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!!!