Adrian Update: Four and A Half Years Old

Adrian is a normal 4 and a half year old. The good and the teachable moments all come as with any kid. He still waits to do things until he is sure he is good at it. He whines. He lies. He has stolen *m&m's at old navy, which remind me to take him back to pay for them*. He teases his brother and tests his mother and father. He sits longer, colors in the lines. He can count one to ten and knows the one-to-one correspondence for those numbers as well as what they look like. He can recognize all his letters, knows their sounds, and can sound out words with help. He reconizes some sight words. He can make predicitons in stories. He can memorize stories that he likes. He can spell and write his name. He is talking with longer sentences and using mannerisms unexpectedly, yet delightfully.
He knows what he likes and won't let me dress him anymore *although I am the one that buys his clothes still..so technically...* He has been more daring, because he is more coordinated. he can balance better. He learned how to ride his two wheel bicycle on his own around October. He loves his new Razor 2 wheel scooter from Christmas. He dreams now and remembers it, however doesn't usually know the difference between real life and dreams and can't understand why I don't know what is going on, what happened, or what I did in his dreams. He is a wonderful big brother and also needs to be watched often. He can get rough or experimental with his little brother. He is so sweet with him too. I love watching them together. They are especially sweet sleeping together in my bed, as I cannot sleep and instead watch them sleeping peacefully holding each others hand or laying on each other. If Kai is in trouble or getting into trouble, Adrian will always report "Kaili's in trouble."
His Grandpa Tim watches him when he's not at preschool. Preschool is 3 times a week Mon/Wed/Fri this year. We are debating whether or not to get him into Kindergarten this year or next. We are also debating on where because there are so many options.

His favorite color: Gren usually but changes often and usually multiple colors at once.
His best friend in school: Bradley
His friends that he plays with outside of school: Julian, Lexi, Cavyn, Maddox, Nyco, Logan, Caleb, Fabien, Jack, William, Andrew
His favorite food: quesadillas and grilled cheese, pizza
Favorite Vegie: broccoli or spinach
Favorite Fruit: Rasberries
Dislikes: onions
Will eat everything and anything: spicy food, sushi, wasabi, thai food, ...
Favorite TV shows: Go, Diego, Go!, Chuggington, Dinosaur Train, and Wipe Out
Favorite Books: Skippyjohn Jones books, Wild About Books
Favorites Studies: Dinosaurs, Animals, Maps, Pirates
Favorite video game: Wipe Out and others on Wii, Leapster 2
Regular Outings: Museum of Discovery, Weekly trips to the library, Grandma and Grandpa's house
Grocery store or other shopping, Family Dinner at Grandma D's, Visits mom's and dad's work once in awhile, Parks/Playgrounds
Wishes for Next Year: To go camping, to get a snowboard, At one point he did want a baby sister but not sure where he stands on that now that his little brother gets jealous if he even sits with mom, swimming lessons, a new bigger bike *borrowing a friends 2 wheel bike right now since he unexpectedly graduated from his pedal-less bike






Ps. Can no longer post photos on this site. Space is all used up. Might start a new blog.

December Update

We have had such a warm winter so far. Two snow storms is about it. I hope that it will snow again for a white Christmas though! It's beginning to look like Christmas around our house though with Christmas cards, preschool art adorning the walls, and presents wrapped and under our beautiful tree! We even got some new LED dripping icicle lights since we are staying in town for the holiday!

Kaili is 15 months today! The time flies too quickly and I wish that he would not grow up so fast. He waves, points, says 'mamamama' for me and when pointing at something he wants. He says 'dada' 'bub' and 'ball'. He babbles more now but does not say much more than that and stopped saying 'up' and 'done' as much. He signs 'milk' and 'all done'. He can understand and follow directions. He loves reading books, looking at babies, brushing his teeth, playing hide and seek, chase, and ball. He loves jumping on and wrestling with his daddy.

He is a crier and doesn't like to sleep by himself, or to put himself to sleep although he can. He whines whenever his brother teases him, which is often. He gets so jealous when Adrian hugs or sits on mom, and tries to push him away. He's had a cold since right before Thanksgiving, but I though mostly due to teething: 8 new teeth popped through at once giving him a total of 16! Only 4 more to catch up to 'Bub'!

Adrian loves preschool: 3 days per week M/W/F from 900-1130. He goes to visit with his friends. His 'best friend' he says is Bradley, and he enjoys playing with Sam and Dylan this year, who were in his class last year as well. We are debating whether to start Kindergarten this year or next. We could always do it twice, two different schools, or just wait another year. The trend is to wait until they are socially ready because of the standards expected. I think that the high standards are great but that if the kids are not socially ready, they then could easily fall behind. We work on the academic piece and currently he knows his ABC's and sounds of each letter, is learning his sight words, and can 'read' a story if memorized, and sound out words with help. He loves to read, and can sit still and listen to stories for a long time. He still is a 'follower' especially of older kids and this is what worries me. I want him to be a leader, or at least make good judgement of who he's following. Kindergarten registration is February, and we'll go tour the schools on set orientation nights, and I will probably enter him in the 'School of Choice' lottery. There are so many choices...I think our neighborhood school might even have full day Kindergarten which is rare in this town. I guess we can't really go wrong in this district. I am a little jilted after being homeschooled, then public schooled, as well as working in social work, at just what can go wrong in society, and about what my child could be exposed to.

Adrian said yesterday "mom when I grow up, I'm going to be a superhero, like Superman. I'll also be a cooker like daddy, and I'll make the best Chinese food, even better than daddy. I'll teach my kids to make the best food, and you can be their mommy." I explained that I'd be their Grandma but thought that was a great idea for when he got big. He wants to go to school to cook, he said too.

Baby fingers

september 2012 photos

Tour de Fat 9-1-12

 

standing and playing 9-3-12

feeding self 9-3-12

pirate invasion 9-3-12

First Day of Preschool 9-5-12

 

 

 

Loving on dad 9-9-12

All Smiles 9-9-12

Mr. Attitude 9-9-12

Getting ready for a party!

Sleeping in mom and dad's bed

Hey Wake Up!

Cousin Cavyn and Nyco's Bday Party 9-16-12

In the slammer

 

 

 

November

My husband cooks for us almost every night lately. I did however make an awesome baked ziti and an enchilada casserole and I made fudge for the first time ever! It was gone in less than a week. So yummy...with almond butter swirled throughout. I have been making our own bread also for the last month or so. My last loaf turned out awesome...half whole wheat.

I made it to family dinner tonight with my boys. This is the first time since before Kaili's birthday in September. I have been so busy at work and then got sick at the end of October. Still getting over a lingering cough from the bronchitis but much better.

I have a four day weekend off for Thanksgiving!!! Wish I could pack up and travel somewhere fun for that weekend. Plans so far include Wednesday dinner in Longmont and Thursday dinner maybe at our house.

We went to the new Museum of Discovery right here in our own town last weekend...and check out the Forbes article about our little town.

Kaili is walking all over the place. He's pretty funny too! He loves copying his brother, playing with his dogs, climbing all over his dad, feeding himself with utensils, playing with balls and cars, taking walks and playing outside! He's a great eater! He says 'mama' 'dada' 'ball' 'dog' 'up' and 'bub' which means 'brother'. He might also say 'done' and 'papa' for grandpa. He cries a lot, at least a lot more than Adrian did, especially when he wants something, or during separations. He cries if his brother takes something or if his brother has something he wants.

Adrian is loving preschool and really bringing home new ideas and learning new things.

Some reflections a few updates...

Yes yes...I know...I am slacking at blogging. Having two kids does not create less to write about, just less time to write. You probably know that though. But really no excuses...sometimes I just spend my time differently depending. Today I spent at least 45 minutes at the post office, and haven't been there since before Dec 2011 like I should have been. I still have to send out thank you cards for Kaili's birthday party. I guess right now I'm just choosing to use the rest of the wrist strength I have to type this post.

Updates for me: Accident May 16 2012. Rear ended by a car while driving for work. Luckily driving a work vehicle and not my own newish van. Workman's comp just signed off on releasing me. I tried physical therapy to no avail and even worsening symptoms, then 8 chiropractor sessions, double what was given, and 12 massage therapy sessions. I have one more left to use. Overall I'm feeling 90% better.  Something else I wish I had time for: yoga classes. Ah the peace of mind and time that would create if I could find the time to devote.

Family Dinner-Thursdays: I haven't been in over a month, since before Kaili's birthday! Love to attend but work is crazy right now with 17 cases. I can manage about 12 very nicely but 17 is crazy. I have also to juggle preschool transportation and dedications as well which pushes work hours later. I have to drop off at 9am, pick up at 11:30, devote once amonth from 845 to 12 as parent helper, and also an hour every couple months as toy cleaner for the school. I'm not complaining but I cannot be in two places at once and therefore my hours at work go past dark, especially with the winter evenings starting earlier and earlier. I work best in the evening but the kids do worse in the evening so it's not ideal but their dad is there for them when I'm not.

Updates for Barry: He is the only one left on the van line as two guys are leaving the company. He has to hire and train new guys at work. He also has to learn ordering, etc. He's busy and stressed. He comes home consitently at the same time though each day. He is a great cook so we eat well at least!!!! He's not afraid to cook the whole meal including the sauces, or pre-grinding his own spice blends; really the only thing he doesn't do is kill the chicken. It's always delicious. He should have his own restaurant or even food cart on busy nights in town. He'd make a killing!
Updates for Adrian: Loves Preschool! Loves his brother! Is enjoying creating and decorating for Halloween. Positives to age 4: Knows how to write, more focused and has intent to his projects, learning to read, trying more new activites, preschool is so exciting and not as new as last year so he's doing more there and brings more knowledge home!
Negatives: never listens, whines a lot, thinks everything hurts terribly and needs bandaids for everything, too smart, learning bad word- oops, potty talk all the time, smothers little brother, growing up too fast-thinks he's so big already. I used to hold him and he was my baby but now I can't remember where that time went and it makes me so sad. I still hold him while I can but he's not as soft and just doesn't smell the same. October 14, 2012: HE CAN RIDE A TWO WHEELER!!! Someone needs a bike upgrade!

Updates for Kaili: Kaili is trying to walk. He can do it pretty well even holding akward items, but crawling is way faster! He prefers to feed himself and eats big boy food! He loves using his own spoon too. He's not a huge fan of cow's milk and prefers to drible it down his chin. He loves to read, play balls, cars/trucks, and play outside. He laughs to run away from mom and be chased, including in public at the library, at the park, or the stores. Kaili always wants to be bigger, probably normal as he is the 2nd child but I feel that adrian was a baby way longer. Kaili is a jokester, likes to sing/hum, play hide and seek, explore the house, play in the water, and LOVES Hats! off/on/off/on others and himself. It's the best game ever. He is a big whiner and has some seperation anxiety. He does not like to be alone. He can play well in sight if he's well fed and comfortable but it's not often that he doesn't have an adult within reach so that's what he expects and demands!!
Kaili talks more now: He calls Adrian 'Bub' and says mama and dada. He can say 'Hat' 'up' 'done' and 'uh-oh' and likes to hum/sing. He can mimic some sounds and words but isn't consistent yet.
Grandpa Tim babysits the boys Mon-Fri lately. Kaili of course cries to leave mom in the morning, but then cries to leave Gpa in the afternoon. What a baby!

September activities:

1st Tour de Fat Bicycle Ride and Festival
3rd Off work on Labor Day
7th Preschool Started M/W/F with Mrs. Herman/Parent Work Day for Mom
16th Cousin Cavyn and Nycolette's Cowboys/Girls and Bandits Birthday Party
23rd Kaili's 1st Birthday Party
30th Kaili's Friend's Bday Party: Vallen Turn's 1

October Activities:

5th Kaili's 1st year Well Child Check up and shots
6th Julie's suprise Bday Party
7th Kaili's Friend: Frances 1st Bday party at City Park
12th Parent workday at Preschool-Mom

so far.... and more to come....

 Zombie Fest on the 20th
Trunk or Treat on the 28th
PS Parade on the 31st with trick or treating in the evening!

...And who knows what other kinds of trick or treating fun there is to be had!!!

Coming goals: I'd love to get to the zoo if there's another nice day on a weekend coming up as well as get Adrian off to the indoor pool again! I'd love to spend time with some friends I haven't seen in awhile, make it to family dinner, and be able to get off work before dark, if that's even possible in the fall/winter. I'd love to buy this house! I'd love to travel more often! Each little accomplishment counts, like mailing last Christmas' gifts off today, almost a year late but at least before next Christmas!

August 2012

I can't believe I haven't written in over a month...sorry everyone! We've been busy. My parents came to visit from Aug 11-21st!!! So much fun!

 

We went to the New West Fest on the 12th and the Lyon's Folk Festival on the 19th!!!

The kids had a blast and were sad to see them leave. Adrian really wants to go to Hawaii and see real volcanos.

 

Adrian is reading sight word "the" and continues to do really well wiht his numbers and letters. He can sign, say, and name all his ABC's. He understands the sounds of letters and can count to 10 and tries to count to 20. He can recognize letters to 10 also. He can write his letters and numbers and is doing well with cutting, pasting, stringing beads, and other art projects! He even likes to paint our dog red if left outside to paint his big box/fort.

 

Kaili is trying to talk a lot, saying 'up' 'momma' and 'dadda'. He also is starting to scream. We encourage sign language and he uses 'all done' and can sign 'milk' but mostly just uses 'all done'. He has seperation anxiety and does not like to be left alone, and rarely plays on his own. He follows whoever is home with him around, and really wants to be held all the time. He loves playing outside, playing/eating rocks, playing cars and he even says 'bbbbrrrr' and drives the cars/trucks around. He loves water. He loves to eat and feeds himself his bottles. He puts everything in his mouth still but will give things to you if you ask 'can I have it?" This prevents having to wrestle it out of his mouth.

 

The boys love each other so much. They get so excited to see each other! I have to seperate them to calm them down for bed sometimes. They play hide and seek, chase, wrestle with each other and play with toys together! Adrian sings or plays instruments and Kaili dances. They light up when they see each other!

 

Can't believe Adrian started preschool again: Mrs. Herman is his teacher and so far he has 18 classmates. Mom was parent helper on the first day. Also can't believe that Kaili is turning one this month.

 

New West Fest

 

Aunt Laurie's Goodbye Party

 

 

Downtown Fort Collins

 



Golden CO Trip

We went to Clear Creek Canyon and visited Golden CO for lunch today. We went through a tunnel in the montain to get to the river. Enjoyed D'Deli's sandwiches and splashing in the river looking for gold. Then we went to visit our friends' Audra and Harlan's new house (model) that they are building in Thornton. After that dinner at Arte's Pizzeria in Loveland! We waved to Uncle Judah working across the street at Silvermine Subs.

Teaching Adrian to Read and Other Updates

Adrian is reading his first book! It is called 'The Park" and has two word phrases 6 pages,, focuses on sight word 'the' and has pictures for the other words...such as 'the trees.' He spells out words, he rhymes words, he loves to be read to! He has his alphabet down, knows the sounds of the words, can spell words that he sees, and can sound some things out, as well as is grasping the concept of words, by showing memory of sight words. He practices writing his letters a couple of times a week on worksheets. I have a work Tablet that he has downloaded some apps on for sight words, story books, and memory games. We go to the library weekly and he has his own library card, and is taking part in the library summer reading program! YAY for my smart little boy. Hopefully school will come easy for him. We are already talking about college! Currently he would like to mow lawns and for mommy to pay him. We discussed that as a good job for a teenager and that other's could pay him too otherwise I'll need a better job or a raise of substantial worth.

In other news: we aka Barry has mounted the tv above the mantle and moved out the loveseat and oversized chair to make way for two rocking recliners that Barry happened upon one day that an older couple were getting rid of.  Barry also cleaned out the garage of a bunch of junk and trimmed the tree in the front, taking a big load to the landfill last weekend! He also has resorted to part time vegan dieting and is limiting his red meat intake to stay healthier and feel well. He has also resorted to trying to ride his bike more, daily if possible for exercise.

I am 3 lbs away from my ideal weight and hopefully another couple of walks will cure me of them. Getting strep this summer was a good weight loss idea...but never again do I wish that.

Adrian and I had a dentist appointment today! He did great! It's so enlightening to hear him talking to other adults when I'm not visibly present. He reminds me of how old he's getting. I've been craving every minute I get with him because he's growing up fast.

Adrian began a nail biting/skin biting habit at the end of the school year and it's gotten worse over the summer. He bit his toenails off one day even. He was quite proud. I've explained the germs factor, I've explained the reason for nails, I've taped his fingers, bandaided his fingers, had him wear gloves, had him sit on his hands and say 'I will keep my fingers out ofmy mouth', reminded him verbally and non-verbally, and even resorted to peer pressure and peer accountability.  Every time I turn around his fingers are in his mouth. I think he's picked it up partly in 1. wanting to be noticed as Kaili is a baby and does baby things like chewing on everything and is allowed 2. nervousness/shyness 3. Seeing peers do it. What to do??? I know I give it attention and that can be part of it's continuing...but Barry and I both chewed our nails as children. Is it genetic? I really want it to stop. Maybe it's a phase. Maybe I'm the reason it's gotten worse...or maybe I didn't try to stop it soon enough. AAAHHH...he chewed off an entire toe nail on one toe, AND he has started biting his skin to the point that it bleeds. Hopefully he stops by the time school starts, or we'll all be sick from everything he brings home from school. I tried ignoring it in the beginning, maybe I'll try ignoring it again.

I am so tired these days. Can't seem to sleep enough or get good sleep at night. Kaili actually slept through the night in his bed last night and only woke twice...but that was only one night so far. He always starts off in his bed, now that he's so mobile, around 730-830pm. Then he wakes around 1030/1230 and I nurse him and put him back in bed. Then he wakes again what seems like 2-3 more times a night after I've gone to bed. I occasionally put him back in bed but he usually ends up back with me by morning. I've at least been managing my work hours pretty well so I feel good about that. I'm also planning on taking off when my parents come to town!!!

Kaili will be 10 months on July 23rd. Kaili pulls to standing on everything, crawls really well, and climbs stairs! He loves being held and near his mommy or daddy or grandpa, he loves his brother and squeals when he sees him. He babbles. He yells 'yayayaya' and 'mamama' and 'dada' and all sorts of other sounds. He screams and loves drumming, whistles, and to eat and chew on everything. He has 6 teeth-2 bottom and 4 tops! He loves to eat-eats the best at lunch or dinner, and only a small breakfast. Probably because he nurses all night. He also feels heavier this week! He is a good listener and doesn't go down the stairs even if I'm downstairs-he sits and waits at the top if I remind him 'uhuh'. He squawks till I come get him! Kaili loves paper-to eat of course, dirt and rocks and bark as well. Dog food bowls are pretty tasty and plastic bags are the best! Really have to watch this one! He ate an entire lemon wheel slice including the peel with dinner. He has no food allergies so far and loves berries and potatoes! I don't make as much home made food but do give him pieces of whatever we're eating. I did make a batch of beet, beet greens, and potatoes for the freezer stock yesterday though. He still doesn't hold his bottle on his own but is learning to use a sippy cup. A new fun game he has learned is to throw things on the floor and watch the animals eat it or mom pick it up! 'Peek a boo' and clapping 'pat a cake' are pretty funny and he's super tickle-ish! He plays 'hide and go seek' and 'I'm gonna getcha'! He signs 'all done' and 'milk'!! Such a smart baby! We love him. We think we'll keep him!

Summer's going by fast! We've been swimming quite a bit and I have some water babies! Adrian will swim even if he's purple and shivering! Kaili will bear crawl it to the water if he's set down anywhere near water! No fear! I was going to put Adrian in swimming lessons but am having trouble finding any openings. Maybe we'll just swim a lot and he'll figure it out.

Not my bed anymore

Sweet Corn

There He Is

Me? A water bug? What's that?

Swimming with Gma and Gpa

4th of July 2012

Due to the fires there were no fireworks this year in many of the Colorado towns. Surprisingly I slept well through th enight without fireworks going off all week long! The kids and mom went to cousin Cavyn and Nyco's house for the day while dad stayed home and did some major yard work!

Kaili 9 Months Old June 23 2012

My nine month old ...so weird since I still feel like he's so little. He is 17 lbs 1.5 oz. He is 28 inches long and that puts him in the 10th %ile for weight and 39th for height.  He can sit up in his crib now but is still working on sitting up from lying down on the floor. He can do it on a mattress usually or by pulling himself up using rails, bedding, etc. He still sleeps with his momma and if momma is around then he won't fall asleep on his own lately. I have created a little monster...a cute little cuddly monster.
He can wave his arms...'all done,' 'up,' when he dances, and we're working on hello/goodbye waves but he will wave when he gets excited and sees you so that counts as hello! He army crawls/scoots all over the place which he started in May, and can get on his hands and knees but doesn't crawl on them. He loves to play with balls, drums, and....his thing is strings, rope, cords, hair. He puts everything in his mouth, including the cat. Water: Favorite thing ever!! Loves bath time, splashes and wiggles all about the bath, enjoys splashing his brother, his mama and the entire bathroom really. He also sometimes gets baths in the kitchen sink which is fun! He doesn't mind playing inthe shower when mom needs a shower and he's awake.
He loves to eat!!! He feeds himself and eats chunks of fruit, bread, his sippy cup, and lots of fruit and vegetables. I haven't started meats, or beans, egg yolks or much cheese yet. He loves yogurt-plain old whole fat yogurt. YUM! I made homemade foods but I am also buying baby food this time around, as well as just feeding him what we eat as he likes to eat and will eat more than Adrian did! Favorites are mango, strawberries, and toast! Next I will start making him beans and feeding him cheese...he's tried goat cheese and chedder...so far he likes cheese! He likes to drink water out of a big cup too! I had to start supplamenting with formula because we ran out of frozen breastmilk. I have just been too busy to keep up a good supply...but I don't feel too bad since he's healthy and eats well!
He loves his brother and gets a big old smile on his face when he sees him. He loves to give him kisses...which looks a lot like they are eating each other's faces. Adrian loves to stick his fingers in Kaili's mouth...yay for germs...and sometimes gets bit. Kaili now has 2 bottom and 2 top teeth. He grinds them together which is a disturbing sound...but I think Adrian went through that phase too.
Grandpa Tim still watches them Tue, Thur, Fri. Liza watches them on Mon and Wed with her boys. Sometimes Patti is there and they will watch other kids too. Lots of boys.
Kaili loves his dad! He isn't as much of a mama's boy as Adrian was but still needs his mama in the evenings or he's just plain cranky and nothing makes him happy.
Kaili is a crier...Adrian never cried so that's what I compare him to. A content baby overall and when he has what he needs. He is more serious and even tempered like his dad. He looks like his mama did when she was a baby. He has his dad's hair, lighter and thinner, and his mama's ears. Adrian has his mom's hair, dark and thick, and emotional temperment, and dad's ears and looks. Such opposites. They will be good buds and already enjoy playing together. Adrian is still showing lots of jealousy and always wants the baby's toys, attention, and reverts to baby talk and nonsensical jabber. He disrupts the baby by talking and laughing when he nurses, and of course big brother is so much more fun so I have to send him out of the room to feed the baby or put him to sleep.
Kaili loves tv. He, his brother and his dad  are mesmirized by that thing. Can't focus on anything else when it's on. Of course he doesnt' get tv time but sometimes he is downstairs when it's on.

6/23/12

Father's Day

Lemon Tree for dad ready to bloom, Human Bean coffee and a vegetarian breggo for breakfast! Homemade footprint cards and big hugs! Library re-opening festivities trip. Awfully smoky so we had to retreat inside. Visited Grandma and Grandpa and Bobby at the pool but couldn't stay long becuase of the fire/smoke. And since he's such a good dad, he made a dad's day grilled pizza! What a dad!!! We think we'll keep him around!

8 Months Old

May 5, 2012 I can Sit by Myself!

Kaili is 8 Months Old as of May 23rd. He can sit, enjoys eating, and loves playing with toys. He screetches and sometimes babbles.
He had a 7 Month Reunion playdate with his childbirth class pals and seems to be right on developmentally with the rest of them...although some were already crawling.

 Escape artist

 Where have those boys gone now?

 Yum-1st Graham Cracker

I'm just little



Support in sitting

Sleeps like a baby...as long as mom is near

Teaching brother to crawl!...Like this?