A Rough Day

Jason and I recently went on THREE date nights in a matter of 7 days! What?!!! You might ask how that happened since it had been months since our last outing together with no kiddos.

1.) A VERY nice dinner out to spend some of my overtime pay for working long hours during the third quarter close. Steak and lobster mac & cheese are a favorite of ours! Jason also let me order and basically drink an entire bottle of wine. Likely overpriced, but fun to pick a bottle from an area in Napa Valley we had recently visited.

The next day resulted in some time on the couch for mama! I'll admit, my body is not used to all that wine...plus, it was a shot night for me which sometimes causes it's own set of problems. (To clarify, not shot as in alcohol, but shot as in medicine. :) Put a bottle of wine and a shot night together, and mommy ended up on the couch the next day AND in bed for her own 2 hour nap.

Lesley didn't mind the cuddle time.

Leah wanted in on the action too.

2.) Our friends Chris and Joyce invited us to join them for a preseason basketball game between Missouri and Notre Dame. Sounds great! Although the Irish played pretty terrible, it was great to catch up with them on their wedding plans and hear how things were going for our friends who we don't get to see as much as we'd like. I keep telling them that once they have kids, it will be easier for all of us to get together. That's probably a few years down the road, but I'll keep hoping.

No photos from our trip to the Sprint Center and NO headaches the next day, but we did manage to take advantage of our UMB bank accounts and visit the "VIP" corner where UMB graciously provides unlimited beer to customers. Although small cups, we didn't hesitate to go back, again and again.

3.) We also took advantage of the babysitters (Grandma Nancy, Papa Keith, and Uncle Andy) in the family on Friday night after Thanksgiving. We sent all three big girls to their house, Lyssa stayed home with her mommy and daddy for a (somewhat) quiet evening, and Jason and I headed to meet my cousin Chris and his wife, my high school friend Cathy for dinner. It was awesome to eat pizza and just sit and chat with them, having no kids around to interrupt.

We showed up to G&G's house after the kiddos were peacefully sleeping and Uncle Andy was cursing us. Yikes! I think the little ladies were a bit much to handle that evening. Our diaper bag got left at Aunt Aimee's house so poor Leah didn't have her evening bottle, and it sounds like Lesley missed her mama. I think the evening's activities confused her a bit since she thought she was going to Grandma's house with Mommy, but didn't understand the detour Mommy and Daddy took enroute to Grandma's.

We are thankful for Grandma Cheryl to babysit one night, Matt, Kim, and Nick another night, and Grandma Nancy, Papa Keith, AND Uncle Andy to handle the little ladies the last night. I'm feeling a little guilty for not being with the girls all those evenings, but I think since it was Thanksgiving week, we had plenty of time together. The girls were both ready and excited to go to the babysitter and play with the other kids this morning.

A trip to the library

Lesley has been asking to go to the library for a long time. The babysitter checks out books about once a week and she thinks that is great. So, we headed to the library the other day.

Only, they had no interest in the books and just wanted to play with some of the toys.

There was a bench with an ocean puzzle, some seashells, and marine type photographs.

We sorted the seashells, counted them, and listened for the ocean by holding them up to our ears. Lesley thought that was cool, but didn't believe when I said you could hear the waves. :)

It was a pretty short visit and Lesley didn't even want to check out books when we were getting ready to leave. I think the librarian was confused (offended?) when we left without books. She asked me a couple of times if we needed help finding anything, or if there was a particular book we were looking for. Nope, just not a lot of interest in the actual books.

And a trip to the Museum too

Since the library trip was so short, we headed down the street to the museum.

Leah had lots of fun on the stage!

Lesley dressed up too, but we didn't get any good shots of the front of her.


The girls also had a blast in the kitchen making apple and cherry pies!

Leah couldn't quite figure out out to get the egg in this next set of photos. She was determined though and didn't give up until she got the egg.

I can't quite reach it with my right hand...

Still trying!

Okay, so let's try the left hand this time.

We always love going to the museum! One day a few weeks ago, our sitter needed the day off so I took the girls that morning. I was surprised to find out that Funky Mama, a kids entertainer was performing that morning. We got the last 3 tickets! It was fun, but Lesley asked about a million times if she could go play with the chickens. She wasn't as excited about the concert as her mommy was!

Bath time

Bath time can have a few different outcomes. "Successful" or "hysterical crying fits" sort of sums them up.

It's not something Lesley really wants to participate in since she LOVES showers so much. She's going to be one those 30 minute shower, use all the hot water people.

Leah still loves her baths and rushes to the bathroom at the word.

But, I struggle with her too. She likes to drink the bath water and stand up in the tub. "Sit Leah" is a frequent request/demand. Last night I took all the cups or toys that can be used as cups out of the tub before I started the water. She quickly realized what had happened and started grunting and pointing (a standard method of communication for her). She somehow knew they were in the sink and insisted. I told her, "if you stay sitting and you don't drink out them, you can have them."

She was so excited and seemed to totally understand because she immediately sat back down. And, she didn't drink any of the water...at first. It must have been too tempting because I eventually had to take the cups out again.

That's when the hysterical crying fits start. The rest of the bath involves quick scrubbing with soap and dumping water over her head to get it out. And, more crying followed by kicking and screaming while pajamas are being forced on her.

Thankfully though we get some nights where they play together and have fun with the bubbles or shaving cream. And, SPLASHING!

A Look Alike

Of who you might ask....well, Abby Cadabby (with a special mustache) of course!

She went to the babysitter's one morning, but needed a change in clothes for some reason. She picked her FAVORITE shirt and Chris thought piggy tails were appropriate. We are sort of at the age when she won't allow me to put piggy tails in, but Chris seems to have little problem. She came home looking quite cute this day!

We've been into making fruit slushies lately. They more like smoothies since there's no ice in them - just fruit, yogurt and a little apple juice or water. Lesley loves them and she certainly gets some fruit servings in with these drinks.

Also, Lesley seems to drool quite a bit for a 2 1/2 year old. A lot! It's been concerning me some so I mentioned it to our Parents as Teachers educator and she sent me some research/articles on it. A bit concerning was that drooling can be an indicator of future speech problems. Yikes! One of the best "therapies" is sucking from a straw. So that was one reason to get the blender out and make some fruit smoothies. And, we'll be talking to the dentist and pediatrician about it at her next visits.

We've been making applesauce and dried apple slices a lot lately. Lesley has gotten the hang of the apple corer/peeler/slicer. It makes the process so much faster! And it's awesome how excited she gets about helping us out and eating "her apples".

Future Medical Professionals

If you ask Lesley and Lilly what they did this weekend, they will tell you "doctoring."

First, Lilly was "doctoring" the puppy and showing Lesley how to appropriately put a bandaid on the hurt doggy.

Then, she was checking Lesley's heart.

Seems good!

I'm just a little concerned that Lilly appears to be working in an animal hospital.

Should we warn Lesley?

It's okay, little sister was supervising.

Switch! Lesley's turn to vaccinate Lilly.

Someone else thinks she needs a turn.

One last check.

I think you're going to make it!

Meeting #4

The girls and I finally got to love on this sweet baby.

How is it that you forget newborns are so tiny?

And loveable.

And POPULAR.

I had to fight Cousin #1 and Cousin #2 off many times just to get a cuddle.

Every time I picked Lyssa up, Lesley would rush over, "Mommy, can I hold her?" Or, "Mommy, it's my turn to hold the baby?" Or, "Mommy, I really want to hold Lyssa now."

Neither girl wanted to let Lyssa sleep.

They wouldn't even let Grandma Nancy have a turn. You can see Leah trying to give hugs and kisses. Sort of the forehead kind. But very sweet nonetheless.

Seriously, is it too much to ask to hold my new niece without being attacked by my own girls?

Cousin #2 really did not want to leave Lyssa alone.
Always checking on her and wanting to give her kisses.

I had a feeling she wouldn't be jealous of mommy holding another baby. And, I was right. She just wanted to be in on the action and hold or touch or pet (or poke!) or kiss Lyssa.

Finally! It was my turn (although you might see Leah's head sneaking into the picture:).

Grandma Nancy sent this photo out to some family and Jason immediately called me saying "This photo makes me nervous. We may need to talk. I recognize that smile and those eyes."

Whatever do you mean honey?

And, we are so thankful and lucky to have had the opportunity to get all FOUR great-granddaughters together with Great-Papa and Great-Grandma Holtz. It was very special.

Great-Grandma said that she was comparing notes with her sister who has four great-grandsons. We are not quite caught up yet....just more little girl to go!

And, maybe my favorite picture of the weekend. Papa and all his girls!

The big girls had a blast this weekend. They wouldn't even let Papa go to the potty without interrupting. Lots of mischief and a little bit of sharing/kindness for Leah who had a rough weekend. There is possibly a new tooth tonight. Let's hope it sticks. Come one Lyssa, Leah needs a partner in crime!

The Carlin Family Kitchen Band

We had fun the other night making our own family band.

Do you even know the possibilities of noises that come from kitchen "stuff"?

It all started when Leah was emptying the corner cabinet and Lesley got the cookie cutters out.

Instead of putting things back right away, we decided to make a "game" out of it.

My favorite was the ice cube trays.

Lesley got a little carried away and we had to remind her that there were people around. She should probably not swing her arms as fast as she could to get the most noise.

Our conductor even found a good place to sit while drumming away.

This activity seriously kept the whole family busy for 20-30 minutes. (Then we had to clean some of the band equipment. :)

Thanks Leah for helping us to think outside the box!

A November Walk

The weather has been amazing! Yes, we've had a few cool days but overall I love that we could go for a walk in November and enjoy the sunshine and breeze.

Little sister didn't want to go, so it was just Lesley and Mama. It was snack time so Lesley enjoyed some fresh apples while Mama pulled the wagon around the block.

I really like this photo of Lesley. She has been a great girl lately, so kind and gentle with little sister and generally just happy. The fits and tantrums seem fewer and less extreme. I am more aware of the needed transitions and what she will and won't respond/react to. We do a lot of warning to try and take away any "surprises" for her. As an example, we have to establish every night who will be taking her to Chris's and who will be picking her up the next day. And, thoroughly cover any unique circumstances or events that might be happening.

I can totally picture her with a daily planner in the future. Though, it will probably be electronic versus the hard copies her mama used to maintain while in school. :)

And, she says some of the funniest things and she remembers EVERYTHING. I wish I could write them all down so I don't forget.

This little miss wanted to take the cozy coupe on the walk. Neither her mama or her daddy were thrilled with the idea of pushing that around the block, so she decided to stay in the cul-de-sac and cruise around with Daddy.

Stunt Woman

Does anyone else remember this stage that Lesley went through?

Leah has been hearing "Sit down Leah" a lot lately.

She doesn't usually listen and distraction is becoming less and less effective. Babe might be put in time out soon...only because time out is not yet effective for Leah.

Love

I can't even try to tell you how much I love these girls! Words aren't enough.

Welcome Lyssa Sue

We have a new NIECE and she is so sweet!

Lyssa Sue arrived Wednesday night and we couldn't be happier!

10:45pm, 7 pounds, 11 ounces

Perfect.

Lyssa was named after her Daddy's sister Melissa who passed away about 10 years ago, before Aimee and Mike started dating. She has a very special name and I hope she cherishes it always.

Last night Lesley was running around our house saying "Lyssa, Lyssa, Lyssa, Lyssa....." She is so happy for Lilly and keeps saying she wants to hold Lyssa too. "But the mommy's feed the babies." Then, randomly she would ask, "What is the baby doing now? Is she sleeping? Is her mommy feeding her?" I love her excitement. We didn't get any of that when Leah was born because Lesley was too little to really understand.

Aimee and the baby got home from the hospital this afternoon and it sounds like things are going good....well, as good as can be expected with a newborn and toddler in the house. Aimee says that Lilly wants to be very hands on which makes her nervous. We talked about how the second time around is easier because the baby "stuff" comes a little easier, but then there's the fun aspect of having a toddler around too. I assured her that things would settle down soon enough, and life will find a new "normal" for the expanded family.

But, she was excited to report that Lilly appears to be fully potty trained as of last week! Great timing! Let's cross our fingers she doesn't regress (too much) with the new baby in the house.

Grandma Nancy and Papa Keith better keep stocking up on barbies, dollhouses, dress up clothes, and pink bee-bee guns. Four granddaughters! So. Much. Fun.