Wacky Wednesday Write-up #7

Today was a challenging day to say the least! Chase was a true three year old. I've heard that the "terrible twos" are not as difficult as the "terrible threes" and for my three year old that is proving to be true, at least today... some days are golden and others test you. Yep, today was one of those days. It started from the moment he woke up and Scott nor I could put Chase's spiderman cape on just right... After his complete fit-throwing, breakdown my  first thought was to change my entire plan for the day and go to work but guilt started to set in as I promised Chase he did not have to go to school.

The rest of the morning was just as challenging with Chase wanting macaroni and cheese or pretzels for breakfast and then preceded to play really rough with Colby after repeatedly being told to be gentle, do not kick or hit his brother. Honestly, I felt like a referee all day long protecting Colby from Chase's kicks, head-bumps, pushes and hits. I can only guess it will only get worse as the boys get older, stronger and Colby can reciprocate. The scary part is that eventually they will be bigger than me and I will not be able to step in and protect one from the other!!

At about 11 a.m. I decided it was time to get out of the house but the rainy, gloomy day was not helping at all. My idea to get outside and go to the park so that Chase could burn off some of this energy was not going to pan out. So, I decided to try an indoor cafe/play area I heard about in town, Play-A-Latte. It was okay, a few kids and mom's were there, there was a bouncy house, pirate ship and soft play areas for Colby to enjoy but I wasn't thrilled with the place. Chase seemed to be in shy mode and needed me around or close by in order to feel comfortable enough to play.

We did meet another Chase which was really fun. His mom and I chatted for awhile as she tried to protect all the other kids from her Chase. He played a little rough but was sweet. It's so interesting to watch Chase in these situations with other kids with all types of personalities. Chase is usually shy at first until he feels comfortable and gets to know the kids he's with and then he'll be their best bud. We did have a "bully" type situation where a kid was blocking the entrance at the top of the slide and would not let Chase pass by.... I realized this when Chase did not come down the slide for several minutes and went to check on him... I saw the boy completely blocking the slide entrance and when Chase tried to get around, he would block him and put out his arms almost pushing him back. I politely asked the child to let him by and he just stared at me and continued to block the way. The boy's grandpa, who I believe he was with, was busy on his iPhone at the cafe' and not paying attention to what was happening. I asked again in a more stern voice a couple more times and he finally moved. I was a little taken aback by this situation as I haven't had to deal with a kid intentionally bullying my kid before. After Chase got down the slide he was a bit more timid and didn't want to play and instead eat the rest of his lunch.... After the kid left with his grandpa, he turns to me and says, "I want to play now, the bad boy is gone."

We then headed to Target which seems to have become our weekly shopping destination on Wednesdays. Today we went to pick up something special for Chase's friend and a few cards. Chase had fun shopping for his buddy, Matthew, although it was a learning experience as Chase wanted every toy that he was supposed to be picking out for Matthew! :) So, we of course left with another toy for Chase (Scott will be so pleased) only because Chase wore me down and it was within my budget and I knew it would keep him occupied when we got home. Chase is now the proud owner of a new toy bowling set. We had fun the rest of the afternoon bowling, and playing with our new giant bear who is now an official member of our family as of a couple weeks ago thanks to our friend, Miss Cheri who babysat for the boys recently. Chase and Colby love pouncing on the bear and hugging him and laying on him. He's really huge, bigger than me, not taller but bigger in the tummy area, thank goodness :-)

Well, that was our day. I won't say it was one of our best Wednesdays together but the most important part is that we were together. :)

Nine months in, nine months out!

Colby is nine months old!!! I can't believe he is nine months, the same amount of time I was pregnant with him! I remember feeling like being pregnant for nine months was such a long time, with its ups and downs, but since he was born the time has just flown by! He is my sunshine, he can brighten your day with a big smile and his baby blues!

Over the last few months he has hit soooo many milestones, from crawling to pulling himself up and standing, to eating solid food, cutting his two bottom teeth and top teeth, and saying his first official word. Last week on Thursday morning, he said Da Da when he looked over at Scott... his official first word. I'm not too bummed it wasn't Ma Ma, Chase said Da Da first, too... it's easier to say after all :-) And, today he and Chase were playing together and Chase was doing something just sooo amazing, I'm not sure what he was doing but you know everything Chase does is amazing to his little brother, and he looks at him and says "Whoa!" It was soooo cute!

This is an amazing age, and Colby is truly a joy. I've said this before but he really, truly is such a wonderful baby. He takes whatever his older brother dishes out and usually "takes it" with a smile on his face. He is laid back but also focused and curious, very similar to Chase but not as serious. When he's determined to crawl somewhere, get a specific toy, or get our attention, he goes for it and nothing can distract him! That is, of course, unless there is food around. I am happy to say that his good eating habits from early on have continued at his grand ol' age of 9 mos. He eats so well and is willing to try anything... he loves  bananas, melon, pineapple, cantelope, pancakes, muffins, blueberries, sweet potatoes, apples and applesauce, peas, potatoes, and just recently Scott introduced him to hot dogs which he absolutely loves (nitrate free of course :)! When he really likes something, he'll make the 'Mmmm' sound and lick his lips.

Bathtime is his absolutely favorite time of day. He loves taking a bath, he splashes around, grabs for toys and pulls himself up to a standing position in the bath -- he really has no fear in the bath or with anything else for that matter. I suspect he will love swimming... I hope to get him signed up for baby swim class at the Y soon... I think he will have a much better experience than Chase. Chase does not want to swim even now, he says, "I like swimming in the bath but not the big pool."

A few quirky things that he's into right now.. Colby loves swinging doors back and forth and closing them, he thinks it's pretty funny. He also likes playing with the door stops, we have those old-fashioned "boingy" ones and he loves pulling on them and making them "boing." He loves to turn on the floor lamp we have in the upstairs TV room, on and off, on and off. He also loves pulling on any kind of cords. We have to be careful with this because he'll go after anything that is plugged in and try and pull it out of the socket. He also loves our phone charger cords so we have to keep them out of his sight. He loves sitting with me in my closet helping me pick out my clothes! :),Really he sits in with me and plays with a few of my beaded necklaces and has a grand ol' time... He loves opening and closing drawers and cabinets. We also have to be careful with this, he's hit himself in the head a few times!!! Ouch! He was also really into pulling himself up on the granite around the fireplace, he never slipped but we decided it was time for the gate and now it's blocked off.

He is growing well and people just can't believe he is only 9 mos old; he's about 22 lbs. He's already wearing Chase's old 12 month clothes and almost fits into 18 month jeans! Totally different experience than with Chase! Chase was always a few months behind in the clothing department, he still wears 2T t-shirts and some 18-24 month old navy pants/jeans, although they are really short in length they still fit him around the waist!

Colby loves to smile and will smile if you just look in his direction and give him a smile or make a funny face. He also loves to giggle and will laugh at almost anything. He loves to watch Chase and will laugh at everything he does! He's also very ticklish and it's fun to tickle his protruding tummy and give him little kisses on his neck to tickle and get a giggle! And, he especially loves to giggle at me when I'm dancing, he just loves my dance moves! :-)  You can tell he's trying to communicate now, he will make all sorts of noises sometimes whining, I have to admit he does have his more challenging moments as all babies do but most of the time he's just trying to get your attention, or he is hungry or sleepy. 

His sleeping routine is okay. He still gets up 1-2x a night and needs a bottle but it's much better than the newborn days of getting up every 2  hours so I'm thankful he is where he is! Scott and I switch off Colby and Chase duty and haven't slept in the same room for awhile. I can't blame that all on the boys, my hubby has been known to snore, and not just a little bit but rather loudly... :-) We're hoping to tranistion Colby into his crib someday soon but for now the co-sleeper in our bedroom downstairs seems to work for us and our  current routine. Happy Nine Months, little Colby! You are a blessing to our family! 

Wacky Wednesday Write-up #6

Wow, what a day!!!! Our day started REALLY early. Chase woke up at 4:15 a.m. and couldn't get back to sleep! I probably would have been a bit cranky about this and I admit it took me two cups of coffee to perk up a bit but because I could actually see the sunrise, I knew it was going to be a beautiful day. For me, the weather totally affects my mood and a sunny morning always starts my day off on the right foot... So, because we were up so early we started our adventures pretty early. We were dressed and ready to go at about 7:45 a.m.! And, we were in SHORTS if you can believe that!!!

We decided to go out for breakfast and because it is just too tempting and convenient, and easy, and because we were headed to Target which happens to be right across the street, we went to McDs. We don't venture to the golden arches often really not at all unless we are in a rush and on the road and there are no other options but I have to say there is something to be said for breakfast at McDs especially if you are solo with two kids. The sheer convenience of walking up and ordering just one Big Breakfast with hot cakes, eggs, english muffin, and a vanilla latte all for about $8 is pretty amazing. And, the fact that one BB will feed two children (granted one is 9 mos. old but he's a darn good eater and most of the time eats more than my 3 year old) and one adult it also pretty amazing not too mention yet again convenient... Also, the fact that it is ready in about 5 minutes is also miraculous and really the reason we went.... Most of the time I prefer Kelly's in downtown Gig Harbor but often I have had to wait for more than 30minutes for breakfast and the thought about waiting that long, solo with two hungry kids made me a little desperate for fast and easy thus our McD breakfast. Another plus is the play area, of course. Chase had a blast with the basketball court play area and had fun making baskets, and he did, he made some pretty incredible shots. I don't know why I'm so surprised with his athletic ability, his eye-hand-coordination is incredible...He also enjoyed the slides... As I said it has been awhile since I've spent time at a McDs lately and I was actually pretty surprised by the cool play area not to mention how clean/sanitary it was... Go Gig Harbor McD (by Costco)!

After our breakfast we went to Target where we picked up a few things. My goal there was to purchase a little splash pool one of the hard plastic ones instead of using our blow-up one so I could just fill it up on warm, sunny days and not have to fuss with blowing it up! Or, rather have Scott fuss with blowing it up. :) I thought it would be fun to do a little "swimming" with the boys today because it was going to be so nice and warm. No luck on finding the pool at Target and so on to the next adventure...

Whenever it is nice out, I love to get the boys outside as much as I can. Because of my commute I like to take a little breather from driving so we often stay at home, rain or shine. If is a nice day we head outside and do some "gardening" like watering our flowers or digging, we also love to swing or play baseball or just sit in the sun... But today after we couldn't find the pool, I decided to head to Kopachuck State Park. It's one of my favorite state parks, easy hike down to the water (even though it is a hike coming back up, all up hill), and there are great shaded picnic spots and when the tide is out, a rocky and sandy beach where Chase can explore and dig. The Olympic Mountains can also be seen from the park which are as always breathtaking if in view, today was an exceptional day to see the mountains at the park...

When we arrived we were one of two other families there. It was a slight challenge getting Chase, the Bob with Colby strapped inside, and me with baby backpack in tow on my back down the stairs and over the humongous logs that line the beach but we made it! It was totally warm and sunny, a picture-perfect northwest, spring day! It even felt a little like summer!!!!

Chase doesn't like to get dirty and unfortunately he wore the wrong shoes, his Crocs. But, he had a great time after he got used to getting a few pebbles in his shoes.... Colby on the other hand did not mind getting dirty at all... he opted to venture off his waterproof mat and started crawling all over the mud and was completely filthy in a matter of minutes. I knew he wouldn't sit still, he is all over the place right now but I thought it would be fun to see him get a little dirty and do some exploring, too, with Chase. And, he did!

  

  

What a fun day, with wonderful memories...Getting out and about with them is key! Now that summer is on the way, I'm sure that's where we will be, out and about. It is also one of my Going Green Challenge goals... which reminds me, I need to do a post on three2one very soon with an update on my progress over the last month -- that to come soon :). Staying active and having a planned activity or outing seems to keep me sane and the boys engaged. Especially with Chase, he is craving more and more of my attention if he's not occupied doing something...if he's bored, he is not a happy camper.... I am so glad that he wants to be doing things, loves to be outside and loves to play.... he does also like to watch movies and his favorite cartoons but he would much rather be doing something. I hope Colby is the same way! I suppose if we continue to set an example for being active and getting outside, they will be too!

Wacky Wednesday Write-up #5

Finally, my week has been fairly normal as far as my schedule goes, and I had my Wednesday with my boys! Yea! Although I must admit we had a rocky start. I didn't have a specific schedule in mind but was hoping for good weather so we could get outside and maybe even head to the park. That did not happen and we had rain, heavy rain for most of the day. 

We were feeling a little bit of cabin fever around noon, so after lunch I decided it was time to go for a ride. I had a few errands to run anyway and thought it might be a great way to get the boys to nap, both boys fall asleep pretty easily in the car and Colby was due for one. He's so funny when we're all home together, he doesn't nap as much as he should because he wants to play with Chase... I can tell he's just full of energy being around his big bro that he just can't take a break for a nap. He does hit his limit or sometimes it's my limit where I have to get him down and I'll separate them and rock Colby until he falls asleep but most of the time he's up ready to play and in a fairly good mood. 

So, we hopped in the car and headed to our first stop, the post-office to mail a few letters and our latest Netflix movie that Scott and I finally watched after 3 months, Knight & Day, which was horrible... not even worth a rental!!! I can't believe that has been sitting at our house for that long waiting to be watched. As we left the post office, Colby was already asleep but Chase was not... My ultimate plan was to make it to the Library but Colby had just fallen asleep and it was five minutes away... so what to do? Both boys were due for a haircut especially Chase! This has been on my list for weeks to get the boys' haircuts but something always trumps this little errand because with Chase it is usually not fun. He has to be in the right mood and state of mind to get it done, even when Gram is here. He's just not a fan of haircuts! So, before I made my mind up to go, I asked him if he wanted a hair cut and he said Yes! Here was my chance! He seemed like he was up for it, in a good mood not too tired yet from not napping, so we were on our way! Tacoma is about 15 minutes away without traffic but it would give Colby a little extra time to nap in the car. 

We arrived and both boys got hair cuts. This was Colby's official first haircut which I honestly didn't realize until after it was too late... I didn't bring my camera to take any photos!!!! I could kick myself! But, it isn't technically his first haircut because I've cut his hair at home and saved his hair already maybe that's why it didn't occur to me but I still should have taken photos!! Ugh!!! 


Anyway, Colby was excellent! He didn't cry at all but did move around a lot in the chair. Miss Lynn was a pro and moved with him and did an amazing job. Although, he seems so grown-up now with his big boy haircut! That makes me a little sad but I know he had to get a "real" hair cut eventually! Chase was also was great! He was extremely shy with Miss Lynn but started to smile a little when the clippers tickled his ears! Their haircuts look great, and it was a much less stressful event than I had imagined. In hindsight I was pretty brave to do this on my own usually Scott and I go together because Chase is pretty upset and difficult to control and with Colby it can be challenging. I'm proud that I tacked it on my own, and with both kids! Here are my boys with their brand new haircuts! 

After haircuts, we headed to the library! Chase was so excited to get his library card and to borrow books. I also got a card myself and am looking forward to downloading e-books as well as checking out books, too! After getting our cards, we headed start to the Children's section and picked out our books.. Chase picked out 4 "Spot" books like his "Spot's First Easter" book that he loves. He chose "Spot loves his Teacher," "Spot loves his Grandpa," "Spot's First Words," and "Spot loves his Friends." He also picked out a Hidden Animals book. I have a feeling that the library will be our Wednesday spot on rainy days this summer! :-)