Potty training....number 3

As both of the girls approached age 2, I started (and successfully) potty trained them. (side note: Ryan will admit he had nothing very little to do with this milestone). I'm not saying it was easy peasy, in fact, I probably shed a lot of tears. But the way I remember it, it was not terribly trying either. Fast forward many years, and along came Lincoln. He approached age 2, and I tried, without much luck one fall day, to potty train him. I didn't remember it being so hard with the girls! Plus it was 1 against 4 in this house and I wasn't getting much support from Ryan and the girls. 

So I quit. I would say that I was lazy, which I probably was, but in my defense, I was up to my eyeballs learning about Lincoln's food allergies which was a total game changer for all of us. 

Several months later (this past weekend), on a little bit of a whim, I decided to take the plunge again. This time, I warned Ryan and the girls to either get on board, or get out of the house :) I was fully prepared for them to leave for the weekend! But they didn't, and in fact, with only a little mumbling and one screaming episode (Sidney got peed on), they were even helpful! I have THIS pretty hilarious video (be warned....offensive language!), that I took one day as he was sitting patiently on the pot.

My plan is always to "pull off the diaper and never look back", and that's what we did. Stay home, drink loads of liquids, and pee. By day 3, Lincoln was a complete champ! I, on the other hand, felt pretty frazzled and was beyond excited to get out of the house this morning. If there's one major difference between boys and girls----aim! Ryan said it best today "it's like a missile"! Needless to say, the bathroom floor has been scrubbed many times/day because the boy has zero aim and makes a complete mess. One thing at a time, right!? 

Way to go buddy! We are so proud of you :) 

Regan is 10

Well it happened. Our biggest little person has turned 10. Double digits. Someone just asked me how that feels. And the answer, is a flood of emotions. I'm so proud of her, and so excited to have more grown-up conversations with her. But on the flip side, it really does feel like last week she was our little toddler. A girl who loved to dance and sing, do arts and crafts at the kitchen table and the baby who never wanted to be held (that was such a sad part of her newborn stage). We had a fun tubing party with her friends the weekend she was turning 10. It also happened to be one of the coldest days of the year. But let's face it, kids don't care about cold and they had a great time! 

For her birthday, we decided it was time to change up her room from the pastel little kid room, to the pre-teen double digit decor. She got to help with the planning, and the night before her big day, we transformed it while she slept. Her most favorite part is the biggest bean bag chair she asked to be custom made. There's still some small things to add, but she scored her own desk and her very own garbage can (which has been a huge source of stress for Sidney because she wants her own garbage can!). Yes folks, we have tears over garbage cans here. 

I'm hoping that turning 10 will also bring a little more responsibility for herself and her school work rather than the constant nagging by her awesome parents :) Wish us luck! Happy birthday Regan! We love you forever! 

Birthday Eve

It's another birthday eve tonight; this time, we will wake up tomorrow to celebrate Regan. Tonight, she falls asleep in the single digits for the last time. Almost a rite of passage to turn 10. For both her and me! Thinking back 10 years. All the tears (out of both of us!), the laughs, the happiness and joy that we have experienced in those 10 years is incredible. Parenthood has been a journey like none other. One that only a parent can understand. 

I recall her birth story like it was yesterday. Coming 4 weeks early (that little peanut wasn't due until March 13th!); but clearly ready to face the world. I remember details like opening a door inside the hospital only to see my own doctor standing in front of me, where we exchanged "what are you doing here's?!" Or the ugly purple run down house that I stared at out the window while getting an epidural. Or that immense feeling of love when they placed her on my chest with a delight of "it's a girl!" And Ryan's immediate comment to the doctor that "she's going to date!", to which she laughed and reminded him that she wasn't yet a minute old....we had time. 

Oh, but that time slips by so quickly. And before you know it, she's turning 10. I don't think you ever stop parenting, and I look forward to whatever the next 10 (20 and 30) years bring our way. Happy Birthday Eve Regan! 

A new sport

I strive to expose the kids to a variety of sports. Let them try things (at least once) before making a decision about actually taking up interest. Sometimes, despite the battles it takes, I hit the nail on the head. 

And this time, I even surprised myself! 

I don't like winter much. I don't like cold. But if there is one thing I do like about snow, it's downhill skiing. But I'm no pro, so I knew that waiting for the kids to get a little older was in my best interest. Finally, this winter, I asked the girls if I could sign them up for skiing lessons. Ryan complained (it's expensive, they're involved in a lot already, and aren't they too young!?). 

Although there were tons of nerves and maybe a little whining this morning, an hour on the hill and they were both hooked! 

And good!

I truly was in awe at how well they both did. After their lessons, I couldn't get them off the hill! They spent another 1.5 hours going up and down, up and down. Don't get me wrong, they have a lot to learn yet as they only worked at the bunny hill today. But they loved every second and are so excited for next week! 

Click HERE and HERE to watch each of them in action. 

Way to go girls! 

Keep on keepin' on

Life has been keeping us busy these days, but I wouldn't want it any other way. January has come and gone and so far, 2016 has been a lot of fun! My birthday fell on a Friday, and while I was able to have the day off from work playing and snuggling with my little buddy, we spent the afternoon/evening at the girls' dress rehearsal for dance. When they were finished, we snuck out the side door and headed for a quick treat. We are so thrilled that even Lincoln can enjoy this yogurt bar (with their dairy free option and a few pieces of fruit topping). 

The girls have started into softball clinics on Sunday nights (and soon Fridays as well). I love this softball association we are a part of, and the girls are gaining some great skills and tips during the off-season. 

With winter and school comes illnesses. Thankfully these tests came back negative and their couple days of fevers ended as abruptly as they came on. But I want to remember this picture: Sidney's face of disgust as she just finished being swabbed and Regan's gross sounding gag as she was swabbed. We love our probiotics, essential oils and lots of hand-washing! 

Lincoln scored this sweet fireman's hat at lunch one day and wore it proudly all day long. He wanted to bring it to bed but was convinced to leave it on the dresser over night. 

Oh is he just so cute! 

I just can't get over it, sure I'm quite biased, but that face, it honestly melts my heart! 

The other day, as I got him dressed and he looked at me with those big dark (almost black) eyes, I smiled and told him "it's your eyes! you're gonna break someone's heart some day with those eyes".  And he smiled and ran off to play. 

Before today's snowstorm arrived, we took in the gorgeous sunny temps and I brought all 3 kids to the local sledding hill. We quickly shed our jackets as we trudged up and slid down, time and time again.  

Lincoln adores being right beside me in the kitchen. As I bake breads for breakfast the next morning, or cook dinner, he stands in his stander and asks to watch. Sometimes he wants to stir, and on this occasion, he begged to eat the "lmenon". Yes, he eats it. Like bites off the rind and chews it! 

It's been a fun start to 2016 and we look forward to more family time and making memories. 

Winter dance recital '16

 The girls participated in the winter dance recital with their studio this past weekend. It was a full month of added rehearsals as we geared up for the show. I think our car could drive itself to the studio at this point! 

Regan had taken a year off from dance last year and was excited to be back in the saddle as she joined the danceline class. After watching the other dances in the show, she has asked to also start back with tap/jazz/ballet next year (in addition to danceline). She's hooked! 

I was able to video tape during dress rehearsal and you can watch HERE if you'd like! 

Sidney and one of her BFF's are in this gigantic K-1 combo class (note, it's actually 3-4 classes performing the same dance on stage). She is too darn funny as she gets ready for class each week, making sure her leotard is the perfect one for the night and even adding some bright pink lipstick (every. week.). 

She loves dance as much as her big sister does. Click HERE for her performance at the rehearsal. 

There's quite a bit of talent at this studio and the girls each look up to those big girls. It's fun that they get to know the older girls who are "helper teachers" too; they sure feel special to see them around town and say 'hi!. 

More dance is definitely in their future! 

Technology

Seems like most days, this little scene is happening: 

All 3 kiddos, huddled in front of a device, talking with Grandma Jan and Papa. Sidney cried the hardest when they  deserted us for warmer weather again so we are thankful for technology to bring us together. We get texts and pictures, but the kids all prefer to see them and chat so they regularly beg to FaceTime. Can't wait for you to come back! We miss you! 

Lincoln says....

Our little boy is growing up so quickly. It seems that he has made leaps and bounds in gains in his language since turning 2. People who haven't seen him in a few weeks will comment "oh my gosh!, he doesn't stop talking!".
Nope, welcome to our new world with a toddler. 

He is constantly talking, telling me what he sees, insisting on a response, and narating his day. 

He has completely mastered his colors, and although we were working on them daily, I know he picked up a lot from watching YouTube (because I was not teaching him grey and he knows it). He likes to watch a little 5 minute video on YouTube with monster trucks, and it's entirely educational teaching all of the colors.
Brilliant I tell you!

His favorite color is orange, we have orange trucks, orange trains, orange cars, orange bowls, orange spoons, you name it. And he ONLY wants the orange ones!

He can count to 10, though sometimes skips over a number or two. My favorite is his way of saying 'six', because it's a high-pitched 'sic' and you'll miss it if you don't listen closely. We count a lot of items, but he still hasn't figured out one versus two. When he wants a cracker, he will say 'one'. We hand him one cracker and he cries "no one!".
That is one buddy!
We hand him another and he smiles "yea, one"

No buddy, that's two! 

"No, one". 

Whatever. 

Ryan finally came up with the notion that he wants one in each hand. 

Maybe so. But for now we know when he asks for one, give him two. 

Ryan's favorite part of Lincolns verbal skills is that he is no longer referred to as "mommy"! He has his very own name: "gawdy". Not daddy.

Nope. 

"Gawdy". 

He is cute and sweet and funny as ever and now that he's talking more, look out! Because he will repeat whatever it is he hears :) though maybe not exactly the way it should be said, like Thomas the Train's friend--Percy.....

I have no further comment. 

Self-portrait

So way back when Sidney was in Kindergarten, she did a monthly self-portrait. The idea is to watch the children's drawings evolve, and see their concept of who they are emerge. It is so fun to see the details such as a neck, fingers, shoes, being drawn as the months progress. At the end of the year, we received her book of self-portraits to keep (along with a slew of other 'end-of-the-year' papers). This book sat nicely on top of the scanner for the last 6 months, waiting to be uploaded. So, although I feel really behind, better late than never............

Sidney's self-portraits, Kindergarten style: 

Christmas celebrations '15

It's hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone. Before it drifts too far from our minds, I wanted to recap our Christmas 2015. 

The days leading up, the kiddos were off from school and Ryan got to spend each (sometimes very LONG) day with them! They played at home and visited me at the hospital (always love their visits!) for lunch. The excitement in their bodies was spilling over, they could hardly contain themselves as they prepared for Christmas. 

This was a rare year, in that I somehow, with the power of some amazing co-workers, was able to get Christmas Eve off work. I cried when I learned that I would be able to spend the with some of the ones I love most. As per (new) tradition, I picked up some balloons to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Cheryl. We shed some tears, and held each other tight as we sang the birthday song through quivering voices. 

Hope admitted that having Lincoln around was the best medicine. You can't stay sad very long with his bouncy personality, and the giggles from the two of them horse playing in the family room were contagious! (blurry picture note: they were moving far too fast to capture on camera.)

We feasted on soup and chili and then drove through a nearby neighborhood that was lit with luminaries with each turn of the corner. They seemed to go on forever, really a spectacular sight! At one point, we pulled over to take a closer look at the candles and when I looked back to the road, there was Santa walking right towards us! Holy buckets timing was perfect. The kids were beyond excited! 

And before bed, they sprinkled their reindeer treats outside and set out cookies, which Santa obviously devoured during his stop at our home. 

Shockingly, we were able to sleep in until about 7am on Christmas morning. Sidney simply couldn't contain herself any longer (rule is 7:30 in this house on non-school days)! She leaped into our room, swearing that she had heard Santa making noises overnight. I don't doubt that she did; our ultra light sleeper doesn't miss out on a thing! 

With some prompting, they took a little longer to open each gift, trying to appreciate their siblings' presents too. Barbies, Elmo, make her own volcano and rollerblades are among some favorites from Santa. From us, we opted to give an "experience" instead of a toy and will be heading on a trip later this winter! We are all so very excited!, including Lincoln who proudly carries around his new wooden airplane as a reminder. 

We got all fancy to prepare for our next Christmas celebration, and I couldn't resist a family photo op.  

My parents arrived with a car full of love and presents. We had a great time spending the day with them, dancing with papa's "sing-a-long" Santa hat, and playing with new toys! 

I'm so happy that we had Hope with us this Christmas season again. 

I kinda love this girl...

...and our kiddos do too! 

The day after Christmas brought our final celebration, this time with Ryan's side. Shane decided to grace us with his presence and although Lincoln was initially nervous to see him in the flesh, he warmed up quickly. We had another great day of food and gift opening...now where to put it all! 

The outtakes of this set up are far better than the normal picture I finally got in the end. 

Here they were trying to hold their composure and do a "gaze into each other's eyes"....but no one could stop laughing long enough to snap the picture!

there is a lot of brother goofiness when these two reunite! 

Hoping that everyone had a most wonderful Christmas holiday. 

The Good Dino movie

The girls have been asking to see the latest movie: The Good Dinosaur. We debated whether to bring Lincoln along as well. Then this week, Regan brought home a poster from school with an advertisement for the  movie. Lincoln went nuts over the dinosaur and so how could we resist!? 

He sat so nice throughout the movie and was totally in love with all of the RRROOARRR'S! His little legs don't even reach the end of the seat, let alone hang over. At one point, the kid behind he/Sid was being a nusiance (kicking Sid's chair and being loud), Lincoln finally shushed the little boy! HA! I couldn't help but laugh. Another time, 3 little critters popped up on the screen and Lincoln screamed "THREE!". Ryan and I gasped, did he really just count them!? Probably not, but it was pretty awesome timing. I think it's safe to say this little boy of ours is hooked on movies like his big sisters :) We all really liked the show, with me and the girls tearing up several times. A bunch of saps we are!

Lights

Tonight we packed up some hot chocolate (water for Lincoln) and drove to Lake Phalen to take in their big light display. It's a bit of a drive, but always pretty spectacular.

I cranked up the Christmas music to help get us in the mood. With the lack of snow, it's not feeling super Christmassy yet. But we're getting there! 

They changed it up a bit this year so we each had to pick new favorites. We ooh'd and ahhh'd over each display and before we knew it, we were done. 

Off to making more memories! 

Lincoln says....

Taking a quick break from writing about the holidays to make a post about Lincoln's newest antics and life with a full blown toddler.

Oh the screaming. And the whining. And the new-to-temper-tantrums (which thankfully don't last long because one of us will start laughing at how ridiculous he is being and he can't help but start laughing too!). He is a lot of fun, and has a TON of boy energy!

He is a chatter box. And I mean non-stop talking! We climb into the car and I hear chatter chatter chatter all car ride long. A lot of it I can understand, but there's still some mumble jumble in there that no one can decipher. Sometimes the girls will question "how come you always know what he is saying?!"....but really I don't always know :)  Whenever we see an over-pass or a skyway, he wants to go "upee, upee, upee!". Those things are his favorite spot to watch the traffic below. I have promised him that we can go to the skyway near his doctor's office very soon and watch the traffic below. 

He still adds an "-a" to many words and it makes Regan and her friends giggle:

"sharpa" (to mean a knife that is sharp)

"sharka" (shark)

you get the pattern.

"ucky" (garbage trucks....and we talk a lot about all sorts of trucks)

"walker" (water....I don't know where the "-k" comes into play)

His newest debate with Ryan is over hockey or "foo-ball". More often than not, our TV flips between sports, and sometimes, many games at one time. Months ago, Ryan would try to show Lincoln the two different sports. It became a battle, and a teasing game, as to what we were watching. And now, Lincoln will walk into the ice arena and see a hockey game, only to giggle and say "foo-ball! no...hockey! no,...foo-ball!"! Stinker.

Hands down, his favorite word is MOMMY! Everyone is mommy. Everyone. You come around, and you too will be mommy. Ryan quit offering up "I'm daddy!", because there's no point. When he wants something, he says "mommy"to whoever is nearby. If we counted how many times he said that word in one day, we would be in the millions. I suggested it to the girls one day and Regan reached 20 in less than 3 minutes before she quit counting.

But his best word of all...he calls himself "bubble". It's always, "Bubble do!". We think that he might be saying 'buddy' but when we correct him, he says "no, bubble". Ok little man... sleep tight bubble.