Playdate

This is Kaija. Caeden ADORES her.

Kaija's Mom, Michelle. I adore her.

The kids playing together like there is nothing better in the world.
I adore that!

Memory Lane in the Mountains

Last fall we took a trip to the mountains. We left Denver on a gorgeous, warm morning only to arrive at the Continental Divide to find snow, wind, and 30 degree afternoon.
We had to stop and get Caeden a jacket to keep warm. Total mountain novices, I know.

We took the long way there. Over Independence Pass (scary, winding, tiny road leading over the mountains), through Aspen ... down into Glenwood Springs. We thought it would be so fun and that Caeden would love it...except he didn't. When we got to the Divide, where the air is so thin I think oxygen masks should be required, he decides he will not walk. He is screaming and crying, "I don't like it! I don't like it!" and I am pregnant, trying to lug his rigid body to the overlook...where, "we WILL get a picture, Caeden Koop!"

We left the overlook, defeated and tired. We tried booking a hotel in Aspen (we had stayed at the Little Nell the year prior -- the best anniversary to date) but were stunned to learn their peak prices were in effect. We were not willing to pay 895 for a room, so we headed to Glenwood Springs to the Holiday Inn Express. We took warm showers, gave Caeden a bath, and ordered the yummiest take-out/Italian food we'd had in a long time. After everyone was warm, fed, and rested, we packed the SUV back up and headed home (the same night). We promptly ran into a blizzard in Vail, where the visibility was so bad, all Wayne could do to keep the truck on the road was to look for the white dividing lines. The snow was coming down so fast it made me dizzy to watch. Talk about scary. This is probably where I should mention Wayne and I do not have coats, and I am wearing flip-flops. Please do not crash, baby.

We arrived home late, late that night. Fell into bed and haven't been to the mountains since!

Anyway, I can't look at the mountains without thinking of that perfect mountain getaway. :)

What Celebrities Would Look Like If They Lived in South Dakota

This just came across my inbox. I am cracking up! So funny!!!
Now, anyone from SD reading this ... just remember I lived there, too!

(And you expected a preachy "go vote" entry...)

P.S. Go Vote!

Parent Teacher Conference

Today we got to sit down with Caeden's teachers and talk about how things are going at school. We were so excited to hear about what they thought of him.

We arrived. Late. Thought the appointment was at 12:30 - but no, it was at 12:00. Great, we are those parents.

We leave and come back again at 1:30 ... Caeden sits down to play with Play Doh while we talk. Interestingly, he only talks to his teachers while we are there - "Look, I am playing nicely." And, "Where are my friends?" And then the real doosey - "Look at my monster truck (pointing to the toy he brought with him) it's going to start on FIRE!"

Crap! We're still those parents!

As I try to ignore my son's pirotechnic comment, I see him out of the corner of my eye, crashing his truck into the play doh and making exposive sounds. It occurs to me at that moment, maybe YouTube isn't exactly the best past time for him...

I can't believe I'm that parent!

So, back to Caeden's progress. He has fantastic fine motor skills. That kid can color the itty bitty-ist of things. Very cool to see his handy work. He has great social skills - friends he runs around with and is great at sharing (Which would be so hard! I mean when you think about it, usually sharing at his age means giving up a toy you want to play with just because some other kid comes and pulls it out of your hand, at which you must "share" and give it up. Totally hard!).
Anyway, he is good at that.

He has a bit of an issue with the alphabet. Isn't interested in letters or the song at all. Yes, Wayne and I have noticed that. Yes, we have been working with him. No, he could care less. Unless there is a fleet of monster trucks out there that have the alphabet painted on the door, he just could care less. Trying hard to work on that, though. In fact, after hearing his teachers talk about how he "guesses" the letters, I am headed to Target to find every Leap Frog learning tool out there. The flashcards just aren't cutting it.

I'll have him writing his name better than that Parker kid in his class who writes his name very well (so annoying!). Watch out Parker. Caeden's Mommy is bringing it!

Anyway, all kidding aside, Caeden's teachers sang his praises and had such nice things to say about him. We're so proud of our little man and are glad to hear he is learning so much.

"I'd rather be playing without clothing than learning the alphabet..."

Halloween

Claire in her Halloween onsie that she wore for exactly 2 minutes.

Here she is as a Monkey. Again, wore the outfit just long enough for pictures, then off to bed.

Mimi & Monkey

First there was the Halloween party. Then, the "Caramel Apple Fairy" delivered huge, yummy caramel apples in the afternoon (thanks Mom!!). Finally, the night came. Mimi and Papa arrived, ready to celebrate Halloween with the kids.

Wayne, Caeden, and Papa strolled the streets, trick or treating the night away. Caeden came home with a ton of candy (and two full-sized candy bars -- apparently the economy hasn't hurt everyone in our neighborhood!). Mom stayed home with me to help with Claire and the trick or treaters.

I had grand plans of making chili for dinner, but it was so warm yesterday (high 70's) that it didn't sound good. We went the easy route and ordered pizza instead. Pizza, beer, and candy. Gourmet, I know.

Caeden had a blast trick or treating, and what I love the most, is that he really isn't into eating the candy. Oh no, small candy bars make perfect "cars" for his monster trucks to smash. Love that!

Caeden's Halloween Party

There were itty bitty pumpkins to be found ...

Games to be played ...

Hula Hoops to do crazy things to ...that had nothing to do with your hips.

Cookies to eat (and decorate).
Punch to drink.

Totally blurred ... but when asked to smile,
our child (on the end) yells, "Raaaaaaaa!"

Class of princesses, a lawn mower man, monsters, an astronaunt, and one little honey who wanted nothing to do with dressing up.
Ms. Julianna as the Bee and Ms. Loretta as the Butterfly

Caeden staring as the Lawn Mower Guy. ;)

Caeden's party was so much fun. It was awesome to see him in action, with his teachers and classmates. 99% of my pictures were blurry and I am so sad I couldn't share the school parade. Caeden was prancing like, "Oooh yeah, people. That's right, the Lawn Mower man has arrived!"

Claire Update

Claire slept until 4 am this morning (has never, ever slept that long - she is up every 2 hours on average). She ate, went back to sleep and slept another 2 hours. I am thinking maybe she is on the mend - all that sleep is so good for her.

Her rash is still there, but fading.

I think she is going to be just fine!

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers, and emails.

If anything changes, I'll be sure to post.

We are off to Caeden's Halloween party. His "lawnmower guy" t-shirt is ready to go. ;)

Purpura

We had a very big scare yesterday. Claire woke up from her nap with small, pin-point bruises all over her right leg. I took her to her Pediatrician yesterday, just as they were closing. Unfortunately, the bruises were not trivial. Blood work needed to be done to rule out kidney problems or a blood disorder (they took her temperature STAT thinking it was meningitis, thank the Lord it was normal).

We were referred to Children's Hospital, where a Doctor was waiting for us (talk about scary). They put an IV in Claire and drew multiple vials of blood for testing.

The Doctor came back into our room frequently, checking on Claire, monitoring her ... looking her over each time (looking for the rash to spread).

After 3 hours, we had all the test results back. Her kidney function was fine. Her blood count was normal, everything came back normal. Except that they have never seen this rash without there being something wrong. After a consult with a Blood Doctor (I have no idea what their official title is) to make sure nothing was overlooked, they sent us home.

Now we are watching for a fever, or for the rash to spread. If neither happen, and it just goes away, we will never know what caused this. But that is what I am praying for. Seeing Claire hooked to an IV was as awful of a scene as I can stomach. I don't know what I would do if it was worse. Her diagnosis is Purpura. A disorder where the capillaries burst. There are 3 different sizes of bruising, hers is the medium size. My family has all googled Purpura for more information and the things it can be linked to are awful.

But she has no temperature and her bruising has not spread today. We hope it is some sort of crazy virus causing this - something crazy but mild. For now, we are just watching, and snuggling, and loving on her. Hoping for the best. Please keep her in your prayers tonight.

Monster Cookies

Made these last year. Caeden and his friend Kaija are going to make them again tomorrow. As if sacks full of Halloween candy are not enough...bring on the frosting, sugar cookies, and decorating fun!

Last night my parents (Mimi & Papa) came over to watch the kids so we could attend our home owner's meeting. Caeden was on Cloud 9 playing with Papa ... and Mimi brought him a MONSTER TRUCK. That kid didn't even notice we were gone. :)

Before, During & After

Claire 5 Months Old

Claire is 5 months old today. She is such a good natured, sweet bundle of love. She rolled over the other day while I was busy freaking out about my leaking dishwasher (I missed it!) and every day since, she has been trying hard to do it again. She constantly wakes herself up in her crib because she rolls over just enough to catch her legs and arms in the slats (I took off her bumper until she can roll well - right now I am afraid she'd be face deep in cushion and not know how to roll the way).



She started eating rice cereal (off and on -- when I feel like feeding it to her) and seems to not really LOVE it, but likes that she is at the table with the rest of us.

She cracked me up today -- she was overtired and crying while I was changing her diaper. In mid-cry, she puts her arms behind her head (like she was relaxing) and started blowing bubbles. She was like, "Dang, I got this down pat! "
I mean, mid-cry she did this. And after a few bubbles, went right back on wailing. I mean, she had a point to get across, right?

My Cup Runneth Over

Grandpa & Grandma were here this weekend. Caeden had been counting down their arrival for weeks, and on Friday morning, day they arrived, he sleepily asked Wayne when he woke up, "Is it time to go get Grandpa and Grandma from the airport?" He proceeded to ask every 10 minutes that morning - until it was time.

We had such a nice time. We celebrated Dave's 59th birthday, relaxed outside, went to Cherry Creek for lunch and some shopping, visited Dave's Aunt Ruth (who is 88 and sharp as a tack) ... they played outside with Caeden some more (walking over to a construction site so Caeden could see all the heavy equipment up close and personal ... and gladly gathered up dirt to take back to the house per Caeden's request)...

They left this morning and we all have heavy hearts. Caeden keeps asking when we can see them again (Tomorrow? In 2 days? How about in 4 days?). His words, "I miss them so much when they aren't with me, Mommy." It breaks my heart. I wish so much that we were closer, but I remember that Denver to Rapid is MUCH closer than Kansas City was. For that I am truly thankful.

I couldn't ask for better in-laws. My children are blessed to have such wonderful grandparents and every day I thank my lucky stars our family is as close and loving as it is. My cup runneth over.




Caeden likes to "pet" Claire's head.

Happy Birthday, Dad

Blow!

I love the way he is looking at him.

Dad turned 59 this year. There was a blue tooth device, a corny card, and a yummy chocolate cake (that came with a complimentary little boy to help blow out the candles).

Next year it is 60 for Mom and Dad ... Game On!

Neat Kid Stuff on ohdeeoh

Look at these cute framed albums. Paula, since you are surrounded by musicians, I thought of you!

Custom name stamps. Isn't this cute?

Look at the initial. Brilliant way to make an impact that a child wouldn't outgrow. Love it.

Remembering

Dave and Donna are in town for a weekend visit. After oogling over Caeden and Claire, they started talking about how they look alike/different.

I didn't think they looked a thing alike. Not one bit. But, after I found pictures of Caeden exactly the same age as Claire, I have to eat my words. I see the resemblance, although Caeden looks more like his dad, and Claire more like me.

Looking at these pictures makes my heart all tender and wistful when I think about Caeden at this age. He always had his tongue sticking out of his mouth and really didn't mind tummy time. Little things that were just him, you know?

Hard to believe this sweet bundle is growing up and is now responsible for a plumber visit. Don't ask. I have no idea what he flushed, all I know is it isn't good.

Play Time

Me: Caeden, can I play with you?

C: Sure Mommy!

(As I begin to play)...

C: No Mommy, don't touch that!

C: Excuse me, get off my rug. I need more room. MOVE.

C: No - don't move my trains.

C: See this? You can't touch that, either.

He was very gracious to smile for the camera in between his "directing."

Playing with Claire involves smiling and bubble blowing. Now that, I can do. :)

White Chicken Chili

Made this last night with some corn bread and salad. A friend made it for me and I immediately had to have the recipe (thanks Melissa!). It really hit the spot on such a cold night (tonight it should get down to 20 degrees. I need to do something with my roses, pronto!)

The chili is delicious just as the recipe reads, but last night I omitted the sour cream and used fat free milk instead of the cream. It was awesome and so much healthier. Either way, enjoy!

White Chicken Chili

1 Pound skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces
1 medium onion chopped
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1T vegetable oil

3 cans 15 1/2 oz each of great northern beans, rinsed
1 33 oz. can chicken broth
2 cans (4 oz each) of chopped green chilies
1 tsp salt/pepper
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whipping cream

In a large saucepan, saute chicken, onion, garlic in oil until chicken
is no longer pink. Add beans, broth, chilies, and seasoning. Bring
to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Remove
from heat. Add cream and sour cream.

This is also great in the crock pot. Just mix everything together after the chicken mixture is cooked.

Connecting

I read an article online that talked about the disconnection of people these days. The way we prefer email to letters, text messages to phone calls, etc.

I really notice it at the airports and shopping malls when I see 1 out of 3 people with iPods glued to their ears so that they are not forced into an actual conversation or have to mutter a single word.

I am sort of coming out of my "just had a baby please don't expect any sort of communication with me for months" phase and I am looking around ... where is everyone? Oh yeah, probably going on with their lives as I stopped to hunker down with mine. Guilty. Time to connect.

The other night I met a girlfriend at Starbucks. We both snuck out after we put the kids in bed, our husbands contently watching t.v. or surfing the web...

We talked for 2 hours non-stop. I mean, there was not a pause to be found. Talked about clothes, baby weight, babies, family, schools, church, other people ...

And it was wonderful.

Just two hours of connecting with someone who can say, "Yes! I know what you mean," is good for the soul. That little escape will stay with me all week as I navigate the kids, the house, my life ...

So, with all the avoidance of personal, face to face contact, I don't know what to say. We're all busy; email and texting is so convenient. I could argue we are more in contact than before with the use of the internet and savvy little camera phones, but it definitely can't be the only way. You can be in touch with people and still be out of touch to what matters.

I think that's why I love to blog and read others' blogs. The daily things are not the little things. They are the big, important, this is what life is made of things, that might get lost in an email, a phone call. And, with so many of us spread apart - new friends, old friends, and family, getting a glimpse of the daily grind is just enough to feel the connection. That feeling of we are not alone in this world.

And, for the locals, I know I'll be picking up the phone more to say, "Let's go have coffee tonight/tomorrow," rather than shooting off an email saying, "We should get together sometime."

Connecting. I've really missed it.

Happy Weekend!

The kids are napping and here I sit on the sofa, happily checking email and uploading pictures to Costco.

I'm a bit stressed out about Halloween as I cannot talk my son into being anything other than a "Lawn mower Man." We had a yard service this year and Caeden followed them around all summer, so I guess it shouldn't surprise me. BUT. How do you dress for Halloween? I am armed with a green t-shirt and some iron-on transfers (going to download a lawnmower and iron it on, I guess???) and that's it. It will be too cold to wear shorts, and too dark to wear sunglasses ... so ....? Is he really dressed up?

I took him to Pottery Barn Kids to try and talk him into the robot costume they have. It is so cute, and he really likes robots. He told me no. Might as well have been "Hell No!" -- he cried on the way home about wanting to be a lawn mower man. I felt horrible. How do I explain that I am just not crafty/imaginative enough to pull off his vision?

Anyhoo. So much drama in our lives, I know.

Our grill "broke." I suspect my clever husband announced this with sadness as he has already ordered a new one. But, in the mean time, I have to come up with something for dinner that doesn't require the grill ... so here it is. Rosemary and Orange Pork Tenderloin. I don't cook pork but Wayne is sick of chicken, and there is only so much red meat a person can stand ... and this recipe looks amazing. If anyone tries it and it is awful, just a disclaimer I haven't made it yet.

Happy Weekend!

I love this idea.

One more post to make up for not posting yesterday. A little display of clocks all set to the times of when your children were born. A sweet idea for a side table, a mantel ... anywhere, really.

If you don't have children, the time of your wedding would be a sentimental statement...

Halloween Fun

Do you do this in your neighborhood? You leave a bag of goodies with this note on 2 neighbors' doorsteps...ring the doorbell and then run away, fast.

It's fun to see the windows of everyone's houses fill up with these "Boo" signs. A great way to kick off the season!

Last year I found cheap but good smelling Halloween candles that smelled like candy corn that I gave as a gift, but this year I am doing candy, wrapped up in pumpkin bags (Target). You know what Caeden and I will be doing when the sun goes down tonight - running fast!

P.S. To use this template, just double click on the image for a full-sized version to print.

Halloween Idea

I am looking forward to Caeden's Halloween party this year at school. We are in charge of bringing drinks and I just wanted to share an idea ... adapted from Martha Stewart, of course.

Make this Green Party Punch:

GREEN PARTY PUNCH
2 liters ginger ale 1 lg. container frozen lemonade 1 lg. can pineapple juice (chilled) 1 qt. lime sherbet Stir together. The lime sherbet melts and makes a milky green punch with foam on top.

And then (the best part!) put it into these plastic chemistry flasks (they even come with lids!)