Life as a Stanczak

Quotes from a feisty 2 1/2 year old

2011-07-31T18:55:00.001-07:00

Peyton's vocabulary is growing daily at this point. This can be seen as a good thing or a bad thing. I will say it's pretty fun to hear her figure out how words relate to each other.

Here are a few special lines from my little diva as of late.

(Please note, L's are pronounced as Ys. So Landon sounds like "Yandon" and R's are sometimes Ws. So Try sounds like "Twy")

"Mommy, you can't have any cake until you eat your dinner"

"Papa, you are too big to go in the pool with me, but you can watch"

"I can be a flower girl if I can eat candy all day, but not today"

"Mommy, I don't want you in my house today"

"I can go to bed in 5 more minutes so I can play some more, but not bed now"

"I will make some grilled cheese with you and it will be delicious" (deyishus)

"Mommy, Daddy has a big butt and you have a big butt. Landon has a small butt, and I have a small butt"

"Daddy, look at your son"

"Mommy, stop touching the buttons and put both hands on the wheel to drive. Be careful"

Singing is now a very big part of her day as well. Peyton sings along to the radio in the car, constantly and will demand that I change a song she doesn't like. A favorite of the moment is Adele "Rolling in the Deep".

What's even better is hearing her make up her own songs. This morning I heard a 5 minute rendition of "gonna go pee pee on the potty, pink shoes on, pink shoes off, let's play outside, no landon, no, you can't come in..." and other random phrases sung to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle".

My little character.

Checking In

2011-07-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hi, (sorry about the spacing, editing isn't accepting my changes when I save and publish???)

Remember Me?

I guess I'll just say it's kinda like exercise. When you do it everyday, it's habit. When you skip one day, it's easier to skip the next and the next.

Oh well. I will stop with the excuses and just continue with the update.

Here are some pictures of Peyton and Landon- aka Little Miss & Little Mr Personality

We've spent alot of time outdoors. Peyton is loving school. When I pick her up, she always says "Mommy, I so glad to see you. I had so much fun".

I swear she has the vocabulary of a 15 year old (and sometimes the temperment). It never ceases to amaze me how quickly she picks up on things. She loves to sing along to the radio in the car now and will tell me immediately if it's a song she doesn't like. She will tell me what "delicious" food she would like and which book is her favorite.

On the flip side, when angry, she will tell me that she doesn't like me (or Daddy, or Landon...), or that she doesnt want to listen because she doesn't like what I'm saying.

Yes Mom and Dad, I know Karma is a b*tch.

On to Landon. I now refer to him as the Bulldozer. He literally PLOWS through anything and everything. He is a walking, climbing, crashing machine. Along with his mobility has come more personality and more vocabulary. Juice, cracker, no (with a shaking head and finger), choo choo train, book, up (uppie), dog, bird and more are just a few of his favorite words.

He has a fun sense of humor that is emmerging. He will pretend to fall on his butt over and over while smiling and saying "whoa". He loves to get a rambling, running start (I swear he looks like a drunk old man. He defies gravity sometimes because it seems impossible that he's on his feet instead of his face) and growls as he comes to tackle me.

Needless to say, it's been alot of fun lately (and ALOT alot A L O T of work) I am tired and stressed quite a bit lately, but I try to remind myself that these days will be gone sooner than later.

Again, I will say I will try to do better at updating. I'll end this with some videos of my little wild animals.

Love and happy thoughts,

Jess

Here's Landon tackling couch pillows. He prefers being tossed onto them, but my arms got tired after about 400 throws.

Here's an afternoon at Nana and Papa's. This is the perferct scenario. Landon loves to push and shove anything and everything. Peyton (Cleopatra), would like to be carried or transported without lifting a finger.

Here's the peanut watching fireworks on the rooftop with us. I'd like to note that right before I filmed this I asked her if she liked the fireworks. She replied yes and then gave me the biggest, bored yawn I've ever seen.

Pardon my absence

2011-06-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

Days just go faster and faster and faster....
I'll just give an overview of the wonderful craziness of the last month, and then share pictures.
I wish I had the time to update as regularly as I used to, but it just amazes me how quickly the days go. With my 2 beautiful munchkins and their constant growth and change, and work, doing some marketing consulting on the side, Peyton's school, training for another marathon, and then the day-to-day of life, it seems like it's always 10pm.
So, where to start...
Landon is officially, truly walking. He had his first steps a while ago, but has taken his time in making walking his primary means of transportation- which was FINE with me. I've been dreading the days of 2 little ones running in opposite directions. I will say that it's nice that he doesn't need to be carried as much! He's getting heavy!
Peyton is mostly potty trained. We have had some relapses, but she is very proud of going on the potty.
I hope to catch more videos soon. Specifically of Peyton and Landon talking. Peyton loves to sing songs, tell stories (and make them up), and Landon is babbling and saying several new words.
Peyton loves to tell everyone what to do. We all know that she comes by this honestly. Who are we kidding? Mike and I are beyond bossy!
Landon is now saying Dada, Mama, Nana, Papa, boomp, gam, dog, chooch train, this, that, up, more, peyt (peyton), go, baaf (bath), and some others...
My days are full of constant noise!!!
A car ride now consists of the following...
Landon screaming and giggling.
Peyton asking me if we are there yet. how about now? are we there now? mommy are we there? now? are we there?............. again and again and again....
Landon babbling and throwing a toy at me or Peyton...
There isn't a dull moment around here.
I'll try to do better about keeping up, I promise!

Peyton, Landon and Aiden playing at Aiden's house

Peyton choosing a hat as a fashion statement

Our rooftop sand &water table (a gift from some of Landon's aunts and uncles for his first bday)

Peyton gardening at Nana & Papa's. She LOVES being outside and LOVES plants!

Landon enjoying the fresh air one morning

Updates and Easter 2011

2011-05-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

Time has gotten away from me.
Let's see.
We went to Marco Island for Easter. It was wonderful, and exhausting. Peyton was sick and then we each took a turn with it.
We are back and as of yesterday, Peyton has begun potty training. She is battling me quite a bit, but we will get there. We've had a few successes so far, it's just going to take some time.
I am attaching some of the first pics that Kiki sent from our trip. There are more to come and these are straight off the camera, not cropped yet.

Landon is 13 months old!

2011-04-18T17:29:00.001-07:00

Dear Landon, Today you are 13 months old! We are just pushing are way right into your second year. It's been a good month for you. We were able to get outside quite a few times. We took your first trip to the park and you rode the swings- which you LOVED!!

You also took your first steps this month. April 8th is the official date. I was so excited and then 10 seconds later I had a flash of fear. We are probably only weeks away from situations where you and your sister are sprinting in opposite directions while I try to figure out which way to go first.

For now you are content to take a step or two and then crawl after Peyton. You two are like two peas in a pod at times latey. You chase eachother and just giggle back and forth. There are the moments of annoyance, but you are truly best friends now.

You are also quite the musician now. You love to bang on anything like it's a drum and you now know how to play the recorder. You even figured out how to blow into a straw and make music.

I find reasons to laugh every day because of you and your sister- even on the days when I want to pull my hair out. You are both so beautiful, bright and sweet.

I love you with all of my heart, handsome>

Love Always and Forever,

Mama

Peyton is 2 1/2

2011-04-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Peyton,

Today you are 2 & 1/2 years old! It doesn't even seem right to use months anymore.
You truly are growing up before my eyes!

You are such a big girl now! You started school this month and are loving it. You are in bed sleeping as I write this, but you told me before bed that you were excited to go again tomorrow.
You know your teacher's name and when asked if you have friends at school, you say yes. When asked what their names are, you reply "kids"- which cracks Daddy and I up!

You are a funny little thing. You have a quick sense of humor and a knack for conversation.
You love to ask questions and challenge us, but you also like to tell stories and bring up things that you remember and had fun doing. I can't tell you how many times you have talked about Murry the Elf on the Shelf and Santa, or how often you talk about going to the beach because we will be going to Florida in a few weeks.

We celebrated Landon's first birthday this month. It seems like it should be your first birthday, but once again time is running right over us.

You are so great with Landon. You two play constantly these days- and usually enjoy eachother. I love seeing how sweet you can be. You have started to play mommy to some of your toys, too.

I'm excited for your check up this week. You seem to be so long and lean- doesn't help that you are on the pixie diet. You prefer sugary foods over all else. Don't get me wrong, you eat like a bird for 2 or 3 days and suddenly wake up the next morning and ask for hotdogs, mac and cheese, carrots, grilled cheese, bananas and anything else you can get your hands on!

I am so proud of you. You are such a joy (even when you want to argue over every details of something).
Thank you for being you, my Peanut.

I love you SO MUCH!

Love, Always and Forever,
Mommy

Peyton's First Day of School

2011-03-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Peyton started Montessori school today! She will be going 2 days a week from 9-12.

I was a little nervous and I know that sounds silly because it's not full-time, real-deal school, but this is my little girl and she is taking a baby-step out into the world.

She did such a great job! Mike and I both took her. She was hesitant to leave us, but Mrs. Henderson asked her to come and look at something and Peyton took her hand and walked away.

I got a little teary eyed!

I picked her up just before noon and she was worn out. She teared up a little when she saw me, but the Director and Mrs. Henderson said how great she did.

I even got a drawing from her!

I'm SO proud of you, Peyton!!

Landon's 1 year Stats

2011-03-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Landon had his 1 year check up on Tuesday.

We seem to live at the doctor. I had the kids there on Monday because Peyton had a really high fever- just a virus. Then the week before because Landon had a fever and was rubbing his ears. No ear infection, thank goodness, but I asked the nurses if we could just have our own designated room and call it the Stanczak Suite.

I digress...

Landon is 1 year old now.

He weighs 19lb, 12oz. He dropped to 10th% for weight, which surprised me because he eats like a high school boy. The doctor said it's simply because he's so active.

He shot up in height and is now 31inches- 85/90% for height.

Both of my kids are destined to be tall and slim. They'll probably be taller than me by kindergarten.

Landon is 1 year Old

2011-03-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Landon,

I know this is a little late, but it's been a bit hectic with getting set for your party.

You are officially 1 year! (Actually a year and 3 days).

You are such a good boy! I'm tempted to say baby, but you aren't one anymore- not really.

It's been a little sad working to get you off of bottles, but at the same time, watching you enjoy more "big boy meals" has been fun. The other day, you were being picky about the fruits and hotdog I put in front of you.

I had made myself a turkey sandwich and went to get a drink and came back to the table to find you had scooped it up. You ate the WHOLE thing!

You now officially have 6 teeth. I think we are on the verge of 2 more, but not sure when they will show up. You are also even closer to walking and now have some great big-boy walking shoes. You cruise around on all of the furniture and try your hardest to climb onto the couch.

To celebrate your actual birthday had a party for you at Kohl's Children's Museum on Saturday, and you had a blast.

Selfishly, it was really nice not to have a ton of cleaning up to do afterwards. We had a room for 1 1/2 hours, had pizza and visited with everyone. You had some cake and off we all went to play in the museum.

You got some amazing gifts and have enjoyed playing with all of them. It's fun to see how boy-ish you are now that you are getting into the toy trucks and trains.

You and Peyton are spending more and more time together now. It's such a treat to see you two bonding. I'm so proud of who you already are and who you are going to be.

Happy First Birthday Little Man!

You are on your way and Daddy and I are cheering you on with every step!

I love you more every minute.

Love, Always and Forever,

Mommy

Peyton's ABCs

2011-03-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Peyton is so shy about singing on camera but she let me record it tonight.
She's so stinkin' cute with her unruly hair!

Peyton is 29 Months Old

2011-03-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Peyton,

You are now 29 months old. Another busy month has gone by and you just continue to grow and change right before my eyes.

We've spent alot of time arguing this month because you love to ask "why"? now. And you ask it, and ask it, and ask it until either you are blue in the face, or I walk away. I know I'll laugh about it one day, but sometimes I catch myself saying "because I said so" and I cant believe I have become that parent.

Daddy and I have decided that you are going to go to a Montessori school 2 mornings a week. You are curious and smart and it's time to let you explore in more ways than I can give you with Landon here, too.

We visited the one you will go to and I was so proud to see you go right into the classroom and starting doing activities like the other kids- I got a little teary-eyed, too.

You can be so independent sometimes.

I don't have many pictures this month. I still don't have a camera, but that's not the reason. I simply find myself taking videos of you, because you are so animated.

Here's a great video from when we went bowling last weekend.

You LOVED it! You are such an adventurous little lady.

For as many frustrating moments as we've had this month, I will tell you that you've made me laugh thousands of times more. You make me so proud. You are so smart, beautiful and funnyl.

I hope you always know that I love you with all of my heart!

Love always and forever,

Mommy

Our Smart Little Cookie

2011-02-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a Sushi night.
Peyton definitely doesn't want anything to do with seafood (she is still such a picky little thing), but she was determined to use chopsticks.
Mike rigged them up and she went to work.
I don't think I've ever seen her so proud of herself!

Landon is 11 months old

2011-02-19T16:15:00.001-08:00

Dear Landon,

Yesterday you turned 11 months old! We are one month away from your first birthday already.
Another month has flown by and you are growing so quickly.
You are such a smiley little guy!

You're on the go now. Crawling up the stairs, cruising along the furniture. I figure that your first steps will be in the next week or two- definitely before you turn 1.

You are still such a snuggler. You love to be held, especially when you are teething, which has been the majority of the month. You now have 5 teeth and a 6th on the way.
You have no problem using those chompers. You eat EVERYTHING! It's a wonder to watch you. I can only imagine what it's going to be like when you are in high school!

You've spent quite a bit of time trying to play with Peyton. It doesn't always go well since she isn't the most patient girl these days, and you are not as big as she is, but you do have alot of fun moments where you two giggle like crazy and roll around on the floor with your toys. I hope you always lean on eachother and know what a good friend you have in one another.

Winters around here are not always easy. We've had alot of snow and swapped alot of colds between us, but you have been such a trooper. I have enjoyed every moment with you (maybe we could just start those moments a little later than 530 am).

This last picture is just because there is nothing better than baby butts. I know we've seen it before, but I can't pass up opportunities to embarrass you down the road.

I love you so much and can't imagine life without you in our family.

Happy 11 months my little boy!

Love,

Always and forever,

Mommy

Peyton is 28 Months Old

2011-02-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Peyton,

You are 28 months old today!

I can't believe how grown up you seem lately. You are so articulate! You are very creative and descriptive, too. You asked me to draw you a Christmas tree and decorate it with "pink ornaments, color it green, no not that green, dark green, now draw big lights and pretty circles". That's just one example.
You seem to get frustrated that you can't do more.
Your favorite thing to complain about lately is that you can't read- I'm serious!
"Oh no! I can't do it, I can't read". You wail this at least once a day and your Daddy and I try to hide our laughter.
In all seriousness, I do love that you are so excited about books. You are constantly asking to be read to and you sit down several times a day and pretend read aloud. You have a such a great memory. You get alot of the words right, especially the poetry books and Dr. Seuss books.
I don't have very many new pictures right now, so this one that Kiki took a while back will have to do. It is my favorite right now!

We've had some rough moments this past month. Both you and Landon have been sick, and I took my turn, too. You had a rough bout with hives. Not fun! Winter can be a pain with the germs that get passed around.

You had some pretty special things happen, too.

Boompa spent a weekend with you and Landon while Daddy and I went on a trip. I know he had fun spending time with you and you with him.

You also were asked to be a Flower Girl! I'm so excited to see you all dressed up this Summer at Aunt Sarah's wedding.

You LOVE your flower girl book and pretend to read it over and over again. Daddy and I have to read it to you at every nap and bedtime. Hopefully this will help you to be ready for the big day.

I am so proud of you and I feel so lucky to have you as my little girl. Even the rough days are wonderful!

I love you so much.

Love, always and forever,

Mommy

Landon's Big Interview

2011-02-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Landon's first big interview.

This was about a week ago, but again, I've been quite a bit under the weather, so I'm behind the times.

Peyton is going to be a Flower Girl!

2011-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

Sarah, one of my best friends since high school is getting married this August. She asked Gretchen and I to be bridesmaids and I am so excited.
This past weekend Sarah came by and asked Peyton if she would like to be the Flower Girl!!

I'm so excited- and nervous. Peyton won't be 3 yet at the time, but Sarah assured me that she will still be wonderful, even if she turns and runs the other way.

So when Aunt Sarah came by, she explained to Peyton that she is getting married, asked Peyton if she would be the flower girl and explained what she would be doing- including the princess dress.
Peyton said yes and Aunt Sarah gave her the cutest book. It's a little poetic story about a Flower Girl and how she gets ready for her big day. The last page has a little pouch of fake flower petals so she can practice. What a great idea!

We can't wait! Thank you, Sarah and Ryan. We are so honored. Peyton loves the book, too!

Landon's 10month Update

2011-01-25T17:12:00.000-08:00

I should have posted this last week, but between Peyton's hives and then my bout with the flu, I've been a little pre-occupied.

So....

at 10 months
Landon is now 28 3/4 inches long- 50% for height
19lb 4oz- get this only 18% for weight.

I was worried, but the doctor says he is a little ahead of the game with how mobile he is. He stands up and crawls, walks along the couch and tables (trying to keep up with his sis). Since he's so busy, he's just burning off everything he eats.
And he eats CONSTANTLY.
Just to break it down for you- breakfast today was a 6oz bottle of formula. A half hour later he had an entire packet of plain Quaker oatmeal. This was followed by an entire jar of baby bananas. He then snacked on puffs. I made Peyton an English muffin and she set it down- he scooped it up and started chomping on it. I broke it into pieces and he ate the WHOLE THING.
This was all within 1hour. So, needless to say, he's not going hungry!

HIVES

2011-01-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

My poor Peanut!
Peyton is getting over a cold and apparently this can cause hives. We went to the doc yesterday and they said this is common so look out moms. We are now giving her Zyrtec because Benadryl wasn't working. He says this will help but it will be a few days.
We were up quite a bit last night. She keeps asking what it is. I've never wanted to have hives so bad in my life!

Landon is 10 Months Old!

2011-01-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Landon,

Today you are 10 months old! Daddy and I are already starting to plan your birthday party. I can't believe it!

It's been another great month for you.
You celebrated your first Christmas and were spoiled by all of the fun toys and gifts.

You have spent alot of time with your grandparents, too. Sleepovers and Nana and Papa's and a stay with Boompa at our house while Daddy and I went away for the weekend.

You've hit alot of milestones this month as well.
We had to lower your bed finally because I looked at the monitor one day and saw you standing and looking over the side. You army crawl around everything and pull yourself to a stand on anything you can get your hands on!

You got your first haircut- courtesy of Daddy. You are rockin it in your picture with Bailey up above. So cute, though I think it went a little short. You were just looking a little too much like Donald Trump so we had to do something.
You are an eating machine! I made some pizza rolls for Peyton the other day and while I was holding you and trying to convince her that she should try them, you snatched one up and gobbled it right down- followed by 2 more.

You will eat anything you can get your hands on. It's pretty fun to watch.
We went to lunch with Papa today and you managed to eat more of Peyton's mac and cheese than she did. This was done while you ate puffs, veggie straws, some fruit and a few french fries.
It's gotten a little tricky to feed you sometimes because you like to motorboat your food. This results in a splattering of whatever is on the menu that covers you, me and anything within a 5 foot radius. I can't be mad, though, because it's actually pretty funny. I'm thinking of wearing a poncho from now on.
Your doctor appt got moved to Thursday so I am anxious to see what your height and weight are. I swear you weigh as much as Peyton. We'll see.

You are still such a smiley little boy. You've had some fussy days when you've been sick or teething, but over all, you just jabber and smile your way through each day. You say Mama, Dada, Baba, Nana, and what several other sounds. We got a few waves this month, too.

It's a new year, and I am looking forward to seeing what it will bring for you and your sis. You have so much of the world to explore. I can't wait to watch you discover it.

I love you more every day!

Love,

Always and Forever,

Mommy

Giggles

2011-01-11T18:37:00.001-08:00

Peyton and Landon spend more and more time interacting and playing together. I LOVE IT!
Landon thinks Peyton is the GREATEST, FUNNIEST thing in the world.

Peyton is 27 Months Old

2011-01-03T14:14:00.001-08:00

Dear Peyton,

You are 27 Months old!! 27 is a good number. It happens to be both your Daddy's and my lucky number.
This month was a great one for so many reasons. We spent alot of time getting ready for Christmas and running to different stores and visiting people.
We went to the Mall with Nana and took a ride on a really cool train. Nana and Papa took you when you slept over at their house one night, but I was happy I got to go and ride it with you one day, too.

You had a few sleep overs this month. You stayed with Nana and Papa for a sleepover one night, and Gamma and Boompa came for a sleepover at our house when Daddy and I went to his work holiday party.
You ate alot of extra goodies this month, but I'm sure there were even more on those special nights.
You got to see some real reindeer, too. Papa ran to the store one day and called us to say that there were reindeer there. You loved petting Vixen and Poinsetta

We sang a ton of Christmas Carols. You LOVE to sing! You know all the words to Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is coming to Town, and Silent Night, and at least some of the words to several other ones.
Nana and Papa took you to look at Christmas Lights in Vernon Hills at the Cuneo Museum and you initiated caroling during the ride.

Santa was a pretty big hit for you, too. You weren't sure you cared for him when we went to see him, but then when he came to Daddy's office one afternoon, we went to visit and you were much happier to see him. You kept showing him your pizza and cookie.

We celebrated Christmas with alot of running around and you were a pretty good sport about it, though I know you and Landon both were pretty tired by the end of Christmas Day.

You both were spoiled by everyone and we are still trying to find places for all of your new toys! Your favorites are definitely the Play Doh and the legos.

You are such an amazing little thing! I just can't beleive how quickly you are growing.

(The picture below is a favorite of mine right now. You came down the stairs and had taken off all of your clothes except your onesie, and found your Galoshes. You even managed to put them on the right way and you were SO PROUD of yourself)

Thank you for another Amazing month!

I love you with all of my heart.

Love, Always and Forever,

Mommy

Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T17:15:00.001-08:00

We had a whirlwind Christmas this year, but it was wonderful!
Christmas Eve we headed to Mike's cousin Tom and his wife Stacey's house. Santa made a stop at the party to deliver gifts and we all spent time watching Peyton, Landon and their triplet cousins, Ethan, Cole and Liam play together.

Now, keep up here...

Peyton woke us up on Christmas morning and we opened Santa's gifts and our presents to eachother. She did understand Santa Claus and seemed pretty excited about her gifts.

At 830 we headed to Dave and Laura's for breakfast with Dad, Donna and the twins. The kids all had a great time playing together and opening their gifts. Donna, Laura and I had on our matching PJs (my mom and Gretch have them as well), and the kids had coordinating pjs as well. I got this idea from the DiMaria's years ago and I do it every year for my family now!

Next we headed back to our house and Nana, Papa and Aunt Gigi came over to spend the afternoon.

We opened gifts and watched the kids play with everything. We ate and were lazy for a bit. It was wonderful.

Of course you spend money on nice gifts and the kids love the bags and boxes more than the toys!

I put this pic of my Dad opening gifts at their house on Christmas morning because the only pics I have of him at our house are either blurry, or of him snoozing on my couch. I figured you'd rather I didn't post those pics, Daddy :)

Late in the afternoon, we got dressed (Finally I'm in a pic that I think looks okay!), and headed to Mike's Uncle Bill and Aunt Jan's. We visited with all of his cousins and Aunts and Uncles on his Dad's side and spent some more time with Dad and Donna before they headed to Marco the next day.

Peyton and Landon were ABSOLUTELY spoiled, and so were we. I hope everyone's Christmas was as wonderful as ours!

Landon is 9 Months Old

2010-12-18T17:04:00.001-08:00

Dear Landon,

You are 9 months old today! We've had some fun new experiences this past month.

We celebrated you first Thanksgiving. You loved munching on some of the sweet potatoes and even the turkey. I don't have pictures of that day because your sis broke my camera, but I'll get some from your grandparents soon.

You got one of your top teeth last week and your working on another one as we speak. I feel bad because you've had a rough time with them and your little mouth has been sore, but your smile is so cute!

You are talking now, too!
Your first word was Dada. A few days later came Mama. We have even heard Nana and Papa. We're working on Boompa so maybe we can say that for your Grandpa for Christmas.

You are pulling yourself up on things now, too. You don't get to your feet, but you pull all the way up to your knees and you are so proud when you do. You scream and squeal each time. It's so fun to watch.

You spent time playing with some new friends this month, too. You had met Simon before. He and Aunt Valerie came for a playdate with Aunt Lindsey and Ethan but it had been a while.
This time Aunt Stephanie, Denny and his new little brother Jackson came, too.
The 3 of you rolled around and screeched on the floor for quite a while.

We are getting ready for your first Christmas next week and I can't wait. You absolutely love the Christmas tree. You stare at the lights endlessly and you love to crawl under it and grab onto some of the presents that are under there already.

You have unwrapped a few of them, but it was too cute while you were doing it for me to be upset by it.

Looking back over the past few months, I'm in awe of how quickly you are changing.

You are so good natured and so quick to smile and giggle. You LOVE to eat and you enjoy feeding yourself lots of snacks. You move like lighting with your little army crawl and grip onto anything you can.

Watching how much more you and Peyton are interacting now is amazing. Daddy and I love to watch you giggle at eachother and even play together sometimes. You follow her around and crawl over her. She grabs you and hugs you. You pull toys back and forth. I know you will fight like siblings do, but I'm so happy to know that you will grow up always having a playmate.

I can't wait to see what the next month brings. Thank you for every moment I've had with you!

I love you so much.

Love, Always and Forever,

Mama

Just because he's so cute

2010-12-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

How cute is my little boy?!

He's been saying Dada for several days now, but of course I can't catch him on video. Here's a cute video anyways...

Peyton IS 26 MONTHS

2010-12-04T16:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Peyton,

My little girl... where to begin? I don't even have pictures for this month, it has been such a blur!
We've been on the go non-stop! We visited Santa and got your picture taken. You were very excited on our way there, but once it was our turn, you were less than thrilled. Somehow the picture was timed just so that your grimace looked a little like a smile.
We also celebrated Thanksgiving with your grandparents and aunts and uncle. You got to meet your adorable twin cousins that night as well.
You are still a picky eater so your Thanksgiving feast consisted of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes with marshmallows.
You surprised me last week when you asked for chicken nuggets- and ate 8 of them! I was speechless.
We are now getting ready for the holidays and it is so fun to see you excited about it all. We have adopted our Elf on the Shelf and you've named him Murray (I assume because he is dressed in red like Murray the red Wiggle). Your Daddy and I love hearing you talk about Santa Claus and all of the Play Doh that you want (yes, all you have asked for is play doh).
Every morning you come running down the stairs to see where Murray is hiding for the
day.
We've put up our tree and the lights outside. I felt like a little girl all over again when you saw the tree lit up for the first time. It's so magical to see everything you are experiencing and how you react to it.
You try to explain how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Sometimes the frustration registers on your face. You speak so well, but there are some things you haven't quite figured out yet, or you can't grab the words right when you need them.
I love everything you say, though. You amaze me with some of the sentences you put together- or when you use sarcasm in the right way. You bowed to me the other day, smiled a wicked little smile, laughed and said "thank you oh so very much, thank you"
You sing tons of songs- these days they are mostly Christmas songs, and I love the personal flair you put on each of them.
I would, however, like to erase the word "No" from your vocabulary. You are definitely a 2 year old. The temper tantrums haven't gone away, but I think you are starting to get the idea that they don't get you what you want. We still have a ways to go, though.
I'll end this month by sharing the day we had today. We got our first snow!
Landon was at Nana and Papa's house last night for a sleepover so this morning your Daddy and I took you SLEDDING.
You LOVED IT!
You squealed and giggled and ran up the hill again and again. You threw snowballs and ate snow and enjoyed every second of it- and so did we.
I may not have pictures, but Daddy did get a little video of you taking on the hill.

I love you my little Snow Bunny!

Love Always and Forever,

Mommy

Pictures

2010-11-23T17:24:00.000-08:00

Jess Campbell came by a few weeks ago to shoot some family photos for us.
Peyton is now 2 and Landon has passed the 6 month mark, so we really wanted some new pics.
There are SO many cute pics, here are just a few.
Thanks Jess!

CONGRATULATIONS to the Rojas Family

2010-11-23T17:22:00.000-08:00

Rocky, Jill and Jacob welcomed their newest family member yesterday, 11/22/2010.

Emerson Marie Rojas
Born 10:11am
7lb
19 inches

We can't wait to meet her! Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS Sarah and Ryan

2010-11-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

Sarah and Ryan got engaged last weekend!!
Congratulations you two! We are so excited for you!

Landon is 8 Months Old

2010-11-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Landon,

My little boy, you are 8 months old tomorrow!
This past month we celebrated your first Halloween. You were the cutest caterpillar I've ever seen! You'll probably hate me for that costume when you are 15, but oh well. Sue me, I'm your mom and I get to call the shots for at least the next 18 years.

You've been sleeping alot better, but we still aren't where I'd like to be. You just seem to be so hungry, no matter how much you eat each day, or with a rice-cereal bottle at night. That's okay though, because you are just the sweetest boy!

Everywhere we go- the store, the doctor, the daycare at the gym...- everyone comments on how happy you are and how easy going you are! It makes me so proud, but that's not what matters. I just love you so much and enjoy every moment I've had with you so far!

You are also starting to get more mobile. You army crawl at a pretty good pace and you love to stand and hold on to anything and everything and look at the world around you. You bob your chubby little legs and squeal with delight. It makes Daddy and I laugh every time!

You eat your baby foods and veggies in your chair and have even started to eat baby puffs. I am starting to get an idea of what you will be like as a teenage boy- a bottomless pit!

It's been another whirlwind of a month and you have been changing and growing so much.

With the holidays right around the corner, Daddy and I are looking forward to seeing them through your eyes.

Thank You for another wonderful month!

I love you more every day!

Love, always and forever,

Mommy

Landon joins the Army (Mobile Division)

2010-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Look at this happy boy!

I hope you can see these videos.

Landon is Army crawling now- how fitting that I just happened to have him in his camo pants today.

And, I didn't even plan this, but he has started to figure out how to maneuver his way around in his walker- which is, get this, A JEEP!

I feel very clever for some reason...

Peyton is 25 months old

2010-11-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Peyton,

You are fully into your 3rd year of life now- 25 months!
It's been a great month (minus some world class temper tantrums).
We celebrated your birthday on the 3rd and then again on the 9th with an official party... a Wiggles Party!

Everyone dressed like the Wiggles and you loved it!

You are such an independant and creative thinker now. On our walk the other day you told me "look Mommy, the train is big, biiiggggg. It's bigger. It's huge!"
I couldn't believe you could figure out how those words relate and describe something.

After a few consecutive 3am wake-ups that ended in a slumber party in our bed, and a few days of constact tantrums, we started a reward system, and you are rockin' it! You know that you get a sticker when you stay in your bed all night, or when you do something good, and after you get a sticker in every box on your "special page", you get a big treat. Each night at bedtime you now tell us that you get a sticker in the morning for being a good girl!

Your timeouts have gotten tougher and we don't bend an inch on them. 2 minutes in your timeout spot no ifs, ands or buts. You spend your 2 minutes crying and yelling "I wanna be a nice girl (giwl)".

And you truly show your independant thinking lately. Tonight while drawing, you told daddy that green was mommy's favorite color, and blue was daddy's. Daddy then asked you what your favorite color was and you said "oh, it's purple" and handed him the purple crayon.

You are still very much the tortured artist. You draw something and get frustrated that it doesn't look quite right.
You've also taken up photography. Thank God we don't have really expensive cameras. You take pictures of EVERYTHING and EVERYONE! You even know how to set the camera to record and you've figured out how to zoom.

One of my favorite moments of the month was having Kiki in town and getting a few beautiful shots of you and Landon. She's always so willing to take time to photograph you guys.
This weekend Jess Campbell is going to come and take more pictures of you. I can't wait! I love seeing pictures of you, and I'm not gonna lie, I love seeing you sit still.

One of the other high points of the month- for all of us- was Halloween.
You had so much fun celebrating with your friends and then actually trick-or-treating on the big day.

Once you figured out that you got candy at each house, all signs of shyness were gone.
You'd run up to the door, knock, and shout "Trick or Treat" (tick or tweet)
and say thank you.

The night ended with you in a zombie-like state from a sugar-induced coma, but it was a great day!

The holidays are just around the corner and I am so excited for you to experience them this year with your growing level of awareness of everything around you.

You are just amazing!
I love you so much!
Love, always and forever,
Mommy

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T17:55:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween weekend.
Saturday night we headed to the Gormsen's for some Halloween fun. There are some cute pics of all the kids below (minus Ella, who was sick). We all need a hobby. We've got too many kids!
On Halloween, Nana, Papa and Aunt Gigi came over to trick-or-treat with us.
Peyton LOVED getting the candy- and eating it.
2 cute notes for the weekend.
Landon is kindof talking. I swear he's saying Papa, but it's not for certain yet.
The other cute thing is this... On the way home from the Gormsen's I asked Peyton if she had fun and she said yes. Then I asked her who her best friend is and she said Daddy.
Awww

Top Weekly Phrases from a 2 Year Old

2010-10-26T19:19:00.001-07:00

Peyton has a way with words AND a mind of her own...

1. "Settle down!" - said to me when I wanted to change her diaper
2. "Wanna go home!!" - said while throwing a temper tantrum IN OUR FAMILY ROOM
3. "Don't want to nap. K, Fine, but blankie, too" - said as she stomped up the stairs for nap time.
4. "Uh oh, you have poopies Mommy?" - said after she saw a coffee stain on the FRONT of my leg.
and I love
"I SORRY (sowwy), WANNA BE A NICE GIRL"- Screamed and yelled during entire 2 minute period of EACH time-out

Didier Farms with Papa and Aunt Gigi

2010-10-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Peyton, Landon and I went to Didier Farm in Lincolnshire on Friday and Papa and Aunt Gigi came out to meet us.
Landon took in the sights while Peyton had the time of her life!
Peyton took a pony ride,

saw bunnies, pigs, and camels, not to mention a tent full of different lizards and snakes (in cages, or course)
She got to feed goats and sheep, too.
But, the BEST part of the day was when Peyton got to pet a baby tiger!
We went to see two Ligers (yup, just like Napoleon Dynamite- a Lion/Tiger), a Lion, a Black Bear and a Baby Tiger!

I know, maybe it was kindof a strange decision, but Gretch, my mom and I held baby tigers in Cancun one year. They were hyper, but not strong enough to hurt anyone.
We made a donation towards the proper care for the animals and then Papa and Peyton went in to see the baby. This little girl is 8 weeks old. Her 14 month old brother was in another section and he was HUUUUGGGGEEE!

Landon is 7 months old!

2010-10-17T17:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Landon,

It's been another month already- and a busy one at that.

Unfortunately, you've been sick alot this month. We seem to be passing a cold back and forth.

I've felt so bad seeing you with your little runny nose and watery eyes, yet you still smile constantly through it. You are such a snuggler, especially when you don't feel well.

Even with our colds, you've had some exciting changes this month.

Most importantly, you slept ALL night. Not a 6-8 hour stretch- a good 10 hour night!

Wooo hoo! Mommy and Daddy were thrilled! Thank You!

Another really exciting development has been teeth! You got your first, and second tooth this month. Your little smile now has two little shiny white teeth in it. I don't know how it's possible, but you managed to get even cuter!

You also hold your bottle now- well, sometimes. I think you still prefer to have me do it, but we are making strides in the right direction. Peyton has actually asked to feed you several times. She doesn't last very long because she gets bored, but it's pretty cute to see you two bonding.

I know you will have your moments, but I can also see the friendship that you two will have. You are so lucky that you will have a playmate so close in age as you grow.

You are such a playful, sweet little boy. I think we are getting pretty close to your first word. So many different sounds and squeaks, but nothing concrete yet. My bet's on "Dada", but we'll see.

You are so close to sitting up on your own. You balance there for a good 20-30 seconds, but you can't really hold it with a sitting posture. You tend to slouch forward and then fall to the side. It's only a matter of time, though.

I am so proud of you! My little boy is changing so fast. Your little personality is shining through and I love watching you experience the world around you.

You are my heart, and I love you more than you will ever know.

Love, always and forever,

Mommy

Peyton's 2 year stats

2010-10-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

Peyton had her 2 year check up and she was a trooper- shots, finger-prick and all.

She is now 22lbs, 4oz- which is only 10% for weight, but the doc told us not to be worried. She's very healthy and it's normal for them to drop in percentage for weight at this age.
Peyton is now 33 inches tall (2 feet, 9 inches) which is about 50th for height. This isn't completely accurate though, because she stood up for the first time to be measured so the nurse says to consider another 1/2 or so based on posture.
Her head is 47.5 cm which is 50th
Our big girl is growing and doing great!

PEYTON IS 2 YEARS OLD!!

2010-10-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY You Beautiful Girl!

Dear Peyton,

You are 2 years old today! It's not even possible that I am writing this. How can you be 2 already?

You are such a big girl! We have conversations now. Actual talks- maybe not long ones, but talks none the less.

You ask questions and answer them. You sing songs and I can actually understand the words.

"I Love You, You Love Me", most of the ABC's, "Jingle Bells" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" have been sung over and over- and just today you started "Happy Birthday".

You recognize certain letters- most of the letters in your name. You'll see them in another word and say "P like Peyton" or "Look Mommy O". The other day when Gramma started to write Landon's name, you saw the L and said, "that's Landon's" (it still sounds mostly like "Yanyon", but we know what you mean.

You love to be outside! We have been taking alot of walks, and you WALK. It is a huge battle to get you into the stroller. We walk all around the neighborhood and look at bugs and flowers. We watch the trains come and go. I hope you won't mind being dressed like an Eskimo once Winter gets here, because I know I won't be able to keep you indoors.

We had a bit of a rough month since we were all sick. You wanted to be near me alot, which, I confess, I LOVED!!

Daddy was out of town last week and you wouldn't nap unless you were on the couch by me, or in my bed with me napping, too.

You haven't slept in our bed in over a year! It was nice to snuggle with you. I just felt so bad that you and Landon were sick.

I look at you and I am just amazed at how big you have gotten! I got teary eyed looking for pictures to post when I looked back at your one month pictures.

God, you were so tiny!

It has been a joy to watch you grow and change over these last 2 years! You have changed Daddy and I in the best ways possible. You have made us a family! We live for you and your brother. Even the bad days (and temper tantrums) are looked back on with laughter now.

I wish I could scoop up the past to years and do them again (maybe not EVERY day, but alot of them).

I wouldn't change a thing about you and I hope you always know how much you are loved.

You are my heart!

I love you, Peyton.

Happy Birthday!

Mommy

The Morning From HELL

2010-10-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

I couldn't even write it until now, because it took me that long to find humor in it, but let me tell you about my Wednesday morning.
I think I should just number the wonderful (sarcasm) moments in the order they occured...
1. Peyton, Landon and I have all been really sick this week.
2. Mike was in Atlanta until Thursday evening.
3. Landon woke up at 2am and then 4am.
4. Peyton woke up from Landon's noise at 4am- got her back to sleep for a bit.
5. Landon got up for the day at 5!!!!
6. Landon, Peyton and I all have a fever and it's 6am.
7. Peyton wants eggs for breakfast so of course we have NO eggs- tantrum ensues.
8. After texting 3 neighbors, my amazing neighbor Susie supplies me with 2 eggs.
9. Before I even start to make the eggs one falls and smashes on the floor.
10. Tantrum ensues.
11. As Peyton is eating, she asks for shredded cheese on her eggs and I realize that the smell I am noticing is not eggs, it's Landon's STINKY diaper.
12. Landon has the BIGGEST blowout ever!!!- I had to throw out the pajamas and scrub his bumbo chair.
13. While I am changing him, I turn and notice that Peyton has dumped ALL of the shredded cheese onto the floor. It's EVERYWHERE- which doesn't make her happy. NOOO, she is screaming "Mess, ohhhhh messsss!"
14. I turn back in time to get peed on by Landon. This hasn't happened in months. I have pee in my hair, on my shirt and the wall behind me.
AND IT'S NOT EVEN 7AM YET.

Timmy the Tooth

2010-09-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

In case you don't know, that's a weak attempt at humor (you know the Gangster, Timmy the Tooth)?
Anywhoo, now that I have your attention...
Landon has his first tooth!!!
Yay Bubbas!!
It's his bottom left one. He'll be eating steak before we know it- and he wants to, I can tell!
He now weighs 17lb, 1oz and is 26.5 inches long. Just under 50th for weight and just over for height.
(By the way, as I write this, Hester just had a KILLER punt return for a touchdown!!)
Okay, Landon will hopefully appreciate that I'm a true football fan.
I know I rarely update right now, but Mike is traveling A LOT so I am on duty from 6am, til 10:30pm when I give Landon a rice-cereal bottle. He'll still probably wake up at 4 for another one-this kid loves food- and then 6 again. When they nap- if Peyton naps (yes, she skips sometimes now), then I work. Not complaining, just explaining my lack of blogs.
I miss everyone and their beautiful kids! You wouldn't want us around right now anyways. We all have a cough and now I have a true cold.
If you feel like cheering me up while I'm sick, I would love Halloween costumes suggestions for my little munchkins, and I'd love to hear what any other little ones are going as!

Our playdate with the Knights and Kelleys

2010-09-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

We had a playdate on Tuesday with Valerie and her little boy, Simon and Lindsey and her little boy, Ethan.

Lindsey and Ethan were in town from Dallas.

It was fun to have a playdate with my girlfriends from growing up- and strange since it was really the first time we were together with our kids.

We were missing Corrine and Noah and Shauna and Leah. Hopefully they can be there next time around!

Peyton and the Wiggles

2010-09-18T18:08:00.001-07:00

Papa just emailed me some pictures from the past few months and there were some great ones of the Wiggles concert that Peyton went to with Daddy, Papa and Nana.
She LOVED it! She danced and sang and came home with a great TShirt, spinning light, coloring book and an even bigger obsession with the Wiggles. I hear them in my sleep!

Landon Christopher is 6 months old today!

2010-09-18T17:41:00.001-07:00

Dear Landon,

6 Months ago, today, you came into this world!

It has been so amazing to watch you grow and change!
I can't believe that you are already eating baby foods and working on sitting up on your own! It doesn't seem possible.

You've had a great Summer and now we are heading into the Fall.
I am constantly amazed at how smiley you are. You barrel roll your way across the room and back, smiling and giggling the whole way. People always comment on how sweet you are. You rarely fuss, except when hungry or tired.

You did have some fussy days this month, which I'll chalk up to more growing because LET ME TELL YOU, you are big boy! You and your sister (who will be 2 in 2 weeks) wear the SAME SIZE DIAPER!
You are such a cutie. Chubby little legs and cheeks.
I will be ready for you to sleep 10-12 hours, but other than that, I have absolutely no complaints about you. I really just can't get enough of you if you must know. I just want to hug and squeeze you all day.

I feel like you are about to turn a corner and become a little boy. I'm so excited for you, but I don't want it to happen yet! You make so many noises now that I know your first word is on it's way and I feel like the changes will just snowball from there.
We'll go for your check-up on Thursday so I can't wait to see how big you are, but I'll give you a low down on this month.
* You now know how to eat baby food well.
*Peaches and bananas are your favorite so far
*You like sweet potatoes, but not peas- at least not yet
*You now ride in the stroller without your infant carrier- and LOVE looking around!
*You can literally get all the way across the room by rolling.
*You love your exersaucer and standing up to lean on anything
*Giggling is a major part of your day and so is babbling and screeching
*Your eyes still look green to me, but your hair is lightening to a dark-blond color

I love you with all of my heart! Sometimes I think it hurts how much I love you and your sister.
You are just amazing!

Happy 6 months my little man.
Love,
Always and Forever,
Mommy

Peyton is 23 Months Old!

2010-09-03T19:19:00.001-07:00

Dear Peyton,

I almost can’t believe I am writing this. Writing this means I am 1 month away from your second birthday!

You have had another fun, fast-moving month. I can no longer say you are learning new words. I feel like they are just multiplying daily.

You say things to me like “Mama, go outside, draw chalk, take Landon and walk” or “Mama, need pen and paper, draw Dada and animals” or “Mama, come see me. Sit down and read books with me”.

Of course, you don’t say it exactly right, but it is understandable, and music to my ears. You spent 2 nights this month with Nana and Papa while Daddy was out of town and I was sleep training Landon. Not only did you have a blast, but you came home in a tutu that Nana had bought you and told me you were a ballerina (bawawrina) and then twirled for me!

I nearly cried!

You also may have had the highlight of your year this month. Daddy, Nana and Papa took you to the Wiggles concert! Boompa got tickets for you, but couldn’t attend. Nana and Papa bought you shirts and lights and cutouts and you danced and sang through the whole show. We now know that your second bday will be celebrated Wiggles style.

Your temper tantrums are incredible! You are so fiesty and DO NOT WANT TO HEAR NO! I tend to give in when we are out- so we don’t create a scene, but Daddy and I are used to hearing you scream “noooo” “nooooo waaaayyy” and throw yourself on the ground. You don’t like it, but we let you fuss and moan it out. You have to learn that this isn’t how the world works when you want something.

You can be SO sweet and gentle, too. You climb on my lap sometimes and give me kisses on each cheek and on my forehead and then a big hug- out of no-where. You don’t know it now, but it brings tears to my eyes. Watching you laugh and try to make Landon laugh, or hug him does the same to me. This week we were on a walk and Landon was in the stroller. You found a big leaf on the ground and brought it over to Landon to show him. “Yook Lanyon” “Niiiccce, howwd it de weeaf. Good boy”, you said.

You easily count to 10 and are trying to learn your ABCs. You ask me to “draw Dada, or any other family member, and now you say “Mama, draw A. Draw B. Draw C. You get up to F and then skip to “Dubbyvee, x, whyyy, z” with a few random letters in the middle.

God, I am so proud of you and love you sooo much! I know I don’t have many pictures lately, and I will try to make up with a collage, soon. It’s just been hard.

Here are my favorites of the month, though.

Peyton, the Diva

Peyton and Gramma at the Zoo

Peyton and Papa at the Wiggles concert- IPhone pic, not so clear, but SO CUTE- nice hat Papa!

Peyton at the Wiggles concert ready to party! I was in Dallas and Daddy said you woke up at 530 because you were excited. He went into your room and you said “Dada, Wiggles?”!

You are so beautiful and smart! I love you, Baby.

Happy 23 months,

Love Always and Forever,

Mama

Peyton and the Wiggles

2010-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

While I was in Dallas this past weekend, Mike, Nana and Papa took Peyton to see the Wiggles at the Rosemont Theatre.

Peyton is OBSESSED with the Wiggles. She loves to dance and sing to all of their songs.

As soon as I have pics from everyone, I will upload them, but she loved it!!

She sang and danced and squealed. She now carries around her Wiggles flashlight and has insisted on watching them even more often.

Since I don't have any pics of the show yet, I'll just add this pic I took of her on a walk with me the other day. I bought her this cute doggie in a purse and she carries it everywhere. Doesn't she look like a little Celebutante?

Trip to Dallas

2010-09-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

I got to visit Lindsey, Greg and Ethan in Dallas this past weekend. We had a great visit and Ethan is ABSOLUTELY adorable!

I've really missed Lindsey, but it was great to see where they live. They have a beautiful house in a really cute, friendly neighborhood.

Here is the new family.

Landon's 5 month stats

2010-08-19T17:39:00.000-07:00

Landon had his 5 month check up today.
He is doing great!
He weighted in at 15lb, 11oz which puts him at 50% for weight
He's now 26 inches long which is just past 50% for height
He's happy and healthy and the nurses were oohing and aahhing over him because he was all smiley.
That's my boy!

Clocks

2010-08-17T18:19:00.001-07:00

Peyton loves clocks. Ever since Boompa showed her how he winds his Grandfather clock, she has loved to point out every clock she sees.
Right now we have a clock on our wall that needs to be wound. I was able to video Peyton explaining to me- in mixed jibberish and English- that she wants it wound by Daddy today.

Landon is 5 Months old!

2010-08-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Landon,

You are 5 months old already!! Every day you look more and more like a little boy, and less like my little baby.

We'll find out this week, but I swear you weigh more than your sister! Daddy has started to call you "Meatball". It's not all chunk, either. You are a STRONG little guy. You prefer standing to anything else and you now pull yourself up to stand by using my hands. I can tell that you will be sitting up on your own shortly.

You look so much like your Daddy! I just laugh out loud sometimes because you'll make a facial expression that is truly him.

This month you started cereal. I have to say, you don't like it as much as I thought you would- seeing as you LOVE to eat. I don't really blame you though. The stuff tastes terrible!

You laugh and giggle constantly! I hear so many comments on how happy you are. You are such a joy! I added a giggle video at the bottom to show.

The one thing we need to discuss, my dear, is sleep. For a while there, you were waking every 2 hours at night. Uggghhh! Daddy and I had to let you cry it out for a few nights and you are back down to once a night. That's fine, but I think we can do better. I know you like to eat, but maybe we can work on going until 6am? Think about it, okay?

Oh, and kind of Mommy would I be if I couldn't embarrass you a little bit? Just today, you had the BIGGEST diaper blowout EVER! You are definitely a man! I literally had to cut you out of your clothes as if we were in the trauma unit at the ER. It took about 20 minutes to clean everything up. I know one day you will thank me for documenting that moment (sarcasm).

My little boy, I LOVE you so, so much. You are my heart! I feel so blessed to be a mom and have such beautiful, sweet children.

Happy 5 months, Buddy.

I love you.

Always and Forever,

Mommy

Operation Cry-It-Out

2010-08-10T07:40:00.000-07:00

The past 2 weeks have been a bit rough with Landon's sleeping habits. He has been getting up several times a night.
We try to feed him and he falls right back asleep, so we know he isn't hungry and he refuses to take a binkie- believe me, we've tried.
Sunday night he was up 4 times and then up for the day at 6! That was the deal breaker.
Mike and I have no problem with letting him cry it out, but we were concerned with how it would affect Peyton. Thankfully, my WONDERFUL mom and dad let Peyton sleep over last night so we could kick off the crying campaign.
It WORKED! Landon woke at 11 and cried for about 45 minutes, and fell back asleep.
He then woke at 130 and cried for 15 and fell back asleep. Progress!
I fed him at 430 when he woke because he goes to sleep so early- he is DONE for the day by 9 pm no matter what we do, so I figured 7 hours was good.
I know we still have a few more days of this, but I feel like we are on the right path and even knowing that he is capable of soothing himself back to sleep makes me feel like the end of these all night parties is in sight.
Whew! I miss sleep!

Peyton is 22 Months Old

2010-08-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Peyton,

Today you are 22 Months Old!

You are becoming so independant!

Today I took you and Landon to the gym with me for the first time and you played in daycare all by yourself! You were so brave! When I came back, you were watching tv and running around with the other kids. You only cried when you bumped yourself in the head with a toy block.

Right now, as I type this, I am watching the monitor as you nap. You look nothing like the tiny baby I used to see on the screen.

You look like a little girl, hugging your blanket and sleeping soundly.

You certainly talk like a little girl now!

In fact, sometimes I can't get you to shut up!! We took a family walk yesterday and you TALKED and TALKED and TALKED.

It went something like...

"look, look, the birdie. birdie flies away. oohhh bee, bzzzz bee bzz bzzz. doggie, doggie, look look. go to playground, slide. go slide and slide. swing. yay. go swing. mama go swing, dada go swing. baby swing. slide. ohhh birdie. a moo, a meow meow. watch wiggies, a birdie nap, jeff nap, and anthony, and murry, and sam"

It's like you want to recap everything from your day and everything you are about to do.

Of course, some of the words aren't fully pronounced.

look= yook.

slide=side

swing= sing

birdie= buwdee

meow= maoww

anthony= ayee

murry= muwwee

But you get the idea.

Your Daddy and I just cracked up listening to you go!

It's been a busy month, full of swimming and trips to the park, play dates and walks.

I hope you'll be okay with Winter when it comes and you have to be inside more.

This month I've watched you put your shoes on and even sit down and play a game with Aiden. And I mean it- you two sat still and played with dice for 10 minutes!!

Now, let me be mushy for a minute.

My little girl. You just get more beautiful and more intelligent everyday and I am just in awe of you. It's like watching a flower grow and bloom. There are so many pieces to your puzzle. You are fiesty, creative and funny. You are sweet and generous- and stubborn when you want to be.

I know we will have our hands full when you are a teenager and don't want to listen to us, but I promise to love you, even then, because I love you so much already that I can hardly stand it.

Thank you for every moment of every day!!

I love you.

Love,

Always and forever,

Mama

p.s.

here's a cute video of you spotting a bug in the house while you were trying to have lunch the other day.

Random Updates

2010-07-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

I just can't get myself enough time to update this more often.

Just some fun things from the past week...

Landon found his feet! Yay!!!

They are now his favorite toys.

He also started eating cereal and I have to say, for as much as he likes his bottles, this kid HATES cereal so far. I think the baby foods will be a bigger hit when the time comes, though.

Peyton figured out how to put on her own shoes. She spends alot of time each day taking them off and putting them back on and I have to say, I'm impressed with how often she gets them on the correct feet!

And we also headed to Arlington Park on Sunday to see the ponies run. Peyton LOVED them! She and Landon had some quality time together.

I can't seem to get this pic turned the right way, but they were so cute lying on the blanket in Landon's little tent together.

Here's a cute video of Peyton and her Daddy watching the races.

Landon is 4 Months Old

2010-07-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Landon,

Didn't I just write your 3 month letter yesterday? I feel like I did!

You are changing so quickly!

It's been a great month. You were Baptized this month and you wore the same Baptismal gown that Peyton did- the one Boompa and Grandma brought you from Rome. I have a baby ring and baby cross for you from Nana and Papa, too.

We celebrated your first 4th of July, not that you had any clue about it. You were a trooper though, as we bounced from party to party, swimming, driving, later nights. You did so great!

We officially moved you into size 2 diapers. It's a silly milestone, I know, but considering the fact that your sis is only in a 3, I think it shows just how much you have grown!

You are now 13lb 14oz! I can't recall the exact height, but you are 75% for height and 5th for weight.

We've hit a few snags with your sleep habits this month. You have decided to go to bed at 830, wake up at 3 and then at 5. I'm pretty sure it's just a growth spurt, but I won't miss the double feedings in the night.

This month you started to make new noises. I swear you are trying to talk! You have such an expressive little face. I can just watch you forever as you make different coos and squeaks. I practically stand on my head to make you laugh because I can't get enough of that, either.

I want to apologize now for not documenting as many days and moments of your life as I did with Peyton.

It's not that I don't remember them, believe me, I am paying attention, it's just that I want to be sure that I spend as much time with you and Peyton as I can. So if that means blogging less, then I am willing to make that sacrifice.

You are still my snuggly little guy and I JUST LOVE watching you experience every moment of every day. You become more and more aware of the world around you. You turn your head at new noises and flashes of light. You are becoming a pro at using your little hands. You reach and grab things easily- and you can hang on tight!

You are such a little rock star! I am so proud that you are my son!

Thank You, Babydoll!

I love you more every day!

Love always,

Mommy

Landon's Baptism

2010-07-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Landon was Baptized this past Sunday.
We celebrated with tons of family and had a really nice time.

We found out that Mike's brother, Christopher, had been baptized on the same day. Mike's Aunt and Uncle's wedding anniversary is the day before, so they remembered the date exactly.

We thought that was pretty special.

Here are some pics from the day.

Thank you to Kiki and John for being Landon's GodParents!

Thank you Nana, Papa, Grandma and Boompa for helping the party and all you do!

We love you all!

Summer Fun

2010-07-07T19:00:00.001-07:00

We have been outside constantly lately. Today we spent some time in the sprinkler with our buddies Kate and Aiden. Landon sat on the sidelines and watched, but you can tell he had a great time. I just love his smile!

Up til now, Peyton has liked the pool but been a bit iffy on the whole sprinkler thing. She seemed to get over it today and enjoyed being splashed. Nothing is cuter that wet munchkins giggling!

This last thing is a video from Nana and Papa's house on Monday. We had a cookout and watched Peyton playing in the pool. Sammy, one of their 2 dogs, decided that a dip in the pool sounded good, so he just walked in and sat down.

Peyton is 21 Months Old

2010-07-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Peyton,

Today is July 5th. You are now 21 months and 2 days old. We celebrated the 4th of July this weekend which is why I didn't post on the 3rd. We have had a busy weekend. You went to a parade- which you were so excited about. You danced and waved to all of the floats.

We caught candy and had popsicles. You were in heaven! later that day we went swimming with Aiden, Kate and Brooks. You haven't been swimming since last Summer so it was almost like a first time all over again. You loved it, too. After a couple of mouthfuls of pool water, you figured out how to float with your floaties. We'll have you in swimming lessons soon and you'll be a fish before you know it.

Yesterday, on the 4th, we had a big bbq with all of your friends. You played in the kids pool, ran around with all of the kids, and ate a ton of junk food.

It dawned on me yesterday how independant you have become. You still want to be held at times, but you are so determined to figure things out on your own. You have such a sharp little mind. You see something new and you don't hesitated to head straight for it and scope it out.

I only wish you would be so bold with food.- you are quite a picky eater, my dear! I swear you should be wasting away because you are so active, and are far to busy to eat. I do my best to shove a snack in your hands while you play, because you don't want to sit down to a meal. You love your breakfast food- eggs, oatmeal, waffles, fruit, yogurt, milk, toast... anything goes, but after that, it's all down hill.

I know it's just a phase, but I wanted to write it down so I can point it out to you one day to remind you of what a little diva you can be.

You are also quite the comedian. When you see something makes your daddy or I laugh, you are quick to repeat it. You are also experimenting with funny faces and silly dances to see how we'll react. I love it!

I spent a few days in Florida this month and you and Landon hung out with Daddy. You were such a good girl! I missed you and your brother like CRAZY! At one point I called to check in and you got on the phone and said "hi Mama" and "I love You, Mama" so clearly, I got tears in my eyes.

You played hard this month. Lots of parties to go to...

and a trip to the zoo...

The only thing I would change about this last month is your sleeping habits. You've decided lately that 530 or 6am is a good time to get up. I'd like to see that go back to 7 in you don't mind- just a suggestion.

You are such a joy, Peyton. You are a wonderful little girl, with a big heart. You love your friends, your brother and the rest of your family and it shows.

I love you with all of my heart!

Mommy

Peyton and Landon do the Zoo

2010-06-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

Peyton, Landon, Nana and I went to Brookfield Zoo today with my friend Kate, her son, Aiden and her mom, Jane. It was alot of work with two kids, but a blast!
We saw the dolphin show, which the kids loved, the elephants, tigers, leopards, sea lions and the ape house.
Peyton was exhausted by the time we got to the monkeys, but they were her favorite. She talked about them all morning, but since she woke up at 5am, she was about out of energy by then.
Landon didn't really have a clue, but he was such a good boy! He took naps and smiled and coo'd the whole day.

Here we are outside the monkey house with Peyton's new friend.

Here's Peyton and her boyfriend Aiden sharing a quiet moment.

Landon with Nana at the Dolphin show.

Here we are outside of the sea lion tank

...and inside the sealion tank

Peyton, Nana and the tiger

It was a great day!

Landon is 3 Months Old

2010-06-17T18:07:00.000-07:00

My Landon,
You will be 3 months old tomorrow! Can you believe it? I can't.
You seem to grow and change right before my eyes.

We were at the doctor today for your check up. You're now 12lb 14oz and 24 1/4 inches long!
Where did my 6lb boy go?
Your Daddy and I are mesmerized by everything you do. Even now as I write this you are wiggling and smiling on the ottoman. We could be watching tv, but we aren't. Instead we are watching you.
You are such a good baby. I know people say that about their kids, but you REALLY are!
You rarely cry- except when hungry or tired. You smile at EVERYONE. You absolutely love to talk.
I could just sit there all day and have cooing conversations with you. You really do seem to want to tell me things.
This month has brought some great things for you.
You laughed. It's such a boyish laugh, too. It sounds like a tough-guy chuckle and I can't get enough of it.

You have also rolled over from your tummy to your back. You learn things so fast. I rolled you over once, put you back on your tummy and you did it yourself. It wasn't a fluke, either. You did it 3 more times in a row and haven't stopped since.
You also sleep like a champ. You have slept from 945 to 6am a few times.
Did I mention the fact that you are such a doll? You'll hate that I say it, but your smile and cute little nose just make me melt. You have your daddy's features and you are just so handsome!

I feel so lucky to have you and Peyton in my life.

Thank You for being my son. I love saying that word, SON.
You are my heart.
Love Always and Forever,
Mommy

CONGRATULATIONS

2010-06-17T18:04:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Nick, Mandy and Addison St. Leger on the birth of Avery Vivian.
What a beautiful name!!
Avery was born on June 12th at 9:38pm.
Avery was 8lb 12oz and 20 inches long.
We can't wait to meet her!

Sharing Pizza

2010-06-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

Peyton loves to eat pizza with her Daddy. They have a nice system of sharing.

Landon is 12 weeks old

2010-06-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yup, this is my last "weekly" post for Landon. From here on out, my official updates will be monthly only, just like Peyton.
I have a great update for my last week, though.
Landon Laughed! That's right!

It's only happened once so far, but he laughed for me the other day. I was about to take the kids for a walk and was putting him in his carrier. My hair brushed over his face and he smiled really big... and giggled!
My heart just melted!
It always amazes me how I truly do love him and his sister more every day!
Here are my 2 guys. Landon like's to help Daddy with his work.

I just love the way Landon looks at his Daddy

CONGRATULATIONS Valerie and Russell

2010-06-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Valerie and Russell Knight welcomed their beautiful little boy to the world.
Simon Benjamin Knight was born on June 1st.
He was 6lb 1oz and 18.5inches.
Simon surprised his parents by deciding to show up 4 weeks early. He's perfect in every way, though!
Mommy and Baby are home now and doing great.
Congratulations!!

Landon is 11 weeks old

2010-06-03T18:11:00.001-07:00

Landon is 11 weeks old today!

Geez, I can't even keep up with these 2 kids!
Excuse the graininess of these pics. My IPhone is always closer than the camera.
He is just changing so fast. We feed him at 945, and he will sleep until as late as 615am- such a rockstar!
He is such a chatty little guy. He coos and smiles all day! Don't get me wrong, he has his fussy moments, but I am so proud to take him places because he is such an easy going baby.
He is on the verge of a giggle. I can almost hear it when he gives one of his gigantic smiles.

He also has found his hands this week. He will clasp his hands and stare at his fingers for long lenths of time and he will grab on to his activity mat, or my hair, or a shirt and hold on for dear life.

It is so fun to see what new changes pop up each day. I feel like everything is going in fast-forward.
We love you little man!

Peyton is 20 Months

2010-06-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Peyton,

You are 20 months old today! What a big girl! Everyday you get further and further away from that tiny little baby I held in my arms. I see it in the new words you say, the new facial expressions you make, the length of your hair and the strength of your movements.

You are a determined little girl with a sharp mind and creative spirit.

I filmed you trying to feed and burp your baby. You had been doing it all morning by yourself, I had never asked you to try it until I put you on film.

You draw pictures with chalk and name them, and blow bubbles all by yourself.

We've spent every moment we can outside this month- playing in the water, playing with Aiden and Kate, walking. You would sleep outside if I would let you.

You insist on feeding yourself everything and even try to dress yourself.

This month was another big month for you. You pooped and peed on the potty for the first time by yourself!

You also went to Nana and Papa's for the weekend.

You were a perfect angel for them! You slept good, ate good, and had a blast when they took you to Rainforest Cafe. Now you don't stop talking about monkeys and elephants. It's too cute!

Thank you for being so patient and kind to your brother, Landon, and thank you for being so funny and entertaining and loving to your Daddy and I.

I look forward to every single day with you!

Love,

Always and forever,

Mommy

Landon Slept All Night!

2010-05-31T17:33:00.000-07:00

Landon has been sleeping from about 10pm until 4 pretty consistantly for a few weeks. He's even snuck in a few 5ams, but on Saturday night he rocked knocked it out. He went down at 945pm and slept until 615am! That is 8.5 hours! What a rockstar!

Landon is 10 weeks Old

2010-05-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

That's right- double digits!

Landon is 10 weeks today! He's changing so fast. Look at this big guy!

He holds his head up so well, he actually can hang out in his Bumbo chair some.

The smiles are constant, now, too- and sometimes there is a squeak with them that I can tell is going to turn into a laugh any day now.

The biggest thing is that he has found his hands. He was studying them today for the first time.

He definitely doesn't know what they are yet, but he is getting closer to that every day.

He's such a joy and I just want to eat him up!

Peyton's Potty Adventures and some random cute pics

2010-05-26T16:39:00.000-07:00

Peyton has now gone potty 3 times on the big girl potty!

The second time was an adventure.

We aren't pushing potty training, just trying to introduce her to the idea of it when she mentions that she is going to poop, or is pooping.

Well, she said "poop" yesterday morning. So I asked her if she wanted to go on the potty. We went in there and she proceeded to play for about 5 minutes. I figured she was just playing so I went to turn the water off in the kitchen. Before I could even come back she was coming around the corner- covered in poop!

She looked at me and put her hands up and said "uh oh".

I wanted to laugh, and cry, because I found a mess on the floor of the bathroom as well. She did manage to get it in the potty, too, though.

Today was a much cleaner experience. She was kindof grunting when we finished dinner. Mike asked her if she wanted to go poop and she said yes.

We took her in and she played for a minute. We thought she might not have to go, but when she stood up she said "mess". We checked and she had peed!!

Yay Big Girl!!

Here's the big girl in our little pool with Aiden.

Here is Peyton and her new friend Denny. Valerie and Stephanie came to visit and brought Stephanie's beautiful little boy, Denny. He's 18 months and a little charmer!

And here is the sidewalk art Diva working on her latest masterpiece.

CONGRATULATIONS!

2010-05-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Lindsey and Greg Kelley on the birth of their little boy, Ethan William Kelley. Born on May 17th! He was 8lb, 5oz. Sorry I didn't post this sooner.

also

Congratulations to Paul and Kellie Park on the birth of their little girl, Morgan Louise Park. Born May 25th. She was 6lb, 14oz!

I can't wait to meet these little ones! I'll be down to visit you soon Lindsey and hopefully I will get to see you and your girls this Summer, Kellie.

Poopin on the Potty

2010-05-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Peyton pooped on the potty today!!!

This is kinda a fluke, but I caught her starting to grunt and asked her if she was going poop. She said yes, so I asked if she wanted to do it on the potty and... SHE DID!!

Mike and I jumped around like monkeys and sang to her. Then she got a cookie to celebrate.

This is just the beginning of a long road for us, but hey, I'll take every little step!

By the way, I totally wanted to take a picture of it, but Mike wouldn't let me, so here is a picture of our little Potty Diva at dinner tonight, instead.

Landon's 2 month check up

2010-05-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Landon had his 2 month check up today.
He is growing like a weed!!
He now weighs 11lbs, 3oz and is 22.5 inches long!
He's measuring at 50% percent for both height and weight.
Poor little guy had to get 2 shots today. Not a fun way to spend the afternoon, and though he was a little fussy after, he came through like a champ.

Landon is 2 Months Old

2010-05-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Landon,

You are two months old already. I made a promise to myself that I would post this letter on time to you since I've been late on some of the weekly ones.

It's not that I really forget, it's just that I am so intent on giving you and your sister all of the attention that I possibly can, that things like the blog entries and checking email and even taking pictures often enough, slip past me.

Even as I am writing this, I'm sitting watching you on your activity mat and I find myself drifting towards playing with you more than writing this.

You are so much fun to watch. Your little arms and legs are in full go mode. You kick and punch out and dance on your back. You LOVE your activity mat now which is a testament to how aware you have become. The little birdie that moves back and forth to music has your complete attention. You talk and coo to it, and smile like it's saying something funny to you.

I'm so caught up in trying to soak every second of you and your sister in. The biggest thing I've learned from watching the two of you, is how fast time goes.

I just know you'll be walking and talking before I blink.

I love you so much! I just know that there will never be a girl that is good enough for you. I get the hold Mother-Son relationship now.

I feel like I know every wrinkle on your fingers and every eyelash on your eyes. I've watched your dark hair start to get longer and have noticed how the colors in your eyes have changed. I'm certain you'll have either brown or green eyes now. Your arms and legs are getting so long, but they are getting good and chunky at the same time. You already barely resemble the tiny new born I held in my arms only two months ago.

We've come along way. You sleep for a good 6 hour stretch every night and you eat 5oz at a time. We'll find out how big you are on Thursday at your doctor's check up. I'm afraid to find out, because it's just going to confirm that you are not my newborn anymore.

I love you with all of my heart. You and your sister are the most amazing things in the world to me. I am so thankful that you are my little boy.

Love,

Always and Forever,

Mama

Nayned Baby

2010-05-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Peyton loves to run around in her diaper. She thinks it means she's naked, which she refers to as "nayned". It's hard to get any clothes on this girl some days. That's fine if it keeps her happy- especially when she's been under the weather, like today.

Please ignore my annoying voice and the fact that I took this on my phone so it's a little blurry.

Landon is 8 Weeks Old

2010-05-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

Landon turned 8 weeks old yesterday. He's such a good boy. We had our first week without Daddy. Mike had a business trip in North Carolina so it was Mommy and the kids.
Both Landon and Peyton were wonderful. Landon is now sleeping until 4 am and then going back down unti 7 or 7:30 am.
He smiles so easily and coos constantly. He also holds his head up and looks around on his own now and when he sleeps, he manages to scoot himself around his crib to the point where I swear he might get up and crawl.
He definitely recognizes voices and will move his head and eyes around in the direction that he hears my voice, or Mike's or Peyton's. I love that he knows who we are. I had forgotten how fast they grow and learn, even though Peyton was here only about a year and a half ago.
Papa came and helped out one night, and Grandma came and had lunch one day.
It was so nice to have company and extra hands and the kids loved it.
Landon had lots of smiles to share with them as well.
I will add more pictures after the weekend, but I just had a few minutes and wanted to be sure I got this week's post on.

Landon is 7 Weeks Old

2010-05-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Another week has passed- as of yesterday, actually.
Landon is growing and changing everyday. He had a bit of a rough week with his tummy. He has trouble digesting sometimes, it seems. I hate saying he's gassy because I feel like he'll read this when he's 15 and say "eeeww Mom, you're gross. How embarrassing!". But the truth is, he's gassy. We've switched formulas a few times, and I am still nursing as well, so I've modified my diet different ways, but it doesn't seem to help.
He's just so sweet, I hate seeming him struggle. Thankfully, he is still a great sleeper at night, so I really can't complain. Hopefully his system will mature a bit soon, and he'll be more comfortable.
I haven't done much with my camera this week, but here is a cute video I took on my IPhone.

Peyton is 19 months

2010-05-04T17:48:00.001-07:00

Dear Peyton,

My beautiful girl, another month has gone by. This one just zoomed by. I can actually say that I didn’t even realize it was another full month until today- when technically it was yesterday!

We’ve started to spend alot of time outside now that the weather is getting nicer, and you love it! You love playing with bubbles and sidewalk chalk and running around with your buddy, Aiden.

You’ve are a world class big sister, too. Giving hugs and kisses to Landon is a constant activity. Yesterday I caught you cooing over him and waving a rattle. The day before that I found you trying to nurse him- which was hysterical! I can tell you’ll be a great mommy one day.

You are quite the talker now. You’re spouting off new words constantly. You are learning your colors and asked me for the blue book the other day. You also are calling people by name more and more. Of course you say Mama and Dada, Nana and Papa, but now Gigi, Bumpa, Laura (wauwa), Aiden (aidee), Bailey (Baiyee), and Landon (wanwon) are just a few.

Your brain is just so sharp. You not only pick up on things that Daddy and I do, but I’ll watch you come up with things on your own. You make towers with your blocks and hide a necklace inside a block to find later or hide Bailey’s toys in your kitchen and lead him over to look for them. It’s just amazing to watch you.

I wish I could document each amazing thing you do, but there are so many that I just don’t have time. I’ll just say that you are incredible! I love you so much! You and Landon have my heart and soul.

Love Always and Forever,

Mama

Dancing Queen

2010-04-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

Peyton loves to dance to the Wiggles and her new favorite thing is spinning in circles. Kate and Aiden come over to play in the mornings sometimes and Aiden has taught Peyton how to spin. It cracks me up watching them!

Landon is 6 Weeks!

2010-04-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Landon turned 6 weeks old yesterday.
He is changing so much everyday!

He's now sleeping in his crib like a big boy and only getting up once a night! Such a rock star!
He's also about to go into the next size of clothes- we're moving out of the Newborn size already!
It's almost hard to believe how fast he's growing. He was in preemie's 6 weeks ago!
He's also becoming so much more aware. We are getting lots of smiles and coos and he loves looking at his little birdie on his activity mat.
Peyton sits with him while he lays on his mat and he smiles when he hears her voice. I think that might be my favorite part! I love that he recognizes my voice and Mike's voice, but knowing he and Peyton are forming a bond is so wonderful!
He's still a snuggler and loves to fall asleep on me- can't say I don't love that! He's so warm and cuddly!

Another week in the books!

Photos by Jess Campbell

2010-04-27T18:31:00.001-07:00

Jess Campbell came out 2 weeks ago and took pictures of the kids for us. It was so fun having her here and she got some beautiful shots of the kids.

Jess, thank you for coming out and doing this. We love the pictures and I’m so excited to share these with everyone.

Note: this is only part one. There are still more to come- not to mention the fact that I told myself I’d put 5-10 up and couldn’t even narrow it down to that.

Landon is 5 Weeks Old

2010-04-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

5 Weeks already!

Another week has flown by.Landon is growing so quickly.

Check out these chubby cheeks!

This past week he dropped a feeding on 2 nights. YAY! It's definitely not consistent yet, but we know it's coming and Mike and I are pretty excited to have a little more sleep each night.

Landon is such a snuggler. He loves to be held. I think the hardest part about having 2 kids is the guilt you feel when you can't give each of them your undivided attention. I'd love to be able to run and play with Peyton all day, and I'd love to hold Landon and snuggle him all day, but I just can't.

They both seem to be accepting of it, so I guess it's just Mommy-guilt.

We've been venturing out more and more as a trio. We've gone to some stores and visited neighbors. This weekend will be a busy one with Adriana's bday party and a cousin's first Communion. Landon is becoming a regular little traveller.

Landon is 1 month old Already!

2010-04-18T18:02:00.001-07:00

Dear Landon,

I can't even believe I am writing this already. It's been a full month since you came into our lives.

You are changing so much already. As I write this, you are sitting with your Daddy looking around the room. You become more and more aware every day.

You were so tiny when you were born and you have filled out so much since then. Your little cheeks have gotten round and your legs are getting little bits of chunkiness on them.

You love to eat, and are still a pretty good little sleeper. The best part is how snuggly you are!

You love to nesstle into my arms, or my neck, and you make the sweetest little noises.

Your Daddy and I and the rest of the family are wrapped around your little fingers.

Peyton wakes up every day looking for you. She comes down the stairs shouting "baby"!

Nana, Papa, and Grandpa have all babysat you this month and can't seem to get enough of you.

I wish I could spend more time writing all of the wonderful things that go on each day, but you and your sister keep me pretty busy.

I'm almost scared that you will be sitting up and crawling before I can soak in enough of your baby-ness.

You remind me so much of your Daddy. When you look into my eyes, I see his eyes and it just amazes me over and over again.

I love you so much and can't wait to see the little person you are becoming, but please don't do it too fast.

Love,

Always and Forever,

Mommy

A Day at the Park

2010-04-18T17:56:00.001-07:00

Last week was so nice that Landon, Peyton and I ventured to the park with our friends Kate and Aiden.
Aiden is 3 days older than Peyton and they play together quite a bit. They love to follow eachother around, and Aiden makes Peyton giggle constantly... puppy love?...

I LOVE this pic. Kate took it on her phone.

We had such a good time that Peyton did NOT want to go home!

Landon's 1 month check up

2010-04-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Landon had his first official check up today.
He went from being 6lb 2oz at birth to 8lb 9oz!!!
I knew he was a good eater!
He also went from 19 inches tall to 21 1/4.
He was such a good boy for the doctors and nurses and took a nice long nap when we got home!

Peyton's 18 month check up

2010-04-15T17:16:00.001-07:00

Peyton had a check up today. Seems she is still tall and thin.
She is now 21lbs and 31 3/4 inches tall.
The doctor assured me that it's normal for them to gain little to no weight at this age.
She is healthy as a horse and doing great- minus the teething, which she is not very happy about.

Daddy's Little Girl

2010-04-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Peyton is such a Daddy's girl. She looks for him all day while he's at work and asks for him.
She loves spending time with him. Daddy is her biggest toy!

3 Weeks

2010-04-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Landon turned 3 weeks old yesterday.
I will add even more pics soon, but atleast wanted to write something.
He is such a sweet boy.
We celebrated Mike's birthday and Landon took some practice swings with Daddy's new driver.

This week has been a little rough because he switched his days and nights on us so we've had some rough nights, but we are working to get things back on track. Peyton has also been getting new teeth and had a few days of a fever and lots of teething. She was a sad little girl for a while but things are better now.

I kinda think I saw his first real smile, but it was very quick so I think I am going to wait until I see the next one to call it.
Peyton and Landon have been spending alot of time together.
I put the swing back in the family room and, though Landon likes it, Peyton likes it even better.

Peyton is 18 Months

2010-04-03T07:29:00.001-07:00

Dear Peyton,

I can’t believe that you are a year and a half all ready. It’s almost not fair how fast time is going right now. So much has happened in this last month.

You have had so many changes come at you and you are handling them like a champ. You’ve become a big sister! You are so wonderful and loving to your little brother. You can’t give him enough hugs or pats on the head. I have to watch because when I turn my back, you are hugging him- and you just don’t know not to squeeze him yet.

You have your moments of frustrations. I can see that you want more of my attention and are slowly realizing that you will have to share it. You want to be carried around more often again, because Landon is carried alot. And you want a binkie alot right now, because your brother has his.

We are working through it all and it’ll get easier with each day. We are a team, you and I- and of course Daddy and Landon, too.

You will always be my little baby girl a nd I don’t want you to forget that for a moment!

I am so proud of how smart you are- all of the new words and phrases you are putting together. You are such a sponge right now. I’ve lost count of the new words this month. It’s fun now to here you make little sentences like “Mommy, more choo choo” when you want to see the train. Of course it sounds more like “too too”, but I love that even more because one day soon all of your sweet little baby pronunciations will be gone.

You have loved walking outside now in the nice weather. You are tireless! While I was in the hospital with Landon, Grandma and Grandpa took you for a walk and you asked to get down from the stroller. Grandma wears a pedometer and she said you walked more than a mile back to the house along side her. You are a little machine! I will say it makes it a little tough for me when you absolutely refuse to stay in your stroller now, but I can’t deny you your independence now, can I?

I wish I could put into words how much I love watching you grow and change everyday, or how sad it makes me when I think about yesterday, or last week or month and how those moments are gone already. You have every piece of my heart- you and your brother. I don’t know what life would be like without you. I love you so much.

Thank You for being my little girl!

Love Always,

Mommy

Landon is 2 Weeks Old!

2010-04-03T07:15:00.001-07:00

I’m a little late, I know, but what can I say, I’m new to this 2 kids thing so I’m still adjusting.

I can’t believe Landon is 2 weeks old already! Time is flying. He is such a good little eater, and a good sleeper over all. We’ve had a night or 2 of all night partying, but for the most part, he will go for 4-5 hour stretches during the night.

He’s up to taking 4 oz at a time and I’m nursing during the day. With the amount of food this little guy eats, I’m sure his little chicken legs will be filling out pretty soon.

Thank You Nana

2010-03-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

My mom came and stayed with us for almost a week to help out with Peyton and Landon.

We just wanted to say Thank You to Nana for helping out with the late night feedings and help with Landon, and for helping with Peyton's baths, meals, play, walks...

It was nice to have the company and wonderful to have the help and extra hands. Landon is doing great but Peyton is a little perplexed by the situation. Her days as an only child are over. Having her Nana here to play with while Mommy got her life with two kids organized was very special.

We Love You NANA!

Landon is 1 week old

2010-03-25T13:28:00.001-07:00

Landon is one week old already! How crazy is that?
It's been a whirlwind of a week, but a good one.
Let's see...
We left the hospital on Saturday morning and Landon enjoyed his first car ride.

He loves his brother, Bailey, and Peyton is loving having a brother so far (we'll see how long this lasts). She actually got upset when we took him out of her arms. Today she insisted on covering him up with her baby blankie while he napped. Too cute!

Landon is a great sleeper so far- he eats around 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 8pm and then goes until about 1230 and then til about 430. It's a nice change from Peyton who was every 2.5- 3 hours all day and all night.
He also seems to have little trouble with gas- which is another bonus.
We had his first doctor's check up. He was 6lb 2 oz at birth, 5lb 12oz when he left the hospital, and back up to 5lb 15.75oz at the doctor.
He loves to go to the bathroom- and has peed on everyone in the family at least once so I feel like we are officially the parents of a little boy.
We'll see how the next weeks and months go, but I can say I love having 2 kids. I'm sure I won't always Like it, but at least I know I Love it.

Life with 2 kids

2010-03-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

First I want to share some of the newborn pics of Landon from the hospital. With Peyton, the hospital had a really cheezy service that took a terrible pic. We were lucky that Mike's cousin Kiki was in town a few weeks later for Dave and Laura's wedding. She took some gorgeous ones for us.

This time around, the hospital had a new photography studio working for them. I love these pics but I am also going to see if Jess Campbell will take some for us. Kiki lives in Cleveland so we won't get to see her for a while, and Jess is really good.

We are working on adjusting to life as a family of 4. I don't want to jinx it so I'll just say we are making good progress.

Peyton is still giving Landon lots of hugs- though we have to keep her from squeezing him too hard. Landon has a huge appetite so his little chicken legs will probably fill out pretty quickly.

Thank you to everyone who has visited us. Peyton and Landon have been so spoiled.Here are just a few pics of Landon and then I had to share these pics of Jacob and Peyton playing together. Rocky, Jill and Jacob stopped by yesterday and the 2 little ones were hysterical!

Landon Christopher is here

2010-03-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Landon Christopher Stanczak was born yesterday, March 18, 2009 at 3:16pm
19inches long and 6pounds 2oz.

I ended up being induced yesterday morning. After 2 trips to the hospital with contractions at 4-5 minutes apart but no additional changes to my cervix, my doctors and I decided induction would be best for both of us.
Mike and I had spent all night at Monday at the hospital. I had been having real contractions for days and starting Monday afternoon, they were close and painful- unfortunately I wasn't dilating any further, so we went home and I saw my doctor on Tuesday to make the decision.

We came to the hospital early on Thursday morning and they started the Petocin at about 8:15. After the first hour, the contractions went from 4 minutes to 3 so they checked me and I was finally moving past 3cm to 4.
At about 11:30 when contractions were taking my breath away I had an epidural and suddenly my cervix kicked into gear. By 1:00 I was at 6 and and by 230 I was almost at 10.
I pushed for 25 minutes and our little guy was here.
He is perfect and healthy in every way, but we had a very scary moment at first. As Landon's head came out, they noticed the chord was wrapped around his neck. He wasn't breathing or moving. Everyone acted quickly, but for a minute everything went into slow motion and Mike and I watched as they started calling on walkie talkies for help and people flooded the room. They were bagging him to make him breath and massaging his chest. I can honestly say that it was the single most terrifying moment of my life.
I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until he started to cry. Mike squatted down into the nearest chair and we both took a minute to compose ourselves.
Thank God for the doctors and nurses who acted so quickly and got him breathing and moving.
He has been doing great ever since- eating well and making little squeaking noises.

Peyton came to visit yesterday afternoon and she is already the perfect Big Sis. She wouldn't stop giggling when she looked at him and she gave him a ton of hugs and kisses and would say "nice" and pet his tummy.

Welcome to the world Landon.
We love you very much!

Peyton had a rough day

2010-03-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

Peyton got her first black eye on Monday. That's right folks, a black eye!!!
We can thank Bailey, the wild Golden Retriever, for this one.
He gets excited sometimes and runs laps around the family room. It's actually pretty funny to watch. The only problem this time was that Peyton was around the backside of the couch heading towards her toy chest.
Bailey ran right into her and knocked her into the corner of the toy chest.
Let me just say that I am so thankful for 2 things
1. The toy chest's edges are rounded
2. Her face hit where it did, another half inch up and it would have been right in her eye.
I don't know who was more upset, me or Peyton. She screamed bloody murder. I immediately called her doctor and the nurses talked me down (I was debating between taking Bailey's legs off one by one, letting him run and play in traffic, or throwing him in the oven). They then told me how to keep an eye on her vital signs and eye dialation. Once she settled down, things were much better. She napped and ate fine and when she woke from her nap her eye was NOT swollen shut- which was a big sign the nurses told me to look for.
Poor little girl looks like she got into a bar brawl. Thankfully we haven't really had to go anywhere this week- since I am about to pop with this baby- so noone had the chance to see my daughter and give me that sideways look that says "it looks like you beat your child".
Don't worry, Bailey still lives here. He is her best friend and I decided he didn't do it on purpose so he is just on probation for the rest of his life.

17 Months

2010-03-03T17:31:00.001-08:00

Dear Peyton,

Another month has gone by! You are 17 Months old already, almost a year and a half.

This month has been an exciting one for you. Your vocabulary has really started to grow. You constantly ask for water (wawer), juice (duice), cookies (coe goes), yogurt (gogur) and tons of other foods. You are also getting clearer with the words you’ve already been saying. You actually say “bath” and “nite nite”.

Your imagination is probably the biggest thing to show up this month. Just the other night, you were playing with your kitchen. You brought Daddy a little plastic cooked turkey and Daddy told you to put it in the oven. You went right over, put it in, then waiting, opened the door, took it out and took a fake bite. You turned around and looked at us and said “numm numm”.

You play dress up with my jewelry and bring hair bows to me to put in once you have a necklace on. You also love to play chase with Bailey. It doesn’t matter who is chasing who. This is one of your favorite games.

You had your first sleep over at Grandpa’s house. Grandma is still in Florida, but you kept Grandpa company last Saturday. You guys played all day, had lots of treats and then you slept like a champ for him.

We had brunch the next morning for Aunt Laura’s birthday and I was so proud of how you behaved. Even though it was close to your nap time, you were all smiles. You at a bunch of different kinds of food and waved to everyone who passed you.

We’ve also had some rough times this month. Both you and I had a nasty cold and it took a long time for us to get over it. This was the sickest you have been, but you battled through like a champ. You would even bring me tissue and try to wipe your own nose – saying “nose” as you did it.

I’ve felt kind of bad that we haven’t done more exciting things this month. Your brother should be here pretty soon and with our colds, we ended up spending alot of time at home. You handled it well, though.

Your personality continues to amaze me. You are so smart and funny, and you definitely know how to manipulate. You have fake crying down to a science and have been known to use it to try to get cookies, a bath, picked up, juice, and anything else you decide you need to have. Whether you actually get the desired item depends on the situation. You see, you are good, but Mommy and Daddy still call the shots. We have no problem watching the tantrums and tears that come when you don’t get your way. You’ll catch on soon.

Don’t worry, you have a lifetime ahead of you to try and get what you want. We just want you to learn to accept it and move one when something doesn’t go your way. One day you’ll have a boy wrap around your finger and maybe he’ll always give you your way, but until then, there are rules.

My smart and beautiful little girl, you are growing up and changing so fast. I hope you are enjoying each day as much as your Daddy and I are. We love you with all of our hearts.

I love you, always and forever.

Love,

Mommy

37 Weeks

2010-03-02T17:20:00.001-08:00

I had a doctors appt today and things are starting to happen. I am now 1.5cm dilated and 60% effaced. This could mean I could go in to labor any time, or I could stay like this for another week or two. We’ll see what happens.

Here’s a 37 week belly shot. I know I’ve been terrible about pictures this time around, but here’s one last one- maybe I’ll do another one next week or so, but at this point, I’m a boat and it won’t look too much different. By the way, I think it looks like I’m trying to arch my back, I’m really not. I think my butt just sticks out naturally like that and my belly is bigger than a beach ball now.

36 week update

2010-02-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

I had my 36 week appointment on Tuesday.
Landon's heart rate is great and he is growing and getting ready.
No dialation yet, but my cervix has been effacing for the past few weeks.
It's not alot, but the doctor thinks there could be some new changes by next week.
Landon is running out of room.
I actually thought he was coming on Tuesday night. I woke up around 3 with some contractions. I've had Braxton Hicks contractions for months, but these were the real deal (hard cramping, painful in my back and abdomen- though not as hard as they get when you are in real labor). I waited it out for a little while, drank some water and called my doctor and they stopped coming so regularly.
I am still having them on occasion at this point- as well as just the tightening Braxton Hicks ones, but the real ones aren't steady or close together, so we are just waiting for Landon to cook a while longer.
I've been going every week since week 34 because his head is down so low and there has been alot of pressure, but now that I'm 36 weeks, I will continue to go weekly until he shows up so I'll keep you posted. I can't believe it's this close already.
Am I crazy that I am ready for him to get here- since it will wreak havoc on our sleep for weeks and months? I just think I am excited to meet him and hold him- and, um, I'm not gonna lie, I am really tired of being pregnant!

Top Chef

2010-02-22T08:32:00.001-08:00

Peyton got a little kitchen from Santa at Christmas but we hadn’t opened it yet. Well, since she and I have been sick and confined to the house, Mike and I put it together yesterday.

I think we have a future chef on our hands.

Stroller Help

2010-02-21T09:29:00.000-08:00

Alright you moms with more than one kid...
We are trying to make the big decision- the double stroller.
Any suggestions would be great- what people like, what people don't like.
I know we don't want a side by side, other than that, we are researching and looking around.
I have liked some of the Graco ones so far- we had good luck with our Graco travel system for Peyton.
If you know of one you like, or someone else raved about, let me know.
Any help is wonderful!

Hybernating

2010-02-16T20:05:00.001-08:00

I'm kinda flying under the radar right now. Peyton and I have both had a terrible cold over the past week, and that, added to nearing the end of this pregnancy, and Mike being out of town for a few days last week and this week, has worn me out. I'll post something interesting once I have some energy.

Videos

2010-02-11T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here are a few videos from the last week. The first is Ella at our playdate last week. She entertained us all with her singing.

The second is Peyton building a tower of blocks with her Papa.

Playdate

2010-02-08T16:12:00.001-08:00

Last week some of Peyton’s friends came over for a visit. Here’s a pic of the cuties. Little Ella, then Adriana, Luke and then Peyton. They all played so nicely together and the mommies got a chance to talk. I tried to upload a video of Ella singing for all of us. She is too cute with her little babbling squeals. Blogger is having some issues right now, so I'll try again later.

16 Months

2010-02-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Peyton,

You are 16 months old now, can you believe it? I can't.

You really seemed to turn into a toddler this month- actually I can pin-point a big change on the first of this month. I don't know what it was, but you suddenly started saying more things, interacting with your toys in a more creative way, and even showing more expressions. I swear it was like another little lightbulb lit up a new part of your brain.

You love wearing some of my big beaded necklaces. You drape them over your neck and come running up to show me. On Monday, you actually undressed your bunny- took it's vest off, and then wrapped a necklace around it's neck and brought it to me to show.

Your Daddy even came home from work and over dinner, while you were babbling and asking for more fruit and milk and ice- you actually say more (mo), milk (meey) and ice (eye), he asked me what had happened that day. He said he felt like he had a new little girl.

It's almost scary how fast things change for you.

You are pushing your rocking horse around the family room as we speak saying "go, go, go".

I swear, you have like 30 words you say now.

Some other ones are nose, eye, up, down, bath, and dog. Of course, some of them don't sound very clear, but Daddy and I know just what you are saying.

You actually started running this month, too. Your little legs will just start going. It reminds me of Fred Flintstone a little.

While I've spent the month working with you on colors and words, Daddy has been hard at work teaching you animal noises. He is so proud that you can make noises for dog, horse, cow, tiger/lion, elephant, and you try to wrinkle your nose for a bunny.

I've noticed you are getting taller, too. I was sitting doing some work at the dining table and you came over to see what I was up to. You could actually peek over the edge of the table!

You got 2 bottom molars this month and it seems that there are a few others coming in. We are due for a break soon, I hope.

This month has been a little difficult for me now that my due date for Landon is getting close. As independant as you can be, you also want to be held. You'll come running over and look up at me and say "up" with outstretched arms and sometimes I just can't pick you up. You've gotten so big and with this belly in the way, it's hard to find a comfortable place for you to rest, not to mention the pressure it puts on me. It won't be long, though, until I can do it again. Who knows, by then, you may be over this stage and not want anything to do with it.

You definitely know how to show what you don't want. With all of the fun developments this month, your temper tantrums have gotten equally stronger. You are the QUEEN of flipping out over the little stuff. I know it's an age thing, as everything I read, and everyone with kids your age, seem to point out, but geez, you can be a drama queen! The hard part is not laughing when you do it, because it's a pretty funny site. Daddy and I just try to ignore you and show you that this isn't how you get what you want. But when you stomp your feet, and pound on the ground, the smiles sneak to the edge of our mouths and sometimes we have to walk away.

Even your temper tantrums melt my heart. I just love to watch you play and learn and grow.

These days will be gone all too soon and I want to catch every bit that I can.

I love you so much, Peyton.

Thank you for every single day!

Love Always and Forever,

Mommy