30 Months, 2.5 Years , 912 Days

Thomas is doing so much now that it seems next to impossible to put “who he is” into a few paragraphs. So here are a few highlights…

Thomas is quickly turning into a little boy. He is still a little stuck between wanting and needing to be coddled/cuddled and a baby and wanting to be a big boy with his own autonomy.

Thomas is in his big boy bed to start the night! He started this on September 5th and hasn’t looked back since. He naps in there, starts off the night in there and then comes into our room sometime in the early morning.

He is still his Daddy’s little buddy and wants to be just like him.  Mama is still the go to when he is sad, tired or upset.

He loves going for bike rides or running so fast.  He thinks it is awesome that he has “friends.”

More things/funny sayings…

“Baby E your my girl.”

“I want to go see my friends.” which is any kid around his age.

“me fo big now" (I'm so big now). I can cross the street without holding your hand, I can do ----, I don't need your help for ---, or I want to try ---(adult) thing like flossing his teeth.

He will see something funny and then will put his hands together fingers very tight and say “What? What?

"No my goot" ( no I'm good) I don't want or need to go to the bathroom, get a drink, put a jacket on, ect.

“Mama/Dada, I cry for wu (you)” when he was upset if we were away, which is usually followed by “I not cry now, see, I fo (so) big now.”

Elin is 5 Months

Our little lady is quickly growing and changing by the day.  She is a sweet little butter ball of smiles, squeals and we are just smitten with her.  Unless it is one of her mini wake ups, on the occasional night, for 45 minutes to hang out and talk, seriously what is that about little Miss? 

She is pretty excited about being able to move around and squirm her way to a toy or different area.  She loves to grab and manipulate her toys and everything goes into her mouth right now.  She does have two sharp little bottom teeth and is starting to show interest in foods.  We have let her try frozen bananas in her mesh teether and a few bites of banana. 

She loves to talk and sing and scream away.   In fact she is like her Mama and sometimes we just can’t get her to stop talking!  Maybe we have future speech language pathologist on our hands!  She also absolutely adores her Big Brother and has endless smiles and laughs for him.   With Elin, everything seems to be happening “faster” than it did with Thomas.  When I look back on Thomas’ monthly posts they are about in line, so it must just be our perception.  Regardless, it is daunting that she is already 5 months, we are already thinking about baby proofing and new adventures are about to begin. 

Elin Laughing at Thomas

Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle

Elin is worming her way around to reach objects she wants.  She is getting pretty good at it and I was able to get a video of her in action.  It won’t be long before she is moving like crazy, so from now until then we will start re-baby proofing the house.  Crazy to think what it will be like again to have a little one getting into everything. 

Rubba Dub Dub, Elin is in love with the Tub!

Between having a cold and all the extra drool from teething, Elin has been a snotty mess all week.  Wonderful way to start a post right?!   Thankfully she likes loves the bathtub and will happily “spa” herself for 20-30 minutes.  The cold and flu bubbles that California Baby makes are a go to for us when the kiddos are sick.  Tonight she was all smiles with a cold wash cloth to play with and chew on and bubbles to kick with her feet.  I couldn’t resist grabbing the real camera and getting a few moments frozen in time.

Funny…embarrassing…clever!

Sunday night Mike asked me if I had gotten any strange text messages, I said “no, why?”  He replied check your sent messages and I found this…

I was MORTIFIED!  Mike had sent it to my parents and brother and sister in law.  I called my Mom and she was laughing so hard she couldn’t talk.  I watched the video again several times, each time Elin smiled and laughed, I laughed harder at myself and I started to find it more typical and still equally embarrassing. 

Please note, I am a horrific singer, my cold made it worse and I can not dance, but my Daughter, Son and Husband love my songs singing, or maybe I just think they do

I thought it would give everyone a laugh, and if not is is a piece of me and how I am typically at home.  Without cameras, doing and loving what I do as a mom  Just know if my kids are ever famous singers their voice didn’t come from me, but their love of music might have!

Grandpa and Grandma Laschen’s Fall Visit

Grandpa and Grandma Laschen came out to visit from Tuesday to Sunday.  When Sunday came we all said just how quickly the time went, as it always does.  Thomas and Elin, along with Mike and I, loved the family time and having company to show around. 

We again took them to our favorite spot on Bainbridge Island.  We walked around the marina and strolled through a few of the shops before catching the ferry back to Seattle.  Thomas crashed after lunch and slept until we got home.  Another fun spot we took Nana and Papa too is the the locks.  There were a few Coho Salmon for us to see and it was a beautiful night.  Then it was off to dinner before heading home and to bed.Thursday the “big” guys were up early and heading up to fish.  Thomas had school so Nana, Elin and I went and walked around downtown Ballard and looked at all the different shops.  By the time we finished lunch and naps the guys were home; salmon and new smoker in hand.  Friday we had planned on heading to the Arboretum but the weather forced us inside.  We had a great breakfast at the Portage Bay Café and then checked out Filson and Outdoor Research.  Then it was time for some at home relaxation, yard work, salmon smoking and cooking dinner.  Saturday the weather cooperated and we were off to the arboretum.  The trees, flowers, plants that grow in the Pacific Northwest are just amazing.  It was a great morning of adventure in the “woods.”  Saturday night Thomas hung out with his friend Eryn (babysitter) while the adults and Elin headed to the waterfront for dinner at Elliot’s. 

Before we knew it Sunday arrived and it was time to say “see you later.”   Thanks for all the fun, help, the memories, and spoiling us all!    It is always so much fun for Mike and I to have the extra help around the house and to watch our little ones make memories with the people that love them so much.  Since we live so far away we cheerish each and every second.  Thomas was even asking to go home with Grandpa and Grandma on the airplane.  Thankfully, the kiddos and I will be in Minnesota in a few weeks!

Gymnastics

We signed our very active and energetic little guy up for another round of gymnastics.  This will hopefully be his last class of parent and tot’s before he is able to bump up to the next level.  Skill wise he is there now we just need his direction following and patience to fall in line! 

In his class there is an age range between 18 months and 32 months with Thomas being the 2nd oldest.  The other kiddos in the class are still learning to jump and climb and Thomas is working on types of jumps and is a quick climber.  He ends up getting a little inpatient while he has to wait for the littler kids to have their turn, and will try to run around or go to a new activity to occupy his time.   Wish us luck as we continue for the next few weeks. 

This is Thomas doing his straddle jump, his current favorite.  Now he is working on a tuck jump (bringing his knees up to his chest) and a butt kick (bringing his heels to his buns).   It is a lot of fun to watch how much he changes and learns from class to class.  His Coach Crystal also gives him “homework” to practice for the week and checks in with his progress.  I would like to say that the 45 minute class whips his energy level out, but we typically add in an activity, run or bike after class, the kid must get his energy from his Dad because I am exhausted just watching him!

Play group…

Thomas started his 2 day a week play group.  Mike was able to come with us for the drop off, meet his teacher and to see his classroom.  Thomas was very excited about his room and his teacher.  The play group is at the community center that is a block and a half from our house, so it is very convenient for all of us.  We have been talking about school all summer, reading books on going to school and have been visiting the classroom (and teacher) for the last couple weeks.  Tuesday’s drop off was a bit emotional.  Thomas had expressed to us before that he wanted his Mama and Dada to stay and play with him.   So we validated his feelings and reassured him that all would be well and we would be coming back for him.  There were tears on his end, but his Parents were ok.  After 30 minutes, I was asked to come back into the room. I walked into his classroom and there he was sunglasses on and tears flowing down his cheeks. His teacher said he was determined he was going home and was packed up and ready.  After a hug and a quick book he calmed down and returned to playing.  I was then able to leave again until the end of class and there weren’t any tears.

Thursday went a bit the same, but by the time we got home he was asking to go back.  It was also hard because he didn’t want to leave his Mama and his Nana Kathy.   

Fast forward a week and lots of worrying on his parents part and Tuesday went a lot better.  There were no tears when I left and only a few tears in the hour that I was gone.  Let’s  hope Thursday goes even better.

Cutest thing is that when I get to class he says “Mama I was crying for you” and gives me a hug and a silly sad made up face.  He all in all seems to be loving the new friends, his teacher and the new fun toys/games/books to play with.   I even got in trouble by Thomas when I didn’t follow a classroom rule, 2.5 year olds are very concrete in their thinking, so whoops on my part!  Now we just need to get over the hump of the tears, but I think we are close, stay tuned. 

Bird Feeders

A messy activity of fall fun.  Thomas was able to get his hands covered in both bird seed and peanut butter while making these bird treats.  We made quite a few and I thought we might be able to send them to the Grandparents, but the peanut butter was too sticky and with the heat I thought it would be a goopy mess.  They are now all hanging and being enjoyed by the birds!

Life Lately…

I started following a blog after my sister in law, Katie, told me about it.  Every so often this blogger does “life lately, according to my (her) iPhone pictures.”   I loved the idea as I am constantly snapping pictures.  So here is our life lately…

Thomas snuggling with his his stuffed Giraffe….

Silly Smile…

Stelly Girl…

Reading bedtime books with Daddy…

Loving a Sunny Fall Day…

Mama’s little helper…

Happy Rainbow Girl…

Making homemade bread when the kiddos sleep…

Elin helping Daddy try the bread…

Good Morning

The Mama Cut

Thomas got a quick trim at home to take care of the shaggy ends.  He still doesn’t want to go into a saloon, and is willing to sit for me so he doesn’t have to go.  I am by no means a professional but it works for the time being. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After he got his haircut he quickly drove his bike into our bedroom to check himself out.  As he drove his bike in front of the mirror he kept saying “his name is Thomas, he works out.”   What a funny little dude.  His cut sure makes him look so grown up, even though he is still just 2 and a half.

After we finished up we went to meet Mike for dinner and to feed the ducks.  This is currently one of Thomas’ favorite activities.  He will toss one noodle at a time and will laugh, giggle and talk to the ducks. 

Balance Bike

Thomas is now loving going for “bike rides on my balance bike.”  He has to “wear my helmet so I don’t fall down and go boom,” and is riding around like a pro cycle tour veteran, well maybe not!? 

Anyway, he is loving it and we have been doing daily bike rides.  Mike and I are pretty impressed with how quickly he has taken off and how well he is balancing already.  

 

This is the face that Thomas makes every time you put on or take off his helmet.  This is after I accidently pinched his neck one time right after Elin was born.  Months later, he is still traumatized.  The anticipation of pain is so funny to Mike and I. 

Camping with our Littles

Saturday morning we were off to the Mineral Park Campground for a night of camping with our littles.  We had an uneventful drive about 2 hours Northwest of our house.  We got to the camp and started to set up the tent while we cooked some lunch.  Thomas was pretty excited once he saw the tent going up. 

After eating we decided to head to hike the Hidden Lake Trail and made it just to the top of the forest before we turned back.  We knew we wouldn’t get too far, but the hike was beautiful and Thomas thought he was on an epic adventure.  Elin was awake for a few minutes and then had a nice long snooze while we enjoyed the hike and views. Back at camp, Stella quickly found a chipmonk and turned into a crazed dog.  Seriously, Mike and I have never seen her act like that, for 10 minutes she was beside herself trying to climb the tree.  Silly Stella.

Thomas had a blast being free to do pretty much anything, play in the dirt, run around, get sticks and make “this.”  Elin was pretty content looking at the trees, Thomas and the fire. Stella beat both Thomas and Elin to bed and found the air mattress much more comfortable than her blanket.  Once dinner was finished, Thomas and Elin both went to sleep.  Mike and I then enjoyed a few s’mores and the fire before heading to bed ourselves. 

It was a long night!  Stella decided that she wanted to be on the air mattress and there was not room for 2 adults, 2 kids and a giant dog.  In true Stella fashion she continued to adjust herself and found a way onto the bed. 

Elin and I spent 2 nights in the sleeping bag on the floor.  She woke up and with the light on decided it was a great time to talk and squeal to anything she saw for 30 minutes.  We all finally slept soundly from 3:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m with Stella snuggled in between Thomas and myself.   When Thomas woke up he had a smile a mile wide when he realized he was still in the tent. 

Mike had wanted to go fishing but decided it would be best to pack up and head home.  So that is what we did and we were on the road by 10.  It was nice to get home at noon, we all were able to take naps and get stuff in order.  Thomas must have had a great time because he took a 4 hour nap and Elin followed in just over 3 hours.  

It was a wonderful camping trip and we all had a great time, even with the lack of sleep.   Mike and I grabbed a rock for each of the kids to remember the trip and we as always have loads of pictures and stories.

Garden/Yard Update

Well summer has quickly started to turn to fall.  The yard has been so much fun for Mike, Thomas and I this year.  We have had many great salads, herbs and vegetables to enjoy. 

Our crops of potatoes, peas, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and jalapenos have all done very well.   We have planted several rounds of lettuce and spinach to enjoy over the summer.

We now have planted  a fall crop of lettuce, spinach, carrots and peas. 

What a great 1st full year in our city garden.