Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Bye, Bye Christmas. Hello Toys!

Okay, just ONE more Christmas themed post - I promise!

Abby got a Gift Card from her Uncle Trevor - for Target!!!! So, I took her a few days after Christmas and she picked out a new Snow White Action Figure type doll (shocker) and a Littlest Pet Shop House. She was in heaven...

She got home and immediately went to the table to check out her loot - and add all the LPS Animals that Grammy and Papa got her for Christmas to it. After all, they had to check out the new digs!

Anyway... Andy is in a real "monkey see, monkey do" Big Boy mode right now. What Abby is doing - he must do as well. So, he had to get up at the table to play w/his toys as well. Which is funny because the reason Abby sits up there is so Andy doesn't get her little pieces!

So, enjoy this cute "Sibling" moment - I did.




Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas with Maddy and Crys

Crys and Maddy came up to visit us this week. The kids got to play, and the mommies got to visit! It was SO nice to see her and Maddy. It had been too long and it always feels so nice, and easy, and comfortable to sit and chat w/my dear old friend. How I miss you most of the time!



So, Abby is officially a head taller than Maddy now. I swear she is only 4 1/2 folks. Really, I promise!





Maddy got Abby a "Fairy Dress up Trunk" and Andy the Toy Story version of the same. He wasn't much impressed with it - today. But, a few months from now I have a feeling he will be happy to know there is something besides tiaras and heals for him to dress up in!

And, on a side note, he looked SO cute in the little hat and vest - too stinking cute! But, I have to say he looks pretty cute in heals and tiaras. But, I do try and limit those pictures. I want him to love me in 10 years.

Abby got Maddy a Cinderella Magnetic Paper Doll set. Both girls seemed happy with their loot...




Abby and Maddy playing w/the Fairy Costumes:


I think this was our official LAST day of Christmas this year - wow. I think we stretched that out over like five days - not bad I say... not bad. :)




Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to All!

Our morning started off with Mommy TRYING to get a good photo of the kids. I won't tell you how long it took, how many people cried, and how many "words" Daddy said. But, we got a few good ones... :)




Then, we all piled in the car and headed down to see the family...

By the time we got there Andy needed a new family to put up with him (he HATES the car now) and Mommy needed a stiff drink. Luckily, both were accommodated!

After a breakfast of Mimosas and Eggs Benedict, we checked out what was under the tree for Andy...




and for Abby...



Papa and Andy playing w/his new train, Grammy and Abby modeling her OSU Pjs that Grammy made, and Grammy showing off the platter that Abby picked out special for her...



Trav and I you ask? Okay, let's face it. No one ever really asks about us anymore. But, I will tell you anyways! I got a new CRICKET - WooHoo!!!! I'm so excited to own one.

Trav got a new Kindle and a headache. A headache you ask? Yes, a headache... :)



It only took him like and hour to put it together... Don't worry though, he had a Mimosa and a few hecklers to keep him in good spirits!

Here is probably my favorite photo from the day. Andy taking his afternoon nap. Complete w/his new Pillow Pet, his new Baby, and Puppy. That is exactly how I found him - so cute!



Hope Christmas was a blessed and happy time for you all!
Love, the Browns!




Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve in our house is when EVERYTHING happens! Family Time, Santa Comes, Cookies are Made, Snacks are eaten, and Church is had. It is a good, long, relaxing day!

Our little family of four started out the day w/homemade (sort of) Cinnamon Rolls for us and special waffles for Andy. I think they both were a hit. Andy ate 3/4 of a Belgian waffle plus 1 1/2 bananas! Abby ate TWO cinnamon rolls! Apparently, they didn't get enough dinner the night before? Either that or they were gearing up for the fun, fun day.




That a.m. we watched Christmas Cartoons, made rolls and goodies for the next day, and Cookies for Santa. After all, if we made good ones, he would come! And he did!!!





SANTA CAME during quiet/nap time this year. It was SO exciting! First thing Abby asked me when she got up was if he ate his cookies. Yes, yes he did. Never fear. I have never known Santa to turn down a good cookie!

Then, it was off to the Living Room to see what he brought:

Abby was GREAT fun to watch this year. She was thoroughly impressed w/everything she got. She was excited, and thankful, and so cute to watch - the smile on her face was heart melting... It didn't matter if it was underwear or a new castle, she was excited to receive it...

Um, and she dressed herself that day!


Santa was really smart and didn't wrap Andy's toys this year. He was just given his Santa Bag full of goodies and told to go to town. This was a good thing or we would have been there most of the evening, because he mostly wanted to watch Abby and play. But, he eventually got around to checking things out.




My Favorite Moments of watching Andy:

  • Opening his baby doll that Abby got him. He was so excited he could barely wait for Trav to get it open and Abby was so proud that he was so excited.
  • When he got into his stocking. He was so "kid like" digging into it. It was great!



After all the Santa excitement and some yummy dinner, we got all prettied up and headed off to Church. We got there at about 8:30pm so we could listen to the music (beautiful) and check out the Nativity (so precious). The kids were great during Mass, but I think they always are!



Merry Christmas to All and to All a Good Night!



Andy, 17 Months Old

Christmas Eve Andy turned 17 Months Old. Time is going so fast...



At 17M old:
  • Lover
  • Yeller
  • Hums "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "Bye, Bye" song from swimming
  • Two Top Molars arrived
  • Pissy that bottom two aren't here yet
  • Adjusting to new diet well
  • Daredevil
  • Mimicker
  • LOVES his Sissy, Papa, and Books most
  • Wants to hang w/the big kids
  • Hates the car
  • Speaking Phrases: "I see?", "I Love You", "up, please", "oh wow"


Thursday, December 23, 2010

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Christmas Eve Eve started out w/a little climbing on Andy's part. He got stuck in this position and then started to cry. Not feeling too sorry for him (I have been pulling him off of chairs all week), I grabbed the camera and took a picture before saving him. But, never fear, he had his back to me and didn't see me taking the picture first, so no emotional damage done.



Later that afternoon, the Bex Family came over to drop off the kids Christmas Gifts and we had a little impromptu Christmas Party. We had a pupu dinner, the kids played, and we chatted. We all just relaxed for a moment before the REAL craziness of Christmas began!

Here is our attempt at a group shot. Pretty good considering Brynn and Andy are NOT at that age where sitting still is an option!



Abby and Laci opening their gifts to each other. They are such little sweeties...


Andy confused by the paper bag. "What am I supposed to do w/this!?!?! - Help!!!".

I helped him open it and he got a new ducky bath toy - his favorite toy for the bath! Good work Brynn! She even helped him play with it for awhile... She would put the duck at the top of the chair arm and push it down. He would catch it and hand it back - repeat. Great fun!


Merry Christmas Eve Eve to the Bex Family and All!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Merry Christmas Eve Eve Eve!

Here are a few photos from our "Christmas with The Guinns" - a little Christmas Party we do every year. This year, we added the Wallace Family as well because we love them too! And, the Kids, Dads, and Moms all play nice together - it is a great mix of people!

It was a fun evening of yummy food, good drink, and good friends! Unfortunately, Kati wasn't feeling well, so we missed her. But, I told her I would post lots of photos for her to see!

We (well I) told the kids they had to clean up the toy room and pose for a Christmas Picture before they could open their gifts. Trav and Greg thought I was a total Grinch, but I don't think the kids cared - they were just so excited to get to the gifts I think they would have eaten broccoli and taken baths if it would have gotten them the gifts sooner.




Here are a few pictures after all the excitement. Kati (and Rob) got Abby this "southern belle" type hoop skirt - she was so excited!

Rob took over the "reading to Andy" duties, Greg got his first Gag Gift from us, and I got two Knomes (one from Kati and one from Janet earlier in the day). It was a great day!









Oh, and Abby is back to wearing her glasses indoors. She did take like two days off in there somewhere... :)


War and Peace

Abby and Andy are figuring out this sibling thing. They are learning the dance of "I love you until I hate you". One moment they are playing together as cute and can be, the next they are screaming, hitting, biting, etc. It is cute - sometimes. Other times it is SO tiring. The last week or so it has been in "cute" mode. Is it because they know Santa is on the way? Did they get it all figured out and the worst is behind me? No, I'm sure it is Santa.



Andy is starting to understand more and more direction - Abby's dream. And, Andy is figuring out that if he listens to her, and follows her lead, she will play with him - Andy's dream. I can't even think of a good example right now. But, they will disappear up the stairs and be "playing" in her room. Now, I don't know what he can do that she considers playing (I just know it involves a lot of jumping, bouncing, and pillows on the floor), but it makes me happy that they are starting to play together like kids. It keeps them both entertained and me a little saner. Some days.



Here is a picture from last week (Day #1 of needing glasses). Poppy and Andy were playing on the floor together and Abby decided she needed to hug/tackle him. Luckily, he found it funny - so, all was good.








Also this last week or so she has started "reading" to him. For the most part, she just has the books memorized because he requires the same three books to be read about 42 times a day. But, I love that she loves him enough to do this for him. So precious.... And, it buys me 5 minutes of NOT reading this same book - again.






On Wednesday Abby spent about 3 hrs (I'm not kidding) playing w/her new cake toy from the Cea Family. It was their Christmas Gift to her and she LOVES it. It makes a lovely addition to her tea party dishes and apparently, anytime is a good time for cake!


Again, it was so cute to watch them playing tea party. He really had no idea why playing w/empty dishes was fun - "Um, where is the food mommy?" But, he was game!


Now, for a little side story. Andy's cute new trick you ask? Well, he started saying "cheese" for the camera the last couple of weeks. He is actually pretty reliable about it now. But, just this week, when I was taking these pictures he started saying "I See" after I took the photo. He says "cheese" when he sees the camera and then "I see" after I take the picture. Meaning "I want to see the picture". So, I show him the picture and he lets me do it again. Cute. So cute to hear him say "Cheeeeeeese" and then "I see?" Really. Cute. Wait until you hear it.




Tuesday, December 21, 2010

BREAD and such...

Okay, three weeks later, but here is the update, results, etc that I have been promising everyone. I will warn you, it is going to get long. But, if you want to understand, know what to feed him, and see a pretty darn cute picture, you have to read it thru...

So, as you ALL know by now - I'm sure... We have been trying to diagnose Andy's G.I. issues since the first of August. We have been all over, tried a ton of different stuff, and just kept hitting walls, after walls, after walls.

In desperation, I finally scheduled an appointment w/Dr. Dramov in Tigard. He did an IgG blood test on Andy to find out if the root of his issues could be Food Intolerance, not necessarily Food Allergies that were tested in the IgE testing we had done in August. If you want/need more info on the difference - google it. I won't bore you w/details.

We had to wait six weeks to get into see him, but it was worth it, because after an additional three weeks for test results (yes, so 9 weeks total), we got some answers. For those of you that have been, and might be curious, here are his results. Dairy (including Goat) and Eggs are the major offenders.



The funny thing was? We knew that. We knew he couldn't have Milk and Eggs. What we didn't know was that Goat was just as bad. We had been led to believe that most people that can't tolerate Cow and Soy milk, could tolerate Goat Milk. Not Andy. Apparently, for him it was pretty bad as well. If you look at the chart you can see that it is lower than the other dairy forms, but still bad. We also knew he was allergic to Egg WHITES. But, we kept giving him Egg Yolks and Eggs in baked goods because we didn't notice any improvement when we stopped. Well, that was because he was still getting the goat milk at that time and we didn't even think that it was that. So, no improvement giving up milk, no improvement giving up eggs, so we gave him both - in some form - see the vicious cycle here?

Next, we discovered, from the testing that Soy, Peanut, and Gluten (Wheat, Barley, and Rye) were secondary offenders. Well, I can tell you that we didn't give up Peanut or Gluten at all during the months prior to this. If anything he had a TON of it in PB & J sandwiches and noodles and toast for lunch - because he couldn't have mac & cheese or yogurt, etc. We quit giving him Soy MILK products, but he was still getting all the soy that is in EVERYTHING we don't think about - vegetable oil, margarine spreads, crackers, almost anything "non dairy", etc.




So, that is it... That is all. Just ALL Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut, and Gluten (in that order). Well, crap. That was my initial thought... I was so happy to have some answers. But, those answers were pretty crappy and overwhelming. What a life style change. What a pain...


It has been three weeks since then and we are still learning and trying to figure stuff out. It is easy to find GF stuff now. It is easy to find Dairy Free. It is NOT easy to find Milk, Egg, Soy, AND GF. It is hard and frustrating. Just when I think I find something, I don't. For example... he likes "dip". Well fry sauce and ranch are out. But, I was thinking Honey Mustard was good - something he could have. Wrong. Soy. Tons of it. Crap. Mistake. Then, I found some GF, Milk Free bread. Expensive as all get out, but he could have it, right? Third ingredient you ask? Egg Whites. Not just egg, not the 18th ingredient. Third ingredient - Egg WHITE. Great. Mistake. Crap.


Anyways, three weeks and we are learning. We found pasta he likes, we found some ultra expensive cookies (I never want to hear that Girl Scout Cookies are pricey again) that we can take w/us in public he can have. That is the hard part... Well, one of them. He doesn't understand nor can we explain it. So, he sees kids enjoying a cookie at the mall, or a donut at Starbucks, or a Graham cracker on a Gingerbread House, Hot Chocolate and Elephant Ears at Zoo Lights, and starts to cry. So, I have expensive cookies and suckers. Great - next we will be filling cavities...


Every few days I set out to find something to replace something current. Whether it be cookies, pasta, tortillas, cheese to put on said tortillas, peanut butter, Cheetos, margarine spread, pretzels, etc. It has been three weeks and we aren't done, but we are getting there, and I couldn't do it overnight. I just didn't know how. So, we do it day to day. Shopping trip to shopping trip. Every week I make a new list of things I want to switch out, find for him, or make. We are eventually getting things switched out and filtered into our new lifestyle. We will get there. But, don't get me wrong - it sucks.


I made it a goal this week to find him bread. We recently found Almond Butter at Costco to replace Peanut Butter, now he needed some bread to put it on...

I got online. I asked around. I got overwhelmed. You can make bread Dairy and Egg Free (Egg Replacers are pretty easy to use), but the GF part is OVERWHELMING. You have to buy, mix, and doctor up 2-4 types of flour and guar gum crap to make flour. Then, it may or may not taste good. Every one's definition of "good" is different.


I actually have FOUR friends that are GF and/or Vegan for various health issues. So, I put a call out to them. I got a ton of help and advice. I decided to take it slow. I got a GF Mix. Then, I figured out how to make it Egg, Dairy, and Soy free. Special Egg Replacer, no Dairy, and special oil - vegetable oil can no longer be used in my house. I pulled out the Bread Machine (probably the first time in 10 years - no joke) and got to work.


Here it is... I made my baby bread!!!!!!!!!!!!!




I have to say. I was pretty proud of myself. I think I must know what it feels like for a momma bird to deliver a worm, or a caveman to bring home a bison. I had such pride that I figured this out for my baby. It isn't perfect, it might not look great, it might be dense, but it is safe, and just look at this:




I almost cried. Honestly. Since then, I have figure out how to make him PB (well, Almond) Rice Krispy Treats, Pie for Christmas Dinner (I hope), and Peas and Potatoes for Christmas Dinner (again, I hope). Next up? I want to figure out Chex Mix. I have the cereal, pretzels, and Cheetos figured out - but the soy in the sauce is holding me up.... Must do some research... :O)


Anyway... I Love you Andy. I will do my best to make you better. I might not be perfect. It might take me awhile. But, I will give it my all...
Love you, Mommy...

Monday, December 20, 2010

Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights - Woohoo!

This year was the first year that we went this late in the season. Life just got busy and I didn't get it scheduled. So, I was very thankful and grateful that Cousin Sarah took the bull by the horns and coordinated this one. I pride myself (and love actually) being a planner. But, somewhere... this holiday season got away from me. It was the latest I ever got my Christmas Cards out. It was the latest I ever finished my shopping and wrapping. It was a FAST season this year! So thank you Sarah - because I appreciated you putting this together!

Everyone met right at 5pm and headed to the train. Line. Long line. But, it actually went pretty fast and we got to take some good pictures while waiting - glass 1/2 full people - glass 1/2 full!




No pictures of the Train Ride. 1. I got the middle seat, so not the best angle to take photos, 2. it hasn't changed much since the last time I took pictures, and 3. Trevor was VERY distracting. I was busy pretending I didn't know him...

After the train ride we walked the grounds a little and got come Hot Cocoa.

But! I have to say - I got this picture of the kids by the Gingerbread House. NO ONE had the faith I would get this photo - each and everyone of them gave me THAT look. But, I got it dang it! It might not be perfect, but they are all looking, sitting still, and not crying. I consider it a win!





And then I followed it up w/ANOTHER group shot (above right) on the way out. Yeah, I rock like that... :)




I love this ultra romance picture (above right) of Dave and Sarah in front of NO lights... :)
Top Right is Bella playing w/the otter - too cute!

A stop at the top to take some posed pictures....





Then we headed off for a late dinner and family time - good day. It was ton of fun. Glad everyone made the trek up here to do it!


Contreras Christmas

Have I mentioned we love the Contreras Family?!?!? Amy knows me so well that she invited Abby over for a Gingerbread House Making play date. I say she knows me so well because she knows that this is totally NOT my comfort level or talent, but that I would want to let Abby do it - as long as it wasn't in my house!


Anyways, Amy bought a "Gingerbread Town" kit. Each kid got a different building out of the box and we went to work. She will attest that at first I wasn't sure. But, I got into it once I just breathed deep and realized 1. not my house, 2. Abby was loving it, and 3. I just needed to enjoy it! It turned out to be a great time and I'm so thankful for friends like Amy that help balance me out and ask me to try new things once in awhile. Because although I know it is good for me, it isn't easy! :)

The kids shared GREAT, they had FUN, and they made some BEAUTIFUL creations. What a fun way to start of the Christmas week!!!





I can't believe I got all four of them to smile!




Andy and Andrew you ask? Well, Andy wasn't impressed and he decided he needed to eat lunch during that time. So, no pictures of him.

Little Andrew supervised....






Sunday, December 19, 2010

Glasses

Oh, just incase you were wondering... Still wearing glasses... :)
This was on the way to Church this last week. Of course, it WAS actually sunny that morning.







Saturday, December 18, 2010

Gym Parents' Day - Fall 2010

Every December, Abby's Gym (The GymNest) has a "Parents' Day" so the kids can show off their skills and the parents can use their video cameras! :)

Abby has come so far in the last year... A Bridge is now "easy" and she is getting better and better at some skills she wasn't even trying this time last year... Hand Stand to Step Down, Star Cartwheel, and Handstand to a Forward Roll.




Here is a video of her turn. It should be pretty good quality - up to like 720xsomething it said...










At they end they all get a participation trophy and get to pose for pictures.







Yep, and incase you were wondering... Still wearing the glasses...





Friday, December 17, 2010

PS Christmas Party

Abby's PS Christmas Party was on Friday. She was SO excited - just like always. After all BOTH Mommy and Daddy were going to be at school - ALL DAY! I always look forward to these days, but they are also VERY tiring. Again. I have NO IDEA how PS teachers do it - I really don't!



For this party, Trav was in charge of helping to make "Baby Jesus" out of scraps of paper and grocery bags. They turned out cute and it was fun to watch them work w/the two dads that were in charge of that station.



So - side note. You might notice as you are looking thru the pictures that Abby is wearing sunglasses in almost all of the photos. This was "Day Two" of "I need glasses so I can see better". The day before she had worn them ALL day - including during a 2 hr play date at Pizza Planet. I'm not sure I have mentioned this before, but Laci Bex got glasses recently and Abby is now OBSESSED with glasses and thinks she needs some too. Soon enough dear Abby, soon enough I'm sure...



Later that evening my Mom baby-sat the kids. She said Abby feel asleep w/her glasses on. I figured if I ignored it and didn't say much about it, she would soon forget. We shall see...











The kids also made some pretty ornaments for the Christmas tree. Abby actually insists that one of them is a door hanger wreath for her bedroom door. I have no idea if that is true or not, but that is what she is using it for! :)



Snack time was an edible Christmas wreath - bagel with green cream cheese decorated w/craisins and marshmallows - yummy!








Me you ask? I was in charge of capturing it all on film for the PS Scrapbooks and slide shows during the year. Now that is something I can handle about PS teaching...






Abby and her gal pals (left to right): Tori, Abby, Emily, and Ava





Gee, I wish Abby posed better for the camera... :)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Angelfish Andy

Andy had his last Angelfish Swim Class last Thursday. He is really starting to LOVE the water. Doesn't have a lot of fear - if any! His new accomplishments this time around are jumping from a standing position into the pool (up until now they did sit dives), he likes to "dunk" Daddy every time Travis dunks him (turn about IS fair play), and he is LOVING the slide now. Just like Abby did - he gives the "more" sign when he gets to the bottom!







Here is Andy flying down the slide! :)





Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Camels, Camels Come - PS Christmas Program

Wow! I haven't blogged in over a week! But, hold on tight folks... The pictures have been stacking up! The Christmas Festivities have begun and the camera has been working overtime to capture as much as I can...

The season started off for us w/Abby's PS Christmas Program. Her class sang a song called "Camels, Camels Come". She had been singing it around the house for WEEKS - complete w/arm jestures, motions, etc. I was very happy that she would sing it for me at home because last year they sang SO quietly (or not at all) that I didn't actually get to hear her sing. So, I was soaking it all up at home before hand...

But, this year THEY SANG - and LOUD. What a difference a year makes. The kids were ADORABLE and were SO good this year. Loud and Clear and Cute - what mommy could ask for more? Not me...













After the program we ate dessert, visited w/our classmates and family, and enjoyed some photo taking...