For Ryan & Kathryn: The Ups The Downs

I strive for somewhere in between the Ups and Downs. The middle sounds really good to me right now. The past 6 weeks has been really rough around here. With a huge exception for my birthday weekend in Vancouver. I'm struggling these days to find ways to keep the kids active, happy and out of each others personal space. It seems the more I struggle, the worse the behavior is. I think we are all a little house sour. It's been a good 5 months, leaning on 6 months that we have had nearly all indoor play. I hit up the community centers play areas early in the season, but quit going to those because the amount of illness in other kids I see and hear drives me nuts. The zoo has been a good outlet. Kathryn is not to fond of the stroller when her brother is able to walk/run/frolic within eyesight. And when I do let her out she goes the exact opposite of the direction we are going. Upon holding her hand to get her to walk with me, I get the classic toddler flop. All of which is normal and expected, but it's getting a little hard to continue the trek when I feel like I am walking through mud.

Come on Spring time weather. . . .

Ok, other stuff: Kathryn

This little one is continuing her trend of being an early talker. She's got sentences now.

She can count to 10 (albeit always skipping the #1 and #5)

She can sing her ABC's - with about 70% accuracy.

She still hates her diaper being changed.

Area's outside of the house where she has complete control of where she can go and what she can do makes her the most happy. Meaning places she can play without me intervening for her safety. The grin she will show when she is doing that kind of play displays a very content little girl.

In the month of February she had 8 teeth pop through. Some completely in now, some still working their way in.

She loves meat (and boy let me tell you that makes her Daddy SO proud)

If there is a food she does not like, there is no hesitation to tell me, "Yuck. I don't like it."

Gee thanks little miss. . . .

Favorite item when she is tired, hurt or not feeling well: a cloth diaper. It's her blankie.

She said good bye to the pacifier in lieu of her first and middle finger : /

(I was hoping she'd prefer the paci. . . rats)

We finally turned her car seat around to face forward, making for much easier getting the car seat transitions.

And my current favorite things about Kathryn

When getting a kiss she gives it all. . .all drooly and lovable

The potty pic = nothin' doin.

She does it because Ryan does.

No success has ever been had.

But if she asks to go, I won't say no.

Showing off her sparkly shoes

Given to her by Auntie Kerri.

Kerri knows I am a fashion disaster, so she is starting in on Kathryn early.

I've given her my blessing. Here's hoping she gets some of Kerri's fashion talent.

If fashion is genetic, things are not in her favor :-))

Hahahahaha, speaking of fashion. . . not sure what to make of this!

Flashback photo:

March 11, 2010

Kathryn

Ryan

He keeps telling me all the things he can do when he turns 4.

"Mommy, when I am 4 I can put my own shoes on, but not now."

"Mommy, when I am 4 I will be able to pick up my books. . . ."

My Mom always told me I was the master at making excuses as to why I couldn't do something. . . hmmm. No wonder this all seems vaguely familiar.....

Ryan's favorite toy right now is a little radio flyer quadcycle - that we have had for a while. He's really kind of outgrown it. However he loves to ride around the house on it, go through make shift tunnels in it, have his sister chase him on it. SO looking forward to warmer dryer weather to do some real bike riding!

And my favorite thing about Ryan right now.

Hearing him say "I love you Mommy, do you love me?"

You betcha I do Ryan. From now until forever and then some.