September Recap

How is it September already??

September 3: Shaun had won tickets to the Packer game.  We left work early to make a few stops before the game and go out to eat.  Well we made our stops but never made it out to eat because when we were about 15 minutes from Green Bay Shaun realized we did not have tickets!!!!  Oh what memories that created!  We eventually made it to the game and had a fun time during the game and after when we had a few margaritas.

September 4:  Daycare was out sick today.  Stayed home with the kiddos and did a few things around the house.

September 5:  Helped my sister move into her new house!  So excited for them!  The kids did awesome with all that was going on.  Both did not nap in the afternoon but fell asleep on the way home (with me in between them)!

September 6:  We hung out around the house.  Nothing on the schedule/planned other than get a few things done on our list.

September 9:  Tavin woke up screaming and having a croupy type of coughing spell.  We had to take him outside to help open up his airway.   Thank God for the new swing we bought.  It helped calm him down and fall back asleep.  In the morning, I asked him if he felt okay.  He said "Yeah.  I was just stomping on ants but they got into my throat."  I hope he doesn't have more episodes like this!

September 10:  Tavin insisted that we go out to eat tonight.  I made a deal with him earlier in the day that if he got his hair cut we could go out to eat.  Well we didn't get his haircut but he still wanted to go out to eat.  Surprisingly he picked a different restaurant than El Mezcal, iHop.

September 12:  Went to my parent's house for the weekend for a wedding and baptism.

September 13:  We had just finished eating supper and Livie was getting ready to play in the dog's water bowl.  I told her no a couple of times and then squirted the water bottle in her direction (I didn't actually hit her, maybe brushed the back of her hair), and she looked at Shaun with the most pitiful look.  Like "Dad, did you see what Mom just did? Unbelievable!".  It was hilarious!

September 14: We were eating supper and told Tavin to "eat your potatoes.  They are just like french fries!".  His reply, "NO!  THEY ARE NOT FRENCH FRIES!  THEY ARE POTATOES!"  He had such a serious, "I'm right" look on his face.  It was so funny!

September 15:  I took the kids to Roni's volleyball game.  They did great for the most part.  Tavin enjoyed catching the balls during serving practice.  Afterwards, we went out to eat with Keith, Syd, and Roni.

September 16: Tavin is officially 3 1/2!!  He is still a Mama's Boy, still loves to cuddle, and is such a sweetheart (most of the time).

September 30:  We were getting ready for a walk and we heard the gun shots from the duck hunters.  Tavin asked and we told him what it was.  While on the walk if he heard the gun shots he would yell "STOP IT NOW" and then say we need to go find them because they aren't listening.

June Recap

June 1:  We had volleyball early so we took the kids with.  Lost all three games, "friends" who were there sucked, but the kids were great!

June 3:  In the hustle and bustle to get ready in the morning, Livie was left alone long enough to discover the Kleenex box.

June 6:  We went to a few garage sales in the early afternoon and then ran some errands.   Shaun bartended at the church festival at night.

June 7: We went to church, then to the Dairy Breakfast.  Tavin wanted to race tractors but he isn't old enough.  He had fun doing the other activities.  Livie was less then enthused as she was ready for a nap.  We went home so Livie could take a nap.  The weather was awful so we turned on a movie for Tavin.  Around 12:30 we woke Livie up from her nap and went to the church festival for lunch.  After lunch we played games, did a little dancing, played the shortest game of bingo ever, and tried our luck at some raffles.

June 10:  Went running with Tavin in the morning.  I spit once and he said "Daddy do that.  All.the.time!" while shaking his head.  It was so funny!

June 11:  My birthday!  Keith and Syd were coming over to go out to eat.  Was surprised when Mom, Dad, Ang, and Quinton were also there!  Best surprise ever!

June 13:  We went to a church garage sale in the morning.  Proceeded home to take Daisy to the vet and let Livie nap.  When we got home Daisy was MIA.  It took us like 15 minutes to find her which in turn made me late to the appointment.  So in a hurry to get to the appointment, I rush out the door with Tavin and Daisy (in the pet carrier).  I put the carrier down to help get Tavin in, When I pick up the carrier it opens up, and Daisy goes running.  I catch Daisy through her in the car and hop in myself.  I then realize I don't have keys.  I run back inside to get them.  Get back out to the car and realize I forgot Tavin's snack.  Run back in and get that.  I am finally ready to drive away and before I get a block I hear "Mom you forgot to buckle me in".  Wow!  Complete mom fail there!  Thank goodness for an honest toddler!  After the vet, Tavin and I ran a few errands and the headed home for lunch.   They both went down for a nap before we had to leave for the wedding.

June 14:  Shaun had a pinched nerve and severe pain from it.  He stayed in while I took Sadie for a walk, ran errands with Tavin, and mowed the lawn.  Tavin didn't want to take a nap despite not getting enough sleep the night before.

June 16:  We packed a picnic supper and went to the Splash Pad.  Tavin had been asking for several weeks to go swimming.  It was rather cold but the kids had fun.  Tavin insisted we ride the train again.  We also walked to another area in the park to see some people getting horse

June 19:  We went to the Summer kick off.  Wasn't as great as I thought it would be, but Tavin still had fun!

June 20: Livie has finally caught on to signing.  It's cute because she can only do more so she will do it when she wants to nurse before bed.

June 21-22:  We went to the Dells for a mini trip.  My parents had won a one night stay at Chula Vista so we made use of it.  We left home around 10 and got to the Dells for lunch at Buffalo Phil's.  Tavin thoroughly enjoyed the train!

 After lunch we did the Ducks tour.  So interesting to see the different areas of the Dells.  After that we headed to the hotel and did some swimming.  Tavin now has a new found love of water slides!  For supper we went to a pizza place that had good reviews.  It was ok pizza, not as great as the reviews had made it seem.

Monday morning we called Papa quick to wish him a belated Happy Father's Day.

Then we went to Paul Bunyan's for breakfast.  By far the best tasting meal!  After breakfast we went back to the resort and did the indoor park (it was raining outside).  Tavin was doing great until it was time to go.  Then hunger and tired kicked in.  Before leaving, we played a little in the arcade and did some picture snapshots.

For lunch we went to Macs.  It was a very interesting concept and delicious.  Would definitely go back!

After lunch we drove home.  When we got home we put both kids down for a nap and cleaned up a bit.  When they woke up we went to Shaun's company's outing at the Woodchucks game.  Tavin had fun meeting Woody (and getting his hat signed!).  Shaun was also pretty lucky as he won Packer's tickets to a pre-season game!

June 27:  Both kids have discovered the joy of washing dishes

June 28:  We went to Shaun's grandparent's old house for the day as they were spreading his Grandpa's ashes.  It was quite the day!  Livie and Tavin did well despite Livie not having napped on the way up.  After leaving, Livie fell asleep immediately and we went to Culver's and Tavin got ice cream with a bunch of sprinkles!

May Recap

Now that I no longer have a pregnancy to recap or a baby to do month-by-month recaps for, I found myself wondering how am I going to keep track of all things we do, the crazy things Tavin says, and the many milestones Livie has yet to hit.  I've decided to write type memories from some of the days.

So here goes for May:

May 5:  Tavin had his first real eye appointment.  The screening exam at his 3 year old check up showed possible issues with his eyes so we were referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist.  The assistant had him do a series of tests.   Match what is on the screen at the end of the room to what is on a board; cover each eye and then do some light tests; and a few other things.  After those tests were done, they dilated his eyes.  Tavin screamed bloody murder as they put the drops in.  We were sent to the waiting room to wait for the dilation.  Tavin was doing good for a while but you could tell the drops were working because he kept rubbing his eyes and trying to focus.  We then got called back to the room and saw the doctor.  She ran through a series of lenses and more light tests to check his eyes.  The good news:  he doesn't need glasses.  His eyes aren't horrible enough and since the eyes are always changing at this age, she doesn't feel he will benefit from them.  They will recheck in 6 months to see if it is getting better or worse.

May 7:  We went out to eat for Leanne's birthday.  While I miss going out with friends, it's not the same anymore.  They don't have kids so don't understand what we are going through and we are in two completely different worlds.

May 8:  Livie had her 1 year check-up.  Doctor has no concerns.  It went very well (except for the wait time and shots).  She is 21 pounds (.9 less than Tavin) and 2'3.75" (Tavin was 2'4.75").

May 9/10:  We went to my parents for Mother's Day.  Didn't do much on Saturday but went out to eat on Sunday with everyone.  Shaun and I contemplated going to a movie but nothing sounded good.

May 16:  I helped Tiff move while Shaun stayed home with the kids.

May 17:  We helped Tiff some more for a couple hours.  After we got home, Shaun ran errands while the kids took naps.  I got supper ready.  We sat down to eat and Tavin FREAKED out that we were not having pizza and then there was a knock at the door.  Grandma and Grandpa stopped by for a surprise visit! Thankfully they averted a major meltdown.  Grandma and the kids were watching Madagascar and started having a dance party!  Livie walked from the TV to the couch all by herself!!

May 23:  Mom, Dad, Ang, Quinton, Keith, Syd, and Griffin came over for Memorial Day. We grilled out. Keith and Syd brought cupcakes from Sweet Lola's which we all shared while the kids were napping.  Ang and I started setting up for the garage sale.  That night, we had our first bonfire of the year and Val and Brad came over.

May 25:  Memorial Day.  It was a dreary morning.  We watched a movie with Tavin (we may have doozed off) while Livie slept.  I made some play dirt so Tavin had something to do.  The sun came out later in the day and we were able to get out and plant the garden.

May 29/30:  Garage sale days.  The weather cooperated and held out but it was a pretty low turnout.

Shaun and Tavin did the Run for Their Lives 5k/1k on Saturday morning and then spent some quality time together the rest of the morning.

After the sale on Saturday, we went out to eat with Mom and Ang.

Dear Olivia: 1 year old!!

Dear Olivia,

It is here.  You are no longer a baby, but a toddler.  I can't believe this year has flown by so fast!  The last month before you turned one, I found myself holding you for a little longer at night before bedtime.  Giving your more kisses than you probably want.  And in awe of the little girl you are becoming.

We are finding that you are going to be a handful!  You do not listen when we say no. You stop for a second and then go right back to whatever it was that you were not supposed to be doing. When we give you a stern look, you giggle.

You are starting to show interest in walking.  Trying to let go of objects and take a step.  Your little wobbly legs still aren't strong enough to hold you though.

You are still my sleepy baby.  I still can't believe the sleep differences between you and Tavin.  It's like night and day.

For the majority of the month, you still only had 2 teeth.  But right around your birthday, we noticed the 4 top teeth trying to pop through!  Surprisingly you slept fine and did not seem too bothered by them.

The only major event we had this past month, was Grandma's 65th Birthday bash!  You were a trooper being passed around and walking with whomever would walk with you!

We had your birthday party on your actual birthday since it fell on a Sunday.  You took a long morning nap so you were well prepared for the chaos!

We went with a sunshine theme.  I did this for monthly pictures

We did presents first.  You were more interested in the paper than the actual gifts.

Next was cake!  You looked at me funny when I showed you want to do with the candle.

Then we let you dig in.  Except you though it was a toy and just started playing with it...

So I showed you just what to do with it....

After that you were DIGGING in. ..

You got a whole lot messier than your brother did!

We did your first year pictures the day after your birthday.  You weren't the best subject but our amazing photographer captured some great pictures.

Grandma saved the dress from my first year pics.  So I thought it'd be fun to do the same for you:)

And not to forget--your monthly pics.

And the total recap!  It's so amazing to see how much you have grown!

Your favorite things are:

1.  your brother--you love to follow him around and play with whatever he is playing with.  He loves you to pieces too.  But he also loves to take away the toys you find to play with which results in mini tantrums--already!
2. The cats, especially Daisy.  You like to lay on her and give her "hugs".
3. Your thumb.  It's your comfort object (along with a little blanky) and while it's nice the first year, we will be cursing it later.
4. And eating!  You chomp down pretty much everything we put in front of you!

I still can't believe your first year of life is over.  You were honestly an easy baby and I could do it all over again if I knew the next would be as easy!

Love Always,

Mama