Biwater Farms

A couple of weekends ago, we ventured to Biwater Farms for a day of fall fun.  I had been looking forward to taking the kids for weeks.  I even bought them special, coordinating Halloween outfits with the sole purpose of taking cute fall pictures.  I envisioned them sitting amongst the pumpkins and mums, smiling and generally having the time of their lives.

 

Parenting lesson learned:  take cute fall pictures of the kids in their special, coordinating Halloween outfits AS SOON as you get to the pumpkin patch.  Otherwise, the children will be too tired and the husband will be too hot and the pictures will not get made and the mommy will be a bit pouty about it.  Not that anything like that happened in our case.

 

Ahem.

 

Moving on...  This is the ONE AND ONLY picture that I got of our daughter that day.  And really my husband took it.  Before we even left the house.  As I was yelling at him to please hurry up and help me finish getting the kids ready because I wanted to leave an hour ago for crying out loud!  (Shawn is so lucky to have me.)  But isn't she cute in her special, coordinates-with-her-brother Halloween outfit?

 

 

 

We had a PERFECT day for pumpkin patch-ing.  The weather was fantastic, and we all had a really great time.  If you've never visited Biwater Farms, I HIGHLY recommend it.  Even though we didn't even put a dent in all of the fun activities they had, I think Sam really enjoyed himself.  We didn't try the corn maze.  (And really I was kinda okay with that...I will never get over Children Of The Corn.)  We didn't take a hayride.  (I know...it wasn't for a lack of trying on my part.)  We didn't climb on the big hay bales.  And while the frozen apple cider and fried apple pies were sooooo good, we didn't sample as many of the goodies as I would have liked.  (I really intended to get one of those funnel cakes...)

 

Sam is a man of simple tastes.  He finds something he likes and then he does it.  Over.  And over.  And over.  At first I tried to show him all of the other neat things they had to do, then I decided to stop trying to dictate how he had fun.  I'm so glad.  Here's what we DID do...

 

Our first stop was the petting zoo.  I was pretty excited about this part because I figured Sam would just be all over it.  While he did really enjoy it (as evidenced by him screaming, "DUCKS!" as we walked away) he was a little timid.  It took a while to work up the courage to touch one of the goats.

 

 

 Daddy got him some food to hold out to the goat...

 

...and he finally got up the nerve. 



 

Turns out, this goat was a pretty friendly guy.

 

This was where we spent the majority of our time.  They had this really cool, HUGE slide.  I swear, my son can sniff them out.  As soon as he saw it, he took off running towards it, mindless of anything crazy like strangers, older kids that might mow him down in their own quest to get to the slide, parents yelling at him to wait...  He was a kid on a mission.  The first couple of times Daddy went with him.

 

 

But we quickly wised up and figured out a way to tag team.  Sydney and I stood post at the bottom of the hill while Shawn stood at the top.  Between the two of us we were able to keep an eye on Sam at all times.  I think his little legs ran back up that hill at least 25 times.  For real.



I have to admit:  it did look pretty fun...

 After we pried him away from the big slide, he found another one.

 

Then we found this cool little playground area.  They had a big long tube (probably about 10 yards long) for you to crawl through.  Only Sam got in it and was scooting through on his bottom.  Then he got to about the halfway point and started yelling, "Help!"  Sorry dude.  I don't think I could even fit my left leg in that thing.  You'll have to figure this one out on your own.

 

 

After that, we decided to only play on the unenclosed equipment.

 

This was as close as we got to actually riding anything.  Sam made it very clear that he wanted nothing to do with the cool train they had.  But he was all about driving the wooden tractor.

This is how we knew it was time to call it a day.  He got to the bottom of the big slide, staggered about 5 feet away, and collapsed on the grass.  He was all tuckered out.  But he sure did look cool.



Our New Toy

Shawn and I had been talking for some time about buying a playset for our yard.  Sam absolutely LOVES playing on the slides and swings at the park, and we wanted to get a set that the kids could grow into.  Personally, I kinda like the idea of having the house where all of the other kids want to come play someday.  That way, I always know where my kids are and what they're doing.  We had been watching the sets for a while and keeping our eye on the prices.  On Labor Day weekend, we saw our chance to strike!  Lowe's offered free delivery and set-up of the playsets, and Shawn was SUPER excited about not having to put that thing together. 

 

Here is the finished product:

As you can see, it's fun for the entire family.

Side note:  Molly only got up there once.  The first couple of times Sam played on it, she was a nervous wreck.  She hated him being up on the platform without her.  Then, she finally just followed him up.  Once she got up there, she couldn't figure out how to get back down, and she hasn't ventured back up there again. 

 

Sydney even gets to play.  She loves the swing, especially when you get her piggies as she swings towards you.

We had to invite a friend over to properly christen our new equipment.  Boys can really work up an appetite when they're running and climbing and jumping.  I managed to snap a picture during the approximately 30 seconds they were sitting still (long enough to scarf down a granola bar).  Then they were off again. 

 

 

So to summarize our days off for the last few weeks, we've been doing a lot of sliding...



...a lot of climbing...

 

 

 ...and even some ship steering.

 

It's completely exhausting.

Thankful Thursday

This week, I am thankful for:

1)  A free dozen eggs.  When I was doing my grocery shopping last week, a very nice lady stopped me and asked, "Will you be buying eggs today?"  Thinking it was a trick question, I suspiciously answered her, "Well...yes.  They were on my list."  She then handed me a coupon for a free carton of eggs.  She explained that she had two and it was expiring that day and you could only use one coupon per transaction, so she thought she'd pass it along.  I do clip coupons but I'm not super serious about it.  If it's something I was going to buy anyway, I'll try to use the coupon.  Some weeks I do pretty good---others, not so much.  But that day I felt like I had won the lottery!

2)  My shopping list app. 

I already wrote about this app once.  I love it.  Is that nerdy?  Perhaps.  Anyway, my shopping list app and I were coexisting together just fine until I downloaded the new iPhone software update.  (And by *I downloaded* I mean Shawn did it...he is responsible for all technology decisions in our house.  I would probably still be using a bag phone if it weren't for him.)  After that, it just stopped allowing me to add items to my list.  And I. Was. Lost.  I mean, how am I supposed to have a grocery list if I can't put it on my phone?  Do you really expect me to do something so archaic as using a pencil and a piece of paper?!  For about 3 weeks our groceries were a mess because I could never think clearly enough to write out a coherent list before I went.  I would aimlessly walk the aisles trying in vain to put together meals for the week.  But this week they finally issued an update for my app so that it works again.  And all is well with the world. 

3)  Sunrises.  Okay...let's get real.  If I didn't have to be up and out the door for work, I would probably NEVER be awake in time to see the sun rise.  I'm just not wired to be an early-riser.  But I do think sunrises are beautiful.  Much more so than sunsets, in my opinion.   There's just something awe-inspiring about the peace of the early morning when the day is new.  Everything just seems so fresh and perfect.  With the days getting shorter, it's usually dark when I leave the house, and I get the chance to see the sun peeking up over the hills as I drive to work.  And it always makes me feel so special.  Like God painted a picture across the sky just to make me smile. 

What are you thankful for this week?  I always love seeing what is on Julia's Thankful List.  She has such a way of finding a little something special in the everyday. 

Samisms

Sam is learning his ABC's.  (Thank you, Elmo.)  I know I'm a bit biased, but I think he's doing remarkably well.  Whenever we ask him to recite them, he will say, "A, B, C, D...DOLPHIN!"  (For some reason you have to stop every. single. time. and say that D is for dolphin.)  Then after you acknowledge that, yes, D is in fact for dolphin (and ONLY then), he will continue on.  Sometimes when he gets to S he gets a little hung up and you can see him thinking about it.  Every now and then he'll say, "Q, R, S....A, M!"  But once you get him back on track he's good to go. 

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Every night we read a book (or 3) right before Sam goes to bed.   If I forget or am trying to rush him to bed, he doesn't hesitate to remind me about his book.  One night a couple of weeks ago he was acting out a little, and I had given him several warnings to calm down.  Finally, I laid the gauntlet down:  "Sam, if you don't stop throwing toys, we're going to bed without a bedtime story."  The little devil looked right at me and threw his toy in the floor.  I promptly picked him up and put him to bed, where he proceeded to yell nonstop for at least the next 20 minutes, "BOOOOOK......BOOOOOOK!!!"  Not crying, mind you---just flat out I-can't-believe-my-parents-are-such-dorks yelling.  The next morning, Sam fell asleep on the way to the babysitter's, so when we got there and got inside, I sat him on my lap for a minute to let him wake up and tell him goodbye.  He opened his eyes and gazed sleepily at me for a moment, then said in a small, pitiful voice, "Book."  Yes, baby boy.  We will read a book tonight. 

 

 

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He is doing really well with his counting too.  One night we were reading this penguin book he has.  In the book, there are 10 little penguins, then 1 penguin flies away...you get the general idea.  All of the sudden, Sam blurts out, "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, TEN!"  Shawn and I just sat there staring at each other with our mouths open because neither of us had really made a huge effort to work with him on counting.  He can now "count" to 20, although he often skips 4 and after "ee-beb-en" and 12 he just mutters, "umpteen" a bunch of times until he finally shouts, "TWENTY!"

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One night we were reading and I was pointing out pictures in the book and quizzing Sam about it.  What color is the bird?  Point to the lion.  How many trees are there?  At one point, I hugged him and said, "Sam, you're so smart!"  Now when we're reading he likes to periodically remind me that he's "Maaaaart." 

 



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 We were trying to get ready to leave the house last weekend, and it was the usual circus of running around half dressed, throwing things in diaper bags, and searching for sippy cups and sacred stuffed animals.  I was trying to get Sam's shoes on, and he kept running away from me.  So I took a deep breath and mustered my very best Mommy-means-business-voice and said, "Samuel King get over here RIGHT NOW and put your shoes on!"  He stopped dead in his tracks, did an about-face and said, "Please!"  I hate getting called out by a two year old. 



Picture This

Here are some of my favorite phone pictures as of late:

 

I just love Sydney's smile.  I know I've mentioned it several times, but she has this way of sticking her tongue out when she's happy.  You can kinda get a glimpse of it here.  And thankfully, it doesn't take much to make her happy, so we get to see it a lot.

 

 

 

A couple of weeks ago, Nana and Bap came to visit.  We went to Cracker Barrel to eat, and Nana told Sam that he could pick out a present in the gift shop.  He immediately zoned in on this hat.  No toy or candy would distract him.  It had to be the hat.  So being the good grandparents that they are, they of course bought it for him.  All I can say is it was money well spent.  He has worn that thing out.  One morning, I got Sam out of bed then went into the kitchen to get his milk.  I turned around to see him come riding through the living room like this.  And I just laughed and thought, "Well, alright...it's gonna be one of those days!"

 

Little Miss Sydney has started using her Bumbo seat.  (Yes, we are ignoring the recall.  Don't judge---she likes it.)  I can't believe how big she looks in this picture!

 

 

 

Looks like someone else likes the Bumbo as well.  And there's that hat again...  (You can also get a peek of our potty chair.  We're not so much on using it as an actual potty, but it makes a great stool to stand on then jump off of.)  The yellow ring does pretty well as a hat too.

 

 

Sam has discovered piggy back rides.  And now he has to have one to his room to pick out his bedtime story.  Every.  Single.  Night.  We're doing okay for now, but I'm hoping he understands why Mom can't give him a piggy back ride when he's 6'4".  Which at the rate he's growing I'm guessing will be about the 4th grade.

 

Oh, who am I kidding?  If he smiles at me like that, I'll probably still find a way to give him one.

 

 

We're also into movie nights these days.  Thankfully, we have moved on from The Lion King.  I mean, come on, how many times can you hear the Circle of Life before you start to go completely insane?  Our current movie selection is The Bibrax (aka The Lorax).  The most essential ingredient to a successful movie night?  Popcorn.  Lots and lots of popcorn.  And also a Pooh or two.

Embrace The Camera

I'm embracing the camera today.  I haven't done this in a while, but I was going through some iPhone pictures and found these.  Then I read this article, and I decided that they needed to go up on the ol' blog.  Man, I have pretty kids.

 

 

I can't decide who Sam looks like in this picture, but he's wearing this expression more and more often these days.  That sly, sneaky smile.  It makes you just wonder what mischief he's planning.

 

 

I love Sydney's cheeks.  And her chins.  And the little fat rolls on her elbows.  And also the ones on her wrists.  When I sent this picture to Shawn, he recognized (and poked fun of me a little for wearing) my Magnum, P.I. t-shirt.  Yes, it is awesome.

Dear Sydney,

Today you are 3 months old.  I think the biggest change we have encountered this month is that I went back to work.  While I was a little worried about how you would handle being away from me during the day, you have weathered it like a champ.  You happily take a bottle during the day, but I suspect that you only eat just enough to satisfy your hunger because you are all Momma, all the time in the evenings.  I think more than being hungry you just want to snuggle, and I'm kinda okay with that. 

You have started to bat at toys that dangle in front of you.  You haven't quite mastered the art of making your hands go exactly where you direct them just yet, but it's fun to see you try.  I think I get more excited than you do when you actually make contact and manage to move your little rings or swing the lamb that hangs from your bouncy seat. 

You are starting to recognize familiar faces too, and that has been loads of fun.  I love how you smile at me first thing in the morning---like I'm some long lost friend that you haven't seen for ages.  Your eyes crinkle at the edges, and you stick your tongue out as you flash a big cheesy grin.  I tell myself you're that excited to see me, but in reality, you're probably just excited that it's time to eat breakfast.  You're a girl after my own heart---I get excited about breakfast too. 

We got a playset for the back yard this month, and you really enjoy the little baby swing that Daddy hung for you.  I'm so glad because it gives me a safe place to leave you while I chase after your brother's tail all over the back yard.  I'm so glad that we went ahead and got the playset.  I can imagine the tea parties that will be had at the table, the wild adventures at sea, the princesses locked in the tower just waiting to be rescued. 

You seem so eager to get up and move around.  It's funny to see your personality developing.  Already, you strain against the car seat straps when I put you in---it's like you just can't stand being confined.  You don't want to be held on your back like some baby---instead you insist on sitting upright where you can see the action.  I wonder if you will always be so independent.  Please take my advice and lean on someone from time to time.  It's a lesson that was hard learned, and to be honest I still struggle with it, but you will be blessed for it. 

My precious Sydney, I am amazed by you every single day.  I love your chubby, rosy cheeks and the way you smile your tongue-sticking-out smile at me.  I love the way you follow your brother around the room with your eyes---it's only a matter of time before you're chasing him.  I love the way your thighs look like a little shar pei puppy.  I love the way you sometimes fall asleep with your arms sticking straight up in the air.  You make my life more fun.

Mommy

Sydney's Story--Part 2

Don't you just love a good cliff-hanger?  No???

When last we left our story, Shawn and I were at the hospital awaiting the arrival of our sweet Sydney.  The midwife had just broken my water, and the action was picking up...

My next contraction was extremely intense, and I vaguely remember my midwife muttering, "Crap, you are SO not getting that second dose of antibiotics." I remember telling her to remind me why we were avoiding the epidural when I asked her for one---because at that point I really wanted one. She excused herself to go check her pager and said she'd be back to check on me in a few minutes. The next contraction was so intense that Shawn decided we needed someone in there...now. He retrieved our midwife, and upon examining me she immediately yelled out into the hall, "She's at 10!" Ten---the only number a woman in labor wants to hear. Ten means it's time to push. Ten means you're about to meet your baby. Ten means it will be over soon.

Wait---WHAT THE HECK, I'M AT 10?!

I blindly reached for Shawn's hand as people flooded into the room and big spotlights came on. Amidst all of the activity, my midwife smiled at me and said, "Well, it's too late for an epidural, so we don't have to worry about that!" Under ordinary circumstances, I probably would have said something nasty back to her, but I was in a zone---eyes closed, focused on my breathing, gripping Shawn's hand with strength I didn't know I had. About 10 minutes later I heard someone say, "Open your eyes and look at your baby." I opened my eyes just in time to see them lay her on my chest. It sounds cliche, but for just a moment, time stood still. All I could do was stare at her. Then she started crying, and I gently touched her face, her thighs, her hair---so much hair, her perfect hands. Just as with Sam, I expected to have some profound words to say to her, but I could only tell her that I loved her and how beautiful she was and how much she looked like her brother.

They wrapped us up together in a blanket, and the nurse told me that she needed to be next to me for at least an hour to help regulate her body temperature. Not that it would have mattered. At that moment, I felt something primal---this urge to protect my child. If someone had tried to take her away from me right then they probably would have lost an appendage. Or two.

I was tired but proud. Not proud in an I'm-such-a-great-mom kind of way, but in an I-set-a-goal-and-with-the-help-of-some-really-awesome-people-particularly-my-husband-we-accomplished-it kind of way. Any fears or anxieties I had prior to her birth---about how Sam would adjust, about managing two, about ANYTHING---were immediately alleviated. And I thank God for that blessing. I think He eased my mind so I could just relish in those moments with her and Shawn. Moments that we didn't really get with Sam because of the difficulties he had transitioning.

Together, Shawn and I gazed at her, memorizing her face. Soaking in those sweet newborn sounds. Marveling at the perfect miracle of her life. She was finally here. Our girl. Our sweet, wonderful Sydney.