So, I know I just posted about Flor (well, her hair at least), but I have two extra things to add about her.
1) I tested her on signs that she knows today and she has developed quite a few more in the last little while! She now knows: eat, drink, more, please, thank you, sorry, bathroom, mom, dad, baby, book, and the most important of all- Mickey. :)
2) Yesterday we had our home teachers over (explanation here if you want it-- much more succinct than if I tried to explain it myself...). Our home teachers are a father and his 14 year old son. The father gave a lesson and then asked his son to pray for us. He said a lovely prayer (and would be embarrassed I am sure that I said so). The second the prayer was over, Flor bounded out of her seat and bee-lined it across the room to the other couch before we even knew what was happening. She ran to the 14 year old and threw her arms around him with the biggest smile on her face. It was darling. He, for his part, responded perfectly and returned her giant hug. I think either she A) thinks he is cute (and he is) or B) just really loved his prayer.
She's pretty stinkin' adorable, that Florinda.
February 25, 2013
February 23, 2013
The Job
It has been almost five years since I started working at LDS Family Services, my dream job (I had written in my journal my senior year of high school that my "dream job" was to work for LDS Family Services). Even after five years, I can still say that it is my dream job. I want to be there for a long time-- time will tell if that is going to happen, but we will see. I don't share a lot on this blog about my job, for obvious reasons, the largest of which is client confidentiality. But, my job is a really big part of my life and I want to remember a few things (with sparse details recorded here) that have made it exciting lately.
Our whole staff meets every Wednesday for a weekly meeting and it is really quite comical how often we say, "Just when we think we have seen it all..." and then someone proceeds to tell the newest crazy, never-thought-we'd-deal-with-this story. Some truly unbelievably things have happened in my time there. We often joke that we need our own reality T.V. show too, to keep track of all the craziness. :)
However, the biggest reason I love my job is because I get to be a part of miracles all the time. I am so blessed to be in the middle of situations where birth moms choose families and the spirit confirms in so many ways how right the situation is. This past month or so has been extremely busy for me, but in a really wonderful and positive way.
It started with a sweet birth mom that I met just once in the office before she had her baby a few weeks early. I spent about three days straight in the hospital with her as she looked at families and solidified her choice to place her new little one with a loving family. I have worked with a lot of birth mothers in these past five years, but I am always amazed at the strength that they have. It never gets old. I have such respect for those who choose to offer their babies a loving, two-parent family. Reasons vary why birth moms choose to place, but I can't express what an honor it is to be a part of that process with them. This particular birth mom and two of her family members all chose the same adoptive family independently of each other while looking at profiles. They all just knew that they were the right ones. And they are. That was confirmed as the family came to the hospital and everyone met together for the first time. Such a sweet experience.There is a lot more to this story that makes it one of my most special experiences to date on the job, but that is what I can/will record here.
During the time this was all happening, another birth mother that I had been meeting with for about a month delivered her baby as well. Two at once=craziness! Luckily, the timing was perfect so that we could do her placement right after everything was settled with the first birth mother. This birth mom was younger (typically birth moms that I work with are in their 20's or older-- very few teens. Kind of weird, right? I thought when I started this job that I would be primarily working with teenagers. While I have seen quite a few teenagers during the decision making process, it has been my experience that those who end up choosing an adoption plan are out of their teen years.) Anyway, this birth mom was a teenager and she was very solid on her choice to place all along. She chose a couple online (from about 1000 profiles that are housed there). Her family was also very supportive, especially after they came from out of state to meet the adoptive family and discovered through conversation with the soon-to-be adoptive mom that she was a relative of the family on the birth grandmother's side. They were obviously from different generations and their families had lost a little bit of touch over the years, but discovering that connection was amazing for this family. It gave them such peace and showed them just how much of a hand that Heavenly Father has in this process. I mean, really, coincidence that this birth mom chose the one family online that is a distant relative to her family? I doubt it!
I still haven't caught up on all the paperwork that happens with adoptions, especially one last minute one and two at once-- but just when I was feeling a bit more on top of it, I got one of those never-had-this-before situations. When I arrived at work one morning this week, my boss pulled me right into her office and asked how busy I was. I told her that I felt a little bit more on top of things and she replied, "Good, because I have something for you to do..." Never good! :) That something turned out to be getting a couple I had never met fully approved for adoption in two days. This process normally takes months, just to give you an idea. This couple had been in our waiting pool for over 10 years (I know, can you imagine?) before deciding to withdraw their file and find happiness in being a family of two. They closed their file a few years ago and had made peace with their situation. That is until one of her best friends called her this week to let her know that her daughter had given birth and was wanting to place the baby for adoption. This couple immediately came into the friend's mind and the couple jumped at the chance to adopt this new little one. Since he was already born and yet the couple had no approved home study, that meant I got to do one!
Just in case you wonder-- and for my memory's sake-- my two days looked like this:
Day 1:
10 am: Meet couple. Give them hoards of paperwork to complete and tell them it all needs to be done that day. :)
11 am- do first interview with couple
12 pm- do second interview with couple. Send them on their way to complete paperwork chase
1 pm-3:30 pm- write half of the home study
There went all the other things I had to accomplish for that day, but that's okay. :)
4 pm-home so that Devin could go to work. Field/place phone calls intermittently throughout the rest of the day to my boss, the caseworker for the birth mom, the couple, etc.
Day 2:
8 am: Leave house in a blizzard to get to the couple's house for interviews/home visit
9 am: Arrive at couple's house and go over all the paperwork they successfully completed in one day (medical reports, employment verifications, Bishop's reference letter, 4 other reference letters, financial forms, taxes, questionnaires (40 questions each requiring a paragraph per question), birth certificates, marriage license, etc. etc. just to give you an idea of what they had to complete in one day. They did awesome.)
9:30 am-10:15 am- finish interviewing the couple
10:15-11 am- complete the home visit portion of the interviews
11 am- follow couple to the other office (birth mom's office)
11:30 am- face-to-face with the birth mother and the adoptive couple. They are meeting for the first time. Lots of tears and so very spiritual.
12:30- drive from that office to downtown SLC to get the couple's background checks approved. This process alone normally takes about a month on average, but a nice worker at the department who completes background checks is willing to help me get them processed right then and there.
1:30- return to the birth mother's office and meet with the other worker to discuss plans. Print paperwork for the couple to sign
2:00- review placement paperwork with couple while the other worker signs documents with the birth mother
3:00- on the road back to my agency. Drop mounds of paperwork off to the secretary and dash home so that Devin can be to work by 4.
4-7- play with my kids, eat dinner, get them to bed
7-10 pm- complete the couple's written home study. 10 pages. Sign and date it and wah-lah. Done. They were approved and placed with on the SAME DAY. So unreal.
This is BY FAR the fastest I have ever approved a couple. It is funny because one of my co-workers, Lauren, just had to do the same thing about two weeks ago and we laughed about the weird things that happen and what a crazy situation that was-- and then here it is again. So bizarre. I hope to never have to do it again, though, just for the record. :) That was a lot of work, but so very worth it to see a couple who has now waited 13 years to adopt a child (and that is saying nothing of prior fertility attempts) become parents. How amazing.
I love my job. Even if it means writing a home study in a day, it is all worth it.
The end.
Our whole staff meets every Wednesday for a weekly meeting and it is really quite comical how often we say, "Just when we think we have seen it all..." and then someone proceeds to tell the newest crazy, never-thought-we'd-deal-with-this story. Some truly unbelievably things have happened in my time there. We often joke that we need our own reality T.V. show too, to keep track of all the craziness. :)
However, the biggest reason I love my job is because I get to be a part of miracles all the time. I am so blessed to be in the middle of situations where birth moms choose families and the spirit confirms in so many ways how right the situation is. This past month or so has been extremely busy for me, but in a really wonderful and positive way.
It started with a sweet birth mom that I met just once in the office before she had her baby a few weeks early. I spent about three days straight in the hospital with her as she looked at families and solidified her choice to place her new little one with a loving family. I have worked with a lot of birth mothers in these past five years, but I am always amazed at the strength that they have. It never gets old. I have such respect for those who choose to offer their babies a loving, two-parent family. Reasons vary why birth moms choose to place, but I can't express what an honor it is to be a part of that process with them. This particular birth mom and two of her family members all chose the same adoptive family independently of each other while looking at profiles. They all just knew that they were the right ones. And they are. That was confirmed as the family came to the hospital and everyone met together for the first time. Such a sweet experience.There is a lot more to this story that makes it one of my most special experiences to date on the job, but that is what I can/will record here.
During the time this was all happening, another birth mother that I had been meeting with for about a month delivered her baby as well. Two at once=craziness! Luckily, the timing was perfect so that we could do her placement right after everything was settled with the first birth mother. This birth mom was younger (typically birth moms that I work with are in their 20's or older-- very few teens. Kind of weird, right? I thought when I started this job that I would be primarily working with teenagers. While I have seen quite a few teenagers during the decision making process, it has been my experience that those who end up choosing an adoption plan are out of their teen years.) Anyway, this birth mom was a teenager and she was very solid on her choice to place all along. She chose a couple online (from about 1000 profiles that are housed there). Her family was also very supportive, especially after they came from out of state to meet the adoptive family and discovered through conversation with the soon-to-be adoptive mom that she was a relative of the family on the birth grandmother's side. They were obviously from different generations and their families had lost a little bit of touch over the years, but discovering that connection was amazing for this family. It gave them such peace and showed them just how much of a hand that Heavenly Father has in this process. I mean, really, coincidence that this birth mom chose the one family online that is a distant relative to her family? I doubt it!
I still haven't caught up on all the paperwork that happens with adoptions, especially one last minute one and two at once-- but just when I was feeling a bit more on top of it, I got one of those never-had-this-before situations. When I arrived at work one morning this week, my boss pulled me right into her office and asked how busy I was. I told her that I felt a little bit more on top of things and she replied, "Good, because I have something for you to do..." Never good! :) That something turned out to be getting a couple I had never met fully approved for adoption in two days. This process normally takes months, just to give you an idea. This couple had been in our waiting pool for over 10 years (I know, can you imagine?) before deciding to withdraw their file and find happiness in being a family of two. They closed their file a few years ago and had made peace with their situation. That is until one of her best friends called her this week to let her know that her daughter had given birth and was wanting to place the baby for adoption. This couple immediately came into the friend's mind and the couple jumped at the chance to adopt this new little one. Since he was already born and yet the couple had no approved home study, that meant I got to do one!
Just in case you wonder-- and for my memory's sake-- my two days looked like this:
Day 1:
10 am: Meet couple. Give them hoards of paperwork to complete and tell them it all needs to be done that day. :)
11 am- do first interview with couple
12 pm- do second interview with couple. Send them on their way to complete paperwork chase
1 pm-3:30 pm- write half of the home study
There went all the other things I had to accomplish for that day, but that's okay. :)
4 pm-home so that Devin could go to work. Field/place phone calls intermittently throughout the rest of the day to my boss, the caseworker for the birth mom, the couple, etc.
Day 2:
8 am: Leave house in a blizzard to get to the couple's house for interviews/home visit
9 am: Arrive at couple's house and go over all the paperwork they successfully completed in one day (medical reports, employment verifications, Bishop's reference letter, 4 other reference letters, financial forms, taxes, questionnaires (40 questions each requiring a paragraph per question), birth certificates, marriage license, etc. etc. just to give you an idea of what they had to complete in one day. They did awesome.)
9:30 am-10:15 am- finish interviewing the couple
10:15-11 am- complete the home visit portion of the interviews
11 am- follow couple to the other office (birth mom's office)
11:30 am- face-to-face with the birth mother and the adoptive couple. They are meeting for the first time. Lots of tears and so very spiritual.
12:30- drive from that office to downtown SLC to get the couple's background checks approved. This process alone normally takes about a month on average, but a nice worker at the department who completes background checks is willing to help me get them processed right then and there.
1:30- return to the birth mother's office and meet with the other worker to discuss plans. Print paperwork for the couple to sign
2:00- review placement paperwork with couple while the other worker signs documents with the birth mother
3:00- on the road back to my agency. Drop mounds of paperwork off to the secretary and dash home so that Devin can be to work by 4.
4-7- play with my kids, eat dinner, get them to bed
7-10 pm- complete the couple's written home study. 10 pages. Sign and date it and wah-lah. Done. They were approved and placed with on the SAME DAY. So unreal.
This is BY FAR the fastest I have ever approved a couple. It is funny because one of my co-workers, Lauren, just had to do the same thing about two weeks ago and we laughed about the weird things that happen and what a crazy situation that was-- and then here it is again. So bizarre. I hope to never have to do it again, though, just for the record. :) That was a lot of work, but so very worth it to see a couple who has now waited 13 years to adopt a child (and that is saying nothing of prior fertility attempts) become parents. How amazing.
I love my job. Even if it means writing a home study in a day, it is all worth it.
The end.
February 18, 2013
Flor's new 'do!
The inevitable has happened: We cut Flor's hair. She has needed a hair cut for a long time, but life gets busy and it gets pushed off...ya know. So today was the day since I didn't have to work (President's Day!) and we had a list of errands to run anyway. Right before we walked out the door, I suggested to Devin that her hair might be long enough to donate to Locks of Love. We looked it up and sure enough, it was! Even though I adore her long hair, we both immediately thought that donating some of her hair would be a really special way for Flor to give, so we decided to go for it. We went to the salon and off it came!
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| Before |
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| This picture (reposted) better shows how long and beautiful her hair was |
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| Getting it chopped! |
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| new do- a cute bob! Flor loves it...she kept running her hands through her hair and laughing and smiling. I bet she was thinking- "man, that is a weight off my shoulders!" |
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| The braid ready to be sent! |
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| A lot of the pictures I took are blurry because she was moving her head around, probably again thinking how light it is! |
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| "Check out my cute hair!" |
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The nice thing about hair is that it grows-- and hers grows fast! So before we know it, she will have her long locks again. Until then, we will enjoy the change!
Pinterest finds: Favorite Dinner Recipes
So apparently my last post was my 600th! Wahoo. Here's to 600 more? We shall see.
Onto today's topic-- Pinterest. I really avoided the craze for a long time for a few reasons: 1) I am already plenty immersed in social media between Facebook, this blog, and Instagram, and 2) I thought that it would probably do nothing more than make me feel bad about myself because I am NOT crafty, I am NOT into decorating, and I have survived 27 years knowing very little about fashion. However, I am happy to report that Pinterest has been a good addition to my life because if you look at my Pinterest page, the majority of what I pin are recipes. I am always on the hunt for good recipes and this is a gold mine. I also am happy to report that my self-esteem is still intact after being a part of Pinterest for some months. :) I think I even missed the huge wave of when it was super popular and that it is dying down now, yes?
Anyway, because I have had some major successes in finding recipes on Pinterest, I thought I would share our family favorites in case you need some new recipes to try. Here are some that we have tried and that have received our stamp of approval.
10) Homemade beef and broccoli
http://rainydaygal.com/2011/02/03/beef-with-broccoli/
9) Copycat Rumbi's Mango Chicken Salad
http://jamiecooksitup.net/2010/01/rumbis-mango-chicken-salad/
8) Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Braid
And, that's all. You're welcome. :)
Any favorites that you have that I am missing? I would love any links! I am always on the lookout for new and fabulous recipes!
Onto today's topic-- Pinterest. I really avoided the craze for a long time for a few reasons: 1) I am already plenty immersed in social media between Facebook, this blog, and Instagram, and 2) I thought that it would probably do nothing more than make me feel bad about myself because I am NOT crafty, I am NOT into decorating, and I have survived 27 years knowing very little about fashion. However, I am happy to report that Pinterest has been a good addition to my life because if you look at my Pinterest page, the majority of what I pin are recipes. I am always on the hunt for good recipes and this is a gold mine. I also am happy to report that my self-esteem is still intact after being a part of Pinterest for some months. :) I think I even missed the huge wave of when it was super popular and that it is dying down now, yes?
Anyway, because I have had some major successes in finding recipes on Pinterest, I thought I would share our family favorites in case you need some new recipes to try. Here are some that we have tried and that have received our stamp of approval.
10) Homemade beef and broccoli
http://rainydaygal.com/2011/02/03/beef-with-broccoli/
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| My sister told me about this recipe. Her husband gives it 5 out of 5 stars, which is a really big deal for him. We have only had it once, but it was really delicious. The marinade makes the meat really tender and yummy. |
9) Copycat Rumbi's Mango Chicken Salad
http://jamiecooksitup.net/2010/01/rumbis-mango-chicken-salad/
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| We try to have salad as a main dish once a week (doesn't always happen-- try is the key word!) and this one is hands down my favorite. It is realllly good. I love the dressing, which is a big because I am really picky about salad dressings. I tried substituting greek yogurt for the mayo last time and it was just as good. |
http://frugal-farmhouse.blogspot.com/2011/08/broccoli-cheddar-chicken-braid.html
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| This was a huge winner with the kids. When all three eat every bite on their plate, you know it is good! It was something different and fun and we really enjoy it. Mine was much uglier than this picture, but I am sure the taste was the same and that's what counts! |
7) Chicken Ranch Tacos
http://pedersenfood.blogspot.com/2011/05/chicken-ranch-tacos.html
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| This is probably Devin's favorite recipe on this list. These tacos are as simple as they come, but have a different twist and are really tasty. |
6) Sweet and Sour Chicken
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2008/07/sweet-and-sour-chicken-updated.html
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| We have tried a lot of sweet and sour chicken recipes in our day and this one is the best. See what Pinterest can do? Give you a better version of something you are already making! This one is super delicious, most chicken, great flavors...what else can I say? :) |
5) Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
http://realmomkitchen.com/287/ranch-house-crock-pot-pork-chops-with-parmesan-mashed-potatoes/
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| Seriously delicious Sunday Dinner right here. Let's be honest- I am not a huge fan of pork and I am also not a huge fan of canned soups in recipes. This has both and it is still quite up there on my list. The potatoes could probably kill ya they are so good, but hey, every once in a while is okay, right? Crockpot recipe which is a bonus. :) The pork basically shreds it is so tender at the end. |
4) Skillet Macaroni and Cheese
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/2009/03/skillet-creamy-macaroni-and-cheese.html
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| I am a huge fan of macaroni and cheese. I think it stems from childhood when we had various versions of macaroni on almost a daily basis (the "mac family" we called them). My mom and her sisters learned a few key recipes from their mom and so my cousins and I all grew up eating the same macs- Mac-n-cheese of course, mac-n-hamburger, mac-n-tuna, and mac-n-tomatoes. Yeah, some might be as nasty as they sound, but I won't lie-- I kinda like them all still. :) Anyway, thoughts on this recipe-- I have tried many a mac-n-cheese and this is hands down my favorite. Great flavors and kid friendly as well as adult friendly. Mmmm...I could use some now. |
3) Copycat Costco Turkey Provalone Pesto Sandwich
http://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/07/costco-turkey-provolone-pesto-sandwich-melt/
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| There are no words for this. Just pure deliciousness. When we make these, we try to double the recipe and freeze half for easy lunches/dinners for Devin and I when we work. Super convenient and did I mention how good they are? |
2) Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup
http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2012/05/copy-cat-panera-bread-broccoli-cheese-soup-recipe/
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| Along with salad, I try to throw a soup into the weekly meal rotation too and this is hands down, THE BEST. Hallie requests this soup often and I don't blame her. It is really simple to make and super yummmmmmy. My only recommendation is to double the recipe if you are anything like us and like to eat. :) |
1) Hawaiian Haystacks
http://picky-palate.com/2012/04/01/homemade-hawaiian-haystacks/
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| Oh gosh, I am drooling just thinking about these and I just ate dinner. I could eat this dinner at least once per week...This recipe is not the only recipe for Hawaiian Haystacks I have had, but this is by far the best. I recommend getting the toppings she suggests as well-- they are just perfect that way. |
And, that's all. You're welcome. :)
Any favorites that you have that I am missing? I would love any links! I am always on the lookout for new and fabulous recipes!
February 7, 2013
Throwback Thursday
One year ago: (yesterday)
So, I have yet to read through our entire Ecuador journey. I wrote nearly every day that we were there and there are tons of pictures of the journey, but for some reason, I have just not been able to bring myself to re-live the whole thing. Not that the whole experience was negative (though there were some negative parts), but I think it just brings up a lot of emotions for me. I get nostalgic for Ecuador and the simpler way of life (because I really do love Ecuador), but it also brings me back to a state of panic-- not having any control over our process, adjusting to a new child with extreme needs, and feeling alone (especially after Devin, Hallie, and Jace left.)
I also feel a lot of gratitude for what was done for us during that time. I know I only comprehend the tiniest amount of what people sacrificed for us. I asked Devin the other day how he possibly managed to go to work for three weeks without me here to watch the kids. I know countless neighbors and family members stepped up to help with caring for Jace and Hallie and others provided meals, frozen meals, and a new freezer for us. I am still so in awe of everything that was done for us. This is an example of the goodness of others at its best.
Looking at this picture, another reminder I have is that I CAN DO HARD THINGS. Staying in Ecuador for three weeks alone, managing the process, and flying to and from Guayaquil and then back home to the US all alone was a big deal for me. I am so grateful that Flor and I were able to stay at the OSSO house so that we had some company (though I think I was not very good company because I just remember being sad all the time). I am also so, so grateful for the Schinnerers, who were there with me, too. I saw them almost daily and they became dear friends to me. I remember the crisis of trying to get flights out of the country and just crying in their apartment. They were just there for me through everything. One of those types of friendships that will last forever, even though we have not seen each other since and may not for who knows how long.
In one sense, it feels so long ago. In another, I am back there in an instant, feeling the same things, remembering the sites and sounds, etc. Flor and I were there another 3 weeks after Devin and the kids got home, which was by far the toughest part of the whole thing. We came home February 25th, 2012. It is so crazy that it has almost been a year since Flor has been home with us. She has come so far. So, so far. I am proud of her progress and I am also proud of our progress as a family. We, together, have come a long, long way.
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| Flor and I were left alone in Ecuador after Devin and the other two kids returned to the US on our original flights. We were too depressed to show our faces. I know I cried for at least 24 hours straight and I am sure Flor thought I was nuts. |
I also feel a lot of gratitude for what was done for us during that time. I know I only comprehend the tiniest amount of what people sacrificed for us. I asked Devin the other day how he possibly managed to go to work for three weeks without me here to watch the kids. I know countless neighbors and family members stepped up to help with caring for Jace and Hallie and others provided meals, frozen meals, and a new freezer for us. I am still so in awe of everything that was done for us. This is an example of the goodness of others at its best.
Looking at this picture, another reminder I have is that I CAN DO HARD THINGS. Staying in Ecuador for three weeks alone, managing the process, and flying to and from Guayaquil and then back home to the US all alone was a big deal for me. I am so grateful that Flor and I were able to stay at the OSSO house so that we had some company (though I think I was not very good company because I just remember being sad all the time). I am also so, so grateful for the Schinnerers, who were there with me, too. I saw them almost daily and they became dear friends to me. I remember the crisis of trying to get flights out of the country and just crying in their apartment. They were just there for me through everything. One of those types of friendships that will last forever, even though we have not seen each other since and may not for who knows how long.
In one sense, it feels so long ago. In another, I am back there in an instant, feeling the same things, remembering the sites and sounds, etc. Flor and I were there another 3 weeks after Devin and the kids got home, which was by far the toughest part of the whole thing. We came home February 25th, 2012. It is so crazy that it has almost been a year since Flor has been home with us. She has come so far. So, so far. I am proud of her progress and I am also proud of our progress as a family. We, together, have come a long, long way.
February 5, 2013
This Just IN
We went to the doctor today for a well-check for Jace and a thyroid test for Flor (which didn't happen- they had trouble drawing her blood, so to the hospital we go tomorrow for that...but while there they did test her for Influenza B and found out that she is positive for that...BOO!) But the point... we determined that Florinda now weighs:
32 pounds
And Jace now weighs:
32 pounds
Ay yi yi. So, I am happy to report that our 8 year old and our not-quite-2-year-old weigh the same. Life's interesting that way sometimes.
That's all.
32 pounds
And Jace now weighs:
32 pounds
Ay yi yi. So, I am happy to report that our 8 year old and our not-quite-2-year-old weigh the same. Life's interesting that way sometimes.
That's all.
February 4, 2013
Insta-Sample January
A few pictures from January:
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| A girl deserves a sugary cake for her birthday-- and this girl GOT one! |
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| Hallie's face doesn't quite show it-- but the two of them were both sick right before we left for Disneyland. Blah. I love the big barf bowl...gotta have that. |
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| I think I posted this before, but quite possibly my favorite Disneyland picture |
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| Jace's illness lingered a bit while we were at Disney...he refused to fall asleep unless I was holding his hand. Mama's Boy? |
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| Yes, Jace's hand is down his pants. How else is a boy supposed to relax? |
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| Apparently Devin and I were both in silly moods this day....he was singing and dancing while cooking and I was doing nothing but take pictures. Good team, good team. |
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| Flor's cute new birthday sweater from Grandma and Grandpa Strobel-- a sweater from Ecuador! |
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| Flor's hair has gotten SO long. Jealous, jealous, jealous. She has the best hair. |
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| That ham |
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| Busy girl. She completed all these puzzles herself one morning. |
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| Bad habit learned from her father. |
Happy February!
February 1, 2013
Jacer-23 months
I know I haven't updated on Jace for a while and it doesn't really make sense to update about him now since he will turn two one month from today (HOW did this happen!?), but I am gonna do it anyway. So don't try to stop me.
So this baby (not so much a baby, but still my baby) is simultaneously the nicest and the naughtiest child EVER. I am convinced of it. Only he can melt my heart one minute and make me want to pull my hair out the next. I don't know if I ever made an official declaration about this on the blog, but if I did ever say that I would take boys from here on out, I take it back. I will take girls. haha....
Seriously, though, I don't know how I get kids who come with such gigantic personalities. Hallie has always had such a fun personality, and Jace does too. He is a wild boy and one who KNOWS what he wants. He can throw some serious fits and probably spends about half of every day in time out (okay, maybe not that bad...but...)
Jace has had a verbal explosion and can say almost anything we ask him to. He is speaking in simple sentences all of the sudden (like "I don't like it!" "I did it!" "Thank you Mommy" etc.) He has the cutest little voice, particularly when he is not screaming. :) Jace is very observant and often remembers words for things that I didn't think he knew. I think it is helpful that he has an older sister who is a chatter box and that he wants to copy everything she says and does.
Jace is also really good at remembering people. We were looking through pictures on the Ipad the other day and he pointed out a picture of my niece and said, "Bookyn!" The next picture was of my sister-in-law and he said "Aunt Lara!". I was quite impressed because he does not see either of them often.
One area where Jace struggles is sleeping. We sleep trained him just like we did Hallie, but he just needs less sleep than she did, or thinks he needs less sleep...so nights/mornings can be a battle. He figured out long ago how to get out of his crib and how to break the child-proof door handles off the door, so when we would put him in his crib, it would take him approximately 5 seconds to get out of his crib and break the door handle off and be out in the living room. Argh. I like to keep my kids contained. :) He has been in a big boy bed for quite a while, but of course we have the same problem. He can get out and does. He also is an early riser, which is ROUGH. He is usually up between 6-6:30 every morning. I know that is not that bad for some people, but for Devin and I--It is. We aren't so much morning people. I guess I really shouldn't complain, because he does sleep through the night and he does nap, but still...the going to bed and getting up too early battles are not fun.
Some favorites: Bananas, oatmeal, cereal, rice, eggs. He loves the phrase "oh cuuuuuute." He loves trains, cars, trucks, anything that moves. Hallie used to say "rock a minute" all the time when she was little and Jace does the same thing. He uses it as a means to delay bedtime. He will request rocking in the rocking chair just to delay bed, which I am happy to comply with. I enjoy the time cuddling with him because he is not much of a cuddler generally. Jace also loves books, dancing, playing in the snow, bath-time, and going to nursery (new development!).
Size: huge. He is wearing 3T generally. At least he is almost two now so that doesn't sound as bad. haha...
Sure love this little man!! Heaven help me for the future. :)
So this baby (not so much a baby, but still my baby) is simultaneously the nicest and the naughtiest child EVER. I am convinced of it. Only he can melt my heart one minute and make me want to pull my hair out the next. I don't know if I ever made an official declaration about this on the blog, but if I did ever say that I would take boys from here on out, I take it back. I will take girls. haha....
Seriously, though, I don't know how I get kids who come with such gigantic personalities. Hallie has always had such a fun personality, and Jace does too. He is a wild boy and one who KNOWS what he wants. He can throw some serious fits and probably spends about half of every day in time out (okay, maybe not that bad...but...)
Jace has had a verbal explosion and can say almost anything we ask him to. He is speaking in simple sentences all of the sudden (like "I don't like it!" "I did it!" "Thank you Mommy" etc.) He has the cutest little voice, particularly when he is not screaming. :) Jace is very observant and often remembers words for things that I didn't think he knew. I think it is helpful that he has an older sister who is a chatter box and that he wants to copy everything she says and does.
Jace is also really good at remembering people. We were looking through pictures on the Ipad the other day and he pointed out a picture of my niece and said, "Bookyn!" The next picture was of my sister-in-law and he said "Aunt Lara!". I was quite impressed because he does not see either of them often.
One area where Jace struggles is sleeping. We sleep trained him just like we did Hallie, but he just needs less sleep than she did, or thinks he needs less sleep...so nights/mornings can be a battle. He figured out long ago how to get out of his crib and how to break the child-proof door handles off the door, so when we would put him in his crib, it would take him approximately 5 seconds to get out of his crib and break the door handle off and be out in the living room. Argh. I like to keep my kids contained. :) He has been in a big boy bed for quite a while, but of course we have the same problem. He can get out and does. He also is an early riser, which is ROUGH. He is usually up between 6-6:30 every morning. I know that is not that bad for some people, but for Devin and I--It is. We aren't so much morning people. I guess I really shouldn't complain, because he does sleep through the night and he does nap, but still...the going to bed and getting up too early battles are not fun.
Some favorites: Bananas, oatmeal, cereal, rice, eggs. He loves the phrase "oh cuuuuuute." He loves trains, cars, trucks, anything that moves. Hallie used to say "rock a minute" all the time when she was little and Jace does the same thing. He uses it as a means to delay bedtime. He will request rocking in the rocking chair just to delay bed, which I am happy to comply with. I enjoy the time cuddling with him because he is not much of a cuddler generally. Jace also loves books, dancing, playing in the snow, bath-time, and going to nursery (new development!).
Size: huge. He is wearing 3T generally. At least he is almost two now so that doesn't sound as bad. haha...
Sure love this little man!! Heaven help me for the future. :)
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| He loves this towel and will say "Doggy on!" When we put it on him to make sure we put the hood on. As soon as we do, he then says "woof woof!" |
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| My cousin Che' and I decided when we had little boys at the same time that we would force them to be best friends. Well, now they are old enough that we don't even have to force them! We had Hudson over the weekend last week as Che' and Landon were able to go watch Colby race in the X-Games. Jace and Hudson were hilarious together and it was so much fun to watch them interact. So cute. I have some videos that I will have to try to get off my phone. Wish me luck on that. They would growl at each other and then throw their heads back and just laugh and laugh. |
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| "resting" together |
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| Giving Hudson a love. And yes, that is my sexy man playing the piano in the background. |
More to come in a month, surely.
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