Play. Learn. Create.

So Collin has been quite the little creator lately. Saturday, Mike took him somewhere great. Home Depot. The first Saturday of every month they have free kids workshops. This was his first time and he LOVED it. He made and raced a race car. Hammer and nails included. He's got Home Depot stickers on his calendar to tell him when he gets to go again. And he even got a cute little apron that he has been wearing around the house since.I wish I had thought to take a picture of the painting he made for Mimi and Auntie Joy, because it was quite impressive. But I did get a picture of the alphabet that he wrote all by himself (without copying the letters) for the first time. I didn't even realize he could do this. (Please ignore the dirty placemat!)Mimi and Auntie Joy also brought him some modeling clay today. Here is his first creation that he made for me. I'm not sure what it is, but it's pretty neat if you ask me. I think he said something about a train.And here's his caterpillar he made next.What will we he come up with tomorrow?

Shots, sensory-isms, shopping, and serious MESSES!

That's what the past 2 days have been all about. Yesterday was Katelyn's 15 month checkup. She checked out pretty good. Her pediatrician was excited that she has started taking steps and saying a few words. Her ears looked GREAT! And her anemia was resolved. She was 22 lbs 7 oz (25-50th %ile) and 30 1/2" tall (also 25-50th %ile). Her head circumference was 49.6 cm (97th + %ile). We have to start working on her being able to point to her body parts and of course giving up that bedtime bottle, but other than that she's on track. Worst part of the visit? Nope, not the shots. Think back to the worst part of her ear tube surgery...that darn pulse oximeter they (tried) to put on her toe. She sat there fairly calmly as the nice lab lady pricked her toe and squeezed (and squeezed and squeezed) until she had enough to do her iron test. But if that wasn't a temper tantrum when she tried to put gauze and a bandaid on the toe, then I don't want to see one. Same thing with the bandaids put on her legs after the shots. What (another) sensory mess!!

So today, we went to the mall since it was raining and we needed to get out of the house. Collin loves to ride the train (and have Chick fil a for lunch), and Katelyn really needed some crocs (I use this term the way lots of people use Coke for a variety of brownish colored soft drinks). (I thought we were ok without them, but I just love being able to slip them on before we go to play outside. And I REALLY love that I can just wash them in the sink when they're dirty. Her little tennis shoes we bought a few weeks ago are already ruined. Mainly because she crawled with them on. On cement.) I got a small glimpse of my future with a daughter while we were at the mall. It's a good thing we were shopping for crocs today, because we were NOT leaving the mall without some!! Another total temper tantrum when she saw the hot pink ones hanging on the rack and I didn't hand them to her RIGHT AWAY! What can I say, the girl loves her shoes.Not only is she a mess, but she knows how to make them! I mean she is into EVERYTHING! Pantry, tupperware, laundry, drawers, book basket, cabinets, bags...I could go on and on. I really don't remember this stage with Collin. I think because he is a little OCD like me. Everything has its place. Katelyn does not have this trait. It's constantly a disaster around here, because she is always dragging things out. Not even to play with them. Just to take them out. Wednesday, she did something really impressive though. She was dragging things out of my work bag. I had purchased 2 boxes of girl scout cookies at work that day. In less than 1 minute (no joke), she had opened the (unopened) box, pulled the sleeve of thin mints out, and opened the package. Like I've said before, the girl knows (and usually gets) what she wants.And speaking of messes, she sometimes wants to feed herself these days.At least she likes to clean too. Give her a wipe and she's busy for hours (okay, maybe 15 minutes).I find it fitting that she was wearing her Cinderella jammies this night.

Today was good.

Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one. ~Dr. Suess

Not only was it Dr. Suess' birthday, it was my sweet, sweet niece Campbell's 2nd birthday! Happy Birthday Cam Cam!! We are all looking forward to celebrating with you!

Since the flu is gone, I got to go to work today and the kids got to go to school. I sometimes feel sad that Collin only goes to school one day a week and misses out on some of the fun things his classmates who are there all week get to do. Like yesterday, when they made green eggs and ham. I mean, really. He would have loved that. I sometimes worry they have a hard time being at school only once a week (making friends, adjusting, etc.). Well, today WAS good. Katelyn had a substitute teacher (whom she had never met before) and did not shed a tear when I left. Her teacher said she had a great day. When I picked Collin up today, his teacher told me that he was a very "well behaved child" and that we were "doing a great job with him at home". I didn't ask, she just told. Sweetest. words. ever. Especially since he really hasn't been a "well behaved child" at home the past few days. I guess they are doing just fine. I will continue to savor each and every moment I have with them guilt free!

As we were leaving school, Collin saw another child leaving with a super cool "Cat in the Hat" hat. I decided since he missed "green eggs and ham day" that we should make a hat after dinner. It's not perfect, but he loves it and that's all that matters. Hope you all read to your child(ren) today! (Collin picked One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and Green Eggs and Ham).

We're sorry...

Just wanted to update everyone on Collin and write an official apology letter to anyone who may have been in the Flowery Branch Target today. We just couldn't take it anymore. We had to get out of the house. He has still been running a fever around 101. That's 6 days! But he was really good about covering his mouth when he coughed. He still seems a little tired (and he's pretty much STILL getting unlimited TV, movies, etc.). We did get some new color wonder markers with a new Cars coloring book in hopes of finding something else he can do while lounging on the couch. Until today, we hadn't ventured out of the house except out of necessity (Publix for more Tylenol and preschool registration). So today, we just HAD to go and buy a couple of birthday presents, some diapers, and some oatmeal.

Speaking of oatmeal...the main effect of this whole flu ordeal has been an absolute lack of appetite. I mean, I have pulled out all the tricks, and nothing has worked. We're talking milkshakes, Sonic, McDonalds, oatmeal, macaroni and cheese, etc. All favorites which would normally be gobbled right up. How long can a preschooler go with a few bites of food at every meal? And also, how many days in a row can he take Tylenol? (Sidenote: That sentence used to say "how long can a toddler go with a few bites". I guess it's time to say "preschooler".)

Hopefully we're on our way back up. In the meantime, we'll keep spraying that Lysol in hopes that no one else gets sick!

15 Months!

Katelyn Leigh, you are 15 months old today! You are growing up so fast and are developing quite a little personality. We love it. Here is what you have been up to this month:

You love to make us laugh with your silly faces. You stick your tongue out at yourself in the mirror.

You think every animal (almost) says woof woof. Except for bears and lions (grrr!) and bees (buzzzzzz).

You love to play "chase" with your brother.

You love to throw your food on the floor when you are finished eating.

You love to play with the items in mommy's bathroom cabinet. I think you might be a girly girl. I can't wait. You imitate me brushing my hair, drying my hair, and putting on hand sanitizer. So cute!

You also love to play with (i.e. take everything out of) the pantry.

You love to "walk" around the house...on your knees.

You took your first steps a few days ago. It was a priceless moment.
You throw everything out of your crib before you fall asleep for nap and when you wake up in the mornings. Pacis, baby, socks. Not blankie.

You love to dance. And clap your hands to the music. Especially to Little Einsteins and Backyardigans.

You try to do forward rolls like your brother. You usually just end up standing in "bearwalk" position until you get tired.

You will not keep socks on your feet. You ask me to put them on, just so you can take them off. You also HATE to stand up barefoot in the grass or on the sidewalk. Really? Both of you?

You played in the sandbox for the first time today. At first you weren't sure, and you liked playing with the pinestraw more than the sand.You were just teasing Mommy about the hairbows last month. You still won't wear them. And your hair is getting longer and longer so they will be a necessity soon.

You are down to 1 bottle a day, at bedtime.

You still love fruit, yogurt, any carbohydrate, and green beans. Your new favorite snacks are cereal bars.

You are still doing great at naptime and bedtime. Good naps and still sleeping all night!

You love climbing. Your new favorite place to play? On top of the fireplace or the stepstool in your bathroom. Thanks Gymboree!

You love to brush your teeth. And you have 11 of them now. And #12 will be here really soon.You still don't love to ride in the car.

You love to read your books. And take every book out of the basket.

Words you say: mama, dada, uh oh, yucky, baby, and a (not really) close attempt of Collin. Last week, you put 2 words together and imitated mommy saying "uh oh baby".

You spent a lot of your time this month looking at preschools with Mommy and Collin. I think we went to at least 10. You will be joining your brother at Celebration Academy for a Mother's Morning Out program two days a week beginning in September! After looking at so many places, Mommy is confident that you will love your new school and will learn lots of new things!

You don't love to look at the camera when you're having your picture taken. This slideshow from your 15 month "photo shoot" is a little repetitive (because you wouldn't look at the camera), but it shows a lot of your different faces that are making up your sweet little growing personality. Happy 15 months sweet baby girl!

A happy ending?

So I had intentions to blog tonight solely about the fact that Collin came down with the flu on Saturday evening and has been running a fever ever since. But thankfully, the story has a surprise happy ending (so keep reading, but don't skip to the end!). Anyway, Collin started running a fever on Saturday night on the way home from visiting his Aunt Kelli, Uncle Jason, and cousins Carter and Campbell. The kids had a blast at the playground and we all enjoyed some Robin's Nest for dinner and birthday cupcakes for dessert. (Carter missed Collin's party thanks to a nasty stomach bug. We are so ready for spring!). His fever stayed constant until early Tuesday morning. I thought it might have been from his immunizations on Thursday, until it came back in full force that afternoon. We finally headed to the doctor right before they closed, and she confirmed that he has the flu (type B). So, needless to say, we've spent the past few days like this:a lot of thisstill a lot of thisand even a little bit of this.Happy ending #1: Collin's fever was much lower today and he only needed tylenol right when he woke up and when he went to bed. Hopefully, it's over!

The surprise happy ending was compliments of Katelyn right before bedtime tonight:

4 years old!

Collin turned 4 two weeks ago, and today we went for his 4 year checkup. Here's what he's been up to, how big he's getting, and some of his favorites.
He is 37 1/2 lbs! Finally above the 50th %ile for weight. He is 42 3/4 inches tall. Still 97th %ile. BMI is at 10%. He wears sizes 4 and 5. He needs slim jeans/pants or adjustable waist. He wears a size 10 or 11 shoe.

He is healthy! His pediatrician and I realized today that he hadn't been seen since his 3 year old checkup.

He passed his vision and hearing screening.

One of his heel cords is tight, since he walks on his toes a lot. I thought it was the right one in the office, but tonight when I checked I think it was the left. I think we need our favorite PT, Maggie, to take a look at him and give us some ideas and suggestions.

He also got 5 (FIVE!) shots today immunizing him against 9 viruses/diseases. I mean really. I was not happy about it. We were well prepared for a shot, but not 5! I gave Collin the choice of getting 3 today and 2 another day, but he chose to get them over with. Smart boy. That second trip would have been awful considering the ear piercing scream Katelyn and I endured for at least 5 minutes. But he did great considering and got to pick 2 prizes from the treasure chest.

Speaking of the treasure chest, he sure does love his little sister. He picked out his two prizes after getting stuck 5 times in his legs. 1 for himself and 1 for Katelyn. Now that's a good big brother if I've ever seen one.

He can't wait for Katelyn to wake up, always hugs and kisses her goodnight, brings her snacks, and sings her songs when she is fussy. He doesn't always like to share his toys.

And speaking of being a big boy, he went to the dentist for the first time last week and did great! I wasn't sure what to expect from him, but he did not resist at all and has perfectly healthy teeth! Needless to say, between last Thursday and today, we've gone to Target a few times to pick out prizes.

And speaking of Target, he LOVES that place. And not just because sometimes he gets prizes. He always wants to eat there. He loves their macaroni and cheese.

Macaroni and cheese is probably one of his favorite foods. Others are pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce, any fruit (especially blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and mandarin oranges), cheese, pizza, tacos, chicken nuggets, salad, hot dogs, chips, cereal bars, and fruit snacks.

His favorite toys are all of his Toy Story toys, anything that has a remote control (Buzz, RC, cars, helicopter), legos, anything he can connect/attach to something (trains, strings, suction cups, etc), checkers, card games, blocks, and balloons.

Outside he loves to play bubbles, drive his truck, ride his tricycle, throw the frisbee, play soccer, fly his kite, and play on his playground. He also loves to go on walks.

His favorite "messy toys" are his moon sand, playdoh, color changing cars, paint, and stamps. He loves art stuff and loves to use scissors and glue. He made some valentine cards this year, and I learned that he can cut out shapes very well. He can put 25 piece puzzles together with flying colors. He is now working on a 550 piece puzzle, but is requiring a good bit of help.

He loves to watch TV, watch movies, play his computer, play my computer, and play the Wii. Yes, I limit his time with all of these. Here are his favorites: TV: Backyardigans, Diego, Scooby Doo, Little Einsteins, Chuggington, Team Umizoomi, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and the Wonder Pets. Movies: Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Veggie Tales, Up, Monsters Inc, Stuart Little, Bolt, Wall-E, Cars, and the Land Before Time. Game: the original Super Mario Brothers.

He can write his first name correctly in upper and lower case letters. He can draw a square and a triangle. He recognizes all of his letters and knows a lot of the letter sounds. He can recognize the names of the other children in his classroom. He can write almost all of his capital letters. He holds his pencil correctly. He is starting to learn rhyming words. He can draw a detailed drawing of a person. He is starting to attempt to draw other objects. He knows his right from his left. He can count to 20 and can recognize numbers up to at least 30. He can dress himself independently including buttons, snaps, and zippers. He picks out his clothes most of the time, too.

He has become less attached to the stuffed animals in his bed, but more attached to his blankie.

He goes to sleep around 8:30 and sleeps until around 7:30. I still use a monitor in his room, so almost every morning I wake up to "Mommy, I'm ready to wake up, Mommy." Over and over again. He wakes up happy and ready to play most days. He does not nap or even have a rest time anymore.

He is starting to require a little less of a routine. Mornings used to be 1. drink a yogurt shake it (yogurt smoothie) and 2. watch a show. Now it's 1. drink a yogurt shake it and 2. whatever he decides to do first that morning. Sometimes he doesn't even want his yogurt shake it.

He likes to sing in the car. His favorite song to sing? Photograph. Yes, Nickelback.

He is starting preschool/preK in the fall and we've spent the last week or so checking out schools. We plan to make the decision on where he will go by the end of next week. He is okay with possibly switching schools.

At least 10 times a day, I hear "Mommy?!" as if he needs something or something is wrong. I say "Yes?". He says "I love you."

We love you too little buddy.