Frosting Cookies

On Monday, we made and frosted cookies with my friend Emily and her daughter Chloe. Tyler loves when Chloe comes to play and both kids really enjoyed eating cookies and licking frosting...

He pretty much licked the frosting off the top of the cookie and then gave it back to me... all done!

Friday Five: Tyler's Faves

Tyler's top 5 favorite things...

#1. eating bubbles- they are just so delicious

#2. riding (I mean sitting on) his hot pink girlie bike

#3. being a trash can monster. or laundry basket monster or blanket monster

#4. eating spagetti or anything messy

#5. bath time and especially the after bath cuddle

Tyler, my helper

Tyler is my little helper. I was reading this week in my babycenter newsletter that "Toddlers love to feel like they're making an important contribution to any activity, and chores around the house are no exception. You may find your child's help makes chores more fun for both of you — or you may find yourself dismayed by how long it takes to get anything done."
Here are some ways Tyler helps around the house (and some ways that his "help" is not helpful!)

Helpful:

• Dirty Diapers: He loves to put his diaper in the trash. Reminding him that he gets to do that is one of the only ways I can get him to hold still during changing time. He proudly walks to the pantry and stands there until I open the door- he slam dunks the diaper into the trash and then holds up his hand for a high five!
• Dirty Clothes: Just today I started having him put his dirty clothes throughout the day in the laundry basket. This also helps the changing process.

Um, not so much:

• Dishwasher: When he hears that thing open, he comes running. Grabs the first knife he can and waves it around while I scream! --I'm only exaggerating a little. He loves to "help" with the dishes, but usually I just stick a few take & toss plastic ones on the floor for him to sort out. I'd rather wash them twice a day so I can get the job finished!
• Laundry: Another situation where his "help" makes the job longer... especially if I am doing his load. If he even sees one of his blankets in the washer or dryer he freaks out! He will hug his blanket while it is soaking wet and I have to somehow distract him to get it in the dryer! Also, as I am changing loads and putting clothes in the dryer, he will stand there and pull stuff out (sometimes without me knowing) and climb in himself. Jeff said, the dryer was his favorite place to hide as a child too!

I love having Tyler around with me all day long and I just don't know what I would do without my little helper!!

Tag from Jeni, I'm it!

I am: tired
I think: I need more sleep
I have: 2 bracelets on
I dislike: long days with no nap, but somehow I get more done
I miss: living near my parent's grocery store where I could have whatever I want to eat for free
I fear: my baby will come early or that there will be problems
I feel: lots of kicking around in there
I hear: the fan blowing, paper flapping, and tv background noise
I smell: yummy bath & body works tropical passionfruit handsoap
I crave: chocolate cake, pumpkin pie, in-n-out, patty's burritos
I cry: about once a day and whenever I watch babystory...stupid hormones. stupid show.
I usually: check my email too many times a day
I search: for Jeff's keys, cell phone, shoes and wallet daily
I wonder: how we will adjust to #2
I regret: no...I'm working on not regreting
I wish: I had more money :)
I love: my husband, my children, my parents, my siblings, my extended family, my friends
I care: about others easily
I always: try to do a load of dishes everyday
I worry: about money, about labor, about tyler eating enough, about work--pretty much everything a mom worries about
I am not: good at being frugile
I remember: my first year of college vividly
I believe: that families can be together forever (thank goodness!)
I sing: the wheels on the bus when Tyler gets fussy in the car--it always works!
I don't always: clean the house as well as I should
I write: on the blog more than in my journal!
I win: most conversations (ha!)
I lose: at hearts everytime I play
I listen: to tyler talk about life--"bligadigadigablooloo"
I understand: that gibberish talk and translate for others who don't know tylish
I can usually be found: at home, playgroup, grocery shopping or at the park
I need: more "me time"
I forget: anything that is not on my calendar (and some things that are!)
I am happy: when I have a good day- its the simple things like a clean house, conversation with a friend, a yummy treat, Jeff home early, family "sky watch" on the trampoline, and sweet hugs from Tyler that keep me happy!
I tag: Katie, Sarah, Melonie, Ashli, Becca, Kendi & anyone else who wants to do this!

Friday Five

FIVE things that have been going on this week

1. Another face bonk & a bee sting: I always thought my kid would be the one who would never get hurt because of his amazing coordination (passed down from his father, of course). Seriously, this kid could kick a soccer ball at 14 months and can throw and catch pillows and balls at 18 months. Lately though, he has been showing more of my genes than Jeff's. Both sets of grandparents remind me (often) of how I was always "bouncing off the walls" as a kid, so I shouldn't be so surprised. (My mom, however tells me she doesn't recall such memories, and that I was a perfect angel...ok I made up that last part). Within one week, Tyler has had 2 bad falls and a bee sting: I've had my dad on speed dial for medical advice and encouragement. Every parent hates to see their children in pain and this week has been a dangerous one... luckily no broken bones or stitches yet, but I'm just crossing my fingers that Jeff will be home when it happens, I don't know what I will do when it does!

Tyler and Chloe just chillin'

2. Room Makeover: Our bedroom has been soooooo blah lately, which gives me no reason to keep it clean. I don't know why, but it has always been my last priority money & energy wise. After seeing many friends' master bedrooms that are beautifully decorated and clean, I've decided to give us a makeover. I'll keep updating pictures periodically, but this will have to be a work in progress that will probably last until Christmas!

BEFORE: messy and totally unattractive

STEP 1: rearrange furniture (more pictures to come- remember this is a MAJOR work in progress!)

3. Baby plans: This week, my parents and Katie have booked flights to come for the baby!! They are coming on Dec. 26- Jan. 2, and my brother Tommy & sister-in-law Melonie (and 2 kids) and brother-in-law Jarett & sister-in-law Kara (and 2 kids) may also be coming for some New Years' partying. Kara is going to do newborn and family photo shoots and is available if anyone would like to book some time while she's here in Dallas, she's discounting her services for us-- check out her website, she is super talented. I'm so excited! It's always fun to think about when the baby will come and then to think about family here also is super exciting!!

4. My growing belly: wow am I getting big. I can't imagine being much bigger and I am a little over 6 months along. My body is starting to really feel it. Every morning I wake up with aches and pains that seem like I've been running in a marathon, doing 500 sit ups and way too many squats. In reality, I haven't worked out for months. Maybe that's my problem, I'm too weak to handle this extra weight... my body hurts!

5. Jesus picture: I love this picture of Christ with the children. I had it in my room growing up and my parents sent us one for Tyler this week. I LOVE hobby lobby and their frequent sales and this week was custom mats & framing. I put it up in Tyler's room and throughout the day today, I'd say, "Tyler, where's Jesus?" He would stop what he was doing, take my hand and lead me to his room. Then he'd look up and point, and say "Jsus, Jsus, Jsus" actually it's more like just the "J" sound and then just the "S" sound. It's really sweet. I know he will love seeing the picture every morning just like I did when I was growing up. Thanks mom & dad!!

OUCH!

On Wednesday night while I was at mutual, Tyler and Jeff got some more boy time at the pool! They had a great time except that Tyler fell going down the stairs and has a face full of scrapes to prove it. This is definitely his worst fall and it breaks my heart everytime I look at him. He is such a tough little guy though, Jeff said he only cried for a few seconds and it hasn't seemed to bother him since, he is always so happy!

We got about 50 pounds of live rock for the tank!! It's starting to look like a real reef! I also took a picture of the four line wrasse, the newest addition to our fish family who joined Jay Jay and Big Jake a couple weeks ago. (You'd think that Tyler named them or something!)

Tyler loves to feed the fish. He'll hold out his hand until we pick him up and then we sprinkle the food in his hand and he turns it over. Then we have to set him down so he can see the fish eating and he gets super excited. Then of course, we wash our hands. He's got this whole routine down pat.

New doo and swimming too

Tyler's hair has been getting long, I've been noticing it curl behind his ears and get very ratty after naptime!! So I decided to give it a buzz!!

BEFORE

AFTER

posing for the camera

sharing his lollipop with that cute boy in the mirror

When Jeff got home, he told us to pack the swimming bags so we could go to the pool- it was cold! But we had fun playing

Notice the farmers tan! Cute

the night that could have been...

On Friday morning, Jeff woke me (and tyler) up to show us something outside. I'm usually good at his "guess what is in the backyard" type of games. But at 8:00 am, in my half-asleep sleep-talk mode, my best answer was "a giraffe?" He proceeded to drag me out of my bed, pillows in hand as we walked outside. And then we saw it, right above our neighbors' rooftops, a hot air balloon!

The next night, Becca and Tyler invited us to join them at Plano's Balloon Festival that is held yearly- they launch all the hot air ballons at 6pm. I knew we'd be pushing it on time because Jeff had a full day of fertilizing applications to do. But I got us all prepared beforehand. We set out on our journey with our trusty GPS... after about 20 minutes and at exactly 6:00 we heard, "now arriving at address, on right." I look around in the neighboorhood. There was no park and no hot air balloons! I got the wrong stinking address off the internet. As we turned around, I remembered the huge traffic jam we saw off the freeway that I was so glad we were going the opposite direction- but now we were stuck in it. For about an hour. And we could have completely avoided it if we had gone the correct way off the freeway. I was so mad at myself. Then there was my sweet husband, the whole time, singing to music and telling me to smile. Tyler woke up and started crying, kept crying so hard that he made himself sick. I've heard of kids doing this, but Tyler has never done it before. At about 7:00, after driving for an hour and a half, when we saw all the balloons overhead, we decided to just turn around and go home. Once again, my sweet husband, sees my favorite place: Sonic and suggests we stop for dinner. We had a nice dinner that included an extra long chili cheese coney, cheeseburger, cherry limeade, tots (for the tot), and of course 2 jr. banana splits. So thanks to my sweet husband, the night that could have been wonderful, still was!

Beautiful Sunday

Today was a beautiful day! After yesterday's rain, the sky is a little bluer, the grass is a little greener, and the air is a little cooler. We walked to the park for some good family fun. I grabbed the camera on the way out the door since I haven't posted pictures of us for awhile!

Nebraska Football Schedule

Sat, Sep 13 vs. New Mexico State

Sat, Sep 27 vs. Virginia Tech

Sat, Oct 04 vs. Missouri

Sat, Oct 11 @ Texas Tech

Sat, Oct 18 @ Iowa State

Sat, Oct 25 vs. Baylor

Sat, Nov 01 @ Oklahoma

Sat, Nov 08 vs. Kansas

Sat, Nov 15 @ Kansas State

Fri, Nov 28 vs. Colorado

Sat, Dec 06- Big 12 Championship Game @ Kansas City, Mo.

Any Suggestions?

I am so thankful we are having a second boy because I don't have to rebuy so many of the things we already have in another color! There are a couple things I do need/want to get for the new baby and would LOVE some suggestions on brands.
#1: Double stroller. I've been reading reviews and its just so hard to tell. We are getting a Toys R Us, Babies R Us and Super Target!! right next to our home next month so I get to look at the stores instead of guess online. But I would love a suggestion on a double stroller. It definitely needs to be tandem, not side to side. I have a small trunk, so I was drawn to the sit'n'stand, but I have 2 worries. 1-I haven't seen a Graco, and I need the snugride carseat to fit in the stroller, and 2-I've heard the back seat isn't all that comfortable. Anyone love their double stroller?
#2: Bedside Bassinet. I have a pack'n'play with a top part for newborns, but I'd love a bassinet that vibrates or rocks and maybe sings songs. I just know I will be in need of any extra sleep I can get in those first few weeks and my babies dont sleep well. Vibrating always does the trick! Any suggestions?

Friday Five

Five shows I'm excited to get hooked on again this season:

Wed. @ 8/7 c

Starts Thurs. Sept. 25 @ 9/8 c

Starts Wed. Oct. 1 @ 9/8 c

Starts Thurs. Sept. 25 @ 8/7 c

Starts Thurs. Sept. 25 @ 9/8 c



Yes, I admit. I watch too much tv!

and the winner is...

Thanks to everyone who entered the diaperdoo giveaway on my kirstikoo blog, I enjoyed reading your comments and compliments!
Congrats to Molly-Let me know which diaperdoo you would like!
All those who entered will receive a 15% off coupon to any items in my etsy store. Check your email for details!

The Miller Family said...
I love these, and think one would be a fantastic addition to our diaper bag!
August 29, 2008 6:55 AM

FRIDAY FIVE

Five words we cannot say at this house without meaning it (and stories to go along with them!):
1. "Jay Jay" Jeff's parents sent a package for Tyler awhile ago with videos, t-shirts and goodies. At that time, Tyler had NO interest in the tv, ever, no matter what was on. Except to turn it off and on, which is why we have covered the button with a gerber plastic lid (thanks for the idea Sydni!). We tried out each video and found the one that worked: Jay Jay the Jet Plane! Anytime throughout the day that I need a few minutes (like right now for example), I yell, Jay Jay! and Tyler runs to the tv. He knows how to push in the video, turn it on, and even pull in and out the red & yellow cables, making the picture and sound go on and off! He loves Jay Jay and pretty much airplanes in general!
2. "Bubble Bath" This is what saves my evening. But I cannot say those two simple words prematurely, or else I am in big trouble. He'll repeat "bubba bubba" until he is in that tub full of bubbles. And then he'll yell "ma bubba" until he feels like there are enough bubbles to cover his head!
3. "Daddy's Truck" Jeff comes home off and on throughout the day and anytime he needs to work outside, he'll take Tyler with him. Tyler will crawl through the truck all the way to the drivers side, stand up by the steering wheel and instantly go for the wipers. He even knows how to push the button for the fluid to come out. Jeff's windshield is not dirty very often anymore. When I know he's on his way, I'll yell "Daddy's coming" or "lets go find the truck" and we'll run to the window and wait. One day at the park, he drove by and I didn't even notice. It was Tyler who started yelling "Dada!" that brought it to my attention!
4. "Outside" or "Bye-Bye" or "Go" all words that make Tyler stop what he is doing and run for the door. He will sit by the door with his feet up in the air until I put his shoes on, which brings me to:
5. "Shoes" which means run through the house like a crazy person until two of the same kind are found... and then go somewhere. This week we had a cool day so we needed to get him a pair to wear with socks. And his sandals are getting small anyway. So Tyler and I headed to Payless! He was in heaven! I would tell him to try these and he'd sit down and stick his feet up in the air. Then he would run up and down the isles loving the new shoes. He looked like he was ready to go to school or something in his "big kid shoes!"

Giveaway!

My Friday Five this week are all the reasons I've decided to do a Diaperdoo Giveaway!

1. I'm headed to the designer fabric store today to pick out some new AMY BUTLER fabric!

2. I have so many friends who are expecting a baby right now (and even more who have babies in diapers) and I want to share my creations with everyone!

3. I'm trying to get my name out there and what better way to share the news than free stuff!

4. I'd love to hear which products are everyone's favorites and maybe even some suggestions

5. I love to make people happy!

Leave a comment under your favorite Kirstikoo product on my Handmade Gifts blog. www.kirstikoo.blogspot.com/ You don't have to have a blog to do this, just make sure you leave your name and email address. I will do a drawing on September 6! So tell your friends (if I have more than 20 comments, I will give away 2 DIAPERDOOS!)