12/13/12

So, here's a run down of the latest:
(we'll see how long it actually takes me to type this. One is sleeping, one is watching PBS. Hold your breath!!)

The holiday season is in FULL SWING at this house. 3 1/2 is completely magical when it comes to Christmas. I LOVE it!! She totally gets everything with Santa and the elves and all of the fun things that come along with it. We started the Elf on the Shelf and Kalaya loves to wake up in the morning and find where 'Sequoia' is hiding each day. We have a countdown to Christmas with a paper chain and it is very exciting to take of a link each day and count how many days are left until Christmas. She loved getting the tree, putting up decorations and seeing them every day. Jakiah is excited because big sister is excited and just along for the ride!!

Jakiah is so active at 10 1/2 (can you believe it??) months. He is into anything and everything! Especially things he's not supposed to have. But, I roll with it. It's so different this time around. I now know just how much I took Kalaya's cautious personality for granted. I cannot turn my back on this kid for a second, he is GONE. We have to do MAJOR baby proofing around this house, literally nothing is safe. He's not destructive (at this point....), he's just SO curious and excited and enthusiastic. This kid is a fantastic eater, but I cannot believe how MUCH he eats!! He is still a strong nurser, for which I'm grateful, but he seriously eats 3 good size meals every day and often a snack or 2 on TOP of nursing multiple times. It is so crazy! He crawls every where (though it's more like a crab than all fours) and pulls up on everything.

Kalaya is thriving in pre school, it really was a great decision to put her there! We are really happy with the school. She is learning a lot about herself and I love all of the songs and new ideas she's learning. She has some nice new friends and loves her teacher! Parent volunteering and being the 'class rep' is keeping me busy, as are field trips, play group at church, art projects, cooking together, and everything else she loves to do!

I'm actually fairly ready for Christmas this year, I don't know how that happened!! I know people think I'm crazy with Black Friday shopping, but it gets the kid shopping out of the way!! Those presents are wrapped, under the tree (with a giant baby gate around them....) and the rest are hidden away waiting to be delivered by Santa. We had pictures taken in November, made them into holiday cards and I sent them out this week. Plus, those pics double has family Christmas presents! I've started on the homemade holiday gift making, which is mainly edible gifts, and Kalaya loves helping me in the kitchen right now, so it's perfect!!

Of course, it's not all hearts and rainbows. Jakiah is up to 6 teeth now and it's been a rough time getting there. His sleep has gotten slightly better, but definitely no signs of sleeping through the night at this point. We have good nights and bad and I just....roll with it. Because, what else can I do honestly? And, there is a bit of sibling rivalry these days. Don't get me wrong, my kids do really get along fantastically and Kalaya is more patient with Jakiah than I am, frankly. But, now that he's mobile, he wants to do whatever she's doing and play with all of her toys and destroy take a turn with whatever she's holding, her patience sometimes wears thin. I try to be sympathetic, but at the same time, honestly, this is a reason why we had another child. She needs to learn that it's not all about her, that she needs to share, compromise, etc. But, she is blessed to have her own room and when she wants to play by herself, I try to respect that. And, really, she prefers to be with him, I think she just wishes he'd do exactly what she tells him. Because MAN, she loves to boss that kid around. And, he doesn't usually mind, but I try to remind her to be nice, to ask, to give him other toys, etc, etc, etc. I tell her she's the dog's boss, so that way she is allowed to tell SOMEONE what to do, which is pretty hilarious actually.

As for me, some big changes are about to happen, actually! I have had this planned for awhile, but some how haven't blogged about it; I am heading back to work! CRAZY, RIGHT??? I am still going to be a stay at home mom full time. But, I racked my brain on how I could contribute financially to the family, but not have to pay for childcare and this is what I came up with:

I am taking a life guarding class.

This is actually not that out there, if you know me from way back when. I basically lived at the pool between water polo and swim team in high school and early college, so I'm very comfortable there. I regularly attended pregnancy fitness classes at the pool last year and got to know several staff members. Also, the pool is 2 minutes from our house.

So, I'm getting certified while Nelson has his winter break and am hoping to start working shifts in late January or early February. I have to start off with basic guarding, but hope to get trained quickly to teach lessons and eventually teach adult fitness classes. I am excited about this because:

(1) This is for me, out of the house, no kids.
(2) Extra income, which we really, really need. (and decent money, actually, fitness instructors can make $25 an hour!)
(3) (in theory) Motivation to look good in a swimsuit.
(4) I can work evening shifts and weekends when I want. No paying for childcare.
(5) Free pool access!

So, I hope this goes as I'm hoping. And, that it will be a blessing, not a bigger stress in my life. I really am excited about it!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

Mommy Guilt

Here's the thing. Clearly, this blog is not a priority for me any more. And, that makes me feel guilty on a regular basis. And like a failure. Because, honestly, it makes me feel like I'm failing as a mom. That sounds extreme, but I started this blog as a journal/baby book/record of Kalaya and now Jakiah's lives and I have missed so much of recording their lives lately that when I see this and think about how long it's been since I actually did update....mommy guilt.

Ug. Mommy guilt.

Every. Single. Day.

I need to clean the bathroom. I don't read to Jakiah enough. I need to spend more time just playing with Kalaya. Ug, I need to make some Christmas presents. Why haven't I planned out more meals ahead of time? I haven't touched my new sewing machine yet. UG, I haven't worked out in weeks. I need to take more pictures. I forgot to write down when tooth #2 came in! Ug, she's watched too much TV today. HOW DID THE BABY GET A PIECE OF CHOCOLATE?? This house is a mess. We need to get outside while the sun is shining. I need to just sit and color with her. Why doesn't he sleep longer, what am I doing wrong?? Crap, that wasn't organic. Which reminds me, it's 3pm and I haven't eaten all day. I need to schedule a dentist appointment. We're out of milk! What is that smell? I need to call her back. Did I pay that bill? Kalaya, stop playing in the toilet! How long has it been since I washed the sheets?? Savor every moment. SAVOR EVERY MOMENT!!! What is in the baby's mouth? The dog hasn't been walked in a year. Did I finish the Christmas shopping? I need to be thankful, think of those moms who don't have happy, healthy babies, I'm so lucky.... Why is he crying this time?? I need to mail my Christmas cards. Oops, gotta switch the laundry or it will start to smell. I just spent $100 at the grocery store, why isn't there anything to eat?? I need to order Jakiah's baptism gown. Savor the moment. I overreacted when she took his toy, I shouldn't have yelled like that. Jakiah's baby book only has 2 pages filled out! (that one resulted in Mommy melt down....) I should work out, but I'll blog instead....

....and this is all day, every day and within a span of about 2 minutes, no exaggeration. (and yes, all of those things have happened. In the last week.)

It's worth it though.

Right?

Of course. And, we need to give ourselves a break. But, we don't. And, we won't. And, some how, in the end it goes by so fast and the kids are awesome and we don't know how it all happens or gets done, but it does.

Did I mention savor every moment?

Screw that. Season 7 of How I Met Your Mother is on Netflix. Break into the Christmas goodies that were supposed to be presents for friends and family and savor THAT moment. ; )

Kalaya's Present to Me

I present for your viewing pleasure, Kalaya's present for me for my 30th birthday:

Stop Growing!!

 2009...

2010...

                                                                                                                            2011...

 2012

+1!!

2012

Saturday Night's Alright For Sleeping (Guest blogger Daddy)

So this might sound backwards, or worse, really bizarre. But every Saturday night, I crawl into bed with my three-year old daughter and fall asleep next to her. Not because she tells me to, but because I want to do it.

Backstory: my wife and I don’t sleep in the same bed currently. OH GOD YOU’RE GOING TO GET DIVORCED is probably the common reaction to that statement, but an inaccurate one. Or at least, it’ll be inaccurate until we do get divorced, then it’ll be like SEE IT’S BECAUSE YOU WERE IN SEPARATE BEDS.

We do have a king-sized bed (Is that bragging? I don’t think it’s bragging. Maybe?), and it would certainly accommodate me, Kelly, and the New Kid, and we did try that for a while. But while I enjoyed co-sleeping, I would usually wake up curled into a Cirque du Soleil position in a corner of the bed. And I had trouble sleeping. And that little succubus wouldn’t stop waking up and screaming for breasts that I unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) do not possess.

So we decided – not independently, mind you – that I would start sleeping in the extra bedroom. And let me tell you, it’s glorious. A whole bed to myself? I WANT TO GO TO THERE. If a newlywed asked me for three tips for a successful marriage, I would say “First, either zero or two televisions in the living room. Second, multiple comfortable beds that can be used for sleeping by yourself. Third, impossibly lowered expectations.” Then I would start crying uncontrollably. That should teach that person to not ask me stupid questions I don’t want to answer.

Anyway, I sleep in my own bed every night. It’s like being 12 again, minus the dread/exuberance of impending puberty. Except for Saturdays.

Quick(-ish) tangent: when we first moved to this house (which isn’t technically ‘new’ anymore, since we’ve lived in it over a year now), Kalaya was still sleeping with us. She was just over two years old, and, similar to her mother, was an Em-Effing SEASTAR when she slept. Love both of them, but holy crap can they take up a bed. 

We didn’t want to push her out of the bed so to speak (because we’re crazy liberal hippies who live the movie “Away We Go”), but it was getting a little too crowded. Lo and behold, when she saw she had her OWN bed in her OWN room, she dropped us like a bad habit. “I’m going to sleep in my bed tonight, dad.” A sentence that simultaneously liberated and destroyed me. On one hand, yay, more room in the bed! On the other hand, another step into independence from her parents, aka I DON’T NEED YOU ANYMORE.

So Kelly and I slept together in our own bed with just the two of us again. And boy, WE MADE UP FOR LOST TIME. And by that I mean sleeping. Literal sleeping. Sleeping is the best thing to do in a bed, regardless of what anyone says.

Back to Saturdays: my daughter is three and a half years old. This is a great, great time to be a dad. She’s still excited to see me when I get home. She stills runs up to me to give me a great big hug and kiss when I walk in the door (if I can beat her to opening the door, that is). I don’t think she stops talking to me from the time I get home until she falls asleep.

And it’s wonderful. There are a ton of reasons why I’ve wanted to be a daddy more than I’ve ever wanted to be anything else (except MAYBE for a professional baseball player, but clearly my semen is much more potent than my athletic ability), and this is definitely one of them. If Kalaya was a drug, I would have a serious addiction. (An addiction that would produce an infinitely bizarre episode of 'Intervention,' but an addiction nonetheless.)

But I know this isn’t going to last. She started pre-school this year. She speaks in more complete sentences than some of the college students I advise. She uses multiple syllable words in context. She’s like every kid her age: a growing, learning, incredible sponge. Pretty soon, she’ll be four, and then five, and then holy crap 18. And then she’ll move out, and I’ll realize she’ll never be coming back to live with us.

I don’t want to be that person who continually mourns the future, and in the process misses the present. I feel like I manage living in the moment, as it were, pretty well. Sometimes though, I can’t help but think that my first baby, my baby girl, is not going to need me as much at some point, and it’s probably going to happen when I’m not expecting it. And while I recognize that occurrence is a necessity for both of us, well, it doesn’t make me LONG for it to happen.

So every Saturday night, when I finish up with television, or video games, or a book, or anything else that keeps me up much longer than anyone else in the house (including the dog), I walk down the hall, past my ‘extra’ bedroom, and quietly lay down beside my daughter.

I watch her sleep for a few minutes, running my fingers through her hair and trying not to make a sound. I think about how her day was, and what her day will be like tomorrow. I wonder what she will want me to do, and what she will probably make me do. I hope I’m a good dad, and I hope she thinks I’m a good dad. And then, before I give in to how tired I (usually) am, I whisper this in her ear:

You will live a tremendous life. You are beautiful, and intelligent, and amazing, and I am and will always be so proud of the girl you are and the woman you’ll become. You make me laugh every day, and I’m grateful that you are my daughter, and I get to be your dad. I would do anything, ANYTHING for you. My heart, my joy, my darling. I love you more than you will ever, ever know.

Someday I’ll have to stop doing this. 

But not yet.

Ketchup 10/10

So, I'll only briefly mention how little I blog any more. I don't know, there are just so many other things that HAVE to get done that some how this doesn't seem like a priority. Which, it should be, at least as far as updates about the kids. This is a way for me to look back at what was going on at these times in their lives and I know I'll regret it if I don't keep up with this. But, it's gotten pathetic, that I only seem to be able to find the time once a month. Pre school, play group, fall activities, laundry, cooking, cleaning (sorta...), chasing kids, some how seem to find themselves higher up on my to do list.....

Did I also mention I am having MAJOR MOMMY GUILT about the lack of pictures and videos I have of the kids?? And, seriously, there is no excuse. My phone takes great of both, I just don't think about it! Sigh.... such is life I suppose....

These pics were taken on my parent help day at preschool; she LOVES paint!

We have been super busy lately, even on the weekends! We have a birthday party every weekend in October! Which makes me think that either (a) Kalaya is, like, totally popular or (b) our friends get seriously in the mood around New Year's. Kalaya loves picking out presents for friends, watching them get opened and, of course the cake!!

Jakiah is having a great time at the parties too; note the Mickey ears!

Kalaya is POTTY TRAINED!!!!! Seriously, if you know the details of our lives, this. is. BIG. Pre school helped get started a little, but really, as everyone said, she just finally decided. And, we did everything we said we never would; candy rewards, toy bribes, etc. I don't care any more. Honestly though, if it were up to her, she would still be going in her diaper, especially #2. She is so capable, that I am already considering at night, just because I know she's still using the diaper as a crutch. But, I will take what I can get! She got a BIG reward for not wearing diapers at all during the day; she got to go to Build a Bear! It was very cute, she is the perfect age for it. She loved picking everything out, kissing the special heart that goes inside and watching the bear get filled. Her name is Rainbow and she's about as girly as you get. We let her go in and pick whatever she wants, probably the only time I will EVER do that (unless she wants that as a Christmas present or something later on), because that place is pretty spendy! WORTH IT TO GET RID OF DIAPERS!!

Can I just say that with potty training, the mini van is seriously already worth every penny?? We keep a potty and wipes in the back and any time she says she has to go, she can! It's SUPER helpful at parks or on long car rides. Though, she definitely has figured out that, "I have to go potty!" is a way to stop from being bored.

Another big milestone, Kalaya had a GREAT dental checkup and cleaning a few weeks ago. I was seriously, so, so proud of her. She has had a definite fear of the dentist (and doctors in general) in the past, but she was so brave. She only got a little nervous while they were doing the actual cleaning. Our dentist is a pediatric dentist and she is completely amazing; she makes each step so fun and Kalaya loves her!

This pic was taken at the lantern walk that her preschool does every year to welcome the changing season and to enjoy fall. It was pretty magical to see all of the children with their little lanterns walking through the 'woods' as the sun went down! Kalaya absolutely LOVES preschool!! I was hesitant about whether it was the right choice for her, but it so was!! She is learning so much and can't wait to go each day!!

Jakiah is EVERYWHERE!! We had to go out and get a big baby gate to go in front of our woodstove and bricks. This child does not take redirection very well right now. He just looks at you with that charming smile and goes right back for whatever he's trying to get. Baby proofing big time in the next few weeks! Kalaya used to listen really well, though she was 4 months older when she started crawling. Jakiah is determined to get cords, phones, remotes, play station controllers, and, especially, into Pippy's water dish. Is it a boy thing??

He is also sitting up completely on his own, meaning he can get himself from laying down into a sitting position. I'm holding my breath, but I'm expecting pulling up soon. He is SO fast at learning mobility! Trying to keep up with big sister I suppose!

It is SO hard to get unblurry (that's a word, I swear) pictures of him, because he's always moving!!

He is still doing really well with solid foods. Still no teeth, yet he does so well with soft foods. I still feed him a lot of purees, since I can regulate (more or less) how much goes into him. However, he does really well with most (soft) finger foods. He's had rice, pasta, meat, egg yolks, fruits, veggies and eats almost everything!

We had our childbirth class reunion (finally, after 8 months!) and it was super cute to see the other babies and their families again! We've also been busy apple and plum picking, having play dates with new pre school friends, playing outside as much as possible in this GORGEOUS fall weather and still trying to figure out life with a child in school.

We're off to the pumpkin patch tomorrow with our mommy group, so more pics to come soon!!!

First Day of Preschool!

Well, it's official. We have a kid in school! I feel like I definitely can't call her a toddler any more; she's a pre schooler!!





We love her school. I mean LOVE it. I came across it by a recommendation from a mommy group friend, because she said they would work with a stubborn potty kid. And now, that is the least of my reasons for liking the school. It is seriously so awesome, I just LOVE it! And, the teacher in me is so interested in this program and learning about how to teach in it some day. It is that great!!









The very first day was last Friday. Nelson was the parent helper that day, so we both went to help and stay. Only half the class was there, the other half had gone on Wednesday. She was totally ready! She has been to the school, in her classroom several times and has already gotten to know her teacher, teacher Stassi, so she is super comfortable there. She walked right in and started exploring and playing immediately and barely acknowledged us for a long time. She was sweet, friendly and shared with the other kids and barely batted an eye when someone else had a tantrum. She even asked to and peed on the potty!!! HUGE milestone. She participated in everything, followed directions and just did great. We are so proud of her and are so glad we made the decision to start her at school. She was READY!!











(And, I was ready too! It helps that my classroom job is the be the class rep; I meet and get to know all of the parents to make the help and 'mini meal' schedule. As Nelson put it; it gives me plenty of control about her and school- the perfect job for me!!!)

7 Months (a little late...)

A LOT of exciting changes have happened for Jakiah in the last several weeks!

Solid foods are going strong! Seriously, this kid eats everything I make for him! And a lot of it! I am so, so grateful that he likes homemade food (so far), because it is saving us a lot of money already! He regularly eats pears, spinach, sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, carrots, mangoes, peaches and brown rice. Sometimes I combine flavors and he eats it all! And so much! He eats about 4 'cubes' (I literally freeze the purees in ice cube trays, then break them up into baggies or tupperware to store in the freezer, so they're called food cubes) every day, which is about 4 small jars of food and those add up!! I just made cauliflower, broccoli, kale, plums, oatmeal and lots more of the previous types of food mentioned, so I'm stocked up for a little while. He seems to really enjoy eating and has started getting the hang of water in a sippy cup too.

Of course, with solids, it has thrown things off a bit. He has had some really hard times with constipation and we've had to get creative. When things are REALLY bad (4 or more days and I can feel how hard his little tummy it!), I give him pear juice or prune juice mixed with rice cereal and he eats the whole thing!! And, it usually does the trick in about 24 hours or so. I'm trying to give him leafy greens every day too, to keep things moving along.

Speaking of moving, this kid is on the move!! It happened so fast, so suddenly and he wants to GO! Just a few weeks ago, he was a lump, then he figured out how to roll and the next thing we know, he's army crawling across the room!!! It's crazy! He gets frustrated right now; he wants to be held and comforted, but he wants to be down and going at the same time. It has led to major separation anxiety and he only wants mommy for comfort and reassurance. He's sitting up a lot, unassisted as well. WHEW!!

I almost don't want to talk about his sleep. I've kind of given up on the idea of sleeping again any time soon, honestly. I've just started going to bed earlier and accept the fact that he wakes up every 2 hours. As long as I'm down early enough, it usually is okay. It's just one thing after another: teething, then tummy hurting, growth spurt, then mobility so he doesn't want to/can't lay down without rolling, etc, etc. I know he'll learn to sleep eventually, but, yes, there are days that I am one tired Mommy!

Seriously though, how can I complain?? He is the sweetest, cutest, HAPPIEST baby boy and I just adore his smiles and giggles, his pure delight and love for his family, especially his big sister. He adores her and loves that she attempts to play with him. He is starting to play and be interested in so many toys, and nothing on the floor is out of reach anymore! The favorite toy of choice right now is definitely Kalaya's baby dolls, maybe because he sees her with them so much! But really, anything that can be picked up and put in his mouth is good enough for him!

Ketchup 9/8

It’s been an extremely busy, fun, productive and did I mention BUSY last couple of weeks! Life has gotten busy!! Here’s a recap of what I can remember:

*Kalaya has finally, FINALLY decided she’s ready to use the potty. For those of you that don’t know, this has been one of the biggest frustrations of my life. Things were bad folks. Every time she was successful on the potty (and this was only with extreme force or bribery) she cried like her heart was broken and the world was coming to an end. It was so bad that we took it to the pediatrician, who determined there was something much more emotional attached to the potty and wearing diapers for her, some kind of security issue and we were to let it go and wait until SHE decided to be ready. Well, we’re getting there!! Lots of regular times on the potty lately, dry pants during the day, asking to go and lots of stickers going on the sticker chart! This is HUGE!!! (still flat out no #2 on the potty, but I’ll take what I can get. Luckily, her preschool is willing to work with us)

*I have been pinterest project crazy! Mainly in the kitchen. I’m trying to save more and more money by making as much as I can from scratch and/or buying in bulk. My freezer is filling up! I’ve made: 15 quarts of chicken stock, a quart of greek yogurt every other week, multiple muffin recipes, cookies, make ahead breakfasts, hummus, whole wheat sandwich bread every other week, granola bars, and some 10 or so different types of baby food; spinach, pears, mangos, apricots, green beans, peas, sweet potatoes, squash, prunes, broccoli, cauliflower, peaches, plums, blueberries, raspberries, kale, and carrots. I’m trying to lower our monthly grocery budget even more, now that we have a small car payment!

*We are LOVING having a mini-van. Nelson makes fun of me for how happy the new van is making me, but it’s AWESOME!!

*We had a fun Labor Day weekend, which included a trip to the beach, visits to both sets of grandparents and an unplanned FREE trip to the Oregon State Fair! Highlights included catching teeny fish in a sand pail, making a nest in the sand, watching the goats climb on a see saw, petting a llama that had ‘just had a bath’, seeing the bunnies and ducks, tasting strawberry lemonade, eating ice cream and having a picnic. (I’ll let you decide which activity happened where)

*Jakiah is 7 months and MOBILE! I’ll try to post a (late) update for him in the next couple of days, I hope.

*Pre school has started!! Again, another post in a couple of days.

Too much excitement!!

Okay moms, ready for a story that will make your heart race???

This starts out with something very positive: We bought a minivan!! We traded in our 2002 Camry (which was a pretty fantastic car, actually, just getting too small with 2 big carseats in a couple of months. Plus, space for gear, luggage, etc? Forget it.) We found a GREAT deal with low payments and reasonable financing on a 2005 Toyota Sienna and we're so excited about it!!

Almost.

This afternoon changed my mind for a few minutes.

Did you know that the newer Toyotas automatically lock all the doors when they are closed? REGARDLESS OF IF YOU'RE KEYS ARE IN THE CAR.

Here's what happened:

I had just finished up taking the kids to the park. I unlocked the car and opened both rear sliding doors. I parked the stroller behind the trunk, put Jakiah in on 'his' side, threw my keys on the front seat (as I've done hundreds of times in the Camry so that I don't leave them in the trunk or drop them) and shut Jakiah's slider. I walked around to Kalaya's side, strapped her in her carset and shut the automatic sliding door on her side. I then turned to walk back to open the trunk to put the stroller and gear away and HEARD ALL OF THE LOCKS LOCK. I had not pushed or done anything.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BOTH KIDS were strapped in their carseats, my keys were on the front seat and the CAR LOCKED ME OUT!!!

At this point, I almost sh** a brick.

By the grace of God, I had my phone. (though, I could have run into the rec center to use the phone)

VERY LUCKILY, it was not very hot today and Jakiah fell asleep and Kalaya was fine.

I tried to get her to unfasten her carseat so that she could unlock the car, but (I guess it's a good thing in the long run!) she couldn't do the buckle.

I called a locksmith and as soon as they heard that there were kids in the car, they immediately told me to call the police.

So, I called 911, stayed calm and the fire truck arrived and got into the van without damaging it even.

The whole process took less than 1/2 an hour.

And, the kids were FINE. A little sweaty, but fine.

I am thankful for cell phones, a sleeping baby and fast firemen. (who happened to be quite good looking and let Kalaya get up in the truck and gave her stickers) This could have been a horrible, dangerous, life threatening situation to my children, so I'm grateful it wasn't.

But still.

And, Toyota already got a (polite but firm) ear full about this. And, they were pretty understanding and nice about it.

Too much excitement on a Sunday afternoon folks!!

But, Dairy Queen made everyone feel much better.

I would have taken FULL responsibility for it being my fault, but I had no idea the car would do that!!! So, I will now be hanging onto my keys and ALWAYS OPENING A WINDOW AS SOON AS WE UNLOCK THE CAR.

What a day.

Ketchup

Okay, so I don't really blog any more. Since I finally joined the world of now old technology and got a smart phone a few months back, I really don't sit at the computer any more. I've figured out how to do pretty much everything I used to do on a computer with my phone, except blog or anything else that requires typing more than a quick paragraph. (which explains why I don't respond to emails very quickly too...)

Here's a catch up (ketchup, get it?) on happenings in our house lately:

*Summer!! I am so happy for the sun and warm weather! It's so nice to have an Oregon summer. It makes me appreciate this state so much. I try to remember that this weather is coming, when I'm stuck inside with a toddler in the middle of February and it's been raining for 45 straight days. Summers here are SO pleasant and just perfect. 75-85 degree days, 60 degree (or cooler) nights, and no humidity! We've had a few hotter days and our house has central air!!! It's such a blessing and works really well. Finally, something I love about this house. : )

*Speaking of which, I want to do some posts about our house. We are really trying to get some things done and in order, especially in the yard. Pinterest has given me some ideas for all areas of decorating and yard. Some day I may actually implement them and blog about it.

*Kalaya is enrolled in pre school!! I cannot believe it. I 100% cannot believe we're already to this. But, we are very excited! Her school is a-may-zing. I cannot wait for her to go there. I am so happy with the decision we made about this school and hope it will go as well as we think it will. I plan to write a longer blog about this soon, but, you are welcome to look at their website!!

*LOTS of summer activities lately; trips to the park, playing in the sprinkler and wading pool in the yard, trying our our new (hand me down, but awesome and FREE) play structure, going to the beach, pj and pancake day with our mommy group, picking blueberries at Oma and Grandpa's house, pedicures, going to the farm to pick raspberries and feed goats and chickens, visiting friends and watching the Olympics!

*It's not all peaches and cream. We are trying to figure out poor little Jakiah's tummy. He is doing SO GREAT with solids, but he keeps getting backed up. We've avoided white rice cereal, apple sauce and bananas, but it's still happening. He loves everything we feed him, which is totally amazing, but he is having days where he screams and strains to poop and it's so awful to see. Luckily, he will eat prune juice mixed with his (organic brown) rice cereal, and that seems to help the problem. I also made apricots from rehydrated, dried apricots and it is helping too. I'm going to make kale and spinach and hope that moves things along too. Poor guy!

*Jakiah had his 6 month appointment yesterday and Dr. Ruby says he looks great! He is in 9 month clothes these days and weighed in at 16lbs 1/2 oz. He is 26 1/2 inches long. He's busy growing! We're starting to introduce signing at meal times and he's sorta maybe thinking about rolling over. He is happy, healthy, loves his family, especially his sister, and is a joy to be around! Teething is still an issue, though has improved. I have no idea whatsoever how much he wakes up at night, because I am barely conscious when I roll over to nurse and fall back asleep. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but co sleeping is still a blessing at this house!

6 Months

Half a year has gone by!! HALF A YEAR PEOPLE!!! (not to mention that minor detail 9 months that already flew by….and the three years…..sigh. They’ll be off to college before we know it!)

(side note: Jakiah, if some day you find this blog and wonder why the heck I posted so much when it was just your sister and had a hard time posting often about you, it’s not because I love you any less, I PROMISE!!! It’s because I’m choosing to spend time WITH you and your sister, rather than on the computer!!!!)

6 months marks some milestones for Mr. Jakiah! We have started solid foods! My blender has been busy, busy! It’s nice to be making baby food in the SUMMER this time; so many fresh options! And, Jakiah doesn’t seem to have the texture issues that Kalaya had and is doing great with solids! Avacado is his clear favorite right now, but he has also had pears, bananas and sweet potatoes. Peaches, broccoli, squash and blueberries are ready and waiting. I really do love making my own baby food and it saves SO much money! And, it doesn’t take quite as much time as you may think at this point; either steam and mix with breast milk or just mix with breast  milk, blend, pour into ice cube trays and freeze!  LOVE IT! He’s also been experimenting with a sippy cup of water, which is more fun to gum on at this point; when he gets water by accident, his faces are extremely entertaining!

 Rice cereal really hasn't been a big hint, we just did it the one time.

(now I mix it with the food purees)

" Mom, I got this!"

 Seriously.

Yum!

 Not sure. (seriously, I barely count that junk as food)

 Mmmm, avocado, much better!!

 Delish!

  ...Sorta.

 This sippy cup is awesome!

 ...to teethe on.

 Alright, a little help.

No problem.

Poor Mr. Jakiah has been a fussy guy the last couple of weeks; we think a tooth (or 2!) are working really hard to get their way out! I was nursing every 45 minutes at night for the last 2 weeks. Add staying up until midnight every night to watch the Olympics (yes, my own choice, can’t complain about that one…) and I have been ONE. TIRED. MAMA. He has wanted to be held all the time, needs to nurse totally to sleep (been a lot of remembering Miss Kalaya’s first few months….), screaming randomly without able to be comforted, etc, etc.  However, I finally broke down and remembered to buy Hyland’s teething tablets and YEEEEESSSSSSS!!!! A miracle. Totally worth $15 or whatever it was for the little bottle. He is back to sleeping four hour blocks at night and 1-2 hour naps, going to sleep on his own. HALLELUJAH CHORUS PEOPLE!!!! (hopefully I did not just jinx myself!!!)

He is also getting very active which I think has affected his sleep as well. He has always been a tummy sleeper (yeah, yeah, save me the lecture) and now he immediately flips himself over and wakes himself up, wanting to keep playing. Again, TIRED MAMA. We’ll get there though. I do know it’s just a phase and that Mommy watching the Olympics is too, just a phase. ; )  (Come on, the women’s gymnastics all around is tonight!!)

He is honestly the cutest, sweetest boy though! He is so social and smiley and just gets smiles and laughs everywhere he goes. He is getting so interested in the world around him, so observant, holding and looking at everything he can and, of course, testing EVERYTHING in his mouth. I think rolling isn’t too far in the future, he doesn’t stay in one place any more, wiggly, wiggly!! We got out the Jumperoo, which he’s having fun jumping in.

Our summer has calmed down a bit, since our unexpected trip and I’m grateful. We’ve been focusing on playing, relaxing and enjoying the GORGEOUS Oregon summer weather. Keep it coming!!