Tyler's Birthday Celebrations

We have 2 celebrations for each child's birthday every year. The first celebration takes place on the actual birthday. The birthday boy or girl gets to choose what's for dinner and then we have a dessert and sing Happy Birthday.

On the morning of Tyler's birthday, I reminded him that he got to choose what was for dinner. Anything he wanted. I told him we could go out to dinner, order food, or Mommy would cook something for him. He chose Mommy's cooking over any old restuarant! How sweet is that?! So my next question was, "What would you like me to cook for you?" He said he had to think about it for a while. A little while later I asked if he had thought of what he wanted. He said that he was still thinking and then said, "I know! I want fish! ......and shrimp!" Yes, my 5-year-old LOVES seafood. Always has really (ever since he was old enough to eat it anyway). So fish and shrimp it was. He ate almost every bit! And he's since told me that he wants the same exact thing for his birthday dinner next year. :)

After dinner, it was time for the Happy Birthday song, birthday cupcakes, and a couple small presents. I have to point out that Tyler didn't want me to use the green star candle on the brownies. Yep, it is still his favorite color. You'll see why later in this post.

Funny story about this flashlight from Mommy and Daddy: Billy loves MagLites. Tyler loves using Daddy's MagLites. Daddy thought Tyler would love having a MagLite of his own. You also have to know that ever since Christmas, Billy has been trying to get Tyler to tell his Grandmas and Grandpas that he needs his own laptop instead of more toys. But, 5-year-olds love toys and Tyler isn't convinced on the whole laptop thing. He can just use Mommy's or Daddy's after all. When we brought in the wrapped gift Tyler exclaimed, "I hope it's a toy and not a laptop!" So he opens it, and has a look of dissapointment on his face and says, "I wanted a toy..." Poor Daddy. It really was so thoughtful of him. And Tyler really does love and use it. This picture was taken after the initial disappointed feeling.

One other cute comment Tyler made that day:
A little before Grandma and Pawpaw got to our house for dinner, Tyler received a call from his Great Aunt Kandee to wish him a happy birthday. They got to chat for quite a while, but once Grandma and Pawpaw came through the front door Tyler told her, "I love you Kandee. I gotta go. Some of my party guests are here!"

The 2nd birthday celebration is the actual party where the birthday boy or girl gets to pick the theme and what kind of cake he/she wants. Tyler chose to have a rocket themed party this year and we decided to have the party be pretty low-key and only invite family.
These space balloons were the party favors for each child. They got to decorate them with stickers. This is the infamous balloon that got sucked out the window and (did not) fly to space. On the left is cousin Lilly and on the right are cousins Keilana and Kayden.

Here are highlights of the gifts given by Tyler's grandparents.

And some from Aunties, Uncles, and cousins.

And here's the rocket cake Tyler requested (and the green star candle that HAD to be on this cake). And yes those are real sparkles coming out the back of it...

And YES we really DID light them!

Can you sense Tyler's reservations about the situation. "Okay Mommy, if you really want sparklers lit in the house that's your prerogative. Just so you know though, I'm feeling a little too close for comfort here..."

Carrots and Space

I have a long list of posts to catch up on, but instead of playing catch-up, I'm posting some Allison and Tyler humor. It's easy and at least it's something!

We had glazed carrots with our dinner tonight. But unless it comes in soup form, Allison doesn't like veggies. BUT, we have the you-at-least-have-to-taste-it rule in our house. It's been a challenge to follow through on this rule with Allison because even if she doesn't think it LOOKS right, she isn't going to eat it (or taste it for that matter.) I have still enforced it to the best of my ability, and surprisingly she's getting a bit better (although it entirely depends on her mood).
SO getting on with it, tonight we were trying to convince her that carrots were yummy and that eating them would make her have great eyesight. She still hesitated throughout the meal and decided to save the torture until the very end. When it came time for the dreaded carrot tasting time, she surprisingly took the bite without a fuss. After chewing it for a while she exclaimed,

"I can see better!"

Tyler's story comes in three parts this time.

Part 1: Tyler had a helium balloon from his rocket birthday party that we had been carrying around in our car for probably over a week (long story). A couple Saturdays ago, I took Allison to a Build-a-Bear birthday party. Ryan had to go with us, but Tyler stayed at Grandma and Pawpaw's house. After the party was over, I had to feed Ryan in the car before heading back home. I was a little hot after lugging a 2-year-old, a baby in the snuggli, the car seat, and a bear in his brand new home all the way across the mall and through the parking lot. So I decided to roll down the windows a bit and get a little fresh air. Well yeah, as soon as the windows cracked, the wind created a suction and Tyler's balloon flew right out the window. Gone. Forever. I felt horrible.

Later, when I broke the news to Tyler, I tried to lessen the blow by telling him excitedly that his rocket balloon was just dying to blast off into space. It did help somewhat at the time...

Part 2: Since Tyler's recent interest in rockets and space, we have had some discussions about space, astronauts, etc. One conversation we had (which took place after the whole balloon incident) was about gravity, and Tyler wanted to know how space ships could leave Earth and go into space since there is gravity on Earth. I told him that they just have to go super fast so that they can get out of Earth's gravity.

Part 3: Apparently Tyler had been pondering over his lost balloon, the fact that I told him it went to outer space, and the phenomenon of things being able to leave Earth's gravity if they were going fast enough. A couple days after the gravity discussion he tells me, "Mommy, my rocket balloon couldn't have gone to space!" "Why not?" I asked. "Well, it couldn't have gone fast enough to get out of Earth's gravity!"

I had no further comments after that.

Build-a-Bear Party

Allison got invited to her very first birthday party.  She has tagged along to parties with Tyler in the past, but this was the very first one that was just for her!  It took place at Build-a-Bear Workshop.  She was so excited about the gift we bought (Princess Yahtzee Jr. and a Princess Sticker Book).  She helped me put it in the bag and add tissue paper, and was very proud to carry it.  When we first got there, she was a little shy and hesitant to leave me to sit with the group.  I assured her that I wasn't going to leave, and so she decided to join in on the fun. 

The first thing she got to do was choose her bear and name her. 

Allison and a very flat 'Fluffy'

Then the whole process of building the bear took place.

Giving Fluffy a heart.

Making Fluffy...well, fluffy!

Giving Fluffy a bath.

Showing Fluffy off to Ryan.

Lastly, she got to choose an outfit and get her dressed.  Allison loves hearts (notice that she had to wear her favorite pink heart shirt, belt, and pants to the party), so she chose a very girly pink satin heart party dress.  Fluffy (and Allison) looked adorable!

Allison was a little distracted watching people go by while I tried to take a picture of the finished product.  She really was happy and had a super great time!

Little Escape Artist

Remember in Ryan's 4 month post I mentioned that he was working on his escape plan to get himself out of the Bumbo seat? Well, just as predicted, he got it figured out (and only 2 days after that post I might add)....
He was supposed to be sitting by and watching while I did the dishes one night.

Looks innocent enough, right???

Oh yeah, Mr. Innocent. Mommy caught you red handed!

Okay, so I got myself stuck THIS time... But don't worry, I'll get it next time! Now stop taking pictures and get me OUT OF HERE!!!

Truthfully, the only reason he's "stuck" (and SO flippin' mad) is because I kept pushing him back in so I could get a decent picture, for blog's sake! Since that night, he's successfully escaped each and every time I put him in it.
(And yes, I'm certain that this is why it has the warning label telling you it's not intended for use on elevated surfaces! But don't worry, it's only up on the counter top when I'm standing right by, usually taking a picture. Otherwise he's camped out on the floor!)
Now we are testing out a Bebe Pod. (Thanks Auntie Vanessa for letting us borrow it!) Any bets on how long it'll be until he finagles his way out of this one?

Clarification

I figured out what Allison was referring to when she asked about the paintbrush at the doctor's office yesterday. I was rereading my previous post today when I happened to think about the giant Q-tip the nurse used to apply the Betadine to steralize Ryan before putting in the catheter. And then it hit me. To her, it looked as though they had a paintbrush and they were, in fact, painting his "peepee." Now it's even funnier to me! And no wonder she thought her sleep deprived mommy was making absolutely no sense!

And so it starts...

Your little boy turns 5.

He's all "grown up" now.

And now it's time for him to start showing interest in girls.

Woah, wait just a minute!

I said 5...not 15!

5 year olds don't have crushes, do they??? The thought never even crossed my mind until Tyler made the following comment the other night.
Tyler, Grandma, and I were watching Family Feud. When the winning team started jumping up and down in excitment, the cameras showed the losing team clapping and smiling. Then the following dialogue takes place:
Tyler: Awe man, I wanted the other team to win.
Me: Why?
Tyler: Because they have a girl that I like on that team.
Grandma (smiling): Was she pretty?
Tyler: Yeah. And she has a good shape too.

Are you kidding me??? I'm not ready for this!

While you're laughing, here's a little more humor from Tyler...
While unzipping his footed jammies: Man, I'm hot.
Me: Really?
Tyler: Yeah, I'm roasting! I'm like chicken fried steak!

And while I'm at it, here's one from Allison...

We had to take Ryan to the doctor yesterday because of a high fever. Since everything was checking out okay, they decided they needed to get a urine sample. After watching them do the catheter Allison asks, "Why did they put a paint brush in Ryan's peepee?" I'm not sure what about it made her think it looked like a paint brush, but I told her that it wasn't a paint brush and did my best to explain what they did and why. After my explanation she said, "What? I didn't hear you?" (Translation: That sounds like a lot of rubbish. Please try again.) So, I attempt to explain once again and she replies, "WHAT??? I still didn't hear you?" Then she sticks her pointer fingers in her ears, twists them around and says, "Let me clean out my ears so I can hear you!"

Ryan is 4 months old!

Since I missed Ryan's 3 month post, you get a 2 for 1 special this time (which means it's going to be a long one)! Time is flying by. Nothing has changed about that. It seems as though when you have a new baby, you spend most of your time making adjustments and trying to find routine in your life again. Then before you know it, your baby is already half a year old. And while Ryan isn't quite 6 months old yet, I know it's sneaking up on me. So in between the dirty diapers, feedings, and the needs of two older siblings, I'm doing my best to keep up with Ryan's milestones and special moments.
Ryan's 3rd month was a challenging one. He's had some colic and I've been working hard to find what things work to comfort and get him (and me) through. Through much trial and error we have discovered that the following things seem to work best to help Ryan:
1. Swaddling. As he's gotten bigger, he's outgrown the need to have his entire body swaddled. He still finds comfort, however, in having his arms swaddled by his sides to help him sleep.
2. Gripe Water. I hadn't even heard of Gripe Water until a couple months ago. Thank goodness for Facebook! At first I was more sparing with it (it's quite pricey), only giving it to Ryan when he was at his fussiest. I discovered, however, that giving it to him in regular increments (and even before he becomes fussy) helps him to be a much happier baby.
3. White noise. Tyler loved white noise when he had fussy moments as a baby and the same is true for Ryan. When nothing else works, a little white noise will do the trick!
4. The Snuggli. I got my Snuggli when Tyler was born, but never really used it much. Tyler didn't like it and I didn't find it very comfortable. Then when Allison was born, I purchased a Maya Wrap (thanks to my sister's recommendation) and thought it was the best baby carrier on earth! Allison loved it too and we NEVER left home without it. Ryan has not seen the same value in the Maya that Allison did. I remembered that I had the Snuggli and decided to give it a whirl. It works perfect for Ryan. As I have stated in his previous posts, Ryan loves to be held upright. He also likes facing out so that he can see any and everything. One of his complaints about the Maya was that is scrunched up his little legs that he prefers to have stretched out. The Snuggli solved this problem and made him one happy boy! It's so true how each baby is SO different!
Ryan reached the following milestones during his third month:

• He rolled from his tummy to his back on Wednesday, January 9th. (Just a week after turning 2 months!)
• He laughed out loud for the first time the day after Christmas. This is one of the best baby sounds in my book!
• He discovered his hands and learned that they could go in his mouth. He has kept them there ever since.

Finally, here are few of my favorite pictures of Ryan taken throughout his 3rd month:

Sleepy Santa Baby

T.V. time with Tyler

Watching Tyler and Allison Christmas morning

Another picture??? Can't you see I'm busy?!

That brings us to the present. Ryan is 4 months old today! He has his 4 month well visit this Firday, so I will update with those stats later. The best news is that either we have come up with some of the best remedies or Ryan's colic is subsiding! He has seemed like such a happier and more content baby over the last week and a half or so. I give part of the credit to Probiotics that I finally started giving to him (thanks to my sister - once again - for explaining their benefit to me and encouraging me to use them).

Here's what Ryan's up to at 4 months old:

• He has come up with a universal squeal. He uses the same squeal to say "I'm happy," "I need fed," "I think you're funny," "I need my diaper changed," "I'm sleepy," and "I want you to pick me up please!" I just have to look for facial cues to help me know what the squeal means each time.
• He loves his Bumbo seat more than ever. Next to being held, it's his favorite place to be! It's one of the best ways for me to get a picture of him since he isn't extremely fond of lying on his back and doesn't cooperate when I prop him in the corner of the couch. He'll stiffen his little legs and arch his back until he slides all the way down and gets mad. Sadly, I don't think it will be long until he's able to bail himself out of the Bumbo though. He's already been plotting and practicing his escape for a couple weeks now!
  
  
• He still loves chewing (and drooling) on his little hands and fists, but he's found a special love for his first two fingers (like in the picture above). He doesn't suck on them though. Just chews and drools.
• He is working so hard to develop his eye-hand coordination by reaching and grasping for objects. He is quite eager to clear off a surface!
• He is becoming a little more tolerant of his car seat. Thanks to some fun baby toys and a great big brother who sits by him and entertains him!
• He is becoming quite fond of bath time in the sink (up until recently he preferred taking showers with Mommy). Once he's used to the water, he'll sit and play for a very long time. It's so cute watching him try and grab the bubbles in the water. :)
  
  
• He is starting to enjoy tummy time. And proves just what a strong boy he is while doing so!

• He loves to exercise his little legs by pretending that our tummies and sides are rock climbing walls while we are holding him. Again, such a strong little guy!
• He enjoys T.V. time with Daddy. This (along with listening to music) is Daddy's preferred method of calming Ryan when he's fussy.
• He is trying his very best to carry on conversations with us. Instead of just random cooing, he is stringing sounds together and using voice inflection. I guess we've progressed to babbling.

And here are just a few more pictures from this past month. (At this point, the post is beyond too long, so why not?)