Niki's 3.5 months already!
I have been told how "first babies" are always your smartest, mostly because it is all new to you and you are so amazed at what babies can do. Contrary to popular thought, I've been constantly impressed with Niki. It's either because I'm more aware of what she's trying to tell me because I now have some experience with deciphering children, or I just can't remember Lily being this way at her age. Probably both.
Niki is a totaly different baby this week! Sitting up (with help), playing with her toes, go go go. I can tell whenever she is really concentrating on something because her little feet just start kicking like crazy. She's been insisting on sitting up instead of laying down. I finally got the walker out just so I could set her down and keep her sitting up. She's so curious about all her toys. Unlike Lily, she's constantly demanding entertainment. After 10 mins she's done with her toy and wanting a change. And don't even think about leaving her alone in a room. She'll play for an hour in her crib if Lily is in the room playing, but the moments after Lily leaves, Niki starts crying for attention.
Niki's already trying to keep up with her sister. She signs so much better/earlier than Lily did. She not only plays the piano in her crib (a neat trick) but no matter where I set her down in the crib, she will wiggle her way over to it so that she can play. She puts herself to sleep and sleeps through the night. When I read them books and Lily points at the pictures, Niki tries to touch the pictures. When Lily's taking a bath and Niki hears the water running, she will cry and fuss 'till I put her in too. Addicted to her pacifier and lovey, She's such a petite little go-go-goer.
We've gone from man-to-man coverage ...
to ZONE DEFENSE!!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
Funny Story
So we finally figured out how to hook up our computer to our TV. This means we ditched our cable and now only pay for internet. Yea! It's surprising how much TV is actually on the internet anyways. Here's an article about how:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110122/you-dont-have-to-pay-for-cable-tv?mod=series-a-article
Anyways,
growing up we had a favorite book that Dad would bring home from his campus library: Pigs in Hiding.
We found it on Between the Lions and now Lily asks for it everyday. She laughs every time the pigs come out to eat food. Enjoy:
(on the site scroll down and choose Pigs In Hiding)
http://pbskids.org/lions/stories/animals.html
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/110122/you-dont-have-to-pay-for-cable-tv?mod=series-a-article
Anyways,
growing up we had a favorite book that Dad would bring home from his campus library: Pigs in Hiding.
We found it on Between the Lions and now Lily asks for it everyday. She laughs every time the pigs come out to eat food. Enjoy:
(on the site scroll down and choose Pigs In Hiding)
http://pbskids.org/lions/stories/animals.html
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Having fun with Lily
Saturday, July 17
Elmo came to visit on post. Lily was enthralled by the live singing and dancing. She of course loved Elmo, but Super Grover was a close second. Our friends were there too. Baby Zoie was born 2 weeks after Niki, which made Lily a big sister and Corey a big brother. Somehow all of this got interpreted by Lily to mean that Corey is her brother. So Lily would say, "We saw Elmo dancing, with my brother Corey and with baby Zoie and baby Niki"
Monday, July 19
Lily came in to wake me up fully dressed in her Ra Ra outfit. Notice the zipper up the front and the inside-out bottoms. Funny Girl.
She's been learning cheer moves from her Dad. Having grown up with a cheer-leader sister, he knows more about that stuff than me and frequently demonstrates with random cheers. They are both getting pretty good I say.
Tuesday, July 20
Lily built a house out of blocks. She is quite pleased with her creativity. She had some help with the windows, but the door was her idea.
Elmo came to visit on post. Lily was enthralled by the live singing and dancing. She of course loved Elmo, but Super Grover was a close second. Our friends were there too. Baby Zoie was born 2 weeks after Niki, which made Lily a big sister and Corey a big brother. Somehow all of this got interpreted by Lily to mean that Corey is her brother. So Lily would say, "We saw Elmo dancing, with my brother Corey and with baby Zoie and baby Niki"
Monday, July 19
Lily came in to wake me up fully dressed in her Ra Ra outfit. Notice the zipper up the front and the inside-out bottoms. Funny Girl.
She's been learning cheer moves from her Dad. Having grown up with a cheer-leader sister, he knows more about that stuff than me and frequently demonstrates with random cheers. They are both getting pretty good I say.
Tuesday, July 20
Lily built a house out of blocks. She is quite pleased with her creativity. She had some help with the windows, but the door was her idea.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Ballings come to visit!
We had so much fun on our stay at home vacation with my Mom, Dad, and Heidi. We tried to come up with the most exciting things Killeen and the surrounding area have to offer. I think we visited almost every pool/water park in the area. We really enjoyed just spending time together and were very sad to see them go. We can't wait for the next time we get together.
We also caught Niki's first laugh on camera. I just can't get enough of the rolling giggles.
We also caught Niki's first laugh on camera. I just can't get enough of the rolling giggles.
Summer Days
Here are some snippets from the last week:
July 12
"Mom, mom, mom"
"what Lily"
"It's time to take my picture!"
July 13
Killeen has a "Water Park" too. Tyler and I enjoyed the slides, although they were a literally hard to ride. Lily's favorite part, as always, was just swimming in the water.
Niki was so tired afterward that she fell asleep with her arm in the air, still clinging her toy.
July 14
Niki took her first real swim. She actually lasted about 40 mins. just content as can be, watching everything and relaxing in the water. Not even Lily's splashes bothered her. Everyone around was impressed by how she seamed to be enjoying it. After her fish sister, I just figured all babies love water. If you look closely at the last picture, you can see the pool reflected in her beautiful blue eyes.
July 12
"Mom, mom, mom"
"what Lily"
"It's time to take my picture!"
July 13
Killeen has a "Water Park" too. Tyler and I enjoyed the slides, although they were a literally hard to ride. Lily's favorite part, as always, was just swimming in the water.
Niki was so tired afterward that she fell asleep with her arm in the air, still clinging her toy.
July 14
Niki took her first real swim. She actually lasted about 40 mins. just content as can be, watching everything and relaxing in the water. Not even Lily's splashes bothered her. Everyone around was impressed by how she seamed to be enjoying it. After her fish sister, I just figured all babies love water. If you look closely at the last picture, you can see the pool reflected in her beautiful blue eyes.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
New Car!
Tyler's pround and happy to be in his new car. I guess we are an official Mazda family now. Tyler spent MANY hours researching and finding just what he wanted. Even Lily is excited and keeps asking to go for a fun ride in Daddy's car. It's a special treat for us all. Without further intro, here it is:
Splash Park Break
We went shopping at Costco (a big ordeal since we drive for an hour to Austin just to get there) after a long day of car shopping. It was hot, as usual, and we were dreading the long drive home. Then we saw it, a splash park playground at the "Taraburger" next door. We had just purchased a swim suit for Lily from Costco and that sealed the deal.
Splash Time for Everyone!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Picture Time Reposted
Niki is officially 3 months old. That means time for professional pictures. Lily actually warmed up to the photographer quickly once she learned that her name was Niki too. After that, she sat just where she was told to and said "Cheese" a lot. Niki was just cute, squirmy, and talkative. I sure had fun dressing them up. Thank you Tyler for all your help. All this and I managed to spend less than $30!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Head, Shoulders, Knees, ...
and Toes of course!
My favorite part is the fact that she only sang for the camera on condition that she would get to see it afterward. She wastes no time once the song is over getting me to show it to her.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tyler's Day
Anyways. Lily and I had fun making Tyler a special father's day card with the Dad-Inator this year. He got quite a chuckle out of it too.
We love you Tyler Daddy!!!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Floatie Freedom
We tried a pair of arm floaties on Lily at the pool this week. Well, as good as swimming was before, it just got so much better! Lily instantly loved how she could swim all by herself and in a few seconds successfully "swam" to the edge of the pool. She went to the edge and back over and over. Splashing, kicking, and "digging" her arms. She was all smiles and so proud of herself. What a little fish.
Niki's Third month
Niki is "talking" and smiling all the time. Be it when you smile at her or her own reflection in the mirror on her swing, she particularly likes to talk when she finds a face to focus on. I think Niki just likes to be part of the conversation. She's so cute, all I want to do is hold her and talk to her all day long!
Niki really loves squawking at Lily, until Lily mauls her or squashes her with excitement. Lily's getting better at giving good attention too. She's learning that when she is soft, that means she loves Niki. Lily really loves Niki, allot.
Niki's learning to take a bottle. Even though it's the same milk, it's just not the same experience. With sucking being such a comfort for her, she really gets upset and disappointed when she signs eat and gets a bottle. She spits it out. She cries. She downright refuses 'till I give in to the real thing. The milk temperature and bottle placement have to be just perfect before she'll take it. Then, once I do get it right, it only lasts a few minutes before the milk cools or Lily interrupts or I have to move her. After that she won't take it again. Picky, picky, picky.
Niki can grab toys, blankets, burp cloths, and hair. She enjoys her play mat and "parrot" chair and is starting to hold on to toys. Playtime here we come.
Niki really loves squawking at Lily, until Lily mauls her or squashes her with excitement. Lily's getting better at giving good attention too. She's learning that when she is soft, that means she loves Niki. Lily really loves Niki, allot.
Niki's learning to take a bottle. Even though it's the same milk, it's just not the same experience. With sucking being such a comfort for her, she really gets upset and disappointed when she signs eat and gets a bottle. She spits it out. She cries. She downright refuses 'till I give in to the real thing. The milk temperature and bottle placement have to be just perfect before she'll take it. Then, once I do get it right, it only lasts a few minutes before the milk cools or Lily interrupts or I have to move her. After that she won't take it again. Picky, picky, picky.
Niki can grab toys, blankets, burp cloths, and hair. She enjoys her play mat and "parrot" chair and is starting to hold on to toys. Playtime here we come.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
To good to be 2 !!!
We celebrated Lily's birthday yesterday with a day full of birthday activities.
We woke her up by singing Happy Birthday (her favorite song). We had a birthday requested breakfast of eggs and banana bread. We made a birthday crown which Lily got to decorate with flower stickers. She loved wearing it all day and hearing people tell her Happy Birthday. We listened to people call and sing her happy birthday all day, thanks everyone, she loved it! We had her favorite lunch of 'pasta' at the Olive Garden. She also liked the coloring, but not as much as the pasta. We watched an e-card birthday dancer, she loved that.
And best of all, we opened presents. Who knew $25 could buy so much fun! When she opened her pool she just stared and stared at the pictures with a huge grin as she began to realize that she would be able to swim in her own backyard anytime she wants. Lily absolutely loves to swim. "put my swimming suit on me" she said. Then we finished off the day with her fish cake (which she said she needed to have a birthday), ice cream, and neighbors for a real birthday party.
Thanks again everyone for the love and wishes. She had a great birthday!
BTW- today she said we should have her birthday again.
A funny story
On your birthday, we were getting ready to go and you were getting fussy for attention. Dad stopped to play with you and tickle you on the bed. Mom came in and found you two playing around and asked
"Lily were you distracting Dad?"
to which you quickly and accurately replied
"No. Dad is distracting me."
Our favorite phrases
"oh dear"
"yes. I would like that"
"sank-you Mom!"
"that didn't work"
"tum on tiny" (come on tiny)
"her say no" (when Dad tells you to ask Mom if it is ok)
Songs I sing completely,
over and over and over again
Wheels, wipers, babies, mamas, driver, doors, and kids on the bus
Popcorn Popping on the apricot tree
Ring around the Rosie (every FHE since we started having it)
Twinkle Twinkle little Star
Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
Half your height
We've been told that your are half your adult height at age 2. You measure 35 inches and weigh 27 lbs. This puts in in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. You are comfortably wearing size 2T except most pants are too short for your long legs, good thing it's summer shorts season. 5'10" hear you come.
Favorites
TV show - "Elmo's World on Sesame Street", "Phineas and Ferb", and "Mythbusters"
Book - "Go Dog, Go!"
Story - "The Holy Ghost" (made up by mom, but the most requested by far)
Movie - "Your Baby Can Read" and "Green Eggs and Ham"
Food - Cheese, Asparagus, Candy, Quesadillas, Hot Dogs, Grapes preceded by "I want some ..."
In the past 6 months...
You've grown 4 new teeth for a total of 12. We're still waiting on that second set of molars. You are a full fledged talker with few grammar errors, and you do it non-stop. You're initially shy, especially around guys, but you warm up to people and love them. You like to watch people and what they are doing. You know basic shapes (heart, star, circle, triangle) and are getting really good at colors. You know pink, red, black, yellow, and sometimes purple. You can count to 10 or 11 by yourself, but you usually mess it up somewhere in the middle. You watch Elmo's world everyday after breakfast and learn so many new things that come out during your play time. It's funny to hear what you come up with and wonder where you learned it.
You still like to organize and clean things. You won't play with play dough. You just ask me to do it and say "wash my hands" when I make you do it. You like to help with chores and fixing meals. You have your own cleaning bucket with supplies and apron for cooking. You're dishes from Christmas and empty containers are your favorite toys, especially when combined with your babies and animals that you feed and take care of. You like to "do a project" with Mom like stringing beads or coloring a page or sticking on stickers. You get excited when we go shopping at Hobby Lobby. Funny, all these things can be said about Mom also.
You love your sister Niki. We worry if she'll live through your loving. When you focus, you can be really soft and gentle. But usually you are too excited and playful to restrain from mauling her. You try to pick her up, change her diaper, feed her bottles and pacifiers, cover her with blankets, change her clothes, and give her toys all day long. She puts up with most of it and I think she actually likes all the attention. She surprisingly cries less when you are around, even if she can just hear you playing nearby.
You fall asleep eating lunch most days. Food is still your biggest comfort, next is your lovey. You won't go to sleep at night until everyone else is asleep, no mater how tired you are. Once the lights are off and we are in bed, you'll wander into your own bed and fall asleep. Lately you like to sleep on the floor.
From Mom
Lily I love you. You make messes and demand attention and it is so much work to take care of you, but I love it. I love playing with you. I love that you talk to me all day. I love hearing you explain things that you learn about the gospel. I love to tickle and play with you. Thank you for being my friend.
From Dad
Lily you are such an amazing daughter. I love your little personality and being able to spend time playing with you. We have so much fun together having tickle time, tossing you on the bed, reading, and playing games. I can't get enough of your smile and enthusiasm for life...seeing you happy means the world to me and makes me happy. You are so smart and you say things that amaze me every day. I can't wait for all the fun time we will get to spend together as you continue to grow.
-------
but wait there's more... keep reading for more posts from today.
We woke her up by singing Happy Birthday (her favorite song). We had a birthday requested breakfast of eggs and banana bread. We made a birthday crown which Lily got to decorate with flower stickers. She loved wearing it all day and hearing people tell her Happy Birthday. We listened to people call and sing her happy birthday all day, thanks everyone, she loved it! We had her favorite lunch of 'pasta' at the Olive Garden. She also liked the coloring, but not as much as the pasta. We watched an e-card birthday dancer, she loved that.
And best of all, we opened presents. Who knew $25 could buy so much fun! When she opened her pool she just stared and stared at the pictures with a huge grin as she began to realize that she would be able to swim in her own backyard anytime she wants. Lily absolutely loves to swim. "put my swimming suit on me" she said. Then we finished off the day with her fish cake (which she said she needed to have a birthday), ice cream, and neighbors for a real birthday party.
Thanks again everyone for the love and wishes. She had a great birthday!
BTW- today she said we should have her birthday again.
Now Your Two ...
A funny story
On your birthday, we were getting ready to go and you were getting fussy for attention. Dad stopped to play with you and tickle you on the bed. Mom came in and found you two playing around and asked
"Lily were you distracting Dad?"
to which you quickly and accurately replied
"No. Dad is distracting me."
Our favorite phrases
"oh dear"
"yes. I would like that"
"sank-you Mom!"
"that didn't work"
"tum on tiny" (come on tiny)
"her say no" (when Dad tells you to ask Mom if it is ok)
Songs I sing completely,
over and over and over again
Wheels, wipers, babies, mamas, driver, doors, and kids on the bus
Popcorn Popping on the apricot tree
Ring around the Rosie (every FHE since we started having it)
Twinkle Twinkle little Star
Head Shoulders Knees and Toes
Half your height
We've been told that your are half your adult height at age 2. You measure 35 inches and weigh 27 lbs. This puts in in the 90th percentile for both height and weight. You are comfortably wearing size 2T except most pants are too short for your long legs, good thing it's summer shorts season. 5'10" hear you come.
Favorites
TV show - "Elmo's World on Sesame Street", "Phineas and Ferb", and "Mythbusters"
Book - "Go Dog, Go!"
Story - "The Holy Ghost" (made up by mom, but the most requested by far)
Movie - "Your Baby Can Read" and "Green Eggs and Ham"
Food - Cheese, Asparagus, Candy, Quesadillas, Hot Dogs, Grapes preceded by "I want some ..."
In the past 6 months...
You've grown 4 new teeth for a total of 12. We're still waiting on that second set of molars. You are a full fledged talker with few grammar errors, and you do it non-stop. You're initially shy, especially around guys, but you warm up to people and love them. You like to watch people and what they are doing. You know basic shapes (heart, star, circle, triangle) and are getting really good at colors. You know pink, red, black, yellow, and sometimes purple. You can count to 10 or 11 by yourself, but you usually mess it up somewhere in the middle. You watch Elmo's world everyday after breakfast and learn so many new things that come out during your play time. It's funny to hear what you come up with and wonder where you learned it.
You still like to organize and clean things. You won't play with play dough. You just ask me to do it and say "wash my hands" when I make you do it. You like to help with chores and fixing meals. You have your own cleaning bucket with supplies and apron for cooking. You're dishes from Christmas and empty containers are your favorite toys, especially when combined with your babies and animals that you feed and take care of. You like to "do a project" with Mom like stringing beads or coloring a page or sticking on stickers. You get excited when we go shopping at Hobby Lobby. Funny, all these things can be said about Mom also.
You love your sister Niki. We worry if she'll live through your loving. When you focus, you can be really soft and gentle. But usually you are too excited and playful to restrain from mauling her. You try to pick her up, change her diaper, feed her bottles and pacifiers, cover her with blankets, change her clothes, and give her toys all day long. She puts up with most of it and I think she actually likes all the attention. She surprisingly cries less when you are around, even if she can just hear you playing nearby.
You fall asleep eating lunch most days. Food is still your biggest comfort, next is your lovey. You won't go to sleep at night until everyone else is asleep, no mater how tired you are. Once the lights are off and we are in bed, you'll wander into your own bed and fall asleep. Lately you like to sleep on the floor.
From Mom
Lily I love you. You make messes and demand attention and it is so much work to take care of you, but I love it. I love playing with you. I love that you talk to me all day. I love hearing you explain things that you learn about the gospel. I love to tickle and play with you. Thank you for being my friend.
From Dad
Lily you are such an amazing daughter. I love your little personality and being able to spend time playing with you. We have so much fun together having tickle time, tossing you on the bed, reading, and playing games. I can't get enough of your smile and enthusiasm for life...seeing you happy means the world to me and makes me happy. You are so smart and you say things that amaze me every day. I can't wait for all the fun time we will get to spend together as you continue to grow.
-------
but wait there's more... keep reading for more posts from today.
Farewell Contour
After 4 years post-mission and 4 years of marriage (8 total), Tyler finally said farewell to the contour:
It's been good to us
as a beach car, a family car, a commute to work car, and a dating car. After all, it's ski/board rack is what sealed the deal as Tyler and I started dating. We're grateful for the memories we've made together.
We've towed it several times during the last month and decided that it's time for something newer. After a good washing and yet another last minute trip to the mechanics for unexpected repairs, we were able to sell it for $2,100. Not bad. Now Tyler is anxiously awaiting the purchase of a Mazda Speed 3. We'll keep ya posted!
It's been good to us
as a beach car, a family car, a commute to work car, and a dating car. After all, it's ski/board rack is what sealed the deal as Tyler and I started dating. We're grateful for the memories we've made together.
We've towed it several times during the last month and decided that it's time for something newer. After a good washing and yet another last minute trip to the mechanics for unexpected repairs, we were able to sell it for $2,100. Not bad. Now Tyler is anxiously awaiting the purchase of a Mazda Speed 3. We'll keep ya posted!
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