Trackside fun

Tammy gave us a call last Saturday morning (Pole Day) saying she had some hospitality passes and a prime parking spot if we were up for it. This call came just after Kyle detailed out the day he planned for Mother's Day. We were planning on going to Holiday Park for a picnic and walk, but as a group decided to take Tammy up on the offer. The picnic was postponed until Sunday. We loaded up the car and spent the day at the track. Here are some photos we snagged along the way.

Firehawk was on site to greet the kids. Jackson was the only willing child. Kian teared up and screamed immediately.

Jackson and Nana Hop
Nana Hop, Kian and Mommy
Will we ever get a decent family photo?
Getting ready for the big race. Check out the video clip below.

What a face! They were definitely buddies this day, as they are most days.
Jackson is notorious for having his tongue sticking out a little bit whenever he is in action. More often than not, he will be striking this pose.
What a character!
Another character!
Jackson's Big Race: Go Bubby, Go Bubby, Go Bubby

until next time...lc

I'm Your Knight in Shining Armor

Here's a link to Sigur Ros' lyrics page on their website. It provides some translations of the songs.

Look to the left, and you'll also find a link to a pronunciation guide, so you can learn to sing along with a proper Icelandic accent!

http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/band/lyrics.php

I know, I always come through in a pinch. You're welcome.

(K)

Translation Needed

You know things are getting pretty bad when you have your child's sleepy-time songs stuck in your head. Not a big deal, you think? How would you feel if they were in a foreign language and you had absolutely no idea what they were saying? I'm lulling myself to sleep at this point. I have a hard time getting a song out of my head once it's there. After singing these couple of lines over and over, I'm ready for someone to start singing "This Is The Song That Never Ends" to me in hopes that I could change it up for an hour or so. Oh, the issues that I have.


until next time...lc

Sleep Issues

If anyone out there cares, the sleep issues at our house continue. I didn't know we could upset Kian to this degree, but I sure wish we could find a way to help him through it. We all just need a good nights sleep. I definitely think that would improve all of our moods. How dare we interrupt his life like this. If he only knows we are trying to help him become a more independent little guy, perhaps he'd understand.

Jackson has decided that if he wears his sunglasses, he will get better sleep. I about died laughing this morning when I walked in and saw him all sprawled out on his bed donning those yellow sunglasses. I so badly wanted to take his picture, but feared that I would disturb him. I suppose if the screaming from his little brother wasn't enough to disturb him, a little flash from the camera wouldn't do that much harm. I'll try for tonight if I get the chance. I am pretty sure the odds are in my favor.

I want to take some time to thank Kyle for stepping in to get through this. Kian has always been a momma's boy and hasn't ever been fond of his father during his fits. When I feel like I'm at my lowest point, Kyle jumps in and takes over. Yeah, it takes a little longer to console him, but he gets the job done. So, thanks again Kyle. You have been the reason I've gotten at least 4 hours of sleep a night.


until next time...lc

HAHAHAHAHAA...I Don't Know Why I've Not Previously Noticed the Genius of this Picture

Laura had included this picture in her slideshow from our Easter Breakfast thing at Metropolis Mall, but I'd not noticed Kian's hand until tonight, for some reason.

Anyway, I'll caption this: "UP YOURS! BACON!!!"

(K)

AAAWWW...TEE-AN, WHY YOUS NO SLEEPY BABY NO MO'???

I miss this...he used to sleep so well.

A bit of a struggle tonight. Protesting lasted about 30 to 45 minutes tonight. Laura layed down on Jackson's bed when he'd gotten calm, but hadn't committed to sleeping. He did seem to somewhat entertain himself, first to serenity, then finally to sleep; this is good, this is what Jackson started to do when he started to be able to get himself to sleep.

So, I'm thinking progress, right?

Still. I wouldn't be upset if this little version of him would become the norm all night, every night.

Daddy loves you, bubby. Nigh night.

Today is Provider Apprication Day

Happy Provider Appreciation Day! We absolutely adore Michelle for all she has done for our little ones and for all the love and attention she has shone to them. We would never have been able to get to this point without her. The boys absolutely cannot wait to go to her house each Monday and look forward to every minute the get to spend with her. Maybe it's the unlimited amount of play they get, or the gaggle of toys available, their friends, or the amount of attention they receive. Regardless, they are so happy there and we could not be more pleased.

The boys are planning to give Michelle and bunch of pink Gerber daisies, chocolate chip cookies (with the full intentions of getting one for themselves), a Starbucks gift card and a card they made. We'll have to snag a photo with her sometime to share on here.

She hasn't been feeling up to par the past few days, so Jackson suggested that he take her a "feel better sucker" to help her. We may have to incorporate that into the gift as well. He said they work for him so he wanted to share with Michelle. Thanks to Michelle for all you do! We appreciate you for more than you will ever know.

until next time...lc

Goodbye Paci, Goodbye

Last Wednesday night when putting Kian to sleep, I noticed that his beloved Paci had a little more wear and tear than I originally thought. We agreed for some time prior to that he needed to give it up. Our original goal was 18 months, but we failed. We tried to tell him that paci's were for babies and that he should throw it in the trash. Many times he would run towards the trash can, come to his senses and a screeching halt at the same time and refuse to throw it away. So Thursday morning (5/1/08) I snipped off the end of his paci.

Here are some photos and videos of the event.

He asked for his paci on the way home from daycare and quickly gave it up for a sucker upon arrival at home. He did not ask for it again until Saturday on the drive to Jasper. Once again on Sunday in the car and not another request has been made. Do you suppose this is ill-timing considering the fight the past two nights? Oh well, as you can tell from the second video, it's gone for good. We did cut off a green one just in case he was a terror at Michelle's, but they have not used it to date. In fact, he's been on such good behavior and has not bit anyone since the paci went away. He's only hit once since then. Maybe he is turning over a new leaf. We'll see.

until next time...lc

Are you kidding me?

Last night was Round 2 of the bedtime battle with Kian. Kyle was a trooper and stood guard for the first hour. I went in after that and had a short-lived battle of only 19 minutes before he conceded. Regardless, he was out for the night again.

Tonight was a completely different story. I tried to get as many things completed prior to bedtime knowing that we'd being going for Round 3, hoping that it didn't last too long. The odds were not in our favor. Kyle and Kian went to the store to get some things for Daycare Provider Appreciation Day (different post) and decided to sample a chocolate chip cookie on the way home. I noticed something on his face when he walked in and knew immediately that he had some chocolate. C'mon Daddy, what the hell are you doing...we're trying to get him to sleep. I gave Kyle quite the evil eye on this one. On top of this, Jackson came home not feeling the greatest complaining of a belly-ache. (Not all that uncommon for him I must say). Turns out he must have some sort of stomach bug. He wouldn't eat dinner, insisted on throwing up and demanded to watch cartoons to feel better. Just as we were trying to get Kian started on his bedtime routine, Jackson starting vomiting from the living room back into our bathroom. What a mess that was. I just about threw in the towel on this one. I've admitted before and will say it again. It's just easier to nurse him to sleep and deal with the consequences later. Suddenly I remembered that we're doing this for Kian's well-being, not just ours. After a bedtime story and a quick nursing session listening to Sleepytime songs, Kian went down (semi-sleeping) without making a fuss. He didn't even wake up when closing his squeaky door. I walked out to thinking any second he's going to wake up. It's been 28 minutes without a peep. Cross your fingers. We may sleep through the night. Well, maybe not. Jackson isn't feeling well after all.

until next time...lc


UPDATE: Yes, he was kidding me. This peacefulness lasted until 145am this morning. A huge tantrum was thrown until about 215am when I decided to retreat to Jackson's bed with Kian since Jackson was sleeping in our room. He didn't stop moving until I heard the alarm go off at 530am this morning. So much for being well-rested. The saga continues. Here's to Round 4 and a better nights sleep.

Weekend in Jasper

We spent this past weekend in Jasper visiting my family and attending a baby shower for a childhood friend of mine. Overall it was a nice visit. Yeah, we had some ups and downs, but we came back in one piece with no injuries and still in time to do our routine weekend chores. That always makes for a nice weekend. While at the baby shower, Jami announced that they receive a slew of baby turkeys the preceding Wednesday. After some time (Kyle and southern Indiana are not a match), Kyle and the boys met up with my mother and I at Jami and Steve's house. They were gracious enough to take us in to see the little poults. The boys were relatively interested to my surprise. On the drive up to the barn Jackson reminded us that, "I never been on a farm before." Zoos yes, evidently Farms are a no. Granted, we've been over to their house many times before, just not inside a barn or close enough to smell like we were. Oh my goodness, the smell. You'll have to ask Jackson about the smell. After that adventure, we ended up at Frank and Ashley's / Dad and Tammy's for the evening. We gathered for Dad's birthday get-together. While there, Jackson was able to break out his fishing pole for the first time. He was super-excited all week to be able to fish. All of you know that Kyle and I do not like, participate or enjoy anything to do with fishing, hunting or things along those lines. (The smells of farms rank right up there too.) Now don't get me wrong, we appreciate those that enjoy those life-styles, we just don't get down and dirty next to them. On a side note: thanks Frank and Ashley for hosting the family again this weekend. We absolutely love to visit you and know we don't do it nearly enough. You two have a beautiful family and home and we are so blessed to be a family with you. Your girls are absolutely adorable as well. We only wish were were closer and could be around more. We look forward to sharing many more adventures with you in the future.

Farm Photos:

Little Miss Madison. I believe Jami said this was her second experience being in with the turkeys. She did well with them, but enjoyed the ground cover much more. Austin was more than happy to help her cover herself too!

Party / Fishing photos:

Kian and Nolan

Mel

Miss Brooklyn swinging away. No, she didn't get into Mommy's makeup or in a fight with a marker. She just tried to take on the concrete. As you can tell, she didn't win.

He had such a great time fishing. Check out that smile!

Jackson fishing with Papaw and Nana Hop. until next time...lc

The Aftermath

Kian held strong throughout the duration of the Sleepytime Songs CD (which consists of 6 or 7 SIGUR RÓS songs, and 2 Iron & Wine songs), but for the last 10 minutes or so certainly began to sway and succumb to exhaustion.

Laura emerged victorious, but only after I nearly spoiled it by sitting in there with her and chuckling as Kian rocked back and forth and finally collapsed onto his pillow.

Truly a grueling affair. The brutality would scar tender minds for decades. I'm just glad it's over, and we can begin the healing process.

(K)


UPDATE: One night of Operation Lets-see-how-far-I-can-push-Mommy-while-I-try-ever-so-hard-not-to-fall-asleep is down, and I absolutely dread tonight. Maybe we should have used the Ferber method when he was 4 or 5 months old like we did Jackson, or maybe I should have never started to nurse him to sleep, or maybe I should "rub some dirt on it" and deal with it. Whatever it may be, I absolutely cannot stand to hear my children scream right next to me. Why is it so hard for him to change? He proved last night that he is much more strong-willed than I ever imagined. He was a man on a mission. However, so was I. I wow. Take that little guy. You can fight me to the end, but I plan on staying in this for the long haul. It only took an hour and fifteen minutes along with many tear-soaked kisses and butt patting through the crib railing, but it's over and he fell asleep. And he didn't wake up until 645am this morning. I have such mixed emotions on ending our nursing relationship, but I really need for us to move on so I can have my body back. I've sublet my body since December of 2005 and it's time. I need this for more personal reasons that Kian needs it. I hate that I have to be the one to end it. Lord only knows what we went through to make this work. I'm so sad to know that it is ending. Kian, I'll always be there for you, but I need this for me. Goodness, I feel so selfish. I broke down thinking that I was causing him so much discomfort last night. Typically I would have caved and nursed him to sleep, but I cannot do that any longer. It has become too much of a convenience for everyone. Poor Jackson. He proved last night that he will do whatever he can to take care of his little brother. After I sang about 12 nursery rhymes and decided I could not go on, Jackson rolled over and picked up where I left off. He said, "It's OK Kian. Mommy and I are right here. Just go to sleep." And then started into the long version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Just after this ended, Kyle came in to rescue Jackson. Bless his little heart. He's such an excellent big brother. I hope their relationship continues to blossom. Here's to the next few nights of whatever it may be. If there is anyone reading this that has any words of wisdom, please let me know. We're willing to do whatever we have to. until next time...lc

An Epic Battle...A Veritable Clash of the Titans, the Likes of Which We Witness Once, Maybe Twice in a Generation...

I'm referring to the monumental struggle transpiring in the boys' bedroom. Not a battle borne over sibling rivalry, or mutual interest in a toy.

No, this is a war of the iron-clad wills...between Kian and Laura.

DING DING DING...LET'S GET READY TO RUMMMMBLLLLLLLE!!!

Here's the backstory: the past week or so, Kian's been waking up through the night again. Waking up, and refusing to go back to his bed without ardent vocal protest in the form of yelling and the most shrill scream I've ever heard emitted from the mouth of a child. He accompanies these outbursts with hair and cheek clutching that could outgrasp a set of vice grip pliers. The only consolation is to just let him lay in bed with us, at which time he tosses and turns like he's sleeping in a coin-operated laundromat dryer. Laura, of course, bears the brunt of this, because his protests escalate when I try to get involved. I try, for the sake of the house, to keep that to a minimum, but last night and this morning, it's reached a stand-off.

Laura's fed up with the antics; so, tonight, when she went to lay him down and he started in with the routine, she just pulled up the rail on his crib, sat on the floor, and flatly refused to pick him up or do anything but let him cry it out in his crib.

Now, I'm not sitting her cruelly letting her absorb his anger and screams as I tell all the Internets about it...I've offered to sit in there and let her go lay with Jackson in our bed (who, I went and rescued from the madness about 10 minutes into it), but she said she's OK for now. When she throws in the towel, I'll gladly relieve her.

Thing is, I've known her longer than I've known Kian. I know the extent to which she's willing to go to win this. And, she's got the household bookie's odds STRONGLY in her favor.

(K)

It's Election Day

If you're in Indiana or North Carolina, don't forget to vote today!

Click here if you need help finding your polling place if you're in Indiana.

We're planning on getting ready early and taking the kids for a tag-team voting session. In all honesty, we vote in the gym of Grace Point church around the corner from us and have never had an issue with taking the boys. We are usually in and out and have maybe had to wait for a person or two. We enjoy having the opportunity to vote and like showing our boys what the process is like. Kyle is obviously more in depth with the explanation, but it proves that they're never too young to learn.


until next time...lc

Weekend visits with the Campbells

Starting out on Friday, Sara stopped by to have dinner with us. Given that she's at school in Bloomington, we don't see her nearly enough and very much look forward to our visits with her. We didn't get a chance to take any photos during her visit (which she may be relieved about) but none-the-less we had a nice time. You'll have to inquire with Kyle regarding the photo war between he and Sara. Sibling rivalry continues even at the age of thirty-two. Who knew? Will it ever end? During dinner, Jackson busted out the "wanna party" he's been up to lately. Not only did that catch her off guard, at one point he looked at her and said, "Hey Sara. I got a party in my pants." Wow, he sure knows how to court the ladies, huh? Oh, I'm sure it makes his father proud too.

Here's a clip of the boys saying "wanna party". Yes, even Kian is in on it.





A couple of weekends ago, Ryan and Melissa brought their boys over for a visit. We had a great time and continued to be entertained with the 4 boys. Thankfully we were able to get outside for a while to get a little exercise. Here are some photos from their visit.

The boys getting ready for the venture back from the park.

until next time...lc

Behind

I realize that I am way behind in my posts. I dumped the data from our digital camera as well as our video camera after the boys went to bed last night with full intents to post some items from the past few weeks. As you can see, I failed. I was having too much fun flipping through all the photos and watching the video to share them with all of you.

I intended on hitting the 'next' button while watching a downloaded video last night, but rather hit the 'fast forward' button. Oh, the humor that provided. I showed the boys how ridiculous they were at this new-found top speed. They giggled quite a bit this morning. I may just have to tape them watching themselves. Jackson said it best. "Daddy sounds like he ate a duck."

until next time...lc