(2 years 9 months and 11 months)
Friday, March 08, 2013
Rainy Day Puddle Fun
After a night of rain we headed to the park to play in the puddles. Derek LOVES to ride through them and was having a great time getting dirty and wet. Rylie wanted SO BADLY to follow after Derek into the puddles. At first I was doing a pretty good job of redirecting her away from them, but after a while it became such a battle that neither of us were having much fun...so I gave in and let her get dirty and wet just like her brother. The rest of our time at the park was amazing (we don't get many of these rainy days so we take full advantage of them). Both kids were having a blast splashing in the puddles. We biked/walked home soaking wet and happy, while Rylie was wrapped up in a warm, dry towel! I LOVE watching Derek and Rylie play, explore, and be a kid. Thank you God for rainy days.
After a night of rain we headed to the park to play in the puddles. Derek LOVES to ride through them and was having a great time getting dirty and wet. Rylie wanted SO BADLY to follow after Derek into the puddles. At first I was doing a pretty good job of redirecting her away from them, but after a while it became such a battle that neither of us were having much fun...so I gave in and let her get dirty and wet just like her brother. The rest of our time at the park was amazing (we don't get many of these rainy days so we take full advantage of them). Both kids were having a blast splashing in the puddles. We biked/walked home soaking wet and happy, while Rylie was wrapped up in a warm, dry towel! I LOVE watching Derek and Rylie play, explore, and be a kid. Thank you God for rainy days.
Swim Lessons
Derek took swim lessons last year for about 6 months at Hubbard Family Swim School. He was in a parent-child class and I had a blast swimming with him and helping him learn the basics of swimming. During the last few classes I began to notice that Derek was responding much better to doing things correctly for Teacher Blaire than when I asked him. As a former teacher, I began to feel that my time in the mommy-child swim class was drawing to a close and it would be best for Derek to move to a semi-private class. This was both exciting and sad. So...this January Derek began taking semi-private swim lessons with Teacher Tyler and has been doing amazing. I LOVE watching him learn skills and swim confidently in the water (in between chasing Rylie around!). We are so proud of the progress he has made. So far he has earned 3 ribbons for backfloating on his own, rolling over on his own and having an awesome class. We get monthly report cards showing the skills he has learned and are excited for the summer and swimming in our own pool. Keep up the good work Derek!!
Derek took swim lessons last year for about 6 months at Hubbard Family Swim School. He was in a parent-child class and I had a blast swimming with him and helping him learn the basics of swimming. During the last few classes I began to notice that Derek was responding much better to doing things correctly for Teacher Blaire than when I asked him. As a former teacher, I began to feel that my time in the mommy-child swim class was drawing to a close and it would be best for Derek to move to a semi-private class. This was both exciting and sad. So...this January Derek began taking semi-private swim lessons with Teacher Tyler and has been doing amazing. I LOVE watching him learn skills and swim confidently in the water (in between chasing Rylie around!). We are so proud of the progress he has made. So far he has earned 3 ribbons for backfloating on his own, rolling over on his own and having an awesome class. We get monthly report cards showing the skills he has learned and are excited for the summer and swimming in our own pool. Keep up the good work Derek!!
first day of semi-private swim lessons
ribbon for backfloating on his own
ribbon for rolling over to his back after gliding off of the wall on his own
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Happy 1st Birthday Rylie!
(Thanks Janet and fourharpdesigns.com for designing the card! We LOVE your work!)
Mommy Moment
I was putting Rylie down for bed tonight and Matt was working late. I asked Derek if he wanted to play in his room while I put Rylie down or if he wanted to read books with Rylie and I. He chose to read books with us. He climbed into the glider and sat on my lap alongside Rylie. The 3 of us read books together. Afterwards, I shut off the light and sang and rocked Rylie. Derek sang "Jesus Loves Me" right along with me. There I was rocking with both my children in my lap singing. It was such a special moment. I wanted to pause time and sing forever with them right there in my arms. I am so grateful for moments like that. It helps you to put into perspective what really matters in life!!
I was putting Rylie down for bed tonight and Matt was working late. I asked Derek if he wanted to play in his room while I put Rylie down or if he wanted to read books with Rylie and I. He chose to read books with us. He climbed into the glider and sat on my lap alongside Rylie. The 3 of us read books together. Afterwards, I shut off the light and sang and rocked Rylie. Derek sang "Jesus Loves Me" right along with me. There I was rocking with both my children in my lap singing. It was such a special moment. I wanted to pause time and sing forever with them right there in my arms. I am so grateful for moments like that. It helps you to put into perspective what really matters in life!!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Grammy's Visit
It was so wonderful to have Grammy visit us. God had her come just when we needed her the most (when Rylie was fully walking with the drunken sailor look and needed someone to follow her around, when I was sick and needed to sleep, when both kids were sick and I didn't have the strength to watch them, and when Matt and I had planned to go away for 2 nights). We are so thankful for her. The kids had a blast playing with her and we were all sad to see her leave.
It was so wonderful to have Grammy visit us. God had her come just when we needed her the most (when Rylie was fully walking with the drunken sailor look and needed someone to follow her around, when I was sick and needed to sleep, when both kids were sick and I didn't have the strength to watch them, and when Matt and I had planned to go away for 2 nights). We are so thankful for her. The kids had a blast playing with her and we were all sad to see her leave.
Grammy helped me set up the sewing machine I got from my Grammy (Ruth).
I even completed my first project of mending a pair of Matt's shorts.
Rylie and Derek LOVE books and Grammy read a lot!
Once everyone was feeling better, we took a trip to the Zoo.
Waving at the elephants
Komodo Dragon
getting up close and personal with the orangutan
checking out the horses
the wagon is our new way to travel at the zoo
Grammy chased Rylie around a lot
Sedona Kid-Free Getaway
Matt and I had been looking forward to getting away together for a while. We had booked 2 nights at a Bed and Breakfast in Sedona and were eagerly planning hikes and places to eat. Its funny how you can do all the planning that you want, but God always has the perfect plan for you!! Such was this trip. On Monday, two days before Matt and I were supposed to get away, Rylie got sick and threw up (the first time any of our children had thrown up). Poor girl was miserable and just wanted to be held. Thankfully, Rylie slept through the night, but I did not sleep much as I had terrible flu symptoms all night. Thankfully Grammy arrived late Monday night and watched the kids as I did not feel good the following day. On Tuesday, Rylie was feeling better and Derek also seemed to be fine. Wednesday morning we took the kids to Tot Town. About 10 minutes into playing I looked up and just knew that Derek didn't look right. So we quickly packed up and headed home. No sooner had we walked into the house than Derek started throwing up. Poor boy was miserable...he layed on the couch all day watching Curious George. Originally the plan was for Matt and I to leave for Sedona Wednesday afternoon, but with Rylie just getting over being sick and Derek getting sick that morning I was so hesitant to leave them. After much thought and Derek feeling better by the evening, Matt and I left for Sedona after both kids were asleep. We arrived late Wednesday night and enjoyed 2 amazing nights away in snowy Sedona. Its funny how God works in strange ways. I was not feeling 100% and God knew that if it was snowing (and there was snow on the ground) that we would not hike and I would not feel guilty about lying around and resting, which is what we did. It was so awesome to rest, sleep, watch movies, talk, take some long drives and really soak in the beauty of Sedona. I am so thankful for the time to re-connect with Matt and take a break from our everyday life! I cannot wait for our week away this summer to celebrate 10 amazing years of marriage. Thanks Matt for clearing your schedule to get away with me and thank you Grammy for watching the kids!
Matt and I had been looking forward to getting away together for a while. We had booked 2 nights at a Bed and Breakfast in Sedona and were eagerly planning hikes and places to eat. Its funny how you can do all the planning that you want, but God always has the perfect plan for you!! Such was this trip. On Monday, two days before Matt and I were supposed to get away, Rylie got sick and threw up (the first time any of our children had thrown up). Poor girl was miserable and just wanted to be held. Thankfully, Rylie slept through the night, but I did not sleep much as I had terrible flu symptoms all night. Thankfully Grammy arrived late Monday night and watched the kids as I did not feel good the following day. On Tuesday, Rylie was feeling better and Derek also seemed to be fine. Wednesday morning we took the kids to Tot Town. About 10 minutes into playing I looked up and just knew that Derek didn't look right. So we quickly packed up and headed home. No sooner had we walked into the house than Derek started throwing up. Poor boy was miserable...he layed on the couch all day watching Curious George. Originally the plan was for Matt and I to leave for Sedona Wednesday afternoon, but with Rylie just getting over being sick and Derek getting sick that morning I was so hesitant to leave them. After much thought and Derek feeling better by the evening, Matt and I left for Sedona after both kids were asleep. We arrived late Wednesday night and enjoyed 2 amazing nights away in snowy Sedona. Its funny how God works in strange ways. I was not feeling 100% and God knew that if it was snowing (and there was snow on the ground) that we would not hike and I would not feel guilty about lying around and resting, which is what we did. It was so awesome to rest, sleep, watch movies, talk, take some long drives and really soak in the beauty of Sedona. I am so thankful for the time to re-connect with Matt and take a break from our everyday life! I cannot wait for our week away this summer to celebrate 10 amazing years of marriage. Thanks Matt for clearing your schedule to get away with me and thank you Grammy for watching the kids!
First Visit to the Dentist
I was so impressed with how Derek handled his first visit to the dentist. For a few weeks prior to his visit we had "played" dentist taking turns counting, cleaning, and checking our teeth. He was prepared and excited to meet the dentist. I am so glad we took him to a pediatric dentist...this place was so perfect for kids (TVs on the ceilings so you can watch while getting teeth cleaned) and they took great care of Derek. First, he had x-rays taken. He thought it was neat to see the pictures of his teeth show up on the screen. Next, he climbed into the dentist chair and the hygienist brushed and flossed his teeth. Finally, the dentist counted his teeth, checked them for cavities and put fluoride on them. Thankfully Derek is cavity free! He was so excited to be given a Lightning McQueen electric toothbrush! All day he kept asking if he could go back to the dentist! I'd say the visit was success!!
I was so impressed with how Derek handled his first visit to the dentist. For a few weeks prior to his visit we had "played" dentist taking turns counting, cleaning, and checking our teeth. He was prepared and excited to meet the dentist. I am so glad we took him to a pediatric dentist...this place was so perfect for kids (TVs on the ceilings so you can watch while getting teeth cleaned) and they took great care of Derek. First, he had x-rays taken. He thought it was neat to see the pictures of his teeth show up on the screen. Next, he climbed into the dentist chair and the hygienist brushed and flossed his teeth. Finally, the dentist counted his teeth, checked them for cavities and put fluoride on them. Thankfully Derek is cavity free! He was so excited to be given a Lightning McQueen electric toothbrush! All day he kept asking if he could go back to the dentist! I'd say the visit was success!!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Derek (2 years 8 months)
I LOVE to watch Derek learn. He continues to be into space ships and jets. We have been reading books, Daddy has been showing him videos of rocket launches and airplane take offs and landings. He is memorizing facts (and books) and asking all sorts of questions. The creative teacher in me is having a blast!
Derek LOVES to read books. We will read and re-read books to him and he will memorize them. He even corrects us when we read a word wrong. For a while his favorite book was "I Stink!" by Kate and Jim McMullan. (Derek LOVES the whole series). Its about all the tasks of a garbage truck. The authors creatively tied in the alphabet with things the garbage truck "ate" that day. Derek memorized the list and would recite it often. Cool way to learn the alphabet without even trying to teach it to him!! "A-apple cores, B-banana peels, C-candy wrappers, etc...
Derek LOVES to be tickled. Every night, after reading to Derek at bedtime and just as I am about to close the door he says, "Mommy, I'd like a hug! I'd like a tickle hug." I respond, "I'd LOVE to give you a hug buddy!!" and he says, "I love you, Mommy."
A few quotes from Derek:
I LOVE to watch Derek learn. He continues to be into space ships and jets. We have been reading books, Daddy has been showing him videos of rocket launches and airplane take offs and landings. He is memorizing facts (and books) and asking all sorts of questions. The creative teacher in me is having a blast!
Derek LOVES to read books. We will read and re-read books to him and he will memorize them. He even corrects us when we read a word wrong. For a while his favorite book was "I Stink!" by Kate and Jim McMullan. (Derek LOVES the whole series). Its about all the tasks of a garbage truck. The authors creatively tied in the alphabet with things the garbage truck "ate" that day. Derek memorized the list and would recite it often. Cool way to learn the alphabet without even trying to teach it to him!! "A-apple cores, B-banana peels, C-candy wrappers, etc...
Derek LOVES to be tickled. Every night, after reading to Derek at bedtime and just as I am about to close the door he says, "Mommy, I'd like a hug! I'd like a tickle hug." I respond, "I'd LOVE to give you a hug buddy!!" and he says, "I love you, Mommy."
celebratory donut for floating on his back by himself
Derek LOVES sleeping in his Thomas the Train tent!
- "Mommy, let's clean up. We don't want a messy room" - He must be my child!! He cleans up all on his own. Everything has its place and he makes sure it ends up where is should be. I am so grateful that he enjoys cleaning up.
- "I'm so happy Mommy."
- "I am getting bigger Mommy. Can I drive now?" (standing there with keys in one hand, cell phone in other and backpack on his back). He walks towards the garage door and says, "I will text you on my way."
- After reading a Richard Scarry book about Huckle and Lowly Worm being best friends, Derek says, "Mommy, we're best friends!" AHHH. Melt my heart dude!!
- At breakfast we were talking about our family. Derek says our family is made up of "Princess Rylie, King Daddy, Lightning Mommy, and Chick Hicks Derek!" I love that I am not Queen Mommy, but McQueen Mommy. You sure are creative Derek.
- We were pretending to be riving somewhere using our couch as a car. Derek was driving and I was pretending to be Derek. I kept asking for a snack, just like he does. Specifically, I was asking for a squeeze pouch, his favorite snack! Derek says, "Mommy, grownups don't drink squeeze pouches they drink beer." Where did you get that one dude? I can't even drink beer (as I have Celiacs Disease) and Daddy drinks it every once in a while....Hmmm. Hilarious.
- I overheard Derek disciplining Mater. "Mommy, I am putting shakey Mater in a time out. He said mean things to me and the dump truck." Derek has never been put in a time out for saying something mean so I am not sure where that came from but it was so cute to watch him talk to Mater.
- Rylie was crying in her crib after I put her down for a nap and Derek says to me, "She is saying Mommy get me! Mommy get me!"
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