sweet and sensitive

I often blog stories that show the sassy, funny, and sometimes sneaky antics of Addelyn. But I don't want to forget to document another side of my little girl that we often see- her caring, sweet, and sensitive heart. Addelyn was born a nurturer. She loves to pretend to rock, hold, nurse, and care for her babies all the time. I love watching when this side comes out with Jacers too. She loves on him a lot- he just doesn't always understand how loving she is trying to be right now! This girl also worries/cares a lot when others are in pain. She has gotten upset a number of times when Jace cries, or if Mark or I stub our toes or something- she gets really worried. She tells me how much she loves me often- even out of the blue during dinner at times. It melts my heart. And as much as she wasn't our cuddly baby when she was small- she now really loves to cuddle up next to me or Mark. I love our reading time together during the day or before bed when she cuddles right up by me. Also, at night- one of us lays with her before she goes to sleep and it is my favorite time to hear stories from her, where she asks the sweetest questions, or just cuddles with us until she falls asleep. She also really cares for her friends and family and loves to do special things for them like make pictures or bring them treats. Addelyn Nicole, you are a very special little girl.

An owner?

Addelyn: Mom, will we be getting Jace an owner soon?
Me: Huh?
Addelyn: You know, an owner. We have had him for a long time now. Shouldn't we get him an owner? Someone who gets to keep him?

I will spare you the details of how we talked this one through but I think she understands now that Jace is here to stay! I am pretty sure this question has to do with our friends having pets and becoming "owners" of those pets!

special olympics

A few weeks ago, my brother Tanner participated in the Special Olympics at the UNI Dome. We went and watched him do the softball throw and the long jump. He did awesome! It was fun to get to go and spend some time with him and my mom.

 

 Each athlete has a volunteer paired with them for their events. This was Tanner's football player volunteer. Really nice guy- I think it is awesome that the UNI football team helps out.

 Tanner gets to go to state in the long jump in May. Way to go, Tanner! We love you buddy!

Great book for moms

I just finished a book and wanted to quick blog before I forget. It is called Regret Free Parenting by Catherine Hickem. It was great. Helped me to put into words some of the things I have recently been thinking about. I'm not doing a full book review on this one but the main point is being an intentional parent. Moms, if you are looking for a good book I'd suggest this one!

boys

I had to laugh at these pictures. Dave was showing his sweeter side and holding the boys. And then I got the camera out and he WOULD NOT look. But don't worry, I did get the babies to both look. It will be fun to watch these buddies grow up together!
(Jace and Carson are 6 weeks apart.)

ten months

Our sweet boy is ten months old. I would sum things up right now by saying this boy is physical! He is on the move. He is always crawling, climbing, pulling up on things, hitting, poking, touching!



At ten months, this little boy has a sister who is always hanging on him, holding him, and dragging him around, non stop! Jacers, I'm sorry. Soon enough, you'll be holding your own! If it is any consolation, that girl LOVES you.



Hard to get a good picture of Jace at this age. He is on the go.


At ten months:
*He is eating a little better, woohoo! He will eat veggies only if they are mixed with fruit for the most part. He is loving eating his cheerios now- finally, something solid. Tonight I gave him some cut up peaches and he actually ate them. That is a big step!
*He still loves to nurse. He eats every three-four hours during the day and has been eating once before bed and not until he wakes in the morning again.
*That leads me to the amazing news that he has been sleeping through the night, consistently! I almost hate to type that in case I jinx it. He goes to bed around 7:30-8 and sleeps til anywhere between 6-7:30 am. Somedays he'll wake up around 5ish and eat and then go back to sleep for awhile.
*He babbles a lot. He likes to say "uh-oh" if we say it and it is so cute! He also will say "mmm, mmm, mmm" when he is eating.
*He is doing "sooo big" too.
*He has about one goose egg or bruise or knick on his head each day. That comes from crawling up stairs, falling against furniture, etc. He is tough though, he usually gives a funny look after he gets hurt, considers crying, and then moves on.
*I think because Addelyn bugs him so much, he really loves playing by himself. Or maybe it is just his personality showing already? Sometimes, I'll find him in our back closet/play area and he is just digging in the toybox, playing with toys. He can do that forever if I let him! (Or if she lets him haha)
*Diaper changing/clothes changing is brutal. He will scream in protest unless you distract him well! Don't make him stop his movement!
*Mark calls him "Farley" because his hair is quite similar to UNI Coach Mark Farley.
*My favorite time of night is after I feed him before bed. He lays his little head on my shoulder and cuddles up to me. This is the only time my little man cuddles anymore. When I feed him during the day- he is moving the whole time. So I LOVE these moments at night, as I know these days will be gone before I know it. We love you sweet Jacer boy!

Marker makeup

Addelyn decided to use markers to paint her nails and put on lipstick yesterday! This all happened while I showered of course!