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This is one of Kapria's favorite phrases. When she wants to sit on our laps and cuddle, or have us read her a story, or play a game together, she'll say, "I want you, Mom." or "I want you, Dad."
And how can you ever resist that?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
i'll have what she's having, please
During our trip to Washington, Mila decided the only food she would eat was the food that everyone else was eating. Baby food all mashed up and mooshy? No thanks. Bottle? Not really interested. Pass your food on over, please.
This isn't so bad, really, except that she has no teeth. Everything has to be small enough and mushy enough for her to gum. Wahoo. This new independence makes her very happy, despite my misgivings. I'm not ready for her to be a big girl!
But she's ready. And how can i say no to a face like this?
This isn't so bad, really, except that she has no teeth. Everything has to be small enough and mushy enough for her to gum. Wahoo. This new independence makes her very happy, despite my misgivings. I'm not ready for her to be a big girl!
But she's ready. And how can i say no to a face like this?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
the "one more" curse
"One more book, Mommy."
"One more song, Mommy."
I am convinced that the curse of "One More" was our downfall with the sleep issues.
Mom and Dad set boundaries. This is good.
Child tests boundaries. This is also good.
What happens when I say please?
What happens when I pretend to cry?
What happens if I say "ouch?"
What happens if I ask for one more?
It's not that any of those are problematic - once. But how we react that one time is crucial because our kids are seeing what happens when they push the boundaries we've set. Do Mom and Dad give in? Or do they hold firm?
I finish singing a song to Kapria.
I give her a kiss.
"I love you, Sweet Pea," I say.
I stand up to go out of her room.
I open the door.
I am an inch away from the door being shut when I hear,
"One more song, Mommy!" in this sweet little slightly scared voice.
I waver.
I peak in.
She's sitting upright staring at me.
"One more?" she says.
It's just one song, I think. One minute at most.
I cave.
But in that moment, I have just told my daughter that the boundaries are not firm. They can change.
And tomorrow she is not satisfied with only one more song. When the One More song is done, she asks again for One More. Today I say no. But she got away with it last time, so she cries. I sing one more, and she falls asleep. Fixed, right? I mean, she's asleep.
But again, now she knows the boundaries can change. Tomorrow she falls asleep quickly. Only 2 songs and she's out. But the next day she's still awake. She needs that song and she knows that I'll sing one more.
One more book.
One more treat.
One more toy.
One more tissue.
One more. One more. One more.
I'm working on eliminating the One Mores from our vocabulary. Everywhere. And you know what? We're doing much better without it.
We can take one toy to a friend's house. Want to bring one more? Nope. You'll get to play with your friend's toys when we get there.
We all have to learn to have boundaries in life. They make us happier and healthier, even - especially - at 2.
"One more song, Mommy."
I am convinced that the curse of "One More" was our downfall with the sleep issues.
___________
So here I am to talk about the curse. It's pretty simple, really. Kids thrive on routine. But they also are learning about the world around them. They're finding out boundaries. They're testing those boundaries. Push a little here. See what gives and what holds firm.
Mom and Dad set boundaries. This is good.
Child tests boundaries. This is also good.
What happens when I scream and cry?
What happens when I kick and shout?What happens when I say please?
What happens when I pretend to cry?
What happens if I say "ouch?"
What happens if I ask for one more?
It's not that any of those are problematic - once. But how we react that one time is crucial because our kids are seeing what happens when they push the boundaries we've set. Do Mom and Dad give in? Or do they hold firm?
So why is "one more" a curse? I think I used the wrong word. It's not so much a curse as a trap - one that we (or at least I) fall right into. Here's how a conversation goes:
I finish singing a song to Kapria.
I give her a kiss.
"I love you, Sweet Pea," I say.
I stand up to go out of her room.
I open the door.
I am an inch away from the door being shut when I hear,
"One more song, Mommy!" in this sweet little slightly scared voice.
I waver.
I peak in.
She's sitting upright staring at me.
"One more?" she says.
It's just one song, I think. One minute at most.
I cave.
But in that moment, I have just told my daughter that the boundaries are not firm. They can change.
And tomorrow she is not satisfied with only one more song. When the One More song is done, she asks again for One More. Today I say no. But she got away with it last time, so she cries. I sing one more, and she falls asleep. Fixed, right? I mean, she's asleep.
But again, now she knows the boundaries can change. Tomorrow she falls asleep quickly. Only 2 songs and she's out. But the next day she's still awake. She needs that song and she knows that I'll sing one more.
It goes on and on. Now that we've given in to "One More," it pops up everywhere.
One more book.
One more treat.
One more toy.
One more tissue.
One more. One more. One more.
I'm working on eliminating the One Mores from our vocabulary. Everywhere. And you know what? We're doing much better without it.
We read two books at bedtime. Want to read one more? Not tonight. We can read as many as she wants during the day - for an hour if she feels like it!
We earn one treat for being good. Just one. Want onen more? Sorry, not candy. You can have a healthy treat like sliced apples, though.
We can take one toy to a friend's house. Want to bring one more? Nope. You'll get to play with your friend's toys when we get there.
You can use one tissue for your doll's diaper change. Want one more? Too bad, they cost too much money to waste.
We all have to learn to have boundaries in life. They make us happier and healthier, even - especially - at 2.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
college roomies
Heidi, one of my college roommates, was visiting Utah for a quick weekend trip, so we called up some of our other roommates who live in the area. And Nicole, since she lived with most all of us at some point in our college careers, too. We went to a dessert cafe called The Chocolate. We sat in their blue room (up the stairs and through the doorway) for two hours and talked and laughed and remembered and updated.
And I was reminded how lucky (aka blessed) I am to have gone away to college not knowing who I would
be living with and to have been put in the same dorm (Dorm 4!) as these amazing women. (Nicole was in a separate dorm enjoying equally amazing friends and roommates. It wasn't until she came to Utah a year (or was it two?) after I'd been there that we ever lived together while in college.)
You get to know people so differently when you live with them. I feel like no matter how far life takes us and how often or how little we see other, no matter the changes that happen in between visits and the daily events we might miss, the years we shared together solidified something that can't go away. We lived together during that time when each of us was learning who we were and how we fit into the world. And somehow, it connected us. No-bake nights and pajama dance parties will do that to people.
Do I sound weird? Too thinky thoughtful about it? Too reminiscent? I don't care. I've thought about this a lot, and I'm stinking at explaining it, but I like that feeling of knowing no matter what, these people know me as the me who was trying to become who I wanted to be. (Not that I'm there. Or even close. Or stopped trying to become somebody better. Huh. Still not explaining this well.) I still did a lot of learning and growing afterward, but they helped shape a lot of me. I love them for it.
Steph, Heidi, Kisha, Jill, and Jess
Jess and Erin
Nic, Al, Steph, Kish, and Em
I learned so much about laughing and crying and helping and serving and smiling and trying and forgiving. And loving. From you.
I also learned just right now that sometimes you can hate a picture of yourself so much you want to cut yourself out of it and glue some hot model in your place and pretend you look like that. I'm only posting this photo because it's the only one I got with Nicole in it. Oh, the sacrifices I'm making for you, dear sis.
Nic - Steph - me - Heidi - Kish
Who knew that 12 years after meeting we'd still be friends?
And that we'd each have 2 kids?
And that so many of us would be in Utah together?
Hooray for the best of surprises, including walking into a dorm room to meet your roomie for the first time.
And I was reminded how lucky (aka blessed) I am to have gone away to college not knowing who I would
be living with and to have been put in the same dorm (Dorm 4!) as these amazing women. (Nicole was in a separate dorm enjoying equally amazing friends and roommates. It wasn't until she came to Utah a year (or was it two?) after I'd been there that we ever lived together while in college.)
You get to know people so differently when you live with them. I feel like no matter how far life takes us and how often or how little we see other, no matter the changes that happen in between visits and the daily events we might miss, the years we shared together solidified something that can't go away. We lived together during that time when each of us was learning who we were and how we fit into the world. And somehow, it connected us. No-bake nights and pajama dance parties will do that to people.
Do I sound weird? Too thinky thoughtful about it? Too reminiscent? I don't care. I've thought about this a lot, and I'm stinking at explaining it, but I like that feeling of knowing no matter what, these people know me as the me who was trying to become who I wanted to be. (Not that I'm there. Or even close. Or stopped trying to become somebody better. Huh. Still not explaining this well.) I still did a lot of learning and growing afterward, but they helped shape a lot of me. I love them for it.
Steph, Heidi, Kisha, Jill, and Jess
Jess and Erin
Nic, Al, Steph, Kish, and Em
I learned so much about laughing and crying and helping and serving and smiling and trying and forgiving. And loving. From you.
I also learned just right now that sometimes you can hate a picture of yourself so much you want to cut yourself out of it and glue some hot model in your place and pretend you look like that. I'm only posting this photo because it's the only one I got with Nicole in it. Oh, the sacrifices I'm making for you, dear sis.
Nic - Steph - me - Heidi - Kish
Who knew that 12 years after meeting we'd still be friends?
And that we'd each have 2 kids?
And that so many of us would be in Utah together?
Hooray for the best of surprises, including walking into a dorm room to meet your roomie for the first time.
mort & sheila
Trav met this awesome couple while serving his mission in Baltimore. Mort and Sheila take care of a lot of missionaries, and they're so good about keeping in touch with them. Whenever they come to Utah, Mort calls Trav so we can get together. They were here for their great-grandbaby's blessing, and we were so glad to see them. Mila was still wary of strangers at the time, but she loved Sheila.
03.27.2010
As a side note, when Trav and I were first married, we were able to fly out to Baltimore for a work conference of mine. Work flew me, we flew Trav. After the conference, we went to a few areas from Trav's mission and visited some of his friends. We were able to stay with Mort and Sheila for several days, and that's when I got to know them. They are so much fun! And easy to talk with. And Sheila would eat ice cream for every meal if she could. So that right there solidified our friendship.
03.27.2010
As a side note, when Trav and I were first married, we were able to fly out to Baltimore for a work conference of mine. Work flew me, we flew Trav. After the conference, we went to a few areas from Trav's mission and visited some of his friends. We were able to stay with Mort and Sheila for several days, and that's when I got to know them. They are so much fun! And easy to talk with. And Sheila would eat ice cream for every meal if she could. So that right there solidified our friendship.
borrowed books
I’m trying to gather all the books I’ve loaned out over the past few years. I’d like to get them packed soon. So, if you happen to have borrowed one of these, would you mind returning it soon? I’m happy to come pick it up, too.
The Book Thief
Memory Keeper’s Daughter
In the Time of Butterflies
Keturah and Lord Death
Firebirds
Catching Fire
The Mysterious Benedict Society
I used to be good about writing down who borrowed my books, but some of these I can’t remember where they went. Most of them are my favorites, since those are what I tend to loan out. If you’ve got one, please let me know.
Thanks!
the light is the key - conclusion
On Wednesday, March 3rd, we decided to follow my friend's advice and let Kapria cry it out at night. And what happened?
Here's the email I sent Julie that night:
10:25 pm
I did what you suggested, and Kapria freaked out. Crying, screaming, angry that she couldn’t turn the light on. After 20 minutes, I went in, picked up her sobbing self, hugged her and put her back in bed. Then I closed the door and she jumped up and started screaming again.
But before 20 minutes had gone by again, she had fallen asleep. (I have a feeling she’s sleeping on the floor by the door right now.)
So we’ll see how this night goes…
And guess what? She slept through the night! This was a first in months. Months, I tell you. She did so great, she earned a sticker on her nice chart the next morning. She was so proud of herself.
She did wake up on Thursday night in the middle of the night, screaming and crying. I went in and calmed her and sang a song, and she went back to sleep. But since that night, she has hardly woken up. She goes to bed great, and I know it's because Trav and I are sticking to the routine. It is the same no matter who puts her to bed. Since she knows what to expect, and knows how we'll react, she doesn't get up to bang on the door or cry and scream.
____________
Since that week, Kapria has woken up crying in the middle of the night a couple times - maybe three at the most. I comfort her (snuggle and hugs) and put her back in bed and sing her a song. It takes less than five minutes, and she's out again.
So we have a happy, sleeping child who goes to bed great and sleeps through the night.
And when she wakes up every morning, the first thing she tells me is, "I had a good nap, Mom!"
Yes you did, my baby. Yes you did.
Here's the email I sent Julie that night:
10:25 pm
I did what you suggested, and Kapria freaked out. Crying, screaming, angry that she couldn’t turn the light on. After 20 minutes, I went in, picked up her sobbing self, hugged her and put her back in bed. Then I closed the door and she jumped up and started screaming again.
But before 20 minutes had gone by again, she had fallen asleep. (I have a feeling she’s sleeping on the floor by the door right now.)
So we’ll see how this night goes…
And guess what? She slept through the night! This was a first in months. Months, I tell you. She did so great, she earned a sticker on her nice chart the next morning. She was so proud of herself.
She did wake up on Thursday night in the middle of the night, screaming and crying. I went in and calmed her and sang a song, and she went back to sleep. But since that night, she has hardly woken up. She goes to bed great, and I know it's because Trav and I are sticking to the routine. It is the same no matter who puts her to bed. Since she knows what to expect, and knows how we'll react, she doesn't get up to bang on the door or cry and scream.
____________
Since that week, Kapria has woken up crying in the middle of the night a couple times - maybe three at the most. I comfort her (snuggle and hugs) and put her back in bed and sing her a song. It takes less than five minutes, and she's out again.
So we have a happy, sleeping child who goes to bed great and sleeps through the night.
And when she wakes up every morning, the first thing she tells me is, "I had a good nap, Mom!"
Yes you did, my baby. Yes you did.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
girls trip: day 4
Sunday 03.21.2010
We started off the day getting ready for church. Jess fixed Mila's hair in ponytails (a first). So cute!
After church we took naps, made & ate dinner, played games with the girls, put them to bed, and stayed up chatting. Relaxing, delicious, so fun (and funny), love the reading part, and always some good things to learn (and laugh about).
My favorite part of the day was probably playing games. Kapria was so excited to play any game the girls picked. And Paige and Jane were so patient with her as she tried to play with them. Jess and Todd have the best game collection, by the way. We had so much fun. And I definitely need to get some games for our house. Kapria's favorite was Giraffalaff Limbo. She loved moving under the bar and helping lower it.
By Sunday the girls were getting really comfortable at this new house and Mila finally decided that Todd could hold her. Yay!
We started off the day getting ready for church. Jess fixed Mila's hair in ponytails (a first). So cute!
After church we took naps, made & ate dinner, played games with the girls, put them to bed, and stayed up chatting. Relaxing, delicious, so fun (and funny), love the reading part, and always some good things to learn (and laugh about).
My favorite part of the day was probably playing games. Kapria was so excited to play any game the girls picked. And Paige and Jane were so patient with her as she tried to play with them. Jess and Todd have the best game collection, by the way. We had so much fun. And I definitely need to get some games for our house. Kapria's favorite was Giraffalaff Limbo. She loved moving under the bar and helping lower it.
By Sunday the girls were getting really comfortable at this new house and Mila finally decided that Todd could hold her. Yay!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
girls trip: day 3
Saturday, 03.20.2010
Jessica's birthday is on March 24. To celebrate, she invited family and some friends to attend the temple with her. I really wanted to go, and Todd was willing to watch all the girls, but Mila still wasn't sure about being left with strangers. She'd only seen Todd a little bit at night, so I wasn't sure if she was used to him enough to leave her.
So Jess went to the temple in the morning, and while Mila was still sleeping I went for a jog, taking Kapria and Jane with me. It was a beautiful cool morning and we had fun playing I Spy as we went. Kapria fell asleep toward the end and got a nice little nap in. Then the girls had a dance party with some loud, happy music.
After lunch we all went to the park. This family is so much fun. I just love being with them because they are all so happy to be together. All of them. It's awesome.
After the park we ran to the grocery store. So Trav had been hating my main pair of shoes for the past seven years (ever since we started dating). But I had never been able to find a pair that I liked enough to replace them. Look no further - I found them! I figured he'd be so happy to see the old pair go that he wouldn't care what price I paid. (No worries - they were on sale.)
When we got home, Jess had a package waiting in the mailbox. A birthday package, to be precise. The girls had to gather round to see the Package Opening. It was a necklace from us that Nicole had made. I forgot to pick it up before heading to WA, so Nicole sent it for me. And it arrived in time. Yay!
The rest of the day was low-key but fun. We had dinner, hung out, played games and ponies and all things girl, and talked. My kind of day.
Jessica's birthday is on March 24. To celebrate, she invited family and some friends to attend the temple with her. I really wanted to go, and Todd was willing to watch all the girls, but Mila still wasn't sure about being left with strangers. She'd only seen Todd a little bit at night, so I wasn't sure if she was used to him enough to leave her.
So Jess went to the temple in the morning, and while Mila was still sleeping I went for a jog, taking Kapria and Jane with me. It was a beautiful cool morning and we had fun playing I Spy as we went. Kapria fell asleep toward the end and got a nice little nap in. Then the girls had a dance party with some loud, happy music.
After lunch we all went to the park. This family is so much fun. I just love being with them because they are all so happy to be together. All of them. It's awesome.
After the park we ran to the grocery store. So Trav had been hating my main pair of shoes for the past seven years (ever since we started dating). But I had never been able to find a pair that I liked enough to replace them. Look no further - I found them! I figured he'd be so happy to see the old pair go that he wouldn't care what price I paid. (No worries - they were on sale.)
When we got home, Jess had a package waiting in the mailbox. A birthday package, to be precise. The girls had to gather round to see the Package Opening. It was a necklace from us that Nicole had made. I forgot to pick it up before heading to WA, so Nicole sent it for me. And it arrived in time. Yay!
The rest of the day was low-key but fun. We had dinner, hung out, played games and ponies and all things girl, and talked. My kind of day.
Friday, March 19, 2010
girls trip: day 2
Friday, 03.19.2010
The girls and I actually slept better than expected, considering we were all sharing a room for the first time. Mila slept through Kapria going to bed, and Kapria didn't wake her up. We did start our days a little earlier than normal, but it wasn't too bad.
In the morning, the girls played while Jess took Paige to school. Mila was fascinated with their dog, Charlie. When Paige got home from school we all played outside together. We also took Kapria to get her hair trimmed for the first time since she was a year old.
Paige and Jane were really good about sharing their things with Kapria. K kept wanting to put on J's shoes. J would sigh and say, "Okay." And everybody loved holding Mila. She got plenty of attention, which she loves!
The girls and I actually slept better than expected, considering we were all sharing a room for the first time. Mila slept through Kapria going to bed, and Kapria didn't wake her up. We did start our days a little earlier than normal, but it wasn't too bad.
In the morning, the girls played while Jess took Paige to school. Mila was fascinated with their dog, Charlie. When Paige got home from school we all played outside together. We also took Kapria to get her hair trimmed for the first time since she was a year old.
Paige and Jane were really good about sharing their things with Kapria. K kept wanting to put on J's shoes. J would sigh and say, "Okay." And everybody loved holding Mila. She got plenty of attention, which she loves!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
going on a girl's trip: day 1
The girls and I flew to Washington state to visit one most amazing Jessica. She and I met at Ricks (college year: one. age: eighteen. needing: friends, confidence, encouragement, strength. found: all of the above).
We were in the same family home evening group. The next year, we were roommates. Same for the year after that, when we moved to Utah and started at BYU. And then the next year Jess got a new roommate named Todd and I missed them both (because both were good friends, though Todd not quite so much as Jess. (as it should be.)) But I could still visit them at their Provo home.
Then they moved to Washington right before the adorable Paige arrived. Well I had to go visit and see her. And hold her. So I did.
Then they came to see me in Utah and to meet my new forever roommate named Travis. (And they brought the adorable Paige, too, but she was shy and wouldn't let me hold her.)
Then Jane came along, and I had to go see her, too. And hold her, too. So I did.
Then again they came to Utah, but not since miss Kapria and miss Mila joined my family. So it was high time my girls got to meet those other adorable girls (and their guy).
So off we went!
As soon as I decided to go, I started stressing about how the flight would be with me, a two-year-old, and a seven-month-old and no husband to help. My first good choice was buying Kapria a backpack harness, which I always swore I would never own. But now I am so grateful I do. Don't understand? You don't have to. But one day if you have a child who is afraid of no one and nothing, including being gone from your side in a busy airport or parking lot, and who runs away from you every chance she gets, you will.
Anyway, the other good choice (thanks to advice from Nicole, the well-seasoned kids-in-tow plane traveler) was to have new toys for her to play with on the flight and pull something out every so often for the duration of the flight.
Our new toys: Abby Cadabby, a kaleidoscope to Kapria from my boss (thank you, Derek!), a sticker book, a few new picture books, and some treats.
The result: The girls did great! They both played and ate and relaxed together. We had enough space with Kapria's seat that Mila could lie down for awhile. We had a lot to carry, but I just made sure to check my stroller as a special item, so it was ready as soon as we walked off the plane. And we were all attached as we walked through the airport, so no chasing runaways or searching for lost girls.
(By the way - Trav figured out the best way to attach Kapria's backpack to me. He used a carabiner. He slid the backpack strap through, then I just secured the biner to the stroller or my backpack. I could even lock it so that there was no pulling it off me. I could be hands free and still know that Kapria was near. So awesome! I did get several funny looks when walking through the airport, but I also got more than a few, "Wow, that is so clever!" comments. Way to go, clever hubby.)
We arrived in Washington and were so happy to see Jess and Jane, who picked us up. We spent the afternoon relaxing and playing and getting settled in. And meeting the rest of the family.
We were in the same family home evening group. The next year, we were roommates. Same for the year after that, when we moved to Utah and started at BYU. And then the next year Jess got a new roommate named Todd and I missed them both (because both were good friends, though Todd not quite so much as Jess. (as it should be.)) But I could still visit them at their Provo home.
Then they moved to Washington right before the adorable Paige arrived. Well I had to go visit and see her. And hold her. So I did.
Then they came to see me in Utah and to meet my new forever roommate named Travis. (And they brought the adorable Paige, too, but she was shy and wouldn't let me hold her.)
Then Jane came along, and I had to go see her, too. And hold her, too. So I did.
Then again they came to Utah, but not since miss Kapria and miss Mila joined my family. So it was high time my girls got to meet those other adorable girls (and their guy).
So off we went!
As soon as I decided to go, I started stressing about how the flight would be with me, a two-year-old, and a seven-month-old and no husband to help. My first good choice was buying Kapria a backpack harness, which I always swore I would never own. But now I am so grateful I do. Don't understand? You don't have to. But one day if you have a child who is afraid of no one and nothing, including being gone from your side in a busy airport or parking lot, and who runs away from you every chance she gets, you will.
Anyway, the other good choice (thanks to advice from Nicole, the well-seasoned kids-in-tow plane traveler) was to have new toys for her to play with on the flight and pull something out every so often for the duration of the flight.
Our new toys: Abby Cadabby, a kaleidoscope to Kapria from my boss (thank you, Derek!), a sticker book, a few new picture books, and some treats.
The result: The girls did great! They both played and ate and relaxed together. We had enough space with Kapria's seat that Mila could lie down for awhile. We had a lot to carry, but I just made sure to check my stroller as a special item, so it was ready as soon as we walked off the plane. And we were all attached as we walked through the airport, so no chasing runaways or searching for lost girls.
(By the way - Trav figured out the best way to attach Kapria's backpack to me. He used a carabiner. He slid the backpack strap through, then I just secured the biner to the stroller or my backpack. I could even lock it so that there was no pulling it off me. I could be hands free and still know that Kapria was near. So awesome! I did get several funny looks when walking through the airport, but I also got more than a few, "Wow, that is so clever!" comments. Way to go, clever hubby.)
We arrived in Washington and were so happy to see Jess and Jane, who picked us up. We spent the afternoon relaxing and playing and getting settled in. And meeting the rest of the family.
visitors
Dad and Kimball came to visit during spring break. As is Kimball's luck, he broke his toe the week before spring break. So he couldn't put a lot of weight on his foot. Dad helped Trav complete a whole bunch of projects on the house, including: painting the entire outside, tearing out the shed under the carport, scraping and painting the front porch cement, adding vinyl siding around the front door, fixing the doorway from the kitchen to the office, and repainting the kitchen. I might be missing a few things. But they worked so hard and got a lot done on the house. House photos are coming soon.
Despite the foot, Kimball played a lot with the girls and helped watch them several times for us. Kapria adores him and wanted Kimball to play with her all day every day. He was a good sport, and even let her put a headband on his head. Mila warmed up to Papa pretty quickly and loved touching his beard (or "fur" according to Kapria).
The time went by too quickly, as usual, and we were so sad to say goodbye. We miss you all so much! Thanks for all the help with the house, Dad. And thanks for helping so much with the girls, Kimball. We love you!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
ms. vegetarian
Kapria has been a vegetarian her entire two point five years. She refused to eat any kind of meat.
One day, Dad (Grandpa Kim) came to visit, and he made roast. Kapria decided she wanted to try it. (This happens a lot). She took a piece and bit into it. (That also happens a lot). And she kept chewing. And chewing. And chewing. (That does not happen a lot. Or Ever.)
Usually, instead of chewing, she takes one little taste and spits it out. "I don't like it," she'll say.
But on this particular day, she said, "Yumm. I like it."
And while she hasn't turned into a carnivore overnight, she has started trying more meat and even eating little bits of it at a time. The other day I made chicken a la king, and she ate it for the first time - chicken and veggies and sauce! Yay for trying new things!
One day, Dad (Grandpa Kim) came to visit, and he made roast. Kapria decided she wanted to try it. (This happens a lot). She took a piece and bit into it. (That also happens a lot). And she kept chewing. And chewing. And chewing. (That does not happen a lot. Or Ever.)
Usually, instead of chewing, she takes one little taste and spits it out. "I don't like it," she'll say.
But on this particular day, she said, "Yumm. I like it."
And while she hasn't turned into a carnivore overnight, she has started trying more meat and even eating little bits of it at a time. The other day I made chicken a la king, and she ate it for the first time - chicken and veggies and sauce! Yay for trying new things!
you win some, you lose some
“Kapria, please don’t pick your nose.”
“But I like it.”
“Ew, don’t eat it! That is so gross.”
“Okay, I wipe it on my shirt.”
Sunday, March 14, 2010
the light is the key
Remember when we were going through some sleepless nights because we had one little person who liked to turn on the light? And cry? And kick the door? And throw fits?
I was talking to my good friend Julie at work, and I said, "She turns on the light and won't go to sleep."
And Julie said, "Unscrew the lightbulb."
I stared at her.
Why hadn't I thought of that?
She said, "You need to give her tough love. It will be hard, but you need to teach her how to go to sleep without you. And it will be worth it."
Then she proceeded to tell me what she did with her kids.
When I got home, Trav was home with the girls, and Nicole and the boys were visiting.
"Guess what Julie told me to do?" I said.
"What?" they asked.
"Unscrew the lightbulb."
They both looked at me with what I can only guess is the same dumbfounded look I gave Julie not an hour earlier.
"I feel dumb," Trav said.
"Why didn't we think of that?" Nicole said.
"It's because you're in the throes of it," Julie had reassured me.
Yeah, but still.
Not only did we not think of unscrewing the lightbulb at night, but we didn't even think of the fact that we have a ceiling fan light in every room - including Kapria's - and it comes with a pull chain to turn the light on and off.
Boy, we all felt sheepish.
But thanks to Julie, we were reminded. And we did have a good laugh. So, now we have a way to keep the light off. But what about the fits?
She suggested sticking to the routine. Which we were really good at for Kapria's first 18 months of life, but then - for whatever reason (okay, I have an idea on the reasons, but more on those some other time) - we had started allowing that routine to have "one more."
"One more book, Mommy."
"One more song, Mommy."
I am convinced that the curse of "One More" was our downfall (more on the reasons why in a later post as well).
So we decided to stick to the routine, which is this:
Pajamas
Brush teeth
Read 2 stories
Say prayer & goodnight
Go in bedroom, turn on fan, turn off light
Lay her in bed
Close the door
Sing 2 songs
Say goodnight
Go out and shut the door
If she cried, we were to leave her for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, one of us should go in, put her back in bed, tell her "Goodnight, I love you. See you in the morning," then go back out and shut the door.
If she continued crying, we were to wait 20 more minutes, then repeat the above.
"Be prepared for it to last all night. It might take a few days, but it will be worth it. I promise," Julie had said.
So that night, on March 3rd, we did as she instructed.
I was talking to my good friend Julie at work, and I said, "She turns on the light and won't go to sleep."
And Julie said, "Unscrew the lightbulb."
I stared at her.
Why hadn't I thought of that?
She said, "You need to give her tough love. It will be hard, but you need to teach her how to go to sleep without you. And it will be worth it."
Then she proceeded to tell me what she did with her kids.
When I got home, Trav was home with the girls, and Nicole and the boys were visiting.
"Guess what Julie told me to do?" I said.
"What?" they asked.
"Unscrew the lightbulb."
They both looked at me with what I can only guess is the same dumbfounded look I gave Julie not an hour earlier.
"I feel dumb," Trav said.
"Why didn't we think of that?" Nicole said.
"It's because you're in the throes of it," Julie had reassured me.
Yeah, but still.
Not only did we not think of unscrewing the lightbulb at night, but we didn't even think of the fact that we have a ceiling fan light in every room - including Kapria's - and it comes with a pull chain to turn the light on and off.
Boy, we all felt sheepish.
But thanks to Julie, we were reminded. And we did have a good laugh. So, now we have a way to keep the light off. But what about the fits?
She suggested sticking to the routine. Which we were really good at for Kapria's first 18 months of life, but then - for whatever reason (okay, I have an idea on the reasons, but more on those some other time) - we had started allowing that routine to have "one more."
"One more book, Mommy."
"One more song, Mommy."
I am convinced that the curse of "One More" was our downfall (more on the reasons why in a later post as well).
So we decided to stick to the routine, which is this:
Pajamas
Brush teeth
Read 2 stories
Say prayer & goodnight
Go in bedroom, turn on fan, turn off light
Lay her in bed
Close the door
Sing 2 songs
Say goodnight
Go out and shut the door
If she cried, we were to leave her for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, one of us should go in, put her back in bed, tell her "Goodnight, I love you. See you in the morning," then go back out and shut the door.
If she continued crying, we were to wait 20 more minutes, then repeat the above.
"Be prepared for it to last all night. It might take a few days, but it will be worth it. I promise," Julie had said.
So that night, on March 3rd, we did as she instructed.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
crazy hair
This is what Mila's hair looks like every day after waking up. Good thing she's patient and let's us comb through it. But wow - what a hairdo!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
happy seven months, mila!
Oh baby, you're growing too fast! Mila is changing every day. Here are some of the things that happened during her seventh month (February 11 to March 11).
Mila:
- Quit nursing. Toward the end of February (the 24th to be exact), Mila decided she didn't like nursing anymore. Bottles are faster and easier!
- Makes lots of noises and babbles.
- Learned to blow raspberries.
- Rolls over a lot.
- Reaches for the things she wants.
- Sits up really well, and only falls once in awhile.
- Laughs and talks to us all the time.
- Loves to take showers and hates taking baths.
- Teething, but no teeth.
- Gets upset if Kapria tries to pick her up.
- Plays with the remote, any phone, and Kapria's mini magna doodle. They are her favorite toys.
- Throws any toy she doesn't want to play with.
- Cries when you take her toys away. She knows what she wants and definitely lets you know, too.
- Likes being on her tummy (this is new; she used to hate it.)
- Mommy's girl. Gets a huge smile on her face when Mom comes home from work and just wants to be held by her. Will cry and squirm away from Dad until Mom holds her. Then she's perfectly quiet and happy.
- Enjoys going out, but is really a homebody. She's so happy when we get home and will start smiling and laughing as soon as we walk in the door.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
park nights
It was a warm afternoon, so we decided to make a visit to the park. We hurried to get ready, but not fast enough. By the time we arrived, it was cold and nearly dark.
That didn't stop the fun, just hurried it up a bit.
Kapria found a new friend. He was already there when we arrived. He smiled really big when she said hi. She wanted to hold his hand. And hug him. So she did.
Mila watched from her cozy cocoon.
I got a really cute video, but two weeks after I started this post, blogger still says, "processing video." So I guess it's not working. Come over one day and I'll show you how much Kapria loved her snowman friend.
That didn't stop the fun, just hurried it up a bit.
Kapria found a new friend. He was already there when we arrived. He smiled really big when she said hi. She wanted to hold his hand. And hug him. So she did.
Mila watched from her cozy cocoon.
I got a really cute video, but two weeks after I started this post, blogger still says, "processing video." So I guess it's not working. Come over one day and I'll show you how much Kapria loved her snowman friend.
are you having a girl or a boy?
I was looking at the baby name trends for the year. (curious to see where Mila fits in...darn that Miley. Everyone mispronounces Mila because of her.)
Anyway, during my search I came across these fun ways to guess if you're having a girl or a boy. Since both my sisters are due with number 3 this year, I wanted to run a study with them to see what gender each of these tests tells them they're having. But, I took too long and now they already know. I still think these ideas would be fun to do, so next time we have a baby, I'll try them out toward the beginning to see if they're right.
Are you pregnant? Try them out and let us know what they tell you.
Highs and Lows
This one you can do just by looking south: if you're carrying high, break out the pink. If your bump is low, you're carrying a boy.
[Kapria: high; Mila: seemed a little low to me]
Be Still My Beating Heart
Next time your OB pulls out the Doppler to listen to baby's heartbeat, ask her to tell you what the heart rate is. According to legend, 140+ beats per minute indicates a girl, and below 140 a boy.
[Kapria: above 140 every time except once; Mila: above 140 every time except once]
Sweet and Sour
Craving ice cream every single day? Some people believe this means it's a girl. If you have to have salty or sour stuff, then it's a boy.
[Kapria: I craved ice cream every day; Mila: I didn't want ice cream at all. I craved oreos, which I didn't like at all before her pregnancy]
Chinese Birth Chart
This ancient method uses your age at conception and the month you did the deed to determine gender.
[Kapria: 26-November-Girl ; Mila: 28-October-Girl]
Potty Time
This one's a little out there. Pee in a cup (you've been doing it at all your prenatal appointments anyway, haven't you?), mix a tablespoon of Drano in, and watch to see if it changes color. Green = girl, and blue = boy.
[I've never done this one... maybe next time]
Even and Odd
Legend has it that the Mayans determined a baby's sex by looking at the mother's age at conception and the year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If one's even and one's odd, it's a boy.
[Kapria: 26 in 2006; Mila: 28 in 2008]
Unlocking the Mystery
This is one for a friend to try, so if you're pregnant, don't read it. Have your spouse test you.
Place a key in front of your preggo friend and ask her to pick it up. If she grabs it by the narrow part, she's in for sugar and spice and all that. If she picks it up by the round part, it's snips and snails.
Spot On
If you're breaking out like crazy, blame it on your girl babe. The belief goes that girls steal their mother's beauty, hence, those annoying zits.
[Kapria: clear skin; Mila: clear skin; Guess it's spot off. ha ha. I'm so lame sometimes.]
Nice Ring to It
Pop off your wedding ring -- if you still can! -- and tie it to a string. Hang it over your belly. If it swings in a circle, a little guy's in your future. If it goes back and forth, you've got a girl.
[Kapria: back and forth.]
Queasy Does It
Sick as a dog during the first trimester -- or still? Signs indicate you're having a girl. Little or no morning sickness points to a boy.
[Kapria: minimal morning sickness; Mila: minimal morning sickness; I think it runs in the family. Though Chels was really sick this third time, and it's a girl.]
Anyway, during my search I came across these fun ways to guess if you're having a girl or a boy. Since both my sisters are due with number 3 this year, I wanted to run a study with them to see what gender each of these tests tells them they're having. But, I took too long and now they already know. I still think these ideas would be fun to do, so next time we have a baby, I'll try them out toward the beginning to see if they're right.
Are you pregnant? Try them out and let us know what they tell you.
Highs and Lows
This one you can do just by looking south: if you're carrying high, break out the pink. If your bump is low, you're carrying a boy.
[Kapria: high; Mila: seemed a little low to me]
Be Still My Beating Heart
Next time your OB pulls out the Doppler to listen to baby's heartbeat, ask her to tell you what the heart rate is. According to legend, 140+ beats per minute indicates a girl, and below 140 a boy.
[Kapria: above 140 every time except once; Mila: above 140 every time except once]
Sweet and Sour
Craving ice cream every single day? Some people believe this means it's a girl. If you have to have salty or sour stuff, then it's a boy.
[Kapria: I craved ice cream every day; Mila: I didn't want ice cream at all. I craved oreos, which I didn't like at all before her pregnancy]
Chinese Birth Chart
This ancient method uses your age at conception and the month you did the deed to determine gender.
[Kapria: 26-November-Girl ; Mila: 28-October-Girl]
Potty Time
This one's a little out there. Pee in a cup (you've been doing it at all your prenatal appointments anyway, haven't you?), mix a tablespoon of Drano in, and watch to see if it changes color. Green = girl, and blue = boy.
[I've never done this one... maybe next time]
Even and Odd
Legend has it that the Mayans determined a baby's sex by looking at the mother's age at conception and the year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If one's even and one's odd, it's a boy.
[Kapria: 26 in 2006; Mila: 28 in 2008]
Unlocking the Mystery
This is one for a friend to try, so if you're pregnant, don't read it. Have your spouse test you.
Place a key in front of your preggo friend and ask her to pick it up. If she grabs it by the narrow part, she's in for sugar and spice and all that. If she picks it up by the round part, it's snips and snails.
Spot On
If you're breaking out like crazy, blame it on your girl babe. The belief goes that girls steal their mother's beauty, hence, those annoying zits.
[Kapria: clear skin; Mila: clear skin; Guess it's spot off. ha ha. I'm so lame sometimes.]
Nice Ring to It
Pop off your wedding ring -- if you still can! -- and tie it to a string. Hang it over your belly. If it swings in a circle, a little guy's in your future. If it goes back and forth, you've got a girl.
[Kapria: back and forth.]
Queasy Does It
Sick as a dog during the first trimester -- or still? Signs indicate you're having a girl. Little or no morning sickness points to a boy.
[Kapria: minimal morning sickness; Mila: minimal morning sickness; I think it runs in the family. Though Chels was really sick this third time, and it's a girl.]
Friday, March 5, 2010
jobs
The company where I work is hiring for several different positions. Since jobs can be hard to find, I thought I’d post a link here for anyone that’s interested.
And what do we do there, you ask?
We create educational software to teach kids English. I love what I do, and I love the people I work with. It’s a great company that’s growing well despite the tough economy. Check us out by clicking HERE.
Current jobs available are:
And what do we do there, you ask?
We create educational software to teach kids English. I love what I do, and I love the people I work with. It’s a great company that’s growing well despite the tough economy. Check us out by clicking HERE.
Current jobs available are:
vote for my momma
I'm not much into contests - either entering them or voting in them or begging other people to vote in them. However, I do like my talented momma to win kudos and prizes for her hard work on my behalf.
SO: My mom entered Kapria's quilt in a contest for little girl quilts. I know I'm biased, but I seriously think hers is the best one. Some of them are just a little too old fashioned for my taste...that, and the one that's currently winning is, in my humble opinion, too busy and not cute. (I'm notoriously picky about fabric choices.)
But that's not the point. The point is this: go vote for the best and cutest quilt by clicking here. And do it before 11:59 pm on Sunday.
Did I mention that my mom's is the best? Just putting it out there...
It's called Bright and Sassy. Just so you know, for voting. And it says Kapria really big on it. And it's awesome. And why are you still here? Go vote!
Thanks from me & my momma.
SO: My mom entered Kapria's quilt in a contest for little girl quilts. I know I'm biased, but I seriously think hers is the best one. Some of them are just a little too old fashioned for my taste...that, and the one that's currently winning is, in my humble opinion, too busy and not cute. (I'm notoriously picky about fabric choices.)
But that's not the point. The point is this: go vote for the best and cutest quilt by clicking here. And do it before 11:59 pm on Sunday.
Did I mention that my mom's is the best? Just putting it out there...
It's called Bright and Sassy. Just so you know, for voting. And it says Kapria really big on it. And it's awesome. And why are you still here? Go vote!
Thanks from me & my momma.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
bedtime conversations
Last night Kapria interrupted me while I was singing to her.
“Mom, I tooted,” she said in this sad little voice as if she’d done something wrong.
“It’s okay,” I said. “Everybody toots.”
“Mommy toots? And Rob toots? And Grampa Dan toots? And Nonny Kare toots?”
“Yep, we all toot,” I said.
“Yep, we all toot,” she repeated.
And that was that.
Monday, March 1, 2010
swing, swing
It was finally a little warm, so we had to take a trip to the park. It was so nice to get outside for a few hours. Mila loved watching Kapria; and Kapria loved running and playing outside.
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