I can't believe that my Grandma has already been gone 10 years. I still think of her often. She was such a strong-willed, independent woman, who embraced everything life handed her. She dealt with so many challenges and obstacles in her life, yet she was always in a carefree mood. Now that I am married with my own children I have a new found respect for her. I cannot imagine the pain she went through when she said good-bye to her oldest son or the emptiness she may have felt living without her husband for so many years.
I hope that my daughter Lyla Anne, named after my grandma, will grow up to be as strong-willed and independent as my grandma was. I hope that she has the courage to deal with life without letting life get her down. I hope someday she understands that she was named after a pretty amazing woman. And I hope my grandma knows how much she is missed.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Doctor's Orders
Whenever the kids have well checks at our pediatrician's office, they give us a checklist of things on topics of nutrition, development, safety, parenting, and appropriate toys.
As I scanned the Owen's list this time, I was pleased that we had already done one of the things on the "parenting" list: get a library card. Owen had asked the Librarian months ago when he could get his own card. The answer was when he was 5. When I reminded him of this shortly after his birthday he was very excited to get his card. He and I went alone so we could focus on the application process. I filled in everything, but made him write his own name where they asked for signature. He took his time and wrote both his first and last name on the line. Next, he received his card and again had to sign his name on the back of the card, which he did carefully. Finally, he was allowed to check out two items, next trip he could check out more, but he had to first prove he was responsible. He then chose two DVD's to check out. While we were in line he instructed me to stand by the door while he checked out all by himself. I obeyed and allowed him to have his moment, he kept looking back to make sure that I was really letting him do this on his own. He was very proud to check out his own materials!
And now, according to Doctor's orders, we need to be giving Owen some chores around the house. It's Doctor's orders, he can't argue with that right?
We were able to check on thing off Lyla's list too. For nutrition it states that we should be weaning off the bottle, Lyla is now a pro at the Sippy cup and does not use a bottle and really hasn't for over a month now!
As I scanned the Owen's list this time, I was pleased that we had already done one of the things on the "parenting" list: get a library card. Owen had asked the Librarian months ago when he could get his own card. The answer was when he was 5. When I reminded him of this shortly after his birthday he was very excited to get his card. He and I went alone so we could focus on the application process. I filled in everything, but made him write his own name where they asked for signature. He took his time and wrote both his first and last name on the line. Next, he received his card and again had to sign his name on the back of the card, which he did carefully. Finally, he was allowed to check out two items, next trip he could check out more, but he had to first prove he was responsible. He then chose two DVD's to check out. While we were in line he instructed me to stand by the door while he checked out all by himself. I obeyed and allowed him to have his moment, he kept looking back to make sure that I was really letting him do this on his own. He was very proud to check out his own materials!
And now, according to Doctor's orders, we need to be giving Owen some chores around the house. It's Doctor's orders, he can't argue with that right?
We were able to check on thing off Lyla's list too. For nutrition it states that we should be weaning off the bottle, Lyla is now a pro at the Sippy cup and does not use a bottle and really hasn't for over a month now!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
5 Year and 1 Year Check-ups
Since I have given up Facebook for Lent, I have to document my children's lives somewhere, ok besides their scrapbooks! So, looks like I may be blogging more during Lent.
Today, Owen and Lyla had their well checks. Owen weighed in at 55 pounds, which is above the 95th percentile.
He measured 48 inches or 4 feet, exactly. Again, putting him above the 95th percentile for height. 
Of course, we are not surprised by this as he has ALWAYS been in the 95th percentile! Owen was very cooperative with the nurse while he got weighed and measured, however, he didn't hear the instructions on where to stand to be measured because he had the IPod in his ears, but was obedient at taking the IPod out of his ears and was a good listener the rest of the time. He also got his eyes checked at this visit and has 20/20 vision. Looks like he was just telling us stories when he said he needed to wear my glasses to see better!
Lyla on the other hand, was not pleased about being weighed and measured. She is very outspoken and made sure everyone knew in the office that she was not pleased.
Lyla weighed in at 23 pounds 12 ounces, putting her in the 75-90th percentile. She measured 30.25 inches long, again placing her in the 75-90th percentile. I was actually surprised, I predicted she would be above the 95th percentile like her big brother this visit, but I was proven wrong!
Both check-ups went well. Owen joked around with the doctor, agreeing that he had Macaroni and Cheese in his ears, taking silly deep breaths when getting his lungs checked out, and letting the doctor know that examining his internal organs tickled! Lyla, on the other hand, does not discriminate on who she does not like touching her, she let the doctor know that she was not enjoying her visit! Both got a clean bill of health.
Owen was pleased to find out that he did not need an immunization shot and even more pleased to hear that he does not need another shot until he is 11! Lyla was not so lucky, she received 3 shots and did not care that these shots would keep her healthy, she screamed even before the shot was put in her arm.
Today, Owen and Lyla had their well checks. Owen weighed in at 55 pounds, which is above the 95th percentile.
He measured 48 inches or 4 feet, exactly. Again, putting him above the 95th percentile for height. 
Of course, we are not surprised by this as he has ALWAYS been in the 95th percentile! Owen was very cooperative with the nurse while he got weighed and measured, however, he didn't hear the instructions on where to stand to be measured because he had the IPod in his ears, but was obedient at taking the IPod out of his ears and was a good listener the rest of the time. He also got his eyes checked at this visit and has 20/20 vision. Looks like he was just telling us stories when he said he needed to wear my glasses to see better! Lyla on the other hand, was not pleased about being weighed and measured. She is very outspoken and made sure everyone knew in the office that she was not pleased.
Lyla weighed in at 23 pounds 12 ounces, putting her in the 75-90th percentile. She measured 30.25 inches long, again placing her in the 75-90th percentile. I was actually surprised, I predicted she would be above the 95th percentile like her big brother this visit, but I was proven wrong! Both check-ups went well. Owen joked around with the doctor, agreeing that he had Macaroni and Cheese in his ears, taking silly deep breaths when getting his lungs checked out, and letting the doctor know that examining his internal organs tickled! Lyla, on the other hand, does not discriminate on who she does not like touching her, she let the doctor know that she was not enjoying her visit! Both got a clean bill of health.
Owen was pleased to find out that he did not need an immunization shot and even more pleased to hear that he does not need another shot until he is 11! Lyla was not so lucky, she received 3 shots and did not care that these shots would keep her healthy, she screamed even before the shot was put in her arm.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Riding with No Training Wheels
While we were in Michigan Owen reached a milestone and successfully learned how to ride his bike with no training wheels! We noticed that he was fairly ready, when Grandma Sue took him for a ride on the bike, while Gavin was shopping for training wheels, but we put the training wheels on anyway so that he could keep up with his cousins.
The actual lesson to learn to ride was fairly spontaneous. I was sitting in my parents garage, relaxing after a fun-filled weekend with the whole family. Owen and Gavin were in the driveway playing. Owen came riding up the driveway on his bike, and with a second glance I realized there were no training wheels on his bike!
At first he could really only ride if someone got him started and he could only ride in one direction, but this didn't even last 24 hours.
The next day, I told Owen if he could ride the half mile or so to the ice cream shop we would buy him ice cream, so the next day he did it!
After returning home from getting ice cream, Gavin got out my Dad's bike and took Owen for a bike ride to the Marina. When they got back Owen asked me to take him for another ride to the marnina.
The next day, I took Owen on a ride into Harbor Beach on the bike path. During this trip Owen got stopped by the Sheriff, no, he was not in trouble, he was caught being safe and received a coupon to McDonald's for wearing his helmet!
The following day, I needed to mail some things, so I took Owen for a ride to the Post Office. After completing our business there, Owen still wanted to go for a longer ride, so I took him through town and back home via the road just outside of town. This trip started to get a little long for him, but I explained we were making a big circle and that we were almost back and he made it! I was absolutely amazed at how fast he learned to ride and how fast he was able to take such long bike rides with us! Very proud moment for Mommy, Daddy, and Owen!
The actual lesson to learn to ride was fairly spontaneous. I was sitting in my parents garage, relaxing after a fun-filled weekend with the whole family. Owen and Gavin were in the driveway playing. Owen came riding up the driveway on his bike, and with a second glance I realized there were no training wheels on his bike!
At first he could really only ride if someone got him started and he could only ride in one direction, but this didn't even last 24 hours.
The next day, I told Owen if he could ride the half mile or so to the ice cream shop we would buy him ice cream, so the next day he did it!
After returning home from getting ice cream, Gavin got out my Dad's bike and took Owen for a bike ride to the Marina. When they got back Owen asked me to take him for another ride to the marnina.
The next day, I took Owen on a ride into Harbor Beach on the bike path. During this trip Owen got stopped by the Sheriff, no, he was not in trouble, he was caught being safe and received a coupon to McDonald's for wearing his helmet!
The following day, I needed to mail some things, so I took Owen for a ride to the Post Office. After completing our business there, Owen still wanted to go for a longer ride, so I took him through town and back home via the road just outside of town. This trip started to get a little long for him, but I explained we were making a big circle and that we were almost back and he made it! I was absolutely amazed at how fast he learned to ride and how fast he was able to take such long bike rides with us! Very proud moment for Mommy, Daddy, and Owen!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Let's Talk About it Now
As we were driving out of the church parking lot yesterday, Owen says to me, "Mommy, when I'm bigger, I am going to take the truck and Daddy can ride with Chris."
I replied, "oh really."
"Yes," he continued, "or I can drop Daddy off at his school and go to my school."
"mmmhmmm," is my response.
To this he says, "I will take the kids,"
"Who are the kids?" I asked.
"Well, I will take Max to school and you can take Lyla."
"Ok, well we can talk about this when you are 16," I suggest.
"No," he says, "let's talk about it now!"
And so the converstation continued for two more miles. I guess Owen has us figured out, we take a little while to get used to new ideas, so if he wants to use the car when he is 16 he better start discussing it now!
I replied, "oh really."
"Yes," he continued, "or I can drop Daddy off at his school and go to my school."
"mmmhmmm," is my response.
To this he says, "I will take the kids,"
"Who are the kids?" I asked.
"Well, I will take Max to school and you can take Lyla."
"Ok, well we can talk about this when you are 16," I suggest.
"No," he says, "let's talk about it now!"
And so the converstation continued for two more miles. I guess Owen has us figured out, we take a little while to get used to new ideas, so if he wants to use the car when he is 16 he better start discussing it now!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Shhh, Mommy's Sleeping!
Last night, we took the boys to the Port Hope Fireworks. It was about 11:00 when we arrived home, usually, we make sure Max is asleep before putting Owen to bed in the same room, but because it was so late, we needed them to both go to bed together. I opted to go to bed with them to ensure that they settle down and go to sleep instead of playing around until all hours of the night.
Owen was laying on a twin mattress on the floor listening to "Runaway," on the IPod, a song that both Owen and Max know all the words too even when the song is not playing, and Max was in the double bed with me, opposite where Owen laid. I had already sternly told them both multiple times to settle down and go to sleep, but the rowdiness was still in full swing. Both boys were singing at very high pitch to "Runaway" and no amount of nagging was going to stop the craziness. I decided the only way to get them to settle down was to lay very still myself and pretend I was sleeping, ok so I may actually have been the first to fall asleep in the end, but at that moment I was just pretending!
When Max realized that my eyes were closed and I hadn't said anything for a while, he tried to shush Owen. In a loud whisper, leaning over me, he said, "Owen, Owen, shhhh, Owen, Mommy's sleeping!"
Owen was laying on a twin mattress on the floor listening to "Runaway," on the IPod, a song that both Owen and Max know all the words too even when the song is not playing, and Max was in the double bed with me, opposite where Owen laid. I had already sternly told them both multiple times to settle down and go to sleep, but the rowdiness was still in full swing. Both boys were singing at very high pitch to "Runaway" and no amount of nagging was going to stop the craziness. I decided the only way to get them to settle down was to lay very still myself and pretend I was sleeping, ok so I may actually have been the first to fall asleep in the end, but at that moment I was just pretending!
When Max realized that my eyes were closed and I hadn't said anything for a while, he tried to shush Owen. In a loud whisper, leaning over me, he said, "Owen, Owen, shhhh, Owen, Mommy's sleeping!"
Monday, May 30, 2011
Max in Time-Out
Max's new time-out spot is the stairs. When he is in trouble, it is usually because he is doing some obnoxious! Yes, sometimes it is also for hitting, but usually it's for running around at dinner time or screaming at the top of his lungs. When he is scolded, he doesn't laugh, but he gets this little twinkle in his eye, like he is trying not to laugh, as if saying, "I know I'm in trouble, but it was so worth it!
Here he is hanging out in time-out!
And here is the look I am trying to describe!
Here he is hanging out in time-out!
And here is the look I am trying to describe!
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