Happy First Birthday in Heaven

Its been a tough year no doubt. Tomorrow is Whitney Dog's first birthday in heaven. It feels like this road has been so rough and untraveled and she's been gone so long.  So much of me thought I would be much better about it by now, accepting of her crossing the rainbow bridge and happy with the memories we made her with her... but as I sit here type this tears stream down my face. I miss my Whitney Dog. You know how they have the grieving cycle: denial, sadness, anger, and then acceptance? Well, 364 days later I think I have went this cycle 100s of times. She was more than a just a dog, she was my best friend. Saying goodbye to a best friend is the hardest thing, I've ever done.

For the past year Harrison has helped keep her alive with us...when so much of me wants to try to forget so it doesn't hurt so much. We built sand turtles on the beach last month and Harrison was insistent that we add a fifth turtle with wings, so Whitney can be with us. Her collar with her tags and square photo of her hangs from the review mirror in my car. Every time the breeze blows her tags jingle. Anyone who has had a pet knows this sound, you undeniably can't forget it.

There is so much of life we just wish you could control. The amount of time we have here isn't one of them. Obviously God needed Whitney more than we did, though I am still searching for the reason, perhaps I have already circled it a dozen times, but someday this will all make sense.


Miss you everyday. Happy First Birthday in Heaven Whitney Dog.

 

One year later.

It's been a while since I blogged a little bit life these days. Next week marks one year since I lost my job and began this new life of a part time stay at home mom & full time photographer. The journey has been full of twists as turns. Never did I ever imagine that my house would be dirtier when I was home more, nor did I imagine I would be using every once of down time editing photos or planning sessions and spending 3 hour some days just replying to e-mails. I can't remember the last TV show or movie I watched that I didn't have the lap top on my lap editing through the entire program. I thought somehow I would have time to play with the kids, keep the house clean, stay on top of laundry, have dinner made and stay of editing both professionally and personally and be the perfect wife. Never did I ever expect that everyday would be more of survival mode and I would be a 24/7 referee between brothers and I would have gone on two dates in 12 months.

Some days I feel like I totally suck as a mom. Especially the days I have to cut our fun short at the park, so we can rush home, eat lunch and take a nap, so Momma can work. Sadly, work revolves around nap time, well basically nap time is meal planning, editing, e-mails, laundry, house work. It's like cramming in 8 hours of work into 2-3 hours. I am never caught up. This poor blog is neglected itself. I have about a zillion photos to edit, but obviously not the time for it. In fact I should be doing a ton of other things right now other than blogging.

Sometimes I forget to breathe. Honestly. Some days or a lot of days I don't have enough patience or even a sliver time to shave off anything on a to do list. With how much is constantly going on I don't breathe a lot of the time, or sleep or really do anything by myself. This is when I totally realized---I am a MOM.

I own more sweats than a PE teacher. Honestly... Have you seen me lately? If the show, "What Not To Wear" was still on the air, Stacey and Clinton would be sure to call in an emergency with my wardrobe of sweats, yoga and wind shorts, not to mention I can't remember the last time I curled my hair or painted my nails. But at the very least, at I don't wear my pajamas to Walmart (well not yet anyways).

I worry a lot. After a year of loss of my best friend, my job, my husband's job and hurdles of unemployment, lawyers and trying put  a business together without ever taking a single business class (I have BA in Social Work)---everything has been a giant leap in to a pool of uncertainty. I would be lying to say that I am not petrified of not being busy enough this winter to keep up with the business. It's my first winter handing non-season without primary job or even a secondary.

Being "fired," did a lot good and bad. The good is that I don't have to be mistreated by an employer who violated Human Rights and then terminated me by the a Minnesota Law "Employment at will." The state is still currently investigating the charge and I have moved on to filing as well in the court system since my former employer is not willing to talk settlement outside of court. Some day I keep telling myself this will be over. I not a quitter, I am fighter and I will WIN. My former, former boss was amazing. One day when we were chatting about life and chatting about my future in photography he asked me this, "Why are you afraid to take a chance?" You can't always be scared of taking a chance. Until then, I was so scared and then I replayed that conversation over and over and suddenly I was less afraid.

I have never been so happy. I love photography, I love my clients (seriously I don't know how I get so lucky to meet such great clients and get invited into their lives and watch their children and families grow). I feel at home. I know this is what I should be doing. I just need to make money. I know it doesn't happen overnight--but a girl can dream, right?

As much as I love my passion, we need roof over our head, food on the table and clothes on our backs. I will do anything and everything for my boys.. So this is when a passion has to take a back seat for the real life. Financially going from two incomes, to one, to none and back to basically one, that's living on half of what we used to. It's hard, REALLY, REALLY hard. Not that you should throw your money around, but I miss going to Target and filling my cart with a bunch of junk I am sure I didn't need and then leaving the store "slightly guilty," but knowing I'll still have enough money to make my car payment, buy food, put gas in the car etc.  I miss feeling like it's ok to spend money and not feeling guilty for every penny spent that doesn't go to the bare necessities.

Then comes rejection. Termination has put a big stigma on the applications/resumes. I have had a few interviews in the last year and put out countless applications and resumes and never heard anything back. I actually turned down a couple of interviews because my confidence. It's so hard to move past something as awful as wrongful termination. I didn't do anything to lose my job, but yet I get a termination label slapped on me sending a stigma that I did something that caused to me lose my job. It's basically like going in to a battle (interview) one sided-- or like doing a prison term for something you didn't commit.

Wounds definitely take time to heal and confidence, worthiness and a whole lotta time to rebuild. Last month I saw a listing in the paper for a job opportunity. For the first time in almost a year, I was excited about the potential of rejoining the workforce and confident. I applied and got a call to schedule an interview the very next day. I interviewed a week later and the following week I got a rejection letter. Honestly it's feeling like a part of me died again. I was more than qualified, the interview went awesome and I wasn't even asked about termination. It would have been an exciting opportunity. To say I am bummed is an understatement. It's the first job I have actually wanted in the last year and just didn't apply to for the sake of applying. I don't plan on applying for any social work positions at this time. It's been too emotionally draining for myself, I don't feel like I would be doing myself or anyone else justice in working a field mental health when I have to do everything I can to hold myself together and MOVE forward.

Moving forward is easier said than done, especially with pot holes and twist and turns just when something is feeling right. I admit I also struggle a lot with knowing when I do go back to work someday a part of me will also have put these two AMAZING boys back into daycare/preschool full time. I wish this world didn't revolve around money. The whole world would be a better.

Life is hard not matter who you are whether you share your feelings or keep them bottled up tight. I choose to write because I know there is someone else out there feeling the same way, having the same thoughts and moving forward, even if it's at a turtle's pace.

As crazy and each day is, life will work out. God has a plan for me, for us, for our family---so I'll continue to tread water until I can swim again someday.

For now I'll hug my boys and try to breathe and be positive.

And just maybe buy a lottery ticket.









 

Miles @ 23 Months

Favorite capture @ 23 months.

Oh goodness... The next post is the big one. TWO.


I've started to put together at least one set-up for two year pictures. YIKES...I'm trying a studio session with a 2 year old, so I just maybe setting myself up for failure. Though have you seen the recent Viking/Flannel posts on istagram? He was pretty much hamming it up for those and even saying cheese... too bad my camera sucks on my phone and he was blurry in most of them. It's time to upgrade to the iPhone 6 soon. So, just maybe he will give me a few more smiles than he did last year. I honestly don't need a 1,000 good ones. I would settle for one awesome one and 4-5 decent ones. :)

We haven't decided what we are doing for his birthday. It's a Monday, Doug will be at work and it's normally a daycare/pre-school day, but I'll plan to keep Miles home that day and his cake will have big trucks on it  and that's about as far as I've gotten with planning (better get a move on this).

At 23 months he is:


1. Saying "Momma & Dadda" FINALLY.  (Big truck was his first word).
2. Loves bubbles and would stay in the bath tub all night if you let him or until he ran out of bubbles.
3. He has some mad dance skills and uses them all the time (I need to get video).
4. Doesn't like watermelon, but could live off butter.
5. Has at least 10 blankets and plugs in rotation. He seems to have gotten off having favorites (yes).
6. Mimics everything.
7. Time outs 1-2 times a day (does AMAZING with them, even says sorry unprompted).
8. LOVES to be carried. Or to be rephrased, "WILL NOT WALK LONG DISTANCES."
9. Jumping. Jumping from the coffee table to the couch, jumping on/off beds and tables. He's a jumper.
10. Attempting small transitions to potty training. Having him sit at bath time, or getting dressed.
11. He thinks he needs to brush his teeth every time he goes into the bathroom.
12. Likes watch (cooking, writing, editing, typing).
13. Loves applying lip gloss--- it's his favorite morning activity while I am getting ready.
14. He is fascinated by poop. Another favorite activity is picking up dog poop in the yard.
15. When he is done he is done. The minute he announces he is done and you don't jump on it a sippy cup goes flying off the high chair or he climbs out of the shopping cart.
16. Will practically do anything for fruit snacks or a sucker.
17. Separation anxiety is finally winding down a little, no more crying at daycare drop off.
18. Likes to frustrate his big brother---knocking down his tower or blocks is a favorite.
19. The word "treat" is pretty much magic at this house.
20. Napping has been inconsistent over the past month, shorter or non at all (it's not pretty without).
21. Besides loving trucks, he likes Bears.
22. No toddler bed, anytime soon. We transitioned Harrison between 20-22 months---won't be happening this time :)
23. He is so stinking cute and friendly. Randomly says hi/bye to people at stores hams himself up to people he doesn't know.

Ready or not.. TWO is next.





 

Pre-K 2

Today marks the unofficial start to fall; it's the day after Labor Day. Kids head back to school and we slowly start the "everyday," routine again. It's not that I don't like the "everyday" routine... but it makes me miss summer, even before it's really, REALLY gone. It's making sure the kids get to bed by 8/8:30 as opposed to "oh crap, it's 10 PM already."  Summer is when... it's ok to eat chicken nuggets and French fries for the third evening in a row. Summer is playing outside until 9PM , because it's still light out. We make every moment count of a Minnesota Summer.

I was listening to the radio the other day and suggestion they had, especially for us northerners is start a fall bucket list, so we are not consumed with thoughts of the next 9 months of cold and darkness (I may have added the 9 months part, because it totally feels that way around here).

There is one thing I particularly happy about this September... He isn't a kindergartener, just yet.

Today Doug dropped Harrison off as an official Back Yard Kid. At our child care center, preschool is divided into two groups. Preschool 1 and preschool 2. Harrison is now one of the "big kids." Since his birthday falls in late November he has one more year of preschool before he enters Kindergarten next year. Which also means his mom and dad only have one more year to debate Public or Montessori school.

New classroom. new teacher. I'm sure he'll rock his last year.

Happy Back to School!

 

4.75 years old

 

As lots of kids head of to kindergarten this week and next. I am reminded of just how fast these first 5 years can go. 

 

Next week he starts his final year of pre-school with "the big kids."



 

 

#toddlerproblems: Falling asleep at lunch.

 

 

Blame it on Friday...

 

Ice Cube

I've been trying hard to keep the boys busy with activities this summer. We have been on a quest to try a new park every week (as weather permits) during these warmer months. We have been on some scavenger nature walks, trips to museums, library and of coarse our weekly trips to the donut place & ice cream place.

We have also practically lived on a sandbar, beaches and our whale pool for the last month. The late summer heat & humidity is in full swing in Minnesota.

I pinned this pin Ice Cube  a few months back. Sometimes on the "blah" days I let Harrison pick out something I have pinned on Pinterest to do. Late last week he chose Ice Cube. I let him pick small items to dig out or that became "treasure," and put them in the tub.  Next he picked green food coloring and we put it in the freezer. I think he ended up asking 10 times within an hour later if the ice was frozen yet (it took 2 days to freeze).

This was really fun, I just wish it would have lasted longer and so did the boys. The pin showed using plastic hammers and screw drivers, but meh; we used the real stuff. A bit dangers I admit, especially since Harrison wasn't wearing shoes. As a disclaimer, no toes or fingers were smashed during the smashing of this cube. :)

 

 

 

 We already have a brightly blue tub in the freezer filled with more "treasures."

 

 

 

The everyday Super Hero.

He lives and breathes fighting bad guys and saving the world.

Last week one afternoon I asked him to pick out a book for naptime and meet me on my bed. When I came upstairs I found him like this.

The world of a 4 year old.

 

 

 

Bubble bath.

I can hardly get him out of here most nights.

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.

 

 



 

 

 

Handy Manny

His life pretty much revolves around Handy Manny, Bob the Builder, Super Heroes with Ninja Turtles and emergency vehicles in between.

We didn't know how much he loved building with blocks until we went to his conferences at pre-school last fall. We didn't own a single block at our house for him at the time. Finally his 4th birthday rolled around and he got his first set of blocks. Seriously recommend the Melissa and Doug brand---they are pretty awesome.

We were just amazed at his creations. Man this kid has an elaborate imagination....such awesomeness. Since we spend practically 9 months of the year inside (thank you Minnesota winter) we try to spend every waking minute of summer outside if it's not raining. We got to thinking how much building could be going on outside during these summer months... The following week, I sent daddy to our local Menards to pick up some lumber (spent less than $20 in the photos below--CHEAP).

While he gets frustrated often that his little brother is knocking over his garages, parks and movie theaters.... Sometimes he does get lucky enough to build an entire parking ramp without a tornado (little brother) as a line of destruction.

Play.

 

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.




 

Story Time.

I feel like sometimes all they do is fight. Well, more Miles than Harrison...but not saying Harrison doesn't provoke it more often.

Well, when it's all said and done;  I am a referee... except the game never ends.

I look forwards to moments like this. I call it MAGIC. It makes all the struggles of parenting and sibling rivalry disappear.

Story time has become my favorite part of the evenings. Miles is old enough to be able to regularly join Harrison for a few stories at night. It's no longer Miles objective close the book or rip all of pages out :).

My favorite everyday.

 

 

Sherwood Forest

It's the first time we went camping as a family and the second time Doug and I have ever been camping together. Our friends Kyle & Kristi family owns a permanent site in Garrison, MN. The campground was Sherwood Forest.

We left late on a Friday evening in hopes the kids would sleep the almost 5 hour drive there. Miles was out within an hour in... Harrison FINALLY fell asleep about half hour before we reached the campground. Doug was pretty tired too...so I drove and he slept. I to was exhausted from long night before with the burglary at my studio, but with Harrison's continuous questions as always, "How many more blocks until we get there?" There was absolutely no way I would lose focus by sleep depravation while driving. In fact I made it through listening to "Finding Nemo" & "Horton Hears A Who" on the way up there in between the continuous question asking of that 4.5 year old I mentioned earlier. :)

After we arrived at the campground.... We all settle into bed about 2:30 AM.

Day One of Camping:

We started to stir about 8:00 AM.

Powdered sugar donuts and Bloedow's were a hit with a 4 year old, 3 year old and two 1 year olds.

After scoping out the campground and playing on the play set and mini golf we headed to the beach.

The winds at the beach picked up so we headed back to the pool for a couple of hours until the rain moved in.

After letting the rain pass... We did what was perhaps the most important thing of camping; we made smores :) If you haven't tried it already... substitute a Reeses peanut butter cup instead of the traditional chocolate. Oh it's delicious. I had 3 of them just to confirm this.

 

 

 

After the camp fire came bed for the little people in our lives and we raised a glass of cheer and sat around the camp fire in good conversation.

Day Two of Camping:

The older boys headed out to go fishing about 8 am. This left us girls with the two 1 year olds.

Not long into fishing the men ran into rain and had to head back. The rain had passed by the time the guys headed back to our campsite. We headed on a long walk around the campground. After nap, Krisiti and I took the 1 year olds to a small town in Nisswa.  Salt water taffy was a much needed purchase from the little town. The kids then played at a community park before we headed back to the campground.


Harrison had fun playing in the Raadt family boat and catching caterpillars. There must have been at least 100 just of those fuzzy little guys running around our campsite. I predict an awesome year for butterflies.

Like I mentioned... It's a good year for caterpillars and not to forget to mention a fabulous year for bug bites. Miles himself sported 23 mosquito bites (even with bug spray with deet).

Hammock fun!

Sunday evening Krisit spotted some smoke coming from the neighbor's next door shed (they were there this weekend). The men grabbed a hose, fire extinguisher, and headed next door to attempt to put out the fire. Meanwhile Krisiti was on the phone with 9-1-1 dispatcher. Kyle and the boys went to meet the fire trucks at the camp gate. Doug continued to fight the fire and put out the last flames and the fire fighters jumped out of their truck. The fire ended up being electrical and could have been a lot worse if it wouldn't have been for our men who sprung into action. Apparently we also learned that is you call 9-1-1 from a campground, they dispatch a police vehicle, fire vehicle and 3 fire trucks. Our campsite became a very popular spectator spot for golf carts that evening.

Day 3 of Camping (last day):

Monday morning was full of packing... but we still manage to fit a few snuggles in.

And I just had to grab a shot of the unique tree stump that lines the wood of our campsite. Can you see an image of a praying Mary? Very cool.

Both of families had such a great time this weekend and it's our hopes to get together for another long weekend this fall... but that's an entirely another bucket list in itself. There is so much of summer yet to accomplish!

 

Mud pie.

As much rain as we have been getting and the fact my husband will never get to planting sod in the back yard... We might as well make use and whip us some fresh mud pie.

 

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.