Happy Kids

Beau is really starting to like us I think! I was worried for awhile that he wanted a new (quieter) family because he wasn't too smiley. He's really been happy the last couple of days, so I think he's decided we're ok. He smiles when I talk to him, and coos and goos a bit. I haven't captured a smile on camera yet, but I'm getting closer!

Lincoln was quietly playing today when Kevin happened to walk by. Here's what he found!!!!

Apparently we hadn't been specific about what surfaces were approved for the markers. I think we've covered all the bases now, and I hope Linc only uses the markers on paper from now on. He didn't get in trouble this time, but he's been warned!

Other than floor art, Lincoln has become totally obsessed with puzzles lately. Big Bird and Elmo floor puzzles occupy lots of his time, and he's really gotten good at these new (3 year old) wooden puzzles. We still have alphabet, number, and animal puzzles to work . . . I dump all the pieces in a pile and line up the boards. He has to decide which board it goes on then where. I know he needs the challenge because those were getting easy!

Zacchaeus

Lincoln's favorite song this week is Zacchaeus, and he loves doing the hand motions too! We practiced taking video with the webcam after lunch today. (We had the webcam out for Skypeing with Minnie and Bubbes.) After a giant lunch of a hot dog, a hot dog sandwich (that's what he calls the bun!), sweet potato fries and carrots, he topped it off with a bowl of M&Ms. All that singing is hard work, and he really worked up an appetite! Lincoln loved watching himself sing, and I bet we've done it a thousand times this afternoon!

Here's a translation in case you're not familiar with this song. Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little was he. He climbed up in the sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the Savior passed that way, he looked up in the tree. And he said, "Zacchaeus, you come down. I'm going to your house today."

Bubbles and Baths

Sweet little Beau really seems to enjoy bathtime. He's moved up to the reclining tub, and it's much easier for Mommy! I don't think it's really clear in this picture, but he's quite the chub! The official weigh-in is 11.5 lbs (at 6 weeks)! I think that's pretty hefty, especially for a kid who started out in the NICU.

Linc and I opened a new bubble package this afternoon while Beau napped, and nothing makes this kid happier! Sometimes he is happy to cheese out for the camera (or camera phone in this case), and sometimes he yells, "No cheese Mommy!" I guess I caught him in the right mood. Note to self: before taking important Easter pictures, hand him a new bubble set!
I met with Lincoln's teacher today for Parent/Teacher Conference. They do this a few times a year to make sure we're all clear on the developmental goals and where he stands. He's doing great and has already met many of the 2-3 year old milestones. Miss Syreeta marveled at his communication and vocabulary skills, of course! She also noted that he plays well with the other kids and really enjoys the activities they do. We're going to work on cutting with preschool scissors, tossing the ball underhanded, and communicating our feelings (mad, sad, etc). I've been taking Linc to school a lot lately (instead of Kevin), and he's totally excited to go each morning. As soon as we get in his class he says, "Later Mommy! Take Beau home!" It is a wonderful feeling that he loves his school, loves his teachers, and loves his friends . . . I always dread that he'll cry about me leaving him there, and I'm happy that's not the case!

No Pants

When I picked Lincoln up from school the other day, he was so proud to show me the hat he'd made. I couldn't believe he was wearing it, but he was so excited about it. He wore it all the way home so he could show Daddy. We were changing his clothes when this funny thing happened:

Mommy: Here are your shorts, Lincoln.

Lincoln: No pants.

Mommy: No, you need to put these on so we can play.

Lincoln: No pants.

Mommy: Don't you want to go out and play. You have to wear the shorts to go outside.

Lincoln: No pants.

Mommy: What do you want to do?

Lincoln: Watch a movie.

Mommy: You have to wear these to watch the movie.

Lincoln: No pants.

I thought about the parenting strategies I knew and decided we were going with no pants! I had offered him choices twice (going outside and watching a movie) that required putting on the shorts to do something fun. He chose no pants each time. So no pants! What a weirdo! The funny thing is, he wore the shorts to school today without even mentioning no pants. I guess he just didn't want to wear pants! I try to go along with his independence with limitations, but sometimes a kid just doesn't want pants.

While Linc was in school today, Beau got to play with one of his cool toys! This electronic Mickey book reads stories aloud with lots of neat sounds. Beau enjoyed listening to it and the songs at the end of each story. Don't tell Linc that Beau's sneaking his stuff!

After all the fun stories, Beau fell asleep. I hope he enjoyed the quiet playing because it wasn't long before a loud Lincoln was home ready to destroy the peace.

Happy Easter

It was a very Happy Easter indeed. This is our first picture as a family of four. I guess I'm slacking because Beau is already 6 weeks old! At the last minute I got the boys matching outfits. I didn't think I would be a "match-y" kind of mom, but it was precious. I think I should do it while I can because they'll refuse anything of the sort before I know it. I'm sure I have a biased opinion, but those are some pretty cute kids!!!!

Hmmmm . . . maybe I should rethink that last statement. I tried to take a picture of the boys before church and this is what I got. Beau was crying and ready for a nap, and Lincoln was in "a mood" about having his picture taken. Hey, it's not all smiles and cute pictures around here!

We met Nana and Pops at the Hyatt for brunch, and it was fantastic. Linc loved the food (we all did) and ate a huge plate of delicious turkey, green beans, fruit and a waffle. I asked if he wanted cake at the end, and he shoved his plate away and yelled "CAKE, CAKE, CAKE!" Yep, he's my boy!

The Easter Bunny came to visit while we were out and left a few goodies. Some of the eggs had chocolate kisses in them, and I think that was Linc's favorite part. Beau's eggs had pacifiers. He's not really interested in the passy most of the time, but it helps calm him in the evening when he's getting tired and fussy.

We had a great church service, yummy lunch, fun with Nana and Pops, long naps, cool presents, lots of egg hunting, and tons of laughing. What a wonderful day!

The Hunter

It's official - Lincoln loves to hunt Easter Eggs! We spent a few hours outside this weekend hunting eggs and had a great time. He has trouble waiting on me to hide them. Sometimes he goes inside to wait, but he really likes to wait right by the door and spy on me! Everytime he sees one, he gets so excited. Even if I hide them in the same spots over again, he still thinks it's new and exciting! Oh, the joy of being two!

I loved hiding eggs for my little hunter. He talked about where he found each egg . . . "hide in the bushes on the top" or " hide in the tree at the bottom" or even "hide under the leaf". I guess we had a lesson on spatial elements today! The baskets may remain out for a few days to take advantage of our new game. Surely the neighbors will understand if we're still hunting eggs next week!!!!

Fun Times

One of Lincoln's favorite things to do is help me get Beau up from naps. He always wants to climb in Beau's bed, and occasionally I allow it. The mobile is of no interest to Beau yet, but Linc thinks it's pretty cool. (He does complain that it moves too slow though!) Beau's probably thinking a giant invaded his peaceful little bed!!!!

We had lots of fun and extra guests at Mi Cocina this week. Terah, Hayden and Ethan were in town to visit the Hoggs, and Linc loved the boys. He warmed up to them quickly when they showed him a cool app on their iPhone. I don't know what it was, but Lincoln would shriek with laughter. He kept yelling down the table, "Mommy, he bump a head!" Too early to introduce violent video games . . . I think not!!!!

Of course, we bought the app as soon as we got home! He and Daddy did lots of giggling. Linc's new thing is to cover his mouth when he laughs.

It's been a fun weekend so far, with a little shopping, a lot of playing, and even some Easter Egg hunting. Stay tuned for super cute hunting pics!

Lincoln-isms

Someone still loves to teetee in the potty, and it's even better with a Potty Book too! He's totally going to kill me when he's 16!!! I'll show these pictures to every girlfriend just to embarrass him!

Lincoln says the funniest things these days. I am definitely his best translator, and I listen really hard and think with a completely open mind when he's telling me something. He's pretty patient about repeating what he's saying until someone figures it out. Here are some of my favorites:

He says - What it means

Hockiler - Helicopter

Ockadoo - Octopus

San A Nono - San Antonio

Polka Tail - Pony Tail

Want EIEIO - O Organics Milk

Excuse the total darkness of this video and enjoy the sweet singing. I couldn't resist posting our version of Rock A Bye, Baby, even though my phone didn't pick up any picture while filming. (It was pretty dark in Linc's bedroom, and I guess the phone didn't catch the nightlight.)

Lots for a Mommy to Love

I love reading to these boys. We all sat down for a few books the other night and had lots of fun. Lincoln has been reading "The Five Little Pumpkins" to me lately. He's so funny (and very proud of himself) when he knows the words. Of course, he wants Elmo and Ernie to hear the story too. I don't know if we're ever far from Elmo and Ernie. They accompanied us to Target today, though I insisted they wait in the car for us while we shopped. He reluctantly agreed, after asking a million times if they'd still be in the car when we got back.

I love when Lincoln wants to hug Beau . . . I'm not sure Beau feels the same! I'm constantly reminding Linc to be careful, be gentle, be easy, etc. I don't think any of those are concepts a toddler understands though.

I love that Lincoln loves Easter Eggs! To my surprise, Lincoln asked on the way home from school if we could "do the eggs and put on stickers"! I was thrilled - I think I've finally found an Easter Buddy!!! I happily boiled a dozen eggs so we could get started. He was elated when he saw the kit had Mickey's gang. He even gave me a few minutes of wearing the included Mickey Ears.

The best part of the whole process is the stickers . . . he waits as patiently as a two year old can while the eggs dye and dry. I'm sure that takes an eternity to him! Luckily Beau is napping well right now, so we have plenty of time for eggs.

We now have lovely Mickey eggs to display. Don't tell Linc, but I tossed the previous batch of Easter Eggs. They definitely don't keep for long, and though my container is smell-proof, I decided they'd served their purpose. He immediately spotted the egg dyeing kits at Target tonight. Of course I bought it!!!! This is the best money I've spent in a while!

Playtime with Beau

Even though we spend a lot of time with Big Brother Lincoln, I try to get Beau a little quieter (solo) playtime each day. It must be much nicer to play without a toddler yelling and trampling all over the place. It looks like he's really checking out these fish!

Beau really doesn't like being on his back, but sometimes it's necessary. He looks a lot like Lincoln (at one month) in this picture. I must remember to retire this shirt - it's totally stretched to the limit!

Swingers

Lincoln's love of Beau's things just keeps growing . . . the swing has become his favorite place to play!!!! I'm not sure what the weight limit is, but he's not a hefty kid! The seat sags a little when he plops down, but it swings fine. (Seriously, Linc's only 26 lbs!) Poor Beau is always getting kicked out because Linc needs a turn!

If it's not Lincoln's turn at the swing, he's carefully monitoring how Beau's doing in it. He adjusts the songs and swing speed constantly and shakes the toys on the front. Again, Poor Beau!!!

Miracle

Very severe storms rolled through our area last night, and we were camped out at the computer watching the radar. There was lots of hail, very strong winds, loud thunder and tornado sirens blaring. The hail was so loud on the skylights, and I was sure one one crack or bust. Most of the hail was nickel and dime sized. It is a miracle we didn't get any damage, and a miracle both kids slept soundly through the whole thing!

Beau is 1 Month Old

This is has been one wild and crazy month. Things seem so normal now, and it seems like forever has passed since the day Beau was taken to the NICU. I'm so thankful for the staff that took care of Beau . . . if only they could see him now! Here's what up with Beau at one month.

Weight: 10 lbs! Yes, that's right. He is quite the healthy eater, and I'm happy to oblige! That's a big gain from the 7lbs 4 oz he started at.

Attire: Those newborn onesies are so yesterday!!! We've squeezed into our last newborn outfit and are moving to 0-3 months immediately! Also, Beau is really filling out the size 1 diapers.

Sleeping: We're on a great 3 hour schedule during the days and napping is going well. I guess you haven't hit your brother's old "30 minute nap routine" yet. The last feeding is at 9:30 pm and I usually get to sleep until 3:30 or 4:00 before the wakeup call. I'm very appreciative of the extra hours!

Fun times: Beau is definitely not as interested in the play mat/gym like Lincoln was. We do lots of tummy time, and it usually goes well. He's content on his belly! There's one weird place that Beau loves - the bathroom! He loves to lay on the mat while Lincoln takes his bath. I don't know if it's the lighting, the sound of Lincoln splashing, or our bathtime singing that keeps him happy, but he's totally happy there.

Sometimes a kid just has to crash! All in all, Beau is a very sweet and cuddly one month old. He seems pretty sleepy still to me, but I know that's changing fast. He's learned to wake up precisely at 6:00 pm the last two nights to interrupt our dinnertime. I think he likes when I read to him, so I do that before each nap. He's pretty alert and aware during our nightly strolls, though Lincoln's constant loudness may be a factor in that. I love my little family of four, and Lincoln couldn't have a better little brother. Happy One Month!

Easter Eggs!

Since we're so into crafty things these days, I decided it was time for Lincoln to learn about dyeing Easter Eggs. I LOVE Easter Eggs . . . dyeing them, decorating them, hiding them, hunting them, and anything else you can do with them. As a kid (I was the only kid in my family for 13 years-even no cousins), all of the grown ups hunted eggs with me for hours each Easter. Seriously, I loved it! Anyway, today I introduced the process to Lincoln. He helped me choose the colors, waited (semi)patiently while the dye worked, wanted to stir the eggs in the cups, and loaded them with stickers when they dried.

Here's the masterpiece! I have a Mickey Mouse egg kit for another day. I hope he actually enjoys this so I don't have to dye them by myself every year. I have lots of fun stuff for his Easter basket too, so he'll really get into it. The school is having a hunt on Friday, so he'll get more practice!

Lots of Activities

I learned at Lincoln's school that this is Child Appreciation Week . . . isn't that every day? I mean Moms and Dads get a special day once per year, but I think kids get it year round! Anyway, there are lots of fun activities planned for the week. They had a modeling clay station set up for parents and kids to do together. Since I had Beau with us, they gave us a few packages to take home. Linc and I used cookie cutters to make Easter eggs, butterflies and flowers. I know, I know - not the most manly items, but we were talking about spring stuff. (I guess I'll need to go find some construction or tools cookie cutters to add to my collection.)

Lincoln really enjoyed the using the cookie cutters.

The finished product!

When Beau got up from his nap, we pulled out the Mickey shirts. Lincoln was so excited that Beau had one too! He kept pointing and telling me over and over! I made the mistake of telling him we could go outside after I took their picture. He yelled, "Done!" and scooted off the couch right away. Oh, well!

We bubble-mowed the whole street, visited with the neighbors, checked out the construction next door, and had lots of fun. Linc also got a haircut after school, and he was such a big boy! No tears and only a little fussing about the clippers. I'm glad he's not so scraggly-looking anymore!

Gaming and Milking

We went to our favorite dinner place tonight - Snookies! They have the best food, and it's low-key enough to take two kiddos. After we ate, Lincoln got to try his hand at Centipede and Golden Tee! He loved pressing the buttons and looked like such a big kid!

I was a sucker and deposited quarters for real game play, but Daddy only pretended to put in money. I don't think Lincoln knew the difference! He was happy either way. We spend a lot of time nursing on the Boppy pillow, and Lincoln always wants to be involved. Today he put the Boppy pillow around his waist and said he wanted to give Beau the baby milk. I put Beau on his lap and he said, "Come on, Beau. OK, Beau." Apparently I say that a lot when we're getting latched! Lincoln says it every single time he pretends with the Boppy, and he says it in the sweetest little voice. Occasionally he pulls up his shirt too . . . I guess to get access to that imaginary baby milk he's about to give Beau. It's so cute!!!!

First Dentist Visit!

Lincoln had a BIG "first" today . . . the dentist!!! He loves his toothbrush (Elmo and Abby, of course) and brushes lots. Well, actually he chews on the toothbrush then Mommy "helps" brush all of the teeth. We learned today from the hygienist that the brush chewing is actually good for his teeth and gums. Yay us! I hadn't planned on a two year old dentist visit, but he still has two baby teeth right in front that haven't emerged. We've been wondering if he has baby teeth there at all or if he'll even have permanent teeth there eventually. So off for an x-ray we went. Linc and I met Dr. Morgan and we loved him. We sat for an x-ray, which was a super unpleasant event for the entire office. Linc was screaming like a madman and three of us were holding him down - yikes! After the x-ray came a cleaning, which was equally traumatic for all of three minutes! The verdict: He's got very healthy and clean teeth, and the two teeth in question are just hiding in his gums along with permanent teeth for later. Dr. Morgan said it's weird they haven't come up yet, but we'll keep an eye on it. I'm so glad the teeth are there because I was imagining all sorts of painful fixes! Lincoln was awarded a sticker, two toothbrushes and a ball for his good behavior while there. So proud!!!

Since Nana was keeping Beau for the morning, we headed to the playground for some fun. It was a blast, and Lincoln really enjoyed climbing up the slides. We had the whole park to ourselves, so Mommy did lots climbing and sliding too.

We also took a few turns on the see saw, which was really fun. Mr. Noodle (on Sesame Street) plays on the see saw too, so we talked about that for a while. We discussed up and down ALOT as we see sawed.

On the way home, Lincoln told me he saw an Elmo Octagon. I thought for a bit then realized he was talking about a stop sign. So smart!!!! He totally associates colors of things with the colors of his favorite characters. The apple he ate the other day was an Abby Apple because it was kind of pink. The ball he just got is a Monster Ball because it is blue like Cookie Monster. I think this is incredibly smart - and a little crazy that he thinks about Sesame Street ALL THE TIME!!! Either way, I'm glad he knows what an Octagon is!

Double Strollin'

Lincoln accompanied Beau on his first walk . . . in our new super cool double stroller! Look how excited he is! You can't see Beau, but he was pretty excited too. (And by that I mean awake and not crying.) This stroller is awesome and has the car seat attachment up top for now, but it also has another regular stroller seat for when Beau is bigger. (By the way, I didn't realize how ratty the car seat shade had gotten when Linc used it. We still love the Peg Perego car seat, though.) After riding a bit, Linc decided to walk along with us. He would stop at each crack in the sidewalk and jump. Too funny!

It was a nice evening for a stroll down the street, then Linc and I hula hooped while Beau watched. I hope none of the neighbors happened to be looking outside - it was kind of pathetic!

Monday Happenings

Just to keep reminding myself, I'm posting another sweet picture of Linc and Beau sharing a "brother moment." I know one day I'll look at these pictures in disbelief as they are trying to punch each other out! Lincoln is really sweet with Beau and still wants to be involved in everything we do. He pats him, hugs him, lays ON him unfortunately, smothers him with blankets, and is constantly talking to him. He really tries to do the same things that we do, so at least he's paying attention.

We began the dreaded Tummy Time this week, though Lincoln thinks it's pretty fun. Perhaps it's not so bad for Beau when Linc is right next to him on his tummy too. He doesn't like it all the time, but he handles it pretty well. Beau is very strong already and has good control, though he bobbles around after too long.

Our sweet friend Nancy gave Linc the best present ever . . . a life size Elmo that sings and talks!!!! So far Elmo has sat at the dinner table with us, sat on the potty in the bathroom, participated in Tummy Time, watched a video on my lap (with Lincoln and Beau, my lap was pretty full!), and most other things we've done in the last day. Thanks Nancy!!

We're having lots of fun and staying busy, and Beau is more alert all the time. Also, I think he's going through a growth spurt right now because he's eating so much all the time! I'll have to weigh him tonight to see how much he's gained. His little newborn shirts are getting snug around the belly!!! Fun story: This morning Lincoln looked at my stomach and said, "Mommy, belly all gone!" Not quite, sweetie, but Mommy's working on it!

Lincoln's 2nd Birthday Party

To celebrate Lincoln's birthday, we invited our friends and family to enjoy a few train rides on the Stanley the Steam Engine. We've actually ridden this train before with Lincoln, and he loved it. I knew he would have a great time, and we began talking and reading about trains a few weeks ago. As soon as Conductor Tim announced it was time for the first ride, however, someone clammed up completely! Pops and Mommy climbed in (with a crying Lincoln) to help ease the panic. Seriously, we got this train for your birthday, and you don't want to ride it!!!!! Not happening!

After a few trips up and down the street, I think Lincoln began to enjoy himself. He waved to the other riders and the crowd gathered at our house as we passed.

Daddy and Minnie also got to ride with Linc and his buddy, Patrick. I'm glad that ended well! Isn't it the cutest? The kids played with the sandbox, the slide, bubbles, a pinata, the Jeep and car, and the tricycle while not riding the train. I think everyone had lots of fun. The weather was perfect, and I think everyone had taken good naps that day! 10 kids and barely any tears - successful party in my opinion!

Of course, we took a break to sing Happy Birthday and eat cake. Stein's did not disappoint - the cake was delish! (I might be enjoying a piece as I post this!)

Happy Birthday, Lincoln! It was a fun party with lots of good friends and family who love you very much.