The Pitcher Family Journal

Stats: Six Months and Two-And-A-Half Years

2012-02-11T15:35:00.007-06:00

Skylie regularly says she wants to cuddle with Kaitlyn. She'll get a blanket, place it over the two of them, and snuggle up to her little sister. I hope her adoration for Kaitlyn lasts many, many years.

KAITLYN'S SIX MONTH STATS

At six months Kaitlyn is an itty-bitty girl. Her weight has been dropping off her growth curve, which was already well below the first percentile to begin with. At this last doctor's appointment her curve had dropped several lines. She's also had this wheezy breathing issue that at first seemed related to the typical cold. But it's gone on for so long (three months) that our pediatrician is now recommending we see a specialist. I'm not normally one who's overly worried about my kids' health issues, and I'm still not too alarmed, but I certainly want my baby girl to thrive.

Weight: 10 pounds, 13.6 ounces; below 5th percentile
Length: 24 inches; below 5th percentile
Head circumference: 16 inches; ; at 5th percentile

To give you a comparison for Kaitlyn's size:

At seven months Skylie weighed 14 pounds, 2 ounces and was in the fifth percentile.
A friend of mine's three-month-old baby (who was born two months premature) weighs 9 pounds, 14 ounces.

SKYLIE'S TWO-AND-A-HALF YEAR STATS

Height: 35 3/8 inches; 25th percentile
Weight: 24 pounds, 3 ounces; 4th percentile

Six Month Pictures and Letter

2012-02-05T13:23:00.008-06:00

Kaitlyn,
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: You are one laid-back baby. Thank you!

At least once a day strangers compliment you:

"What a beautiful baby!"
"Look at those big blue eyes and long lashes!" (I like to take credit for that one.)
"She smiles so easily!"
"Does she ever cry?" (Yes, you certainly do--but not too much.)

You are quite the hit at the gym's childcare, and regularly folks tell me they want to take you home or that they could cuddle you to pieces. (If they did either of those things, I'd be really annoyed to say the least.) They also remark that you're happy, easy to take care of, and that you spit up a lot. They are correct on all accounts.

You experienced rice cereal for the first time yesterday and didn't mind it too much. You're content just to be and aren't too interested in rolling over or sitting up although I'm sure you're capable of it. You let Skylie love, torment, and care for you without too much complaining--which is a big feat--considering her intense interest in all things baby.

You've been to the Children's Museum, the downtown Super Bowl festivities, and on many outings to stores, play dates, and the library.

You were sick last month and now have a lingering cough that you just can't seem to kick.

You (and I) had a rough time sleeping for a few weeks. Finally I realized you weren't getting enough to eat before bedtime. Once we began supplementing with a bottle at bedtime, you and I have both been sleeping much better! You'll usually go to bed between 7:00 or 8:00 p.m., wake up around 6:00 a.m. to eat then sleep for another hour or so.

You bring us much happiness, Kaitlyn. We love you and could cuddle you to pieces!

Love,
Mom

{Most photos courtesy JCPenny Portrait Studios}

P.S. Skylie's six month pictures were in the bathtub, as well. I was interested to compare their photos, and they certainly do have their own look. Here's the link to all of Skylie's six month photos. I've also posted a few below. Check it out:

{Skylie at six months}
{Kaitlyn at six months}
{Skylie at six months}
{Kaitlyn at six months}

In Super Bowl City

2012-02-05T13:07:00.005-06:00

Excitement is high. For the past 10 days Super Bowl festivities in Indianapolis have been underway. Our family ventured downtown twice to take it all in. It was great.

In a few hours the big game will begin, and I plan to enjoy the event from afar--far away from downtown and the chaos and crowds!

Month 29

2012-02-03T14:00:00.001-06:00

Skylie,

While browsing some previous letters I'd written you, I came across this note that I wrote when you were six months:

"Once when Dad and I were watching two other babies, they seemed as content and calm as could be. You, on the other hand, were flying from one side of the exersaucer to the other— trying to eat the toys—and letting your presence be known with all your squeals.

"Your dad said, 'Compared to Logan and Taylor, Skylie acts like she's on crack.'"

Dad and I laughed at that memory. It's fun to look back and see how you've changed and grown but also realize the trademarks of your personality that endure. Trademarks, such as your high energy and excitement over even the smallest of events are two characteristics that I love about you.

{Playing at the Indianapolis Museum of Art}

In her Christmas letter this year your Grandma Zane wrote of you:

"[Skylie] loves reading books and will sit for an hour or more if she has someone to read to her...She is a mini Erin who always has to be going or doing something!"

You are an on-the-go little girl. Last summer we spent many a day at the community pool with friends. Many of our outings were shared with two other girls close to your age. While they were--for the most part--content to sit with their moms, you preferred to run around the perimeter of the pool and plunge into deeper water where the big kids played. I'm sure the very pregnant mom chasing after you was quite the sight!

Your spunky personality and zest for life are at times challenging, but they're also some of the characteristics I love most about you!

{Greeting Kaitlyn first thing in the morning}

The theatrics in you test my patience at times. Like yesterday morning: "I WANT MY POLKA DOT JAMMIES ON!!!!!!!!!" But by that same token, you're even more giddy and delightful than you are strong-willed. Yesterday afternoon: "I went to the MUSEUM a-DAY! I got to eat a COOKIE!" (followed by squeals and laughs).

You're a quick learner. I've recently begun teaching you the Church's nursery lessons for Family Home Evening and as a Sunday morning activity. You love having those lessons, and I'm often surprised at all that you absorb. Last week you noticed a family picture I'd used during a previous lesson. You pointed at each family member and exclaimed, "Katins a child a God. And I's a child a God. Daddy's a chile a God. Mommy's a chile a God." Then you lifted your arms over your head making a circle with your arms and announced, "We's ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLs childs a God."

{Giving serious loves to her baby sister}

There's nothing you love more than playing with other kids, eating treats, and climbing into Kaitlyn's crib to wake her up when she should be napping.

{Singing to her own tune--and lyrics}

You also love:

Making up your own songs
Playing with Daddy
Helping take care of Kaitlyn
Treats of all kind, especially marshmallows, cookies, ice-cream, and homemade granola bars
Coloring
Taking baths
Stealing my makeup brushes and painting the walls with remnants of blush
Going to the Children's Museum, the store, the mall, and the library--especially for story time
Going to our church's playgroup. We usually meet at a grandma's house, and lately she's been making treats with you kids. Last week when I asked you if you wanted to go to playgroup, you exclaimed, "I go pway groop at Gramma Pat's! I make COOKIES!!!"

{Reading "The Monster at the End of this Book" with Daddy and Kaitlyn}

This month you:

Hiked in Brown County State Park with your cousins and great aunt and uncle (Dave and Jenny's family, and Cindy and Brian).
Partook in the Super Bowl festivities downtown--since Indianapolis is hosting the big event this year.
Visited the long-awaited and much-anticipated "Panda Bear Store" AKA Panda Express on a daddy-daughter date.
Toured the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Mom and Dad got dirty looks when you touched the balloon modern art display. Oops.
Played "basketball" for the first time at the gym with Mom.

{Super Bowl Festivities in Indianapolis}

At 29 months:

You are potty trained and will usually tell someone when you need to go to the bathroom.
You are the queen of stalling. Before naps and bedtime you insist on looking at Kaitlyn sleeping in her crib at least four times, won't be satisfied unless we say two prayers, draw out hugs and kisses, and will often say you need to wipe your nose or use the bathroom in an effort to delay the inevitable.
You still nap, but quite often you don't fall asleep and will instead have quiet time in your room for an hour or so.
You're strict about not having a single item in your room during naps and when you go to bed. If there's a toy or any item of clothing on the floor, you insist on putting it back.
You're also quite particular about your blanket. When we say prayers at bedtime the blanket must be on your lap and lying perfectly flat on the floor. Funny girl.

{Falling asleep after church}

We love you more than ever!

Love,
Mom

Going Private

2012-02-02T14:03:00.002-06:00

I never thought I'd succumb to making our blog private, but I have. Considering Matt's profession, it just seems like the way to go.

Please post a comment, leave a note on Facebook, or email me with your email address if you want to be invited to view our blog once it's private. Even if you blog stalk and never leave comments, I'll still invite you!

Guest Post: Pain

2012-01-28T13:15:00.014-06:00

A few months ago my friend, Robyn, posted a blog that truly touched me. It's been on my mind quite a bit, and it seemed too good not to share with loved ones beyond my Iowa friends. With Robyn's permission I'm reposting her thoughts in their entirety.

Before you read the post, I think it pertinent to know something of it's author, Robyn.

One thing I have learned in marriage is that using definitive expletives such as "always" and "never", usually lead to no good. But without an ounce of hesitation I describe Robyn as someone who is is truly beloved by all who know her. I watched her for the four years we lived in Iowa, and in her I found someone that sincerely cared about others and worked tirelessly to befriend, lift, and nurture those around her. During the four months Matt was away from our family last year, Robyn called me about once a week to see how I was doing or to invite me on an outing or to dinner. Robyn is charity personified. I can only hope to someday possess a portion of the goodness and love that seems to come so easily to her.

Without further adieu, here's her thoughts:

Disclaimer- this post has been difficult for me to finally publish. It is more personal than I usually like to get in blogs, but I have felt prompted for months to write this. I don't think it's necessarily because anyone else needs this, but I just felt it was important for me to record and share these experiences with my family. Please don't misunderstand this as preachy or "look how great I did!". These are very real, tender experiences from my life where I have seen the Lord inspire and bless me.)

Are you ready to get a little deep? Okay..

Pain. This subject has been one of interest to me lately. It started with a relief society lesson that got me reflecting on painful experiences in my life and how I handled them. In this lesson we talked about the importance of pain, the necessity , even the joy (gasp, what!?) it is in our life and how no one- no matter how righteous or intelligent we are- can escape it.

This is a truth I have always known, but for some reason that spring day in a chapel in the middle of Iowa, my understanding, insight, and feelings about pain went to a much deeper level. I'm not even sure I can explain. Articulating how I feel in writing is not a talent of mine.

One of the key phrases that runs through my mind is, "without pain, there is no triumph." The Spirit has opened my eyes and helped me see that though adversity, confrontation, stepping out of my comfort zone, being asked to do hard things, have brought painful moments to my life, I have the choice to triumph. Though the Lord in His wisdom doesn't necessarily remove the painful experience, He always provides a way to triumph.

And when you triumph over pain, it is one of the most empowering, joyful experiences.

I have so much more to say than this, but I struggle to sufficiently explain. It is a tender subject with me lately.

Maybe it's because I have experienced a fresh sting of pain with this most recent move.

I can't say that I've been able to look at every difficult experience I've been through and see the joy or the blessings in it. There are some things I just still don't understand. But my thoughts turned to pain and triumph, I have recognized a few recent examples of times where I was feeling some pretty significant pains that ,with the help of the Lord, brought me joyful blessings that made my life even richer and sweeter than I could have imagined.

MOVING TO IOWA

When the moving truck pulled out of my parent's driveway and I followed in my white Expedition, I thought my heart was literally going to break. I sobbed outloud, gasping for air- it was ugly. After a long time, and with sobs still refusing to quiet, I even prayed aloud as I drove (thankfully I was alone, Tyler might have left me at the curb by now). I was 5 months pregnant with my third. My life was finally starting to feel settled, and lucky me- it was pretty much falling into place just how I envisioned it. I had a cute little house, an amazing ward, wonderful friends, was now a stay at home mom, and above all, my dreams of living near my family had come true. I never lived near grandparents, and I was thrilled that my kids would live so close to some. And to top that all off, my older brothers moved to Texas ... cousins to play with too? Ya, this is exactly what I envisioned for myself.

Iowa? Seriously? That's all I could think. The transition was hard, and it took a long time for me to feel at home.

What if I would have been spared the pain of leaving? I would never have known the joy of living in this home. I grew in ways that I never expected. I discovered myself. Our family became more solid. Our testimonies deepened. The kids enjoyed a carefree life. Most importantly, what if I missed out on the incredible people that ate, played, and visited this home? No, I couldn't be this happy without my life in Iowa.

BABY BLUES

I have lightly mentioned in some of my conversations with friends that I had the blues after Harrison. I don't think I've really explained to anyone what a painful time this was for me. In fact, I can't find the words to describe it now, and I guess there's really no need to. It was a very personal, deeply difficult experience for me. And on top of it all, my thyroid called it quits and I had no idea. It took me 6 months to realize I was not only depressed, but a zombie. I lived to sleep. So far in my life, this has been the lowest of lows for me.

My life changed dramatically the day I gave up my cell phone and walked in to Farrells- a specialized body shaping gym in town. After strengthening myself physically and emotionally, I soon became a fitness coach and instructor. I have found profound joy in nurturing others along the program. This experience has been one of the most fulfilling, life changing blessings of my life.

(This is me instructing on my last day)

MONEY MATTERS

Like most people, we've had our financial ups and downs. There was a time in our lives when finances were more than tight. Our job didn't turn out to be what we hoped, and we had other challenges that were so stressful that I found myself sitting and staring at walls. I know, I'm proactive like that. Without going into detail, just trust me when I say that this was an intense, painful few years for us.

It was right before spring break one year while I was doing my daily "wall stare" that I got feeling really sorry for myself. The reality of our situation was so heavy on me and I was feeling sad that my kids weren't able to participate in music lessons, sports, etc. It crossed my mind that spring break was coming up and my self pity went a notch higher. Will we ever afford to take our kids on vacation? This year and some beyond, the answer was "no". We just didn't have the means.

That is how Spring Break Hotel was borne. I shook myself out of victim mode and decided that if I couldn't go to a hotel, then I would make my own. And from there the ideas flowed.

I really think that if it weren't for our financial trials that I would have fought so hard to make Spring Break such a special time for my kids. It was just as special for me as it was for them. This tradition has been so treasured to our family, and hopefully others as well. I hope that my children will not only remember the fun times we had, but that they will see how our family triumphed above the pains of financial stress that were so heavy on us for those years.

Thank you, Robyn, for allowing me to share your thoughts.

From the Mouth of My Babe: Skylie's Thankful For

2012-01-24T18:12:00.002-06:00

Skylie has recently begun saying very small portions of prayers on her own. It's quite entertaining and sweet to say the least. It's eye opening to see how she perceives the world.

Tonight when I asked her "What are you thankful for?" this was her response:

Her: "Gnana and papa."
Me: "Who else?"
Her: "Gnana and papa."
Me: "Who else?"
Her: "Gnana and papa."
(As usual she repeated that three more times before I could get her to move on from expressing thanks for her grandparents.)
Me: "Who else?"
Her: "Temples" (Probably due to the fact we'd just watched this video.)

She went on to list:

"The museum."
"Jesus."
"Jesus Christ."
"Our friends."
"Sadie."
"Brook and Kate."

Only after prompting her did she include crucial people like Mom, Dad, and Kaitlyn in her prayers. :)

Brown County State Park

2012-01-22T06:44:00.007-06:00

On Thursday, January 5 our family headed an hour south to Brown County State Park to meet up with Matt's cousin's family, his Aunt Cindy, and his Uncle Brian. The day was unseasonable warm, and we took a 2-mile winter hike in the park. Later we window-shopped (quite literally since the stores had closed) in the nearby quaint town of Nashville, Indiana.

Skylie and Matt
If only we could all have the life of a two-year-old!

Dave and Skylie

Skylie loved the hike, except when her shoes got muddy.

Skylie and Matt

The kids playing at the playground
I think the Dads enjoyed themselves as much as the children did.

Sadie, Kaitlyn, and Jenny

Sadie carried Kaitlyn the entire hike!
Both our daughters certainly get their share of attention around this gang.

Skylie and Erin

We loved the day trip, but next year we might rent a cabin (Two nights for the price of one? Yes please!), and take advantage of the sweet indoor pool at the Abe Martin Lodge.

Facts in Bullet Point Fashion

2012-01-15T06:27:00.013-06:00

In the world of Blogland, I'm pretty good at recording what my children are doing and about our fun outings. But I don't regularly document pertinent information about our day-to-day living and what's on my mind. Like most of you, I blog so that my family will have a better remembrance of their past. I may be cocky, but I like to think that Skylie and Kaitlyn will actually want to know what their mom cared about when they were babes. Here's an effort to do better.

A few thoughts about Matt's residency, our life in Indy, and what's going on in my head:

For the past six months Matt has been doing his psychiatry rotation. Compared to most residencies, the hours have been a breeze! He's worked about 55-60 hours each week, from about 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 or 6 p.m. weekdays, and he had all major holidays off. One night a week he was on call at the hospital until 10 p.m., and one weekend a month he had to go to the hospital to sign orders on Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Those weekends he was usually only gone for a couple hours at most.)
The breeze came to a screeching halt this week when Matt began his three month internal medicine rotation. He's working every Saturday and Sunday (at least from morning to mid-afternoon) for the next three months, has call (meaning he stays late at the hospital) once or twice weekly, and has one weekday off each week. It's going to be a more grueling schedule than he's had, but I know that many other residents work just as hard or harder, and often have much more demanding schedules for years--not just a few months. I consider myself quite lucky his schedule has been as great as it's been.

In a previous post I mentioned that I'm teaching a few group exercise classes at the local YMCA. I love it, and the perks of being a Y employee rock. I'm teaching two Turbo Kick classes, a Women on Weights course, and I'll be begin teaching another class (TBD) shortly.
For the first few months we lived in Indianapolis I sometimes wished we'd moved to a more central area or purchased a house that wasn't a new construction. We hadn't completely realized how much work and money a new home needs until we'd moved in. After spending a weekend on the other side of town in December (where we would have lived if we hadn't purchased our current home), all my regret left and I realized that I'm really happy where I'm at. I love the neighborhood, my ward, and the more open and less-crowded feel on this side of town.

I've been reading up on finances lately. I've learned a lot, but one of the biggest personal realizations I've come to is this: I'm going to try to never again complain or feel sorry for myself when I can't afford (or choose not to buy) something I want. Simple enough right? But the reasoning behind it is the important part. I think that I'm a fairly educated person who has solid and broad work experience. I could quite possibly get a job where I'd make more than Matt's current salary. Even if I couldn't get a great job, I know for certain I could do something to increase our income. But I'm choosing this life and choosing to spend my resources and time in other ways. It's my life, my choice, and once I've made a choice I should embrace it completely. If I'm ever not happy with my life's choices, I hope I'll be proactive to change my circumstances. From my reading I've also learned not to paint myself in a corner and limit my possibilities but to be creative in finding ways to get the things I really want if at first it doesn't seem feasible. Robbing banks isn't the creativity I have in mind. ;) By no means do I intent to imply that other people's decisions should be the same as mine. See next bullet.

I've mentioned that I often feel guilty leaving my kids in childcare while I work out. Recently a friend wisely said that she's come to realize that spending her time in ways that are important to her is what matters most. We shouldn't feel guilty for spending our lives doing what's valuable to us. If, for example, my friend vacuums her house more than I do, that's okay because it's important to her and something else could be more important to me. Thanks for the great advice!

Slow-Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

2012-01-09T13:33:00.004-06:00

Matt made this super easy Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup this weekend. It tasted so great that I had to share. Next time we may add black beans. I recommend doubling the recipe since it's an ideal freezer meal.

Ingredients

1 pound shredded, cooked chicken (1/4 rotisserie chicken shredded or 2 chicken breasts diced and cooked)
1 (15 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
7 corn tortillas (optional)*
vegetable oil*

Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, green chiles, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in water and chicken broth, and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in corn and cilantro. Cover, and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high setting for 3 to 4 hours.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).*
Lightly brush both sides of tortillas with oil. Cut tortillas into strips, then spread on a baking sheet.*
Bake in preheated oven until crisp, about 10 to 15 minutes. To serve, sprinkle tortilla strips over soup.*

*Since I'm all about saving work, simply use tortilla chips if you'd rather.

He also made this Soft Oatmeal Cookie recipe which did not disappoint. Right now I'm wishing there were some left over. Mmm...

Month 27 and 28

2012-01-02T16:00:00.001-06:00

Skylie,

I love the words that come out of your mouth! At least once a day you crack me up with one of your remarks. You're quick to say "actually" and "probably". When I'm feeding Kaitlyn you usually inform me that, "She's probabee thirsty."
Yesterday in the car you pleaded, "I'm actually weely hungwe!" We were dropping a DVD off at McDonalds, and when you heard Daddy say "McDonalds" you corrected him, "Dat's not Old McDonald!" (That's your favorite song of late, and according to you all sorts of strange creatures live at Old McDonald's farm.)
While playing with with your dollhouse on Christmas Day you set the Mommy doll on the table and firmly demanded, "Mommy, get off the table. Mommy, get off the table. Mommy, get off the table." Apparently you've heard that request one too many times.
A few weeks ago our family was getting ready to head out the door. You began darting from bedroom to bedroom exclaiming, "Oh! I almost forgot one thing! Oh! I almost forgot one thing!" I asked you what you'd forgotten, but you couldn't muster up an answer. I suspect you've also heard that phrase from me all too often.
Yesterday I left the kitchen to get Kaitlyn out of bed. A few minutes later you tumbled up the stairs carrying (and spilling) my hot chocolate. You proudly announced, "I brought you your hot chocwat! It's a widdle hot!" You then searched for Daddy to exclaim, "I brought Mommy's hot chocwat! I brought it!" You'd pulled a chair from the table over to the counter, and climbed up on it to reach my drink. What a helpful girl you are. In similar fashion, this morning while I ate my dry cereal you proudly--and by your own self-will--brought me a spoon. Thanks, Kiddo.
Once you'd tucked a blanket around yourself and Kaitlyn, and when I picked her up you scowled, "Hey! Dat's my baby. Put 'er back!"

The past two months have brought a fair amount of changes to our family.

I've potty trained you. It was a rough few days, and we still have our share of accidents, but overall the process went smoother than I'd expected. You were definitely ready to take that jump. I bribed you with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, and we sat on the toilet reading lots and lots of books ALL. DAY. LONG.
We now have a pass to the Children's Museum, and we've taken you several times. You love it and often ask to "Go to museum a day?" You also love the library and often ask to visit. Any day I run errands you ask to, "go one more store?", and you have high hopes of someday going to the Panda Bear store (Panda Express).

You love your cousins, especially Meg and Bethany because of all the attention they both give you.
You are Kaitlyn's protector. You'll often inform me that "Kaitlyn's cryin'", and you insist on peeking in at her crib before naps and bedtime. The last words you tell us as you're laying down are always, "Kaitlyn close 'er eyes?"
Once I stayed home from church with Kaitlyn. When Daddy picked you up from nursery at the end of church you demanded, "Where's my mommy!? I WANNA FIND MY MOMMY!" I beamed when Daddy recounted the incident, but the next week when you were asking for your daddy, I realized that I'm not always #1 in your book!
You love movies, books, coloring (especially with markers), babies, cuddling under blankets, animals, singing, lollipops, chicken pot pie, hot chocolate, ice cream, oatmeal, edemame, cereal, sitting on Mommy or Daddy's lap at mealtimes, and playing with friends. You don't like getting your hair fixed, naps, or sharing.
You enjoyed getting presents and eating candy canes on Christmas, but you weren't too sure about Santa Claus.

You are a sweet, and fun and full of energy. I love you. Please keep giving me those big hugs at bedtime.

Love,
Mom

Month 4 and 5

2011-12-30T06:15:00.010-06:00

Kaitlyn,

You are such a laid-back, happy, and easy baby! I'm grateful for your mild temperament and go-with-the-flow nature. You quite possibly have your dad's temperament, which is a great quality.
You've had more than your share of sickness the past month or so. It's concerned me some because I feel like it's hindered your weight gain, and you're already an itty bitty girl. Though we didn't take you to get checked, Doctor Dad suspected your had bronchitis at one point. I felt bad for your raspy cough, runny nose, and gooey eyes, but you didn't seem to mind too much.

You sleep well for the most part. At times you've slept as long as 12 hours at night, but other nights you wake up once during the night. I can usually guarantee that you'll at least sleep a good eight hour stretch. You don't protest naps or bedtime too much and will only cry for a few minutes, if at all.

Spitting up is a favorite hobby of yours, and you projectile it like nobodies business! I have to change our clothes at least twice a day because you've drenched both of us, the floor, the blankets, and the burp rags. :)
You giggle, coo, blow raspberries, and smile at anyone who'll give you attention. Often I'll put you in your swing while we eat meals. If Daddy or I looks over at you, you'll grin and will follow our every move with your eyes. You've also rubbed a bald spot on the back of your head, like sitting in your Bumbo chair to look at the world, and suck on your hands as if they're candy! I don't think you've even thought about rolling over, but I'm sure you'd be capable of it if you decided to. You do maneuver onto your side quite often, though.
I regularly get comments at the store about how you are such a "beautiful baby". "Look at those big blue eyes!" is a common compliment you get.

Sometimes you're at the mercy of your sister's care. Once I left you and Skylie in the loft while I switched the laundry. I came back one minute later, and she had carried you ten feet to the other side of the room and plopped you onto your stomach. You're weren't too happy about that but calmed down when I rescued you. That instance taught me that I can't leave you alone with your sis for even a minute! Skylie also likes to climb into your crib, place a blanket over the two of you, and "cuddle" together. You, thankfully, are pretty accommodating to your big sister's whims.

I love how sweet, innocent, and peaceful you are! You're getting to a really fun baby stage, and I'm loving being your mom.

We love you!

Love,
Mom

Conflicted.

2011-12-29T17:46:00.008-06:00

I live a conflicted life.

For example:

Part of me wants to work hard to build up some savings and pay off our car debts. Both our prior vehicles went to the junkyard within four months of each other, and we felt going into debt to buy vehicles was necessary since Matt's work is 20+ minutes from home and he works crazy hours. (Not to mention the fact that I would go INSANE being cooped up indoors long-term.) I genuinely enjoy listening/reading stuff by Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman about saving money. I get pumped up to curb my spending.

But I'm also ridden with guilt, because...

The other (usually more volatile) part of me wants to finally do a little home decorating. I went the first six years of our marriage buying next to nothing in that department, and the slightly selfish/materialistic me thinks, "It's about time I get to do this!" My dreams aren't too far-fetched, usually. I want stuff like more garbage cans (cute ones please), coat hooks (must also be cute) to hang by our garage door so I'm not racing around to find coats every time we leave the house, and bar stools so we can sit at the counter. I also want to paint our upstairs, get a bedroom light, a fence, a blind for our patio door, curtains, and an outdoor toy of some sort so the kiddos actually have something to do when they go outside.

See the dilemma? Should I really not get bar stools for the next X amount of months because I'm paying off our vehicles? How do you handle these types of situations?

A friend told me this experience a long time ago. It's stuck with me, and I thought it applicable to share (in hopes that I'll remember this more).

A friend of a friend once wanted new couches really bad. But she'd have had to go into debt to buy the couches. The more she thought about what she wanted, the uglier and older her current couches looked. After having her "hideous" couches nag at her for quite some time, she started praying that her desire for new couches would go away. And it did.

Good to remember; probably even better to practice.

Next example:

Regular exercise is a necessity for me. It has to be a quality workout or it doesn't count. I cannot tell you how many times I've been stressed out or upset at Matt, and a good run has alleviated my concerns. A friend of mine claims that regular exercise has saved her thousands of dollars on therapy bills. The same could be true for me, I'm sure.

However, since becoming a mom I've found working out easier said than done. I feel like I've tried everything in the book a) a jogging stroller, b) work out DVDs while kids are sleeping, c) arranging my workouts around my husband's exercise and work schedule, and d) getting a gym membership.

All have worked with varying levels of success/enjoyment. None alone are a complete win-win in my book, but the gym has been my most successful option. However, I'm often ridden with guilt for leaving my kids in another person's care while I exercise, and I feel like I should be doing something fun with my kids during that mid-morning time frame.

I hope I've now found a method that works well for me.

I recently began teaching a couple group exercise classes at the Y, so I now have access to a gym. Hurray! Two or three days a week I'll work out at the gym then take the kids to the indoor playground that's there (think McDonald's but a million times cooler). Ready for the rockin' bonus: almost all the other mom's there are in workout clothes and sporting a ponytail, too. That means I don't have to shower until naptime! (Getting ready while my kids are in childcare adds guilt, hassle, and messes up my baby's feedings.) Win for the mama. Win for the kiddos. The other days I'll try to get a workout in at home before the kids wake, and on these days we'll go to the library, the museum, and to play dates.

How do you handle working out? Do you feel "mom guilt" ever? I try not to, but it seems like there's always something that I should be doing better or differently with my children. I tried to explain the "gym guilt" I feel to Matt the other night, and he thought feeling guilty about it was unnecessary.

A friend of mine posted recently about being a fun mom versus a functional mom. It spoke to me, so if you're feeling "Mom Guilt" check it out. On the other hand, if you want to feel money guilt, here's a free downloadable audio lesson by Dave Ramsey, Dumping Debt. It's actually quite good.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T09:08:00.016-06:00

Christmas Day

The day was spent opening presents, attending church, and spending lunch and dinner with friends. Unfortunately we've all been a bit sick and spent much of the weekend trying to recuperate.

Love this little girl!

Numbers Puzzle

Noah's Ark Magnetic Game from Grandma and Grandpa

Ponies from Grandma and Grandpa
Markers (that only work on a specific coloring book) from Aunt Amber and Uncle Alec. This was a serious win-win, since everyday Skylie cries to play with markers. I know the havoc that happens she plays with real markers.

In a prior post I asked what I should get Skylie for Christmas. Many of you suggested a kitchen, but she's already gotten one for her birthday. After much thought, I opted for the Fisher Price Loving Family Grand Dollhouse. I worried that she wouldn't like it, but she absolutely loves playing with it (and so do I)! I haven't gotten her much furniture, but she did receive the nursery add-on from Nana and Papa, which she loves. I bought the dollhouse and add-ons from Meijer, which are priced at about half as much as currently on Amazon.

Christmas Eve

Celebrating with Dave and Jenny's family

December 23
Mommy-Daughter Date to Monument Circle to see the lights and get hot chocolate

I loved getting to spend some one-on-one time with Sky. She spotted Santa on his red Harley, got to see a reindeer up close, and was in awe at all the horse drawn carriages.

As we stepped out of the chocolate store Sky heard the Christmas music, and she busted out the moves. We missed Matt and Kaitlyn, but Kaitlyn has been sick so Matt volunteered to stay home with her.

December 9
Ward Christmas Party

This was the first successful time Skylie has ever sat on Santa's lap.

Merry Christmas!

Children's Museum

2011-12-21T07:54:00.011-06:00

If I ever doubted my ability to count to seven, that skill has now been perfected.

Matt's cousin, Dave, and his family live in Indianapolis, and a few weekends ago we watched their kids overnight. They are undoubtedly the most well behaved and helpful kids I've ever known, but I'm still in no hurry whatsoever to have seven children.

Jared, Joey, Sadie, Kaitlyn, Bethany, Skylie, and Meg

We took them to the Children's Museum on Saturday and had a blast. (Have I mentioned that I finally broke down and got a family pass which also includes two guests? Who wants to go to the museum with me?!) Skylie and Kaitlyn seemed in heaven with all the attention from the other kids, and Skylie rode the carousel at least ten times. Matt and I spent our time counting heads to make sure we hadn't lost anyone. While riding the elevator I gasped, "Where's Meg?!" (Dave and Jenny's two-year-old). Matt laughed and replied, "You're holding her.." That's evidence my sanity was in question.

Here are some pictures of the weekend. The first two of Skylie are my current favorites!

A fashion show at the Barbie Fashion Exhibit

Talking on the phone there, too. Love this picture!

Meg, Erin, and Skylie

Bethany and Meg at Science Works
Bethany is a riot!

Sky and Meg pretending to take a bath at Science Works.

Kaitlyn and Sadie

Jared in the Treasures of the Earth exhibit

Joey and Jared in Science Works

Skylie digging like an archeologist in Treasures of the Earth

Meg
Isn't she so cute?!

These two videos were taken in the Barbie exhibit, and they are some of my favorites. I wish I'd been quicker and caught the kids as they first came out onto the red carpet because it couldn't have been cuter. Even though I was slow on the draw, it's still a fun video.

Good Mail Days

2011-12-16T21:54:00.004-06:00

We love good mail days. Both sets of grandparents are super thoughtful in that arena. Skylie especially loves the mail, and she thinks that anything that arrives in a box is a present for her.

Here's a video we took way back at Halloween of Skylie opening a package from Grandpa and Grandma Zane.

I stopped by the UPS store today-- apparently the happening place this time of year. While there I overheard a young woman who was mailing a package to her family tear up as she told the sales associate that she hadn't been home for Christmas in six years. I couldn't help but shed a tear or two myself. I'm fortunate this is only the first Christmas away from our extended family. I'm a little sad but also a bit excited. The packages, emails, texts, phone calls, and webcams can never replace actually being with our families, but they do make being apart doable.

Merry Christmas!

Rough

2011-12-09T00:33:00.004-06:00

Today was rough. It's one in the morning, and I'm still don't feel like I've quite caught my breath. In fact, I just got out of bed to eat lunch/dinner because I realized I felt ravished since the last two meals got skipped. (Not by the children, of course, just me.)

I'm on day three of potty training Skylie. It has gone surprisingly well and she's caught on to the whole idea like a champ. I'm amazed, and I mean AMAZED that my strong-willed two-year-old has relented to sitting on her throne every 20 minutes for the past three days. (Thank you chocolate chips and marshmallows!)

With that being said I don't think there's anything super easy about potty training. Continually taking her to the bathroom, trying to be super excited about all things potty, and attempting to function and take care of an infant is no walk in the park. Today I had two cute one-year-olds over for a few hours as well, and well--toddlers are toddlers and they don't make any job easy.

From 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. I felt like there was always someone who needed my attention. Even now, ironically, my infant has woken up and is fussing (Let's see if she goes back to sleep on her own.). Once my little ones were finally asleep the house was (and is still) in complete disarray. Matt worked late tonight, and when he arrived home he described the situation well: "It looks like you've been watching a bunch of kids and potty training at the same time."

A few days ago a coworker of Matt's ignorantly (and I mean that in the kindest way--he simply hasn't experienced motherhood) suggested that I could "volunteer to fill my time". I didn't say much to his comment, but inside I laughed as I imagined: Me, hauling my rambunctious two-year-old and baby to a soup kitchen to dish out meals. Yes, that is exactly what I should do because this 24/7 job of motherhood isn't enough. ;)

Adieu. I'm now going to volunteer some of my time to my baby.

P.S. Anyone want to dispense their potty training wisdom to me? I'm all ears.

Kaitlyn's Stats and Three Month Pictures

2011-12-06T02:28:00.005-06:00

Pictures courtesy Chelsea Richardson

November 6, 2011

At three months Kaitlyn weighed 9 pounds, 0 ounces, which put her below the fifth percentile.

On December 5, 2011, at about four months her stats were:

Weight: 9 pounds, 11 ounces; below percentile 5
Length: 23 inches; between percentile 5 and 10
Head Circumference: 15 1/4 centimeters; below percentile 5

Bring on the Holidays

2011-11-27T22:03:00.010-06:00

I've always wanted a live Christmas tree, mostly because I think going out and chopping one as a family is memorable and fun. This was the first year we got to try it out, and I'd say the outing was a hit! We went to a nearby tree farm, searched to find a tree worthy to deem our own, then Matt used his mad skills to saw that puppy down.

On Saturday we headed to the airport for Santa's arrival via firetruck. We waited in line for way too long (the Grinch in me came out when person after person cut in front of us in line). Sky and Kaitlyn finally got to see the big man up close and personal. Sky was not a fan. But she did get a lame bracelet and got to decorate a cookie, so the outing wasn't too much of a waste. ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-27T15:44:00.008-06:00

Thursday we headed four hours northeast to Sandusky, Ohio and spent Thanksgiving day with some of our favorite friends from medical school. It was so good to see them, and the food did not disappoint. Jenni was the mastermind behind the planning and execution, and I dare say she is one of the best cooks I've ever known.

The Whitings (friends of the Rackers) hosted us, the Rackers, Renchers, Beestons, and a few other families from Sandusky.

Billy, Nick, Nate, Kaitlyn, and Matt

Jenni, Nathalie, Erin, and Megan
I love these girls! When we met none of us had kids. Four years and nine kids later my love and admiration for these women has only grown.

Skylie taking a whack (or two or three) at the turkey pinata

Skylie and her mama

Kaitlyn and her daddy

We got many, many comments on what a good, quiet baby Kaitlyn is.

We definitely hope to see our Ohio friends again, soon.

P.S. We missed you, Annie and Caleb!

Lessons In Painting

2011-11-27T15:01:00.008-06:00

Thank you those of you who offered painting advice. In all honestly, I relied heavily on your guidance. My five-day painting marathon earlier this month taught me a thing or two:

Letting your two-year-old watch Tangled ten times in one week isn't the worst dilemma in the world of parenting.
Having your two-year-old get into the paint just might be.
Home Depot rocks. Those employees know their stuff.
For taping, nothing compares to Frog Tape.
It really is possible to do trim without tape, if you have a good brush.
Sherwin Williams and Purdy paint brushes are amazing.
Beginning your painting project on a weekend when you have a family baptism, a hair appointment, and other meetings may not be the best timing.
In the end, it is just paint. It can be covered up.

Per Megan's suggestion, I'll post a few pictures of the painting project. I had to snap these pictures right after I cleaned, because I knew that within five minutes my house would be complete chaos again. :)

BEFORE:

AFTER:

(The color in the kitchen looks better than in these photos, I think. After finishing, I realized I really liked the gray and wanted to paint the gold wall in the kitchen gray, instead. But Matt prefers the gold, and I'm burnt out for now.)

Notice the gray wall above next to the door? I plan to stencil it and make it similar to the picture below.

Colors are by Glidden:
Brown-gray: Meadowlark
Light yellow: Tawny Birch
Gold: Grand Canyon

From the Mouth of My Babe

2011-11-27T13:37:00.004-06:00

I recently pulled out this toy for Kaitlyn, but Skylie took to it like a fish takes to water. It brought back memories.

November 2011

December 2009

How did my baby grow so fast?

TEMPLES

I'm finally following President Monson's (and President Kimball's) counsel to, "have in every bedroom in their house a picture of the temple so [their children] from the time [they are] infant[s] could look at the picture every day [until] it becomes a part of [their lives]."

The pictures aren't anything fancy--just the $1 prints that can be purchased here, and they are even only taped to the wall in my kids' rooms.

Miss Skylie noticed these pictures within hours after I posted them. Some of her comments about them have been:

"It's a temple, Mommy!"
"I go inside someday."
"It's my temple." (When she sees the temple in her bedroom.)
"It's Kaitlyn's temple." (Referring to the temple in Kaitlyn's room.)
"Sing a temple song?"

CUTE GIRL

At breakfast this week:

Me: "Are you a cute girl?"
Skylie grinning in PJ's, with her face covered in oatmeal, and rockin' bedhead: "YES! I a CUTE GIRL!"
Skylie continued pointing to Kaitlyn then Mommy: "Kaitlyn's a cute girl! Mommy's a cute girl!"
Me (seeing if she was paying attention): "Is daddy a cute girl?"
Pause.
Skylie questioning, "Ah... yeah?"
Pause.
Skylie: "He's a BOY!"

If only we could all have the self confidence of a two-year-old.

LOVE

Driving home from Ohio at midnight on Thanksgiving...

Matt and I have just finished talking about how much we love our kids and never want anything bad to happen to them. I was feeling a little sentimental so I reached back, rubbed Sky's hand, and said, "I love you, Skylie."

Me: "Do you love Mommy?"
Skylie: Silence, while she stared in a trance at the portable DVD player
Me: "Do you love Daddy?"
Skylie: More silence
Skylie: "I love movies."

Kaitlyn's Two Month Pictures

2011-11-27T13:30:00.005-06:00

October 5, 2011
Courtesy Olan Mills Portrait Studios

What Should Santa Bring My Two Year Old?

2011-11-22T14:05:00.003-06:00

I'm seeking advice. What should I get Skylie for Christmas? She's two. Our Christmas will be modest by scope, but I want to get her one great present that she'll love.

Some friends have told me some great ideas for deciding how many gifts they give their kids, and I thought the ideas were too good not to share. One friend gives three gifts to each child (not including what grandparents and others might give), representing the three gifts the wise men brought.

Another friend does the same thing, but she classifies the toys in three categories: 1) a fun toy, 2) a gospel-centered gift, and 3) an educational gift.

I'm thinking I'll try this approach this year. Sky will get a puzzle (They're educational, right?) and the Scripture Stories DVDs. But what great toy should I get my little one?

P.S. I haven't forgotten Kaitlyn. But her gifts will be a bit, uh, easier to scrounge up. :)

Creamy White Chile

2011-11-21T14:45:00.002-06:00

Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 3 tsp. chick bullion
- 3 cups water
- 3 cans Great Northern Beans (rinsed & drained)
- 1 can corn
- 1 can chopped green chilies
- 1-2 cooked chicken breasts
- 8 oz. cream cheese

- 1 cup sour cream
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese

Directions:
Put everything except chips and sour cream into the crock-pot. Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the cream cheese the last 30 minutes. Top with sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips.

Turkey Burgers

2011-11-21T14:28:00.002-06:00

Don't let the fact that these burgers are made with turkey sway you from trying them. Matt made these babies a while back and I couldn't get enough.

Ingredients

3 pounds ground turkey
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, seasoned bread crumbs, onion, egg whites, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into 12 patties.
Cook the patties in a medium skillet over medium heat, turning once, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (85 degrees C).

Copy Cat Lion House Chicken Salad

2011-11-21T14:24:00.002-06:00

Natalie Jolley shared this recipe with me, and it's to die for.

4 chicken breasts
5 stalks celery finely chopped
1 yellow onion VERY finely chopped
2 tsp. WHITE pepper
2 tsp. KOSHER salt
1-2 cups MAYONAISE (enough to moisten the salad to your liking)

Microwave chicken 8-10 minutes until no pink is left. (This is the best way to cook it for the salad. You can boil it if you would like, that works just as well but it takes longer)
Chop chicken. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Using your hands, work the chicken into a tuna like consistency. Just by "kneading" the chopped chicken it will break apart nicely.
Add celery, onion, white pepper, and salt. Work with hands again until all ingredients are incorporated.
Add Mayo (Miracle Whip is fine, but the Lion House uses Mayo) and mix until desired moistness is achieved.
Serve with leaves of RED cabbage, homemade rolls, and a pickel spear. Just the way the Lion House does it.

Baked Salmon

2011-11-21T14:22:00.000-06:00

1 lb fresh salmon
1 tbs chopped fresh dill or tarragon
1 tbs soy sauce
Fresh ground pepper

Place the salmon in a baking dish. A layer of non- stick aluminum foil makes the clean up easier. Sprinkle on the dill and soy sauce and grind on some black pepper. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 min at 350. Salmon should not be overcooked. Fresh tarragon or the grated zest and juice of a small lemon can be substituted for the dill, which will give quite a different flavor. The tarragon version is very good.

Pad Thai

2011-11-21T14:16:00.005-06:00

Another recipe Matt tried out that we loved.

Pad Thai

Ingredients:

8 oz. Thai rice noodles (or enough for 2 people), linguini-width, available at Asian/Chinese stores to 1 1/2 cups raw chicken breast or thigh meat, sliced
Marinade for Chicken: 1 tsp. cornstarch dissolved in 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
optional: 1-2 fresh red chilies, minced
3 cups fresh bean sprouts
3 spring (green) onions, sliced
1/2 cup fresh coriander/cilantro
1/3 cup crushed or roughly chopped peanuts (or other nuts, such as cashews)
1/4 cup chicken stock
1/8 tsp. ground white pepper
vegetable oil for stir-frying, and wedges of lime

PAD THAI SAUCE:

3/4 Tbsp. tamarind paste dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water (look for tamarind at Asian/Chinese or Indian food stores)
2 Tbsp. fish sauce, + more to taste
1-3 tsp. chili sauce, or substitute 1/2 tsp. or more dried crushed chili or cayenne, to taste
3 Tbsp. brown sugar

Preparation:

Bring a large pot of pot to a boil and remove from heat. Dunk in your rice noodles. Allow noodles to soak while you prepare the other ingredients. Note: you will be frying the noodles later, so you don't want to over-soften them now. Noodles are ready to be drained when they are soft enough to be eaten, but are still firm and a little "crunchy". Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Make the Pad Thai Sauce by combining the sauce ingredients together in a cup. Stir well to dissolve the tamarind paste and brown sugar. Set aside. Note: this may seem like a lot of sugar, but you need it to balance out the sourness of the tamarind - this balance is what makes Pad Thai taste so amazing!
Place chicken slices in a small bowl. Pour the marinade (2 tsp. cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tbsp. soy sauce) over the chicken. Stir well and set aside.
Warm up a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 Tbsp. oil plus garlic and minced chili, if using. Stir-fry until fragrant (30 seconds).
Add chicken together with the marinade. Stir-fry 30 seconds to 1 minute. When wok/pan becomes dry, add a little chicken stock, 1-2 Tbsp. at a time, to keep the chicken frying nicely. Continue stir-frying in this way until the chicken is cooked (5-8 minutes).
Add the noodles, and pour the Pad Thai sauce over. Using two spatulas, wooden spoons, or other utensils, immediately stir-fry the noodles. Use a gentle "lift and turn" method (like tossing a salad) to prevent noodles from breaking. Stir-fry in this way 1-2 minutes. If you find your wok/frying pan too dry, push noodles aside and add a little more oil to the bottom (but no more broth, or the noodles will become soggy).
Add the bean sprouts and sprinkle over the pepper. Continue "tossing" 1 more minute, or until noodles are cooked. Noodles are done to perfection when they are no longer "hard" or crunchy, but chewy-sticky wonderful!
Taste-test for seasoning, adding more fish sauce until desired flavor is reached (I usually add at least 1 more Tbsp. fish sauce). Toss well to incorporate.
Lift noodles onto a serving plate. Top with generous amounts of fresh coriander, spring onion, and crushed/chopped nuts. Add fresh lime wedges (lime is great squeezed overtop), and if desired, serve with Nam Prik Pao Chili Sauce (homemade recipe) on the side. ENJOY!

Pad Thai Tip: For even more flavor, I'll often make a double batch of the pad Thai sauce. Then, as I'm stir-frying the noodles, I'll add more sauce until I'm happy with the taste (I also add extra fish sauce). Any leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Quinoa Pancakes

2011-11-21T14:08:00.004-06:00

I got this healthy recipe from my friend, Sara, the cooking diva.

Tried quinoa? I love it and would substitute it in place of rice all the time if cost wasn't a factor. Quinoa is a grain, but it's also a complete protein and can be found at Costco, Trader Joe's, and the health food section of most grocery stores.

1 c. milk

1 c. raw quinoa or wheat berries

2 eggs

2 T oil

2 1/2 t. baking powder

2 T. sugar

1/2 t. salt

Mix together in blender. Bake on a griddle or frying pan as you would regular pancakes.

Chicken Pizza

2011-11-21T14:03:00.004-06:00

Another one of Matt's creations. This may have been the best homemade pizza I've ever eaten. (I'm trying to organize my recipes—hence the massive amount of posting.)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 unbaked pizza crust
1 tomato, sliced
1 bunch fresh spinach, torn
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped
1/2 (6 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled
Mozzarella Cheese
Grilled Chicken

Directions

Preheat oven according to pizza crust package directions.
In a small bowl combine butter, olive oil, garlic, pesto, basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese. Spread mixture evenly on pizza crust.
Arrange mozzarella, tomato, spinach, onion jalapeno, and chicken on pizza. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
Bake according to pizza crust package directions.

Fettuccine with Sweet Pepper-Cayenne Sauce

2011-11-21T13:58:00.002-06:00

Matt made this a few weeks ago, and it did not disappoint.

Ingredients

12 ounces dry fettuccine pasta
2 red bell peppers, julienned
1 chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup reduced fat sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
(optional) tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, couple pinches of dried oregano and basil

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, spray cooking oil in a large skillet and sauté red bell peppers, garlic and cayenne pepper over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
Stir in sour cream and broth; simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese.
Toss hot pasta with sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste; serve.

Keeping Secrets

2011-11-17T17:53:00.003-06:00

Today the dentist said my teeth don't show signs of excessive sugar consumption.

I smiled (but thought it best not to laugh out loud).

I didn't think it necessary to admit that in the last 24 hours I'd consumed almost an entire package of these sweet treats.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-14T16:09:00.015-06:00

Skylie has a new favorite holiday—Halloween. What's not to love? Candy galore is this girl's heaven.

MOPS FALL FESTIVAL

Since movie to Indy I've joined MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers). It's a group that gets together a couple times each month. A few days before Halloween we got together at a farm for hot dogs, s'mores, and tractor and pony rides.

On the tractor ride
It's a rare occasion to get a picture with all the fam.

Skylie loved the pony ride.

Skylie dressed as a witch--but seriously disliked wearing the hat.

WARD TRUNK OR TREAT

That same night we made it to the end of our ward's Trunk or Treat activity.

Can you see the complete and utter joy Skylie felt at getting to eat massive amounts of candy?

LIBRARY'S HALLOWEEN PARTY

The next day Matt and I watched a few friends' kids so they could go to the temple. While the little ones napped, I took Skylie and Rachel to the library's Halloween Party.

I love that they're holding hands. Too cute!

HALLOWEEN DAY
APPLE ORCHARD
A DMU student and his family visited Indy to check out the residency program here. On Monday I took my kiddos with Natalie and her gang to an apple orchard. The "toddler" corn maze left even the adults wondering if we'd ever reach the end! Here's proof that we did.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT
NEIGHBORHOOD TRICK-OR-TREATING

Kaitlyn, dressed as a pumpkin, did make the rounds.

But this one cared about getting the loot.

We ate dinner at 8 p.m. on Halloween. It consisted of edemame and candy. To our surprise Skylie shoveled the vegetables down just as quick as the candy.

Happy Halloween!

Seeking Painting Advice

2011-10-30T23:13:00.008-05:00

In November I'm hoping to paint the downstairs of our house. I've been looking and thinking about colors for way too long. After changing my mind at least three times, I think I've come up with a basic idea. But I'm open for suggestions. Please, I need them. What do you think?

I'm envisioning three walls of our living room and an accent wall in our kitchen this blue color. (Anybody know what color this is? I came across this picture and love it, but I have no clue what the paint color is.)
Then the rest of the downstairs would be painted a neutral taupe color.

Maybe Behr Castlepath

Or Sherwin Williams Amazing Grey
(It doesn't look too grey though, does it? Matt and I disagree on what classifies as grey. I suppose the name does explain it all, though...)

The rooms which we'll be painting are pictured below. We don't want the neutral paint color to be too dark, since the kitchen is pretty dark already. But I don't want it too light, either. (This post is beginning to remind me of The Three Little Bears book I read to Skylie. Not too dark, not too light...just right.)
Here's the foyer and living room. The floral couches have been replaced with the ones you see below. I got found them on Craigslist. The couches, not the people.)
Oh, and we've also got a powder room by the foyer that I'm think of painting either a darker taupe or darker blue (in the same hue as the colors in the rest of the house.)
I haven't nailed down what color scheme I want for the accessories--probably lots of neutrals with a few splashes of color here and there. At this moment I'm loving the blue and red room shown above, or maybe a less-crazy combination of the blue, red, green, and orange in this rug.
And that's it. What do you think? What paint colors and brands do you love? I am all ears.

P.S. Happy Halloween. Tonight Matt suggested we go with an orange and black scheme in honor of the holiday. Nice.

Month 3

2011-10-28T21:57:00.009-05:00

Kaitlyn,

You are getting so big! We love you. You still seem pretty calm and laid-back. You smile easily, especially at your dad. I'm secretly (or not so secretly) jealous. Your dad's certain that you're the easiest baby to smile.
Once while getting your diaper changed, Skylie came up to you and squealed right in your ear, "The baby!" The noise startled you--your arms and legs flailed, your eyes got big, and you gave me a look as if to say, "What the heck is going on around here?!" You tolerate all the craziness around here like a champ. Thank you.
Sleep is still your middle name. Once you slept without waking from 10:30 at night until 8:20 a.m.. Wow, that was wonderful. Most nights, though, you sleep 6-7 hours then eat and go right back to bed. You snooze quite a lot during the day, too. If only we could all have your life!

You've had an eventful month. This month you:

Took your first trip out of state, to Louisville, Kentucky when your dad and I attended the temple.
Visited apple orchards, parks, and a children's haunted house. Whenever we go out we receive lots of compliments on how cute you are--your pretty eyes, long eyelashes, and dark hair. Once at the grocery store, an elderly couple came by me three times to look at you. They oowed and awwed over how beautiful you looked with the cute headband and big flower in your hair. Sometimes people mention how much you look like me, but really, you're a cuter, girly version of your dad's baby pictures.

I love you more than ever, Baby Girl.

Love,
Mom

Month 26

2011-10-28T15:11:00.010-05:00

The above clip is my attempt to capture Skylie singing, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" on video. Skylie and I are both usually much better at knowing the words, but we're not much of performers for the cameras. ;)

Skylie,

You are one fun girl. It seems like you're always going 100 miles per hour.

Your friend came over once to play this month, and I couldn't help but notice the differences in your two temperaments.

For example: I asked if you guys wanted to read books. She calmly said, "yes" and obediently walked to bring me one book. You, on the other hand, shouted excitedly, "I do!" and ran back and forth piling book after book in front of me. Similar instances happened all afternoon, partly, I think, because you were in your comfort zone but also because you are simply are so full of life.

Later you two hugged. You were a bit too vigorous at first and knocked her down--twice. She didn't seem to mind and even hugged you again. The two of you looked pretty adorable.

You still love your sister. If I ever am unable to sooth Kaitlyn's crying immediately (like I'm in the shower, changing your diaper, etc.) you'll tell me "Kaityn cryin.' Kaityn cryin'." Or you'll pat her head or try to shove her binkie in her mouth (which you're getting pretty good at). When you first wake you always ask, "Kaitin awake?", and before you take a nap or sleep for the night you have to make sure Kaitlyn is in her bed. You say, "Kaitin' goin' a bed...Kaitin close 'er eyes."

You miss your grandparents and frequently ask, "Gnana and Gampa? Wanna pway a dem."

This month:

We went to the temple in Louisville Kentucky. You and I played at a nearby park while Daddy attended the temple, then Dad and I switched. Since then you've frequently asked, "I goin' a temple aday?"
You visited a nearby apple orchard with your daddy and me and later you and I went with friends.You loved playing in the straw, looking at the apple trees, wandering the corn maze, and playing at the playground.
Daddy and I took you to the haunted house at the Children's Museum. (You and I worked hard reading books this summer to earn those free tickets from the library.) You were too naive to be scared or even think it was very cool.
I gave a very lame attempt to potty train you, and you have used the toilet. I'm just not sure I want to commit to the work of training you quite yet. Soon though--you seem quite interested and ready.

At 26 months you can:

Count to 14
Sing lots of songs
Use the toilet
Give your sister a bottle (sort of)

Tonight we took a hayride and I asked, "Are you happy?" You replied emphatically shaking your head, "No, I not happy." Then you grinned your silly grin.

You're a happy girl, and you make me so happy, too.

Love,
Mom

Must Reads

2011-10-25T19:01:00.000-05:00

Here in Indy and in other parts of the United States, the Church is doing a "I'm a Mormon" campaign which ultimately invites people to learn more about the church by logging on to mormon.org. (It is pretty cool to see LDS commercials on prime time TV.) Anyway, church leaders gave a special presentation about this campaign on Sunday, and part of it encouraged us to individually log on to mormon.org and create our own profile.

In the past few days I've heard friends repeatedly say, "I don't know what to write for my profile. I'm just a mom."

True, I haven't played in the NFL, I'm not an urban school teacher, nor am I the frontman in a rock band (those were a few of the profiles we saw on Sunday). Compared to the lives those people live, my life is pretty dull--but I have never considered myself 'just a mom', and I never want my children to hear me sell myself short. While the role I play in my family is my most important role, there's a whole lot more to me than being a wife and mom.

Two activities that help me recognize that there's more to me than my remarkable ability to change diapers, grocery shop with crying children, and sing Disney songs off-tune are 1) regular exercise and 2) reading.

There have been many, many days when escaping for a good run has been the perfect medicine to bring me balance and much needed peace.

Secondly--reading. I wish I could say that I read a lot. But I don't. However, most of the time I'm slowly working my way through a book, usually a self-improvement book of some sort. It helps me feel like I'm becoming better--more educated--in regards to parenting, finances, or any other specific topic I'm interested in at the time.

Recently I've read three books which I consider "must reads".

No More Goodbyes
By Carol Lynn Pearson

Carol Lynn Pearson is an LDS women who wrote a book in the 1980s about finding out her husband was gay. They get divorced; he contracts AIDS, and she cares for him as he dies. Shortly after this book was published the General Primary Presidency asked her to write a song for the Primary Songbook. You may recognize it, "I'll Walk With You".

Since she wrote the first book, she has had Mormons and others write to her about being gay or having family members who are gay. She compiled all their stories into this second book--No More Goodbyes. A friend thinks this book "should be required reading for all humankind." I am prone to agree.

I would have never sought to read this book on my own, but it is this month's chosen book for book club, and I have learned a lot. Pearson, I think, does a good job of not having any hidden agenda or desire to sway readers in any political direction. Her objective is simple--be more compassionate, more kind, more inclusive of others.

If you're interested in this topic and want to learn more, here's a link to a Mormon Stories podcast featuring a gay BYU professor.

Women and Money
By Suze Orman

Being more financially savvy is on my 30 Before 30 List, and recently I've been reading Women and Money by Suze Orman. Orman does a fantastic job of explaining everything you need to know and do with your money in a succinct, understandable way. The book's broken up into five sections, and her hope is that readers will spend a total of 24 hours becoming knowledgeable in each area--credit cards, savings accounts, retirement investing, etc. She outlines action plans that she hopes readers do in order to successfully manage their finances. Frequently she refers to specific websites for readers to find additional information.

This book is great because nobody's going to sit us down and explain the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA--or any other number of other financial decisions everyone faces. That is, unless we actively seek out more knowledge regarding our finances.

And last but certainly not least...

NurtureShock

By PO Bronson & Ashley Merryman

My friend--former school teacher, parenting book junkie, and person I turn to for lots of parenting advice--referred me to this book. She said if there's one parenting book that she'd recommend, it's this one. Sara explains this book much better than I can, so I'll just reference you to her blog post where she explains more about the book.

That, in a nut shell, is it.

P.S. Haven't made my profile for mormon.org, yet. Have you?

From the Mouth of My Babe

2011-10-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

A few days ago Matt and I took the kids to pick up our van from the mechanic. On the way home I went by myself in the separate car to get a few groceries.

Matt said once they arrived home Skylie asked for me and wondered where I was.

"She'll be home in a couple minutes," Matt consoled Skylie.

Skylie then stood at the garage door loudly calling, "Over here, Mommy! Over here! Right here!"

(That's basically what I say to Skylie when I'm out of her sight at home and she's looking for me. Apparently she thought I was lost.)

*****

Today Skylie initially resisted going in her crib for nap time and jumped out of the crib and into my arms more than once. (I realized the crib has got to go.)

After a few tries, she calmly laid in bed and I left the room. Five minutes later I heard wails coming from the crib (which isn't unusual for Skylie at nap time). Then I heard a loud THUD. Footsteps. Door Opening.

Skylie stepped out and pleasantly announced with a big grin, "All done."

I couldn't help but laugh.

From the Mouth of My Babe

2011-10-09T20:21:00.004-05:00

Last week I based our Family Home Evening lesson off a template I found here about the sacrament.

Skylie saw me drinking a glass of water on Thursday and said, "I drink water at sacrament."

Surprised that she actually remembered something from the lesson, I quizzed her.

Me: "What else do you eat during sacrament?"
Skylie: (long, thought-filled pause) "I eat the water and bread at sacrament."
Me:" That's right! And who do we think about during sacrament."
Skylie: (another long pause while she mustered up the answer) "Boys."

I guess she's got her priorities set. Let's hope this isn't any indicator of of what her teen years will be like! :)

On Saturday she stood like this while saying, "Upside down. Upside down."

I never thought I'd be so excited...

2011-10-08T19:19:00.007-05:00

...to be driving a minivan! We drove this baby home today.

Our 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan

Nothing too fancy, but to me it's heaven.

In June torrential rains and bad luck ended up with our Mercury Sable's engine flooded and ultimately a totaled vehicle. This happened:

three weeks after spending a chunk of change to get said car repaired for our cross-country travels,
four days after closing on our house,
and two days after buying a new second car.

Talk about bad timing. My hopes of getting furnishings for our house were dashed.

With a baby to be born soon and Matt's residency not even begun yet, I opted to wait a while to find a second vehicle. I thought being without a car would be awful. Surprisingly, it wasn't bad. I've learned I'm actually quite content being at home a lot. I admire the families that can get by with one vehicle, but I don't think anyone wants to discover what would happen to me if I were cooped up in our house during the long winter months!

Today was a good day. Not only did we get a second car, we got a light in the dining area. After eight hours of work and the culminated efforts of three guys, this beauty is gracing the dining space.
We also picnicked on the canal walk today.

I love my three crazies.

Long Overdue Adieu

2011-10-07T11:06:00.013-05:00

(I wrote this almost three months ago, and it's been sitting in my drafts folder waiting for me to add pictures.)

In the midst of graduation, vacations, moving, and having a baby I’ve failed to give proper attention to a place that will always hold a special place in our hearts—Des Moines. I feel this blog would be lacking if it didn’t reflect, in part, the love we have for the people there and the mixed emotions we felt saying goodbye to that stage of our lives.

It’s been two months (four months at the time I’m posting this) since we left Des Moines, and I’m embarrassed to admit that I said goodbye to hardly anyone. If you’re one of the many, many people I didn’t give a proper adieu, please know that I just don’t like goodbyes (especially because I plan to see you again).

Matt and I called Des Moines home for four years. Despite the frigid winters and the sweat-drenched summers, Iowa grew on me and I came to love it—so much that I’d dare say that I could live there forever.

Perhaps I’m already seeing Iowa through rose-colored lenses, but I’d like to take note of a few of the features that made Iowa so great. Here goes!

Walks around Greenwood Pond and the Rose Gardens
Bike rides and runs on the Bill Riley and Clive Greenbelt Trail
Paddle boating at Grey’s Lake
Play dates at the many splash pads and parks
Sampling food at the farmers’ markets
Playing with Skylie at the Center Grove Apple Orchard (For some reason with fall approaching I’m especially missing this outing. Someone recently told me about an apple orchard here in Indianapolis. They must have thought I was nuts when I excited asked if they had cool activities for kids there, too.)
Spending many, many mornings in the mall play areas
The great state parks—Big Creek State Park and Ledges State Park were my favorites
Going to the drive-in movie theater with the Ellis’s
Pella's Tulip Festival
Group dates, murder mystery dinners, holiday get-togethers, favorite things parties, and girls’ nights

But more than anything I loved the people in Iowa, especially the women. They were there for me during the tough times and the best times. They helped me transition into my role as mother and gave me many, many models to follow as I tried to figure out the whole parenting gig. Matt was traveling a lot the last year we lived in Iowa, and I felt so cared for by loving friends and ward members.

I'm thankful that every time I've moved, it's been with sadness to be leaving. I consider that a token of a blessed life. I lived a fairytale life growing up in Heber City, college at BYU-Idaho couldn't have been better, and Iowa treated us well for the four years Matt attended medical school. I'm sure Indy will be the same.

I'm really happy here in Indy. I am. But once and a while I find myself daydreaming about Iowa and missing the people and places there. Iowa, you were good to me. Thank you and adieu.

Kaitlyn's Two Month Stats

2011-10-06T21:06:00.007-05:00

Weight: 7 pounds, 10 ounces
Height: 21 1/8 inches

Kaitlyn had her two month doctor's appointment on Tuesday. The pediatrician is concerned with Kaitlyn's weight gain (or lack thereof) since Kaitlyn is dropping off her growth curve. The doctor recommends that I offer Kaitlyn a bottle after nursing her in hopes that she'll take in more from a bottle since it's a little easier. I tried that yesterday, and it seemed like I was either feeding Skylie or Kaitlyn all day long. Kaitlyn didn't drink much at all from the bottle (one ounce total over the course of three feedings) either, so I'm not going to overly stress about it. She is growing and seems healthy, but I will still try to make sure she eats well.

Month 25

2011-10-06T20:19:00.005-05:00

Skylie,

This past month your grandparents and Uncle Lee came to visit for Kaitlyn's baby blessings. You loved all the attention from your grandparents and have been asking to play with them ever since. While they were here we took you to an apple orchard, Southeastway Park, a dairy farm, and to the river walk downtown. We also celebrated Grandma Zane's birthday while Grandma and Grandpa were out here, and you got so excited about wearing a birthday hat and blowing out the candles.

Reading books with Grandma Zane

Ready to blow out birthday candles for Grandma's birthday

Walking back to the cars with Grandma Zane and Nana Pitcher after a rainy visit to the dairy farm

Playing with Papa Pitcher

Helping Nana Pitcher bake an apple pie

You've picked up some funny phrases from who knows where. Whenever I ask you if you want something (For example: "Skylie, do you want some apple?"), you respond enthusiastically, "I do!". I also love how you talk to Kaitlyn in a sweet baby talk voice. You copycat whatever I say to Kaitlyn--but it sounds so much cuter and funnier coming out of your lips than mine!

Art projects have become your favorite past time of late. You're in heaven gluing letters, sticking stickers, and coloring to your heart's content. We display your masterpieces on the fridge, and you're quick to compliment yourself on the "pretty pictures".

Being with other kids is the highlight of your LIFE. Whenever I tell you we're going for an outing you perk up and ask to, "play with kids?!" Daddy thinks you're going to be a social butterfly.
I love you so much, Skylie! Your spunky and sassy personality makes every day a riot.

Love,
Mom

30 Before 30

2011-10-01T08:05:00.014-05:00

A couple friends have made their list of things to do before hitting 3-0. I turned 26 on Thursday and figured it was time to get my list together.

Being a mother of young children, my time to pursue personal pursuits is limited. However, a friend once commented that mothers shouldn't use their children as an excuse for not achieving their dreams. (Have you ever heard someone say, "I can't do xxx, I have xx kids!"?) Instead, my friend wisely said that our kids should inspire us to achieve our goals because we want to be an example to them.

I'm a big believer that the little things we do everyday have a greater impact on who we become than monumental one-time occasions. Hopefully this list will motivate me to do the little things everyday to help me become the person I want to be.

Here it is.

Send a note of thanks once a week.
Study the four standard works cover to cover.
Have our vehicles paid off--hopefully much sooner--and have no additional debt besides our house and Matt's student loans.
Have a thoughtfully decorated home (or at least the main floor).
Become financially savvy by reading books by Suze Orman and Dave Ramsey.
Run another marathon.
Complete a triathlon.
Run Indiana's Mini-Marathon; it's the largest half-marathon in the United States.
Keep a regular personal and family journal.
Become better at recognizing and following spiritual promptings.
Be someone the Lord can rely on.
Learn the basics of car mechanics.
Foster meaningful experiences for my kids.
Uplift others.
Be a better friend, daughter, sister.
Write my personal history.
Make a yearly family video and photo book.
Be intentional and pro-active about family activities and traditions.
Makes friends with someone outside of church.
Build something.
Take my family to the ocean.
Participate in RAIN (Ride Across Indiana); a one day 160-mile bike ride.
Get a road bike.
Become an expert on nutrition. Follow what I learn.
Use my reusable grocery bags.
Follow the counsel, "never let a problem to be solved come before a person to be loved".
Get ripped!
Memorize one scripture each day.
Finally finish memorizing The Living Christ and The Family: A Proclamation to the World.
Make a will.
Help make my marriage a ten. (Matt and I recently rated our marriage a 9 out of 10 on the 'marriage scale'. Nine is a very high rating on our scale--but 10 is perfect.)
Hike in the mountains, again.

Month Two

2011-09-30T22:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Kaitlyn,

I wish I could make the clocks slow down. Time is flying by, and you're growing and changing with each passing day. I'm excited to watch as more of your personality starts to show, but I know this stage of infancy passes so quickly.

This month:

You've started smiling once and a while. Your dad is usually the one to get your smiling.
You're getting a little bit of a bald spot on the back of your head from rubbing your head against the mattress in your sleep.
Your dad and I realized that we're much more laid back with you than we were with Skylie. We were more rigid and structured with Skylie. Be thankful you're not our guinea pig child. :)
You wore cloth diapers most of the time.
You met your grandparents when they came out for your baby blessing. They loved you!
After your dad blessed you at church, your Papa Pitcher told me that during the blessing he looked down at you and couldn't help but think what a pretty baby you are. I agree! I love your full cheeks, baby blue eyes, and delicate features.
You sleep six or seven hours straight at night.
You still seem pretty laid back and easy-going, which I'm thankful for. Skylie sometimes tries to shove your binkie in your mouth or smother you with hugs and kisses. You don't seem to mind too much. Thank you!

We love you so much, Kaitlyn, and I feel fortunate to have you as a daughter.

Love,
Mom

Kaitlyn's Blessing

2011-09-25T19:37:00.006-05:00

On Sunday, September 18 Kaitlyn was blessed by her Dad. Her Grandpa Zane, Papa Pitcher, Uncle Lee, Cousin Dave Pitcher, and Bishop Daniel Wentzel also participated in the blessing.

Kaitlyn Elise Pitcher

Back: Lee Bray, Dave Pitcher, Harry Zane, Shirley Zane, Lorry Pitcher, Skylie Pitcher
Middle: Jared, Joey, Meg, Sadie, Patti, and Jenny Pitcher
Front: Erin, Matt, Kaitlyn, and Bethany Pitcher

Skylie, Erin, Kaitlyn, and Matt Pitcher

Matt gave Kaitlyn a beautiful blessing and in it she was blessed that she'll:

Feel the gratitude we have to have her as part of our family
Have physical strength and a keen intellect
Desire to serve and be a blessing to others
Be a righteous example to those around her
Be married in the temple and sealed to a worthy young man
Know she's loved by her parents and sister

During the blessing I felt overcome with emotion and sensed that this baby girl is especially valiant and is treasured by her Heavenly Father. I'm sure that all mothers feel the same way, but that doesn't make it any less meaningful to me because Kaitlyn's my baby.

From the Mouth of My Babe

2011-09-25T19:04:00.002-05:00

At one point last weekend I was holding Kaitlyn and Matt had lifted the cranky and tired Skylie into his arms because she was crying that she wanted to be "held too!" In a wail, followed by cries Skylie hollered, "Daddy hold the baby!"

I take that as proof that sometimes Dad isn't as good as Mom.

A few days later both girls woke from their afternoon nap at about the same time. I got Skylie out of her crib then went to get Kaitlyn. When I set Skylie down to pick up Kaitlyn, Skylie began crying and stomping her feet (in classic two-year-old style) and shouting, "Baby go bed! Baby go bed!" (Usually Skylie is happy to see Kaitlyn, but apparently that day she wanted nothing to do with her sister.) The outburst lasted for a good 15 minutes.

The novelty of a new baby seems to be wearing off and a little jealously may be creeping in.

To be fair to Skylie, she is normally happy and says really funny stuff such as this:

While waiting to pick Matt up from work late Friday night Skylie told me all about how she wanted to go to the park and swim with her friends. But when Matt jumped in the car she commented, "Daddy's a doctor. He's checkin'."

I believe the books, "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Doctor", and "Doctor Dora" deserve the credit for Skylie's accurate reference.

Today she saw a picture of a pumpkin which led her to ramble about one of her favorite subjects, "Halloween, costumes, and witches". Since her grandparents visit last week (and their spoiling her with treats) she's added "Nana candy" and "Grandma candy" to her list of words related to Halloween. Very fitting, I think.

Embarking on New Endeavors

2011-09-06T21:45:00.005-05:00

1. Cloth diapers
I wish I could say that my decision to opt for cloth with Kaitlyn is spurred by my wholesome desires to save the environment. But it's not. I'm just looking to save a buck (so I can get my wish list sooner). My sister used cloth diapers with her son from the time he was six months old--pretty impressive if you ask me. I'm not sure if I'm really up for the challenge, but I figure I'll give it a good two weeks (which is how long it'll take to compensate for the $25 investment).

2. Potty Training
While we're on this awesome topic...Skylie seems ready to start potty training. Last week I bought her this swanky seat, but I haven't been mentally prepared to take on the task quite yet. For now Sky has been setting her teddy bear on it--then shoving the teddy bear down into the bowl. Nice one. It's a start though, right?! ;)

3. Healthier Eating
I guess I'm going a little more green. I've started trying to cut out processed foods, not buy snack foods, and load up a lot more on fruits and veggies. I refuse though, to kiss chocolate goodbye. Speaking of food, I love Trader Joe's. I hardly ever frequent the store, but when I do I always think, "I should shop here more".

4. Budgeting via Mint.com
A friend told me about an online budgeting computer program, ineedabudget.com which led me to mint.com. I love this site! I'm able to track our spending in our various accounts, set up a budget and savings goals, and receive reminders and suggestions on finances. Call me a nerd, but it was the most exciting part of my day last Friday. Back when I worked and had a lot of free time sitting at a computer, I'd track our spending the old school way using an Excel spreadsheet, but this program is nine million times better. Below is a screen shot I found online of the site.

5. Keeping a gratitude journal
I try to make an effort to be happy with what I have and not get caught up with having lots and lots of things that I want. But since becoming homeowners my wish list has grown exponentially, and I've found myself spending too much time thinking about the things I don't have but want. Cars, couches, fences, lighting, furniture, decorations, swing sets... I want it all. :) I'm not committing to throw out my list (and there really is a written list that Matt and I meticulously keep), but to bring a little balance I've started keeping a gratitude journal. My friend read a study about gratitude journals. Those who kept a diary of things they were grateful for were said to be more content with their lives. She's started the habit and has inspired me to do the same. It's day two and I'm loving it.
My gratitude journal doesn't compare in any way to this Martha Stewart-esk one. It's just a private blog. Today I'm grateful that I've found my dream stroller on Craigslist, and it looks like I'm going to get it tomorrow for much less than I'd anticipated. Mint.com will love me! Tomorrow, on the first full day of cloth diapers, I may be grateful for a handy little invention called disposable diapers.

Here's to new beginnings!

Update and Kid Stats

2011-09-03T21:39:00.011-05:00

Kaitlyn and Skylie had their one month and two year doctor appointments yesterday. Both are doing great.

Skylie's Stats:
Length: 34 5/8th inches; 75th percentile
Weight: 23 pounds, 0 ounces; 5th-10th percentile
Head Circumference: 18 1/8 inches; 25th percentile

Kaitlyn's Stats:
Length: 20 1/8th inches; 10th-25th percentile
Weight: 7 pounds 0 ounces; 5th percentile
Head Circumference: 13 1/2 inches; 5th percentile

Whenever I take Matt to work I usually take the kids on a walk by the canal. The canal walk is one of my favorite aspects of Indianapolis. The walk near Matt's work takes us past cool museums, and Skylie loves seeing the fountains and waterfalls. Kaitlyn has yet to seem too amused! Here's the two kiddos yesterday.

Thanks for all the suggestions regarding strollers. We are currently sporting a Combi Twin stroller. I'm not positive it's the right fit for us, so I'm keeping my eye out, still. Unfortunately the stroller of my dreams had already been sold when I inquired about it, and good strollers on Craigslist are hard to come by. :( On the up side though, I sold my old stroller for as much as I bought if for almost two years ago. It was a sad parting.

On Saturday, August 20 a nearby church was hosting a party of sorts--complete with bounce houses, a petting farm, dunking booth, indoor games, and free lunch.

A few pictures we took before heading to the party:

The girls went to church in matching dresses my mom bought them. Our attempts to get cute pictures of them together didn't pan out too well. These are the best we got. I don't blame them (or more accurately, Skylie) though--after three hours of church a squirmy two year old is understandable, right?!

The one picture I got where Skylie wasn't mauling Kaitlyn. Nice one.

Lately Skylie has been saying and doing the funniest things. For example:

When Kaitlyn goes to the bathroom (which is always loud) Skylie laughs and announces, "Baby Potty!".
She's cooked her toy cat in her play kitchen. First she put it on the stove then in the microwave. Finally she pretended to eat it.
She covers her eyes whenever she's scared or is acting shy. Every week when we walk into church she covers her eyes in the foyer to hide from the missionaries.
She's watched a Disney sing-a-long DVD a few times. The last song is Jimeny Cricket singing "When you Wish Upon a Star" from Pinocchio, and Skylie's terrified of it! The first time she saw the Pinocchio clip she put her hands up by her eyes, but was too captivated to actually cover her eyes. In subsequent viewings, she's began telling me "No like it. Turn it off." and "All done." when Jimeny begins his serenade.

And last but not least, this is how Kaitlyn has been spending most of her time:
I love my girls!

Month One

2011-09-01T21:30:00.000-05:00

Dear Kaitlyn,

You're been a part of our family for one month now, and I can't imagine life without you. You are calm and easy-going. Thanks to your good-natured temperament, you've made the adjustment of caring for two kids a breeze. We all adore you, and Skylie is especially mesmerized by you.

At one month:

- You hardly ever get a bottle, but when you do, you take it well.
- You rip not-so-ladylike noises in church. Thanks for only doing that when your dad is holding you.
- You love being swaddled and in your swing.
- You spit up a lot after feedings and are fussy until you get all your burps out.
- You usually only cry when you need something. You seem pretty calm and mellow.
- You can now hold your head up for a few seconds.
- You’re barely fitting into a few 0-3 month clothes. (At birth preemie clothes drenched you.)
- You don't mind bath time but usually try to roll over onto your side so your face gets all wet.
- You like to be a night owl and usually aren't ready to sleep until 11 or 12 at night. I shouldn't be surprised, though. When I was expecting you your kicks often kept me awake late at night, too.
- You’ve taken a pacifier well from day one.
- You’ve been called all sorts of names but Baby Kaitlyn is the most popular.

During your first month:
- Skylie adored you and tried to wrap you in blankets, give you your pacifier, and push you in the swing.
- Whenever we took you on outings, strangers remarked how petite and delicate you looked.
- I felt thankful that you were such an easy, content baby.

We love you, Kaitlyn!

Love,
Mom

Birthday Princess

2011-08-25T11:00:00.003-05:00

Photo courtesy JCPenney Portrait Studios.

Yesterday Skylie celebrated her second birthday. Thanks to a Dora episode and a few books, Skylie has been mesmerized with birthday cakes and birthday parties. On her birthday eve I made the mistake of telling her, "Tomorrow's your birthday!" as I got her ready for bed. She ended up falling asleep crying "Birthday cake! Party! Birthday Cake! Party!"

Skylie's birthday wish was to go the the library—so we did. After dinner we opened presents, then a couple friends and neighbors came over for cake, ice cream, and sparklers. Skylie loved it!

Dinner: Brazilian Rice and Beans
It's usually one of Skylie's favorites, but I think she was holding out for the birthday cake.

Skylie got a kitchen, food and dishes for it, and bubbles for her birthday. It was a hit.

Not all the attention was on Skylie. Kaitlyn got her share of hugs/mauling. Skylie saw these hats at the store and exclaimed, "Birthday hat! Party!" So of course I couldn't resist getting them.
The birthday cake made by yours truly.
Cake plus princess stuff scored big points with the birthday girl.
The anticipation of eating cake was almost more than Skylie could handle.

Some of Skylie's favorite neighbors couldn't make it for the first round of birthday cake. No problem here. That meant Skylie got seconds!

Skylie,
Two years ago you forever changed my life. You made me a mother. Thank you! You are growing up so fast, and I'm loving the stage you're at right now. It has it's challenging moments, but watching your spunky personality develop makes it all worth it.

At two years old:

Last week we walked on a trail that's surrounded by lots of trees. You thought it was the "Spooky Forest" that's on your favorite Dora episode. Then you proceeded to look for "Pablo's Mountain."
Once in the middle of the night (in a moment of possible insanity on my part), I wanted to get you and see if you'd cuddle with me. At about 12:30 at night I lifted you out of bed hoping that you'd stay mostly asleep. You woke enough to ask for "books", so we sat in the dark on the couch while I turned pages of books and made up words. You did indeed cuddle with me for quite a while. When I finally tried to lift you back into your crib, you insisted on a "prayer". After we said one you went to sleep like a champ.
You love Kaitlyn and are constantly asking for "baby, too" if she's not around.
You group everything into families. The rocks are mommy rocks, daddy rocks, and baby rocks, according to you.
I blow on Kaitlyn's face when I'm trying to feed her so she'll wake up. Sometimes you'll put your hand on my chest and insist, "Mommy hot. Mommy hot." I appreciated the compliment, but wasn't sure why you were saying that. Then I got it. When food's hot we blow on it, so you thought I was blowing on myself to cool down! I laughed really hard when I put it all together.
Your nursery leader says you are one of the most talkative kids in nursery.
At a local party your daddy and I tried to get you to play in a bounce house. You acted terrified, clung to Daddy, and would have nothing to do with it. One week later though, you had no hesitation climbing onto a trampoline and rockin' out with a bunch of older kids. (Then I was the one terrified.)

We love you, Skylie!

Love,
Mom

Also Loving...

2011-08-21T14:13:00.004-05:00

I don't own this Phil & Teds Sport Double Stroller, but as I've been looking into getting a double stroller, this one has won my heart! There's one posted on Craigslist and if the stars align (aka: my wheeling and dealing goes as I hope) it will soon become mine.

Moms, do you have any suggestions on double strollers I should look into? I'll take all the advice I can get.

Loving....

2011-08-18T20:45:00.003-05:00

So good! These are one of my favorite treats lately. I'm not going to admit how many times I've eaten these babies the past couple months (mostly because I can't keep track). Even Matt, the not-so-into-chocolate-guy, loves 'em! For only $2 and a couple minutes of your time, they are definitely worth trying. Trust me.

Kaitlyn at Eleven Days

2011-08-14T20:09:00.004-05:00

Photos courtesy JCPenney Portrait Studios.

Month 23

2011-08-03T14:28:00.009-05:00

Skylie,

Two days after you turned 23 months old, you became a big sister. Kaitlyn's arrival came one month sooner than expected, and I'd been a little worried how you'd handle the huge change. Thankfully you adore your little sister. You talk in the cutest "baby talk" to her, race to her aid whenever she cries, and are constantly wanting to "wrap" her in blankets and push her in the swing. Jealously doesn't seem in your demeanor at all, and I'm hoping that doesn't change.

While I'm really happy you have a sister to play with, I already miss the one-on-one time we had together. You don't seem to mind though, and I think you actually prefer hanging out with your sister over me. :)

One memorable moment this past month was when I took you to the library for the weekly movie. Some kids laid on the floor while others sat in chairs in the back. I sat in a chair anticipating that you'd sit on my lap and cuddle with me. No such luck. You wanted to be a big kid and sit all by yourself. You acted mesmerized by the movie, Tangled. When all the other kids laughed at cheesy funny parts, you joined in with your cheesy, fake laugh even though you had no idea what was so funny. You fell in love with the "Princess" movie, and so we rented it and let you watch it to your hearts content for a couple days after Kaitlyn's birth.

This month you also got to go to the Children's Museum with our friends Jaden, Dallin, and Patrice. You LOVED it, especially the trains, dinosaurs, Dora exhibit, and toddler play areas. The carousel, however, scared you. (The splash park I took you to also scared you. You have strange fears--lawnmowers, carousels, splash parks--but huge dogs, loud fireworks, and going headfirst into deep water doesn't phase you.)

It's been a month since you first experienced fireworks, but you still ask on a regular basis to see them again.

Daddy and I have spent a bit of time working on our yard this month. You loved to be Daddy's helper. Daddy, by the way, is your favorite person these days. You love playing with him, laughing with him, and helping him with anything. When he is home you almost always prefer him over me. I don't blame you one bit!

You also decorated sugar cookies for the first time and loved eating the frosting as much as anything.

At 23 months your:

Favorite color: Blue (you now know all your colors)
Favorite food: Otter pops; blueberries
Favorite activities: Watching one of the movies below, playing with Kate and Brook at the pool, reading, and "helping" with everything
Favorite movies: Tangled (you call it the "Princess" movie), a Berenstain Bears DVD we checked out from the library, and Dora (particularly the "Pablo's Flute" episode)
Favorite songs: "If You're Happy and You Know It" "The ABC's", "Old McDonald", and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"
Favorite obsessions: Blankets, anything "big", and lawnmowers (You're terrified of lawnmowers, but you talk about and point them out all the time.)

I love you so much, my not-so-little girl!

Love,
Mom

Kaitlyn's Stats

2011-08-03T13:30:00.004-05:00

At one week Kaitlyn is doing great! We love having her with us. Skylie adores her, is a very willing helper, and always wants to be with "Baby Kaitlyn".

I'm sure it will get harder for me as Kaitlyn begins to be awake more, but as of right now the adjustment to having two kids hasn't been as difficult as I'd imagined. That being said, this is the first day Matt's gone back to work and he has been nothing short of amazing around here.

At six days Kaitlyn's stats were:

Length: 18 1/2 inches; 5th percentile

Weight: 5 pounds, 5 ounces; 1st percentile

Head Circumference: 12 5/8 centimeters; 3rd percentile

Kaitlyn Elise Pitcher

2011-07-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

Kaitlyn Elise Pitcher
Born Tuesday, July 26 at 5:14 a.m.
Community North Hospital; Indianapolis, Indiana
Weight: 5 pounds, 8 ounces
Length: 18.5 inches

First family picture
This picture makes me so happy! There really is nothing better in the world than family.

First picture with the parents (I don't look too glamorous, but I had been up all night.)

The proud dad

And mom

Sleeping

The two sisters meet
Initially Skylie was more interested in the buttons on my bed and the idea of getting to watch "Bears" on T.V. than spending time with her sis. She warmed up to Kaitlyn in not too long, though. Sky still has no idea how this baby is going to rock her world!

Kaitlyn's Birth Story...

Monday night at about 8 p.m. I began having contractions but didn't think they were the real deal since the baby wasn't due for another four weeks. At 10 I began tossing a few last minute items into our bags "just in case" and shortly after we arranged for Andrea to watch Skylie while we drove the 25 minutes to the hospital.

Andrea, by the way, has been nothing short of an answer to my prayers! The one concern I had moving to Indiana so shortly before having a baby was who would take care of Skylie while I had this baby. After knowing us barely a month, she answered a phone call late at night and willingly watched Skylie for "as long as we needed".

I thought the second time around I'd be confident when the time to deliver came. But I still had my doubts until nurses checked and confirmed that I was dilated to a six, 90% effaced, and that the baby was positioned ridiculously low. My two concerns when we arrived at the hospital were 1) that I'd be able to get an epidural in time, and 2) that our baby would be healthy. (I'm not proud to admit that my concerns were in that order.)

After what seemed like forever, I did indeed get the epidural. (The nurses were probably as thankful as me, because I might have been a little annoying before then.) Unlike the epidural I received when I delivered Skylie, this one took all my pain away. In short: IT ROCKED.

From there on out it was smooth sailing.

The delivery could have progressed more quickly, but the doctor wanted me treated for a bacteria that is checked for later in pregnancy. So Matt slept and I rested while we waited a couple of hours for the treatment to get into my body.

Dr. Crane broke my water and shortly after the time to push came. Within a minute, maybe two, our daughter was in my arms. I felt overcome with love for her and gratitude to our Heavenly Father that he'd entrusted another beautiful, healthy little girl into my care.

After showing a few signs that she might have breathing problems, doctors sent the baby to the NICU primarily for observation. She stayed there for four hours, was released back to us, and has been doing exceptionally well ever since.

I'm loving the one-on-one time I'm getting with Kaitlyn here in the hospital, but I'll be thankful when my family is sleeping under the same roof, again.

A Peek Into My World

2011-07-21T15:40:00.025-05:00

Since becoming a mom, I've often wished I could glimpse inside other mother's homes and lives to see exactly how they handle the day-to-day life with children. How much TV they allow their children to watch; the amount of time they spend entertaining their kids versus teaching their kids to independently play--all these things, and more, I've often wondered.

My mom has occasionally referred to me as a "lady of leisure" since I quit my job a few months ago. While staying home with Skylie all the time is a lot of fun, I wouldn't exactly describe caring for an active toddler as "leisurely".

Here's a peek into my world. Will you show me yours?

Thursday, July 21
6:45 a.m.
Wake up on the couch. (Sometime in the middle of the night I made my way downstairs to the couch--more comfortable for my back.) I hear Matt getting ready upstairs and try to sum up the motivation to get up, turn the water on in the backyard, and workout. But last night was an exceptionally sleepless night in which I had lots of contractions, so the only motivation I muster is to kiss Matt goodbye and turn the water on before Sky wakes up. I know I'll regret my laziness later, but right now I could care less.

Our backyard (with grass seed) that is taking more time/money than we anticipated.

7:45 a.m.
Skylie wakes up and as usual wants to read books. We read in "Mommy's bed" for about half an hour, then I convince her to eat breakfast. Oatmeal topped with a few frozen berries, slices of banana, chopped walnuts, and milk is our favorite lately. We throw it all in a bowl and microwave for 90 seconds. Mmm, yum.

Reading books

Asking for more berries

9:00 a.m.
Skylie is talking to herself and/or the animals in the book she's looking at. She seems pretty enthralled in the conversation, so I sneak out to take a shower. I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm able to shower, dress, and brush on some mascara before she's asking for me. I ask her if she'd rather read books of play with toys together. She chooses books. No surprise there.

Talking to herself/the animals

Insisting on reading with a blanket over usPicture #1 before we read books

Sky saying "No!" when I try to get a better shot. She really wants to read.

10:00 a.m.
Sky plays while I get lunches ready, then I get her dressed and ready for the swimming pool. I'm proud we're ready in plenty of time to meet our friends, but then a perfectly timed messy diaper nixes that achievement. Oh, between 8 and 11 a.m. I move and later turn off the water in the yard, do a few dishes, make our bed...

Stacking all the books she can find. I thought this was cute and not a problem until she started doing it at the library the other day.

Water, water, water...

11:00 a.m.
(Two days after buying a new car our old Sable died, so we're a one car family for now. Matt's work is 20+ minutes away, so I only take the car when I have doctor appointments. For someone who likes to be on the go I thought this circumstance would be awful, but thanks to a nearby swimming pool, library, and park, we're managing better than expected! Most days we're out of the house between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.)

Today we walk to the pool and meet up with friends. Don't let these pictures of Skylie fool you. She may seem content and careful in the water, but this girl has no apprehension! She prefers to be chin deep in water, with the big kids.

Sky and Kate

12:00 p.m.
Lunch time at the pool! Skylie eats a granola bar, 1/2 an orange, 1/2 a cheese stick, and some gold fish. I have a peanut butter and honey sandwich. We return to the pool. It's a hot day and feels great. One of the things I am working on lately is to really "be there" with my family, fully enjoying them as much as I can. I have a lot of fun with Skylie and definitely like the two women and their kids who have joined me.

1:00 p.m.
Normally we'd be heading home from the pool, but Skylie is happy and it's nice out so we stay until 1:30. She's tired and doesn't even ask for an otter pop when we get home. Eating an otter pop, changing clothes, reading books, and nap time is usually the routine. But Sky desperately needs a bath so she takes a quick one, gets dressed, we read two books, and then it's off to dreamland.

A tired girl on the walk home from the pool

Bath time
Check out those tan lines!

Cuddling Teddy Bear as she resigns herself to the fact that it really is nap time

2:15 p.m.
Sky's in bed. During her nap I usually do one or two of the following: 1) prep dinner 2) do laundry on Monday or Tuesday; deep clean on Friday 3) workout 4) nap 5) check email or blogs 6) make freezer meals (a new "to do" since we're on the countdown for Baby Sister's arrival)

Today I have my second course of lunch and sort the mail. Salads have been my latest kick. I'll make a big one at the beginning of the week and eat it for lunch most days. Asian Noodle Salad was the choice this week. Highly recommend it, but it's Thursday so I'm getting a little sick of it.
Since my morning was non-productive, I have to make up for it now. I pop in a work out DVD; today I opt for Turbo Kick. My effort is sub-par to say the least. But in my defense I bashed up one of my legs last Saturday when an uneven sidewalk jumped out and tripped me on a run, and it hurts to bend my knee much. (See proof below.)

My lame excuse for pretty much anything I don't want to do.

One of Chalene Johnson's Turbo Kick DVDs

3:30 p.m.
Done working out. I hop in the shower and am disappointed when I get out to hear Skylie crying. Most days she'll sleep 2 and sometimes 3 hours, but today it's only 100 minutes. When I open her door she asks for "book" in the "chair". I comply. Then I try to do her hair, but she's got all these opinions about which colors of hair ties, clips, and bows I put in. She rips them out. Twice. I give up. Pictures or no pictures, this is real life.

Her first words to me are "Book. Chair. Book."

Reading more books

4:30 p.m.

She's entertained with play dough and sings "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" while I put away clean dishes then start this blog. Matt's planned dinner for tonight (Nice!), and it's a welcome break.

I managed to catch her singing on video. You may not even really think she's singing, but if you listen close there's definitely the tune to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

5:00 p.m.
Matt's home. Skylie latches onto him. He grills chicken and handles pretty much everything (except starting the rice, which I do) while I sit on the counter typing on his laptop. (I like to think I'm usually more helpful, but today seemed especially exhausting.) We eat. The marinade he made is great, and we're both surprised Skylie's eating the chicken.

Daddy's home

Dinner

6:00 p.m.
Matt reads books to Skylie, per her request (Have I ever mentioned this girl loves books?) while I clean up dinner. I join them. Matt and I, both tired, are glad Skylie's playing on her own for the time being. He tells me about an article he read. I tell him about a blog I read.

7:00 p.m.
We go outside to turn on the water and stay to play for a few minutes. Sky wants to sing "Wheels on the Bus" and play with my shoes. At 7:40 we begin the bedtime routine. She cleans up her toys, gets on PJ's, and brushes teeth. We read books and say prayers.

Matt and his helper

Singing "Wheels on the Bus"

8:00 p.m.
By 8:05 the little one is asleep. Matt eats an otter pop. I finish typing this blog but don't have the desire to add the pictures. Tomorrow, I think....

We talk, nix our plans of putting together Skylie's birthday present, he makes me watch a little of "Homestar Runner" so I understand where phrases like "no probablo" come from. We're in bed and I'm asleep by 10:00. It's been a good day.

And that's a day in my life.

Sometimes by the end of the night, I feel like a bad mom. I regret moments I've been impatient or feel bad when I've allowed Skylie to watch too much T.V., etc., etc.. But today I'm content. I feel a twinge of guilt that I let Matt carry so much of the load this evening--but even that I don't feel too bad about--I am 35 weeks pregnant after all and he'll be MIA three nights this week. :)

Now, can I have a peek into your world?

Month 21 and 22

2011-07-06T19:47:00.008-05:00

Skylie,

You are getting to be such a big girl. I love the phrases that come out of your mouth! Saying, "Good girl, Mommy," when I agreed to read you more books seemed pretty cute, but later when you told Daddy, "Good girl, Daddy," that one topped the charts! You are now well aware that you and I are girls, but Daddy is a boy. You remind us of those facts often. Sometimes if we are lucky, you still praise us on being a "good girl" or a "good boy". Thank you.

You're quite the song bird. Dora is your hero and you will belt out part of the theme song, "Do-do-do-do-da-Dora!" at random. The other day you were playing with your hair bows and flowers (a favorite activity of yours). Once you'd emptied them all out of their container, you proceeded to sing "Clean up. Clean up." while you tossed those accessories back in their box. You are surprisingly good--on occasion--at helping clean up your toys.

You are quite the opinionated little lady and want your voice heard. You care about everything from wearing the "blue flower" to demanding a "big cracker" (the entire graham cracker as opposed to half) or drinking from the "Dora cup". It is treacherous territory we walk, when you don't get precisely what you want.

When I invite you to play with chalk, play dough, the blocks, or color, you'll often say, "Mommy do it", to ensure that I have just as much fun as you. That trick of yours, as well as pleading to sit on "Mommy's lap" while you watch a show or eat are two sure ways you work to get virtually every moment of my time while you're awake. I may indulge your requests too much, but soon my time with you will be shared with your sister (and during your teenage years you might want to do anything but spend time with your mom) so I figure I will enjoy my one-on-one time with you as much as possible.

You spent eight days with your grandparents while your daddy and I took a vacation. From what we hear, you handled the separation well. When Dad and I arrived back you were sleeping. When you woke and we excitedly greeted you, your only request was to "read books". (That's what you ask for every single time you wake, so I'm not sure why we were surprised.)

We moved from Iowa and are now living in Indianapolis, Indiana. Between driving from Iowa to Utah and back to Indiana, you rode over 40 hours in the car. Thanks to a portable DVD player, you handled the car better than we anticipated!

We love you so much!

Love,
Mom

Home Sweet Home

2011-06-30T16:22:00.001-05:00

On June 15 we closed on a house in Indianapolis. It was quite the process getting all the verification our lender needed, and we wondered if we'd be able to close on time. Thanks to some good luck, it worked out. Once we arrived in Indy we had five days to settle in before Matt began residency training. It was a busy five days to say the least.

I'm hesitant to post pictures of our place because it's still really barren--white walls, empty rooms, etc. But because I really like the people who've requested them (and it will probably be some time before walls are painted and furniture bought) I will. :)

Home Sweet Home

I still can't believe I live here.

Backyard

We have our work cut out for us getting this grass to grow.

View from the Front Door

Great room straight ahead and closet and powder room to the left

Imagine new couches, a great paint color, and drapes. I think that will make this room look fab.

Great room view from the breakfast area

Powder Room

Kitchen

Matt and I picked out the colors in the kitchen. I was scared it'd look too dark, but I absolutely love it! Only probably with dark is that it shows dirt so easy. I am mentally refusing, though, to mop the kitchen more than once a week.

Another kitchen shot with the breakfast area

Upstairs Loft

This serves as the TV area and playroom. Eventually we want the lovely floral couch to grace this space.

Baby Sister's Bedroom

Ironic, her bedroom looks the most complete of any bedroom, and it won't be in use for another two months. This picture also made me realize that I should have taken pics of each room right after I'd vacuumed. Don't you love vacuum lines?

Skylie's Room

She slept in a pack-n-play during her two-week stay in Utah and had a fit when we tried to put her back in a crib. We all pick our battles, and that's not going to be one of mine.

Eventually this will be our office with the desk and floral loveseat. Until I learn (or more likely--hire someone) to install a phone jack in this room, our computer lives elsewhere, and this room is empty.

Laundry Room

Master Bedroom

Now that we have internet our desk is now in this room, too.

Master Bathroom

I think Matt and I did a good job picking out those colors as well, if I do say so myself. :) The other side of the bathroom has a storage closet, garden tub, and shower.

Upstairs Bathroom

Family Reunions In Utah

2011-06-30T16:18:00.005-05:00

After our Hawaii getaway, Matt and I returned to Utah and spent six days with family. I love that Skylie got to spend time with each of her grandparents and most of her cousins.

I absolutely love these last two pictures! The second one above I love because Papa's with all the grandkids (except Kohen), and it was completely candid--not posed or planned at all. I love the shot of Skylie because I'm totally biased and think she's the cutest little girl that's ever walked this planet!

Hawaii Vacation

2011-06-29T16:52:00.007-05:00

After graduation and checking out of our apartment, we high-tailed it to Utah on Sunday to leave Skylie with grandparents so Matt and I could vacation in Hawaii for a week. Oh how great it was! I felt like I was living a completely different life! No diapers to change. No toys to play with. No entertaining a toddler for hours on end. No responsibilities. Just me, my hubby, and a few friends to relax with. I don't think anyone has ever enjoyed seven hours on a plane ride more than I did on the flight to Hawaii.

We vacationed on Big Island and stayed in a rockin' condo at Waikoloa Village with five friends. We visited Volcano National Park, hiked to some waterfalls, snorkeled, hung out at the beach and the pool, stuffed ourselves silly at a luau, and relaxed in style! I don't have pictures of my favorite outing. We kayaked across a bay and snorkeled around the Captain Cook Monument. We saw dolphins--and Gavin spotted a shark! (Afterward we learned that particular shark was not dangerous.)

I intentionally did not take many pictures (What seven month pregnant woman wants pictures of herself in a swimsuit?), but these are a few from our trip:

Volcano National Park

Nate feeding Matt ginger
Megan told Nate that he gets weirder when he's around Matt. The same is true of Matt. I'm not sure how these two can escalate a normal conversation into nonsense so fast, but they do it in...umm...remarkable style.

Volcano National Park

Matt, Nate, and Gavin hiking in Volcano National Park
I'm glad Matt had these guys to goof around with while we girls relaxed by the pool! Who comes up with games like "unwrestling"? These three.

Shoreline of Volcano National Park

Me and Nikki before the luau

Me and Matt
Matt, Erin, and Nikki

Finishing off dessert at the Luau
Matt is expressing how he felt by the end of the meal.

Akaka Falls

Boiling Pots

Eating shaved ice on Kona's Coast
I do try to have normal pictures with this guy once and a while, but this is usually what I get.

All in all, Hawaii was a dream! Who wants to celebrate with us again in five years!?

32 Week Pregnancy Picture

2011-06-29T15:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday marked 32 weeks.

It is probably due to the crazy month we've had, but I can't help but feel like this pregnancy has not been quite as easy as Skylie's. (Don't get me wrong. I know I've got it way better than most.) Good thing all that back pain, sore feet, and sleeplessness results in a cute baby!

I'm now officially at the weight I was when Skylie was born (at 38 weeks). Awesome, right?!

May I Introduce...

2011-06-29T14:42:00.008-05:00

Dr. Matthew Pitcher

On Saturday, May 28 Matt graduated from Des Moines University with his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. He has been working toward this accomplishment for as long as I've known him, and I couldn't be prouder.

The days leading up to graduation were more exciting than the three hour ceremony. Get-togethers with friends, graduation picnics, and banquets filled much of our time on Thursday and Friday.

Graduation Picnic and Banquet

At the picnic for graduates and their families
Here's Skylie and Teirsa. The two were neighbors until the Ellis' moved last year.

At the banquet

Kelly and Jacob Pluid, Matt and Erin Pitcher, Nate and Megan Rencher, Jenni and Nick Racker, and Annie and Caleb Pinegar

Many of our med school friends moved out of state one or two years ago, and it was so nice to have them back for graduation (not all are pictured here). Medical school was a lot of work, but I'd be lying if I didn't say we all had our share of fun times together.

Some of my favorite girls
I'm sure Matt would agree that these are a few of his favorites as well

Graduation Day

The proud family before the graduation ceremony

I think she was more impressed with the fun tassel than anything else.

Jacob Pluid, Nick Racker, Nate Rencher, Gavin Ripp, Caleb Pinegar, and Matt Pitcher
These friends made the endless hours of studying more enjoyable for Matt. Thanks, guys!

His moment of fame caught on video.

Our sweet friend, Nikki, ended up being the person who gave him the real diploma.

After the ceremony
(Fortunately I attended the ceremony without a kiddo, thanks to Margaret's willingness to babysit Sky.)

Congratulations, Matt! In the words of our household icon, Dora, "You did it!"

Alive and Well

2011-06-23T03:32:00.004-05:00

After being on a one month hiatus from blogging, I'm happy to report that we in the Pitcher household are all doing well. We survived/enjoyed the whirlwind month of:

Matt's graduation
Packing, moving our belongings into storage, reloading it three weeks later, moving it to Indiana, and unloading for the final time
Driving 40+ hours from Iowa to Utah and back to Indiana
Spending a blissful week in Hawaii sans Skylie
Seeing our families in Utah
Closing on our house and buying a second car all within three days
Settling into our new home in Indianapolis
Matt beginning his residency orientation

I will post more when I have a better Internet connection (we're borrowing a neighbor's wireless until ours is up and running), but we love Indianapolis, our house, the neighborhood, the ward, and I'm so glad we're here.

South Africa

2011-05-22T15:54:00.020-05:00

Matt spent a month with three friends in Polokwane, South Africa doing a rotation for medical school. After many delays, flight cancellations, and luggage problems he arrived back last Sunday night. Skylie had been saying, "Daddy, airplane. Daddy, airplane." almost nonstop for two days straight and was ecstatic to see her favorite guy. (She's still saying "Daddy airplane" when he's not around. Go figure.)

During the four weeks Matt worked in an AIDS clinic, an emergency room, and a family health clinic. He saw a lot of cool stuff but found it a little frustrating. The health care facilities have all the needed resources, but it's not run well and therefore lacks in the medical care it provides.

But don't be fooled that this trip was all work and no play. The boys took advantage of their weekends and had a well-deserved vacation.

First weekend:
Stayed at Shakwura Lodge
Went on a game drive, to church, and to a soccer match

At the soccer match

At the soccer match
The stadium filled to capacity, and the four guys and Lisa were the only white people there.

Video at soccer game

Second Weekend: Graskop and Krugar National Park

Caleb, Matt, Nate, and Jacob about to go on the Big Swing, a swing that drops 224 feet

Matt and Jacob on the swing

Matt and Jacob on the swing

Video of Matt and Jacob on the swing
One of the fifty million pictures they took of all the wildlife. They explored Krugar National Park in their car and "conquered the park". They saw tons of animals and narrowly avoided having their car trampled by elephants.

These boys ate a few great meals while in South Africa. The hospital food, however, left a lot to be desired. Matt came home a little thinner because he "just didn't have an appetite for the hospital food." (If you know Matt, that means the food must have been really bad.)

What happens when four guys are left without female supervision for a month

Yes, that is my husband sitting on Nate's lap. Pictures like that make a girl proud of her man! ;)

On their drive back from Krugar National Park to Polokwane they got not one, but two flat tires.

Third Weekend:
Capetown
Visiting Robbin's Island where Nelson Mandella was imprisoned
Hiking Table Mountain
Playing with penguins
Swimming in both the shark filled Atlantic and Indian Oceans
Visiting the Cape of Good Hope

Hiking Table Mountain

At the Cape Point

Also at the Cape of Good Hope

Nate touching the penguin

Matt and the penguins

Another delicious seafood meal

After swimming in the oceans

Matt burying Nate in the sand

Nelson Mandella's cell at Robbin's Island

Robbin's Island

In Polokwane the boys made friends with a local who invited them to dinner a few times. The food, Matt said, was some of the best he's had in his life.

South Africa was great, Matt says, but we're all glad to have him home.

27 Week Pregnancy Picture

2011-05-22T15:37:00.005-05:00

The third trimester has arrived! I'm anticipating that with all the changes coming for our family, these last three months are going to fly by. :) I have felt great so far and am crossing my fingers that it stays that way. This week I saw my friend's new baby, and I couldn't help but get super excited to hold my own newborn baby girl.

Countdown

2011-05-06T21:57:00.003-05:00

Here's our house. The inside is still a work in progress.

This week we've finally made headway into setting a closing date; June 15. What a relief! All my spare time the past few days has been spent working on paperwork, arranging moving plans, etc.

Handling all the negotiations with Matt halfway across the world has not been as difficult as I'd anticipated. Knock on wood. (It definitely would have been smarter for me to get power of attorney to sign for him, though.) Today I had to make a phone call regarding his student loans--and the person totally bought that I was Matt Pitcher. Seriously, do I really sound like a man?!

The next six weeks are going to be a whirlwind, that's for sure! Here's the rundown.

May 15: Matt gets back from South Africa
May 16-25: Matt completes his last rotation in Des Moines
May 26-28: Graduation festivities; move stuff into storage; check out of apartment
May 29: Drive to Utah to leave Skylie with grandparents
May 31-June 8: Take our long awaited vacation to Hawaii
June 8-13: Spend time with families in Utah
June 14: Drive to Des Moines; load stuff from storage into moving truck
June 15: Drive to Indy; close on house
June 16-21: We have less than a week to unpack, buy a second car, and handle all the crazy stuff that needs to be done when moving. Awesome (not).
June 22-25: Matt's residency retreat
June 27: Matt's residency begins

Month 20

2011-05-01T21:07:00.006-05:00

Dear Skylie,

How quickly this past month has flown! You are still the same fun-loving, curious, and spirited little girl you've always been.

You still love books. They are the first thing you ask for every morning, the last thing you're begging to do every night, and the most commonly requested activity ALL DAY LONG. You're getting opinionated about which books you want to read, too. The shorter, quick reads lose often to the longer, wordier toddler books. It is actually quite cozy. You snuggle next to me on the glider in your bedroom, pull your blanket over us, and bark out orders regarding which book to read. You've always been interactive as we've read books, but you're getting even more so--as you now point and call out letters that you see. Before you were born I read an entire book about reading to babies in hopes that I could help foster your love for books. Boy, did I get more than I bargained for!

You've mastered your letters thanks to the Leap Frog: Letter Factory movie. Y is undoubtedly your favorite letter! Anytime you see one you mimic the movie by putting your arms above your head (forming your body into a Y), making Jazz hands, and repeating "Y, Y, Y". So cute!

As of late you've become fascinated with stuffed animals. Grandma Gloria gifted you a hideous half kitty/half baby stuffed animal that you (quite surprisingly) adore, and your "ducky" is also a new must have. The other day you laid Ducky on your diaper changing mat and proceeded to "change his diaper", using a wipe and all. You also managed to get your duck into a puddle, and you then proceeded to lean down and would have lapped up the muddy water had I not snatched you away in the nick of time.

Your growth spurt is officially over, and you are now in detox mode from all the Easter candy while I try to get you to eat healthy food. You love milk; probably too much.

Speaking of Easter--you loved it. Though initially you didn't want to get too close to the Easter Bunny, you loved waving from a distance and eventually you mustered up the courage to "pet" Bunny's fur. Once you learned that candy was inside each egg on the egg hunts, eating the candy become top priority. Finding eggs, however, fell to a distant second.

Your are a little organizer. Your new favorite thing to disorganize is the top desk drawer. You pull everything out then put it all back in again. That task entertains your for hours, it seems.

You visited the zoo this month, and I'm quite positive it was the best day of your life! You love animals. The only way the day could possibly have gotten better for you would have been if you'd actually gotten to touch and play with the animals.

Daddy has been out of town for the past two weeks. You miss him. The other day while babysitting your friends, Logan and Taylor, I told them that their mommy and daddy were back. You lit up, ran to the door, and called out, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!". I can only imagine your disappointment when it wasn't your daddy.

I love you, Princess! You really are my favorite person to hang out with while Daddy's gone.

Love,
Mom

Easter

2011-04-25T21:16:00.012-05:00

What a great week it was--three egg hunts for the little one, joining with friends for Easter dinner, and remembering the resurrection.

The camera is with Matt in South Africa, but mark my words, my bunny sure was cute! During the egg hunts she'd snatch up one egg, find a place to sit, pry that plastic egg open, then shovel sugary goodness into her mouth like nobodies business! She'd resume her interest in hunting for eggs only after the candies were gone (or I managed to sneak them away without her seeing).

These videos were taken April 2, when we celebrated Easter as a family. (They are ridiculously long--I just didn't want to edit them. The first 30 seconds or so of each will more than suffice, I'm sure.)
And this is how Skylie reacts when she can't get to the candy fast enough.

April

2011-04-19T00:38:00.009-05:00

This past month Matt had a pretty chill rotation schedule. He rotated at the ER in Oskaloosa, and the doctor there only required Matt to work six 12-hour shifts the entire month! It was great having Matt around more, and he got to experience what Skylie and I do on a day-to-day basis.

Exhibit A: Library story time and playing at the Merle Hay Mall play area

This is one of the few mall play areas Sky still likes. Not sure why she's getting picky about where she plays.

Exhibit B: Playing at the park

Big Creek State Park is one of my favorite parks in the area. It's a 40-minute drive for us, but well worth it on occasion. April 12 was an exceptionally nice day, so Matt and I took Skylie, our bikes, and sack lunch dinners up to the park and spent the afternoon and evening basking in the warmth. Skylie absolutely loves riding behind me on the bike! Anytime I glance back at her she's grinning ear to ear and will often shout out, "Whee!".

Matt is now in South Africa doing an international rotation with three of his buddies from school. Since he'll miss Easter, we celebrated on April 2 with an egg hunt, Easter activity, and decorating eggs. The Easter Bunny brought her alphabet flash cards and stickers, both of which she loves. It didn't take her long to catch on to the fact that candy was hidden inside each egg. Mmm, yum! I took some videos during the egg hunt. If I get ambitious I will edit and post them.Since Matt will also be gone for Mother's Day, he arranged to celebrate the holiday early by:

Making me breakfast
Giving me chocolates from Stam's per my request
Arranging dinner for us
Preparing chocolate covered strawberries for dessert
Pampering me all day long

He certainly made the day special for me, which I appreciate. But I'm even more thankful that he takes such good care of me and Skylie every day--not only on special occasions. Thank you, Matt.

Opening gifts

Omaha Zoo

2011-04-19T00:21:00.006-05:00

On April 4 we took Skylie to the Omaha Zoo for the first time. I'm pretty sure it was the best day of her life! She loves animals and seemed mesmerized by all the creatures.