Lullaby and Goodnight

Britax B-Ready Stroller

2012-01-31T07:48:00.000-05:00

I've been using my double stroller for about 3 months now. I think it's about time I get a review written.

doubles mode with car seat adapter(Graco Snugride32)

When I was looking at this style of stroller a lot of people expressed concern about the second seat. Tillie LOVES it. She never complains about sitting there and seems to be able to see just fine. She tells me that she can watch the t.v. at Gymboree from it, so I believe her. She'd make me let her out if she couldn't. She likes to pull the sun shade closed so that she can "hide" once and a while. She can't really climb in our out by herself, but I don't really mind that.

doubles mode with main seat facing parent

Technically Teddy's not suppose to sit in the top seat until he's 6 months old. He's got good head control, so I felt comfortable with him in it for a little bit today; I just reclined it back as far as it can go. With the top seat facing the parent, the bottom seat is a little more cramped. I probably wouldn't do it this way for a long walk, but it was fine for going to and from the car. I LOVE the sun shades. They're huge and actually will be able to shade the sun. Our Micralite's sunshade was a joke.

doubles mode with main seat facing out

It's wider and longer than the stroller I was using before, but that's to be expected with a double. Still, I haven't quite mastered the hold your own door open yet. I typically get a back wheel or the cupholder stuck on the door frame. The push is great and I can easily do it one handed.

It you have any questions about it, feel free to ask me! I'll probably come back and add more to this post as I remember it.

Mommy & Tillie

2012-01-29T21:58:00.001-05:00

1984

2012

Friday

2012-01-27T14:21:00.000-05:00

Well, my friends. This has been a week. I worked a lot(for me), Teddy refused all bottles, Teddy refused most naps, Teddy refused a couple bedtimes, Tillie occasionally acted like an almost three year old(but actually was mostly good) and there was hardly any sunshine.

Yeah, one of those weeks. I was determined that today would be a better day. So far, not too bad. Teddy and Tillie both let me sleep in until 7:45a. I rewarded myself with a new coat this morning. (Not that price, of course.) Teddy took a morning nap -- In. His. Crib. Tillie happily took a bath and let me wash her hair. Well, she tolerated me washing her hair.

Since the sun was shinning so brightly, I decided we should go to the Gardens. I dresses Teddy and Tillie in cute outfits and off we went. A new "build-your-own" sculpture park exhibit opened today. Tillie thought it was awesome.

I know you'll be shocked, but by the time we left all those knocked over trees were standing upright.

It wasn't long after we got there that I realized Teddy had a dirty diaper. A diaper that leaked all over his cute new outfit, naturally. Diaper explosions actually rarely happen to me when we're out, so the "spare" outfit in Teddy's diaper bag had been there since last November. A white newborn bodysuit and a pair of small 0-3m pants. Amazingly, my almost 4 month old was able to fit in the bodysuit. It was stretched, but it fit! I kind of felt bad though, because Tillie was dressed to the nines and Teddy was now wearing the lamest outfit, ever. I covered it with a bib.

Teddy also questions this outfit.

It was still a lovely afternoon at the Gardens. It wasn't busy at all! I'm so glad I have a membership here instead of to the Children's Museum. It's actually relaxing to spend a morning here with the kids.

So, even though there were remnants of my week, we still had a wonderful time. Next time I'll just take a cuter change of clothes for Teddy.

My little movie star.

Sometimes The Get Along

2012-01-25T17:55:00.000-05:00

Some days Tillie just ignores Teddy all day. However, there are a few days when she's a delightful big sister. She likes to sit in Teddy's crib when he's in there. Lately when they're in there together she'll ask for books to read to him.

p.s. I know Teddy's kind of falling out of the bumbo. I picked him up right after I took the video.

Predictable.

2012-01-24T22:16:00.000-05:00

About once a month or so we go to Bagel Beanery after church for lunch. We went this past Sunday. When we pulled into the parking spot Tillie called from the backseat, "Mommy, pop." "Yes, Tillie. You can have some of mommy's pop." I thought that was what she was asking, but she continued. "Daddy, coffee." After a short pause she said, "Tillie, chips."

Yes, she always gets bagel chips when she goes.

A Conversation with Teddy

2012-01-22T18:11:00.002-05:00

Dress-Up Day

2012-01-18T08:55:00.000-05:00

The kids were being annoying this morning, so I needed to do something fun. Dress my daughter up kind of like a flapper it is! Tillie was okay with it because she got to stand on her dresser and she liked the ribbon around her head. Teddy, oddly, was fine laying on the ground watching us.

I think she's the bee's knees.

His Little Lamb

2012-01-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

Our little Teddy was baptized today.

We Found Tim!

2012-01-12T09:51:00.000-05:00

"Tim" was found in the garage while cleaning. Now we just need to get one for Teddy this spring. Oh, I better start thinking about making him a Dutch costume...

Bedtime Book

2012-01-11T21:53:00.000-05:00

A Good Afternoon

2012-01-10T19:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took my two kids on a wild goose chase to find a certain item I was looking for. We stopped at two stores, one in Grandville and one on the East Beltline. We didn't find what I was looking for. Since we were so close to Robinette's I asked Tillie if she wanted a doughnut. "Yeah!"

We pulled into the parking lot and it was completely empty. As it turns out, they're closed on Mondays. I told her that they were closed, "Oh." I felt bad that I promised her something fun, and didn't come through on it. I quickly racked my brain for something that would be just as good as a doughnut. "Do you want to go to the Gardens?" She nodded her head.

They were in the process of taking down all the Christmas trees, so while there was a lot of volunteers there, there weren't many guests. Teddy was happy to look around from his stroller and Tillie listened to me and didn't touch things she wasn't suppose to.

I found a bench and let Tillie spin in circles while I fed Teddy. It was a delightful hour just hanging out at the Gardens with my two happy kids.

I'll just pretend I came home to a clean house and not this. And that Teddy took a nap instead of being woken up just as we got home because Tillie was yelling about not wanting to hold her sunglasses. My kids are more well behaved when we're not home. I wish it was always delightful at home too.

"Oh, Teddy LUB It".

2012-01-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

We got the the excersaucer out of the attic yesterday so Tim could clean it. Tillie was super-excited when she saw it. She ran around it playing with all the toys while Tim was cleaning it.

After it was clean, she wanted to try it out.

Now every time she walks past it she said, "Oh Mama, Teddy 'LUB' it!" She says this about anything that she says is his. Pacifier? He 'lub' it. Blue teether? He 'lub' it.

But the Hammer Toy Teddy got for Christmas? 'Teddy don't like it." I guess that's why she plays with it so much.

So, Erm, Winter?

2012-01-06T18:47:00.000-05:00

Today we went to the park. Without coats. Okay, we wore sweaters, but still.

54* on January 6 is pretty crazy in Michigan. Usually I'm kind of sick of the snow by now. This year we haven't really gotten much yet. Tillie's snow pants still have the tags on them.

At least Teddy didn't have to wait until March to "play" at the park.

Three Months

2012-01-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

Our little guy is three months old today. I remember with Tillie it seemed like things got easier around this age. I think it's still true. He(and I) typically go to bed around 9:30-10p and sleeps for about 9 hours. Usually. Of course now that I put it in writing he'll start waking up a bajillion times a night. Naps during the day are so unpredictable. It's driving me crazy. One or two afternoons a week he'll take a 3 hour nap(with a couple of short ones before and after). Some days it's a handful of 40 minute naps. Occasionally it's only naps when I'm holding him. Give me a schedule and I'm happy. All of this randomness makes me crabby.

He's in size 2 diapers and 0-3 month clothes. There are a small handful of 0-3 month clothes that he's outgrown, mostly one-piece outfits that he's too tall for. He's been waiting to eat constantly the last few days, so I expect a growth spurt soon.

He still loves baths, car rides and singing. Whenever he's not in the same room as us Tillie asks where he is. She's also played with all of his Christmas presents more than he has. The blue seahorse she gave him? It sleeps in her bed.

Year in Pictures

2011-12-31T22:31:00.002-05:00

In January I was a special education sub at my husband's school. I used to work there too before we were married; it's where we met! I was there for book character day and I dressed as Fancy Nancy.

The "Blizzard of 2011" hit in February. Tim had a couple snow days. Luckily we have friends who live just around the corner so we weren't housebound the whole time.

March brought at trip to the Children's museum. We met Tillie's (second?) cousins Liza and Annika there.

It was finally warm enough in April to play outside again. Tillie was determined that we spend as much time in the backyard as possible. Since she didn't have a water table, she used the bird bath. For all the gross things this girl plays with it's amazing we're not sick more.

My little Dutch girl turned 2 in May.

As June always brings, we moved to Camp for a month or so. I spend the time chasing Tillie. Tim spends it chasing critters and campers in the woods.

We saw a lot of friends and family over the 4th of July weekend. Tillie and Lainey had fun together at the cottage.

August brought Tillie's first "camping" experience. We spent a wonderful weekend at the Conference grounds. Not too surprisingly, our girl loved it.

I turned 30 in September. We went to the Allegan County Fair with some friends. We looked at the animals, let Tillie go on her first carnival rides and ate greasy food. That weekend Tim took Tillie and me out for dinner. He also surprised me with a bunch of my friends at the restaurant! Being 30 isn't so bad.

We became a family of 4 in October. I should write a blog post about being a mom of 2 kids. It's not really much harder than just having one. Well, it won't be when Teddy starts sleeping better. That happens around 3 months, right? Please say I'm right. Teddy is a joy and his smiles brighten up a room.

If you live in West Michigan, Sandy the pony is a familiar sight. A 1¢ pony ride was the highlight of every Meijer grocery shopping trip growing up. I didn't start Tillie on it too soon for a couple reasons: 1) I didn't want to have to do it every time we were there yet. 2) I wanted to have the camera so I could take a picture of her first ride. In November I finally started letting her ride.

And finally December. It's been a blur of work, parties, laundry, lights, naps, shopping and songs. We've had a great year. I hope 2012 is just as lovely.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

Waffles and Presents

2011-12-24T15:02:00.001-05:00

We had our Belgian waffles for breakfast. After everything was mostly cleaned up, it was time for presents.

Teddy was excited.

Tillie's favorite gift seems to be the cupcake set. Naturally she opened it first and didn't want to open any other presents. She hasn't tried the puzzle yet, but the blocks were stacked into towers.

Teddy had no idea what was going on, but I think he liked it when we put the Skwish in his hands. Then he begrudgingly did his name spelling trick.

Christmas Card Pictures

2011-12-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

Most(yes, most) of my Christmas cards have been mailed out. I suspect that some of them have even reached their homes by now. So, lucky readers, you get to see the pictures I used! Our wonderful friend Dave took some family pictures for us. We went to Camp and I ADORE them. We had two different cards this year and these are the two pictures we used.

On the steps to the waterfront.

In Chapel Grove

But, since I have this weird thing about Christmas outfits and cards I decided to get a picture of my two kids together. I practiced the "set layout" with Tillie.

Hmm, this might not go as planned...

Tim came in the room around then and tricked her into smiling.

Then I tried Teddy out in the sled. After a few crying pictures, I managed to get this.

So, I tried to get a picture of them together. This did not go how I would have liked it to.

I die of laughter every time I see this picture.

I used the pictures of the separately on the front of card, but I couldn't help but throw that one on the back.

Sibling Gifts

2011-12-20T21:23:00.000-05:00

I grew up giving and getting gifts from my brothers (and later sister). My kids get to start that this year!

From the time Teddy was born, Tillie has insisted that Teddy needed his own "seahorsey". I'm not surprised because she sleeps with hers every night. When I got a coupon for $10 off any purchase at Kohl's a few weeks ago I thought it would be perfect for this. I took Tillie to Kohl's and she happily agreed to "buy" it for him. Since it was on sale too, I only paid $3. She helped me wrap it when we got home and put it under the tree in her room.
Soothe and Glow Seahorse

I switched one of Teddy's Christmas presents(blocks!) from us and he will now be giving Tille the Skip Hop Dunck we got at Barnes and Nobel for 50% off. She was super-excited about them when we bought them for Teddy, so I think she'll be happy with this. And really, they're just going in the bath tub so they're both going to play with them.

My Little Bakers

2011-12-19T14:44:00.000-05:00

We're going to a Christmas party tonight. I told Kizie I would bring cupcakes for her (and my cousin Cara's son Cole who has the same birthday). She requested marble with chocolate frosting. Since I get very little kid-free time during the day, I knew they would have to "help" me. (Although, they're starting to nap at the same time in the afternoon. It's bliss...)

Tillie was super-excited when I told her we were going to make cupcakes. She quickly pulled a chair from the kitchen table and positioned it exactly where she wanted it to be.

Teddy chilled in the bumbo on the counter. Tillie insisted he "hold" the spatula. Thankfully, he was happy to watch us work. I'd forgotten how content baby Tillie had been watching me work in the kitchen. There is hope I'll be able to do things again!

Tillie and I wore matching aprons. Teddy wore a bib. He doesn't have an apron yet. The chocolate is always Tillie's favorite part of baking.

Yes, they're just from a box -- that's how I make cake. It is a Duncan Hines mix though. They're the best box mix. Also, if you have a craving for marble cake, I don't recommend cupcakes. It's kind of time-consuming to add the chocolate to each individual cake. I don't know how well they're swirled. They're also not consistent in size. I'm going to blame that one on my helpers.

Tillie in Church, 2011

2011-12-18T20:14:00.000-05:00

I've taken a picture of Tillie next to me at all of Kizie's programs.

Happy 10th Birthday Kizie!

2011-12-18T08:14:00.000-05:00

In the past on Kizie's birthdays I've posted pictures that I'd previously had online. In honor of her 10th birthday I have "new" Kizie pictures to share with you.

J. Crew argyle for school pictures!

She always looks cute in purple.

My friend Laura got her this blue dress from Spain. Tillie wore this dress for pictures with Kizie's chicks.

She always loved swinging. She wore this coat all the time. Tillie wore it quite a few times too.

Our outfits match often because she loved it.

I used to have more control over her wardrobe. She loved crewcuts when it first started.

More J. Crew argyle. We have all these sweaters saved for Tillie. Argyle is always in, right?

She liked exploring this beach with Tim and I.

When my parents got the referral, my brothers and I gave this outfit to my mom for her. It's from Gymboree and I bought every last piece -- hat, socks, overalls, sweater and bodysuit.

Happy birthday dear sister!

I Guess He Was Hungry

2011-12-15T14:17:00.000-05:00

Last night after dinner Tim went out with some friends. I wanted a few things from Target so I decided we'd run there while he was gone. Two kids to Target at night in the pouring rain has definitely got to be one of my more interesting choices. But, I promised Tillie popcorn, so off we went.

This through our normal evening schedule off a little, but I knew Tillie would be fine and I didn't think Teddy would care at all. His schedule... Well, let's just say we're working on it. He does normally get a bottle around 8p every night but that got pushed back a little because he needed a bath after Tillie went to bed(8p). I guess he has more of a schedule than I thought because he kept falling asleep as I was trying to feed him. Tim came home while we were doing this and I passed Teddy off to him. We were standing in the kitchen talking when Tim looked down and saw that Teddy found the bottle.

It's the funniest thing that little boy has ever done. Okay, he's only 2 months old, but we were dying of laughter. And kind of impressed that he was able to get his head and mouth where he wanted it.

My Heart Melts

2011-12-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

She's such a good big sister.

*photo by Dave Ribbens

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-14T14:53:00.002-05:00

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.