1st SPARK

OK, so here's the next post. Thanks to all who encouraged me and commented so I know SOMEONE is reading. Blog on. I'm feeling so blessed this week noticing that Kai and Addie already have such a special sibling bond. They play well together, they are able to say/hug "sorry" when needed, they watch out for each other, they chill together, and of course want 'equal' treatment. It's only a matter of time before Eli joins in the gang. THEY PLAY WELL TOGETHER--Kai has a list of imaginary play to chose from each day....bear cave, Lightening McQueen, camping, all sorts of cooking scenarios, Thomas, etc. He includes Addie in the scenes very well. He prompts her in how she needs to act or sometimes talks her through the whole thing while she plays beside him (I'm not sure she really knows what's going on when that happens)! But she loves to play along with her big bro. There are of course a few 'squabbles' here and there....usually when Kai is grumpy or he thinks he dominates all the toys or when Addie is very willing to share unless it's something she wants to play with at the same time, then watch out! Gezzo! Thankfully more calm and co-play has been happening lately. THEY ARE ABLE TO SAY/HUG "SORRY" WHEN NEEDED--I'm trying to work with K and A on gracious sharing and thinking of others before themselves. Examples of letting someone play with it because you know it will make them happy or giving your favorite toy to someone else instead of the one you don't care about. This is an ongoing difficult lesson, so true. But I'm seeing a little improvement over time. If squabbles occur, they can at least face one another and give an apology (sorry from Kai and hug from Addie). THEY WATCH OUT FOR EACH OTHER-- Two cute examples: When Kai is hurt, his nurturing sister is quickly by his side pointing to is "ou-wee" with her head cocked to the side, nodding and squinting her eyes like she knows his pain. So precious. And just today at Focus on the Family an unfamiliar young boy befriended Addie (out of Kai's sight) and led her around hand-in-hand. Kai did not approve of this when it came to his attention. He followed the other little boy saying "hey, hey" until I assured him Addie was okay. What a good big bro looking out for her! THEY CHILL TOGETHER--picture is worth a thousand words. I think this pic is one of our many sick at-home days. THEY WANT 'semi-EQUAL' TREATMENT (really this should actually read Kai wants equal treatment but his sister is catching on quickly)-- Derrick and I had a 'date night' with Kai alone. We took him to a local HS basketball game with hot dogs and snacks galore (his kinda date). A few nights later I told him I was taking Addie on a date alone to get haircuts. He cried until I reminded him of our basketball date. In hopes of getting Addie to drink milk, we add Ovaltine to it....of course Kai cannot drink his milk white if Addie gets Ovaltine. If Addie naps with an extra stuffed animal, Kai needs one as well. If Addie picks the bedtime story, Kai requires we read one he wants as well. If Kai gets a special snack Addie wants one too. If I let Addie lay in Eli's crib with him, Kai demands in as well. The list goes on and on and on. In other news.... Eli is sitting up completely on his own and loving the new view! He also has 2 bottom teeth to munch with and is starting to sleep a little better (I don't want to jinx myself here). These are just a few other moments caught by camera lately to add to the SPARK. Now that Eli can sit alone it allows for a whole new slew of toys to grab his attention. Addie is such a helper in showing him how it all works via demonstration. Washcloth heads! Derrick initiated this after a flashback from his childhood...wish I had that pic of he and my bro-in-law for blackmail purposes. K and A thought it was EXTREMELY funny. Not sure which is cuter.....cowboy or sheriff???

Hit me up

Lately I've pondered "why do I even bother with this blog." The only people I know read it are Grandma and my co-workers (thanks to you guys for hanging in there)! It's rare I get ANY comments. The stupid program messes with my format every time. And I just am not encouraged or inspired for blogging in general. So, in hopes of a small revival, HIT ME UP with a comment. You may see some sparks start to fly (I'm probably over exaggerating that a bit). It should probably read "there will be another blog soon." Low expectations bring about much more exciting results!

7 blessings for 7 months

My 'lil heartbreaker! Counting the blessings. Eli is 7 months and he has enriched our lives so much! 1. The kid ALWAYS has a smile for his mommy! 2. Although he still wakes once a night to eat, he goes right back to sleep every time! 3. When everyone else is crying, he's usually not (realistically it's a 2 out of 3 scenario). 4. As expected, Kai and Addie entertain Eli when he's in his walker, bumbo, jumper, swing, etc. BUT, what a blessing that he entertains them as well! 5. His fluffy hair....it's lovable. 6. He still likes to sleep in the car. 7. He just started sitting up alone but can't escape from where I place him yet. A smile for the camera on a day when he actually ate something! He hit a phase of pursing his lips when I spoon feed him. So we haven't gotten too far in the solid food chapter. We may be moving on to finger foods fairly quickly! One bottom tooth poked through the other day! This is a common highchair look. I thought it showcased his fluffy hair well! He gets lots of comments on his hair. The funny thing is it's ALWAYS fluffy....after bath or 3 days later. This is his look. "E" rocks a hat well.

A new leaf

Yes, I am confident we have finally turned a new leaf in the health realm. Eli is on the mend from ongoing sickness. It's been apparent in his demeanor. It was the first day in quite a while that we've seen lots of smiles and heard giggles! I've missed him! Eli sitting on the couch to play with Addie and Daddy. He loves to be in on the action. 3 peas in a pod. They are watching cartoons and sharing a "ba-ba" (blankie) first thing in the morning! Couch buddies while visiting Great Grandpa Ed for some homemade Italian food!! Yummy!

Only Words

Inspired or motivated definitely do NOT describe me this week. Hence, no new blogs. I have a cluttered house, no new pics even taken on my camera for a blog, clothes piled in baskets (clean and dirty), a bare fridge, dirty dishes stacked in the sink, unkept bathrooms....well, you get the picture. Basically, the last thing I should be doing is blogging, but here I am. We hit the library today on the way back from an appointment. It has been awhile. Since I discovered the "HOLD" option it's rare I bother with a caravan into the isles to randomly select books off the shelves. I usually quickly select 8 or so books and allow Kai and Addie to each pick a DVD. I noticed today the DVD was more exciting than the books....how does that happen at the library!? Although new books for nap time reading is always exciting, especially when you're not having to buy them! So I can't complain about the library too much! Little E is sick again! I'm headed to the doctor with him later this afternoon. He seems suseptible to every little "bug" (that's a 3rd child for you I guess)! With a snot nose, diarrhea, and fever on top of introducing new solids and swollen teeth about to pop through, life couldn't be more agonizing! As cruel as it seems, he does sleep better with a fever. For this I am a hair thankful for. The sickness since Thanksgiving has provided a few setbacks. He's not sitting up, but getting closer. He loves to jump and be in on ALL the action! Addie is at a fun, entertaining age. Her vocabulary is exploding. She mimics words and has caught on to phrases that Kai teaches her, like "good to go" and "me, me, me" and "moe, moe" (more) and "peas, peas" (please), and many others. She has such a sweet little voice. We quiz her on words for entertainment and to sharpen her skills! She feeds her baby often and is so nurturing and she throws tea parties with Kai daily! A couple small toys can entertain her for hours! She continues to put on dances for us! We're considering a clip for America's Funniest Videos. Kai is too smart for his own good on most occasions! He picks up on everything and doesn't let anything down. He's more into imaginary play these days, lots of growling bears and stomping dinosaurs at our house. He includes Addie too, which has been fun. He pushes Addie in laundry baskets like race cars and has taught her how to tip toe. She's pretty good at playing along. Grandma also got Kai excited about the game hide and seek (which helped me realize we need to work on our counting)! He still loves to do "projects"....his own projects like crafts w/glue or scissors, playdoh, drawing/coloring or to help with our projects like fixing, sorting, cooking, etc. Well Skate Church at our house tonight, so better get back to the above list! Pics soon when I turn over a new leaf of inspiration!

Over the River.....

....and through the barren lands of Wyoming to Grandma's house we go! We spent Christmas 2010 in South Dakota again with my family! Kai got to ride with his Great Auntie to Grandma's 2 days before us to have a "sleepover." I was skeptical, but he did great! Among the unlimited snacks, movies, and attention I don't think he missed us one bit! The kids have spent the whole holidays season (since prior to Thanksgiving) sick! We just can't to shake one thing or another. Cold, flu, intestinal bug, diarrhea, Croup, coughs....you name it, we've had it. It caught up to Addie and Eli over Christmas. They really suffered through with smiles! Here's Addie and Eli prepping for our trip to SD through the night. Here's Kai passing gifts Christmas morning. He was the most enthusiastic present passer I've ever met. He was especially meticulous stacking his own gifts. It was quite the tower! Addie just could not figure out how to get her new baby doll out of the box......children's toys are quite a task to unwrap for all you parents who may not have experienced this excessive wrapping and strapping yet! Of course Eli didn't do any unwrapping this year, but he gave some huge Christmas morning smiles after he pooped through his pjs! Merry Christmas mom....I was giving him a wipe bath while the kids started their stockings! Here's Eli hanging with Grandpa. All smiles to be held. This more adequately captures Addie's Christmas experience.....snoozing on Grandma while her big brother sits having a snack. I did get a cute facial expression from Addie during an "up" moment. Just too cute to not include. Too bad I didn't think to rotate the pics before importing them.....guess a blog of this caliber is better than no blog.