Locked Out

Last night, Woody decided to go on a man trip fishing (he hasn't done that in a while). So, it was me and the girls. Everything was going well. Nicole kept trying to get into the bathroom to unroll the toilet paper. I was tired of this and decided to pull the door to. However, I hadn't checked the handle and someone had turned the lock. So, we were locked out of our only bathroom. The only one, we don't have a half bath or something else. Solemente. So, it was very important to get into it. I first tried using a pen middle (the old type that screws open). However, they make them much more flimsy than years ago. So, it didn't work after about 5 minutes of trying. I looked briefly in Woody's workshop and couldn't find much better. So, it was up to an old learned skill of credit-carding the door. Now, I never used this skill on any house other than my own. I had a period of being dropped off after school and would sometimes forget the key. So, somehow I learned how to open doors that way. The first one was too flimsy but the Lord was gracious and the second credit card worked. So, we were able to have baths and bathroom last night! Amazing how the little things make you appreciate normal things!

Yesterday was pretty unusual all around. Natalie woke up really complaining about her stomach and had a slight fever per the thermometer. So, we went to the doctor again. While we were there, Natalie said her stomach did not hurt and hadn't hurt all morning. She certainly didn't act sick after we left the doctor. Maybe a bit of acting? Who knows!

Grandparent Time

Natalie and Nicole have had a big week this week. First, we saw Grandma & Grandpa at their house with their cousin, Nate. Nate is now almost 2 years old and he is quite the mover. Although, Natalie can out-zoom him! They had a great time being with each other as they do not see each other much due to distance.
Natalie practiced her swimming in the pool!

The cousins together playing in the baby pool. Woody had to put warm water in it to get Nicole into the water!

Mimi & Poppa came up and took us on the train ride. Nicole's second time, she still isn't used to it quite yet!

Natalie loves it, though!

Mimi had fun holding the baby! She is doing great after her knee replacement.

Natalie loved zooming around in the sand pit. She would jump into it like a pool.

I was playing with the B&W setting here...

Sand castles...imagination is a great thing!

Nicole 12 Month Doctor

Today, Nicole went to the doctor for her 12 month checkup. I thought she was to have shots, but they said it wasn't until 15 months, although we could have them early. She was a little fussy in the doctor's office. Woody and Natalie were there for moral support. Since she had a little cold/congestion this past week plus was fussy, they did a finger stick. It turned out her white blood count was high, and she is on an antibiotic to help out her sinus infection.

She was just under 20 lbs (I don't believe the scale, she must be over!), at 19.9 lbs. Her length was very long, 30 inches. Her head size was 18 inches too. She checked out well with no issues noted. We had noted her right hip still pops a bit, but did not have any concern for the doctor when he examined it.

We then went out to eat after the doctor visit. Natalie said she felt well enough to try a hot dog today. Yesterday, she threw up 3 times after going into Grandma and Grandpa's pool. Whether she swallowed too much pool water, had a virus, or got some bad spaghettios, who knows. She seems okay now. We definitely ended up making a mess as I gave Nicole a couple of saltines from my plate. Crumbles everywhere! It has been such a blessing that she is now able to eat some finger foods. I know a couple of months ago I was very concerned, but God answered that prayer!

Bottle Free

Yesterday was the first no bottle day for Nicole! Now, only the pacifier as a baby hold-back. It might be a little while before we say bye to binky, though. Especially since she has a cold right now! The official 1 year photo for our little sweetie here!

Not a Good Thing To Hear...

I knew it was going to be a tough day when Natalie came running in the house when she had been working outside with her dad with some news. She said, "There's a big snake outside." I went outside since Nicole was out there too. On the way, Natalie said, "There's bear poop too." Woody had found a 3 1/2 foot black snake that went and wrapped itself around a tree in our yard. I didn't like that but was more relieved on the second. It was just deer poop, so I felt a lot better. The great wild outdoors was a little more tame at least!

We had to put Nicole back on nebulizer treatments yesterday. Her cold escalated into some slight wheezing. I think was propelled by getting too hot this week. Praying for her to feel better! At least she doesn't have a temperature and looks much better today.

Happy 4 1/2

Happy 4 1/2 birthday, Natalie! We haven't done much today but we've been together.

A Sucker and Certificate

Natalie made it through swim lessons! The last week, she did really well. On the last day, she really liked the fact that they put life jackets on for the first part of the lesson. She was really getting into swimming with the life jacket. Then, they took them off and marched them down to the diving board one last time. She was scared and ran to me saying she needed to potty. However, we prayed and she at least finally followed me back to the line of jumpers. This time, she had to be thrown in and swam to the lifeguard teacher in the water. She then pushed her towards the ladder and I grabbed her hand to pull her toward the ladder. After that, we were done. She went to get her sucker and slipped on the floor. We grabbed our sucker, certificate and left before anything else happened! It's over for this year!!

Guest Swimming Photographers

Yesterday, Grandma & Grandpa drove up to take Natalie to swim lessons. This greatly helped me because I didn't have to tote Nicole around the swimming area during lessons, nor put anything simmering in the crock pot for later. It was a nice break. I can't believe that there are only 2 lessons left, though!
Natalie is really enjoying her lessons, especially to show off to Grandma & Grandpa!

Natalie with Hannah and Emma, returning from the swim

Here they are in the water with their teacher. They started with 6 kids, down to 4 now. Natalie has really built up confidence in the water. She is putting in her whole head for blowing bubbles instead of just her mouth. God has really answered prayers!

Rainbow Fish

A lot of heavy praying this weekend and today for this start of the 2nd week of swim lessons. And, God answered! It was not as easy taking Nicole this week since Woody was working. Also, Natalie still isn't thrilled about going. And, she did start out the same today--after pottying right before we left home and asking at least 3 times, she waited until it started until she had to go potty. When I dropped her back off at the teacher I heard the teacher mention they were going into the deep end today. I started praying for her then! It didn't help that all the other kids except Emma were crying for Mommy. But, Natalie was having a good time and did really well swimming and putting her face in the water. She looked like she might chicken out when it came to walking down to the diving platform. I walked down there with Nicole to be a cheerleader. I'm sure I looked like major helicopter mom to most of the other parents, but it is the best thing to do with Natalie. I know other parents know their kids best. Natalie did great. A lot of the other kids had to be dropped in the water, but she jumped and swam well---twice! What a great start to the week!!

Oh, she was a rainbow fish not because she gave away anything like the story, but she had a rainbow swimsuit on that her grandparents gave her. So cute!

Nicole is 1!

Hey little sweetie! Nicole's big day was Saturday, and we had both sets of grandparents over to celebrate. Nicole had a good time throughout, no melt downs or any other stresses. She just loved having everyone here! The balloons, new toys, lots of attention, plus a new tasting food--cake!

Happy Birthday, Nicole!

Nicole woke up to balloons and streamers. She started the day off with big smiles.

Daddy was off work too. Even better for the day!

Waiting on everyone to finish lunch. She had had hers already. Just waiting while toying with the balloons.

Both sets of grandparents and Natalie. Natalie was really good and helpful during all this. She was just as excited as it had been her birthday. And, she did get a couple of small presents too since this is the first time she has shared the limelight!

Big smiles as we start singing Happy Birthday!

Here's the cupcake. One year old...wow, it seems like it has gone fast.

Testing the icing first. New food rule doesn't seem to apply for cupcakes. It doesn't take 10 times to like this food.

I can eat this again, Mom!

One present was her own little foam chair. She loved it. It was a good seat to open the rest of the presents. She had fun doing and playing with everything.

Gift bags seems to work best for this age. And, getting everything out of the packaging first so she can play with the toy from the start.

After those celebrations, a ride on her new pull wagon (with sister too!). This will be a great way to go on walks until she is walking herself. Right now, she is walking with assistance. Still not taking those steps on her own yet, but she is close.

This is Nicole at naptime. She was still going strong but it didn't take long for those little eyes to close. The only bad thing was the grandparents left while she was sleeping, and she cried when everyone was gone when she woke up. But, she is enjoying the memories and the gifts.

Happy birthday...And many more...... :)

Little Fish Out of Water

Natalie did actually agree to go back to swim lessons today. It was raining, but we perservered to go anyway. Woody came with Nicole to cheer us on--he was then going to church afterwards. However, on the way there I saw lightning, so I knew it might not work out. Sure enough, everyone was out of the pool when we were there. The rule is out for 15 minutes after each lightning sighting. So, the kids went to watch a water safety video instead of swim. Which, kind of worked out because we were able to go to church ( a little late, but hey ) afterwards since Natalie wasn't wet. Maybe tomorrow will work out!

By the way, praise the Lord for the rain. We needed it and more.

Zoo Time

One reason Natalie may have been more sleepy and tired for swim lessons is that we spent the day at the zoo with friends. That plus no nap may have made her a little less than tolerant of any issues. Although, she is still saying she doesn't want to go.

But, anyhow, we did have a great time at the zoo. We met a couple of cars at the church parking lot. The most funny thing is that I was chosen to be the lead car driving there. We hadn't been there since April 2006, when Natalie was just a little over 15 months old. But, thankfully, we had a safe trip and only lost one car (seriously!). We did finally all meet up together and had a great time together. The kids loved all the exhibits and were very willing to take photo opportunities together!

The group on a bear!

Natalie and JoJo in front of the elephants

John, Ashton, Natalie, and JoJo

JoJo, Chloe, Natalie in front of the monkey exhibit

What a big snake! The snake exhibits were loved by the kids too.

Wow, this slide sure brings back memories...

3 1/2 years ago almost! So does this tunnel...

The giraffe exhibit was under construction when we were there last. Finally, to see the giraffes!!

We had a lunch together and the kids were very happy

Natalie liked the waterfall.

We had one time where I tried to get Natalie to go to the potty before the end. We were almost out when she said she had to go. So, here we are running back up the hill to the potty. But, she made it and received a sucker reward! We were praying the whole time back to the potty!

There was a really neat playground outside with alot of spinning equipment that the kids liked that we finished up for our fun day. I should have put a video of one in here, but forgot! Then, we stopped for a cold drink for Natalie on the way home (a blue slushi, a treat!). We finally were cooled off in the car ride. We came home to see Grandma & Grandpa and thank them so much for watching Nicole while we had our fun time together. Thank you!!

To Swim or Not To Swim

Well, tonight's swim time started out well. Emma, Emma's friend, and Natalie (and also Mers) showing off their bathing suits to each other. They were running around, having fun and smiling. Natalie was excited to be there.
Here Natalie is with Emma's friend, showing that they both have on flowered bathing suits.

Then, tragedy struck and Emma's friend fell off the standing platform. This is a raised area they put in the pool so the kids can stay in the water and still be standing. Otherwise, the depth is 3 1/2 feet, which is over most of the 4 year old's heads. She was under for a couple of seconds before the life guard and teacher both converged to get her up. She was fine from that point and even made it through the lesson. Natalie seemed fine too with it. However, she seemed to have post-trama where she did less and less during the lesson. Finally, during the last jump in and swim, she said she had to go the potty. I knew this wasn't the case as we had already gone right at the start of swim lesson. So, I got up and took her to the potty where she said she wanted to go home. She was afraid of the water. So, we went back and changed and left for home. I noticed in the car I had cut myself on the bleacher getting up abruptly when I saw the life guard jumping in--who else does something like that?

So, Natalie says she won't go back to swim lessons. I tried saying we would pray about it and have God help us have the courage. So, what is a Mommy to do? Should I try and make her go and finish up or pull back? I don't want to have her hate swimming.

Pool Time

All weekend long, Natalie has been saying how she doesn't want to go to swim lessons. Even though we scheduled it when Emma was taking it. Even though she loves water and wearing her bathing suit. But, she decided to go, putting on her princess bathing suit. It was great that Emma did show up. And, also that we had the same great teacher from last year. She was a little nervous at first, but she loosened up and even splashed some of the other students (hopefully, they didn't mind!). She was laughing and enjoying most of the time. She was, of course, the first one to have to go to the bathroom. But, she went back and did everything the teacher said. She even jumped to the teacher at the end of the time into the water. We'll see how the rest of the 2 weeks goes...

There's Emma!

Kicking and swimming with the teacher.

4th July

Here's a blast from the past picture of when we first had the Doramobile for Natalie. She loved it, being 2 years old when she received it. This week, we got it cleaned up and out again for Nicole since this has sat dormant for a long time. And, lo and behold...

Natalie actually had interest! Here she is "sharing" time in the Doramobile with Nicole.

Well, Nicole did have a few minutes in there by herself after we had Natalie get back out! A lesson on sharing for Natalie--it is tough being a big sister and sharing toys that were really given to you!

We did something special this 4th since Woody was only working during the day. I had a craving for fireworks. We had never been to a historic location (mainly because of the drive) for fireworks before. But, we loaded up and decided to try the fireworks. I was a little worried about Nicole not liking them at all. Natalie had a little exposure to fireworks at a friend's house when she was 2 years old. She didn't like them at all and we had to return into the house where she still cried. But, she seemed really excited about going to see fireworks this time. We toured the museum, listened to patriotic songs, and enjoyed being outside with wonderful weather.

Touring the museum and seeing the exhibits. This exhibit allowed the kids to make their own battles with little men and cannons!

Waiting for the fireworks...Natalie got a special rock sugar candy treat on a stick. She didn't eat it all, though! I guess because it wasn't sucker-shaped. It tasted pretty good to me from the bite I had! Natalie wasn't dressed in patriotic colors and insisted on this combo even though it didn't match.

We dressed Nicole in her pyjamas for easy putting into bed.

Waiting for the fireworks meant Woody kept up with the kids. He walked Nicole around while Natalie ran around. I actually had a conversation with a couple during this time who was from the area and had been to the fireworks ceremony many times.

It's getting darker and closer...Natalie is now finding a piggy back buddy while Nicole crawls around.

Here are the fireworks! They were really good and did not disappoint. Natalie was frightened at first and actually ran back to the lady's lap that I had just been talking with. They were complete strangers except for one conversation! Thank goodness they were kind. I guess they were kind of grandparent-like to her. They eventually talked her into liking the fireworks.

Nicole loved the fireworks and waved to them! She enjoyed them until we strapped her into the stroller to get a quick break out before the crowd.

It was neat seeing the moon and the fireworks together.

We left early and avoided most of the traffic out. We still were home after 10 pm, which was late for both girls! But, not too much off schedule as both woke up before 7 am and started the next day just like they had gone to sleep on time.

My little clown! She is excited about being a clown for Fall Festival this year. She has wanted to wear this since we got it this weekend all the time.

After all that excitement, we had to get Woody to work the next day. And, I took the kids on the 4th to a river area that is right next to our house but we haven't been there before. It was a short hike (but it seemed longer with a stroller, next time use the backpack for kids) to a river area with sand. This was great for Natalie as she loves sand and water.

Nicole liked sitting and trying to eat the sand while Natalie buried herself in the sand.

Nicole doesn't like cold water yet I have found. We thought she would like a little baby pool but she just screams when you put her in there. The same was true for washing off her little hands in the cool river. But, Natalie loved getting in the water! Too bad we didn't prepare and bring her bathing suit (and mine!). Next time we'll have to have other help to get into here longer. Nicole was ready to go back before Natalie was, so we headed home.

After that, we played together the afternoon until Woody came home. We grilled hamburgers to make the celebration complete.

It was a fun 4th that I think everyone enjoyed (even though Woody worked most of it!).