Saturday, May 28, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
yet another example of sibling love
Today at lunch Gavin finished eating before Sydney (shocking, I know). He hopped down and picked up the leash of this adorable, fluffy little stuffed dog. Some background on this dog:
- Sydney received it as a Christmas gift from Aunt Donna and Uncle Deryl
- "She" was initially named for Sydney's dear Aunt Bailey...we thought "Bailey" had stuck, but when asked today Sydney stated that the dog did not have a name. (you lucked out Bail!)
- "She" goes through spurts of popularity in this house and today just happened to be her lucky day because both, yes both, children wanted to play with her.
Here she is; the object of their affection.So, back to the beginning--Gavin finished lunch first and this puppy just happened to be laying right next to his chair. He picked up the end of her leash and started walking her around the hallway and kitchen area. Sydney promptly finished her lunch and ripped, yes ripped, the leash out of Gavin's hand. Which lead to tears from him. Which lead to me explaining that he had "her" first so she needed to give it back. Which lead to tears from her (why I don't know--she's 3, that's all there is to say). Here is what happened following this lovely exchange--Gavin knew she wanted that dog. He also knew that it was "his turn"...so he strolled past her every chance he got. Would stop....would stare....would smile...and keep right on strolling. Sydney of course was just beside herself and you will hear her protests in the background of this video.
After a time, Gavin dropped the leash by the table and took off after something else (a cabinet door I think?). Sydney saw her opportunity, looked at me, then grabbed the leash. Seeing this, Gavin of course was instantly interested in the dog again. And so began another exchange (though not as wordy as above). G ripped the leash out of S's hand....she cries....I grab the leash from G, return to S....he cries. S stares, strolls, smiles....G follows, fusses, and frowns. (Not really did he frown, but it fit and I like alliteration!) Here's what the inverse video looks like...it's a stand-off!
Life really is exciting with these two. In every single meaning of the word!
rEaDiNg!
Sydney has always loved to be read to and now she can read a few books herself (from memory of course)! Gavin is slowly starting to become interested in books. If I'm in the kitchen cooking and he wonders off, 9 times out of 10 he has wondered in to his room and has begun flipping through a book! (Which I just LOVE!) When I'm reading with Sydney, he doesn't slow down long enough to sit through the whole thing, but he'll walk by and smile at the pictures and occasionally (okay-rarely), will plop down in my lap for a spell to listen. With that said, both of my kids love books in their own unique way.
or where they're supposed to.
But in the end...it doesn't really matter to me!
They love to read, just maybe not when they are supposed to....
or where they're supposed to.But in the end...it doesn't really matter to me!Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Sibling Love
When I was pregnant with Gavin, most of you know, we had not found whether we were having a boy or a girl. So it was somewhat difficult to imagine our family plus another little one when I didn't know who to picture! I looked forward to seeing Sydney in her new role of "big sister" but had worries about that of course too. Plus, there was the nervous feeling of whether or not I would be able to love this new little person as much as I loved Sydney (which in and of itself was an unimaginable amount). Everyone told me I would but you just can't help but wonder how it's possible to have such an immense amount of love for TWO little people. Anyhow, Gavin arrived and my worries immediately diminished. It was instant love, just like it had been with Sydney. Then came the fun part....balancing a toddler and a newborn. :) I won't lie or sugar coat....it was harder than I ever imagined; but like with everything else we moms do, we just go with it and do it (and look back and wonder HOW we did it!) We are at such an extremely fun stage right now with our kids--Gavin is interacting with Sydney and playing and being goofy and Sydney just loves her little brother to pieces (most moments of the day!) This was one of those moments and I am so glad to have captured it (sorry facebook friends-you get to see it again!). I was fixing supper and my two little loves were loving on each other...well, kind of. **Watch closely....Gavin is sure to let Sydney know his true feelings. :)**
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Summer time! LONG update about us to jump start the summer:)
Now that school is out for the summer, my hope is to get back on the wagon with this blog! My posts have been so sporadic, I will try to play catch up. My hope is that this post will be the fresh start of summer blogging. :)
What we've been up to:
Joe has been working the outage at Wolf Creek since the beginning of March. If you don't know what the outage is, no need to, just know that it sucks--in more ways than one! Poor Joe is at work by 6 (at the latest) and gets home every night around 7:30. There is really no end in sight, the completion date has been moved back to June 3rd, which means nothing to anyone because it's been moved back multiple times already. We have been "done" with the outage for quite some time now...it's really wearing on everyone involved! Another wife referred to herself as a Wolf Creek widow and that's just how I feel! Anyhow--no more whining--we are blessed that he has a secure job with benefits, etc. We are just reeeeally looking forward to the end of it!
Sydney is playing the part of 3 year old just perfectly. We have the wonderful, imaginative stories--we have the loves and snuggles--and we have the slamming doors, stomping, pouting, and shouting---among other things. :) She has always loved to read books and has memorized many of her favorites. The other night however, she shocked Joe and I by reading the entire Disney Princess Bride book on her own. We pointed to the words (and while I do realize it is all memorization at this point, I figure it doesn't hurt to direct her attention to the words!) She was so proud of herself! She loves playing dress-up and playing "Moms and Dads." No one else has the chance to play Mom--that is always, strictly, her role. She plays it well too. :) It's an opportunity for me to just sit back and realize that she really does listen to what I say, even when she is pitching a fit!
Gavin--oh Gavin. He is the extreme opposite of his big sister. I am so thankful that I get to experience having a little girl and a little boy because I am amazed every day at just how different they are. It has been so exciting to see what Gavin picks up on and to see firsthand the truth behind the saying "he is all boy." Because he definitely is! His motor starts going when he sees his car/tractor/truck and even the other day he heard Sydney say the word "tractor" and he started making the noise! He would rather launch things across the room than look at a book--if he does look at a book it is while he is walking past us reading. He loves destroying block towers, lego creations, book shelves, my bread cabinets in the kitchen, you name it. If it's in order he will shake things up. :) He is still a little lovebug and will just randomly walk over and give a snuggle, but it is short lived, so I take what I can get!
Me--well I am just glad that I now have no set routine, no mornings that are rushed. My babies can sleep in if they want or be up with the birds if they want! I can enjoy my morning coffee at my leisure and have another cup if I want to. :) I also have a few new goals for myself this summer. For the past several months I have been exercising and just trying to be healthier overall. I started in January exercising every day and using the website http://www.myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise and reached my goal weight last month. Knowing that I had accomplished that goal I felt the need to challenge myself again--how? I am still kind of unsure, but I am seriously considering beginning a running program. Currently I am doing another little fitness challenge using a video of Jillian Michaels called "Ripped in 30." I can't wait until I know the moves well enough that I can mute her and just listen to my Pandora stations while I exercise. :) It's been a great journey and it is a huge ego boost to know that I (finally) put my mind to something and was successful!
With all of that said....I am hoping to update a lot more this summer! It should be a bit more eventful than last summer. :) Here are a few recent pictures of the kids!
One morning Sydney wanted to hold her little brother--lucky for her he had just started drinking his bottle so he was more willing to sit still with her!
Sydney and Gavin at Aunt Deanna and Uncle Jim's farm
What we've been up to:
Joe has been working the outage at Wolf Creek since the beginning of March. If you don't know what the outage is, no need to, just know that it sucks--in more ways than one! Poor Joe is at work by 6 (at the latest) and gets home every night around 7:30. There is really no end in sight, the completion date has been moved back to June 3rd, which means nothing to anyone because it's been moved back multiple times already. We have been "done" with the outage for quite some time now...it's really wearing on everyone involved! Another wife referred to herself as a Wolf Creek widow and that's just how I feel! Anyhow--no more whining--we are blessed that he has a secure job with benefits, etc. We are just reeeeally looking forward to the end of it!
Sydney is playing the part of 3 year old just perfectly. We have the wonderful, imaginative stories--we have the loves and snuggles--and we have the slamming doors, stomping, pouting, and shouting---among other things. :) She has always loved to read books and has memorized many of her favorites. The other night however, she shocked Joe and I by reading the entire Disney Princess Bride book on her own. We pointed to the words (and while I do realize it is all memorization at this point, I figure it doesn't hurt to direct her attention to the words!) She was so proud of herself! She loves playing dress-up and playing "Moms and Dads." No one else has the chance to play Mom--that is always, strictly, her role. She plays it well too. :) It's an opportunity for me to just sit back and realize that she really does listen to what I say, even when she is pitching a fit!
Gavin--oh Gavin. He is the extreme opposite of his big sister. I am so thankful that I get to experience having a little girl and a little boy because I am amazed every day at just how different they are. It has been so exciting to see what Gavin picks up on and to see firsthand the truth behind the saying "he is all boy." Because he definitely is! His motor starts going when he sees his car/tractor/truck and even the other day he heard Sydney say the word "tractor" and he started making the noise! He would rather launch things across the room than look at a book--if he does look at a book it is while he is walking past us reading. He loves destroying block towers, lego creations, book shelves, my bread cabinets in the kitchen, you name it. If it's in order he will shake things up. :) He is still a little lovebug and will just randomly walk over and give a snuggle, but it is short lived, so I take what I can get!
Me--well I am just glad that I now have no set routine, no mornings that are rushed. My babies can sleep in if they want or be up with the birds if they want! I can enjoy my morning coffee at my leisure and have another cup if I want to. :) I also have a few new goals for myself this summer. For the past several months I have been exercising and just trying to be healthier overall. I started in January exercising every day and using the website http://www.myfitnesspal.com to track my calories and exercise and reached my goal weight last month. Knowing that I had accomplished that goal I felt the need to challenge myself again--how? I am still kind of unsure, but I am seriously considering beginning a running program. Currently I am doing another little fitness challenge using a video of Jillian Michaels called "Ripped in 30." I can't wait until I know the moves well enough that I can mute her and just listen to my Pandora stations while I exercise. :) It's been a great journey and it is a huge ego boost to know that I (finally) put my mind to something and was successful!
With all of that said....I am hoping to update a lot more this summer! It should be a bit more eventful than last summer. :) Here are a few recent pictures of the kids!
One morning Sydney wanted to hold her little brother--lucky for her he had just started drinking his bottle so he was more willing to sit still with her!
Sydney and Gavin at Aunt Deanna and Uncle Jim's farm
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
We are now entering toddlerhood....
This past Sunday our baby boy turned 1. That was quite possibly the fastest year of my life. I am so sad about it, yet so excited about what the future holds for our perfect family of four.
Gavin had a great birthday-day. Joe and I were up to give him his birth minute kiss at 7:44 a.m. (yes, corny I know--we saw it on an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond"-made fun of Marie for doing that to Ray and now we do it to our kids! :))
But, first off: the birthday wreath! 1 straw wreath, 120 balloons, 100 greening pins, and 1 musical episode of Grey's Anatomy later....tada!
The first year banner(s):
We started the day with some ONE toasts topped with some cinnamon.
Just a simple little centerpiece:
The cookies:
The cake!
and of course, the SMASH cake
Next we started getting ready for our big party! First, Sydney needed her "party dress" on and her hair fixed. (We waited until the last possible second to get Gavin in to his birthday ensemble. :) )
Note: this picture was actually taken the day before--I knew that I may or may not have the opportunity to take one just of him so I snagged this chance! He looks thrilled, no?
Next up: presents! He was doing really well "helping" me...
and being helped....
until: Mater came along. Once we opened Mater, there was no going back. I was on my own for the remainder of the presents!
Once he (I) had opened all of his presents, it was time for cake!
In preparation for a complete disaster, his adorable birthday top and hat were removed. :)
He was pretty unsure about that cake at first....in fact I had to help him with the first bite or two...
But he quickly, very quickly, got the hang of it himself....and loved every bite!
He received a bath immediately following his (and our) first smash cake experience. :)
All in all, we had a fantastic day with family and friends who came to celebrate with us. It was very surreal to think that this was GAVIN'S very own, special day. Several times I caught myself just watching him play with his toys and crawl/walk around and I had to remind myself that he was 1, that this day was for him. It's tough, but it was so much fun. (aside from our brand new a/c NOT working on the hottest day of the year thus far. Sorry fam and friends! It's fixed now! :)) Thank to all who came and celebrated with us--you helped make G's special day that much more special! Love you all!
Dear Gavin,
Where do I even begin? This past year has flown by. I still remember the very moment you were born as if it were yesterday. I remember the doctor announcing that you were a boy and it's as if I had known that all along-because at that moment I loved you more than you could ever know...more than I ever imagined was possible. You were my own, precious little boy. Immediately it felt as if you had always been a part of our family and we are so incredibly blessed to have you. Gavin Joseph Helget, you are the best little addition to our family-more so than we could have ever dreamed up. I look forward to the memories we'll make as a family, you terrorizing your sister (she has no idea what's coming her way!), hearing your voice and your thoughts, watching you continue to grow and explore new things. To say that I love you so very much would never be enough! We hope you enjoyed your special day as much as we did celebrating it with our favorite little man!
We love you!
Mommy (and Daddy and Sydney)
Gavin had a great birthday-day. Joe and I were up to give him his birth minute kiss at 7:44 a.m. (yes, corny I know--we saw it on an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond"-made fun of Marie for doing that to Ray and now we do it to our kids! :))
But, first off: the birthday wreath! 1 straw wreath, 120 balloons, 100 greening pins, and 1 musical episode of Grey's Anatomy later....tada!
The first year banner(s):
We started the day with some ONE toasts topped with some cinnamon.
Just a simple little centerpiece:
The cookies:
The cake!
and of course, the SMASH cake
Next we started getting ready for our big party! First, Sydney needed her "party dress" on and her hair fixed. (We waited until the last possible second to get Gavin in to his birthday ensemble. :) )
Note: this picture was actually taken the day before--I knew that I may or may not have the opportunity to take one just of him so I snagged this chance! He looks thrilled, no?
Next up: presents! He was doing really well "helping" me...
and being helped....
until: Mater came along. Once we opened Mater, there was no going back. I was on my own for the remainder of the presents!
Once he (I) had opened all of his presents, it was time for cake!
In preparation for a complete disaster, his adorable birthday top and hat were removed. :)He was pretty unsure about that cake at first....in fact I had to help him with the first bite or two...
But he quickly, very quickly, got the hang of it himself....and loved every bite!
He received a bath immediately following his (and our) first smash cake experience. :)
All in all, we had a fantastic day with family and friends who came to celebrate with us. It was very surreal to think that this was GAVIN'S very own, special day. Several times I caught myself just watching him play with his toys and crawl/walk around and I had to remind myself that he was 1, that this day was for him. It's tough, but it was so much fun. (aside from our brand new a/c NOT working on the hottest day of the year thus far. Sorry fam and friends! It's fixed now! :)) Thank to all who came and celebrated with us--you helped make G's special day that much more special! Love you all!
Dear Gavin,
Where do I even begin? This past year has flown by. I still remember the very moment you were born as if it were yesterday. I remember the doctor announcing that you were a boy and it's as if I had known that all along-because at that moment I loved you more than you could ever know...more than I ever imagined was possible. You were my own, precious little boy. Immediately it felt as if you had always been a part of our family and we are so incredibly blessed to have you. Gavin Joseph Helget, you are the best little addition to our family-more so than we could have ever dreamed up. I look forward to the memories we'll make as a family, you terrorizing your sister (she has no idea what's coming her way!), hearing your voice and your thoughts, watching you continue to grow and explore new things. To say that I love you so very much would never be enough! We hope you enjoyed your special day as much as we did celebrating it with our favorite little man!
We love you!
Mommy (and Daddy and Sydney)
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