Thanksgiving Road Trip

We were back in Texas for Thanksgiving--this time via a road trip. We spent lots of good time with family and friends.

We spent some time at the River. Squeaks enjoyed reading outdoors on Uncle Tom's tailgate.


We stopped in Dallas and spent the night with our good friends, the Swifts. Bean had her first sleepover with Maisie, and all the girls enjoyed playing together.


We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Pritchards. Bean enjoyed hanging out with Cousin Jennifer and Cholula, the Chihuahua. Actually Bean's *SMITTEN* with Cholula, and Cholula tolerates Bean (especially since Bean walked/dragged the poor pup around on her leash for two days).


The road trip wasn't nearly as bad as I had thought it would be even though there was less sleeping than I anticipated. We rented a minivan for comfort, but the girls ended up sitting about an inch apart. Here's a rare moment of simultaneous napping.


Aunt Tracy and Uncle Tom hosted a 70th birthday party for Cousin Mark. It was a great opportunity to see all of the Ohlendorfs.

Hiatus Justified

Stating the obvious: it's been a long time since I posted a blog. My excuse: I'm pregnant and really couldn't imagine writing about anything else, and until I was OUT and in public I couldn't write about being pregnant. Whew.

But you'll see a post I wrote the night we found out. Lots has happened since then:

1. We're thrilled to be expanding our family.
   
2. Our due date is May 15.
3. Baby seems healthy at this point.
4. It looks like a girl. Apparently, at 12 weeks the baby's "nub" points upwards if it's a boy and downwards if it's a girl. Our baby's was definitely pointing down.
5. My stomach is so expanded already that someone who I have met 5 times asked me if I was pregnant.
6. We told Bean that there's a baby in Mommy's belly. She heard my stomach gurgle earlier this week and with very wide eyes said "Mommy! The baby's in there makin' noise!!"

I'll spend some more time this week catching up on the last 2 month's highlights. Stay tuned.

Holiday Traditions Begin

It's starting to become obvious to me why traditions are fun with kids. I'm usually a no fuss celebrator which means I do as little decorating and cooking as possible. This year, we were in Austin for Halloween with my family. I had blown off the idea of carving pumpkins with the justification that the kids wouldn't know any differently. Husband insisted on jack-o-lantern making, and I'm glad he did. Kate was enthralled.



Trick or treating was a blast even if we only made it to four houses. Cousin O was a reluctant bear. Bean was a "rojo bee" (otherwise known to us as a lady bug), and Squeaker was a "regular bee." At one point, the girls sat down right outside someone's front door to evaluate their loot.

Dewars and 2-pack Pregnancy Test

9/9/2009 ~

So today I'm starting the journal of pregnancy #3. Posts to remain unposted for some time until we're out of the closet.

Let me start by saying we've talked about having 3 kids. We never ruled it out. But today we were surprised. I love that pregnancy and childbirth are two of the last great surprises in life. With the plus sign on the pregnancy test, a whole new future has begun.

I have no idea how pregnant I am. I haven't had a visit from Aunt Flow in quite a while, and I'm chalking that up to irregularity. Some of my recent body change symptoms include: flare up of a fungus-y rash, low back pain, a yeast infection, and a hopefully benign cyst on my hip. Until today, I was attributing these symptoms to a variety of things other than pregnancy. Now I'm not so sure...

We've been half joking about potentially being pregnant or potentially being in menopause for the last couple of weeks. Since Aunt Flow's been gone so long, Husband asked me to get a pregnancy test last week. Which I took. And it was negative. After having all these new symptoms today, I had strong urge to take a test. There was one left in the pack. So during dinner, I took it. Plus sign!



After dinner, I went out to get another 2-pack of tests. Husband asked for a bottle of Dewars as well. Craziest shopping cart I've ever had.

Progress?

So much has changed in our house in the last month.

Squeaker is walking. Completely. No crawling. Check out her moves and the 37-year-old nightgown she's wearing. I think it was mine when I was a baby. Nana, do you remember it?



Squeaks is also using a utensil when she eats. And she has a bowl that suctions to the table because she throws anything not attached to the table on the floor. Between trying to eat with a spork and using the silicone "ramp" on the bowl as a catapult, there's way more airborne food at her end of the table (see spaghetti photo in Happy Birthday blog below).

Bean announced on Sunday that she wanted to wear big girl panties. Ever since, we've been in potty training. Which means we're in the bathroom up to 3-4 times an hour. She drinks A LOT. I'm so proud that she decided to do it on her own and has stuck with it.

We weren't really prepared for potty training. Bean still sleeps in a crib. The first night of potty training, she called us to get out of bed 4 times before she went to sleep. So we decided last night to take the front of her crib off. I don't know why they charge you extra for a convertible crib. With a screwdriver, husband quickly made a toddler bed for Bean. But we didn't consider how difficult it would be for Bean to sleep in the crib with about 10 stuffed animals and not fall out. "Thunk, wahhhh," we heard at about midnight. There are now pillows on the hard floor next to her bed.



Tonight, she's gotten out of bed 5 times. Several to go potty, once to "throw something away," and another time to find a stuffed animal who was already in her bed. I'm quickly understanding how her freedom is not always going to equate to more freedom for me. With the exit of cribs and diapers so goes our ability to contain her body and bodily functions.

Giant, giant, giant, giant head!

Squeaks had her 1 year checkup last Friday. She's in the 20th percentile for height, 30th for weight, and 75th for head circumference. Bean would say her head is "giant, giant, giant, giant."

We threw a big front yard party for Squeaks Friday evening. She enjoyed a dip in the kiddie pool, a ride on the Slip 'N Slide, hot dogs, good friends, and a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting.

Happy Birthday, Squeaks!

Squeaks, you're 1 year old today. How cliche is it to say that time flies?

A big part of what makes our lives magnificent, "you rock it" (as sister Bean would say). You are our sweet, throaty-laugh, almost redhead, jack'o teeth girl.

You have mad 1YO skills. You've abandoned the bottle & formula for a sippy cup and milk. No looking back!

You started walking just after 11 months and are now walking everywhere. Tonight you showed off to all the old folks at the Custard Station. You'd stumble a bit, bend over like you were going to catch yourself with your hands but then recover with surfer-like moves. And you gave your audience a toothy, proud smile after each save.

You like to eat. Sometimes. Like here. With spaghetti.



You're sitting in Bean's Tripp Trapp chair. We got you this suction cup bowl with a ramp that you use to push food up the bowl and into your mouth. Your favorite foods are eggs, blueberries, watermelon, chicken, okra, rojo raisins (that's what Bean calls Craisins) and spaghetti.

You're always up in the mix. All the older kids at ConnieLaura's (the sitters' house) get exasperated with you sitting on top of their table, knocking over their towers, stealing their cups, stealing their stuffed animals, stealing their blankets... "Squueeeeaaakkerrrrr!" they yell. You are undaunted by their protests.

We love you!


Birthday Prezzies from Opa & Nana
sweet, throaty-laugh, almost redhead, jack'o-tooth girl

Friends Reunion

We're visiting Opa & Nana in Austin right now, preparing for our Family Reunion. Our very good friends visited us at Opa & Nana's house today. Maisie and Audrey are close in age to Bean and Squeaker. The girls had a good time getting to know each other.


Audrey is 9 days older than Squeaker.



The start of an all-girl band?


Maisie and Kate hammed it up for the camera.

Hip New Hat

Bean got a hip new hat in the mail last week. She's worn it out and has received lots of compliments.

Jack-o-Lantern and Her Sister

Squeaker is ALL TEETH these days. She's ridiculously cute, on the move, and changing rapidly. Her deep-throated, growly laugh is infectious.

New Bean-isms

Bean is up to some hilariously adult talk these days. Heard recently:

1. "No, Ma'am." As in "No, Ma'am, Squeaker. That's my juice!" or "No, Maaaa'aaaaam, Daddy. No. No. No!!"

2. I take a sip out of a water bottle Bean and I are sharing and don't spill. This merits a "Great job, Mom" from Bean.

3. "Nice work." Heard after Dad turns on the hose for her so that she can fill her kiddie pool with water.

4. "You rock, Mom." While keeping Bean company on the potty (meaning I sit down on the big potty while she sits on her small potty) Bean compliments my ability to tinkle in the potty. If you haven't potty trained a kid before, this may shock you.

5. "Let's rock it." When Bean's buckled into her car seat in the morning and ready to go, she says "Let's rock it, Daddy."

6. "I no like fireworks / rain / spiders / bears." Is it normal for a 2YO to be afraid of these things?

Kona Bones

Kona,

It's been almost a month since we said goodbye to you, and we think about you every day.

When we come home after work and walk up the stairs into the house, Bean says "Kona?" She expects to see you jumping around at the top of the stairs waiting for us.

When Squeaker drops a TON of food at every meal, we miss saying "Kona, clean up on aisle 3!" I had no idea how much food that kid dropped until you were gone.

When I say, "Let's go on a WALK," I still emphasize the word walk for your benefit. I miss how excited you'd be to get outside.

When it's thundering at night, I wake up expecting to hear you shuffling and crawling under the bed for cover.

I'm still so thankful you were in my life for 13 years. It was a blessing that your illness was quick. We tried to spend your last hour doing something you'd love--walking with the family. Our wonderful neighbor captured this shot of the whole family when you pooped out in her yard. Husband and I are upset, and the girls are confused, but you look just like you.

I HEART DAD

The kids "tatted" up for Dad's day.

I've been thinking this morning about how lucky I am to have two wonderful Dads in my life. My Dad, Opa to Bean and Squeaker, and husband, Dad to Bean and Squeaks.

My Dad has always been the most available, patient, and uncomplaining Dad I know. He was also involved: changing diapers, cooking dinner, washing dishes, taking us camping, helping us with homework. You name it. My sisters and I were, and still feel like, his number one priority. With my Mom, he raised three independent daughters to be capable and confident. He set the bar very high as a father and a husband.

Husband is my partner in parenting. I learn how to be a better Mom from him every day. No matter what's going on outside of our house, he always saves his very best for the kids and me. The girls light up when they see him because they know he'll give them smiles and on-the-floor play with 100% of his attention.

His instincts about the kids are often better than mine. He can sense when Squeaks has an ear infection or Bean is about to hurl. And when she does hurl, he jumps into instant fix-it mode while I tend towards self protection (I have been known to rip my clothes off--I think in fear of getting puke on them).

He tells Bean that she's "interesting" and "funny." Not just "cute" and "pretty." My Dad did this, too.

Dads and Opas, we love you!

OMG, Squeaker!

Squeaker is into everything these days. When she hears the fridge door open, she crawls as fast as she can, stands up inside the door and enjoys the cool air and cold beers. Her sister's latest favorite saying is "OMG." For those of you who didn't grow up in the world of texting and instant messaging, "OMG" stands for "Oh my gosh." Used in context, Bean's Dad would say "OMG, Squeaker. Don't drink my beer!"

Chocolate Blackout

Bean and I made a Chocolate Blackout Cake for our friend, Julie's, birthday on Saturday. Bean helped pour dry and wet ingredients into the mixing bowl, and did her best work cleaning up (as you can see in the photo below). We used the stand mixer. At first she was scared of the loud noise... "No, Mommy! Bean go hide!" But then I convinced her to look into the bowl and watch it mix. After about 15 seconds, she requested I turn it up a notch: "Super fast, Mommy!!"

The cake was fantastic. I hope this is the first of many cakes Bean and I will make together.

Bedtime with Bean

Bean is ridiculously sweet at bedtime these days. Tonight was a good example...

We're in bed (Daddy, Bean, Mommy) reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Bean knows about half the words. Her favorite part is when caterpillar eats the buffet on Saturday: "one chocolate cake, one ice cweam cone, one pickew [pickle], one cheese, one ami [salami], one awipop [lollipop]..."

When we're done reading, I pick her up and she puts her head on my shoulder. "Good night, Daddy! Give kisses!" and she blows lots of kisses to Daddy. I carry her to her room and she requests a song, "Sing Sunshine, Mommy." I sing "You are my sunshine..." and put her down in her crib. She requests a specific setup: "Mommy, soft blanket up here. Other blanket cover up. Easter Bunny. Boo Boo. Head on pillow, Mommy. Mommy, Bean turn on fishies!"

When she's all set up, she says "Night night, Mommy. Kisses, Mommy. [blows kisses here] Thank You, Mommy. Night night, Mommy. Love you, Mommy."

Love you, Bean!!!!

Happy Birthday, Nana! (an update)

A simple, belated birthday gift for our Nana. Translated from toddler to English: "I'm Nana's Girl. I'M NANA'S GIRRRRLLL!" Guess who taught her that?

New Yearsolutions Update

In January, I shared my goal to add exercise to my life. I'm happy to report I've met that goal for half the year so far. I've been running 4 days/week with my neighbor, Julie, and we just completed a 1/2 marathon. Still working on some other New Yearsolutions...

Happy Birthday, Nana!

Nana, Happy 39th Birthday again. The band is currently in the studio working on material for their new album and video. They don't make school night appearances, so you'll have to wait for the weekend for their next release. In the meantime, here are a few promo pics to hold you over. We love you!!!

You Say It's Your Birthday, Aunt TT!

Squeaker's 9-Month Stats

Squeaker had her 9-month checkup on Friday. She's in the 39th percentile for weight and 31st for height. She seems right on track for all other milestones, including crawling, pulling up, cruising and babbling.

She entertained the heck out of us this weekend by playing in one dog bowl and getting her booty stuck in the other. She literally could not get herself out of the bowl without our help. Baby's got back!



And Squeaks is finally at an age where she and her Sister "play." Oftentimes, this involves them being in the same room together while playing independently... until Bean decides to take away Squeaker's toy. But they're also starting to interact. Check out this game of hide and seek / chase. We loved it!

Bean's Gift from Papou

Bean loves getting mail, and last week she got a package from Papou. Opening the package in 2 parts...

Happy Birthday, Uncle Tom!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Laura!

More Crazy Outfits

Bean got dressed for bed last night and insisted on a hat and tutu as accessories for her footy PJs. The hat was handmade by Grandma Julie, and the tutu was a gift from Nana.

Never Give Up, Bean

Heard from Bean this week while pedaling her tricycle up hill: "Bean never give up, Daddy." Who knows where she heard it, but I love the sentiment. Who doesn't want their daughter to grow up independent and confident? More of that strong girl sentiment in the photo below.



Squeaker is eating solid foods and starting to feed herself. Tonight for dinner: mango, whole grain pasta, mozzarella cheese, and cheerios. She's sitting up well and trying to crawl. Finding her voice, she croons and coos at us often. And her favorite pastime is jumping!

Daddy's Hobbies

Bean has taken up 2 of her Dad's favorite hobbies: cycling and fly fishing. In the last week, she's gotten really good at pedaling. Check it out.



And she's been watching her Dad practice casting in the front yard. She insisted on taking a try of her own.

Belly Laughs... Enough Said!

American Idol, Here I Come

Warning: the videos here can only really be appreciated by doting grandparents and parents.

Settling Back into the Mundane

We're done traveling for a little while. Whew... I am so thankful that we have the opportunity to go places, but am also glad to be at home. Updates from the home front:

Bean is exerting her two-ness. We hear "Mine," "No Mommy," and "Bean Do" A LOT. She's also exploring the art of procrastination at bedtime. We sing 2 songs before bed... We'll start one, get half way through, and she'll insist on another song: "No, Mommy, STOP. Sing Donald."

She likes to choose her outfits. Take a gander at a few she's left the house in recently.






She loves these leggings.

Squeaker is sitting up and eating, par for the course for a 6-month old. Her smiles and laughs are a delight. And she's finally settled into a very good sleep routine--down at 7-7:30 and up around 6.

More Vacation?

Yes, a month has passed, and we're on vacation again (sort of). My company's annual trip is this weekend in Vail, and we brought both girls. It's been so long since I've blogged in large part because I've responsible for a lot of the logistics for this trip, so the last 4 weeks have been very busy.

Husband's #2 reason for bringing Bean here was to get her on skis. And he did! Husband, Bean, Uncle Chris, and Uncle Chris' dog hit the very teeny slopes today. Check it out!

Belizin' It - Day 6 - Bathin' Suits and Cowboy Boots

The last day was one of the best. Another Maria's breakfast to start followed by a long walk on the beach exploring tide pools and scenery.


A typical pier on Ambergris Caye


Husband with a star fish


Me with a star fish


Gilligan's Island?

And finally we had to head to the airport. It was raining, and we rode in golf carts. We arrived slightly muddy, slightly buzzed, and very happy.


We're very broken up about leaving