Early Birthday present

Avery was ecstatic when she found out Aunt Jeanette had sent her an early birthday present. It was her very own princess bike!

Callum was just as interested in Avery's new bike as she was!

All geered up and ready to ride!

Avery's Art

Here is some of Avery's latest artwork she did at preschool. You can imagine how full our fridge is these days! Yikes!

 

No more Binkie

Well, I'm happy to report that it has been several days now since Callum has had his binkie for his naps and bedtime. I think the little guy has finally moved on and realized that parting with the binkie isn't so bad after all. He has slept really well without it, surprisingly, so there's no going back now. I don't know why we didn't wean him earlier on, it definately would have made things easier. Thinking back, it seems silly how we thought the world would end if we didn't have his binkie for a car ride or a nap, or a during a melt down. You could say it was a security blanket for him as well as Phil and I. It kept us sane, haha! I don't remember Avery having her binkie for as long and she was sooo attached to hers. You would put it in her mouth at night before bed and it would never leave her mouth, she would have it in the same spot all night. Kinda silly. So, yah, it's nice to finally be able to say goodbye to the binkie.

First Day of Preschool

It was a huge day for me and Avery! Today was her first day of preschool at Valley View. I had been preparing her for her first day of school all week by letting her know that she is now officially a "big girl" and that she's going to go there to play with other kids and have lots of fun. I referred to it as being like a GIANT playdate, but mommy won't be there. She'll go on Tuesdays and Thursdays for a few hours a day, which is just perfect.

Fortunately, we arrived early to the school this morning so I had time to familiarize myself with the teacher. When Avery walked into the classroom, she was very hesitant at first. Her teacher, Miss Laura was very friendly and prompted her to come join the other kids at the table where they were playing with stickers. She was very cautious and kept pulling me over saying, "Mommy sit too." After several attempts of myself trying to leave the classroom, she started to cry, which I knew would happen. My poor baby! I felt really bad but knew I had to give her a big hug and kiss and say my goodbye. Her teacher reassured me that she would be fine. Callum on the other hand, made himself right at home and was busy exploring the classroom toys. He was upset on the way out because he didn't want to leave.

After I dropped her off, I decided to wait about an hour or so before I gave the school a call to see how everything was going. I didn't want to be one of those crazy, over protective moms. Sure enough, she was fine and was playing with her classmates. By this time, she had forgotten all about mommy. Phew.....What a relief!

When I went to pick her up, she walked out with a smile on her face and I gave her a big hug and kiss. She had a great first day at preschool and told me all the things she did, which was very exciting. She's been talking about it ever since and is very excited to be going back next week!

Avery excited to be starting school this morning

 Avery not fond of having her picture taken first thing we got out of the car

Avery smiling after her first day

 She couldn't have been happier to cuddle with her piggie and blankie when she got home

Wordless Tuesday

Yoga Playtime

Avery had her first mommy and me yoga class this past week. Her instructor, Miss Megan is very sweet and she's great with kids. She teaches the kids various yoga stretches while making them laugh and encourages silly imaginative play through props. Avery's favorite part was when her instructor blew bubbles around the room with a giant fan. The little kids looked so cute chasing after them. I love the class because it's structured and not only lets her get out her energy but allows her to socialize as well. Plus, the bonding time together is great.

Playing Checkers

Avery and Callum are counting down their last few days in OKC by enjoying a game of checkers after dinner at The Cracker Barrel. They are very excited to be going home soon!

Oklahoma City

It's nearing two weeks that we've been in Oklahoma City now with one week to go. We've been busy exploring the sights, shopping, and eating at some great restaurants. My first time eating at The Cracker Barrel....great restaurant, one of the best around! Not to mention, they have some really good ice cream shops around here that we've been indulging at. Avery and Callum love ice cream! They have definately been out of their realm, as OKC is a lot different than Orange County, not to mention, being in a hotel for 2 weeks now is definately taking a toll on them. We are limited for time during the day, as the weather peaks up to the high 80's and 90's in the early afternoon, with humidity I can't even begin to describe. The good new is, despite the heat and being more than slightly homesick, we were able to celebrate the Memorial Day yesterday with a barbeque at Lake Hefner.

                    Daddy and Avery enjoying the sunset

                    Daddy and little Cal

                      Avery and I relaxing on the lake 

                               Lounging in the hotel room

Opinionated Toddler

Avery is a very opinionated little girl and she knows what she likes and doesn't like when it comes to clothes, and just about everything else....and yes, she's not even 3 yet. She even likes to pick out her clothes right down to the hair accessories every morning. I try to compromise with her and let her wear what she likes (as long as it's somewhat matching). Apparently my little girl had to voice her opinion this morning on mommy's clothes, which is definately out of the ordinary. I had put on a new tshirt this morning, (Calvin Klein might I add) and had no idea what I was about to encounter. When I walked out of the bathroom, Avery looked up at me and said, "Is that mommy's ugly shirt?" Little did I know I was just about to encounter the toddler fashion police. I just laughed it off of course and thought to myself, I refuse to let my fashion sense be skewed by a 2 year old. Who knew a toddler could be so critical, right?

Pics of the Month

                   Avery loves shopping for a new pair of sunglasses

                                                          

                                          Crazy balloon hair

                                      Wearing daddy's hat

                             Callum caught playing under the table again
                                                   

                                                       

                                   

Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere

One of Avery's favorite things to do besides playdough and coloring, is playing with her "amazing bubbles." She loooves to blow lots and lots of bubbles and watch them POP! It keeps her entertained for hours. :)

 

Under the Weather (Part 2)

Well, we thought we were out of the clear with Callum's weird behavior and 102 fevers that had been going on this past week, until I was summoned downstairs this morning to find that my son had little red spots all over his stomach and back and around his ears and face. It looked as though he developed some kind of rash all over most of his body. My first thought was "Oh no, what if he has the measles! How is that even possible?!" I instantly went into panic mode and was on the phone with the doctor's within minutes. We were able to have him seen within a couple of hours. Sometimes I don't know what's worse, seeing the doctor, or having to wait in the doctor's office for 45 min. waiting to be seen. After the doctor walked in, she looked at him and almost instantly knew what was going on with him. Apparently our son has something called Roseola, which is a common virus found in infants and toddlers. It starts with fever that lasts for several days and dissapears, following an onset of a rash. All of his symptoms were right on and explained his "extreme" crabbiness and lack of energy. He was actually the 4th case of it that she had seen this morning and she explained that the rash may get worse before it goes away and it could last 5-10 days, but he will be fine. I am hoping Avery doesn't develop the same thing since it is contagious, but we will be watching her very carefully for the next few days. As for Phil and I, we are able to breathe once again and are soooo relieved to hear that it is nothing serious. We can put our crazy thoughts of thinking the worse behind us now and enjoy our Mother's Day weekend.

Under the Weather

My little boy has been very much under the weather the last few days. He just hasn't been his happy, energetic self and has been sooo moody with a persistent fever. Before I took him to his doctor appointment this morning, the poor little guy was laying on the floor and didn't feel up to playing and watching his cartoons. Luckily I was able to get him in for an early appointment so I could get on with my day. Well, it turns out that the doctor doesn't know exactly what's going on, (which isn't a big surprise) and it could possibly be the start of a virus. Also, he says that kids can develop fevers without any other symptoms present and it will just suddenly dissapear. Let's hope that's the case because taking him in for further testing is not on the top of my fun list. I am already stressing out enough as it is! The good news is, he says he doesn't think it's anything serious. I'm hoping this fever will break soon so we can all get back to our happy, regular selves.

Here is a picture of Callum falling asleep on daddy's lap this morning. Poor little guy didn't even want to watch his cartoons.

Potty training Success

I'm happy to update that the potty training is going terrific! It looks like we can say goodbye to diapers, well for atleast one child anyway. We were at our widths end with this potty training business so we recently purchased a book which helped us tremendously. Luckily the book didn't have too many pages and didn't take long to skim through, it just took some motivation and a little studying. It is guaranteed to successfully potty train your child in less than a day...and low and behold, that's exactly what it did! I was kind of apprehensive in the beginning just because I had tried everything in the past with Avery and didn't have results. I was amazed how quickly she caught on with some patience on my part and lot's and lot's of praising, of course. There were also lots of cookies and sugary drinks involved, but hey, it worked. Avery is consistently using her "big girl potty" now and hasn't had any accidents since the second day we started training. She hasn't even hesistated to use the "big girl potty" when we are out and about. I told her I am so proud of her and we can soon transition her into her "big girl bed." Way to go Avery girl! Mommy is so proud of you!

Table for Two

Philip and I ventured to Ikea yesterday in hopes to find a toy chest for the kids. Well, we didn't find the toy chest we were looking for, but we found this cute little table for two instead. It is just perfect for them and I thought they looked so cute sitting down having their snacks this morning. Awww....they look so grown up! Now mommy and daddy need to find themselves a nice new grown up table.
 

Memorable pics of the Month

Can we say "Spring Fashion!"

Callum making a new friend at Knott's Berry Farm

Avery enjoys her first pony ride with Dan

A possible future Farmer's career with Daddy??

Avery is styling in Daddy's hat

Callum's 1st Birthday

My little guy just turned 1 year old this past weekend and we decided to throw him a birthday party with his cousin Alexa, who also turned 1, three days earlier. I still think it's crazy how they are only 3 days apart. Callum seemed to enjoy his party and had fun running around in the chaos with all the other little kids. Although he seemed to get a little overwhelmed during his Happy Birthday song, he certainly had fun indulging in his cupcake and made sure he smeared it all over himself really good before throwing the rest of it on the ground. That's my boy!

He is now approaching toddlerhood, which is crazy, and has developed the sweetest little personality ever. He's constantly on the move and is always looking for new obstacles and is beginning to be fearless at everything he does. Not so sure that's a good thing. He's starting to imitate what people are saying and has a vocabulary of about 6-7 words now. He enjoys watching cartoons with his big sister and has really taken a liking to mashed potatoes and gravy. Yummy, his favorite!

This year has already flown by so quickly and my little boy is growing up so fast. Hope you had a very Happy Birthday little man!!!

 

  

Callum crying during his Happy Bday song

He loved his ice cream cone cupcake!

He had a lot of fun opening his presents

He got lots of new clothes...Yay!

 

His sister was even nice enough to help open his presents

One of Callum's favorite Birthday gifts

Pretty pink Tutu

So my sister recently sent Avery a new tutu. It is the cutest thing you've ever seen. It has crazy amounts of pink ruffles and not to mention, weighs a ton. I couldn't believe how big and poofy it was, never seen anything quite like it. Avery adores it and has been wearing it ever since she got it. I had to share some pictures of her wearing this ridiculously cute skirt. Thank you Auntie Jeanette! XOXO

Callum get's a workout while Avery enjoys the ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIBUeU4bsHk

Happy V-Day

Since it is almost Valentine's Day, I let Avery have some fun in the kitchen and bake some of her own cookies. Last week was chocolate chip and this week was sugar sprinkles. Avery loves her cookies!

 

  

  

Mmmmm......Deeeelicious!

Family Bonding

Philip got back into town last night from San Jose. Exactly one day before his birthday. Good timing! I took some pictures of him bonding with the little ones this afternoon. Awww..... I love family bonding time!

 

 Say "Feeeeet!"