Shelly's Birthday!

Wow Shelly is 7! 

 

Brooke wanted to help Shelly with her sign picture, but as you can see she did much better taking a picture alone.  The kids were super excited to give Shelly presents....well until Shelly started jumping up on them all excited.  As you can see from Tyler's face, this made him a little nervous.  Even though she looks pretty crazy in the pictures, she isn't actually...O'wait she is crazy, but she is very friendly.  Also, just when we though the kids were spoiled by Miss T., look what she made for Shelly!

 

Funny Little People

So these little people do have a tendency to make me laugh.  As I was putting away laundry this evening, the kids decided it would be fun to take all the "ugly" maternity clothes out of the bin, and then put them back.  At one point Brooke thought it would be fun to start trying them on, and of course Tyler wanted to be just like his big sister! 

I wonder if any of them will make it out of the bin to be worn this pregnancy....also I wonder why all maternity clothes are so unattractive! :)

Christmas Pictures

I know these pictures look completely posed, and aren't a cool as the freelance photographers, but its hard to beat the $20 price! (Well..ok we actually ordered 2 poses, and paid $40).  This is the first time Portrait Innovations posted their picture on line as well, so we got to get some low resolution pictures of the other ones we liked as well.

Fortunately, the kids were both in good moods.  Brooke was super excited to wear a pretty dress, and Tyler thought it was funny to run every time they put him in the chair.  One of the advantages of Portrait Innovations is we always get the support of two people helping with the pictures. One photographer, and one to make the kids laugh & smile.  This year the helper was very funny with her bubble popping skills!

Check out Tyler's stylish little shoes!  Great mom-to-mom find!  Also, a special thanks to the Fry's for both of Brooke's super cute outfits.

Looks like both the kids are going to get mommy's green eyes! Woo hoo!

41 Months...and another Ear Infection

Brooke is quite the trooper.  Behind all the giggles & smiles, it appears she had her I believe 6th double ear infection for the year.  It was also reported that her lungs sounded bad again, so she is back on her breathing treatments every 3-4 hrs.  Based on the fact she is so anti-medicine, and I just didn't have the strength to battle with her for the next 10 days, I had the doctor do a shot of the antibiotic this time.  Unfortunately, it was very painful, and she was sore all evening, however now we are done and she already looks and sounds like she if feeling much, much better!

 

We have an appointment the second week in January at Children's Hospital to see an ENT doctor, as it might be time to look into getting tubes put in those little ears.

 

Here are her happy sign pictures from the morning.  I think she was especially happy since I agreed she could wear a dress for the day!

 

We went to Sam's that evening to do a little shopping, and found Santa was visiting the store that evening.  Brooke went back in forth many times with her decision on wanting to see him, but finally decided she really wanted to say hi.  Instead of sitting on his lap, she wanted to stand next to him and hold his hand.  (Extra bonus in letting her wear a dress!)  There prices were crazy.  The first packages started around $2.58, but since we really only wanted the one picture....it was a whopping $0.40 for a 5x7 picture.  Now I would like to see another store beat that price!  We did have to wait about an hour for the picture to print, but I think it was worth the wait.  (Love how it looks like she has a gold bow in her hair too!)

Santa & Smiles!

We had similar success with our Santa picture this year as the last few.  Once again, a great time waiting in line with the neighbors, and a not so excited picture with Santa.

Here are the link to the pictures from 2011, 2010 and 2009!

Thanksgiving Craziness

We had a blast Thanksgiving weekend this year!  Besides a wonderful dinner with my family on Thanksgiving, we got to spend the afternoon at the park, and even sneak away during nap time to watch the final Twilight movie in a real theater! (The last time Nick & I saw a movie in the theater was about a year ago when we both had the afternoon off work, and saw the previous Twilight movie...poor Nick.)

 

Saturday was spent hanging out with Nick's family, and another amazing meal for dinner.  Plus the highlight of the evening was getting to meet my new nephew, William Robert Buchman, who was born 30-October.  As you can tell by the pictures, Brooke was instantly in love with her little cousin, and loved being as close as possible to him all night!

 

 

 

 

I love this picture of Nicole & William.  (Taken about 1 minutes before she feel a sleep.)

 

 

So Organized!

Going through some old photo albums made me realize how much more organized my life used to be!  I printed out my pictures, labeled the backs, and even put together photo books.  Unfortunately, it doesn't appear like this will happen again for another 18 years! Regardless the best I can do now is try to get as many picture up on the blog as possible!

So here are Tyler's 16 month pictures!  I love all of Tyler's new skills he has started to develop...examples include lying down on command, giving lots of kiss & hugs, high fives, plus he is very persuasive if you do something he doesn't like, and can turn on a crazy toddler rage instantly!  Some of his favorite words are milk, more, no, no, no, daddy, mommy, papa, Elmo, your welcome, uh oh, "b", and bye!

 

Just for fun here are Nick's pictures when he was around 16 months!

 

 

And finally some quick belly pictures from the day.  Halfway to being a family with three crazy kiddos!

 

 

 

40 Months and Counting!

Once again, I had to give up the fun and let someone else take Brooke's 40 month pictures.  We left for NY on Brooke's 40 month birthday, and even though she was up at 5 a.m. when we left, I decided to not try for the pictures.  It's a good thing since based on the below pictures, it appears she had a lot of fun taking them with my parents. 

We are still having the sleeping issues with Miss Brooke since she has given up the bink, and wonder if this is the cause of what might be night terrors.  Many nights she is waking up around 2:00 a.m. very upset, but not really awake.  Other nights she is just waking up, and walking to our room asking for a drink.  Either way, I think we may have gotten 1 night since we broke her of her bink where she slept through.  (I am sure Tyler made sure to wake us up that night!)

Brooke was also super excited when she came home from daycare this week announcing to all that she wrote her name for the first time! Way to go Brooke!!

NYC Weekend Adventure!

Nick & I spent the past weekend in New York City...kiddo free!  It was only the second time we have left Brooke for the weekend, and the first time for Tyler.  The report from my parents is the kids did great!  (Except for the 2:00-3:00 a.m. evening wake up each night from Miss Brooke.)

Special thanks to my parents for watching the kids & Shelly so we could enjoy this little weekend get-a-away!  It was so nice to be kid worry-free, and not have to carry a child or push a stroller all around town! Thank you again for your generosity.

We arrive in NYC Thursday morning after a short delay from a reported 6" of snow.  However, fortunately when we arrived most of the snow was melted, and mid-town (Time's Square area) didn't seem to have any remaining effects from the recent Hurricane Sandy storm.

Thursday was spent sight seeing in the Time's Square area, dinner at a fancy restaurant, and ending the evening watching Spiderman on Broadway!  The show was amazing, and since Randy knew one of the actors we got amazing seats (10th row), and a backstage tour afterwards!

Friday we travelled south towards the Ground Zero area.  Many of the area still showed signs of flooding from the hurricane, with shops closed and generators running.  We did dinner back in mid-town at an amazing Sushi restaurant called Tao.

Then on Saturday, it was the real excitement as we got to celebrate Andy & Lauren's wedding.  We started the day with a walk through Central Park, and a stop at the "Friend's" fountain. 

The ceremony was held at an absolutely beautiful church, St. Ignatius, and the reception at the Yale Club. 

The Yale Club had pictures of some of the previous presidents, which were members! (examples, Clinton, Bush, etc.)  The evening started with cocktails & hors-d-orvs on the 22nd floor /roof, and then moved to one of the banquet halls for a 4 course dinner, and dancing!  It was an absolutely amazing wedding, and definitely one of the fanciest we have ever attended.







Are we crazy!??!?!

I think we must be a little crazy to think we can handle three kids three & under!!  Plus odds look good that baby #3 is going to be an April Fools baby!  If this little guy (yes, guy) is anything like his mommy, I am guessing I should be really worried with what he has in store for April Fool's Day! 

 

Based on the last two pregnancies, and guessing right both times, I was very convinced that baby #3 was going to be a little girl.  But there was no denying the ultrasound this morning, showing #3 is definitely a little boy! 

 

Brooke "but mommy I already have a little brother, I need a little sister." Sorry kiddo.  Too bad I have twice as many girl clothes as boy, but I am guessing it will also be much easier to go through all the bins!

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Happy Halloween from the Princess & the Monkey!

Finally posting our Halloween pictures!  The weather stayed warm enough to allow the kids to go trick or treating for a little while this Halloween!  Brooke of course choose to be a princess, and Tyler made the perfect monkey!  He refused to let go of his banana & bucket all night!

 

The trick-or-treat gang!  Sammy, Brooke, Grace, Chloe, Sophie, and Tyler!

Me "Tyler get down from there!"
Brooke "But Mommy he is a little monkey!"

Another Tough Week for Brooke

We aren't even into the full fall season, and Brooke is having issues with her asthma.  She doesn't appear to have any seasonal allergies, but pretty much just a weak immune system.  Therefore if she catches a cold its very hard for her to shake it.  I asked their pediatrician if she could listen to Brooke's chest while we were there for Tyler's 15 month check up.  She instantly requested for her to do two breathing treatments.  After the treatments she checked her blood oxygen levels, which read 91%.  (99-100% is normal, with 90% being a free trip to the ER to be put on oxygen.)  The doctor prescribed a round of steroids, to help clear out her lungs, and increased the dosage of her Flovent inhaler. 

The next morning we visited her asthma Dr., and found her blood oxygen levels to still be at 91%.  He stated that if they didn't hit 94% after a breathing treatment, we would be highly recommended to head to the ER.  Fortunately, they hit 94%, even if only for a second, and the fact she wasn't looking to bad, said we were ok to head home. 

After a few days of breathing treatments around the clock, she is doing a little better, but not out of the woods yet.  The doctors also put Brooke on a Z-pack prescription, but unfortunately it is physically impossible to get her to take that & keep it down. 

We are planning on seeing how she does over the weekend, and may need to take her in for a shot of an antibiotic on Monday.  Confident she will NOT be happy if that's the case.  Hopefully, the steroids, and lots of breathing treatments over the weekend will clear up all this congestion!

Please keep Brooke in your prayers! 

1 1/4th years!

15 Months old! I hope you aren't getting tired of the monthly pictures, since they won't be stopping any time soon! How else can I keep up with these kids?

Tyler's 15 month check up was great.  24.6 lbs, 31.5" long, and 18 3/4 on the head.  I always love it when the nurse comes back to re-check his head measurement, as apparently the initial number she took suggested it shrunk :)  He is pretty much right at the 50% mark for everything.

It's amazing how much he understand at this age.  You can ask him to get his shoes (or someone else's), his jacket, or even certain toys.  However, tonight was extra special as we asked him if he wanted to give his sister a kiss before bed time.  We walked over gave Brooke a kiss, daddy a kiss, mommy a kiss, and then went looking for Shelly!  He leaned over to give Shelly a kiss, and of course got many kisses back. 

It also takes him exactly one time to watch someone do something before he thinks he can do it him self.  One example is mommy drying the dishes, and Tyler instantly picking up Shelly's bowl (yes full of water) and attempting to dry it.  Thanks buddy!  (We are going to be very careful the next time he is around his cousin Clayton, as we definitely don't need him learning how to climb out of his crib.)

Fourth Annual Pumpkin Carving

We enjoyed pumpkin carving again this year with Jay & Carolyn.  Feel free to check out the step by step guide in the "3rd Annual Post". 

Yes, Tyler enjoyed eating the pumpkin and yes, both Jay & I carved a wiener dog!  Nick carved the "Grover" and "Angry Bird" ones, and Carolyn did the "Happy Halloweenie."  We did joke about how her pumpkin might appears a little inappropriate, if Jay's didn't turn out well.  :)

We also took a break to dress Brooke, Sandy & Shelly up with fairy wings.  Yes, Tyler got stuck with them too, but some how manage to avoid the camera this time.

Its the little things that make you smile!

Like two happy kids, excite to wear Halloween shirts!

39 Months & Binky Free!

Despite all our worrying & concerns.  We were able to break Miss Brooke of her "B" in only two nights!  In reality, the real prize goes to Miss Theresa who was able to get Brooke to sleep with no bink at daycare for the last 4 weeks, but she at least had the advantage of peer pressure...right?

 

We realized we needed to grab the quick opportunity we had, of a healthy child, a full weekend, and really no other excuses than our lack of desire for a few sleepless nights.  However, after the first two very difficult nights for all, she hasn't even asked for it! 

 

She decided to make a "build a bear" as her no bink prize.  However, lately she has been asking about getting that new baby as well.  (On on a side note, she hasn't managed to sleep through the night since she has been B-Free, so we are now using the baby doll as that incentive!)

 

Happy 39 months Miss Brooke! We love you! 

 

In case you didn't pick up on it on your own, Brooke is making sure her teddy (Maddy), also has her hand on her hip in the last picture.

 

Yes she still loves taking baths with her new goggles!  Plus check out her fabulous art work!

Wordless Wednesday

Brooke's Chart Update

Well we started Brooke's charts on Thursday night.  We decided to not push the "Bink" the first night, but more talk about it getting her ready.  Instead we pushed the "sleep all the way" chart, and I am very happy to say she got a sticker Thursday night for making through the night without waking mommy or daddy....it was great!

Friday night we decided there wouldn't be a better time to push the "No Bink Chart".  She's healthy, we had all weekend to work on it, plus she has slept for like 4 weeks with no "B" at daycare at nap time.  By golly, if Miss T can do it...we should be able to!  It took about 1 1/2 hours of calming her down before we could get her to sleep, and then she was up again crying from 2:30 to 4:00 a.m.  It was definitely a battle of the wills to see who would last longer, as we knew all we had to do was give in to be able to go back to sleep!  I was so proud we did it...o'ya Brooke too :)  She woke around 7:00 a.m. Saturday, but at least we survived the first night! 

We also woke Saturday, to find she decided to fill in her whole "No Bink Chart".  I guess she figured she made it one night, she deserved her new baby!  She did however to get pick out her new lipstick, which made her super excited.

Nap time Saturday afternoon wasn't too bad.  Bed time on Saturday was a little better with still about an hour of calming, and her only waking for about 30 minutes around 2:45.  I was able to get her back to sleep with just some apple...and then a little grape juice.  (We will worry about that battle another night.) 

Nap time on Sunday there wasn't even a mention of the Bink!  I am sure we aren't out of the woods just yet, but excited to think we are hopefully past the worst part...whew!

She loves her new goggles she earned after a successful nap time!

Now she just needs to make it through the week, and we head to Baby's R Us for her new baby next weekend!

Christmas in September?

Nick decided that he needed a Christmas present in September!  Ok I guess the kids felt the same way too. 

I don't see what the big deal is....isn't this sort of calming?

After some much needed advise from his wife, Nick got the new TV up, and functioning.  Lets just say at one point he was about to cut about 10 holes in the wall until his wife suggested him try something different with the wires.   Its just crazy to think the TV was only 7 years old, and the new one is much nicer and was only 35% the price of the original!  This also includes a slight upgrade from a 42" to a 50".

Erie Orchards

We traveled down to Erie Orchards, with the plan to do some apple picking.  However, it seemed like every route we tried to take was full of construction.  By the time we made it there everyone was pretty tired.  Brooke stayed positive on the whole ride with the hope of getting to see some ponies.  Unfortunately, we ended up skipping the apple picking, and spent our time on a pony ride, and saying hi to the goats and chicken.  We did pick up some homemade cider, which we were able to watch them make!

Happy Birthday Freddy!

Unfortunately, my father's side of the family live in primarily Cleveland, and Florida, and we don't get to see them too often.  My Uncle's wife, Paula, threw him a 50th birthday party.  Fortunately, it was only about a 2 1/2 hour drive, so we headed over for the festivities.  It was so nice to see my Uncles, Grandpa, Great Aunt, Great Uncle, and many more! 

Here are a few pictures from the evening!

Motivation...Lets see

I wonder if Brooke's new sticker charts will motivate her?  I will keep you all posted on the progress!