January 2011

With the beginning of a new month, we also began many new things.  Kylan began a karate class at the Y which he attended 2 times a week.  He did very well and really enjoyed the class.  However, we did not enjoy twice the commitment in such cold weather over dinnertime.  I also began a new schedule with NOT working at the Y and then using much of that time to help a good friend in need.  Rob began his LAST class for his MBA.  He is anxious to get it done and is ready to NOT be doing class work anymore.  And Alaina, well she began NOT going potty on the the potty anymore.  Yes--this was a VERY trying time.  We tried everything to get her back on track--we bribed with candy (I mean rewarded), toys, stickers, we ignored--unfortunately when she is ignoring too it doesn't make a difference, we washed her bottom off with cold water, we had her clean it up (and of course she can only do so much before she makes a mess worse!)  Of course all this was happening during the time we received the results of the initial ultrasound.  I was in really rough shape and not dealing well with the situation at all.  Poor Alaina--at least she is back on track now.

Alaina also received her first haircut.  I cut it myself.  I was so worried she was going to lose her baby curls.  And so far she hasn't.  I cut off about 3 inches.  She held really still (helps to have a video on).  I have to say it looks much better as one length!  Kylan also went ice skating for the first time.  He had a lot of fun with Dad and came back and informed me that he fell 26 times!  Ah...I wish I had been there to see...Alaina and I had a girl's day though and did some shopping.  She got a balloon from the mall and was so upset when she lost it.  Luckily I had just bought a treat and it helped to distract her from her loss.

Rob took MLK day off in January and we went for a walk in the Arboretum.  We thought it would be really fun.  Well it turned out to be pretty cold and very snowy.  The kids also got a bit tired of trekking in the snow.  I have to say the best part was watching Alaina fall and then use all her energy to awkwardly stand up with her many layers on.  Daddy helped her out though and carried her much of the remainder of the way.  After our walk we went to Red Robin and enjoyed a yummy meal--however Daddy missed much of it.  He took Alaina & Ky to the bathroom and then spent 20 minutes or so in there aiding Ky...Pottying with kids is always interesting--let me tell you.

When we left Red Robin, Ky's balloon blew away and that started a trail of tears.  I went in and got him another.  Wow!  It is amazing how the loss of a balloon can really turn your day upside down. 

So reminiscing on January and my big kids....

Ky is now a full-fledged reader.  He reads small chapter books, cereal boxes, signs--anything out there.  He is doing FABULOUS!  I am so proud of him.  We covered the 5 food groups in January for his "schooling".  That was a lot of fun and now he can identify what foods belong in what groups.  I was hoping to do a month of international studies in February--and I can tell you that that did not happen...perhaps later...He still LOVES Spanish though and we are really hoping to get him into our school's dual immersion program.  Last week I actually abandoned him at the story as he started babbling his Ky-Spanish to 2 Hispanic men.  It really is just plain embarrassing.

Alaina has become VERY independent and VERY girly.  She knows what she wants and asks for it.  She always wants to wear a princess (aka dress), and puts on heels and clops around the house.  She occasionally will carry a purse if we leave (yeah--seriously--you know she doesn't get this from me...).  She also likes to have input on how her hair is fixed and what barrettes are put in.  She also LOVES to dance--and will often ask for Daddy or I to dance with her.  She has also started making up her own songs.  Yes, I will get that on video soon.  It is VERY CUTE--especially when she is dancing too...With all this girlyness she can hang with the boys quite well--her climbing skills are awesome and she rarely cries.  You know that there is probably blood involved if she is crying. 

So enough about my cute kids---oh wait--that's the purpose of this blog!  HA!  Stay tuned for February...Yes I will try to be more timely...and don't expect much for pics, with my camera mishap we didn't get many pics taken, though I have made up for it in April.