Fleece Mommy Doc

What is that you ask.... Translation; Feliz Navidad. That is how Grayson sings the song. It seems to be his favorite this year along side, 'Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer'. I laughed so hard when I heard him singing that at the top of his lungs. We are ready and so excited for Christmas and the arrival of Santa. I was thinking of things I am thankful and there are a lot and I thought how lucky I am to be blessed with such a great husband.

The other evening, he took Grayson out to teach him about gift giving. They went to Hamilton Town Center to buy gifts for Mommy and Rogan. I thought it was so sweet because this year Grayson understands a lot more and Daddy is the one that took special time to help him learn. He was so excited to pick out gifts for me and Rogan. The next morning, he wanted to tell me so badly what he had bought. The part about waiting, will be hard for him but he is managing. Marc is such a wonderful father to both the boys, something to be very thankful for!

My my how our Rogan has grown. He is crawling and pulling up every where. He wants to be on the floor and into everything. He just keeps getting more and more independent and let me say, "I don't like it." I want him to stay a baby while he is a baby. I feel like I have a toddler trapped in a babies body. He wants to do everything he sees Grayson doing and if he can't, what a fit he throws! He wants it all right now! He has become so fast overnight. Now that Rogan has finally gotten over his cold and ear infection, three more teeth are erupting...my poor baby. Needless to say, sleepless nights are back again. They just keep haunting me! Maybe some day! We can't wait to have our first Christmas with baby Rogan. It seems like yesterday, we were making cookies on Christmas Eve for Santa and wishing Rogan were here and look, an entire year has already come and gone! He is such a sweet baby. We have enjoyed listening to Christmas music every night while making dinner and eating. Rogan loves his one on one with Mommy as we dance around the house listening to holiday music. He is so in love with Mommy. I am all he wants. He will smile at others from across the room but don't take him away from his Mommy. Just when I thought life could not get any better, Rogan came into our lives!

Grayson and I enjoyed playing in the snow today. He could not wait to go out! He was begging me from the time he looked out the window and saw the snow falling. We went out for a bit while Rogan was napping. It was lots of fun running through the snow and racing Grayson along with a few snowball fights. Grayson also enjoyed going to Jolly Days at the Children's Museum with Marc on Sunday. We love going at Christmas time but try to avoid all the crowds. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Jesus our Savior! Most of all, I am thankful for my family!

Visiting Santa and the LS Ayres Tea Room

Today was a very special day. We went with Grandma to The State Museum to see Santa. Santa also brought his train! The museum was decorated so festive! My mom would take me to see Santa and ride the train when I was a little girl and then eat at the Tea Room afterwards. This was something my mom and I have wanted to do but waited until Grayson was a bit older. He and Rogan had so much fun! Grayson colored a picture on the way to see Santa. When we arrived, he ran to the train. He was so escited! He naturally, picked to red train cart. Rogan and I rode in the cart behind him. We rode through the winter wonderland to Santa's house to see him and Mrs. Claus. Both the boys sat on Santa's lap. Grayson told him what he wanted for Christmas. Gandma and I even got our picture taken with Santa with the boys!

We also were able to listen to a children's chior while we were there. Soon after, we headed over to the Tea Room for lunch. It was so nestalgic. They had on display all the old photos of the L.S. Ayres building down town along with the original china and toy box. All the tables looked the same also. Lunch was amazing! The boys loved it. Grayson had his first Shirley Temple! I use to love those! Today was as special for the boys as it was my mother and myself. We took the boys over to see the original train that we rode in when we were young and also the display window that I recall going to see each and every year on the circle!! This will be a tradition my mom and I will hopefully be able to do every year with the boys now!!

Thanks for the wonderful memories Grandma!!!

The arrival of Nigel

Last week our elf from the North Pole arrived. His name is Nigel. He came to us all wrapped in a beautiful box with a shiny bow. When we opened it, we found Nigel. That is the name we gave him. We were told to pick a name. He was sent to us from Santa to watch over the boys during the holiday season. Nigel even came with a book, 'The Elf on the Shelf'. I read it to the boys , it told of Nigel's journey and how the tradition came about. Nigel reports to Santa every evening all the way to the North Pole while they are sleeping. Each morning they search for Nigel in his new hiding spot. It is such fun! Nigel can't talk though because he is under strict order from Santa not to speak. They also can't touch Nigel or he loses his magic. We are so delighted to have Nigel as our Elf. He will be part of our family traditions every year! He leaves each year with Santa on the night Santa comes to our house!

Thanks Aunt Pam!!

Happy First Thanksgiving...Rogan!!!!

Well, Thanksgiving was wonderful. It was Rogan's first and it couldn't have been any better than it was. We decided to stay home and celebrate with just the 4 of us. My parents went to Monticello to spend it with The Lyons Family. We knew Rogan would be on melt down with such a long drive and decided to stay at home. We had a fire going all day. It smelled wonderful. The hickory wood filled the entire house with a holiday smell, along with the turkey... it smelled just like Cracker Barrel. We watch Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph. Marc made most of our Thanksgiving feast. He finished the turkey, made mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and I made the macaroni and cheese. The feast was fabulous!

After nap and pumpkin pie, we put up our Christmas tree. Rogan was mesmerised by the lights. Grayson wanted to help Daddy do everything! He and Marc put on their Santa hats and went to work while Rogan was busy pushing up and rocking on his hands and legs. He starts to take a step forward and then decides, "This is too hard, I'll just roll to where I want." He had a few really rough evenings last weekend. He got another tooth on top, front center (central incisor). After it finally broke through, life got much easier! He has been in a bit of a mood again now that the tooth next to his new one is coming in also. Thus far, he has not been near as bad so it much not hurt as much...yet?

I took the boys to see Grandpa and Grandma yesterday. They both had a great time! They had some new toys there waiting for them to open so that was a surprise! Grayson has a pet dino there that spits at you and bites! Yikes!!! Rogan got a new train that plays music and has multiple blocks.

Thanksgiving was so special and I hope everyone else had one just as special! Gobble, gobble ...gobble!!!

Rogan is Nine Months!!!

Monday, November 16, 2009 Rogan is nine months! I can't believe how time has flown! He is such a big boy. He has decided he is done with that baby food. He only wants to eat what we are eating. He loves strawberries, blueberries, bananas, pasta, carrots and peas etc. He will only eat his baby cereal when I mix it with his YoBaby yogurt. He loves all the little graduates finger foods by Gerber! Anything he can feed himself and to see him eat cottage cheese is a site!

Marc is off this week so we are enjoying all sorts of fun activities. We were going to take a trip to Tennessee but decided against it with Rogan. We took Grayson on his first trip when he was almost 1. It worked out great b/c we turned his car seat around for the trip. It was our Saving Grace! Rogan will be 1 in February so in May, we are taking a trip to Disney for Rogan's first vacation.

Yesterday, we went to Build a Bear. It was Rogan's first time. Grayson wanted to get the Frosty the Snow Man. Grayson's Snow Man plays the song 'Frosty the Snow Man' and when you pull open his hat, he makes magic sounds! Grayson showed Rogan how to stuff the bear, clean the bear and name him. It was the cutest thing ever.....when I pulled Rogan's Moose out of the bin, he grabbed it and laid his head on it and gave it a big hug. He loved that moose from the moment he laid his baby eyes on it! We named him 'Jingle Moose'. His antlers light up and he sings 'Jingle Bell Rock'! After our trip and excitement at Build a Bear, we stopped of to visit Santa! WoW!!!!

Santa flew in on his reindeer at the mall to visit. Grayson told Santa what he wanted for Christmas and then Santa gave him a candy cane. Rogan went right to Santa. I was shocked! He smiled at him and even sat through all the pictures. I think big brother Grayson, made it seem like a good thing to do. Rogan always wants to do what Grayson is doing. Grayson's first year seeing Santa was very dramatic. He was terrified of the 'Big Man in the Red Suit.' But our Rogan was all about Santa. Marc and I were so excited.

We are counting down the days until we can put up our tree! We can't wait. The day after Thanksgiving!! Yea! We have a big announcement... my friend Kriste just had her baby. His name is Henry. Now Grayson's friend Jack is a big brother too. I went to see Henry today and he is too cute! Congratulations to the Ortman Family! I was so emotional when I walked onto the maternity ward. We had both our boys at Riverview too. The sounds and smells and all the warm welcome made all the memories from our son's births come rushing back. I had to take a deep breath as not to cry. Maybe another baby....who knows!

Grayson's 4th Birthday and Rogan's 1st tooth

Grayson's 4th birthday was so much fun. He went to The Children's Museum with Daddy. They went through the haunted house and then all over the museum. Rogan and I stayed behind so Grayson could stay longer at the museum. Rogan only lasts for so long and on Grayson's special day, we wanted it to be all about him. Grayson helped me make his birthday cake in the morning. He enjoyed licking all the left overs off the spatula. Grayson also took cup cakes to school this week to celebrate with his school friends. He also had a fall party this week. Lots of celebrating.

Later that afternoon, after nap, Grandpa and Grandma came over to celebrate with us. We had Grayson's favorite...pizza! Then presents and cake!! What fun! Grayson enjoyed every minute! This past Friday, I took Grayson to see The Imagination Movers. It was such a fun Grayson and Mommy date. After the show, we went and had dinner together. We were so close to the stage! Grayson wasn't sure what to think but he started dancing after a while. It was a great show!! Lots of little kids there and parents. :)

Rogan is getting his first tooth! His two central incisors are coming through in the bottom (the front teeth). Time for brushing and a visit to the dentist! Already!!! Rogan and Grayson had a great Halloween. They both dressed up as Spider Man and so did Daddy. We took Rogan to a few houses then Marc and Grayson went back out. Grayson got lots of candy. Grandpa and Grandma came by to see the boys and get some pictures. We are all staying free from illness so far. We shall see how that goes with everyone being sick. We all have flu shots and Graysoon got the HINI mist so hopefully the rest of us can get it soon too. We are crossing our fingers and hope it stays away from our house.

Pumpkin Picking, Carving and Conner Prarie

My boys are such the pair. It is go..go..go from the moment they awaken until their little heads hit the bed at night. We have had fun this October despite the cold and gloomy weather. I took the boys the other day to see the pumpkin patch and to pick out pumpkins. It was so beautiful that day. The sun was shining brightly and a soft breeze, just perfect. Grayson had 'Dad's Night' at school on Tuesday. It was a special night for Dad's and their children. They each brought a pumpkin to carve. Daddy and Grayson also enjoyed games and a special snack. Grayson dressed up as Spider Man ...as you all would have guessed.

Rogan is now sitting up very well on his own. Loving music and dancing just like Mommy and Grayson. He can move objects from one hand to the other, bang them together and throw them as all babies do. Rogan is into crinkling his nose and laughing. He loves to feed himself snacks and drink from his sippy cup. He is pushing himself up on the floor so it won't be long! and he will be on the move. Rogan is growing so fast, he now wears 12 month clothes mostly. Where did my little baby go! Before long, we will be celebrating his 1st birthday!:(

We went to Conner Prairie the other day with my cousins, Hillary and Lauren. Lauren just had a baby girl a little over a month ago so we got to see little Lily also. She is so cute! When I told Grayson where we were all going...he said, "Two babies, that's a lot!" Grayson was all over the place, running here and there. It was a very busy day that I had chosen for all of us but it was still great to visit and see everyone and be outside. Later that evening, Grayson went back with Daddy for Fall Festivities. Grayson and Daddy watched the traditional cartoon (friendly version) of the 'Headless Horseman' and also made S'mores around a camp fire.

We are looking forward to this weekend. Our little Grayson will be 4 on Saturday at 3:03 pm. What a big week it will be. Cake and pizza Saturday along with a trip to The Children's Museum to visit the Haunted House (friendly hours). On Tuesday, Grayson is taking Sponge Bob cupcakes to school to celebrate his birthday. On Friday, he goes to the Imagination Movers concert. So exciting!

Chatter box, bonfires and more!!!

Rogan has found his voice...his very loud voice and has realized that screeching is even better. He now says mama, I am proud to announce. He said dada first and that needed to be fixed immediately! Rogan has been a sick little boy this past week. He is still his jovial self for the most part with some spurts of irritation and crying and don't let me forget, 'The please don't put me down ' phase. It goes with being sick. He just wants to be in our arms while he's not feeling well. He had a very high fever which finally came down but was accompanied with an ear infection. Now, five days later, he has a slight fever again. I am taking him back today. Hopefully, his ears look alright now and he is on the up and up. We shall see. Rogan has gotten so long over the past few months. He is seven months but wears 9 months in shirts and sleepers. Speaking of growing, Grayson has gotten so big. He is all boy and tall for his age. He is wearing a size 5...wow! That is what I think! His foot is also huge, size 10.5 wide. Daddy will be in trouble one day! Maybe sooner than we think! Rogan is loving the outdoors. What shall we do when winter arrives. When I walk over to the back or front door, he cries if we are not walking out. He loves his baby swing on the swing set. Grayson and Rogan can swing at the same time. Rogan enjoys the walks as much as Grayson.

Grayson had the best time ever this past weekend. We had family from Wisconsin here for the weekend. My cousin, Emily has a little boy, Aiden who is Grayson's age. It was like watching a Grayson clone. The two of them played so well together! They were both so much a like. We sure wish they were closer. Aiden would be Grayson's best bud without a doubt! I enjoyed watching the two of them having so much fun! I think Grayson found his match! Aiden liked all the things Grayson liked. They played in the huge pine trees behind my parents house. Grayson calls it 'The Mountains'. Aiden seemed to like it also. They also roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for s'mores. Yum! Yum! It was so wonderful to see the Lyons family, a true treat! Aiden loves the Movers like Grayson, dinosaur, cars and all the other good 'boy stuff'.

We are trying to keep busy at home while Rogan is getting better. Grayson has a bit of a cold also. We are back to finding inside games to keep us busy and on occasion, we can go out side for a bit when the weather allows. Too cold today though, try telling that to Rogan! Rogan and Grayson got a goodie box in the mail from Aunt Pam and Uncle Tony today. It is for Halloween. They were so excited about the gift as you can see!!!

Seven Months...already!

Time has just flown by with Rogan. When Grayson was a baby, the days seemed to go much slower. It seemed as though his baby stage lasted longer. Maybe now, we are moving faster because we have two sons to care for. But if I could have one wish, it would be to make these days last longer! Rogan says, " Gaaaa... ahhhh...Daaaa." Unlike Grayson whose first word was Mama, Rogan says Dada. Rogan ate his first gram cracker the other day and loved it. He also tried some of my famous banana bread. He is rolling everywhere and lifting his upper body up. He has so much strength for baby. He loves to touch our faces and hit them. Rogan is also starting to drink from a sippy cup. When I feed him solids, I put a bit of juice and water in a cup and let him practice. I feel like these past few days, Rogan has moved into a huge new phase with his eating and drinking. No teeth yet..thank goodness b/c nursing will be out the window. Rogan also found his boy part...get it! He says..."Forget those toes, look what I found!"

We are getting ready for fall around here, pumpkins are up. I can't wait. I just love that time of the year! Grayson's birthday is just around the corner. I am counting down the days until we see the Imagination Movers.... a true Mom. I have lost my self in Mommy World. Funny words from Grayson... the other day he felt Marc's arm and said, "You got some big muscles Daddy!" When I look at Grayson, I can't believe how big he is. His pants seem so long when I fold them from out of the dryer. I can't believe it has been 7 months since the day Rogan came home. The Wonderful World of Boys!!!!

Roll with it Baby!!!

I am very happy to report that Rogan is on the move... he is every where!!!! He rolls or does ( what I like to call) the pelvic thrust head scoot all over the place. It is bitter sweet. I am happy he is meeting his big mile stone but sad he is already that big and strong! He babbles up a storm and loves to carry on conversation. Rogan just loves being outside! He enjoys walking every morning and afternoon. Yesterday, we took a blanket outside to play on while big brother Grayson played on his swing set. Yes, Grayson loves his swing set. It has a steering wheel on the fort and Grayson likes taking us places by boat and bus . Rogan also likes sitting in his walker under the tree in the shade. He is a little outdoors men. Rogan also finally, got to go swimming last week a few times. Now that everyone is back in school, the pool is not so crowded at the YMCA. I feel like I can watch the boys better. Rogan liked the water as long a he was on my lap. Grayson is a fish! Next year, they both will be able to enjoy the water. I will have my hands full! :)

Grayson has had a good week with starting Pre-K. He seems to be enjoying himself also! He had to wear red today for 'Red Day'. He was excited when he woke up to be going to his school and seeing his new friends. He made my day the other morning. Grayson saw my wedding ring setting out and said to me..."Mommy, I'm gonna marry you when I grow up." Is that the sweetest thing! I thought so. Every Mother's dream, he loves me just that much.