to see them interact (thus far).  Cora stares and stares at Kayson - it's so sweet.  And Kayson says good morning to her every day and sometimes kisses her good night.  I hope they will be friends when they grow up and love each other unconditionally. 

With that, I'm going to stop babbling...  I'm sad, anxious, nervous and overwhelmed today.  I pray that tomorrow goes well for all of us. 

Kayson's 1st Football Game!

Today was the day Kayson had been waiting for for a long time.  Daddy was taking him to see the Hawkeyes!!  Ryan has talked about taking Kayson this year... and he picked today's game.  We were hoping that the weather would be good (not cold), so we could follow through with taking Kayson... and the weather turned out perfect for him to go!  

The boys (Ryan, Kayson, Papa Mike & Uncle Blair) were up early and out the door by 6:20 this morning.  Kayson was so excited.  

I got random picture texts throughout the day, which was awesome.  Love that.  So here is how Kayson's day went.  Ryan, Mike & Blair said he couldn't have done any better.  That's so nice to hear!!  (He was WIPED out tonight, but totally expected that!)

at 6:15 am - all smiles and ready to go!

With Uncle Blair - priceless.

apparently Daddy & Kayson ate a lot of popcorn!

Love it.

Using Papa's binoculars.

Good Day

Today is my last week day with Cora.  We spent the morning together cuddling.  I don't normally do that...  I don't normally hold her a lot, but I did this morning.  I held her, snuggled, we 'talked' and played.  She was a joy.  

Late this morning, we met up with my sister and her husband to do some shopping.  They were in town for Christmas shopping, so I figured we would get out and walk with them.  We had such a fun time... Cora was great, Trish & Greg both just oohh and aawed over her, it's so sweet.  We just had fun, I really enjoyed it.  

This afternoon we are just hanging out... waiting for Kayson and Ryan to get home.  Tonight we are meeting up with the Taylor's at a hotel, so K and Tate can do some swimming.  Should be fun for the kiddos.  

It's been a great day!

Kayson's Funnies

Kayson has been pretty much cracking us up lately.  For one, he talks and talks... and TALKS SOME MORE.  My goodness.  It's funny to think that we sometimes get annoyed with him talking so much, but some of the things he says is just plain funny. 

Here are some examples (some funny, some just sweet too):

1. Tonight - he says to Ryan, "You can sleep with me tonight Daddy."  Well isn't that nice?
2. We got a phone book (on our front stoop), Kayson wanted to know what it was... and was completely intrigued by it.  He probably would have flipped through those pages forever!
3. As Cora is pissed, he says "What is her problem?!"
4. Sunday evening we were having quiet time.  It included doing some coloring in an activity book.  There's a page that had a grid on it... so we just colored random colors in the boxes, then he said he was going to pretend it was a calendar.  He started to put days to each box, etc.  He then says to Ryan (as he points to one of the boxes), "This is the day that you will take a shower with me."  Ryan asked what day that was, and Kayson said "Wednesday."  Tonight, before bath or shower, Kayson asked what day it was and we told him...  he walked right to that activity book and opened to that page and said, "Daddy - it's the day to take a shower with me!"  Too damn smart. 
5. He has asked one of his favorite teachers at daycare if she has a car seat so he can go home with her so he can meet her cat. 
6. We were out for dinner last weekend, and I was putting the left overs in a box and Kayson says to me, "You can do it Mom!"... meaning, I can eat those left overs!  
7. He's been licking/sucking on his bottom lip...  it's become a bad habit (I had the same bad habit when I was little), and it's red and just sore.  He has daycare pictures tomorrow...  we've been soaking it with chap-stick/Vaseline and it seems to help, but just gets red again.  I told him it's pretty important that he doesn't have the red part for picture day.  He says with his big blue eyes, "Mom, I'll try really hard... and I'm sorry."  I mean, really... how sweet is that. :)

Our Weekend

We've had a nice weekend...  nice weekend at home, just the 4 of us.  I think it was just what I needed knowing that when I look at the month of November and December from here on out - it's FULL every single weekend! 

Saturday morning, the kiddos and I went to the mall...  we hit the book store and spent lots of time there while Cora napped and Kayson looked at books and played with the train set.  Then we moved on to the play area.  Typically Kayson lasts about 5 minutes (it seems)...  this time, he played and played for about 25 minutes I bet...  using his imagination and just laughing and running around.  There weren't many kids there at the time, so it was perfect. 

Later that afternoon, I took a break and went to the mall alone...  dress pants and jeans were on my list of thing to buy.  I didn't want to, but it was a MUST.  I can only SQUEEZE into 2 pairs of dress pants (they aren't comfortable at all)...  and jeans - I just have one pair that work, and they aren't the nicest looking pair.  I made my list go away - got 2 dress pants, and 2 pairs of jeans.  And to top it off, I went completely out of my box and bought a pair of skinny jeans and boots.  I have them home and have tried them on twice and I'm not sure if I'll keep them.  I want to keep them and wear them and be stylish, but I'm just not sure if it's 'me'. Anyway, either way - I have something to wear for work, so I am pleased.  :)

Saturday night we went to El Rodeo (Kayson's choice).  He's addicted to the chips and cheese - think he's our son for sure.  :)  Ryan and I had some drinks, it was just what I needed to end the night!

Today we've just hung out...  great day to just be inside with my kiddos.  Kayson's been so good lately...  happy kid.  Cora's been great too.  We are adjusting some things with her - giving her less for a bottle (I know, weird), but she's been spitting up quite a bit, so we cut her back to 5 oz. or so.  It seems to be helping.  She's also just changing a lot - lots of awake time and us really knowing when she's tired and ready for a rest.  She's a wonderful baby.

Here's a couple pics. 

Wish Cora didn't have that paci hanging out of her mouth!

Look at her looking at Kayson... so sweet.