5 Years.

Oh man my baby boy? Where has the time gone? I can't believe it's the eve of your 5th birthday. Little did we know that you would make this grand entrance into the world on November 28, 2009 nearly 3 months early.

You astounded us when you took your first breathe and cried. This was the most encouraging beginning to your almost 8 week stay in the NICU. During this time, it was both the scariest, yet happiest time in our lives. All 3 pound 3 ounce of you taught us just how incredible such a small person can be. Your presence everyday is a reminder that we have proof that miracles do happen.

In the last year you have grown up so much. This summer you shot up at least couple of inches in just those few short months. They always say, don't blink or you'll miss something, I now know that is positively true. I feel so incredibly lucky to have been home with your for the last year. As a parent, we spend so much time working and don't realize what we are missing until have it.

Your imagine makes me want to be 5 years old again. You come up with the most wildly incredible scenarios and at least several times a day your assign me, daddy, Miles and Violet to be a Ninja Turtle, Transformer or Super Hero. I must admit I do favor being the purple flower truck Transformer.

If you aren't busy being Super Hero, fire fighter, cop, or garbage truck driver you are building, anything and everything. If I had to describe your imagination in two words I would 1. inventive 2. builder. I just love watching you build and create incredible things.

You are also very organizational which obviously an asset to all of your creations/ideas. Grocery shopping consists of your organizing items so that they precisely line up in the cart, almost as if you were building with blocks.

When you aren't being a Super Hero, rescuing, or building something you love playing on the i-pad. The i-pad is pretty awesome, ok... REALLY FREAKING AWESOME.

Since you turn 5 tomorrow, you now have 2 years of BIG BROTHER under your belt. I am not going to lie (because this is your birthday post), most days around here are war zone. But when it comes down to it, you do love your brother and your little brother and he pretty much thinks you are the coolest kid EVER and spends his days trying to compete and keep up with his awesome BIG brother.

Speaking of AWESOME, you are AWESOME. Since I could pretty much go on and on about your awesomeness I am going to grace our readers (and you some day) with 100 bullets of your awesomeness.

1. You call me your best friend.
2. You have this weird habit of rubbing your cheek up against people when your your feeling lovey (I'm convinced you learned this from the cats).
3. You can count to 30, even 40 but ALWAYS miss number 13. (I guess I don't blame you, there is a reason why the 13 floor is almost non-existent). 
4. You still take 3, even 4 hour afternoon naps.
5. You really think the Ninja Turtles live in our sewer.
6. You love sweat pants. I have to bargain with you the days I want you to wear jeans.
7. Your current obsession (started two weeks ago) everything Batman. (Now don't change your mind before Christmas- Santa has already started shopping).
8. You call the color brown, black with no fail. In your world, brown doesn't exist.
9. You look incredibly cute in your glasses.
10. You love to be surprised (if fact you said you don't want to tell Santa what you want because you want to be surprised).
11. Your favorite snack is vanilla yogurt with mini M&Ms.
12. You are follower, not so much a leader.
13. Your favorite game is hide and seek,
14. You get into Miles crib almost every morning to jump with him.
15. You love shoes (specifically fast shoes---tennis shoes).
16. You love building forts.
17. You have the most incredible memory.
18. You always want to help, not matter what I am doing as long as you get to help.
19. You think monsters still exist in your closet....sometimes.
20. You ask me to cuddle everyday.
21. You are cautious about your brother's safety.
22. Your imagination, ROCKS.
23. You love singing songs.
24. You don't dance (it's probably genetic, don't worry).
25. You love closing your eyes for surprises..
26. Your favorite TV show is Jake.
27. You aren't into the fad toys.
28. You think Tator Tot hot dish is the best food ever.
29. You love to be read to.
30. Your favorite color (this week anyways) is red, because fire trucks are red.
31. You always up before 7 am.
32. You don't like pop or anything with carbonation.
33. You could eat cereal or pancakes for every meal, everyday and be totally ok with this. 
34. You still need me to remind you which shoes go on what feet.
35. You love pretending to read.
36. The circle store (Target) is the best store ever (and mommy agrees).
37. You love surprises.
38. You still sleep every night with your yellow blanket and puppy.
39. You only asked for one toy for your birthday (Hot Wheels Fire & Rescue---and your getting it) 
40. Your favorite movie is Planes Fire & Rescue
41. You are not much of a morning person and bargain in to staying up later.
42. Your favorite thing to do outside in the winter is shovel.
43. You take AMAZING photos now (well, when you want too). It's 180 from last year and 360 from the year before.
44. You talk about Whitney Dog is heaven and that makes me happy. I want you to remember her.
45. You always ask for Ice Cream before we leave Grandma's house, never fail. Thank goodness she always has some for you.
46. You love taking baths, showers still scare you a bit.
47. You used these 3 phrases the most, "I don't want to frustrate you," and "I'm going to be good, now," and "I didn't do nothing."
48. You love being the leader and showing Miles how to do things,
49. You jump on the living room furniture every chance you can get."
50. You tried riding your bike without training wheels this summer, but then decided you just want to keep your training wheels on forever (and that was a direct quote).
51. You have a hard time saying no, instead you always say, "Maybe next time."
52. You love having one on one with mom or dad.
53. You try so hard to misbehave sometimes, but you are such a good kid---it usually only lasts a few moments and you are immediately SORRY.
54. You think by saying, "I'm not going to be your best friend anymore," will some how chance the the situation into your favor.
55. You have one sure way to get to a time out with this quote, "Momma, you need a time out, you are naughty." This one buddy, oh it's Momma's button that shouldn't be pushed. 
56. You are just figuring out this Santa Claus business. I hope the magic lasts a long time for you.
57. You randomly talk about dying Easter eggs, for like every holiday.
58. You love doing puzzles, cutting paper and writing letters.
59. You play with trucks in oatmeal....This reminds of my own childhood, where stuff kids played with was so simple and not everything needed a battery.
60. You love playing with people, specifically adults. 
61. Your favorite game is Hide & Seek.
62. You don't like lettuce, but you do eat Tomatoes from neighbors garden.
63. You love hugs.
64. You talk about saving money in your piggy bank a lot to go to hotel with a pool and to go to a cabin again.
65. You caught your first fish this summer while at cabin, Then you caught a few more.
66. You love being outside every chance you can get.
67. Your favorite thing to draw is daddy's work building.
68. You love giving people presents.
69. You call blankets a "key, keys."
70. You aren't in a hurry to grow up (and I think that is just awesome).
71. You gave me instance coolness when I bought you your first pair of character light up shoes this year.
72. You make your own bed (and sometimes mom & dad's) and do a pretty decent job of it."
73. You really could care less about the movie, "Frozen." I am pretty convinced we will be the only house without something "Frozen" underneath the tree."
74. You call all of your friends, "My best friends."
75. You love living by the fire station and we have to drive/walk by the station regularly to see if the fire doors are open to the fire trucks.
76. You don't like to let go of old things or things you don't play with. Momma convinced you that all the toys we sold this fall that you didn't play with anymore belonged to Miles. And... this worked.
77. You love money, specifically change (nickels are a favorite).
78. You like seeing picture when you were little and watching the videos we had made for your first and second birthdays (obviously we have slacked for 3, 4 and now 5). The other day you asked, where are my other videos? #parent fail
79. You are Momma's thrift store buddy. 
80. You always eat pizza in this order. Meat, cheese and then crust.
81. You love having responsibility and helping.
82. You like Jake & Neverland Pirates, Paw Patrol, Noodle & Doodle, Fireman Sam, Handy Manny and Bob the builder the best and he just added Team Omi-Zoomie and Super Why oh and don't forget the Magic School bus and Mickey.
83. You like to paint vs color.
84. You get excited anytime you see a digger working or fire truck, ambulance or police officer go by.
85. You like to play with empty laundry baskets and boxes.
86. You asked for Batman cake for your 5th birthday.
87. You like to cook and help in the kitchen whenever you can.
88. Your favorite cereal is Fruity Pebbles.
89. You like to pretend to play games by yourself.
90. You like monster trucks.
91. You always travel in blocks not miles.
92. You just started using the word, "Awesome."
93. You love living by the "ice cream place." (The Zesto)
94. You like classic shows like the "Smurfs, Flintstones & Jetson's
95. You love it that the kitties finally like you, or more like you finally decided to stop chasing them. 
96. You talk about when you were a little baby and pretend you remember things from when you were a little baby. 
97. You actually ask to have your picture taken these days.
98. You have the wildest ideas... This year you were asked how to cook a Thanksgiving dinner at preschool, this was your response, "Dad and I go to the barn, catch a turkey with a net, bake it in the toaster, microwave and oven for 10 minutes and we will have applesauce and corn."
99. Your heart is pretty much stolen by peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. 
100. You have the way of making life so awesome, even on the hardest of days. 

I had this wild a crazy hope of editing your 5 year old pictures in time for your 5th birthday post. We will chalk this up this fail to  #parentfail #familyfallpictures #busyseason #photographerfail

Next up for edit is the Christmas session I did with both boys, summer of 2014, fall 2014 and the trip to the cabin. It's just a few 100, 1,000 photos to sort through.

Here is quick preview at his 5 year old portraits:

Happy 5th birthday buddy!

22 Months.

Two months until two.

There is so much I always want to remember about this age. The in between of older than 1.5, but not quite 2. Time just goes by way too fast.

I swear yesterday were waiting for everyday to pass meaning we would be one step closer to having a full term baby. YEAH, we made it to exactly 35 weeks. I think I still struggle that he will likely our last baby or properly put now, last toddler. Some days (like today) I would say NO WAY... 2 is definitely enough and other days I'm like, "Yeah I could totally handle 3."

I feel like in the last year I have missed blogging about SO much of Miles. I told myself I wouldn't be the mom that slacked with baby #2. It happen and it continues to happens (a lot too). Poor kid. At least we got some of the learning experiences with his older brother out of the way it will be smoother sailing from here on out with him.

22 month run down:

 

1. Big Trucks pretty much continue to rule his world.

2. He's picked a favorite blanket (froggy) which used to be a blanket of Harrison's and it's fraying at the ends. He loves to take the strings and wrap them around his fingers.

3. Plug (pacifier) addict.

4. Showing interest in the potty (even though we haven't started trying yet). He pulls at his diaper often when he has poop and the other day he actually walk into the room, tugged at his diaper and said, "Poop." Since it's summer there is a whole lot of peeing going on outside, whenever he see's Harrison going, he tries to pull down his pants. This kid watches every single move of his older brother. Harrison was fully potty trained by 2.5 years old. I am feeling confident Miles will be too. As much as diapers have never really bothered me---I won't miss paying for them.

5. New word this month: Poop. He loves to say it, almost as much as he loves to point out in the yard. I swear one of favorite family activities is picking up Violet (dog) poop. We do it everyday, yet it never seems to get old to them. Other most used words: Park, Walk, Big Truck, Violet (heard it twice now), bubbles, treat, more, bye, bye & rock.

6. I received his first "naughty" report earlier this week from daycare. Biting friends is a no, no.

7. Hasn't had his first hair cut yet. I can't part with those back curls.

8. LOVES water. He will put his face in it, his whole head even. He giggles practically the whole time he is playing in it. There is no doubt that anywhere we go, he doesn't have a passersby that doesn't say something like, "he sure loves the water." The sound of his giggle is just so awesome.

9. Current food obsession: Fruit snacks, pineapple and bananas.

10. Loves to jump. Sometimes he forgets that not every ground is a soft landing.

11. Totally adorable animal sounds. Roaring like a bear and a lion are his favorite.

12. Favorite activities: Brushing his teeth, picking up dog poop, being chased & tickled.

13. Least favorite things: Waiting, being touched by Harrison  & the word, "no."

14. Best friend: Violet

15. Prefers to be carried when at all possible. He kind have reminds me of a big dog trying to be a lap dog. I'm pretty sure he is trying to keep my upper body toned.

16. Time outs, help a lot. He responds to them well, listens and more often that not he doesn't cry when he is put there. Or maybe since he spends time there everyday he is just used to it..:)

17. All his baby teeth are FINALLY in minus his right top canine.

18. COPY CAT

19. Separation is hard. Often gets sad when either Doug or I leave and still cries every single daycare drop off. Thank goodness mom is the picker upper. The goodbyes are so much harder than the hello snuggles.

20. Shows little interest in most movies or shows. He prefers real life like animal planet or the movie, "Bears" (which is pretty darn cute movie.  If you haven't seen it yet, you should).

21. Loves the game of peek-a-boo and playing market with his piggies (toes).

22. Shows affection. When I lay down on the couch or the floor he will rub my back so sweetly, completely unprompted.

 

 



 

 

 

Miles @ 21 months

I am excited I was able to grab this photo the other day on our quest to visit a different park every week this summer. We headed to beautiful Lanesboro, MN last week. Sadly when we got there the park was closed for upgrading:(. We fed some very hungry ducks and entire bag of Gold Fish though.  I ended up taking the boys down to the waterfall and with Harrison's help of banging a branch on my head I was able to snap one of Miles actually looking at a camera. At 21 months...That's practically a miracle! Now I only wish I would have dressed him cuter that day and we shot this during the golden hour, rather than high noon. Oh well...that curly blonde hair and blue eyes totally make up it all!

I just love this kid. He is a total fish. He loves the pool. I lost track of how many pairs of  shoes he got wet this week by just playing by the pool and by playing I mean pretending to play on the outside of the pool and then just climbing in. My two favorite things to watch include running and falling on his butt in the pool and trying to lay on the beach ball. Both are equally and hilarious. I snapped a few shots tonight...so you can expect to see those shots in the next 6 to 12 months. I've been so busy on the side of photography... which is awesome since I call it my job these days, but not so awesome at the same time since I started this whole business because of the kids. It's a balance I'm still fighting to figure out.

Time outs have been introduced this past month. We have a few designated areas. Downstairs it's on the bottom step, outside it's on the front step and upstairs it's on the chair in his room. To our surprise he does really well with time outs. He listens when say, "time out, sit down on the stair." Sometimes he cries, sometimes he doesn't. After a minute or two of time out, he gives hugs and moves on.

Treats are pretty much the best thing, ever. We are back on the fruit snack kick we had with Harrison a couple of years ago. I don't dare think about going anywhere without a couple packs stashed in my purse. Those fruit snack companies make millions on just toddler's that is for sure.

Meal time is a hit/miss these days... Mostly miss. Casseroles and noodles are about the only thing that passes our kids lips. Welcome to picky eating central. This doesn't stop me from making "new" things... but most "new" things are just picked at best and left for Doug and I or the dog to finish.

Walks are pretty much the best thing ever (a side from swimming). "Walk" is a new word for Miles this month. He's good for a 30-60 minutes of just cruising in the stroller or wagon and if he's got a good case of the crabbies, a good long walk usually helps.

A first for him this month is blowing bubbles. He blew his first bubble tonight. I don't know who was more excited... Me or him? This is big stuff, especially when you have spent most of the summer just putting the soapy stick in your mouth. :)

Imitation is everything. He's a natural copy cat at anything Harrison does. And if he can't do it, he will do anything and everything to he can do to try. He doesn't easily give up. He is very strong willed. He is our complete opposition of  Harrison. Nope our first did not prepare us for our second. :)

As he is strong willed, he has a strong temper. He started these loud screams when he is afraid Harrison or Violet are going to take something from him or he is about to not get his way. Needless to say I am not a fan of this. I am hoping this phase is short lived. He also still tends to be a little brother bully---but do I dare say it's getting a tad better?

He loves to snuggle. Tonight I was about to lay him down for bed and when I picked him up he gave me the sweetest, longest hug, completely unprompted.

Chasing a tickling are the funnest (yes I can say funnest because I am not be graded on my own blog post).  Ps... I never proof read either before I hit publish on these entries (so that explains the typos and numerous grammar errors).

Oh Wow. We are now just 3 months shy of his 2nd birthday. I'm thinking something construction themed. He just loves big trucks, even trains are "big trucks."  However there won't be a "real" party this year other than us celebrating at home with cake, ice cream and presents. Since both of the boys birthdays are so close together and so close to the holidays...it's so tough planning individual/combined birthday party, especially since Harrison is more at the age of having "friend" parties. This fall we plan to take a long weekend and spend it in Wisconsin Dells at a water park. It's a choice we gave Harrison (Miles doesn't know the difference) party or water park and he chose water park.  Whew---I was secretly hoping he would choose that (party planning is a lot of work)! But if he (they) would have wanted the party, he (they) would have gotten a party.

Next up 22 months.




 

Hello 20 Months!

Only a week late with this post... I'll pat myself on the back for this one, since my last monthly update was late and combined since I entirely missed 18 months (yep the 1.5 year milestone...poor kid has second born syndrome).

Oh goodness... I can not photograph my own kids, but thank goodness I can everyone else's! It's pretty evident my kids like to make me "work" for shots. The day I attempted Miles 20 month shots I attempted sibling shots... An epic fail. :/ I am pretty sure they are just continually conditioning me for clients.

I haven't made it through most of files from this session... Heck I haven't made it through most of the files for the year. But anyways... after about a bazillion clicks; I got this one :)

I had to reschedule his 18 month doctors appointment and the next available appointment with his doctor was at 20 months, so I took what we could get. His doctor is that good and totally worth waiting to get in with. Thank goodness he is still young and not planning to leave the facility---so I hope both boys keep him until they 18. Good doctors are hard to find!

So this guy's stats: Almost 31.5 inches tall!!! Super jump from his 15 month appointment. He went from the -3% for height to the 21%. I guess we have an overachiever on our hands! His weight was 25 pounds, 8 ounces (60 %). I can't remember his head circumference measurements, but I want to say it was in the near 40 %---which is huge because Miles has never been above 10%. Up until his appointment I was pretty sure we were just raising short kids with small heads :)

The doctor was impressed with Miles milestones given his prematurity. He scored high in all the developmental and physical areas without even correcting his age. Again, just an overachiever. :)

So what's new with this guy?

Well... he continues to be our social one. He isn't scared of much-- which is both good and bad. He also continues to "bully" his older brother. I asked his doctor about his aggressive behavior to his older brother and he said, "It's very common for the second born to be more aggressive because they have always had to "wait" for everything." He also said, "Actually most parents will come in and tell me the same thing."

His appetite is slowing down... but he does really well with anything with noodles. Sadly this slow down will put an end to those chubby baby like cheeks and thighs. Another part of being robbed from babyhood and transitioning to toddlerhood. Miles, your momma is going to miss this squishy baby. And your also going to get tired of me always calling you my baby since you are our last baby. Man up and get used to it :)

This was lunch last week.

Treat. He will do just about anything for a treat... See the photo above?  Two words, fruit snacks. The fruit snack obsession and the bribery for everything is in full swing. I am pretty sure if we let him he would live on fruit snacks and bananas. Last week we ran out of both. The morning was brutal. By 11 am we found ourselves picking up an economy size box of fruit snack and a whole bundle of bananas. The rest of the day went much better. TGFFS (Thank God for Fruit Snacks).

"Nap time is no longer cool mom." I know Miles, nap time is not cool... but when your momma is trying to keep up with work---she desperately needs you to nap and not just those 20 minute cat naps you have been taking! Sleep is kind of mixed up right now. Partly with summer we keep the kids up later (hello we live a  snow cave for more than 6 months a year---we take every bit of summer we can get). On a typical night he is bed by around 8/8:30. He is turning a little more restless when I lay him down at night. Most recently he has been whining for about 10 minutes after he is put to bed. He is also waking up during the night with "nightmares" I am thinking? He has woken up 3 times last week. He also kissed his morning nap goodbye about 3 weeks ago. At daycare they transitioned him to one nap at just before 16 months (which honestly I feel is too early)... But being he is home 3 days a week he had still been regular two napping until then. Harrison has always been a super napper. Looking back on his 20 month post he was giving up his second nap about the same time as Miles.

His first two word-word... BIG TRUCK and he says it all the time. The kid loves trucks and airplanes almost as much as stealing his big brother's toys. :) Regular words are "Banana, More, Please." He is attempting saying Violet. We are still moving at a snail rate for speech...He will likely be a late talker like Harrison was. Most importantly he understands a lot; even a lot more than I think we give him credit for.

We have to start thinking of the next big tasks... like potty training. We won't be attempting with Miles until he is two, unless he shows some kind of intense excitement before then. Boys are known to train later and honestly I don't think any kids is really ready until there at least two. I am pretty optimistic he will train fairly easy. Not because Harrison did, but he is so in tune with following everyone to the bathroom. In fact if you have to tell you have you have to go the bathroom, he will lead you there, lift the seat, wait for you to go and then flush for you.

Temper. He has a temper. Probably from me. His temper is little feistier however... He does a lot of throwing things when he can't get something to work or if he and Harrison have been rallying over a toy----it usually goes flying. Having to wait for anything is the biggest trigger.

As much as he is naughty... we think is equally as cute :) One of his favorite things to is "pretend to take a nap".  I caught him here.

I am pretty much in love with the new lens Doug bought me for my birthday. With house being so narrow and dark... It's been a constant challenge to take these everyday photos with my 50. What a huge change having a 28 makes... I can even shoot through a doorway without being cropped off.

Summer is going by WAY too fast. In just a few more weeks I'll be posting his next 21 months. It's like a ticking time bomb until age two.
 

4.5 Years Old

This kid is awesome, freaking awesome. :) I can not believe he will turn 5 in less than 6 months. That is CRAZY talk.

And oh the glasses? He got them nearly 6 months ago (about time I post a picture of him wearing them, right)? He mostly wears them indoors and never playing outside and he still on his 3rd pair. But good thing we have two of these frames and one under warranty for the next year. I don't want to get into the cost of these, but man never wearing glasses myself I never have known the expense! His first two frames/lens were covered by MA and honestly the selection and quality of these frames are so cheap. I shouldn't complain because they were FREE, but honestly insurance could save money if they would just issue/offer frames of quality. Flimsy doesn't do at age 4. We have a follow up eye exam later this month. The eye doctor was hopeful that his nearsighted crossing (result of prematurity) would likely correct with the glasses within a year. So his specs are not permanent (we hope), but for now, he looks pretty darn cute in them.



I thought since Harrison is just over the 4.5 year marker, it would be fun to ask him this series of questions. Turns out he had a blast answering these and when we were finished he asked to answer more.

1. Who is your favorite person in the entire world? Logan
2. What is your favorite color? Rainbow
3. What is your favorite TV show? Fireman Sam & Paw Patrol
4. What is your favorite outfit? Sweat pants and yellow clothes
5. What sport is your favorite? Soccer
6. What song do you love? Abcs, Itsy Bitsy & Twinkle, Twinkle & Tippin'
7. What is your favorite cereal? Lucky Charms
8. Who is your best friend? Logan
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? Police Officer
10. What is your favorite book? Hungry Caterpillar
11. What are you really good at? Sharing with Miles (OMG: I about died laughing when he answered this one)
12. Where do you wish you could go on vacation? To the beach
13. What is your favorite memory? Going to Penquin ice cream.
14. What would you buy if you had a lot of money? Motorcycle
15. What is the vegetable you least like to eat? Lettuce. Tomatoes.
16. If you could have one wish, what would that be? Grow big like you.
17. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Cookie Dough!
18. Who is your biggest hero? Batman
19. What do you like to do best with your friends? Play at their houses.
20. What do you want to do for your 5th birthday? Have a piñata.


Time sure does fly and I know if kind of a clique since we hear it so much.... but not for one moment of my life have I ever wished him older. He promises me, "Momma, I won't get any bigger, I'll stay little forever." With his next breathe he says, "Momma when I get older and big like you and go to college. Whoa Harrison!  Hold on, kindergarten is still a year a way.


Here is a little comparison from last fall and here is look from this morning (yes I am updating the same day the picture was taken, that's even crazier talk).

Well you can look forward to a few more blog entries over the next few days... Turns out I am our first summer fun accident and ended up in urgent care for 2.5 hours. After 3 doctors and x-ray they were able to fish out a piece of glass that had embedded itself in the heel of my foot (for at least 3 days and I have no idea how it even got in there and had no idea it was glass). This injury has been one of the most painful accidents I have had in 29 years. I guess I am going out of my 20s with a bang.


 

18 & 19 Months.

So it happened, no official 18 month post and no official 18 month photos. Second child syndrome and mom fail. I could blame the 6 days of rain we had and Miles bummed head from fighting with the side walk, but I won't... but they were really contributing factors :).

So much has changed in the last couple of months and we have done a ton of fun stuff, that will hopefully get blogged about when I get caught up with client sessions. For now I need to redeem myself with a real post about my baby who is growing up WAY to fast for my liking.

It's so hard to decide what to start with! I wish I had his current stats and 18 month checkup to post the official, official...but I had conflicting appointments and had to reschedule his appointment for the second week in June. However there is no doubt, he is our chunk. I did and unofficial weigh in for him at the beginning of last month and he was 25lbs. As far as height, I haven't the slightest prediction; I am just hoping he's on the growth chart at his next appointment! We tend to underachievers in the height/head department in our family. Right now he's wearing 18 months to 2T tops, 12-18 month pants, size 4/5 shoes and size 4 diapers.

He still loves food...But we are pretty sure he's put himself on a diet in last few weeks. I guess he's looking to start shaving off that baby chub this summer... Which is probably one of the saddest parts is losing that "baby look." Some of his favorite foods include fettuccini, macaroni & cheese, spaghetti (basically anything with noodles), mandarin oranges, grapes, raspberries and most importantly fruit roll ups. I don't ever leave the house without one of those on hand anymore, especially if it's a grocery or Target shopping trip.

He really does have teeth under those gums after all! It's taken Miles months and months to get in all 4 top and bottom front teeth. I will say yesterday was official he got the last bottom tooth of the four on the bottom. It's something with the right side of his mouth that has been the slowest in getting teeth...He did look a little odd with teeth on only one side of mouth for about 2-3 months. Now to grand total those pearly whites up to 12 teeth in all!

So far, stats addressed, food, teeth, now lets talk fun stuff...

Imitation----he has this down to a T. OMG does he ever love to copy actions. When he does the actions to the song "Itsy Bitsy Spider," it's to die for cute. He even puts his own little spin (literally) on it. He prefers sound effects and hand gestures vs. copying words we say or names. There are some certain things we can make out that he says regularly, like "big truck," "plug," "more," "mamma," "dada," & "all done."  Once in a while if you say a name, word, he will plain as day say it back to you and then refuse to repeat it again. I am certain he has said, "Harrison" 2-3 times...which if you asked me is pretty impressive considering the length of his name. The s-o-n comes out the clearest.

He has also picked up more on signing. We just added "thank you," to his signs a couple of days ago. "Please," "more," "eat,"  & "all done." He may have been a late signer, but is picking up more rapidly, which is fun to see and is a relief in communicating. He is so smart in knowing things you are asking or saying and participates in things meaningful most of the time. I feel bad as parent sometimes that your second born doesn't get that opportunity to be the "only." I say this because Looking back 3 years ago when Harrison was Miles age. Harrison had so much of that 1:1 learning. We are working on small tasks with Miles right now such as naming his body parts, identifying animals and their sounds. He is very interested in pictures, books, seeing, opening up and doing. I think he really likes being given direction and having a big brother to follow has been immensely helpful. We are also working on coordinating his balance a little more too...he trips and stumbles quite a bit, but is a master at those stairs (which isn't a surprise since he has 19 to work with in our home).

Something I wish would go away is separation anxiety. It's in it's prime. I rarely drop the kids off at daycare & pre-school anymore (I am the picker upper) but I did last week and man, I could not do this everyday (or I guess the 2 days a week he goes). I realize the crying stops soon after you leave, but man I was out of practice last week. My heart sank as I could still hear his cries up two flights of stairs. I am so glad this is your job daddy!

The fun stuff Miles loves are cars, trucks, tractors to push, balls, coloring (drawing with chalk), picking up things (ex. We picked up a whole Target bag of pine cones at the deer park last week), reading books (especially the touch ad feel ones), and playing outside. He also loves his blanket and plug dearly. Oh and I almost forgot...High fives, hugs and kisses are pretty fun too:)

He is our defiant young man. Overall I will say he is good listener, which is making the term defiant not so strong, but I assure you he is. :) Harrison handled the transition to a big brother well, in fact, it's been WAY better that I could have EVER imagined. However Miles must have that little brother annoyance itch. He can be downright MEAN to Harrison. There is not a day that goes by that Miles doesn't come up behind him, jump on his back (it looks like a wrestling move) & starts to yank at Harrison's hair, poke him in the eyes or try to bite him. I have nicked named him my little Bully. And if he doesn't get his way or get his way soon enough he picks up anything in his path and just chucks it. I do everything I can not to burst out in laughter watching him. He also likes to throw himself down on the floor in a full fledged toddler tantrum. Our trip to Target last week was a trip from "HELL." I banned him from there for a while. I am sure that didn't hurt his feelings any, but I guess it makes me feel better." Oh and he was banned from the library this week too, again which is a relief for me and does nothing for him. Basically we just have to been very choosy when we take him out, where we take him out and for how long. trust me, I am not making this sound worse than it is...it really is this much compilation from one thing to the next. Anyone who has had a toddler will certainly agree with this. But I will say, it's so hilarious when you tell him, "no" and he sticks out the bottom lip and puts down his head. I think I like his, "I've been naughty face" as much as his "I'm super cute face."

Apparently we did find out last week at Miles conferences that apparently we have two Miles... The sweet go with the flow Miles we send to daycare and our little Bully Miles at home. :)

There is no doubt is he our daredevil, artsy, and snuggly guy. Thanks for this "one" photo you let me grab last night on the eve of your 19 month birthday. I love my Miles.

 

Making Waves.

So more adorable photos in the bath tub? Yep here they come!

So he's either eating or in the bath tub in almost every photo I post these days. This is because this is the only time he is confined long enough to make any eye contact with me (the camera). It's the 18-24 month phase where you will see more of the back of his head than the front :)

Well this is how we roll until about at 3, unless I get lucky. In that case, let this be when I get around to taking his official 18 month portraits later this month. I want to shoot them outdoors mainly---so I am waiting and waiting for it to resemble a bit of spring as well. I also have an indoor set-up in mind, but I can't find the right shirt to go with the set up. I guess I should insert #photographermomproblems into this post. Anyways I am waiting an official 18 month post until I have shot 18 month photos.

This bit of cuteness should tide you over for now...

 

 

Splashing Momma is so much fun!

Bath time Ducky is a favorite....Far right giving him kisses :)

What? Bath time is over? :/

 

Defiant Man

This guy has been on a crabby stretch and no end seems to be in sight. For a 1 year old, he can throw AMAZING temper tantrums. They say girl's are worse with attitude, THANK GOD I have boys; I don't know how my mom survived raising me.

It's rough being 1 I know...I was once one myself. I can't say I have a lot of parenting experience, but having 4 years under my belt so far and ONE is hard, really hard. It's the hardest year we parented Harrison so far and definitely equally if not harder with Miles. Don't worry Mom, I am getting pay back with this guy.

The other day I was walking into my studio and a mom was on the phone outside of the building arguing with her son on the phone about getting a D in a class, not turning in his homework and wondering why he doesn't think anything is wrong with getting a D. I thought to myself..."Wow, it won't be long until I'm probably having that same conversation." Perhaps I should enjoy parenting the age of 1 a little more.


Now here is the little defiant soon to be 18 month old. He looks so innocent, don't let him fool you! :)

 

Miles @16 months

Oh goodness.... I better get to work. I promised myself at least 4 personal blog entries a month in my 2014 new years resolution... This is my first one with about a week left of February. Well at least we are burning through February, which is another month closer to spring, maybe.

Weather has been ridiculous here lately... I's actually one of the coldest winters in the past 40 years. Yippie, I am glad I can add that we can be a part of history! Just like last year when it snowed on May 3...only the 4th time it's snowed in May in 100 years. Damn what a strike of luck we are on right now.

I know I am failing terrible at pulling out the camera lately...I haven't pulled out my phone nearly at all either. Blame it on these winter blues. With having studio space now I wish I could fill up posts with gobs of photos.... But at 16 months, I'm lucky enough to get him sit for 10 seconds and trying to get him to look at me takes a practical miracle. I'm more of a real life kind of girl as opposed to all that posy, posy stuff anyways. I am dying to get outside....but none of this is an excuse for not getting the camera out (kind have feeling like a failure right now). I need to get my act together again---capturing these guys every moments have been the reason I have spent the last several years pouring out any free moment studying photography.

Anyways....here bit of the good stuff, real life.

Miles @ 16 Months

Miles is crazy, crazy busy....but he's been that way for the last couple of months, leaving a path of destruction in every room of the house. So don't expect our home to resemble any kind of order and beware chaos...but I love it all (well maybe not cleaning part so much).

These days Miles successfully climbs up our flight of 19 steps upstairs and slides down the 19 steps on his belly down. He loves to jump in his crib, on Harrison's bed and on the couch when he finds something to stand on to climb up on it. The poor kid is shorter than his brother was at 16 months. I couldn't believe it at first, but yep... it's true. Last appointment Miles was 29.5 inches long... -1% on the growth curve. Nothing really new to us...he's been bouncing on and off the growth chart at each appointment. At 16 months Harrison was 30 inches long, 1/2 inch taller than Miles. But Miles has 2 more pounds on his shorty frame than Harrison did weighing in last at 23 lbs (55%). Being they both were preemies they are little smaller, but really in the end I am convinced we make short kids. We are not short people ourselves. I am 5-6 and Doug is 5-9. In fact at one point I was the tallest girl in my fifth grade class. Oh well...These are just numbers & percents, they don't really mean anything. We have a fabulous pediatrician for the boys and he gages healthy on how it appears (how the child looks) vs being stuck on certain number they are supposed to be. So he's healthy and may or may not be on the growth chart next appointment.

Speaking of healthy. Miles has been very healthy. I hate to even type that last sentence, as it may come back to bite me in the butt, but man he has been. He's had 2-3 fevers (probably teething) all winter and 1-2 colds. I think it has, I mean I know it has helped since he has only been going to daycare 2 days a week. Feeling pretty blessed for his good health.

Teething has been so bizarre for this kid. I guess there is no right way to do things, but again this kid is totally off the beaten path of normal when it comes to teething. Right now he has 6 teeth....which are the two top and two bottom teeth and then the top and bottom tooth on the right side. He started getting a molar on his right side a couple of weeks ago...it's finally breaking through the skin now. Finally a molar and top tooth is trying to break through on his left side. We were starting to wonder if he had any teeth on his left side of his mouth :)

He loves food... Particularly fruit. Halo oranges are his favorite. I feel like we are buying them by the case along with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and raspberries are among his other favorites. Most recently I gave him applesauce for the first time since he was an infant. I haven't avoided giving it to him for any other reason than he refuses to use a spoon, even with applesauce and Mr. Independent would rather feed himself than let you feed him.    

Evenings still are a challenge. The hours of 4-7 are the hardest from about the age of 9 months to I forget when....but I am sure I'll remember when the hours of 4-7 becomes more peaceful again. It's the combination between waiting for food, wanting to be held,  & overall tiredness.  It haunts us everyday starting at 4 and doesn't let up without fail until bed time. Thank goodness he is still a fabulous sleeper. He goes down between 6:30/7:30 each night and wakes up between 7:00/8:00 everyday day.I forgot how good full nights of sleep feels.   Most days he is still a 2 napper kind of boy. He will sleep about 1-2 in the morning and about 1-2 in the afternoon. If he skips the morning nap, he will sleep 2-3 hours in the afternoon, which is pretty typical for his age.

It's happening again. Blanket addiction. This kid has a case of it and it's bad. Right now if you walk in his room it looks like he is a blanket hoarder. Not only does he have a mound of his own blankets, he goes into Harrison's room and finds any blanket he can hijack from in there to take back to his crib. There isn't a favorite blanket yet...but Doug think Miles is drawn to his yellow blanket, which happens to be the same color of blanket and Harrison beloved, "key, key" and mine and a child and Doug's as a child. What is it with yellow? Must be in our genes.

Communication...is sorta blah. Miles understands a ton of things. If we talk about going "Bye, Bye" he will go to the door. If we talk about eating, he sprints to his highchair. Going up stairs, finding his plug & blanket and throwing things in the garbage he understands. Using any sort of words...not so much. We think he can say "yep," and maybe "ok." From time to time he will mimic when you repeat "Momma or Dadda" but will not initiate it on his own. Waving bye and signing "all done" is about 25% of the time and has no other words, gestures or signs despite our constant efforts. The conclusion? Our kids are not determined talkers. 

Fears are new. Fire trucks, ambulances, police cars are scary stuff. He turned on the shower head of the tub when the bath water was running the other day and there is a brand new fear. He also infrequently started to have night terrors. However he still loves the vacuum just the same. We actually use the small hand held one to suck the crumbs off his lap after meals.

Comedian for sure. He's not only fun to play with, he is so fun to watch. As I sit down and type this entry he is walking around the room playing with siri on the iPhone, has brought be 2 little people, a car, some round rubber thing and has sneaked in a game of peek a boo from under the coffee table. It's fun to watch their world. In Miles world...nothing should ever be connect to something else. Velcro has the worst invention---it makes everything get stuck to each other. And the strings, knots, etc....are so frustrating. If he could talk I know he would ask, "Why are the strings and sticky stuff people? And enough with putting lids on things I can't get off."

Man it must be rough to be a toddler.

 

Miles @ 15 Months (aka Our Tornado)

These days our home resembles a tornado. I have actually been taking photos to remember that for a few split seconds when our house didn't look like a Toys R Us tornado. Kids are awesome no matter how much they trash your house. :) I guess I understand why my mom said, "I'm not buying new furniture until all of you kids move out." Thanks mom, that is one tip I will be taking.

Onward in the whirlwind tornado (aka Miles). Nothing, I mean nothing is safe from being dispensed in a garbage can, toilet or a bath tub full of water. He is a magnet to them all. I feel like I have grown a few extra eyeballs to keep an eye on this child (seriously....I mean seriously). I thought his brother broke us in, apparently not. :) You can eat as many Blodeows donuts as you want because you never sit down long enough to let one calorie stick to you. I guess this is maybe why he can out eat everyone one of us.

Getting around these days...there is minute crawling, little walking and a whole lotta running. It's like fast and faster speed, thus the tornado analogy I have beaten down with this entry.

Oh goodness... This kid makes us laugh so hard. He knows he is funny and he totally goes for drawing in his audience. Dinner time is a probably a favorite of mine. Not only is he entertaining to watch since he doesn't attempt to use a single food utensil besides the occasional weapon as he flings it across the room. It's really the faces and squeals he makes that makes you come back for more. This week he discovered jumping outside of his crib, which is pretty cool to watch because he can almost get both feet completely off the ground. Harrison was just learning to walk at 15 months so this is so different for us. Maybe it's age appropriate? I have no idea. I used to read those developmental books and e-mails, but it seems these days those books are collecting dust and my e-mail in boxs gets deleted. Poor Miles, definitely getting the shaft....But then again not really, he has 2 times the cool toys to play with than his brother did, so that's a win. I'm sure he will turn out just fine if I don't read the developmental books and e-mails---worse case he could end up like his dad (ha ha just seeing if you were paying attention).

Kitty cats. Miles loves our kitties, or I should say their tails. These cats would not be nearly as popular without those tails. If Miles sees a kitty enter the room he immediately starts to scream his happy scream (I need to get video of this). I mean every single time he has a show stopping happy kitty scream. Even if I am not in the room I can now recognize the "kitty scream." Poor kitties, they now have another enemy in the house besides the dog.

His blanket, the remote, a car, a hair brush, you name it...it's a phone. Miles loves to turn every object into a telephone (I'm sure texting will be next). I think I even caught him saying "Hello" tonight. He hasn't been much for words besides babbling and he will repeat "Momma and Dada." Doug is convinced he will be an earlier talker than Harrison (who didn't talk until he was 3)---I'm not as convinced. I am still holding on to hope that his sign language skills will pick up, so we have better communication. More signing = less screaming = less stress. I think this will be also helpful for when he transitions out of the infant room the beginning of February.

As with transitioning I have the "mom worry" that all of those other kids look so big, but then I look what Miles and realize his older brother has prepared both him and I for this transition. Not only has his older brother helped both his Momma by going through this same transition a few years ago, but he has also helped Miles get what he wants by having a older brother to go through. Lastly Miles has an amazing toddler teacher Jaclyn who I know will make sure things go well for him. And hopefully when I have to (I mean Miles) do another transition in couple of years he will end up with Harrison's pre-school teacher, Miss Jackie. I know finding daycare is such a stress for new parents. I am glad we really found a nitch at our center.

As for other things these days.... The most popular game both boys want to play is "Come get me." Basically we chase the kids around the house and we are always "it" in the game of tag...But whatever, they LOVE it. Miles seems to be taking to watching whatever it is that is playing on Disney Junior. Although I don't condone watching t.v. at such a young age... a few minutes of rest is always welcomed. I don't think Harrison showed any interested in television until he was at least 2.5. I see a lot of differences in their personalities. As far as appearance...I noticed Miles has a dimple on his right cheek, just like his brother and his Momma. I used to hate having a dimple, but now I embrace it....not everyone has them...and more rare to only have one and even cuter to have dimples on boys. :)

I feel like we have gotten lucky on Miles being fairly healthy this year...I guess thinking it was enough to sabotage it. Call from daycare yesterday with a fever, he slept most of yesterday afternoon/evening. Fever today with a horrible cough and one very, very, very irritable boy.... Thank goodness I took these photos a couple of days ago when he was jumping around, happy boy.

I have a few candid's I need to get up from this month as well... Another new year resolution I should add...More real life photos. Those are the photos that tell a story, but these are almost too adorable for words. And not to mention, the only two photos he let me snag. GO, GO, GO.

15 months Mr. Miles :)

 

 That ginormous smile.

And for a little fun here is a comparison between Harrison & Miles at the same age. So many people say they look a like. I guess I see some resemblance with the white blonde hair, fair skin and blue eyes....But I see so much face shape difference as well as the position of Harrison's eyes vs. Miles.

 

Miles @ 14 months

Yikes! I better post a 14 month update before I post a 15 month update. No real excuse I waited so long other than I haven't busted the camera out much this month! I tried a posed Christmas session with him a couple of weeks ago...First I tried him alone, then I thought sitting with Harrison would help...nope and nope, total failure. It's so so so hard photographing your own children.

Anyways I think the traumatic photo session has worn off me enough to grab a few real life images during bath time tonight. This real stuff is what I'm all about. And honestly real life is what I frame. I have one posed photo of Miles and one posed photo of Harrison hanging up in our house and that is it.  Real life rocks.

14 months/12-13-13 (from Miles perspective):

• It's my way or no way.
• Naps are overrated, I sleep when I want, if I want to and however long I want (ha ha Mom, try to schedule around that)
• I'm crabby these days a lot. If you could just pick me up and walk around the house the entire day I would be happy always, promise.
• I can't complain about your cooking, I eat anything your put in front of me...but the service is never fast enough.
• Sometimes when I am having a melt down (one of many) I like when you put me in my crib with some toys (I like that jingling apple the best) for some quiet time. After 15-20 minutes I either fall asleep or let you know I'm ready to get out.
• I love walking, but again only when I feel like it. And for goodness sake, I need a helmet for all of these hard floors... Have you looked at my forehead lately? GEESH.
• I love your phone...It makes me so happy. Actually anything I can make into a phone makes me happy. (check out the photos below)
• Blankets---You keep asking me do I really need to drag two of them with me when I am walking, yes...I do, it's essential no mater how many times I trip over them.
• Oh I love the "I'm going to get you game." It's so funny watching you chase after me.
• I refuse to wear a bib that doesn't tie...those velcro and button ones are not my style.
• I'm not sure I dig this sign language stuff... So for now I'll just sign, "all done."
• As much as I love playing with mom and dad, my older brother is WAY cooler.
• I take every opportunity I can to get through those child safety locks in the kitchen.... it's so much fun taking every. single. thing. out.
• The dog and cat water is irresistible... No matter how many times you tell me to stop, I won't. :)
• And---these teeth...Aren't I supposed to get more than just 4?

Now...for some tremendously cute photos of ME!

 



 

 

I promise to be super cute (& less crabby) so my mom HAS to lug out that camera out and snap more pictures of me.
 

Happy 4th birthday Harrison!

Happy birthday to my biggest, little buddy.


This year Thanksgiving Day we even had more to be thankful for, Harrison's fourth birthday!

Besides having turkey we are dug into a Spiderman birthday cake.

I can't get over how much he has changed in the last 4 years. Just as I did last year,  I took "traditional" birthday eve photos this year. This is the very last look at what the age of 3 looks like.

Ok... Harrison you can stop growing up anytime soon. The other day in the car I was talking to him about when he was little and how much I don't want him to grow up and that he should stay as little as he can for as long as he can. He assured me, "Momma, I'll just eat little bites of food and that will keep me little." And then the next thing he talked about was growing big to become a Fireman...

Here is a look at the past 3 years...

He went from so cute to oh so handsome.

 



Oh wow... What I could give to be 4 again, living in a world where basically you can do anything and be whoever you want to be. The world doesn't judge you, it's kind to you and asking for pancakes for every meal acceptable.

Some days he is Spiderman, other days he is Captain America, a Ninja Turtle, but most often he is puppy dog named Whitney. Today I scratched his belly and fed him treats. He doesn't have an imaginary friend, but Violet Puppy "talks" to him.

He is the best big brother. Miles is his "buddy." "Hey buddy, come chase me." Just yesterday they were playing together and he was so proud of Miles walking he gave him a great big hug (which made Miles fall down) and said, "Good job buddy, your walking by yourself." Not that he wasn't an awesome big brother from the start, but now he's a really awesome big brother. I'm convinced if we have another 4 years in between would be a perfect age to space them apart. That was our plan for Miles but things happen faster the second time we now know :).

I would say Harrison is pretty typical 4 year old. He would watch tv all day if you let him, he loves to play with anything fire truck or police officer and tries to fix everything in the house by hammering it. I would say his absolute favorite thing to do it help. He helps me bake a lot. He is actually the best egg cracker I've seen for barely 4 years old... I independently let him crack all of the eggs. Perhaps he has career in culinary if his other love for construction (fixing things) doesn't take off.  Or better yet... here is food, requiring construction! (A peek at our ginger bread house construction).

 



And here are some baking shots because they are too cute and "real life" not to share.

 



He could be worse. We had a first real bout of, "What the heck to we do?" with behavior last month. He tested us to our max.  I was online reading everything I could do to "help" us survive. I ended up finding a button reward system on Pinterest. Since starting the jar almost a month ago, his behavior has turned around nearly 100%. I can't say the jar did all the work, he was the one that needed to make the change.

He is right on Target (and no, I'm not talking about the department store for once) for preschool skills such as writing, coloring, knowing colors, shapes, abcs, etc. We have decided to wait for the spring to do the early childhood screening, since he was just evaluated by 3 specialists at his 4 year NICU follow up and he won't be heading to kindergarten until he is nearly 6 based on how his birthday falls.

Hugs. He love hugs. I'm so glad he does. As a baby he was never a cuddly guy, well he definitely making up for it these days. I relish in the moments when he says, "I want up please Momma, I want to snuggle." When he no longer asks me to pick him up and cuddle will be a very sad day.

"I did it all by myself." He is at the stage where it's so awesome to see how proud he is for getting dressed himself or eating his food all gone or completing a task without any help.

Music is pretty awesome. The song I hear him sing everyday is, "Jesus is the son of God, son of God, son of God, Jesus is the son of God and he loves me." I guess what song would not be better to hear 10 times a day? Today he sang me a fireman song, it went something like, "Fireman, Fireman, Fireman, I am a Fireman, Fireman, Fireman." "Momma, did you like that song?" I probably shouldn't proclaim that the first Christmas song I taught him is Jingle Bells, Batman smells... and you know the rest. Whoops. probably not a shining parent moment.

It's like a party, everyday for this kid. He loves life, loves everything about it. As parents I know we spend our whole lives trying to give our children what we never had, but it's not the "things" they need. The "thing" they need is you to be is their mommy or daddy and if you are being the best mommy or daddy under whatever circumstances life has thrown out at you, that's all they need. (Toys are so much better when Mommy or daddy plays with them with you). You are the best thing in their lives. I read an article that made me rethink all this present giving and also rethink all of the everyday stuff. But before you read the article... I want you know how much I disagree with this "author" (mom) who wrote this column. We are all entitled to our own opinions...and my opinion is this is a horrible way to teach a concept to your child. "Why I am buying my kids lots of presents?"




With that I leave you with this.