October 19, 2012
October 1, 2012
Adventures in mommy guilt
Tomorrow morning Jim and I are leaving for the big island of Hawaii. I feel like I'm split in half. One half of me is uber excited about the opportunity to spend so much uninterrupted time with Jim exploring, laughing and relaxing. The other half of me is a guilty, nervous wreck about leaving Landon. My mom is graciously staying at our house with him, and he'll still be going to school, so his routine won't be interrupted. He adores my mom and I know they'll have a great time...it just feels so wrong to leave him behind.
I'm really hoping that once we're there and settled we can relax and enjoy ourselves. The trouble is I know Landon would have an awesome time with us. The only thing that is making me feel better is reminding myself about the awful return flight home from last year's trip...
On another note, the end of our summer was a great one. We spent lots of time with our little family and spent time with friends and family members. We did lots of grilling and spent time at our local playground.
We also have some really exciting news....LANDON IS POTTY TRAINED! He is a rock star. I really think it helped being surrounded by other kids going through the process. His teachers were wonderful and helped set up a routine that was easy to follow at home. He had been in Pull-Ups (Lightning McQueen to be specific) for about two months while we got him comfortable with the potty. We used M&Ms as incentive. One for pee, two for poop. He took the color selection very seriously. I bought him lots of underwear and we made the transition the week of Sept. 10. That first week was a bit of a challenge, but he got the hang of things very quickly. He hasn't had an accident for more than two weeks. When we started we set the oven timer every 45 minutes and helped him on to the potty (at school he went every hour). Now he doesn't need to be reminded and loudly shouts "I need to go potty" as he runs to the nearest toilet. We are still using a diaper at night because he sleeps at least 11 hours and can't always stay dry (changing crib sheets is hard enough during the day, I don't want to attempt it at 2 a.m.).
Oh, yes, Landon is still in his crib. He could totally crawl out of it if he wanted, but he's never really tried. We've lucked out with a great sleeper. When he cries or calls for us we know he's ready to get up or really needs something. At this point, there's no rush to transition him to a bed because he's perfectly comfortable where he is (and he can't roam his room and the house).
More random thoughts and announcements...Jim and I got the stomach flu over Labor Day Weekend. Landon remained germ-free, but we were down and out. Lucky for us my mom came over to help with Landon. I can't remember the last time I was that sick. Yuck.
Jim decided not to ref football this season. He really enjoys it, but it's a big time commitment and takes him away from us several nights each week. It's something he wants to do again, but when Landon is older. I really respect and admire his decision. He's a great hubby/daddy!
Up next...Landon's first dentist appointment and pictures from Hawaii. Stay tuned!
I'm really hoping that once we're there and settled we can relax and enjoy ourselves. The trouble is I know Landon would have an awesome time with us. The only thing that is making me feel better is reminding myself about the awful return flight home from last year's trip...
On another note, the end of our summer was a great one. We spent lots of time with our little family and spent time with friends and family members. We did lots of grilling and spent time at our local playground.
We also have some really exciting news....LANDON IS POTTY TRAINED! He is a rock star. I really think it helped being surrounded by other kids going through the process. His teachers were wonderful and helped set up a routine that was easy to follow at home. He had been in Pull-Ups (Lightning McQueen to be specific) for about two months while we got him comfortable with the potty. We used M&Ms as incentive. One for pee, two for poop. He took the color selection very seriously. I bought him lots of underwear and we made the transition the week of Sept. 10. That first week was a bit of a challenge, but he got the hang of things very quickly. He hasn't had an accident for more than two weeks. When we started we set the oven timer every 45 minutes and helped him on to the potty (at school he went every hour). Now he doesn't need to be reminded and loudly shouts "I need to go potty" as he runs to the nearest toilet. We are still using a diaper at night because he sleeps at least 11 hours and can't always stay dry (changing crib sheets is hard enough during the day, I don't want to attempt it at 2 a.m.).
Oh, yes, Landon is still in his crib. He could totally crawl out of it if he wanted, but he's never really tried. We've lucked out with a great sleeper. When he cries or calls for us we know he's ready to get up or really needs something. At this point, there's no rush to transition him to a bed because he's perfectly comfortable where he is (and he can't roam his room and the house).
More random thoughts and announcements...Jim and I got the stomach flu over Labor Day Weekend. Landon remained germ-free, but we were down and out. Lucky for us my mom came over to help with Landon. I can't remember the last time I was that sick. Yuck.
Jim decided not to ref football this season. He really enjoys it, but it's a big time commitment and takes him away from us several nights each week. It's something he wants to do again, but when Landon is older. I really respect and admire his decision. He's a great hubby/daddy!
Up next...Landon's first dentist appointment and pictures from Hawaii. Stay tuned!
August 17, 2012
Camping and other summer adventures
It’s mid-August and we are finally getting the heat. I’m all for warm sunny days, but when my house is 85 degrees at 9 p.m., that’s too much for this Washington girl. We have AC in our bedroom, but I feel like a loser going to bed at 8 p.m. Landon does much better than me. Open his windows, give him a fan and he’s good to go. Me on the other hand, I’d melt in my bed without the AC. What can I say? I’m a wimp.
We’ve been busy, busy this summer. Landon finished up soccer and we made it to most of the classes. It was quite a rush getting home from work/school, eating, changing and getting out the door again in 30 minutes, but we managed.
The Reptile Man visited Landon's school at the end of July and he was a hit. Landon got to ride on a tortoise, pet an alligator and hold a boa constrictor.
In early August we went camping at Rimrock Lake with Jim’s dad, Sue, Emily and Ryan—Sue’s nephew from Swindon. The weather was perfect, the lake was beautiful and refreshing and we had a great time. Poor Landon came down with a fever and what we thought was a cold…turns out he had a virus commonly known as hand, foot and mouth disease. More than 15 kids at his school had it too. It’s most contagious in the early stages, so the little ones were spreading it around before the rash broke out. Landon’s hands, feet and crevices (elbows, neck, knees) were covered in red blisters. His arms and legs had a measles-like rash on them and his poor bottom was absolutely covered in the blisters. Luckily, the rash didn’t start until we got home, but he wasn’t himself on the trip. We spent a good majority of the time bundled up watching movies in the camper, but he really liked throwing rocks in the lake, splashing with daddy and riding on the boat (minus the life jacket, which he loathed).
He had a vacation week from school while he healed and Jim and I took turns splitting days at home. My mom and Emily stepped-up and spent lots of time with him too, which was very helpful.
That next weekend, Jim’s aunt Val, cousin Donna and her daughter Mackenzie came to town for Jill’s (Jim’s other cousin) baby shower that I hosted. Val stayed with Jill and Rich, and Donna and Mac stayed with us. It was a lot of work cleaning and prepping the house, but the shower was a hit and Jill received lots of great gifts to help with baby Mariona (she’s due in October).
On another note, we finally sold our Steilacoom house. It was a long and stressful process, but it’s over and we’re moving on. It’s bittersweet, and it was hard to say our final goodbye, but things truly worked out for the best.
Today’s Friday and I’m willing the evening to get here quickly, because Jim and I are having a date night!
All-in-all, things are good in the house of Taylor!
We’ve been busy, busy this summer. Landon finished up soccer and we made it to most of the classes. It was quite a rush getting home from work/school, eating, changing and getting out the door again in 30 minutes, but we managed.
The Reptile Man visited Landon's school at the end of July and he was a hit. Landon got to ride on a tortoise, pet an alligator and hold a boa constrictor.
In early August we went camping at Rimrock Lake with Jim’s dad, Sue, Emily and Ryan—Sue’s nephew from Swindon. The weather was perfect, the lake was beautiful and refreshing and we had a great time. Poor Landon came down with a fever and what we thought was a cold…turns out he had a virus commonly known as hand, foot and mouth disease. More than 15 kids at his school had it too. It’s most contagious in the early stages, so the little ones were spreading it around before the rash broke out. Landon’s hands, feet and crevices (elbows, neck, knees) were covered in red blisters. His arms and legs had a measles-like rash on them and his poor bottom was absolutely covered in the blisters. Luckily, the rash didn’t start until we got home, but he wasn’t himself on the trip. We spent a good majority of the time bundled up watching movies in the camper, but he really liked throwing rocks in the lake, splashing with daddy and riding on the boat (minus the life jacket, which he loathed).
He had a vacation week from school while he healed and Jim and I took turns splitting days at home. My mom and Emily stepped-up and spent lots of time with him too, which was very helpful.
That next weekend, Jim’s aunt Val, cousin Donna and her daughter Mackenzie came to town for Jill’s (Jim’s other cousin) baby shower that I hosted. Val stayed with Jill and Rich, and Donna and Mac stayed with us. It was a lot of work cleaning and prepping the house, but the shower was a hit and Jill received lots of great gifts to help with baby Mariona (she’s due in October).
On another note, we finally sold our Steilacoom house. It was a long and stressful process, but it’s over and we’re moving on. It’s bittersweet, and it was hard to say our final goodbye, but things truly worked out for the best.
Today’s Friday and I’m willing the evening to get here quickly, because Jim and I are having a date night!
All-in-all, things are good in the house of Taylor!
July 26, 2012
Our Summer Bucket List
I've seen a lot of summer "bucket lists" popping up, so I started thinking about what I'd like to accomplish with my little family. Here goes...(in no particular order)
1. Make lemonade
2. Visit the ocean
3.Take a boat ride
4. Go to the zoo
5. Golfing with Jim
6.Go swimming
7. Have a picnic
8.Purchase fresh produce baskets
9.Make pizzas for dinner
10.Get a pedicure
11. Take a family hike
12. Cheer on the Rainiers at an evening game
13.Eat a s'more
14. Host a family BBQ
15.Visit a farmer's market
16. Take the dogs to the dog park
17.Make ice cream sundaes
18.Take Landon to the library
19.Homemade Greek yogurt (epic fail, but at least we tried!)
20.Have a living room dance party
21.Go camping
22. Ladies night with my girls
23.Cool cocktails on a restaurant deck with Jim
24. Movie night with Landon
25.Try a new restaurant
What's on your list?
1. Make lemonade
2. Visit the ocean
3.
4. Go to the zoo
5. Golfing with Jim
6.
7. Have a picnic
8.
9.
10.
11. Take a family hike
12. Cheer on the Rainiers at an evening game
13.
14. Host a family BBQ
15.
16. Take the dogs to the dog park
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22. Ladies night with my girls
23.
24. Movie night with Landon
25.
What's on your list?
July 25, 2012
Spanish
On the drive home...
"Momma, I had water at school...agua."
"You did? Is that how you say water in Spanish?"
"Yes, Momma."
"Momma, I had water at school...agua."
"You did? Is that how you say water in Spanish?"
"Yes, Momma."
July 19, 2012
Cozy!
On weekdays it's hit or miss in the morning. Some days we have to wake Landon up, others he wakes up on his own. He loves getting cozy in our bed with his milk and movie. (Which makes it very easy for us to get ready right next door in the bathroom.)
I don't think he could be any cuter.
I don't think he could be any cuter.
July 13, 2012
Bye-bye baby boy
Well, it’s official, for the first time last night, as I said “Goodnight, baby” to Landon he told me that he wasn’t a baby, he’s a big boy. Sad, but true. I agreed with him, but reminded him that he’ll always be my baby (and then I launched into singing the Mariah Carey song of the same name before he told me “No singing, momma.” Sigh.)
The conversation made me think about just how much he’s grown (and grown out of) over the past few weeks, including:
- Binky free! That’s right, no more binkies. He was down to only using them at nap and bed time, but one night I simply told him that we’d lost them. He was a little sad and concerned, but rarely asks for them. When he does, we remind him that they’re lost and he just nods.
- No more highchair! We really liked the highchair, because it contained him during meals and it was much easier to clean a tray rather than the whole table. We decided it was time for his booster seat, which he uses at other people’s houses and in the camper. He’s done really well, which isn’t a surprise, because he sits at the table while at school. He is also using normal plastic cups with meals. No spills yet, but he does like to dip his fingers and food into the milk.
- Potty training! It’s just around the corner. Landon has had a potty at home for several months, and sits on the one at school all the time. He’s even gone pee into them a few times. He actually prefers sitting on the regular toilet with a kid seat on it. Several of the kids in his class are potty training and I can feel that it’s almost our turn. One of the other moms recommended the 3 Day Potty Training eBook. Honestly, I read it and it stressed me out a little. I think I need to mentally prepare myself before I throw out all his diapers and buy him underwear. I also need to take a few days off work to do that, so I’ll have to check out the calendar.
- Crib! Landon is still in his crib, simply because he’s comfortable in it and he’s never tried to climb out. He physically could, but just doesn’t, which is super. We have been checking out a few beds and bedding sets, and will probably transition him into a big boy bed this fall.
On a hilarious side note, Landon's teacher emailed me to let me know that one of Landon's classmates was being naughty, so L grabbed the play phone and told the little boy "I'm gonna call your momma." Ha! Only my child.
July 11, 2012
Steamboat Rock State Park
We spent July 4-7 camping at Steamboat Rock State Park in Eastern Washington, near Electric City and the Grand Coulee Dam. It took us about five hours to get there, which felt like a quick jaunt since we have driven 10+ hours to Boise twice in the last four months. The campsite was clean and spacious and the scenery was exquisite—I swear you could drop someone off there and they wouldn’t know they were in Washington state. The rock formations and canyons were gorgeous—especially during sunrise and sunsets.
Landon had a blast and was really excited to ride in daddy’s truck and sleep in the camper. (We’ve taken him on other camping trips, but he was too young to remember much.)
It was hot, hot and even hotter during our stay. What can I say? We are from the Puget Sound region and 90 degrees plus (at 9 a.m.) is a little too much for us (thank God for shade and A/C in our camper). The mosquitos were out of control too, and it was a challenge (to say the least) to keep the three of us in sunscreen and bug spray for four days. We were successful in keeping Landon comfortable, but Jim went home with a sunburn and we both looked like we were the main dish at a dinner buffet for the mosquito population.
The lake was clear and refreshing, but, alas, the beach park was a mile walk from our campsite. We took an early morning walk the first day, but that was a long way for Landon’s little legs and it is a pain to take the camper off the truck—especially so because we moved to a different campsite after the first two nights due to availability. However, we needed to find a place to swim…when it’s 95 degrees, you need to be in water.
Luckily, we found a secluded little cove that we made ours for the four days. It was sandy and partially shaded, which made it even better. Landon wanted nothing to do with the floats that we brought, except to sternly remind you that they, in fact, belonged to him when anyone attempted to use them. (I’ve never heard the words “No, that’s mine” so many times in one day.)
The water was really shallow, and Landon proved to be more daring than I expected. After he got over the little shocks of cold water on his body, he swiftly walked out farther and farther with us until the water was up to his little chin—then he wanted to be picked up (“Pick-a-up-me”). He also enjoyed splashing and being splashed.
Thank God for the portable DVD player. When it was time to dry off and escape from the sun and insects, we had snack time in the camper and enjoyed a few of our Pixar favorites (it was Cars this trip). In the past, we have brought a Pack-n-Play for Landon to sleep in. Now that he’s the size of a three-year-old, that wasn’t going to work. We folded the dinette down into a bed and brought his pillow and bedding from home to make him comfortable. He was so exhausted the first night that he laid down without a peep. Naptimes and bedtimes went remarkably well the entire trip—with the small exception of Landon rolling off the dinette bed in the middle of the night. Luckily, he slid down on top of the body pillow that was there to keep him in the bed, and there were only a few tears of shock, not pain.
Jim taught Landon how to roast a marshmallow and a lover of the S’more was born (who can resist a S'more?). We also learned just how much Landon loves watermelon. He ate three plates of it the first night and we had to ration it for the rest of the trip.
Overall, we had a great trip and it was nice to spend uninterrupted time with our little family of three (the dogs stayed home with Grandma Terry—thanks mom!). I loved watching Jim teach Landon new things and seeing how observant he is. He really appreciates being outside and it’s amazing to watch him drink everything in and watch the questions form on his little face before he asks them. I can’t believe how quickly Landon is growing and, although it’s totally cliché, I truly fall more in love with him every day.
We are looking forward to more summer fun and adventurous rendezvous.
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Landon had a blast and was really excited to ride in daddy’s truck and sleep in the camper. (We’ve taken him on other camping trips, but he was too young to remember much.)
It was hot, hot and even hotter during our stay. What can I say? We are from the Puget Sound region and 90 degrees plus (at 9 a.m.) is a little too much for us (thank God for shade and A/C in our camper). The mosquitos were out of control too, and it was a challenge (to say the least) to keep the three of us in sunscreen and bug spray for four days. We were successful in keeping Landon comfortable, but Jim went home with a sunburn and we both looked like we were the main dish at a dinner buffet for the mosquito population.
The lake was clear and refreshing, but, alas, the beach park was a mile walk from our campsite. We took an early morning walk the first day, but that was a long way for Landon’s little legs and it is a pain to take the camper off the truck—especially so because we moved to a different campsite after the first two nights due to availability. However, we needed to find a place to swim…when it’s 95 degrees, you need to be in water.
Luckily, we found a secluded little cove that we made ours for the four days. It was sandy and partially shaded, which made it even better. Landon wanted nothing to do with the floats that we brought, except to sternly remind you that they, in fact, belonged to him when anyone attempted to use them. (I’ve never heard the words “No, that’s mine” so many times in one day.)
The water was really shallow, and Landon proved to be more daring than I expected. After he got over the little shocks of cold water on his body, he swiftly walked out farther and farther with us until the water was up to his little chin—then he wanted to be picked up (“Pick-a-up-me”). He also enjoyed splashing and being splashed.
Thank God for the portable DVD player. When it was time to dry off and escape from the sun and insects, we had snack time in the camper and enjoyed a few of our Pixar favorites (it was Cars this trip). In the past, we have brought a Pack-n-Play for Landon to sleep in. Now that he’s the size of a three-year-old, that wasn’t going to work. We folded the dinette down into a bed and brought his pillow and bedding from home to make him comfortable. He was so exhausted the first night that he laid down without a peep. Naptimes and bedtimes went remarkably well the entire trip—with the small exception of Landon rolling off the dinette bed in the middle of the night. Luckily, he slid down on top of the body pillow that was there to keep him in the bed, and there were only a few tears of shock, not pain.
Jim taught Landon how to roast a marshmallow and a lover of the S’more was born (who can resist a S'more?). We also learned just how much Landon loves watermelon. He ate three plates of it the first night and we had to ration it for the rest of the trip.
Overall, we had a great trip and it was nice to spend uninterrupted time with our little family of three (the dogs stayed home with Grandma Terry—thanks mom!). I loved watching Jim teach Landon new things and seeing how observant he is. He really appreciates being outside and it’s amazing to watch him drink everything in and watch the questions form on his little face before he asks them. I can’t believe how quickly Landon is growing and, although it’s totally cliché, I truly fall more in love with him every day.
We are looking forward to more summer fun and adventurous rendezvous.
June 29, 2012
A two-year-old's world
One of my daily conversations with Landon on our drive home (past a wooded ravine):
L: "There's a wolf down there?"
M: "No, there's no wolf down there."
L: "There's a shark down there?"
M: "No, there's no shark down there."
L: "There's a barracuda down there?"
M: "No, there's no barracuda down there."
L: "Sigh."
He's scared and obsessed with these creatures at the same time, so I try to minimize his fears. The wolf obsession started with a book at school. He's got a great imagination. I love this kid!
L: "There's a wolf down there?"
M: "No, there's no wolf down there."
L: "There's a shark down there?"
M: "No, there's no shark down there."
L: "There's a barracuda down there?"
M: "No, there's no barracuda down there."
L: "Sigh."
He's scared and obsessed with these creatures at the same time, so I try to minimize his fears. The wolf obsession started with a book at school. He's got a great imagination. I love this kid!
June 26, 2012
Summer, soccer and sunshine (hopefully!)
Time has just flown by since Mother’s Day and I’m having a hard time remembering what we’ve been doing…I know we’re busy, because our house is a mess and we’re always on the go!
Let’s see…we took another trip to Boise over Memorial Day Weekend to visit Jim’s grandpa and extended family. His grandpa moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility, so it made it much easier to visit and spend time with him. The weather was less than impressive, but Landon had a great time with his little cousin and playing with the dogs and chickens in Donna and Randi’s big backyard.
Jim and I have been trying to have more date nights and recently enjoyed a nice evening at a comedy show in Tacoma and at happy hour at C.I. Shenanigan’s on Ruston Way. A big “thank you” to my mom for hanging with Landon so we could enjoy some couple time.
I’ve made more of an effort to spend time with friends and have enjoyed two nice dinners with nothing but girl-talk. Fun, fun, fun!
Landon is thriving in school and impresses us every day with his speaking ability and keen memory. We recently went garage-saleing and purchased a Cars Memory Game. Landon knows all of the characters and finds the matches so quickly that we have a hard time keeping up. He loves animals and knows the names of all your standard farm animals—including their noises. There is a donkey that lives in the pasture next door to us, and Landon finds it very amusing when he starts making his “hee-haw” noises.
Taking after his momma, Landon is a movie junkie. His current favorites are Cars and Finding Nemo. We have a portable DVD player (a Godsend on those long drives to Boise) that we turn on in the morning when we’re getting ready and at night while we’re making dinner. Landon loves to tell us what’s happening in the movies, and can always quickly point out the “bad guy.” “Momma, he’s mean!”
Landon just started a Mommy/Daddy and Me tot soccer class. It meets every Monday for eight weeks. Last night was the first class and he had a lot of fun. (Getting him to put on his shin guards and sock—not so fun.) There are two little girls and one boy in the class, ages 2-3. Landon is the youngest, but was the best listener. I think school really helps focus his attention, because as soon as Coach Allison blew the whistle, he was right there listening for directions. The first activity was to point out colors and then kick the ball over to the corresponding flag. He had the colors down, and had no problem finding the right flag, but he wanted to run while carrying the ball. Oh well! He had fun and we got to spend time together as a family. I think Landon’s favorite part was on the slide after class. Ha!
We are gearing up for a family camping trip to Eastern Washington over the Fourth of July. It will be so nice to get away, and we’re hoping for some sun. It’s been way to cold and wet this “summer” and we want to swim!
Here are some of my favorite pictures so far…(the green thing is a ball that broke…why not make a hat?)
Let’s see…we took another trip to Boise over Memorial Day Weekend to visit Jim’s grandpa and extended family. His grandpa moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation facility, so it made it much easier to visit and spend time with him. The weather was less than impressive, but Landon had a great time with his little cousin and playing with the dogs and chickens in Donna and Randi’s big backyard.
Jim and I have been trying to have more date nights and recently enjoyed a nice evening at a comedy show in Tacoma and at happy hour at C.I. Shenanigan’s on Ruston Way. A big “thank you” to my mom for hanging with Landon so we could enjoy some couple time.
I’ve made more of an effort to spend time with friends and have enjoyed two nice dinners with nothing but girl-talk. Fun, fun, fun!
Landon is thriving in school and impresses us every day with his speaking ability and keen memory. We recently went garage-saleing and purchased a Cars Memory Game. Landon knows all of the characters and finds the matches so quickly that we have a hard time keeping up. He loves animals and knows the names of all your standard farm animals—including their noises. There is a donkey that lives in the pasture next door to us, and Landon finds it very amusing when he starts making his “hee-haw” noises.
Taking after his momma, Landon is a movie junkie. His current favorites are Cars and Finding Nemo. We have a portable DVD player (a Godsend on those long drives to Boise) that we turn on in the morning when we’re getting ready and at night while we’re making dinner. Landon loves to tell us what’s happening in the movies, and can always quickly point out the “bad guy.” “Momma, he’s mean!”
Landon just started a Mommy/Daddy and Me tot soccer class. It meets every Monday for eight weeks. Last night was the first class and he had a lot of fun. (Getting him to put on his shin guards and sock—not so fun.) There are two little girls and one boy in the class, ages 2-3. Landon is the youngest, but was the best listener. I think school really helps focus his attention, because as soon as Coach Allison blew the whistle, he was right there listening for directions. The first activity was to point out colors and then kick the ball over to the corresponding flag. He had the colors down, and had no problem finding the right flag, but he wanted to run while carrying the ball. Oh well! He had fun and we got to spend time together as a family. I think Landon’s favorite part was on the slide after class. Ha!
We are gearing up for a family camping trip to Eastern Washington over the Fourth of July. It will be so nice to get away, and we’re hoping for some sun. It’s been way to cold and wet this “summer” and we want to swim!
Here are some of my favorite pictures so far…(the green thing is a ball that broke…why not make a hat?)
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