Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom

So, I am officially "homeschooling" Nicole. No...I'm not sitting her down for hours on end making her recite the alphabet. I am basically choosing to be intentional about creating opportunities for her to learn. I don't want to just read a book because it has cute pictures. I want to also tie in information and activities to help her learn. I'll let her lead and as I find she is interested in a subject, we'll pursue it. For this past week, we have simply been reading the same book over and over and talking about it. It's called Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom. It's about letters of the alphabet who climb a coconut tree, and then they all fall out and get boo boos. She has enjoyed this book a lot and it's created several opportunities for us to talk about it.

Examples:

~Obviously we said the alphabet over and over (usually she only sees capital letters...this book was great because it also introduced her to lowercase letters...or baby letters as she calls them).

~We pointed out different colored letters on the pages

~We counted different letters

~We talked about shapes (mostly circles)

~Here is where it gets fun. We were outside playing earlier this week and I pointed out to her that we have a coconut tree in our yard...immediately she said "Boom Boom". So...she was relating the book to what I just told her.



~This was the best part....Let me tell you about today!

Our friends Brooke and Bryan have to little boys, Peyton (almost 3) and Caulder (almost 1 1/2). When they got here, we sat the kids down and read the book to them (they all knew it well). Then we went outside and Painted Coconuts (that had fallen out of our tree!). Peyton painted his like a dinosaur. Nicole...well...she just painted and had fun. Caulder painted on paper. Then we ate a snack of alphabet shaped cereal. For lunch, we had alphabet soup (I couldn't find any coconut to eat too). Do you see though how we tied in the book to the fun things we did the rest of the morning? That's kind of what I want to do.

Here's a picture of the kids



The coconuts





Tomorrow is August 1...and that's when we officially begin. I'll write you tomorrow to share what we will be talking about this month.

I can't leave out sweet Hannah. Isn't it cute how she sucks on those middle fingers?

My favorite photo(s)

My friend Jenn wanted all of her friends to post their favorite photo. I am photo crazy and there is NO WAY I can narrow it down to one. (oh....disclaimer...I have to be in the photo too, or else I'd have even more I love) Uh oh...another thing. I can't find pictures pre-Nicole and we don't have a good family shot yet with Hannah. Sorry she's not in here. I have favorite pictures of her...just not with her.

This was part of our family Christmas photoshoot down on the beach last December. I was preggo with Hannah
This was our anniversary last year on the cruise boat. I really like my hair here. I also like it that we sort of match (and I have accessories!!!)
Nicole and I, February of 07. Nicole's (and mine too) first sled ride!
Nicole and me again. Same month and year above.
Nicole and I with my Mama Pat and Pap Sam. I believe this was October of 07.

My friend Jenn wanted all of her friends to post their favorite photo. I am photo crazy and there is NO WAY I can narrow it down to one. (oh....disclaimer...I have to be in the photo too, or else I'd have even more I love)

Pictures of the girls'swimming

Earlier this week, I posted about our time swimming on Greg's birthday. Here are a few pics and videos. Hannah pretty much liked the swimming (except when she got splashed).

Nicole LOVES being in the water.

A cute picture of Hannah, daddy and Gramps

Baby Bumbo!

So, I finally gave in a bought a Baby Bumbo. What is a Baby Bumbo you may ask? It's a cool chair that lets your little baby sit up, even though she really can't yet. They are pretty expensive, $40-$50. However I got mine on Craigslist (If you haven't heard of it, or used it yet...it's pretty cool. Craigslist is basically free "for sell" ads in your local area. We've bought and sold a lot of stuff on it.). Anyway...I got our Baby Bumbo for $15. Yay me! (as Nicole would say). Here's my little bumbo in it now. Hannah loves it!

I also have a pic here of Nicole and Hannah from earlier this week.

We've had a very good, but busy week. A friend came in town to visit one day, Greg's birthday was another day, and a few play dates as well. Gotta go get some work done now:-) God Bless!

PEE PEE!!!!!

I don't know if Jeremy has ever looked at this blog, but he knows I do it. In fact, an incident happened Sunday night with Nicole, and he looked at me and said, "Michele....this should go up on the blog!" hehehe. So...here it goes.

Sunday evenings, Jeremy goes to a Bible study and I try to go sometimes too. However, I couldn't go this week. So, we decided to grab a bite to eat at one of our favorite restaurants (Silverspoon) and then I drove Jeremy to the Bible and he was just going to catch a ride home with a friend. Anyway, I knew Nicole would have to go potty because she had just drank a bunch of milk at dinner, so I asked him to take her inside to go potty before we left.

The Bible study had already begun (we learn Greek for the first 30 minutes or so), but she took attention away when she walked in and said "HI". Jeremy quickly ushered her to the bathroom where she did her business. When she was finished, she went running out of the bathroom, out into the living room and straight to our friend Celia (the leader's wife). Nicole put her hands on Celia's knees, and said (very loudly) Pee Pee!. Everyone started laughing. She totally interrupted Greek study, but I'm sure it was very cute. She was very proud of herself for going potty and thought everyone else should be proud of her too...hehehe.

Keep reading...I wrote two posts today about our fun last night.

Hannah's first time swimming

Last night was Greg's birthday (Jeremy's dad), so we spent the evening at their house. We decided to go up to the pool and swim (Nicole is a shark in the water...she just LOVES it!) We even brought a swim suit for Hannah. She LOVED the water! It was very warm (almost to warm!). The only time she really cried was when Jeremy and Greg were throwing Nicole in the air and Hannah got spashed in her face (pretty cute actually). I DON'T have any pictures, yet. They are all on Greg & Valerie's camera...so I will post them up ASAP.

Nicole did Great in the water again. She is now confident enough in the water, that she will hold onto a noodle, kick, and actually swim around the pool all by herself. She's so proud when she does it. I can't believe how big she's getting already. It's fun to watch her. I can't wait to show you the pictures

I woke up grumpy this morning because I only got a few hours of sleep (not the girls fault...my fault for staying up late). So, anyway...I was just grumpy, annoyed, frustrated ... you know the feeling. Until Hannah started talking. I got the camera out at the very end. She seriously "talked" for about 45 minutes. Finally got me smiling and laughing. It's great how she does that:-) I thought you might enjoy watching one of the videos I took.

I also needed to post these little smiles I got from the two of them the other day.

Sorry, I forgot to rotate this one.

Hannah is now grabbing items and holding onto them. We've been putting these stuffed animals near her, and she's even fallen asleep with one...sweet huh?

Jeremy loves his girls! (and they love him:-)

Nicole is a little chef..she's making Oatmeal!

Nicole got a little cooking set for her birthday that we just got out today. First we made her a little stove. Then, we put on our aprons and started cooking. She said the first thing she wanted to cook was oatmeal (I make it every morning for her and her daddy). Here are some pics.

Hannah was napping during all this fun. She can't possibly be comfortable, can she? It's the longest nap she's taken all day....I guess she is.

Till next time....

Dinosaurs and ABCs

Yesterday I took the girls over to my friend Teri's house. Teri has a little boy who is about 6 months older than Nicole, and another little boy about 1 month older than Hannah. We had a fun time, and it was good to get out of the house (it's been raining like crazy the past several days. My yard is flooded!).

Anyway, Teri's little boy, Hunter has a dinosaur toy that walks across the floor. It's not very tall...but Nicole had never really seen a dino before. It upset her greatly. She was pretty scared of it. Anyway, later in the morning, the dino had made it's way to the side of the room. Nicole was running around the room being funny, and all of a sudden she stop and screams at the top of her lungs. I look over at her and she had just run by the dinosaur and it had scared her again. She was crying about. But...I was laughing. It was pretty funny. Wish I had a picture.

Also...Nicole is getting better at her alphabet. She recognizes and says lots of letters, but this weekend, she all of a sudden started singing the alphabet song. A, B, C, D,...F, G...O, P...and then it really got random. I was impressed though...I had no idea she could go so far (skipping E). Way to go Nicole! She was pretty proud:-)

Glad to know you missed seeing us:-)

Well...I'm glad to know some of you like reading this blog because I've been getting complaints about me not posting anything recently. Thanks for wanting to read about our family. We have been busy the last several days, which is why I haven't posted anything.

This weekend we went up to the Itchetucknee River in North Florida to go tubing with the college group we help teach at church. We took the girls with us, which was an adventure. Hannah cried most of the way up (she does not like the car) and Nicole had to go pee pee a lot. But, we made it. Nicole was wonderful! She did a great job listening to and following directions. I'm so proud of her. She even got her own big bed in the hotel room and just loved it! The river is spring fed, so it is always about 72 degree....freezing! Jeremy took Nicole with him down the first half of the river. Hannah and I didn't go because it was raining and I didn't want her soaking wet. After lunch, all four of us went. They had floats that were more like mini boat/rafts. So, we didn't have to be wet to float down the river. It was a nice time. We are glad we went. I don't have any pictures because we didn't want to get the camera wet. There were a few water proof cameras going around, but I haven't gotten my hands on any pics.

Our family is back closer to our normal routine, which is nice. I was playing with Nicole last night and took these pictures. She is playing with one of her favorite toys. It's a giant snow globe that sings Christmas music. We were having fun singing Jingle Bells and Silent Night. Thanks Papa:-)

Wish I had a video of this story

So....I like to line dry my clothes, especially my diapers (mostly to save money...but it's also good for the environment). However, it's becoming difficult in the summer due to our afternoon thunderstorms that seem to pop up. Well...today was no different. I noticed it was sprinkling, so I ran outside to get (still damp) clothes down. Nicole decided to run out and be with me. All of a sudden...very large rain drops started coming down. She looked at me and squeled "uh oh" and ran (very cutely) inside yelling, "uh oh...uh oh...uh oh". She turned around and saw me laughing at the clothes line and looked like she was ready to cry. It was hysterical to me. I wish I had a video so you could hear her squeal. hahaha. When I got inside she indicated she was mostly worried about her doggies getting wet.

Anyway...here is a sweet pic of me and my girls. I'm so thankful Nicole seems to love Hannah. She's never once delibrately tried to hurt her...and she's always kissing her. Hard as it may be for me at times, I'm happy they are so close together. My prayer is that they will be good friends as they grow up.

A message from Nicole

Nicole is sitting her on my lap watching me type...and she wanted some practice too. What do YOU think she's trying to say?

huelaskl edkndek idnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnjnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnbbb

bcx

Muawh

At the request of the grandmas....I have some photos to add this morning.

First though...Hannah is a bit sick. I think she got Nicole's head cold. So...Hannah and I have been up since about 1:30 morning. However, I feel pretty good. Thankfully, I got 15 minutes all to myself last night...I went for a little jog. Really, I should do that every night. It got my blood going and I was energized to get my housework done last night. I don't want to become a runner, but a quick spin around the block did wonders...and I think it helped me through the night.

Hannah seems to be a bit better now. She was all smiles this morning (as snot is running down her face, poor thing). Ah...she just fell asleep...let's hope it's for a few hours.

The next few pictures are from this morning as well. Nicole likes me to read this little story about Moses, and she kisses the Pharoh who is "unhappy". She also likes to kiss baby Moses.

Next...Nicole is kissing Hannah because she's sick.

And this final picture is of Nicole all dressed up for the day. She was excited to put on these boots. She is a shoe girl! She's always prancing around in the house in my shoes, her daddy's shoes, and shoes that our friend sent us that are still a bit big.

Well...that's it for today. I want to run to the grocery store and get a case of Dr. Pepper to help me through the day, and Salmon for dinner tonight. Nicole is running around the back room here with a fly swatter...she thinks it's hysterical to watch Jeremy and I swat the flies...and she takes every chance she can to go after them.

What surprised you about becoming a mother

I go to MoPS(Mothers of PreSchoolers) at my church a couple of times a month. It's a time for moms to get together, eat breakfast and listen to a speaker encourage us on different topics. Anyway...they gave us a book "What every Mom needs" for Mother's day. I found it the other day in my trunk....and decided it would be nice to read something while I'm feeding Hannah (we got rid of our TV...so, I had to find something else to do). Anyway...there was a little poem I guess that really encouraged me yesterday. I wanted to share it with my other mommy friends who check in here every once in a while.

What Surprised you about Becoming a Mother?

Myself.
My temper and impatience.
How tired I feel.
How much I love my child.
Then how I could love a second child...then a third...as much as my first
That while I love my children, some days I don't like them.
How I can't wait to get away from my children, and then when I do, how much I miss them.
How being a mom brings out the best and worst in me.
Some things I say to my children that I vowed I'd never say.
How many times a nose needs to be wiped.
How long a day can be.
How quickly children change from stage to stage.
How much more I appreciate my mother.
How much more I understand God's love for me.
How wonderful it is to be called "Mommy"

My nap

So, I got a nap today. Nicole fell asleep about 2:30....and of course Hannah woke up 5 minutes later from a two hour nap. (wish u could see me rolling my eyes). Hannah was hungry so I sat down on the couch to feed her. Now...I get really sleepy when I'm nursing...it's some hormone that is released that makes you relax (you can't let down unless your relaxed). Anyway, I really didn't feel to sleepy today, but I could hardly keep my head up feeding her. So...I put a pillow behind my head and ended up conching out! I think I slept for like 45 minutes. She was sleeping too...nice and cuddly on my wonderful boppy pillow:-)

I wish I could post a picture for you. Guess that's one way to get a nap...hahaha

Hannah's 2 month and potty update

Hannah had her two month appointment yesterday (even though she's really 10 weeks...WOW!!!). She is looking great. She was 23 1/2 inches long and 12lbs 1 oz. Not to bad for 2 1/2 months. The Dr. was really happy with how she interacts (I guess she was watching me play with her while I was in the waiting room) and with how she's holding her head up. Yay Hannah...A+. On a scary note....while I was getting Hannah ready to leave, the little girl in the room next to us started having a seizure. The poor mom was screaming on her phone (to her husband?) and I heard the Dr. asking the nurse for help. It really shook me up. I just stood in there and prayed for her until things settled down a bit. How scary! I've seen our dog have a seizure...I would hate to see one of my daughters have one!

As far as me...today is a better day. I don't feel so much like I'm going to collapse into a total breakdown. My suitcase is still unpacked, I've decided to just grab my clothes from there instead of my drawers for the next week....haha..just kidding. Nicole is in a better mood today and we had fun this morning making cupcakes. She is still wetting her pants. The Dr. said I just need to start over with her and pretend like potty training is just beginning. It's making me crazy, but this is suppose to be one of the hardest parts of toddlerhood, right? I put her down for her nap at 12:30 today...it's now almost 2:00 and she still isn't asleep...constantly having to go "peepee"...but she's not actually going. She is a little girl who needs sleep...so I'm pretty insistent on naps.

Oh...she's finally figured out how to take off and put back on, her own underwear. This is making potty times (and now nap time) even more interesting and fun. Oye! We have a camera in her room so I can watch her not sleeping on our TV...it's actually pretty entertaining. Probably the best thing that's been on our TV in a while:-)

Hmmm....I guess that's it today. Little Hannah is sleeping right now too. She's just "Happy Hannah" as my Mama Pat calls her.

No Title

I don't really know what I'm going to say here. I think I need time to decompress a bit. I love my girls so much, but it's been a rough few days since I've been back from Ohio. I think Nicole was dealing with my absence by "forgetting" how to go potty. I can't even tell you how many times I've washed her sheets and undies since I've been home. It's so hard not to get frustrated or show my frustration towards her.

I talked to my friend Jen the other day and she said something I keep trying to remember, because I think it is so true! Nicole, although she can talk now and say a lot, still cannot communicate her feels. She can't walk up to me and say "mommy...I'm really sad you've been gone, and I'm scared you might leave again". Almost every act of behavior is a form of communcation for her. Nicole all of a sudden wetting her pants is her way of trying to say something. I'm really trying to hold on this week and be patient with her as we settle back into everyday life. I'm trying to be submissve to Jeremy who doesn't want me to put pull-ups back on her right now. I agree with him about this when we are talking...but in the moment...the only thing I can think to myself is "wives submitt to your husbands, wives submitt to your husbands" hahaha.

Hannah seems to know when things are going crazy because that's when she lets loose with her tears too. Then, Nicole gets upset because I'm paying Hannah attention and the cycle continues...ahhhhh. Now, at last they are both napping at once. They truly are precious dear little girls, but WOW!!! sometimes I just don't know what to do. I'm thankful for my mom and my mom-in-law's encouraging words:-) I know in a month I'll look back and think this was no big deal...but right now...today...it's a big deal.

I wish I could go lay down...but my house is a disaster...and I still haven't unpacked. I've tried unpacking several times since I've been home, but I still don't have it done yet. Pretty rediculous, huh? I really want to be a good mommy and a good wife...but sometimes I'm not sure I can do both at the same time.