Good Things are Happening

I have to report that we have had some positive steps in the Koen training, so that's great. He's getting really positive himself about wearing underpants and is learning to take breaks in what he's doing to try and go on the potty, so that is very encouraging. Plus, we really had a real win and he went on the toilet this afternoon. Yay! So encouraged to see him get it a little. Things are looking up!

Tavin is a doll. I had to stop myself from taking too many pictures of him on the swing at playgroup. 10 is probably enough. =) Koen was a little jealous I think and was giving me some hugs around the neck, so I gave him the attention he was looking for and we got a picture too.

Tavin is loving the cereal. I think I have to start making more for him than I have been. The last 2 days it seems as if he has been begging for more. He swallows every last bit!

Koen was a great little pal this morning as he worked on his training. I got some things done in the kitchen and he pretended to be busy too. Here he is making a recipe. He said it was for "old bread" and called for "cans of peas and beans." That should be some yummy bread! Not to mention it was made of macaroni. =)

Another 4 Month Side-by-Side

I've put a picture of Tavin as my desktop background (picture above on left). I keep thinking, where have I seen that face before? Of course, it is in Koen. Here's a similar picture of Koen. They are both darling and definitely brothers!

Chilly Days in Pittsburgh

The last few days have put us back in our winter garb. It was in the 30's last night and is supposed to be again tonight. Brrrr!! Thankfully the Spring sun warms things up nicely during the day.

The boys and I headed out on a walk after Koen's non-nap (that's right, he never fell asleep) and Tavin's brief nap and long eating session (he is loving the cereal!). It always feels good to get out in the fresh air, even if it is chilly. The boys were both overtired tonight, which made for a rough trip home from the grocery store. Thankfully Daddy got home right after we did and quickly aided us in our final moments together. Phew...Mommy was just about out of steam!

I'm a little bummed with our double stroller (Graco Duo Glide). An awesome hand-me-down from a friend for sure, but I'm just not sure I can make it work as our everyday stroller. It is very awkward and difficult to get up and down the stairs in our front yard. Not only is it heavy, but it is also really hard to get a good hold on to lift it up the stairs (or into the car). Then, when I finally lug it up the stairs (while also holding Tavin mind you), you have to have it perfectly positioned to fit sideways through our double entry doors into the little vestibule. And when my arms are about to give and the baby on my hip is crying, this is not an easy task (not to mention Koen who I practically have to run over since he is so interested in what I'm doing). Finally, the worst part is the folding up. Although there is an easy one-step way to do it, the ease of the one-step is foiled if the front wheels are at all not perfectly in line facing forward. This wouldn't be so frustrating if there was a way to lock them into place, but there is not, so you just have to time it perfectly and manuever the closing function gracefully. Not easy again, while holding poor Tavin!

Due to our recent issue with our Chicco single stroller that came from our travel system, I was on their website. I noticed that they have introduced a new double stroller. I totally have stroller lust. I am on the prowl for something that might work better, but also still open to trying to make this free blessing be the vehicle I'm hoping it can be for us.

Toilet Training Continues

We are still working on it. I've seen some progress, I guess. He definitely seems more interested in going and sitting on the toilet, doesn't fight it quite as much. It is a painfully slow process though. He definitely had an accident every time still, although he had one success after one of the accidents when I put him on the toilet to "finish". I made a big deal (calmly) about it and gave him a cheap dollar store matchbox car. He was thrilled (of course he wanted more than one...nothing is ever good enough even at 3 it seems).

I must apologize to those of you that don't care to read the word "toilet" twenty times in a post. I promise I will reel in my toilet training woes. It's just sort of all we do right now. I'm sick of it myself already and we are on Day 2 of the hardcore attempt to get this job done (no pun intended).

I'm praying that he can just relax and figure this out and start to see some progress himself.

In related news, Tavin had an amazingly long nap this morning which was great for Koen and I, but he only slept 45 mins. this afternoon, which I knew would happen, but he was so tired he was asking to lay down. Anyways, he's screaming, so I have to run. Koen is still talking to himself I think, so I'm really hoping that he is on the verge of sleep because I need a little break.

Cuddle Time

Lately, every morning that Tavin and I go up to get Koen up, he stays laying in his bed and I lay Tavin down next to him. Now, he asks for it. He loves cuddling next to Tavin. He always makes sure to lay "new Teddy" down next to Tavin and he keeps original Teddy with him. Although, Teddy usually gives Tavin a number of kisses. I wanted to get a picture of them just cuddling, but Koen kept doing his cheesy smile (with thumb in mouth at the same time). =)

Day Two of Rice Cereal for Tavin - So Cute!

Doesn't it just look like he's saying..."Whoa, what was that you just shoved in my mouth!"?

Video again, it's just too cute!

Toilet Training Woes

So, now that we are over the Tavin napping issues, we've managed to successfully transition Koen to a toddler bed, it is now time to complain about potty training. Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is not the first attempt. We had a solid attempt in both August and October. Both were a no go and I chocked it up to the fact that he wasn't the magical number 3 yet, as many of my girlfriends testified that when they turn 3, the light just turns on.

My son, Koen is very bright. Very with-it. I don't know what his problem is with this category of learning, but it is like he has something against learning to go and I am so, so frustrated!

We've already been through several pairs of underpants and pants. I'm so surprised he doesn't care one bit to see his clothes get all messy and he actually hasn't minded the time it takes to stop playing and put on a new outfit. What is it going to take?

I'm thinking tomorrow maybe my approach will be that if he lives on the toilet, maybe then he will go in it?? Thinking about putting the portable DVD player in the bathroom and letting him watch DVD's all day long and drink juice. Maybe then he will be relaxed enough (and full enough) to finally go where he is supposed to? I'm not necessarily super serious about this idea, but it does sound like it could work. I just don't know how to motivate Koen for this!

Any good pointers and FYI's would be appreciated. Thanks!

On a positive note, Tavin is doing awesome today. He slept in until 8am, then he took a two hour nap this morning and woke up to eat at 11:30am. Now he's been asleep since 2pm and I think I'm going to have to wake him to feed him in a few minutes. Amazing. I wouldn't be surprised if his eyes are open and he is sucking his thumb. He is starting to really do well and hanging out and appeasing himself with that. It is so cute to see him happily laying there with his thumb in his mouth. I'm so encouraged with how he's really fallen into a schedule (well, I should give myself and God a little credit). Yay, Babywise! I highly recommend it.

A Day of Firsts

KOEN'S FIRST DENTIST APPOINTMENT:

Today was Koen's first dentist appointment. He did surprisingly well. I've been so proud of him between his doctor's appointment last week and the dentist this week. He liked working the fancy chair up and down himself, but was not very pleased to sit in it himself. I ended up sitting with him on my lap and he did very well letting the technician clean his teeth with the vibrating toothbrush, using the water squirter and even the sucky thing. The dentist came in later and counted his teeth (he has 20). She says that she thinks he has a "sidebite" a little. She also thought that his tooth that had been jammed up into his gum at age 2, looked fine and didn't cause her any concern. Finally, she said that we needed to start working on curbing the thumb-sucking. I brought that up, so it wasn't that she saw any damage, but still, she likes to make sure they get over it early. Poor Koen, that isn't going to be easy. I'm determined that potty training is our big next feat though, not getting rid of the "thumbers."

Koen and I made the most of our time out and also went out for some errands and lunch at our favorite quick spot (near Target too!), Chik-fil-A. He was definitely a little tired and cranky, but still a helpful and sweet little companion for the most part. It was nice to be out with him getting some things done. Usually Tavin and I stay home and Doug and Koen get to go out and do the running around. It felt good to get some errands done on my own!TAVIN'S FIRST SOLID FOOD:

So, this afternoon after his 3pm feeding, Tavin totally messed through his outfit. I've been waiting for a chance to feed him some whole grain rice cereal since our doctor appointment on Friday when he gave us the go ahead, so I figured, since he's naked, we might as well give it a shot! You can watch it for yourself on this video!

I really think he actually liked it a lot. He didn't push it out of his mouth on purpose. He definitely spit up a lot afterwards, but in general, I think he liked the experience and it went well. He actually just spit up down my arm as I was typing...thank you very much, Tavin!

Koen's Latest Haircut

Koen does great for haircuts. He loves the treat of watching a DVD and having some snacks.

I think this might have been the best haircut I've done yet!

Weddings & Yardwork

That sums up our weekend! =)

This weekend our landscaping contractor finished up the bulk of the work on the backyard. They have already packed up and left today. It's great they got it done as we are expecting thunderstorms later today.

I am so excited about the larger backyard, but even moreso about the privacy and safety this new yard format offers. Great vision, Douglas!

Doug did a wedding yesterday of some friends of ours. I totally meant to get a picture of the two of us together as we did look like quite a cute couple, but I forgot. And when I got home I got right back into a cumfy pair of Mom jeans.

I did catch a picture of Heinz chapel where our friends got married and a picture of Doug marrying them. This is by far the most traditional setting he has ever married a couple in, so it really made his role seem official. It's a weird feeling being a "Reverend"'s wife! =) But I was proud of him. He did a great job, it was a lovely ceremony and the reception was a blast and a really fun day date for us.

Which leads me now to thanking Uncle Nate and Aunt Megan, the willing godparents, for their generous help with the boys yesterday. You guys did such a great job with them. Every report we got via text yesterday was positive and made us a little jealous to be back at the house having fun with them. Here are a few pictures of the godparenting that went on.

Well, I'm hoping to get a few minutes "peace" on the front porch before it's time to feed Tavin again. Koen is talking in his whining voice, hopefully winding down for a good, long nap. Tavin made noises like he was waking up early, but I think (and oh, I hope!) he has fallen back asleep.

Here's a picture of Tavin this morning. He was being sweet, so I had to take a picture. And Aunt Abbie came by this afternoon after church. It was great to have her here through lunch and for Koen's silly playtime before nap. That will help my energy stretch a little farther that I had some help in the middle of the day. Thanks, Aunt Abbie!

A Busy, Great Day

Sometimes days just fly. That is what happened today. I can't believe it's 9:15pm (although I feel like it's 12am - I'm beat!).

This morning Koen and Doug went out for some errands and Tavin and I stayed home. I got him all cleaned up in the bath for his 4 month appointment this afternoon. He is doing great with bathtime. Never cries anymore. He is so sweet all cuddled up in the towel. The picture doesn't do him justice, but he is so precious!
Koen and Doug ended up having a productive errand run and some special time together at Mellon Park and then later at Qdoba for lunch. You can see here that Koen is enjoying his own meal with salsa. Doug said he was particularly fond of the hot green salsa. He is his father's son!

Tavin and I waited on the porch for Doug (after the mini photo shoot above) and Koen to get home in the middle of the day. We took the chance to get some photos of the backyard progress. Today a man came (all by himself!) to remove the ugly tree/bush thing that was outside our kitchen and he also took out the old fencing. Tomorrow the landscaping crew comes to put up the new fence and finish the wall work. Yay! So exciting, but it looks like we will come in under budget on the project altogher. When does that happen? I've been so proud of Doug as he has found friends wanting to get rid of fill and hauled it himself with the help of friends to save us hundreds of dollars. Yay, husband!
This afternoon Tavin was on the floor playing and Koen decided to decorate him with Trader Joe's stickers. So cute! I totally encouraged it as he is quite gentle and it is hilarious. Tavin loves the attention from him and is such a good sport.

Tavin and I took a walk while Koen was napping (and our wonderful neighbor, Hilary, stayed at the house) to go to his 4 month appointment. He was so sweet there. It was during his normal afternoon naptime though, so he was a little touchy and cried when the doctor tried to make friends with him and he absolutely lost it when he got his shots. Just breaks my heart. He was deemed healthy and strong though, a great praise! He was 13 lbs and 11 oz (25th percentile) and 26 inches (80th percentile). I can't believe how fast they grow! Tonight was a rush! Abbie came over to babysit the boys because Doug and I had to go to a wedding rehearsal dinner at Le Mont, the nicest French restaurant in Pittsburgh! Yum! Beautiful too!Well, this is quite an abrupt ending, but I'm tired and that about sums up our day, except to give a big ode to Aunt Abbie. She had to deal with overtired Tavin, sleepy Koen and a headache (not to mention she left her purse at work!). She managed to get them both to bed though and they are sleeping well already. Thanks, Aunt Abbie!

Playgroup Day

So, not much time to blog these days it seems. Tavin is stretching out wake times, Koen is a busy little guy and I have had a good deal of work work to do in my very small time in the afternoons when both boys nap. Anyways, trying to keep you all updated and I enjoy journaling this way anyways!

Thursdays is playgroup. A breezy, warm and yet, also somewhat chilly day here in the Burgh. Seems as if the day couldn't decide what it wanted to do. We enjoyed being outside though.

Tavin woke up before 11am, so we quickly got a bottle ready and threw him in the double stroller with Koen (to his dismay) and booked it to the playground. This time the bottle feeding there went much better. I came prepared with more to keep the bottle warm this time and Tavin was happier altogether since he had had a good nap this morning.

I kind of feel bad for Tavin getting dragged to these outdoor events. There is not much for a small baby to do at the playground. He enjoyed some time in the swing and laid in the stroller for awhile, but mostly I carry him around following Koen around.

Koen was busy making friends and playing soccer today. He also enjoyed different activities in the water fountain. He cracks me up.

A Day with My Boys

Today has been a full, good day (and it's only 4:22pm!).

Tavin has been doing great sleeping until 7am or a little later. He is starting to wake up happy instead of just crying to be fed which is so fun to hear him cooing up there. This morning I even managed to roll out of bed early enough to shower before getting him up to eat. Amazing! Koen was surprised when I saw him at 8am and I was telling him about our day and our plans and he said, "but first you have to take a shower." When I told him I already had he said, "Good job doing that, Mommy!"

Tavin got several outfit changes today. First was due to a massive explosion I found upon getting him up. Here is in outfit number 2.

Outfit number three happened later when I discovered his diaper had leaked. I am not happy with the Target Up&Up diapers size 1. They are too loose and do not hold as much as Pampers Swaddlers. I've been using the Target diapers for Koen for years, but I didn't as an infant, so I guess I'm now remembering why.

Here's a picture of Koen at breakfast. This is his new favorite spot for eating breakfast. The buses go by very frequently and there is plenty of other interesting traffic (including "gobble gobbles" (trash trucks) today).

Anyways, we got out of the house earlier today than I think we have in months. I had both boys out the door before 9:30am. Koen had his 3 year appointment at the doctor's today. I wanted Tavin to take as much of his morning nap in the stroller as he could, so we headed out early on a walk rather than waking him up midway through the nap. Koen was a great walker today. So fun when he enjoys being outside with me since it is such a joy for me to be outdoors and moving! Unfortunately, Tavin didn't do very well napping. He woke up the second we got to the doctor's, so he only slept about 30 mins. or less.

Koen did so well at his appointment. For the first time he didn't cry to get weighed or measured. At 3, he finally would step on the scale by himself and not have to be lifted onto the baby scale (yes, that's right, I had to do that at the 2 and 1/2 appointment). He was 32.6 pounds and 38 inches! He is in the 60th percentile for weight and 75th for height. The doctor said he was doing and looking great.

Koen did so well with the rest of the checkup too. He didn't like cooperating with the eye or ear test. I should've prepped him more on that, but I didn't know they would do it already. He got through them OK, but they won't really know if he can see or hear until next year. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for him walking into things. =)

I had to break it to him that he would need a shot today. He is aware of what these are due to the doctor books we read occassionally (Corduroy, Berenstain Bears, etc.). I was truthful with him and told them what they would do and that it would hurt. He was such a good boy about it. He didn't get upset when the nurse took his arm or anything. He didn't even cry when he got pricked (he just looked really surprised). He cried a little afterward, just because I think he finally realized what he just went through, but I was so proud.

Poor Tavin was overtired, sitting in wet clothes (I was unaware of the leak at this time) and was starting to get hungry by the end of the appointment. He was still good though through all of it. I threw the boys in the carriage, got 2 stickers for Koen on the way out and booked it to the playground on the way home. I had a bottle for Tavin which I thought would work fine. Nope. Not so much. He tried to go along with my plan, but he just was too overtired. So, I gave in and gave him what he wanted. I was proud of myself for doing it at the park despite my fear of it in public, but I managed and it made him a lot happier.

Tavin managed to stay up for awhile longer when we got home and then had a 2 hour nap, yay! A lot of which was while Koen was napping, so that was a nice change for me (Tavin usually struggles with the afternoon nap and I get almost no time with both boys sleeping).

Koen went right to sleep for his nap. Oddly enough though, an hour and a half in he woke up from a cough or sneeze and then started crying like he was sick. I let him go a few minutes, but then had to go and get him. He was truly sad and not faking it. He was a mess when I got him, so I let him come downstairs and watch a DVD while I fed Tavin. He definitely needed more rest and downtime, plus, I'm still so impressed with him for the way he dealt with the doctor appointment, that I don't mind the special treat.

A Beautiful Spring Day

I love Spring! I've been feeling a little cramped lately, just stuck here in our 4 walls. So, this morning, we called Kyndal and Kaiser and invited them over for the morning/lunchtime. It was just what we needed! They came over around 10:30am and we all played while Tavin finished his nap, then I got to feed Tavin in privacy rather than around Koen because he played with Kyndal and Kaiser. He was so excited to spend some time with "Miss Kyndal." Koen used to go to Kyndal's house once a week when I was still working in the office. I think he misses his special time with her and Kaiser. While we were all together playing in the playroom he told me to "stay in the playroom and teach Kaiser about things while I go play in my room with Miss Kyndal."

After Tavin ate, we headed out to our favorite local playground with Kyndal and Kaiser and the boys enjoyed a picnic lunch. They are cute little buddies and Koen totally acts like a big brother to Kaiser. Very sweet!

The afternoon went well with Koen again napping great. I'm so impressed that he sleeps up there despite he now has the freedom to just roam about the room. He seems to be wheezing or something when he sleeps, so I'm looking forward to talking to the doctor about it tomorrow at his 3 year appointment. I'm praying he doesn't have asthma or something like that.

Tavin and I had some great "loves" today. He is just so, so smiley. Here's a video of not great quality of him enjoying some kisses and flying up in the air.

Doug got home on time tonight and we had a nice family time in the playroom and then went on a walk with Tavin in the Baby Bjorn and Koen on his bike (well, Doug pushing him).

There was quite a brawl outside at the convenience store across the street tonight. It was disturbing. I've never seen someone punched before, not to mention blood spewing out. Very frustrating and un-nerving. I called 9-1-1, but all operators were busy. Figures. I called them back later to make sure they got the report. We want this store shut down so bad, it is just a disaster waiting to happen (as if a brawl isn't enough of a disaster).

After the boys laid down and Doug had to go out, Abbie came over. Yay! Sister time. We are just finishing up our nice night together of watching "The Informant!", baking cookies, multi-tasking and chatting. I love my sister!

Landscaping Monday

Well, the backyard project is in full swing! Doug was busy today with trying to fill up behind the retaining wall with as much free fill from our neighbor's yard and ours as possible. That will save us a lot with our landscaping contractor. Not to mention while Doug was digging up some ugly concrete in our backyard, he found some of the original slate mantlepieces from our home buried in the yard and under the concrete. Amazing! One is fully intact and is so large we are probably going to use it to make it into a decorative bench.

Koen was very interested today in Daddy's project. Our neighbor, Alex, helped Doug this afternoon with the fill project and brought over his daughter, Delia. Delia and Koen are best buds and they were both enjoying working in their own "construction site."

Tavin wasn't very involved in the project, but he and I were great spectators. He was a doll today as usual. So pleasant and sweet. We had a special treat of getting to have two walks in the Baby Bjorn today just the two of us. I loved the fresh air and he loved gnawing on the chest flap (he's already gumming like he's teething and drooling to match as well).

Can you tell he just ate and is a little full??

Laughing Caught on Tape!

So, again in the jungle gym thing, but this time there is laughing! I promise my child does get to do other things other than the jungle gym. It's just by my desk, so when I'm e-mailing or working he often hangs out in there. The rest of the day we are much more innovative!

PS - Koen is sleeping in this morning and sounds like he is sick from his labored breathing on the monitor. I'm interested to see what state he is in when he wakes up.

Koen as a Mommy to Teddy

I wish I could've gotten a video or picture of this, but it would've ruined the moment.

Koen tonight was totally into caring for Teddy like I take care of Tavin. He laid him down for a nap and then visited him to give him his imaginary pacifier about 10 times. Then when we were going downstairs he asked if I could please get him a burp cloth so that Teddy's spit up doesn't get all over him. Then he wore it all night on his shoulder and burped Teddy endlessly. During dinner, Teddy sat in the swing just as Tavin does so much of the time that we spend in the kitchen. It is so precious to hear Koen comfort Teddy, "It's OK Teddy, relax and go to sleep, you need your rest." I was enjoying this little playtime so much, he is such a sweet mommy to Teddy!

Who's Who at 4 Months

Koen and Tavin definitely look similar as babies. I can totally tell the difference between the two and I'm starting to notice the differences more, but they definitely look like brothers. Take a look at these 4 month pictures.

Sorry about the grainy pictures. I was fooling with my camera and should've just left the flash on. Oh well, you can still see my cute baby boy.