Grant is TWO!!

Grant is TWO!! Just ask him.

He will tell you "TWO" but he can't get the fingers down.

Height - 37 inches = 95th percentile. Doctor says he's on track to be 6'3"!!
Weight - 34 lbs = 97th percentile
Head Circumference - 51 cm = 95th percentile

He's a great eater - loves basically all fruit. He's a daddy's boy. He loves cars & lines them up all the time.

He's a big helper with Abby. He carries her Bumbo from room to room and says "Baby Abba Bumbo." He gives her a pacifier or toy; he gives her kisses all the time. He has started asking to hold her. He loves baby dolls - he wants to be like his mama & dada. He likes pushing a doll stroller just as much as he likes pushing the lawn mower.

Grant tried to take the neighbor's doll tonight

He's talking in almost sentences. "I go Papa how NOW" = I want to go to Papa's house NOW! or "Mama I go ousigh wok" = Mama, I want to go outside for a walk.

He's getting interested in the toilet, telling us before he goes tee tee or poo poo (but not actually going on the potty yet).

He naps 2-2.5 hours per day. He loves bananas (calls them "mimis"). He just started answering "yeah". Before if you asked him if he wanted something, he'd either whine (meaning yes) or answer "no". He started saying "BAH DOOOOG" (bad dog) a few months ago, and it quickly turned to "Bah mama" or "Bah dada" when he doesn't want to listen to us. He loves to point out airplanes that he sees or hears. He sings "Twinkle Twinkle" pretty well. I need to video that.

Tonight we celebrated with Cici's and cookie pops made by Super Sandy. Despite my post about how crazy eating out with 2 kiddos is, both kids were really good. Abby fed herself (mostly) and Grant sat on his bottom and ate a lot of pizza.

Tough Day

I gave notice at work today. While a new opportunity is ahead for me and I am so very excited about it, right now leaving this job is just tough.

I'm going to work in house at an architecture firm. But the excitement of the offer is held at bay while I mourn the job I'm losing. I've had a great job and worked with great people. So many people are less fortunate. They do not enjoy their work or coworkers. But I've had a great boss and learned a lot from him as a mentor and friend. Others may look forward to giving notice. Not me. It was a tough day.

And the kicker?! When I told him, he reacted like my dad used to. Disappointment. It gnaws at you worse than any other reaction.

More posts soon (I'm sure) on these changes, but for now I will drown my sorrows with a glass or 3 of wine.

Happy Mother's Day!!

We headed to Red Oak for Mother's Day on Sunday.



Oh I love those blue eyes!!



I was putting my new lens to work. It was a great day! All the boys (and Abby) played outside, then we had ham & beans for lunch. After lunch, I packed up my crew. Grant was asleep before we got to the end of the driveway.

I think he's starting to understand cameras. Last night he just sat there next to Abby while I snapped away. He is so sweet and gentle with Abby.

This morning Grant told me ALL morning he wanted to go to Papa's house. He wanted to see Coco, Steve and "Woes". He listed off their names without me prompting him! I told him we were going to school and Julie's house, and he'd tell me "No. Papa HOWs."

Walk it out

We've been taking nightly walks around our neighborhood. We're taking advantage of the cooler spring weather before summer sneaks up on us! Grant loves it and will tell us he wants to go outside for a walk. After 20 minutes, he starts asking to come home. Abby likes it just fine so long as she is in the carrier and not her car seat.

Just about every night, Abby dozes off and becomes dead weight for the last half of the walk. Last night was no exception.

New Lens

We just got a 50mm lens for our fancy camera. I STILL don't know how to use the camera, but that didn't stop me from trying out the new lens. This was THE VERY FIRST photo I took.

That is the best photo I've taken with it so far. This shot made me think the lens would transform my photos, but not all of them turned out as good. Here are some favorites.

When you're smilin'

I noticed that most of my photos of Abby on here are of her serious face. Believe it or not, she smiles too.

Dining disasters

I mentioned in my previous post that taking 2 under 2 out to eat is pure hell not easy. And lest I forget this in a few months and think it was all rainbows and sunshine, here are a few details of our dining disasters.

The first disaster was December 31, 2011. Derek's family came down for Christmas and we went to Hard 8 Barbeque just up the street. We were still rookies at getting out with 2 babies (Abby was 1 day shy of 1 month). What I didn't realize is that BBQ = buffet line. I should have taken a stroller for Abby, but I didn't. So I was trying to fumble through the line with Grant & Derek was doing the same with the infant carrier & the diaper bag. I ended up either leaving a child at the table or my food in the line (I don't recall which) to set up a high chair for Grant and sling for Abby.

Things went swimmingly for about 2 minutes once we all sat down. Then Abby (remember how I said she doesn't like her car seat?!) started crying. Derek held her for a bit at the table, but that didn't help. Plus he had Grant's food to drop onto his plate a little at a time (Grant eats a lot and fast, so this is the easiest and cleanest way to feed him - it's better now, but it's still best to give him small portions). So I took Abby and walked with her. When I thought she was asleep, I came back to the table. I got greedy and tried to put her in the car seat... naturally she woke up and I repeated the process.

Thankfully Derek eats fast and we had the rest of the family to keep Grant entertained while I ate. My food was still warm, but I was the last one to finish. When we were packing up, I noticed a sign advertising their to-go meal specials. We could have stayed home, eaten the same food and spent less money. Lesson learned.... well - not quite.

I think it was after I returned to work in February, we decided to try eating out again. I had been with the kids for a while (I forget the circumstances now, but it was probably a day when Julie's kids were sick). I knew what was ahead of us - who was tired, who ate a lot or a little, who was in a bitch-tastic whiny mood, etc. Derek suggested we go out to eat at Anamia's and it went PERFECTLY. Grant behaved. I had a rita. Abby had a bottle. BLISS!

So imagine my surprise when we go out the next month to Ole's (thanks to a Groupon) and we have the mother of all melt downs. Abby slept peacefully until our food came & I was halfway done with my margarita. At that same time, Grant wanted something and we didn't understand him. He didn't want to play with his Leap Frog Cell. We were out of ammunition. So I got the waiter to give us water to warm the bottle & tried to console Abby while Derek wrestled Grant. They disappeared to the bathroom where Grant calmed down and Abby took her warm bottle. I fed her with 1 arm while eating with the other. When Derek & Grant returned, he tried telling us the same thing again, got frustrated, and of course went BACK to the bathroom. I was eating and finishing my food 1 handed. Somehow Derek managed to eat his food and leave with Grant (we had met after work in separate cars). Me and Abby finished our drinks, over-tipped the waiter, apologized to half the town, and gracefully exited.

We had a similar disaster at an impromptu dinner at the Adolphs'. Abby was happy when we arrived, but Grant was scared of the dogs and therefore attached to Derek's hip. Then when we ate, Grant was happy and Abby was fussy. We escaped before everyone decided to never invite us over again because the invitations are still coming (thanks guys!).

The most recent disaster was at Outback. We met up in separate cars after work. Grant got full (and antsy) and Abby woke up - both just as our food arrived. Derek ended up eating first while I walked Abby around, then Derek took them home while I ate peacefully. I told the waitress to take her time - I was going to enjoy my quiet dinner! She had a confused look that told me she wasn't a mom yet.

Brown bagging it

I've been counting calories for the past 3 months, and I'm actually BELOW my pre-baby weight! I just realized this is a daily part of my life that I've never put into blog form, so here I am - documenting my diet!!

I am by no means "strict". I really just use My Fitness Pal and track my calories. I exceed the recommended fat and carb intake EVERY SINGLE DAY, but it's still working!! About 90% of the time, I check out nutritional info before heading out to eat. But even that is pretty rare because...

My wallet went on a diet too! Paying for 2 children in child care is not cheap and we have big lofty goals, none of which include going broke. Or looking up one day and wondering WHERE exactly did our paychecks go?! Not to mention the fact that taking 2 kiddos out to eat is almost always a disaster. We've had ONE good outing, and the rest end up with one of us eating and the other tending to a child, then swapping and/or one leaving early with the kids. Grant was a great baby to take out to eat, but Abby doesn't like her car seat. And now that Grant's almost 2, all bets are off between 6 & 8 pm.

So by watching calories and dollars, I end up eating at my desk about 4 days/week. And you know what?! That means I get more done and leave the office before 6!! And get to see more of my babies!!

Conclusion - packing a lunch = more $, less lbs, and more time with the family.

Grant loves Abby

I feel like I need to brag on my boy after my Grant Rant yesterday. I forgot to even mention what a sweetheart my boy is.

Grant is always so so sweet to his sister. I recently read through his 18 month post where I wondered how they would get along. So far it's so much better than I imagined. Yes - I know it's early. She can't move, therefore she can't get in his way or play with his toys. But I'm overwhelmed by how much he loves his sister!

Grant loves cars and the first 2 people to get assigned cars (no matter where we go or whose cars we play with) are ALWAYS Dada and Baby Abba. They get cars even before Grant assigns himself a car!! He brings Abby toys without us even prompting him to do so, and lets us know they are hers. "Baby Abba momo" (monkey) or "Baby Abba dog" - she also has a bunny and certain teethers that are hers. He also has no problem taking turns. When I play with Abby counting "1, 2, 3!!!" and do something silly, he will lay down and say "my turn." After his turn, he tells me "Baby Abba turn."

And the kisses. Oh so sweet. He is so gentle, always kissing her forehead ("po head") or the back of her head. The icing on the cake? He actually LIKES throwing out her poo poo diapers!

Abby is 5 months!!

Abby has only been in this world 5 months and already has more teeth than my grandma! ;) Her two bottom teeth have broken through the gums! Carrie said she could see the second one on Sunday, but I didn't see it until today! Here's what my girl is up to:

Weight: 16lbs, 2 oz according to the Wii.

Height: Will update at 6 months.

Head Circumference: Will update at 6 months. Assuming I survive the combined 6 month & 2 year visit with both kids.

Diaper: Size 3 for now, but I don't think I'll buy another box. We'll need 4s soon!

Eating: 6-7 ounces every 3-4 hours. I just started mixing of milk and formula.

Clothing: 3-6 month onesies are ok, but we desperately need bigger PJs. Last month I said I was worried that our hand-me-down clothing supply would run out soon. I hate being right ;). I have been scooping up 18 month gear for the winter and 2 year gear for next summer on sale (She seems to be tracking sizes along with Grant who was in 18 month gear at 1 year and 2 year gear at 18 months). Not very much stuff, but so far I've never paid more than a single digit for clothing (other than outfits for special occasions or tutus - and she has more than 1 tutu). So far I've even avoided the 30% off rack at Target and stuck to the 50% off rack! You sorta have to be a Target stalker to do this.

Sleeping: Last month it was 10-11 hours. This month it's been 9 hours, but I'm blaming the teeth. She's congested and coughing and wants up at 5 or 5:30 every day. I try to turn off the monitor and give her 5 minutes, but she still insists on getting up. I'm not swaddling her at night anymore. I also don't give her a pacifier. She gave it up on her own. Or at least she did at home. Julie still swaddles her & gives her a paci, but she's not interested in either at home.

Talking: Lots of screaching! She just now seems like she's talking - as in - she speaks up to say "AGGGGOOOOWAAAOOOO." You can hear her from across the house! She talks the most in the mornings and on her changing table.

Teeth: TWO! On bottom. The teeth show up best when she's crying:


Milestones: She rolled over from her back to her belly for the first time today at Julie's!

Guaranteed Smiles: Watching Lola and watching Grant. She LOVES to watch them. I call Lola over to me just to see Abby's grin spread across her face. She also loves her giraffe & lion toys.

Guaranteed Crying: Being put down. She's ok for about 5 minutes if she's not in your arms. I can get a longer stretch in the mornings when I'm getting ready for work (thankfully!!!). She also cries when she drops whatever she's been chewing. And she's always chewing and not very coordinated yet. So - yeah - girl is fussing a lot.

As of last week, I stopped pumping at work. Abby nurses in the morning and at night only, so we're plowing through the freezer stash at lightening speed. I just completed everything for the breastmilk donation (DNA swabs, freezer temperature reports and blood samples). Next week I'll get the supplies to ship off my 300 ounces and within 3 more weeks, I'll have a nice check in hand from my "donation." YEAH! In the meantime, my non-donation stash has dwindled to 70 ounces.

And more for myself, a link to Grant's stats at 5 months.

Grant-isms

How long do the terrible twos last?! A week? A month? Oh yeah - a whole friggin year... or more if you're not so lucky (I have some mom friends who thought the 2s were bad until they got to the 3s). Of course in our household just as 1 kid finishes the terrible twos, the other will be starting - so we get to endure them for 3 more years without a break.

Grant has good days and bad days. But the bad days just.keep.coming. This morning he went to timeout at least 5 times and he was only up for 45 minutes before we left. Playing with Abby's door while she gets a diaper change = timeout. Saying "bad dog" = timeout. Hitting me when I closed Abby's closet door (he wanted to play in there) = timeout. Not giving mama a hug & kiss after timeout = timeout. Saying "bad dog" while Abby was getting a diaper change (she poops alot) = timeout.

Derek played golf on Sunday so I was flying solo in the morning (until Aunt Coco came to play and help). Grant was supposed to be in timeout as I was getting a bottle ready for Abby. Instead I found him climbing on his bed & sliding off his nightstand. I should have gotten onto him, but I snapped pictures instead - hoping an injury would teach him (but he never fussed - even when he banged his head on the nightstand trying to climb over from his bed or when he slid off straight onto his bottom).

Time out is now in the pack & play in his room. We keep it set up in there. Why? Because after sleeping great in a toddler bed for 6 months and being able to open doors for the past month, this weekend Grant finally figured out that he can escape after we put him down for a nap. We tried being firm and putting him back in bed. But after 1.5 hours, Derek set up the pack & play. Night time is better than naps, but he still ended up sleeping in the pack & play last night.

But when he's not testing us limits, he is a really good boy. Funny even. After one of us goes to the bathroon (even #1), Grant says "Bye bye mama poo poo" (or dada) when we flush. Because Derek always says "HOLLA!", Grant started saying "Ha-ha, dada." He's getting better about please and thank you ("Mee mama" = please mama and "tay ooo" = thank you). Over the weekend he kept fastening straps on the baby gear (seat saver, bouncy chair and car seat). Once it's fastened, he says "Hepp mama. Mee mama", meaning "Help mama. Please mama." I unlatch it every time and honestly never get sick of it, even after the 20th time. I had a big cooking day on Saturday (I take 1 or 2 days per month and stock our freezer, otherwise we'd never eat),and he stayed at my feet fastening straps for a solid 20 minutes.

Carrie wanted him to show her "Coco's car," because he always refers to the purple hot wheel as "Coco car." She'd ask him "Where's Coco's car?" and every time, he pointed outside to her ACTUAL car!! He really does love cars. Today on our way to Julie's, he kept pointing out SUVs that were the same make & color as Sandy's (Mimi) and saying "Mimi car!!!" (Those exclamation points are no joke.) That boy loves Mimi!! And I guess the only person I talk to on the phone is my mom. Last night, Derek was on the phone canceling our cable and land line, and Grant said to the phone "Hi, Wose."