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. 

Kid Tested, Mom Approved

I saw an article in my latest issue of Parents magazine where a pancake pen was used to create adorable "X O X O" pancakes for Valentine's Day.  While I was at the mall last week, I picked one up at Williams Sonoma for $10 and we gave it a whirl this morning.  It is a cold, snowy, day and we needed a little pick-me-up.

Love it!  A must get item.  I filled the tube with Bisquick mix following the pancake recipe on the box, and the consistency was perfect.   The only thing to keep in mind (as Tom learned) is your shapes are limited in size to what your spatula can flip.

It's a fire truck, people.

Unexpected

Today, an unexpected, extraordinary box arrived with the mailman.  It was addressed to Patrick, Tommy and Kaya.  The return address was Uncle Mike, University of Notre Dame.

Guess what was inside?

Guess who loved them?  Tommy named his Beary, and Patrick named his Buddies.  Kaya just tried to eat hers. 

Here's a little message to Uncle Mike from the gang...

Hitting the Slopes

I had wanted Patrick to start skiing last year, but my timid 3 1/2 year wanted to try nothing of the sort.  Tom grew up skiing, but I never tried until high school, with disastrous results.  I can't believe I didn't injure myself or anyone else on the slopes.  My experience made me certain that my kids would learn on the earlier side, when it would be easier to pick up the technique.  This year we were ready though, and he seemed excited to try, although a bit concerned at the same time.  Day one was frigid and windy, and after only one hour, my little skier wanted to return. 



Heading out for his very first time on the bunny slope.

At the end of day- they rode the ski lift back up to the condo.

 As soon as P was in the door, Tommy was begging to try too, so Tom threw P's skis and boots on him and took him behind the condo for a mini lesson.  Here they are about to head up the ski trail...

 Tommy didn't make it very far up the trail in the ski boots, so Tom ended up having to carry Tommy and their skis up each time.  Better him than me.

 Tom putting on Tommy's skis-

 and away they went! Tommy liked it, and I suspect we will start him skiing next winter at 3 1/2.  That means Tom will have two beginners to contend with next year. 

Day two proved to be warmer, and the sun peeked out.  Patrick was out almost two hours.  Tom said he figured out how to turn and only fell once (the ski leash helps with turning and braking, but it doesn't keep them from falling).  Patrick wanted to go on the bunny slope over and over again.  Success! He had a blast, although Tom was exhausted at the end.
Unfortunately, because it was too cold to take Kaya out, I have no photos or video of P on the bunny slope, only of him returning to the condo on the trail from the lift.

Getting ready to head down to the lodge for dinner  last night.  Kaya's sweater was a hand-me-down from her godfather's girls. I accidently left my white balance setting on sun, so my lighting was all out of whack.  Oops.

Just this week Kaya started practicing her crawling stance.  Kaya's Baba started walking at 8 months, so we will just have to wait and see if this little one is anxious to keep up with her brothers.