Sweet Cooper,
My how you have challenged us this year! And are continuing to challenge us. Your daddy and I remind ourselves daily that we are the best parents for you. Some days it is much harder than others. We are learning more and more about you every day. We used to think you were very flexible, but are starting to learn that you thrive on routine. Something your mom mom has said from day one, but we are starting to really see the effects of any changes. You are officially potty trained now, and that came with a lot of resistance, but in the end, only took a couple of months. You love to be the center of attention, and if there are too many people around, you tend to act out in order to ensure the attention is all on you. We are scratching our heads every day, trying new techniques to help you understand the importance of being respectful and making the right choices. Teaching character traits has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do so far. Mommy is learning a lot of patience and deep breathing techniques through it all. With a strong will comes a lot of manipulation, and I am struggling with balancing and picking my battles. Some days it feels as though I am fighting a never ending battle. And sometimes it feels that way for weeks on end. Nonstop. All day. Every day. And then there is a reprieve. And it's almost as if you are just as tired of the arguing as I am. You become my sweet, eager to please, helpful little boy. "Would you like some lunch?" "Sure, Mommy!" It is so refreshing to hear that sweet voice. When I want to say "You are driving me insane! I don't want to do this any more!" I try to remind myself to say "Cooper, come here, hug me, I love you very much" Maybe I think the answer to all of this is just smothering him with love. Maybe I just do it because I don't know what else to do, and I am terrified of him growing up remembering all the times I lost my patience or got insanely frustrated with him. But literally, when he is in the midst of his many refusals, I am at a loss. Especially when we are in public. What do I do? He is getting too big for me to just carry him out kicking and screaming. Any kind of bargaining makes it way worse. It just fuels the fire. It is embarrassing sometimes, I feel judged and completely out of control. But, at the end of the day, he always comes at me with his tiny little voice "mommy, i want you to snuggle with me" and then he'll run his hands up and down my arm and stroke my face. And I think about the days events and wonder what I could have done differently. I blame myself sometimes for the way he reacts in situations. I feel like a psych nurse sometimes because I am constantly running through my head potential outcomes of any given situation and what I should do to prevent certain things from happening. But the whole point of this post was to say - you are difficult, Cooper. But I know you were given to us for a reason. Your dad and I have nothing but wonderful intentions for you. We know you will be SO successful because of your drive and intelligence. And I want you to know that even when I am at my breaking point with you, I will always love you so, so much. You are my special boy. I love the smell of you sweaty head after a long day, when you're rubbing your earlobe against my arms. 'I wuv you mommy'.
I love you too, sweet boy. Always and forever.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Natalie: Months 10, 11, and 12!
April 9th, 2015 - 10 Months
In this month you got your first pair of glasses! They are lavender and I think they are so cute! I promise not to ever put you in ugly ones :) Mommy was worried about your eyes from day one - because I had to have surgery when I was 18 months old, so I didn't want you to have to have the same things. Around month 8 we took you to the eye doctor because one of your eyes still wanted to turn in a little. They dilated your eyes and discovered that you are very farsighted and because you were straining so much to see close up, it was causing the one eye to turn inwards a bit. The shape of your eye is also shorter than most, so the light is refracting different than it should. Hopefully by wearing the glasses, the straining will stop, and you will be able to avoid surgery. You will probably have to wear glasses or contacts for the rest of your life, but maybe in your lifetime the technology will improve and there will be a risk free fix! Some people think they're fake...which is pretty dumb, because I don't know any one who enjoys trying to keep anything on a 10 month old's face for fun.
We moved in to a new house in this month and you finally got your own room! You transitioned really well! Once we got you some curtains, you started sleeping much better, too. When we moved in, your room was a dark purple, and we lightened it up to a color called 'splash of lilac'. It's much softer now, and we love it.
You weren't so sure of the new house at first, but you have quickly fallen in to a new routine here. You love looking outside while you eat, and chasing Cooper around in the basement playroom. You're crawling like a champ now, but not quite pulling up yet. We switched to your big girl car seat and you love that too, although you get antsy after being in the car for longer than 30 minutes usually.
You are very serious, and it takes a lot to get any sort of smile out of you, but when we do, it is the sweetest face we've ever seen. We love you Natty girl, you are such a blessing to our family. xoxo
May 9th, 2015 - 11 Months
In your eleventh month, we took your one year pictures which turned out so cute! We continued to figure out our new routine in our new house. We have taken many walks in the evenings to the playgrounds. There are two by our house! You love swinging! And people watching. You have started to pull yourself up to standing, but are still very cautious. You make different sounds like 'mamamama' and 'dadadada' but haven't associated it with a person yet. We are introducing sign language but you haven't quite got the hang of that yet. We'll keep trying, Cooper didn't pick it up until much later. You love Chick-fil-a nuggets, and watching your brother play on the equipment there. It became our Tuesday routine while daddy was in night classes to take Cooper to soccer and then go eat dinner at Chick-fil-a.
You continue to be my easy going girl...as long as you're being held by me...or completely distracted with what you're doing. You are so serious, and very observant. We love you so much, and are still in awe that we have a sweet daughter to call ours. Can't wait to watch you continue to grow - and your dad can't wait to watch your hair grow more! xoxo sweet girl
June 9th, 2015 - ONE YEAR!
Sweet Natalie! You're one! I just can't believe it! This past year went so. fast. That's not even a joke. I remember clear as day when you were a tiny little newborn and I was wishing for my full nights sleep back. I remember thinking I would never be able to sleep again. Ever. Like, I had written it off. It would never happen in our house again.
But! Just when I accepted that fact, you settled in to your routine, and how glorious that was! You have become such a sweet little girl over these past 12 months. You absolutely love being around your mom, and usually cry in her presence unless she is holding you while standing. You love your daddy just as much, and have had lots of quality time with him while mom is at work. You only laugh your hardest at your brother. You share a very special bond with him, and it warms my heart to watch that evolve.
You love music and lights, reading books, and pulling them all off the shelf, taking things out of the basket and then putting them back in, lima beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, cheerios, moms milk, and popsicles. You do not love cows milk, green beans, carrots, prune juice, or the sippy cup.
You have a very nice routine of a long morning nap, and sometimes an afternoon one as well. You are pulling up to stand and starting to cruise while holding on to furniture. You are still real good about keeping your glasses on, and look so sweet in them.
For your first birthday we were actually on a plane to Virginia. But we had your party on the 14th, and we celebrated with family at your Grandpops house. Mommy, Daddy, Cooper, Grandpop, MiMi, Mom Mom, Poppy, your Great Grandmom and Grandpop from Pennsylvania, Aunt Maureen, Uncle Mike and Aunt Lisa, Melissa, Josh & Drew, Tammy, Phillip & Gabe, Aunt Brett and Uncle Craig, Cam and Max, Lisa, Brian, Breanna, Becca, and Michaela were all there to sing to you! You got lots of fun girl toys and pretty outfits. You loved your cupcake, though it took a little convincing to finish it up.
In this month you got your first pair of glasses! They are lavender and I think they are so cute! I promise not to ever put you in ugly ones :) Mommy was worried about your eyes from day one - because I had to have surgery when I was 18 months old, so I didn't want you to have to have the same things. Around month 8 we took you to the eye doctor because one of your eyes still wanted to turn in a little. They dilated your eyes and discovered that you are very farsighted and because you were straining so much to see close up, it was causing the one eye to turn inwards a bit. The shape of your eye is also shorter than most, so the light is refracting different than it should. Hopefully by wearing the glasses, the straining will stop, and you will be able to avoid surgery. You will probably have to wear glasses or contacts for the rest of your life, but maybe in your lifetime the technology will improve and there will be a risk free fix! Some people think they're fake...which is pretty dumb, because I don't know any one who enjoys trying to keep anything on a 10 month old's face for fun.
We moved in to a new house in this month and you finally got your own room! You transitioned really well! Once we got you some curtains, you started sleeping much better, too. When we moved in, your room was a dark purple, and we lightened it up to a color called 'splash of lilac'. It's much softer now, and we love it.
You weren't so sure of the new house at first, but you have quickly fallen in to a new routine here. You love looking outside while you eat, and chasing Cooper around in the basement playroom. You're crawling like a champ now, but not quite pulling up yet. We switched to your big girl car seat and you love that too, although you get antsy after being in the car for longer than 30 minutes usually.
You are very serious, and it takes a lot to get any sort of smile out of you, but when we do, it is the sweetest face we've ever seen. We love you Natty girl, you are such a blessing to our family. xoxo
May 9th, 2015 - 11 Months
In your eleventh month, we took your one year pictures which turned out so cute! We continued to figure out our new routine in our new house. We have taken many walks in the evenings to the playgrounds. There are two by our house! You love swinging! And people watching. You have started to pull yourself up to standing, but are still very cautious. You make different sounds like 'mamamama' and 'dadadada' but haven't associated it with a person yet. We are introducing sign language but you haven't quite got the hang of that yet. We'll keep trying, Cooper didn't pick it up until much later. You love Chick-fil-a nuggets, and watching your brother play on the equipment there. It became our Tuesday routine while daddy was in night classes to take Cooper to soccer and then go eat dinner at Chick-fil-a.
You continue to be my easy going girl...as long as you're being held by me...or completely distracted with what you're doing. You are so serious, and very observant. We love you so much, and are still in awe that we have a sweet daughter to call ours. Can't wait to watch you continue to grow - and your dad can't wait to watch your hair grow more! xoxo sweet girl
June 9th, 2015 - ONE YEAR!
Sweet Natalie! You're one! I just can't believe it! This past year went so. fast. That's not even a joke. I remember clear as day when you were a tiny little newborn and I was wishing for my full nights sleep back. I remember thinking I would never be able to sleep again. Ever. Like, I had written it off. It would never happen in our house again.
But! Just when I accepted that fact, you settled in to your routine, and how glorious that was! You have become such a sweet little girl over these past 12 months. You absolutely love being around your mom, and usually cry in her presence unless she is holding you while standing. You love your daddy just as much, and have had lots of quality time with him while mom is at work. You only laugh your hardest at your brother. You share a very special bond with him, and it warms my heart to watch that evolve.
You love music and lights, reading books, and pulling them all off the shelf, taking things out of the basket and then putting them back in, lima beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, cheerios, moms milk, and popsicles. You do not love cows milk, green beans, carrots, prune juice, or the sippy cup.
You have a very nice routine of a long morning nap, and sometimes an afternoon one as well. You are pulling up to stand and starting to cruise while holding on to furniture. You are still real good about keeping your glasses on, and look so sweet in them.
For your first birthday we were actually on a plane to Virginia. But we had your party on the 14th, and we celebrated with family at your Grandpops house. Mommy, Daddy, Cooper, Grandpop, MiMi, Mom Mom, Poppy, your Great Grandmom and Grandpop from Pennsylvania, Aunt Maureen, Uncle Mike and Aunt Lisa, Melissa, Josh & Drew, Tammy, Phillip & Gabe, Aunt Brett and Uncle Craig, Cam and Max, Lisa, Brian, Breanna, Becca, and Michaela were all there to sing to you! You got lots of fun girl toys and pretty outfits. You loved your cupcake, though it took a little convincing to finish it up.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Natalie: Months 7, 8, and 9
January 9, 2015
You are 7 months old, Natalie girl! You are finally rolling over! You love to babble and talk to your mom mom on FaceTime. Everyone who sees you out, comments on how beautiful you are, and you always smile back at them.
You do NOT like eating food yet! Mommy and Daddy keep trying, but you still gag and try to chew it. You get maybe a few spoonfuls, before you completely turn away from it. We've tried sweet potatoes, squash, applesauce, pears, oatmeal, and bananas. So far, you've done the best with sweet potatoes, but you'd still just rather breastfeed.
You are still a great sleeper, thank goodness. Your nap schedule is always a little iffy, but as long as you sleep at night, mommy and daddy are happy!
You're starting to reach for things, especially our phones, and I think you're starting to get frustrated when you can't get to them.
You're almost up on all fours, trying to crawl, you rock back and forth, but usually end up pushing yourself backwards. That pushes you farther from your toys, and then you start getting angry.
You love watching your big brother run around. He loves to act silly which always makes you laugh. It's so great to watch you two interact.
February 9, 2015
In your eighth month, we discovered that you just didn't like pureed foods. But you'll finger feed yourself chunks of food no problem! So, your diet consists mostly of puffs :/, avocado, and bananas. I wasn't quite sure what to do with a baby eating real solids this early, so I'm more hesitant to give you foods that aren't really soft. We tried chunks of butternut squash and peas, but you always pick out the puffs or banana!
We took you to the eye specialist because your right eye still wants to wander inward when you're focusing on things. I'm really hypersensitive about that since I had to have surgery on my eyes when I was still so little, and have had glasses almost my entire life. So, while everyone kept telling me it was fine and that you'd grow out of it, I had a gut feeling you wouldn't. Sure enough, she said you have three times the normal far sightedness for your age, and that's causing you to strain to focus on things up close which is causing your eye to turn inwards. She gave you 8 more weeks to see if there would be any significant changes, although she wasn't hopeful, so we'll go back next month and maybe put you in glasses. I feel guilty about it because I certainly don't want people staring at you for the wrong reasons, but I know it will be good for you, and hopefully we can avoid surgery all together if we start this early enough.
March 9, 2015
Happy 9 months, my sweet girl!
You continue to be fairly mellow and laid back, as was your brother at this age. You are finally sitting up by yourself, but only if we put you in that position. I was worried that your development was a little behind, but then I realized I wasn't giving you much of a chance to practice your skills! So we play a lot more on the floor now, as opposed to in your bouncer. I liked having you in there to protect you from your wild brother, though! You have been getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth like you want to crawl for some time now. You are just starting to move your legs underneath you but haven't quite figured out that you need to move your arms too! But you get around just fine by rolling and a little bit of army crawling.
There are two more teeth peeking through. Just like your brother, the first top teeth you'll get are not the middle ones, but the outer ones right next to those.
Feeding yourself has been a fun adventure! It's so messy every time, because you insist on doing it yourself! The only thing you'll let me spoon feed you is yogurt! We can't get you to eat vegetables like you'll inhale avocado and banana though. We've tried squash, sweet potato, carrots, and peas. You'll eat them, but if there's a choice, you'll definitely choose something else. Cheerios are a new favorite too.
You seem to have a very special connection with your brother, you'll only laugh really hard for him. It's so sweet to watch the two of you together. You're starting to become interested in his toys though, so it could get interesting soon! He's usually very good about giving you something to hold, and if you start crying he'll rush to you and pat your head and say "It's ok Natalie girl, shhhhh!"
The jury is still out on who you look like the most. It's split down the middle as far as people thinking you look more like me or your dad. I see a lot more of me in you than I do in your brother at least. But we almost always get comments on how cute you are, or how well behaved you are. Today, you went the entire day with no nap because I had to take you to work with me for an event, and even I was shocked that you didn't have any sort of meltdown! You cat napped in the car for about 10 minutes, and that was it! I was so impressed! I am so glad you are so flexible with us!
We love you sweet girl, I can't believe you're already 9 months old! The time has certainly flown, and before we know it your birthday will be here! Next month, you will finally have your own room!
love you, natty!
xoxo
You are 7 months old, Natalie girl! You are finally rolling over! You love to babble and talk to your mom mom on FaceTime. Everyone who sees you out, comments on how beautiful you are, and you always smile back at them.
You do NOT like eating food yet! Mommy and Daddy keep trying, but you still gag and try to chew it. You get maybe a few spoonfuls, before you completely turn away from it. We've tried sweet potatoes, squash, applesauce, pears, oatmeal, and bananas. So far, you've done the best with sweet potatoes, but you'd still just rather breastfeed.
You are still a great sleeper, thank goodness. Your nap schedule is always a little iffy, but as long as you sleep at night, mommy and daddy are happy!
You're starting to reach for things, especially our phones, and I think you're starting to get frustrated when you can't get to them.
You're almost up on all fours, trying to crawl, you rock back and forth, but usually end up pushing yourself backwards. That pushes you farther from your toys, and then you start getting angry.
You love watching your big brother run around. He loves to act silly which always makes you laugh. It's so great to watch you two interact.
February 9, 2015
In your eighth month, we discovered that you just didn't like pureed foods. But you'll finger feed yourself chunks of food no problem! So, your diet consists mostly of puffs :/, avocado, and bananas. I wasn't quite sure what to do with a baby eating real solids this early, so I'm more hesitant to give you foods that aren't really soft. We tried chunks of butternut squash and peas, but you always pick out the puffs or banana!
We took you to the eye specialist because your right eye still wants to wander inward when you're focusing on things. I'm really hypersensitive about that since I had to have surgery on my eyes when I was still so little, and have had glasses almost my entire life. So, while everyone kept telling me it was fine and that you'd grow out of it, I had a gut feeling you wouldn't. Sure enough, she said you have three times the normal far sightedness for your age, and that's causing you to strain to focus on things up close which is causing your eye to turn inwards. She gave you 8 more weeks to see if there would be any significant changes, although she wasn't hopeful, so we'll go back next month and maybe put you in glasses. I feel guilty about it because I certainly don't want people staring at you for the wrong reasons, but I know it will be good for you, and hopefully we can avoid surgery all together if we start this early enough.
March 9, 2015
Happy 9 months, my sweet girl!
You continue to be fairly mellow and laid back, as was your brother at this age. You are finally sitting up by yourself, but only if we put you in that position. I was worried that your development was a little behind, but then I realized I wasn't giving you much of a chance to practice your skills! So we play a lot more on the floor now, as opposed to in your bouncer. I liked having you in there to protect you from your wild brother, though! You have been getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth like you want to crawl for some time now. You are just starting to move your legs underneath you but haven't quite figured out that you need to move your arms too! But you get around just fine by rolling and a little bit of army crawling.
There are two more teeth peeking through. Just like your brother, the first top teeth you'll get are not the middle ones, but the outer ones right next to those.
Feeding yourself has been a fun adventure! It's so messy every time, because you insist on doing it yourself! The only thing you'll let me spoon feed you is yogurt! We can't get you to eat vegetables like you'll inhale avocado and banana though. We've tried squash, sweet potato, carrots, and peas. You'll eat them, but if there's a choice, you'll definitely choose something else. Cheerios are a new favorite too.
You seem to have a very special connection with your brother, you'll only laugh really hard for him. It's so sweet to watch the two of you together. You're starting to become interested in his toys though, so it could get interesting soon! He's usually very good about giving you something to hold, and if you start crying he'll rush to you and pat your head and say "It's ok Natalie girl, shhhhh!"
The jury is still out on who you look like the most. It's split down the middle as far as people thinking you look more like me or your dad. I see a lot more of me in you than I do in your brother at least. But we almost always get comments on how cute you are, or how well behaved you are. Today, you went the entire day with no nap because I had to take you to work with me for an event, and even I was shocked that you didn't have any sort of meltdown! You cat napped in the car for about 10 minutes, and that was it! I was so impressed! I am so glad you are so flexible with us!
We love you sweet girl, I can't believe you're already 9 months old! The time has certainly flown, and before we know it your birthday will be here! Next month, you will finally have your own room!
love you, natty!
xoxo
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Cooper: 3 Years
January 2015
Cooper,
You are three! I just can't believe it. It feels like yesterday that I was writing about how hard it was adjusting to being a new mommy, how hard breastfeeding was for us, and how stressed you were making me when you were a newborn!
Now you are a little boy! I'm not sure where the past three years went. You have grown SO much. You are incredibly smart, and I'm not just saying that because I'm your mom. You speak a language that sometimes I think only I understand - because it is so complex for your little body, that others don't understand what you're trying to say or why you're saying it. You correlate things so well - and have an awesome memory.
You can identify a few letters, mostly the ones in your name. You remember songs that I didn't even know you knew. We sing together every night before bed, a song I made up a long time ago, and now it's a must for you. Daddy or I sing it, and you hum along. You request songs in the car now, and you will sing to Natalie if she's crying.
I'm almost positive you will be left handed like your mommy.
Banana yogurt is your favorite these days. Along with raisins, cereal, PB&J, mac&cheese, chicken nuggets, peanuts, pretzels, milk, and grapes. Pretty standard diet for a three year old, I'd say.
We are struggling with potty training you because you are SO strong willed. You do NOT want to sit on the potty, ever.
You've moved up to the 'big kid' room at day care - 3 and 4 year olds. So you're having a hard time adjusting to all new kids, new teachers, and new routines, including potty training at school. You used to love going to school, and would wake up on the weekends wanting to go. But now, you usually say 'I don't want to go to my big room, mommy." And it breaks my heart every single day. I know it's one of those things I have to do as a mom, and it's the hardest thing I've had to do, to date. It will only get harder if I succumb and just pull you out of daycare because I feel so sad every day, because eventually you will have to go to Kindergarten and we really won't have a choice in that matter. Your new teachers say you're quiet, which we know isn't true of you, and that you keep to yourself. You came from a room where you were king of the castle, knew how everything worked, had a great group of friends, and LOVED your teachers! I know they are treating you well, but I think you're just well outside of your comfort zone and don't love going anymore. Mommy is trying her hardest to push through these tough transition weeks until you make some new friends and start loving going again.
Mommy and Daddy struggle with finding a balance for you - you are so strong willed, and sometimes very defiant. We have a hard time finding something that will motivate you to listen to your parents and follow directions. I know this personality trait will serve you well when you get older, as long as we can get a handle on it now, and direct you in the best way.
You can recite a few books, and will read them to Natalie on occasion. Books like Five Little Monkeys, Are You My Mother?, Go Dog Go, and Hand Hand Fingers Thumb. We read at least 2 every night, more if mommy is feeling generous.
In your short three years, you've become very set in your ways. You love routine, even though your daddy's parenting philosophy is "a routine of flexibility". We are in the thick of the toddler years - better known as the threenager. "But I wannnt that one. No I don't want that one." You change your mind like the weather, at least 10000 times a day. It does become exhausting. You are finding your voice, though, and forming your own opinions, so I can't get too mad at that. Your daddy took you to the zoo the other day, per your request from the day before. You said, "Daddy, I want to go to the zoo tomorrow and feed the giraffes lettuce." I mean, how can you ignore that?! So he took you, and you told him "Daddy, the tigers are my favorite because I like their stripes." I'm not lying, I don't know any other 3 year olds that speak as well as you do.
Mommy finally caved and turned your car seat forward facing. You're loving it so far, and so is daddy!
You continue to amaze me. Every single day. You are becoming your own person, and it's awesome to watch. You have shown great compassion for your sister, only recently starting to get a little jealous, but mostly very concerned about her wellbeing. Always running to comfort her when she's crying and sharing your toys with her. You dish out the unwarranted "I wuv you's" all day long. It's the greatest feeling in the world to hear you say that, and that you've missed me.
I pray every day for your safety, and that we will be the best parents for you. You are a challenge, to say the least, but my most rewarding challenge ever. I love you so much sweet boy. We can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!
xoxo
Mommy
Cooper,
 |
| Sincerely, Liz inc |
Now you are a little boy! I'm not sure where the past three years went. You have grown SO much. You are incredibly smart, and I'm not just saying that because I'm your mom. You speak a language that sometimes I think only I understand - because it is so complex for your little body, that others don't understand what you're trying to say or why you're saying it. You correlate things so well - and have an awesome memory.
You can identify a few letters, mostly the ones in your name. You remember songs that I didn't even know you knew. We sing together every night before bed, a song I made up a long time ago, and now it's a must for you. Daddy or I sing it, and you hum along. You request songs in the car now, and you will sing to Natalie if she's crying.
I'm almost positive you will be left handed like your mommy.
Banana yogurt is your favorite these days. Along with raisins, cereal, PB&J, mac&cheese, chicken nuggets, peanuts, pretzels, milk, and grapes. Pretty standard diet for a three year old, I'd say.
We are struggling with potty training you because you are SO strong willed. You do NOT want to sit on the potty, ever.
You've moved up to the 'big kid' room at day care - 3 and 4 year olds. So you're having a hard time adjusting to all new kids, new teachers, and new routines, including potty training at school. You used to love going to school, and would wake up on the weekends wanting to go. But now, you usually say 'I don't want to go to my big room, mommy." And it breaks my heart every single day. I know it's one of those things I have to do as a mom, and it's the hardest thing I've had to do, to date. It will only get harder if I succumb and just pull you out of daycare because I feel so sad every day, because eventually you will have to go to Kindergarten and we really won't have a choice in that matter. Your new teachers say you're quiet, which we know isn't true of you, and that you keep to yourself. You came from a room where you were king of the castle, knew how everything worked, had a great group of friends, and LOVED your teachers! I know they are treating you well, but I think you're just well outside of your comfort zone and don't love going anymore. Mommy is trying her hardest to push through these tough transition weeks until you make some new friends and start loving going again.
Mommy and Daddy struggle with finding a balance for you - you are so strong willed, and sometimes very defiant. We have a hard time finding something that will motivate you to listen to your parents and follow directions. I know this personality trait will serve you well when you get older, as long as we can get a handle on it now, and direct you in the best way.
You can recite a few books, and will read them to Natalie on occasion. Books like Five Little Monkeys, Are You My Mother?, Go Dog Go, and Hand Hand Fingers Thumb. We read at least 2 every night, more if mommy is feeling generous.
In your short three years, you've become very set in your ways. You love routine, even though your daddy's parenting philosophy is "a routine of flexibility". We are in the thick of the toddler years - better known as the threenager. "But I wannnt that one. No I don't want that one." You change your mind like the weather, at least 10000 times a day. It does become exhausting. You are finding your voice, though, and forming your own opinions, so I can't get too mad at that. Your daddy took you to the zoo the other day, per your request from the day before. You said, "Daddy, I want to go to the zoo tomorrow and feed the giraffes lettuce." I mean, how can you ignore that?! So he took you, and you told him "Daddy, the tigers are my favorite because I like their stripes." I'm not lying, I don't know any other 3 year olds that speak as well as you do.
Mommy finally caved and turned your car seat forward facing. You're loving it so far, and so is daddy!
You continue to amaze me. Every single day. You are becoming your own person, and it's awesome to watch. You have shown great compassion for your sister, only recently starting to get a little jealous, but mostly very concerned about her wellbeing. Always running to comfort her when she's crying and sharing your toys with her. You dish out the unwarranted "I wuv you's" all day long. It's the greatest feeling in the world to hear you say that, and that you've missed me.
I pray every day for your safety, and that we will be the best parents for you. You are a challenge, to say the least, but my most rewarding challenge ever. I love you so much sweet boy. We can't wait to see what this year has in store for you!
xoxo
Mommy
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Family Update
Here we are about three months post army life. We are still surviving! FINALLY starting the home buying process, but I fear it will still be another few months before it becomes more of a reality.
Jason has changed his major to Mechanical Engineering - only because he felt he would enjoy the hands on aspect versus the more theoretical aspect of Physics. Mechanical because the school he'll transfer to here, doesn't offer Aerospace which is what he really wanted to do. They do have that minor though, so that's an option if he's not completely burnt out by then. In fact, he had his transfer orientation today! We call it his 'big boy school'. He'll finish his third year of calculus and second physics class at the community college, and take a couple classes at his big boy school next semester - so that will be a challenging schedule, but we can do anything for 16 weeks! And then next year he'll transfer completely and hopefully within 3 years, be a University of Colorado graduate!
I am still working PRN which is perfect for now because of Jason's ever changing schedule. What's really challenging is that while he's at the community college, a lot of the classes are night classes. Bedtime by yourself with two kids is not fun! But, we made it through this last semester, so we will certainly survive next! Unfortunately, next semester I will probably just be able to work weekends to be able to work around Jason's schedule and the fact that I can't work on days he has class because day care closes at 6, and Natalie isn't even in daycare right now. We just decided we'd keep her out of daycare for as long as we have to solely because we don't want to spend that much money for both of them if I'm not working full time. At this point, Coop could stay home with me too, but he's been at this same daycare since he was 6 months old, and he loves going. It's good for him, wears him out, and he learns so much there! I can't take that away from him, and I certainly can't give him all the opportunities he's getting while he's there.
So basically, our lives are divided in to semesters for now. And I'm ok with that. It gives us something to look forward to. And flexibility that most families with young kids don't have. We have these discussions at the end of every semester when he's registering for the next. And we have to keep taking in to account how old the kids will be at that point - because thats always changing! It's already a hundred times easier than it was in the beginning of the semester when Natalie was still in the newborn grumpy phase.
Potty training has begun, and I fear it will be a long, painful process. We will probably finish just in time to start Natalie! It is a constant battle of the wills in our house right now. I'm not sure where he got his stubbornness from…
Otherwise, we enjoyed a nice quiet Christmas in our own home for the first time in our married lives. We were certainly homesick, but it was really nice not to have to cart the kids around to different places! We stayed in our pajamas all day and just enjoyed each other. It was the first really fun year with Cooper as he's starting to talk about Santa. He wasn't quite sure how the whole present opening thing worked, but he did figure it out quickly, though he wanted to open every toy immediately and play with it instead of finishing opening the presents. Natalie slept through most of it!
And that's all I can think of that's update worthy at this point. We're living a pretty quiet life here in Colorado, and we're loving it so far!
xoxo
Potty training has begun, and I fear it will be a long, painful process. We will probably finish just in time to start Natalie! It is a constant battle of the wills in our house right now. I'm not sure where he got his stubbornness from…
Otherwise, we enjoyed a nice quiet Christmas in our own home for the first time in our married lives. We were certainly homesick, but it was really nice not to have to cart the kids around to different places! We stayed in our pajamas all day and just enjoyed each other. It was the first really fun year with Cooper as he's starting to talk about Santa. He wasn't quite sure how the whole present opening thing worked, but he did figure it out quickly, though he wanted to open every toy immediately and play with it instead of finishing opening the presents. Natalie slept through most of it!
And that's all I can think of that's update worthy at this point. We're living a pretty quiet life here in Colorado, and we're loving it so far!
xoxo
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