A Day in the Life

Do you ever wish you could be a fly on the wall and see what other peoples lives are really like? Here's a peek into mine. A friend gave me this idea years ago, but I haven't done this for a long time. If you're interested here's our Day in the Life in 2010 and 2011. It's fun to look back to see how things have changed or remained the same, year after year.

We went to the Children's Museum on Monday and yesterday had swim lessons, hit the gym, and played at the pool. Today is rainy so we're forgoing our church's playgroup to stick at home and tackle the laundry. :) It's just an ordinary day in my life—but I happen to think there's a lot of beauty in ordinary things.

5:45 Ava wakes up. I feed her. Matt's out running. When he gets back, I take off for a few miles.

6:45 Matt leaves for work. I do this workout at home. I definitely prefer working out at a gym, but this summer I'm trying to do more at home since Skylie doesn't love going to child-watch.

7:30 Shower, dress, and blow dry my hair all before the kids wake up! It's a miracle. This never happens. Like ever!

8:00 Skylie wakes up and carries Ava out of her bed. I remind her she's not supposed to go in Ava's room when Ava's sleeping. Skylie reminds me that Ava's door was open and Ava was awake. Fair enough..:) I feed Ava and start laundry. Kaitlyn wakes up. Skylie and Kaitlyn play in her crib.

9:00 Breakfast. Then Skylie and Kaitlyn want me to read books. Ava goes down for a nap. Talk on the phone to the Young Women's president about tonight's activity.

They said they are being pirates

10:00 Skylie and Kaitlyn take a bath. I start making two types of muffins. These ones for the kids and  these ones for me and Matt. I double both batches because I don't want to be making these again anytime soon. I go through phases of trying to eat totally clean. And then I realize I'd rather buy graham crackers than neglect my crying children. :) (That said, I do think lots of people can eat clean without neglecting their kids.)

11:00 Girls get out of the bath. I read a book to distract Kaitlyn while I do her hair. They play while I rush to finish the turkey muffins. Ava wakes up and starts crying, but my hands are covered in raw turkey. By now I'm telling myself that I really don't love cooking and that I need to bed better at simplifying my life. I read to Kaitlyn while I feed Ava. Skylie's downstairs making a house for her baby animals and keeps asking Kaitlyn to come play.



12:00 I confirm that weather has changed the mutual activity for tonight. Send messages on Facebook, text, and call some young women. Skylie lets me do her hair. Kids have been snacking on muffins, but I do actually try to get them to sit and eat something else. I love that they are playing well together.


1:00 Ava's napping. The other girls want to check on the garden. Kaitlyn goes potty (which is an ordeal in itself--but she's doing great). Switch laundry. Both sets of ponytails come out (per Skylie and Kaitlyn's request) and at least half of Skylie's and Kaitlyn's outfit gets changed. "My shirt's dirty!" Kaitlyn insists.


1:30 Kaitlyn goes down for a nap, too. Skylie gets to watch a show. I begin typing this blog because there's no way I'm going to remember the entire day. I tackle the dishes and hear that Ava's awake--way sooner than I'd anticipated. Throw chicken into crock pot for dinner tonight. Matt will actually be home tonight, so I try to put a tiny bit of effort into that meal. :)

2:00 Take care of Ava.

2:30 Kaitlyn wakes up (also sooner than anticipated). I let her watch a little more T.V. with Skylie because that mountain of laundry needs some TLC. All the laundry gets cleaned and put away--all in one day. It's a miracle.



3:00 Ava goes down for a nap, again. I feel like I haven't given Skylie and Kaitlyn enough quality attention, so we do art projects together.

4:00 I start proofreading some applications that Matt's sent me. I get through one paragraph. The kids and I hang up some of their art projects to surprise Daddy.

5:00 Skylie and Kaitlyn squeal with delight when they spot Matt's car pull into the drive. Kaitlyn randomly tells Matt, "When Mommy got married you looked cute!" Ava's up. We all eat.

6:00 Clean up dinner. Matt and I talk while the kids run around.

6:40 I leave to pick up some young women for mutual. I'm so glad Matt's home tonight to watch the kids.

7:00 Mutual. Watching Chronicles of Narnia since our swimming outing got nixed because of the rain.

8:00 Still at mutual.

9:00 I've taken the young women home and swing by Lowe's to get a few supplies for a project I've been meaning to do for...umm...two years. :) Unless I have some late nights, it may be another two years before it gets done.

10:00 Home at last! Matt and I lay in bed and watch part of The Blacklist on the laptop. We're too tired to make it through the entire episode, though. It's been a good day.

With three children and a husband that's gone a lot, I've definitely had to reign in what I commit my time to. At times I've felt bad that I can't help out others more--my friends, neighbors, the church. A friend recently talked in church about mothers and expressed similar sentiments. She helped me realize that I feed the hungry. I cloth the naked. I comfort those in need of comfort. Every. Single. Day.

Even though our day was kind of lame--doing laundry and making muffins--Skylie told Matt that she had "a really fun day at home". I suppose as long as my children feel happy and loved, I should count my day as a win.

When A Four-Year-Old Potty Trains Her Little Sis

Skylie: "Mom, I'll do potty training with Kaitlyn.  So you can go take a nap if you want."

Without hesitation, I agreed. (I haven't made any attempts in that arena, yet.)

That was last week.

Today I found Skylie, Kaitlyn, and Skylie's friend in our backyard. Pants off. Going to the bathroom. I guess that's what happens when I relinquish potty training rights to a four-year-old!

Mother's Day Interviews 2014

Happy Mother's Day Weekend! I feel so fortunate to have great women in my life who've shown me what it means to be a mother.

May 3rd with my mom and Matt's mom after Ava's blessing.

My children stretch me, teach me patience, and undoubtedly are sucking years off my life and adding wrinkles to my skin! :) But when all is said and done, they are my everything. I'm filled with gratitude to be entrusted to care for these three crazies.

Above: The one picture of all three of them that's half decent.
It took weeks of trying and hundreds of pictures.
Most of them were more like the one below.

Mother’s Day Interview 2014

I spent some time yesterday asking Skylie and Kaitlyn questions about myself. My favorite is Kaitlyn's response to why she knows that I love her.

Skylie:

My mom is 70 years old and weighs 100 pounds. Her hair is blonde and her eyes are blue. She is 100 feet tall and looks like that you’re pretty and look like a baby. Her favorite color is blue.

My mom spends most of her day with me. She likes to eat healthy stuff. Her favorite movie is Mommy and Daddy movies. Her favorite thing to wear is clothes. If my mom had more money she would buy stuff. If my mom had more time she would jump on the trampoline with me. I know my mom loves me because I love her. My mom always laughs when I be funny. If I could give my mom anything it would be some food.

My mom makes the best mac and cheese. She is so good at giving us baths. I think my mom is the best mom in the world because she does everything and she is really nice and the best mom ever.  She could be an even better mommy by taking us to the beach every day and letting us live at the beach.

Kaitlyn:

My mom is 3 years old and weighs derr pounds. Her hair is brown and her eyes are brown. She is big feet tall and looks like Mommy. Her favorite color is ummm…yellow is my favorite color.

My mom spends most of her day in her dress. She likes to eat cereal. Her favorite movie is no I don’t wanna talk. Her favorite thing to wear is There’s Skylie! If mommy had more money No way, Mom. I don’t wanna talk. If mommy had more time she would No way! I know my mom loves me because Stop it. No. I don’t like you. My mom always laughs when I No way, Mom. I wanna color with this. If I could give my mom anything it would be pretzels.

This clip includes segments from one of my favorite talks about motherhood.

Kaitlyn at Two-And-A-Half Years Old

Photo taken December 2013 courtesy JCPenney Portrait Studio

KAITLYN'S STATS AS OF JANUARY 2013

Length: 32 1/8 inches; below fifth percentile

Weight: 22 pounds, 3 ounces; below fifth percentile

Kaitlyn.
You are full of spunk and personality at two-and-a-half years old. Some refer to your age as the terrible twos, but I'd have to say that I am really enjoying the stage you are at right now. You are great at entertaining yourself, but you also love playing with Skylie. You two have become great buddies and you'll often go into Skylie's room and spend hours reeking havoc together! :) Right now you and Skylie are in the kitchen pretending that little pieces of bubblegum are baby eggs that need to hatch! I hope your friendship lasts a long, long time.

You love playing with dollhouses, pretending to be kittens or puppies, coloring, jumping on the trampoline, playing 'Hide and Go Seek', having family movie night, picking out your own clothes, and playing in child-watch at the gym. You are great at helping clean up, taking care of Baby Ava, sharing, and making dinner. You are a great eater and will down almost anything you're given. Taking off your own dirty diaper is a habit you've gotten into lately. You think you're being so helpful! :) (We should probably work at getting you potty-trained...someday...)

You adore Daddy, although you aren't quite as attached to him as you have been at times. You're skimpy on giving hugs and kisses, but when you first wake in the morning or get up from your nap you'll usually snuggle with me for a good while. I love it!

Ava taking your place as the youngest child hasn't seemed to bother you too much. Only once and a while you'll cry "Don't hold Baby Ava!" if you want dibs on my lap. Thank you for adjusting so well!

*****

You crack me up with the funny things you say. Some of my favorites are:

Me: "Let's go chick-a-dee."
You: "I not a chick-a-dee. I just Kaitlyn."

(You'll say something similar anytime I call you a nickname such as monkey, kiddo, girly, etc.)

*****

Once when I was pregnant and out shopping I held up a cute shirt that didn't fit me at the time (but probably would now).

You were brutally honest: "Mommy, that not fit you. Put it back!"

Later that same shopping trip when I tried on a sweater:

You: "That looks cute, Mommy."

*****

Me: "What are you doing, Kaitlyn?"

You: "Hangin' out."

*****

Kaitlyn, we love you so much. Overall you're a really fun, easy, low-maintenance child. I'm excited to see what the coming months and years bring for you!

Love,
Mom

Merry Christmas!

Knowing it would be an ordeal, I've put off getting these girls' photos taken for far too long. Despite the girls making silly faces, clinging to parents, and running around the studio, I think these photos turned out pretty cute.

Merry Christmas, from Skylie and Kaitlyn!

 

Photos taken December 26

Courtesy JCPenney Portraits

What happens when I leave my children unattended...

...for 15 minutes while I change the laundry.

They pile up every piece of outdoor equipment to make a doctor house. (By the way, should I be embarrassed or proud that every outdoor toy or chair we own I've snagged from the side of the road on garbage day?) 

The couch cushions and pillows make their way outside, as well. 

Skylie helps Kaitlyn completely undress--including her diaper.
But at least Kaitlyn's covered up with a kitchen towel, so that makes everything okay, right!?

Despite the mischief they cause, I do love that my girls like to play with one another.

I wish I could say these pictures were taken recently--but no--that green, green grass is now covered with snow. Photos taken September 23.

A Few More Random Videos

Kaitlyn's Birthday Recap

Kaitlyn turned two the end of July, and we celebrated in low-key style. Doing only the bare minimum became my creed this summer during the early months of pregnancy. Even so, the birthday girl seemed thrilled.

Friends of Skylie's and Kaitlyn's came over in the morning for a play date. 

In the evening we took the kids to Chick-Fil-A for dinner and to play in the play area.

 Opening presents and eating birthday cake completed the night.

Notice Kaitlyn's fashion statement? Tank top over a hoodie? Yes please, for the birthday girl.

Dirt dessert served as the birthday cake, per Skylie's  and Kaitlyn's obsession with bugs. Skylie calls it "worm cake."

Grandma and Grandpa will probably be the only people who care to watch this eight minute video. This is the kids opening a package from Grandma. 

Kaitlyn: Two-Years-Old

Playing in our little backyard pool on her birthday

Dear Kaitlyn,

Happy birthday! We love having you in our family. You bring a spunky and independent personality, which I love.

You are the classic two-year-old, encompassing the typical traits of a mini-person who wants to do everything! Unfortunately, you don't always have the patience or ability to do things on your own--which at times reeks havoc on my eardrums. :)

One of your striking traits is how much of a daddy's girl you are. You are his shadow whenever he's around and will often push me away and add "No!" if I try to steal you from his clutches. You toddle to the garage door and gleefully announce, "Daddy's home!" when you hear him arrive.

You are fearless. Recently we vacationed at Myrtle Beach, and you raced into the waves time and time again, almost getting carried away. At an attraction with inflated bounce toys, you didn't think twice about climbing 20-foot ladders to slide down slides.

An older man at the beach remarked that you "were a joy to watch and seemed like one of the most contented toddlers" he'd ever seen. He told Daddy that he'd noticed that all day long you only cried once--when Dad left.

You're saying lots of sentences, which we can usually understand.

Once, Skylie asked me to act like a baby, so I began acting like you sometimes do--"Waaah! Waah! Mine! Mine!" I whined. You (who had been playing on your own) turned, pointed at me, and sternly rebuked, "Nice, Mommy!"

Complete role reversal in action. :)

The cutest thing you do is exclaim, "happy face" and squish your cheeks together with your hands making a cheesy grin. I also love that every time I pick you up to carry you down stairs you exclaim, "Wheee!"

At two-years-old:

• You love puzzles, babies, strollers, sand, Dora, Elmo, dogs, cats, elephants, eating, picking out your clothes, bike rides, wearing dresses, and refusing to wear actual pajamas to bed.
• You dislike being told "no," sharing, and being bothered when you want to be by yourself.

We love you more than ever and are excited to see what the coming year brings for you.

Love,
Mom

As of Late...

KAITLYN:

A little over a week ago, Kaitlyn had an adenoidectomy and tubes put in her ears. The inflamed adenoids had blocked at least 90% of her nasal passage! 

All went well in regards to the simple surgery. I did unexpectedly tear up when the nurse carried Kaitlyn--screaming and crying--into the surgery room and I had to walk helplessly in the opposite direction.

Before surgery

In the car post-op. Talk about drugged up.

Her recovery has been quick. Besides the disgusting breath, which is a temporary effect, she's been great! It's amazing how my life's changed now that I don't have to wipe her nose every five minutes! I claim her speech has skyrocketed now that she's hearing well.

Snuggling in Skylie's bed tonight. I snipped the back of her hair last week to reduce the ridiculous mullet. I have mixed feelings. Good thing hair grows fast!

SKYLIE:

Exploring with Lillian

• Skylie is Skylie. She should be in bed now but is hiding next to me under a blanket.
• A few of her cousins came over to play yesterday. Skylie loved every minute hanging out with Meg, Jared, and Bethany. 
• On May 10 she and I went on a mommy-daughter date to the Indiana Museum of Art with the 8 to 11 year-old girls from our church and their moms. I love when I get me some one-on-one time with my children.

  

  Creating her own art at the IMA

  

  Playing with cousins yesterday. Someday Skylie will complain about all the pictures of her in her pajamas as a preschooler. That will be a good time to explain how determined she could be as a young child.

  
  

  

  Looks like Skylie has black eyes, but really she'd just gotten into my makeup!

ERIN:

• Sun and warm temperatures have finally hit Indiana, and I am soaking it up.
• I still teach two or three exercise classes a week at a nearby gym, Turbo Kick and cycling.
• I've been a counselor in the Primary for over a year now, and it just might be my favorite calling ever. I really, really love the kids at church.
• Monthly date nights are my new passion. And necessity. This past month Matt and I have ditched the kids twice! Once to attend the evening session of stake conference (a bi-annual church meeting). Another time to catch a movie and dinner with two of our favorite couples.
• With the exception of date nights, lately our family's been on a serious "no unnecessary spending streak" while we finish paying off our vehicles. The end is a few months away, and I cannot wait! In a 24 month period, we will have paid off about $20,000 of auto loan debt on an income that's been less than the median household.
• Our neighbors rock! One outfitted our front yard with perennials and mulch. Another neighbor gave me an all-inclusive kit for a vegetable and herb garden. I am so excited at their generosity and kindness.

MATT:

• This spring Matt was elected by the other residents in his program to be the Chief Resident this upcoming year. Beginning in July he will be assistant chief for six months, then in January he'll be chief for another six months. 
• He's loving psychiatry and says he's never regretted choosing this field. At one time he thought of specializing in child psychiatry. He's decided against that and is considering doing a fellowship in forensic psychiatry.
• At church he's a counselor in the Sunday School Presidency and he teaches the youth, as well.
• I'm often asked what Matt's work schedule is like. It's pretty much an 8-5 or 8-6 job. About once a week (either weeknights or weekends) he takes call, which means he stays at the hospital overnight and may or may not get sleep. He has an evening meeting once or twice a month. He's out of town at conferences a few times a year. For residency, I don't think his schedule could be much better.

Life is good.

Kaitlyn's Eighteen Month Stats

Don't you love those shoes?! A friend handed them down to Kaitlyn, and she wears them every chance I get!

This quick post has only taken me a month and a half to publish, but on February 20 Kaitlyn's stats were:

Length: 30 and 3/4 inches; between percentile 10 and 25
Weight: 17 pounds, 11 ounces; below percentile 1
Head Size: 17 and 7/8 inches; between percentile 10 and 25 

She continues to grow and eats so much that we call her our garbage disposal. She is always eating, even now as she sits on my lap while I type. Her adenoids which have been inflamed since infancy, continue to give her trouble. She snores, can't breathe out of her nose, and continually has a runny nose. Later this month we're seeing an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist to look into the possibility of having her adenoids removed.

Kaitlyn's slowly adding words to her vocabulary. My favorite of late is "no no no" while bobbing her head side to side. It is pretty adorable.

Skylie and Kaitlyn coloring, one of their favorite past times

Dressed in red the Sunday before Valentine's Day

Kaitlyn's Eighteen Month Letter

Kaitlyn,
Sometimes I wonder how I ever got so lucky. You are nothing short of delightful. Being with an eighteen month old little girl, in my mind, is one of the sweetest experiences in life. Each day I watch you discover more and more of the world around you. One of my favorite aspects of being a mother is seeing the world through a child's eyes. Watching your fascination over spotting a fish or the moon helps me marvel at the simple miracles of life and have gratitude for seemingly small, often forgotten, beauties. 

I watch in awe as you grow and learn at a rapid rate. It's incredible to me that just a few short months ago you weren't walking or communicating well. Now you're racing all over the place and although your language is coming along slowly, you're still able to communicate well in other ways.

• You are fiercely independent and shake your head vigorously if I try to spoon food into your mouth. You'll grab the spoon yourself and proudly do it all by yourself.
• We have successfully (cross our fingers) taken away your bottle this week. Even though you have drunk out of regular cups for some time, specialists suggested we let you keep your bottle a bit past one year to help your growth.
• The other day you walked over to your crib and signaled that you wanted to nap. I dreamed of having a baby that slept willingly but never experienced it until you came along. :)
• You make animal sounds, say "dis" (this), "mo" (more), and yell "MAMA!" but only when you're mad or need something.
• You love playing with Skylie. Even when we think Sky is being too rough with you, you're laughing in glee.
• You still often get compliments on your eyes.
• You've learned how to throw tantrums and do it in royal style when you choose to.
• You love reading books, taking baths, playing in the tent and with play dough, stacking blocks, coloring, and attempting to do anything and everything your big sis is doing.

We love you more than ever, Kaitlyn, and I feel honored to claim you as my daughter.

Love,

Mom