This Endless Winter

We are trudging through this cold, long winter and doing the best we can to keep the stir-crazies at bay.  A few weekends ago we headed to the zoo when the temps reached 40 degrees.  It felt like spring had arrived! We arrived with no plan in mind, but within minutes the penguin parade was announced over the loud speaker. The boys were able to get a great spot along the parade route. 

Crawling underneath the stingray tank

One of my favorite things about our zoo, other than its close proximity, is that we always see something different each time we go.  This time it was  the scuba divers cleaning one of the lower tanks.  The gave P high-fives. 



Kaya was properly prepared for the aquarium portion.

Last weekend, Tom took the boys out back for some more sledding.  We are hoping and praying these will be some of the last winter fun pictures to make it on the blog.

When You Aren't Looking

Isn't it true that you always find the best things when you aren't looking? I came across this metal hamper at Marshall's a few weeks ago and thought it was perfect for Kaya's room.

Despite all the cold weather, I love this time of year for another important reason: winter clearance. I picked up this adorable outfit at Janie and Jack for next winter. Total original cost: $110. I paid $36. Hooray for discounted cuteness.

Prepare yourselves, some DIY project posts coming soon. The art room makeover is about to begin.

Weight Watchers Week Two Weigh-In

I was a bit surprised to step on the scale and see 156  (again) at the end of week two. That is a zero loss, but also a zero gain if trying to look on the positive side.n I followed the plan, although no exercise as a side due to zero energy thanks to this endless winter.  I slept 11 1/2 last night, and feel a ton better, so exercise resumes during nap time today.  

Weight Watchers Kickoff

The baby weight had stopped coming off months ago, so last week I signed back up for Weight Watchers.  I first tried the program after having Tommy, and had started at 151 lbs that time.  This go-around, I am starting at 160.5 (yikes).  I weighed in today after my first week of tracking and guess what I saw?

Success! I don't expect the same results for week 2, but I will take a 4.5 loss any day.

This Blog Brought to you by IPad

I am putting on a brave face and embracing technology.  I got an IPad Air for my birthday and am working my way through all the applications it offers.  I just downloaded the blogger app!  This is a big step, considering I just started texting last year.   The best part of the whole purchase was seeing Patrick's expression when we face timed his Uncle Steve and Aunt Christina.  His astonishment was off the charts.  "How is he talking when he is isn't holding anything (phone)"?   

Be My Valentine

This year I was still putting Patrick's school valentines together the night before his class party, so I forgot to snap a picture of them assembled.  He wanted fireman valentines, so I took a few pictures of him in front of a white background, then added the writing and hearts in power point.  I printed out the picture at Walgreens for .10 a piece.  I started hunting for cheapo matchbox sized fire trucks about a month before, and found some at Walmart for $1.20/each. Unfortunately, I seem to have bought up all their stock and had to supplement in some dump trucks.  I put each truck in a heart bag and tied it to the picture using some heart ribbon and a hole punch.  Total cost, $1.40 each.

Of course we didn't forget about Tommy (who just got registered for preschool this fall!)...


Then I started over thinking the whole thing.  I know all the girls (and Patrick) love Doc McStuffins, so I decided to do fireman valentines for the boys, and a Doc McStuffins theme for the girls.  I picked up 6 Doc McStuffins sticker packs for a $1 each at Target and taped this valentine to the backside:

Poor Kaya, by the time she goes through school, it will be all store-bought valentines.   There you have it. 
Happy Valentine's Day!

Kaya - 6 Months

We actually hit the 6 month milestone a week ago, but Kaya had her well check visit just this morning.  Here's the scoop on darling K:

The 4 month appointment did not go so well, if you recall.  She had gained less than 2 lbs in two months (12 lbs, 11 oz), dropping her to the 10th percentile for weight.  I immediately started supplementing with formula and baby food per the doctor's suggestion.  This gal loves everything - green beans, zucchini, squash, peas, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes.  Every fruit under the sun.  After a month of supplementing, my milk supply had completely waned and by 5 months, she was getting only formula and baby food.  So while Kaya has packed on the pounds (weighing in today at 16 lbs, 2 oz)/49th percentile), she is still not sleeping through the night.  While things have improved, I am getting up to put her pacifier in around 4 a.m. each night, which puts her back to sleep until 6-6:30 when she starts stirring for her morning meal.  I tried letting her cry out the 4 a.m. fussing, but of course, that wakes P up who sleeps in the neighboring room.  My pediatrician is right though, we just have to do it or she will never start putting herself back to sleep on her own.  For the record, she hasn't had a 4 a.m. feeding in months.  The only time she will take a pacifier is when she is tired.

Around 5 1/2 months, she started sitting up (although usually half folded over like in this picture) for a few seconds at a time, and started practicing the crawler's stance.  She also has kept her baby blues!  I don't have her height handy, but it was the 97th percentile.  She now has her flu shot,  and I can rest a bit easier.

 At 6 months 1 week, she is sitting for a few minutes at a time, and is fascinated with every kind of toy.  Well, every kind of toy that is not hers.  She constantly is trying to get her brother's toys.  The Buzz computer is one of her favorites. 

She has a talent for rolling.  Unlike the boys, this one rolls to get places.  She will fix in on toy, and roll all over to navigate her way to it.  Today is the first day I observed her pulling herself forward with her elbows to get a toy.  Still no crawling or pulling up on things, and no teeth. 

She is still a pretty happy, easy baby, but gets more frustrated now when she doesn't get what she wants.  She is an easy and willing passenger in the car, but is starting to show the first signs of  "stranger danger" anxiety.  She is well outfitted for the spring, although you wouldn't know it since I seem to photograph her in only jammies.  I need to do better.