Friday, November 30, 2007

...enough...Day 4

Okay, she didn't sleep through the night, but I only had to pick her up and sway with her about 5 minutes or so, then I put her down and she went right back to sleep! Maybe tonight I can just pat her back and start her aquarium.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

...enough...Day 3

I have to admit, I was skeptical. Deep down, I didn't think it would work. She is so stubborn. Last night we were only up for less than 15 minutes! I went in, held her and calmed her down for about 5 or 6 minutes...put her down...she fussed a little...patted her on the back...turned her ocean aquarium on (I had been doing this all along, but just realized there is an ocean sound)...and off she went. She did pull at my shirt when I first went in and picked her up; she wanted to climb on me instead of be comforted. Maybe she'll actually sleep all night tonight??!! I won't count my chickens before they hatch, though.

...enough...Day 2

Last night wasn't as bad. She woke up about 1:30 and there was less crying and screaming on her part, less picking her up on my part. I thought for sure I had her down, left her room and turned around to see that Kyler had left his room and come to ours. I picked him up out of our bed and returned him to his room, then the princess started fussing again. I let her for about 10 minutes because it was mild and she was just kind of whimpering...then she started getting worse so I went back in, held her for about 2 or 3 minutes, then put her back down and she went to sleep. This whole process lasted about 45 minutes or so. Much better than the hour last night. We'll see how night three goes!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

I've had enough...Day One

The princess is going to be dethroned. At almost 9 months old, she is still not sleeping through the night and I'm about done with it. She started out a great sleeper. Sleeping 5-6 hours straight at 7 or 8 weeks. Then at about 4 months, it stopped. 5 months started sleeping again. 6 months...stopped...and hasn't looked back. NEVER had this problem with Kyler. He slept through the night at 5 1/2 months and has been a great sleeper ever since (except he comes in our bed in the middle of the night). I've decided to try a combination of methods. She's not a cry-it-out kinda girl (she just gets hysterical) and I'm not a no-cry kinda girl. Last night I finally had the strength to try and get her back to sleep without feeding her. At first I picked her up and held her until she was calm, then laid her down...she screamed...picked her back up and swayed...put her back down...she screamed...picked her back up and swayed and sang...put her back down...she screamed...(This cycle went on for about 30 minutes or so. There's not a clock in her room so I'm just guessing.)...finally laid her down and she seemed to stay calm like she was going to go back to sleep...ha, ha, ha...started crying...at least she's not screaming...leave room and let her cry...go back in after about 8 minutes...pick her up...sway...sing...lay down...cry...pick up...sway...lay down...wait, is she asleep...maybe...maybe...YES!
Finally after an hour she went to sleep. I was so proud that I was able to stay strong and not get angry. We'll see how tonight goes...keep you posted!

Monday, November 26, 2007

1st letter to Santa

Kyler is finally old enough to know about Santa, what he does, and tell him what he wants. We are loving every minute. I had a great idea since Kyler couldn't write, yet. Instead of my husband or I writing his letter to Santa, what if we cut out pictures of what he wanted and let him glue them to the paper. Then we can either take it to mall Santa or we can give it to the mail carrier to give to Santa. Here is what we came up with this morning.




Now, we have to explain to him that just because it's on your list does NOT mean that you will get it. It's just to give Santa an idea of what you like. I'm sure that will go over great!

Black Friday

I have various ideas about why they call the Friday after Thanksgiving "Black Friday." Perhaps it's because that's when all the stores that have a loss for the year jump up into "the black," maybe it's because people get up while it's still black outside (as in, not even approaching daylight or even dawn) to get the best deals, or maybe it's because that's the attitude many people have on this day.
My family got up at 5:30 am on Friday (mainly because that's when the princess decided she was hungry) and was out of the house by 6:00. We were off! Ray and I have always loved to go out on this day because it helps get us in the holiday spirit. We haven't gotten up early the last couple of years because our son was young and I just didn't see the point. This year, we went for it since we are all up before 6 almost every morning anyway. We rarely buy anything, just walk around and be in the crowds. I saw more families snapping at each other and other people just flat out being rude. It was so sad. This is a mere 12 hours after you just loved on your family and spent a day giving thanks, and now many people are back to the idea that they are all that matters. Getting stuff, saving money, getting stuff, all about me, me, me, me.
Personally, this was a day that was about my family. In all the chaos and craziness, I loved spending time with my family. My most memorable moment will be looking back on that day and remembering that my son and I are CRAZY! We went to go see a movie and when it was over, we started dancing like lunatics to the credits (we were the only ones in the theater). The princess was asleep and my husband was just sitting there looking at us. We had so much fun. Then I just stood there and looked at my son dancing, my husband watching him, my daughter asleep in her stroller and thought...this is MY family and I LOVE them so much. Hope you had a weekend of giving thanks and not getting things.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Birthday to Me

Thanksgiving is a time of food, fellowship, football, and reflection. I always look forward to this time of year for several reasons; the "official" kickoff to the holiday season, lots of food, great football games, and, most importantly, my birthday (on Saturday)! Okay, so my birthday is not the most important thing about Thanksgiving, but it always lands in the same week, so my mind is always there. So...in honor of my 29th birthday here are 29 things I am thankful for (in no particular order past number 3):

1. My Lord and Savior for giving his life so that I can live life abundantly and worship him for all of eternity.
2. My husband for loving me despite all my faults.
3. My children for allowing me to love them.
4. my parents and in-laws that live close enough to provide wonderful advice and free babysitting!
5. puddle hopping with my son after the rain
6. 3 1/2 years of teaching with the best faculty at the best middle school in Mid Tenn
7. the freedom to worship my God without persecution
8. my son's voice when he says "Hi, mommy. I missed you sooo much!"
9. the way my daughter smells after her bath
10. the way the leaves change colors in the fall
11. flip-flops
12. jeans with stretch
13. my husband's strong arms around me when I'm having a meltdown
14. the ability to stay home with my kids and still run my own business
15. my friends' ability to know when something is wrong despite what I tell them
16. Sister Schubert's rolls
17. my ability to hear music
18. my ability to perform beautiful music and worship my God with my voice
19. my son's curiousity
20. my daughter's laugh...and cry
21. ponytail holders
22. that my husband has the "fun" side covered with the kids so I don't feel so guilty about being the serious one
23. my brother, father, and several cousins who proudly serve our country in the Army National Guard, Air Force, and Navy
24. Pete and Jodi Brennan and their ministry in Brazil. I hope we can join them again soon.
25. my past and the ability to learn from it
26. my husband's honesty and drive to do better
27. the fact that we have clothes, food, a car, and shelter
28. the technology that allows me to stay in touch with friends all over the world and share my thoughts with you
29. CHOCOLATE!

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving. Take the time to really think about what you're thankful for beyond friends and family.

Gobble, Gobble!

I was on MySpace...

and I was filling out one of those "get to know you" kind of things that you always get. It was 50 random questions and one of them really caught me off guard. The question was, "What one thing do you hate about yourself." Now, there isn't anything that I really hate. I usually answer these questions with various parts of my body (ie. fat rolls, double chin, bad eyesight, etc.), but this time I didn't. I don't know what came over me, but my answer was my inability to keep my mouth shut. I don't think of myself as a big mouth (although my husband does) and I don't think of myself as one to be rude. But then, a couple of months ago, I thought, "am I the one everyone wants to shut up but they're too nice to tell me?" There are a few people who have crossed my path and they were that one. I just wanted to look at them and say "can you really just keep your mouth shut?" They weren't talking excessively, but they were just rambling about nothing and talking about themselves WAY too much. Am I that person? I know I talk a lot, but am I that EGR (extra grace required) in every group? My mission this holiday season (since I'll be around many people I don't know) is to smile and keep my mouth shut. We'll see how that goes!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Why?

1. Why is this weather so crazy? Two days ago I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans and was sweating. Today, when I go outside, I need my sweatshirt. If it's so warm I have to wear a t-shirt on Thanksgiving, then God and I are having words. I despise starting the Christmas season when it's 75 degrees outside. It kinda dampens the spirit. I'm still getting my Peppermint Mocha next Friday; I don't care how hot it is outside.
2. Why does it take over 6 months to do with the second child what only took 6 weeks to do with the 1st? Aaliyah's finally on a good schedule...at 8 months old. She is not, however, sleeping through the night again.
3. Why does everyone's life always look better than yours?
4. Why do we envy other people's relationships?
5. Why does my dog insist on sleeping on the couch no matter how many times we tell him to get off?
6. Why can I never live up to my own expectation of myself?
7. Why do preschoolers insist on watching the same movie 500 times in one week?
8. Why do I procrastinate?
9. Why can't I have the good genes that make you skinny no matter what you eat?
10. Why am I griping on a blog?

I'll work on something positive for next time.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Man I'm getting good at this.

I have always loved taking pictures and I have been trying to become a better photographer lately since I now have 2 children. We have had a good camera since Kyler was born and we have a few good pictures here and there, but not a whole lot. I have always been able to spot a good picture, but when I take it, it never looks right. Then...the digital camera came along!!! I love being able to review my pictures immediately and decide if I need to take another or not. I also have gotten a lot of ideas from looking at my friend Alison's pictures. She is an amazing photographer and has a real knack for catching people in their natural state whether at their wedding or playing in a field with the whole family. Here are a few shots I have taken of Kyler and one of Aaliyah (maybe for their modeling portfolios?).

Here's Kyler back in May.





These are from just last week.






I'd have more of Aaliyah but she hasn't quite learned how to sit still for the camera and always seems to stop smiling the second it's in her face. Maybe she's more suited for high fashion!

looking back

I was looking through some old pictures on the computer and was amazed at how much Kyler and Aaliyah look like each other.


Here's Kyler at 9 days old. He was such a good sleeper!



Aaliyah at 12 days old. Almost the same picture, but not the same sleeper ;)




Kyler's first cereal at 4 1/2 months. He wasn't quite ready yet.



Aaliyah's first cereal at 4 1/2 months. She ate it up and didn't stop!




Kyler at 6 1/2 months.



Aaliyah at 6 1/2 months.




Kyler at 8 months with our friend Pete Brennan.



Aaliyah at 8 months loving her new sippy cup.

bathtime fun

While I was giving the kids their baths on Sat. night, they just looked so cute I had to go get the camera.


This is the shot that made me go and get my camera.



They are learning to share.



Showing off her new 'do.




Not to be left out...but his hair doesn't quite do the "faux-hawk" since he got it cut!

Friday, November 9, 2007

Ups and downs

Being a parent is hard. It's one of those things that you look back and say, if I knew then what I know now, then I would have waited longer/not had kids/had fewer/put more years between (choose your answer). When people say it's hard, you say "I know" but then you have one of those days when you understand exactly what they were talking about. You are always living for someone else, you never have time to think, any extra money that you think you have needs to be used to buy clothes, diapers, wipes or shoes, and, if you're not careful, you completely lose sight of why you had children in the first place.
Yesterday was a great day. I had several of those "this is why I have kids" moments and it felt great. I was able to get things done, play with my kids, and still get a few moments to myself. I made dinner, was nice to my husband, and just had an all around good day.
Today...is NOT one of those days. Sometimes you just have days when you wonder if you can do it. To be completely honest, on days like these I wonder, seriously wonder, if I did the right thing by having kids. Some people reading this are going to say that children are a blessing and I should be thankful that I was able to have kids. Yes, I know that. Some are going to say that I need help because I don't like my kids. Yes, probably. And some are going to say that they know exactly how I feel. At least I hope someone does.
I truly believe there is a difference between love and like. Do I love my children? Yes, very much. I can sit and vividly remember the day I found out I was pregnant, the day I found out what we were having, and the day I gave birth to each of them. Do I like my children? Sometimes, no. They whine, complain, stay attached to me all day, pull on my pants, invade my space, change their minds constantly and just generally get on my nerves. Sometimes I just can't take it. That, my friends, is why I will be taking a trip to Wal-mart later today...ALONE!

Monday, November 5, 2007

Kyler turns "free" (3)

Okay, first I feel I should explain all previous statements in this blog regarding "Kyler the Edward King." When you ask Kyler what his full name is, he always states very proudly "Kyler the Edward King." I try to correct him, but it's just too cute. We now call him Kyler the Edward King, King of all the Edwards. I'm sure my brother and father (for who he is named Edward) would agree whole-heartedly. ANYWAY. We celebrated his 3rd birthday at Chuck E. Cheese on Friday night. "Why in the world would you take a bunch of 3 year olds to Chuck E. Cheese" you ask? Because my husband is a big kid and has been begging to have his party there since he was 18 months old. I said that he could have his party there when he was old enough to ask for it, not thinking in a million years that a 2 1/2 year old would have the vocabulary of a 5 year old! So we ended up at Chuck E. Cheese. It was nice to not have to clean the house for guests and worry about making food and a cake and then cleaning up afterward. It was still crazy, though, and I spent most of the time behind the camera instead of with my son (or my daughter for that matter. thanks, MIL and mom!). When it was all said and done we were exhausted, but Kyler was thrilled. Pardon the blurriness of some of the pictures, when you put four 3 year olds, one 2 year old, and four under two with Chuck E. Cheese, there is not a whole lot of holding still for pictures!


Kyler posing with his golf bag and 3 wood from daddy. He already has a 9 iron and a putter.


The table set-up for the kids.





Grace B. with my MIL.


my "nephew" Nathan and his daddy Daren


Katie with Aiden W.


Zoe chewing on her nails.


The "loot" that kept Kyler up until 10:00 that night!


Zoe dancing with Chuck E. Cheese.


Kids with Chuck E. Notice Tyler has his hand over his eyes. Apparently, that is a new greeting in Tylerworld!


After all the hype, Kyler would rather eat a 3rd piece of pizza than go dance with Chuck E.


We finally got him to get up and give Chuck E. a hug.


Aaron and Jen - "Ahhh, this is why we don't come here!"


The Johnsons (Jason, Daphne, Jackson, and Savannah) - "we do this all the time"


The boys and Zoe.


This is the one that got me choked up. I think I realized that my little boy is already 3.


Grace getting some pizza (crust).


Aaliyah with Grandma. She was done and ready to go home.

There are way more pictures, but I think that's enough. I'm sure I'll have something new to talk about in the next week. Life with a 3 year old will be interesting.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Happy Halloween!

Here are some pics from last night and Tuesday night. I never got any good shots of the two of them together, so I am going to dress them up again and get a couple of good pictures with their pumpkins full of candy! Aaliyah had a great time looking in her pumpkin and Kyler had a blast as ususal. We all slept really good after everything was said and done...until Aaliyah woke up at midnight and Kyler woke up at 12:05 screaming because he threw up in his bed. That's a whole other post.
Here are the pics from Tuesday at Keller-Williams in Murfreesboro. Grandma and Grandpa met us for Trunk-or-Treat.





Halloween night at Nana and PopPop's in Lavergne. Their neighborhood has more kids so Kyler had fun looking at all the other costumes. He also had a bad habit of looking in other people's houses after they gave him candy. We'll have to work on that.


Obi Won Kenobi getting ready to fight the Dark Side.


Our monkey princess. Notice there is a bow now. We had to correct way too many people on Tuesday who kept calling her a "he".


Obi Won's secret weapon...the thumb. Aaliyah thinks he is acting like a baby!


The monkey with her Nana.


Obi Won Kenobi learning the power of The Force and how to safely use a light sabre.


I love pics like this!


The cousins. From left to right; Obi Won Kenobi (Kyler), was an evil pumpkin before the picture (Jaesean), Dracula (Daesun), the Monkey Princess (Aaliyah).

That's all for now. Stay tuned for Kyler the Edward King's 3rd birthday at Chuck E. Cheese!!! AAARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!