true friendship knows no age

Elliot, Kash's best friend, has been sick and out of town the past few weeks so we haven't seen much of him.  In the times that Elliot is gone I think to myself, "We can do this!  Kash will be O.K. when Elliot eventually moves away." (Elliot's dad is in his last year of his residency so it's almost inevitable that they will be moving once he's done).

Then the two are reunited again and I forget how much Kash truly loves Elliot.  It's actually amazing how much he values Elliot's opinions, how excited and giddy he is when Elliot is around and how much no one else in the world matters except Elliot.  I've never seen him play with another kids like he does Elliot. It's almost as if you can actually see Kash's face beam a little brighter when his favorite friend is in the room.  I know it seems dramatic but after I saw these two reunited today I couldn't deny that their little toddler friendship was real and true!

Sometimes I think these two little blonde Mormon boys are friends by default.  Since they were about 18 months old they've seen each other at least three times a week (or more some weeks) because of church, preschool, playgroup and date night.  I used to think that they were just friends by circumstance, but today I was reminded that they are truly the best of friends.  They have similar styles of play, humor and learning.

That's not to say that they never fight or disagree, but all real friendship has to be tested right? ;)  Kash does have a hard time realizing that while Elliot is his best friend he can still be friends with other kids too, or at least be nice to them.  And if you start something with Elliot you best believe you will be answering to Kash (not because Elliot gets his bodyguard...it's because Kash loves Elliot so much he feels the need to fight his battles.)  Things that we are definitely working on, but it is secretly cute that Kash loves his friend so much.

Their friendship reminds me of the many best friends I've had in the various places I've lived.  That friend that just fits with everything that you are.  The friend who you can be your true self around.  They love all the things you love and make you laugh until you cry when everyone else thinks you two are dorks.  The friend who is selfless and puts your needs in front of their own.  While it was hard moving around so much as a kid I feel beyond lucky to have found a special "best friend" in each place I've lived.  Some I've kept in better contact than others but for the most part I'm lucky to have real friendships that have lasted the test of time and many, many miles.  Friendships that no matter how much time has passed since we were together last it's as if middle school, high school or college was just yesterday and we're able to pick up right where we left off.

I'm glad that Kash has found this at such an early age.  It makes me happy to know that he's capable of such a friendship and of such a deep love for another person.

So, will we be O.K. when the day finally comes for Elliot to move?  Yeah, we'll be alright (after months of therapy I'm sure haha)...but it sure will be heartbreaking to see my little boy say goodbye to his first best friend!

brothers.

I quickly tried to capture this moment.  I thought I was too late but looking through my phone I saw that I captured enough of it to still make me smile. 

It was a Saturday at Costco. People everywhere nudging their way to a free bite of sausage on a pretzel stick.  Kash was yanking on my necklace complaining that he was thirsty. Nixon had fallen asleep in the car and wasn't super excited to be awake. It was hot and I was unfortunately crabby.

Pushing my giant cart through the crowded isles I looked down and witnessed one of my favorite moments as a mother so far. Nixon reached up and put his tiny little hand on Kash's back and leaned his head on his brother's shoulder.  Usually Kash would scream that Nixon was touching him but on this day he embraced him back. I stopped pushing and darn near cried.  I couldn't stop hugging and kissing them both and getting in on the love-fest.  Once I finally resumed my shopping I realized a guy in front of me had been watching the whole thing, I was somewhat embarrassed about my over-gushing-mom-moment. But we exchanged smiles and I could tell he had had his share of  "dad moments" as well.

Being an only child I had big dreams of one day having multiple kids and they would be the best of friends, period.  It never once crossed my mind that this best friendship wouldn't happen immediately. In my dream world 3 year olds aren't jealous, they love babies, always want to share and play with their siblings. It's been a tad bit hard for me to watch Kash not immediately have all of these desires for his brother.

When Nix was born Kash wanted nothing to do with him. Nixon started to sit up and Kash would sometimes talk to him but was mostly annoyed with him still. Then Nixon started to crawl and Kash saw this as an opportunity to boss Nixon around as much as possible, "no, no Mix!!!", "Get out of my room Mix!!", "MOMMM Mixon has my toy!!!"

This isn't to say Kash doesn't love Nixon, he does.  When he's not around he always asks where he is.  If he gets hurt he makes sure he's ok and he's very protective of him when it comes to other people holding or "hurting" his brother.  He just doesn't want to kiss him, talk to him or play with him like I dreamed.  So when I looked down at my cart and saw these brothers sharing an embrace my heart melted.  It was the boost in motherhood that I needed, hope that one day these two WOULD be best friends.

I've really grown to love my boys for their differences.  I always dreamed of a life with little girls and pigtails running around my house.  Now I have two boys who hug it out in Costco and I wouldn't want it any other way.

It's the little things in life.

and so it begins...

Going to our ultrasound appointment to find out the sex of our first baby Blaine was silent the whole drive there.  When the nurse said that our baby was definitely a boy Blaine shouted "YES!!!!!" (fist pump and all).

As a sports fanatic, it's needless to say Blaine has dreamed of the day when his little boy would start playing organized sports. Well his dream came true last Saturday when Kash had his first soccer "practice".  I'm not even sure what to call it because I doubt they will ever play in a real game and it seems more like organized chaos than anything else but it was still awesome to see our little boy out on the field.

Blaine wasn't the only one super excited, I was right there along with him.  While neither one of us love soccer it's the only sport that has a program for 3 year olds. Kash on the other hand loves it and always wants to kick the ball around, so we'll see how far this soccer thing goes. 

And of course in true mom fashion I felt emotional all morning about this!  I can't believe how grown up he is and that he's "playing" sports now.  He did great at listening to his coach and following directions.  I know it's just a little 3 year old league but I was really proud of my little bubs! 

I'm not sure what the point of this exercise in the video below was but Kash seems pretty focused on it.  (cameo made by his best friend Elliot of course)

on Vimeo.

pep talk

A couple of Sundays ago I spoke in church about the plan of salvation aka the plan of happiness.  My talk reviewed our purpose here on Earth and how even though things can be hard at times we all agreed to come here and it will be worth it in the end.

I also shared a story how lately when I ask Kash to do something and he often responds with, "I can't Mom it's too hard," which I reply, "you can do hard things!"  I just threw this story in my talk at the last minute (Sunday morning to be exact) but it seemed to be the take away message.  I can't believe how many people said that "we can do hard things" really resonated with them.  Even Kash's ultra competitive friend told her mom that Kash can't do hard things but she can...at least she was listening haha!

Now, I've said this before--I'm just a mom who has no idea what I'm doing--but I do know I want my boys to be thoughtful, kind and above all hard working men.  I feel like it took me a long time to realize that I can do hard things.  That this life isn't supposed to be easy, we are supposed to be tried and tested and come out better people from the trials we face.  This is why I have started to tell Kash he can do hard things.  When he is on his own and it's so much easier to give up than face the obstacles in front of him, I want him to remember that he can do hard things.  I know it might be a long shot, but for now I'm drilling this into his brain.

So around our house these days that's our motto.  And every time I say it to Kash it's also a reminder to myself that I CAN DO HARD THINGS too.

And along the lines of pep talks have you seen this video?  Obviously his message is scripted, but either way this kid puts his own flare on it and makes it awesome.  I wish he was my friend, we both love Space Jam and rolling our eyes.

sexy lady...

I know the Gangnam Style dance is sooo 5 months ago, but in our house that song is a dance party regular. Every time Kash hears this hot beat he stops what he's doing to dance. In this case it's at Old Navy.

I love how he dances his little heart out and then says, "I can't do it."  Oh Kash, looks like you can do it!


*sorry for the poor quality video.  If anyone knows how to upload vids from your iPhone to blogger please tell me how to do it!!!

baseball themed party

***YOU CAN PURCHASE THE INVITATION HERE***  TO PURCHASE THE SCOREBOARD please email me at eggs.turnbow@gmail.com

Six months leading up to Kash's birthday he started talking about his party, the friends and family he wanted there and the theme...I was surprised he even got the concept of a birthday party.  Every time I asked him what kind of party he wanted he said baseball, baseball, baseball.  I was willing to do any party he wanted but was more than happy to do a baseball party because I knew it would be easy.  And it was, I think this was the easiest party I've decorated.  Now, having it be a friend party and eight little 2-3 year olds in my house was another story!!!

Here are the invitations:

One of Kash's favorite parts of having a baseball party was getting to dress up like a baseball player and take the pictures for his invitations!!!

Here's the treat table and really the extent of the decorations. I had big plans to decorate other areas of the house but with a 4 month old and a 3 year old to tend to every waking minute of the day I was proud that I just got this table done!

I had a lot of people have ask how I created the score board.  I first designed it in Illustrator and then made it into three separate pictures and printed the three pictures at Office Max using their engineer prints.  To print all three I think it was less than $10. Then I just rounded out the top of the middle one and cut a little off of the top of the side prints to give it more of a vintage ballpark feel and taped them all together.

As the boys, and one girl, started to arrive Kash grew more excited with every guest.  He loved that it was his party and his friends and family were there for him. 

We started the party off with a little pitching game.  Which turned into let's all just run around and act crazy haha. Followed by baseball pinata, (that was impossible for 3 year olds to break.  Luckily big cousin Kitt came to the rescue on that one), the messiest hot dog lunch you ever did see, some bouncy castle time, presents and finally cake and ice cream.

sitting by his BFF of course

Nixon actually letting the grandmas hold him!!!

Kash was slowly backed into the corner of the room as his anxious friends "helped" him to open the presents. haha

These were the party favors filled with baseball crayons, baseball bouncy balls and other treats and goodies that I can't remember now!  

Team Turnbow...our attempt to get a family picture. 

Kash had a great time at his party!!!  He loved the baseball theme, he LOVED that everyone came to see HIM, he loved the games and the free access to the Redvines and he loved all of the presents.  I think it was everything his little 3 year old heart had hoped for!  It was really fun to plan and have all his little friends over and of course our close family.  And as always I couldn't have done it without my mom flying in and helping organize the last minute party planning...she's awesome!!!

And without further adieu, here's Kash's 3 year old video.  Set to the music of Michael Jackson's Bad because that was his favorite song this past year.

Happy Birthday Kash!!!

Kash's 3rd Year from Erica Turnbow on Vimeo.

Kash 3 years old

Oh Kash,

So much has happened in the last year I don't even know where to begin.  It seems as if you are officially out of the toddler stage and on your way to being a big boy.  This saddens me greatly as I think back on your baby and toddler years but I also love who you are becoming and watching you grow and your personality bloom.

You are hilarious Kash, Dad and I are constantly laughing at the things you come up with. And you love being funny.  Anytime we laugh you ask, "Who's funny?  Me?"

I personally think, and I know I'm bias, that you are a great communicator.  For a long time now you have been able to clearly communicate what you are thinking and what you want.  Recently you have started talking in very long comprehensive sentences.  In fact some of the things you say makes me feel like I'm living with a 15 year old instead of a 3 year old. After I got home from church last night you walked in to the room (when you should have been in bed sleeping) and we had the following conversation:

K: Oh hi Mom I didn't know you were home.
M: Hi Kash, go to bed.
K: So, how was your night Mom? Did you have fun at church?
M: Yes Kash...now go to bed!
K: Ok I will.  Have fun with Dad tonight, love you.

Often times it's the fluctuation and ease that you speak with that makes our conversations entertaining.

You also started to get a little sassy with your comments, like when I tell you to "chill out" and you say, "YOU chill out Mom!"  Yeah that never goes over well.  Try that in 13 years and you won't be driving the car for a month.

Our days are filled with preschool, play group, date nights, library trips, play dates...all are fun and you look forward to being with your friends.  But my favorite part of our days are when I hear you in the other room playing by yourself with your cars and pretending to drop Lightening McQueen off at preschool, "have fun and be nice" you tell him as you zoom away.  Play isn't always fun as I hear you repeat the things I say, "Ok go to time out", "Ohh don't talk to me like that" and my famous over dramatic "Ughhhh".  Nothing like a child parroting your every word to keep you in check.  You are starting to get more into pretend and I love watching your imagination grow.  You often tell me of times when you were a dragon and how you used to fly all around.  Or when you were a baby you were a puppy and you were so cute haha.

You love music and to dance.  You are often declaring random dance parties wherever we are.  You have to have your own hymnal at church and attempt to sing along with the congregation.  The other day I thought you were crying while you were supposed to be taking a nap and when I walked in you were just singing your little heart out.

You are very aware of your surroundings and people's feelings.  You pick up right away if someone is mad, sad or happy.  And if they aren't happy it really bothers you and you will ask them if they are happy until they finally give in and choose to be happy, although when this tactic is reversed onto you you aren't as fond of it.

You are a miniature version of your father.  You thrive on routine, you love things to be neat and orderly, you can't stand to have your hands dirty, you love to win, you love sports and you love treats...ok that one is probably a little more like me. But really, you idolize Dad. He is by far your favorite person in this world.  I'm pretty sure your dream day would be to play with Dad all day long without any interruptions.  For about two hours before he comes home each day you start to ask me, "When is Dad coming home?".  Any time I open the door to the garage you come running around the corner, "Dad is that you?".  I'm so grateful that you and your Dad have such a close relationship.  And his love for you amazes me on a daily basis. You don't only love Dad, you love all of your family and talk about all of your aunts, uncles, cousins and grandmas and grandpa often.  If it was up to you they would ALL be invited to dinner every night. I love that you love your family.

Since your brother was born you have become my little helper and a lot more independent.  This wasn't something that came natural to you but you have adapted and grown so much in these areas.  You are almost always willing to put Nixon's pacifier in his mouth, get him a toy or blanket.  If you aren't willing to do it you simply say "no thank you"...at least you are polite about it.  You are great at getting in the car by yourself, going to the bathroom, brushing your teeth, and you've started to have a desire to get dressed by yourself.  All of these things still need supervision but you are definitely entering the "I can do it all by myself" stage.  Which is refreshing and frustrating all at the same time.  Frustrating when your already 30 minute bedtime routine is extended due to you wanting to do everything by yourself, but it is nice that you are learning to be more independent.

I could go on an on.  But this letter is already long enough.  Overall you are an amazing kid, Kash and I'm so proud of you.  I love you to the moon and back (just like Big Nutbrown Hare...even though when I say this you tell me that people don't go to the moon) and each day you make me want to be a better mom--you deserve the best.  You are smart, stubborn, sweet, thoughtful, funny and cool.  You are so awesome for so many reasons.

Happy birthday Bubs!

Oh and hey Kash, love ya. (inside joke...yeah we already have those.)
mom

3 year old stats:
height: 39.25 (75-90%)
weight: .37.2 (75-90%)

 20 questions: answered by Kash Turnbow, 3 years old

1. What is your favorite color? red
2. What is your favorite toy? cars
3. What is your favorite fruit? strawberries
4. What is your favorite tv show? Octonauts
5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? PB & J Sandwich 
6. What is your favorite outfit? baseball halloween costume
7. What is your favorite game? soccer
8. What is your favorite snack? granola bar
9. What is your favorite animal? dog
10. What is your favorite song? Bad by Michael Jackson
11. What is your favorite book? letter tracing book
12. Who is your best friend? Elliot
13. What is your favorite cereal? O's
14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? play
15. What is your favorite drink? juice
16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? my blanket, music, toys, a book...
18. What is your favorite movie? Cars 
19. What is your favorite thing to do? play outside
20. What do you want to be when you grow up? a race car driver



**clearly I need to write letters every 6 months to avoid humongous posts. 

a date of sorts

I know this blog has turned into posts of holidays and Nixon's monthly updates.  Which is what the last few months have actually felt like on a day to day basis.  We've been busy with cookie parties, play dates, "preschool", family get togethers, holiday activities, etc.  And along with everyone else I got a little stressed out as we rushed here and there only to have a blowout, spitting up, a two year old screaming "I WANT A TREAT!!!!!" slow us down.  I've been a little crabby the last few months to say the least.  Turns out having two kids is hard sometimes, who knew.  Oh everyone who has more than one kid?  Okay.

I think Kash was feeling the effects of my emotional roller coaster the most.  There has definitely been a disconnect and a distance between Kash and I that wasn't there before Nixon came.  I hesitated to even write about this.  I don't want Kash to look back and read this and ever resent his brother or think that I loved him any less because I had a second baby, because that's simply not true--things just changed.  But this blog has always been about documenting our family and this is what our family dynamic has been since September.  So I felt it only fair to document the good, the bad and the ugly.

I've been so focused on meeting everyone's basic needs that I forgot to connect with Kash.  I'm sure a lot of moms feel this way as they try to meet all of life's demands on little sleep and a healing body.  Anyway, I've had the mom guilt for awhile now but just kept pushing through the days until we got more into a routine and things felt normal again. Luckily Blaine has been awesome with Kash. And Kash adores his dad and loves the one on one time he's got to spend with him lately.

I think they are finally normal.  Nixon is taking longer naps and getting into his own routine and this has allowed Kash and I to connect again.  We've found time to simply play and interact together instead of just being in the same room with each other.  

A blessing in disguised occurred the other day as well that helped me connect with Kash again.  My sister-in-law usually takes all of our family pictures and the kid's yearly pictures.  But she's been very sick lately so I decided to just snap a few and prayed that at least one was good enough to send to our family and friends.  Nixon was sleeping so it was just Kash and I, a date of sorts.  Just my Bubs and I.  We were laughing and playing in the snow, he was smiling for the camera and chasing me around.  He so happy to have my complete and undivided attention.  And his 3 little years of life flashed before my eyes and I had so much love for my sweet boy during this impromptu photo shoot   I missed our times together and vowed to make more time for just Kash and I.

I want him to always know how much I love him.  And I'm sure he'll never remember the time when his brother was born and we at PB&J for dinner (more times than I'd like to admit), I yelled more, I slept more, he watched TV instead of me doing educational activities with him and he ate more junk than ever before.  Okay, maybe Kash has enjoyed the last few months but I've felt like I failed him.  But looking back I think it's all part of being part of a family.  You change, you sacrifice, there are good memories and bad ones but we all love each other and help each other to grow. 

Here's to more dates with my Bubs and growing as a mom. 

 Kash and I February 2011

quick update

I can't believe I haven't posted anything since Nixon was born, I sorta feel bad about it.  When I got pregnant with our second baby everyone told me, "you'll take less pictures" "his life will be less documented", and I made a personal goal not to let that happen!  So I have been documenting our sweet second baby's life...I just haven't had time to write about it.  Which I need to do a better job of because it seems if I don't write things down on this blog they don't get documented anywhere and eventually they leave my mind for good (I'm horrible at remembering things!).

So here's our life the last 3 weeks according to my phone (I need to do a better job of actually pulling my camera out).  If you follow me on Instagram I apologize for the repeats.

I have a lot to say about being a mother of two--like how my world has completely changed, how I feel like my 2 year old hates me most days, how my heart really did find room for our sweet newborn, how most days I don't do my hair but I do shower and that's an accomplishment for me or how some days being a mom of two boys is the best thing in the world.  But as you can see each one of those topics could use it's own post and Kash is about to wake up from his nap any minute now so those too will have to wait...like the dirty dishes in my sink.  I feel like I'm starting to get into somewhat of a routine and hopefully can get back to blogging more regularly soon.

There have definitely been ups and downs the past 3 weeks but I wouldn't change a thing. I love this time in my life that I get to learn (a lot about myself) and grow and that I have the opportunity to be a mom, the thing I always wanted to be when I grew up!

it's go time!

Well this is the last day of my pregnancy, and I'm warning you I'm definitely a rambling, emotional, pregnant woman today!  So read on if you want but you have been warned!

Such a weird feeling to have it all planned out compared to my first pregnancy that felt like my life was on call for the last few weeks of pregnancy.  Obviously it's nice that I've been able to plan who will take care of Kash and my mom doesn't have to get a last minute flight as she rushes out from the Midwest to be here for the birth of her first grand baby.  But knowing that this is my "last day" also brings on those "last day" feelings that I don't handle too well!

This morning while saying a prayer at breakfast I started to tear up as I asked my Heavenly Father to watch over Kash and that all will go well tomorrow with our new baby.  We've been preparing Kash for months and months for the arrival of his little brother, but maybe I'm the one who needed a little more preparing.  At first the emotion was definitely happy and excited as I realized tomorrow I would have a new baby to hold and love.  Kash didn't believe me he asked, "are you sad Mom?"  I told him no that sometimes people cry when they are happy.  He told me that was weird...couldn't agree more! haha  But as I was having that conversation with my little two year old his life flashed before my eyes and I couldn't help but have a little bit of a sad feeling that this would be our last breakfast together just the two of us.  That the next time I sat at that table with him he would have a little brother and I would have a new baby to tend to.  And thanks to pregnancy hormones and my already sensitive heart I couldn't stop crying this morning. 

I know Kash will be a great big brother and that this baby is meant to be in our home and in our family, but today I just treasured my last day with just me and my first baby.  I'm so grateful for the past 9 months that I've been able to spend with just Kash and I each day, what a blessing. 

Okay for my own sake let's move on to the belly shot so I can stop crying!  I thought it would be fun to do my last pregnancy picture in the same shirt as my first pregnancy to compare sizes.  I'm actually 40 weeks in the first one and 39 weeks in the second since my doctor is inducing me a week early.  But isn't it funny to see a side by side shot?  I do think I look bigger the first pregnancy, but I was also just carrying the baby completely different.  Looking at the first picture reminds me of how high I carried Kash and how much my ribs hurt!  I'm so grateful that this baby is sitting a lot lower.  

My guess/vote is that this baby will weigh around 9 lbs 2 oz, Blaine thinks 9 lbs 4.5 oz (he insists on the .5).   Please, please bless that we are both right and he's around 9 pounds or less!!!!

Alright, the next post we'll be introducing our sweet baby boy!  Wish me luck tomorrow!  YIKES, childbirth...never my idea of a fun Thursday! :) 

moves like jagger...

...or like someone!!!  Kash is really into dancing these days.  Anytime there is dancing, he's all about it! Last night he said to me, "here mom hold my milk I need to dance!"  And it seems to bring the ladies around as well.  Yesterday he had a few 2 year old babes watching him after church as he busted a move in the cultural hall.

He also got his grove on this past weekend at our church fair.  I actually missed some of his best moves by the time I got the camera out but this is still entertaining enough.

Dance White Boy Dance! 

You can somewhat see his signature move at the beginning where he crouches down, does some head banging and makes a face like he's at an ICP concert!  All I'll say is he doesn't get his dance moves from me...

big brother gift

I don't know who is more anxious about Kash becoming a big brother, him or me.  Right now I know he's excited but I have this huge fear of him feeling sad and neglected as we bring home a new baby that requires a lot of attention.  I can't help but feel guilty that his whole world is about to change!

I know there will be days that Kash will tell me to take the baby back to the hospital.  And who could blame him, take it from an experienced only child--being the only one is kind of a dream!  But while there are definite perks to the only child lifestyle I don't think anything can replace the relationship that most siblings have, and that's what I've always wanted for my future children.

I've tried to make Kash feel really important and special about his new role as a big brother.  I want him to know that even though there will be another baby to share the love that doesn't mean our love for him has changed.  So when I saw this book on Pinterest, "The Day I Was Born", where you can add your own child's pictures to it I thought it would be the perfect pre-baby gift present for Kash.  One, because he is obsessed with looking at pictures of himself and two because it would show him that he too was a baby in my tummy, at the hospital and at our house just like his little brother will be.

At first he thought the book was about his new brother.  Haha like that was somehow the way were were bringing him home.  But as we've been reading it he now understands that it's "baby Kash" in the pictures and has taken more of an interest.  He still prefers these versions of "his" story:

Kash's 2nd Year from Erica Turnbow on Vimeo.

Kash's 1st Year from Erica Turnbow on Vimeo.

(We watch either one of these at least once a week at his request.  The first year still makes me cry and has gotten me really excited to welcome this next baby into our home.)

While I'm still pretty anxious to be a mother of two and how Kash will react to a baby in our home I know deep down he will be an awesome brother.  Maybe right away, maybe later down the road but I'm excited for him to have a sibling to grow up with and share memories.  

(click here to see what the actual book is like...I forgot to take pictures of our version)

potty training

I asked Kash to stand tall.  So he climbed on the toilet and gave me this pose haha.  I suppose this celebratory pose is appropriate for this post. 

As a new mom you never know when the "right" time to do things are.  I mean sure you'll get lots of free (wanted or unwanted) advice and the books, internet and your neighbor will all tell you what the perfect time is but it's hard to know what's best for your child and your family.  

So it was when the topic of potty training came up in our house.  I felt like Kash was ready, some books, blogs and friends told me he could possibly be ready.  But sadly the first go around, he wasn't or I wasn't...who knows!  I think he was about 21 months old when he started recognizing going in his diaper and talking about the toilet and going in there.  Seemed like good signs to me.  I took a week off work, bought the training underpants, the best potty seats, read all the potty training tips I could and prepared to lock myself in the house for the next 7 days until my kid peed in the toilet.  At first things were great.  Sure, he had his accidents but the first few days things looked promising.  But as the week progressed Kash regressed.  He seemed to have no interest in it at all by the end of the week, everything I would say to him would go through one ear and out the other.  It was probably the most frustrating situation I've ever had with him thus far.  

Since I was still working I sent him back to grandma's letting her know our success rate and hoped that it would get better over time.  But it didn't, things got worse and between the pressures of working, the holidays, feeling guilty that Blaine's mom had to deal with all of this and trying to decide when I would quit my job it was all too much. I just knew that Kash wasn't really ready and this wasn't the "right" time. 

We took a break.  I felt pretty defeated as a parent.  I cried.  I swore I would stick with it until it worked and wouldn't be one of those parents to put him back in diapers after trying underwear, but I knew that's what was best for Kash and we weren't getting anywhere.  But we didn't give up completely.  Kash was very aware of when he needed to go poop and I was a stickler on him no longer going in his diaper.  This took lots of bribing--stickers, candy, charts, prizes, etc. (Matchbox cars finally did the trick). That was one step backwards I wasn't willing to take.  After many battles Kash finally got the hang of it. 

About a month after Kash's 2nd birthday Blaine was joking around with him one night and asked Kash if he wanted to wear his Cars underwear.  Expecting a profound NOOOOO, per the usual, we were both shocked when Kash answered, YEAH!  What???  He can't be serious!  Because even though we were taking a break from the whole "training" we were still talking about it and got a pretty negative response from Kash every time we mentioned anything about it.  But we ran with the enthusiastic response he gave Blaine  and put that kid in underwear the next day.  And you know what...that little stinker angel didn't have an accident!  He told me when he had to go #1 and #2.  I was now at home and didn't feel the pressure of a deadline in order to get him potty trained, but there also wasn't any pressure because seriously Kash pretty much decided that night, with his dad, that he was going to wear underwear and wasn't looking back.  

I couldn't believe how easy it was the second time around.  Sure he would have an accident from time to time but it was a true accident where we just didn't make it to the bathroom in time, and those seriously were few and far between.  And he's been potty trained ever since.  I couldn't believe it, I still can't.  Now, almost 6 months later he's still doing great, amazing actually!  I'm so proud of him!!!!  Every one told me it would be hard with a boy and the first child...and it was, but I truly think that was my own fault.  Kash knew when he was ready, and when he was he did great without the pressure of it all.  I'm so proud of him, and so happy I don't have to change his diapers anymore! ha (yes I realize diaper changing is in my near future...but at least I have some time before this next baby is eating solids.  Oh TMI? Sorry.)

Oh parenthood, the most humbling thing I've ever done!

Officially potty trained at 25 months.
Photo taken at 2.5 years old. 

who was the MVP in the 1998 Super Bowl????

Anyone who knows Blaine knows how much he loves sports.  Well his love of sports has finally paid off for our family.  The last few months Blaine has been calling into a local sports radio station to participate in their trivia contests.  Now either Blaine is the only listener or he's a sports trivia genius because he just keeps on wining!  I think we calculated between all the gift cards, signed sports paraphernalia and swag he's probably gotten about $500 in free stuff this summer.  He's such a regular winner that the DJ's know him by name and come out every time he has to go to the station and pick up his prizes.  They even know we are having a baby soon for heaven's sake!  Pretty much BFF's.

Recently Blaine won a pass to go to a new bowling alley in town.  Not my idea of a fun time (I kinda hate bowling), especially prego...but with the right company anything can be fun!  I ended up getting a turkey that night too!!!!!  Miracle!  And Kash was in heaven!  When it wasn't his turn to push the ball down the lane he was busy showing me his cool bowling shoes...which he talked about for weeks after.  

It was a fun family event and since then Blaine has won another pass (sheesh!) so I foresee another bowling outing in our near future.

Kash fit right in with his beer belly and tattoo! 

Belly is bigger than the ball...it's cool. 

"See my cool shoes mom!"

say cheese

Just playing around with my new camera, and I don't think there's any better subject than a bright eyed bubs in a bath.  Have I said how excited I am about my new camera???  Oh, well then let me tell you...I'm excited!

rock on

On Sunday Kash woke up a little early from his nap and was ready for us to entertain him.  Unfortunately for Kash playing with his shake cars for the millionth time wasn't very appealing to Blaine or I.  We thought about going on our usual Sunday walk but with the temps being so high and me growing a human we scratched that idea as well.  We needed something to do though, we still had about four more hours before bedtime.  I scanned Pinterest real quick thinking the tons of "101 toddler activities" I had pinned would come in handy.  Well they didn't.  But after looking at a few different blogs I was inspired to paint rocks.  Obviously nothing new but we hadn't done it at our house so it was new to us.


I had paint, brushes and we are so lucky to have a hideous beautiful backyard full of rocks ready for us to paint. The boys gathered the rocks and I gathered the painting supplies.  Being just a few days before the 4th of July I made everyone use red, white and blue.  Only one person complained.

I couldn't believe how long Kash enjoyed this activity.  He painted for almost an hour!  AN HOUR!  I actually had to make him stop because it was time to eat.  I love that he's at an age that painting rocks is a super cool activity.

glitter pens helped him enjoy this activity more

if you know Blaine he's not really down for things like this (I don't think I've ever seen him carve a pumpkin or dye and Easter egg) but I guess we were all just that bored! 

displaying the rocks in our awesome garden. 

Please note Blaine's specific style: "The Half"

If the temperatures stay in the high 90's where it's unbearable for me to go outside we might have a whole yard full of pretty rocks by the end of the summer!

I tried to suggest this as a 4th of July tradition, but that didn't go over very well.  I guess I'm just grasping as straws trying to make up for this joke of a fourth this year!

heat rash, chicken pocks, etc.???

Since this blog has turned into Kash's virtual scrapbook I figured it was necessary to document his latest ailment...a staph infection!

After we got home from our trip on Monday I noticed a few bumps but didn't think much about it because it was really hot and I figured it was just heat rash since it was on the back of his knees where you normally sweat.  Then on Tuesday after his bath I was rubbing lotion on his legs and could feel a lot more bumps then I could see.  Wednesday I called the doctor and they suggested a few topical solutions.  But by Thursday it wasn't better and had spread up and down his legs to his feet and even on his hands and elbows. So I took him in and the doctor said it as a staph infection.  Yuck!  Even though staph infections can become serious I was just grateful she didn't say he had the chicken pocks.  Since I had a very mild case as a child I wasn't up for round two of chicken pocks/shingles while pregnant.

Luckily (hopefully) the antibiotic the doctor prescribed will clear up these bumps and he'll be back to normal in a few days.  Meanwhile we are quarantined to the house.  Super fun.

poor bubs!  

at least we have 14 more years to teach him to drive

I stumbled upon this little video while uploading some pics.  Here's Kash's attempt to ride the kiddie cars at Boondocks for his cousin Kitt's birthday back in April.  Just because kids are tall enough to ride the ride doesn't mean they should! Pretty sure the worker guy hated us, but Kash sure did have a good time. 

Aunt Rach was nice enough to take Kash out on the bumper boats and get wet.  Kash loved it! 

I do it mom

Thank goodness for natural development.  I never really know when the right stage/age is to start letting Kash do things on his own.  But Kash knows.  He's always telling me I do it mom.  My independent two year old loves to climb in and out of his car seat all by himself, buckle the top buckle on the seat I do the top mom, you do the bottom, sets the table for dinner (place mats and silverware), starts the dishwasher all by himself and insists on getting on and off the toilet BY HIMSELF!

The one thing I wasn't ready for him to be so independent about was sleeping in his "big boy" bed.  A few weeks ago my mom came out and helped us get the nursery ready for the new baby and transition Kash's room into a big boy room.

I kept dreading Kash sleeping in a bed where he could get out and do anything but sleep, and that's as far as my thoughts took me.  I was eager to have my mom there and the extra motivation she would provide to get those two rooms put together.  What I wasn't expecting is to be sitting on Kash's floor putting his bed together and look over at my "big boy" and realize he wasn't a baby anymore...and to start bawling.  My mom came back in the room and I tried to hide my emotions but Kash told grandma Shelley that I was sad, thanks ya little nark! ha.  The rest of the day I couldn't handle the emotions that came over me. I was folding Kash's freshly washed 0-3 month clothes and hanging them in the baby's room when again the tears just kept coming.  I remembered the first time Kash wore each outfit.  I remembered how small and sweet he was and how much he depended on me.  I thought about how I can never go back to that newborn stage, it was just gone forever. I remembered how our whole life changed once we brought that little baby boy home...how the first night was hard, how he was such a good sleeper, how he didn't have hardly any hair, how fat he was, how he hated his swing but loved his bouncer, how I was scared to death to be a mom but somehow it was so easy to love that little baby.  And there he sat in the other room with a screwdriver in his hand helping Grandma Shelley with his big boy room.

And you know what made things ten times harder...Kash had NO problem sleeping in his new bed.  He climbed right in at night and that was it, no looking back for him.  He takes naps great in there and sleeps just like he was sleeping in his crib.  Turns out transitions are just hard on this little momma because Blaine could have cared less as well.  Oh life with all boys...

The next day I walked into the new nursery and saw all of the baby clothes hanging in the closet, the rocker ready for late night feedings and the swing (useless I'm sure) ready to rock a newborn.  And it got me excited.  I liked the idea of being able to start over, maybe do some things different, but mostly enjoy every minute of that newborn stage, my favorite.

Anyone else have such a hard time giving your old baby's things to your new baby or am I just ridiculously over emotional?

No matter the size of bed maybe he'll always be my baby?  

Miss Bonnie Lady

A few weeks ago, Kash studied the letter "H" and learned about horses.  Now this whole "lesson plan" thing is very often a flop.  If I don't incorporate the right activities or we don't get a book that interests him he won't remember anything I teach him.  But apparently everything lined up that week because when Blaine came home Monday from work and asked Kash what he learned about Kash was able to tell him what letter horse started with and that their feet were called hooves and their noses were called muzzles.  I couldn't believe, usually it takes him till Wednesday or Thursday to remember those kind of facts.

Since he was taking such an interest I figured we should capitalize on this learning experience and take him to see some real life horses!  The only problem was I didn't know of any.  Thank you Google.  I found a ranch about 30 minutes away that was willing to give us a free tour.

Once we got there this crazy lady named Star walked us around and right away pulled out a little pony for Kash to ride.  RIDE???  Awesome, I figured we would just see most of the horses from a far and if we were lucky maybe be able to pet one.  Kash was VERY excited at the thought of riding this little pony, Bonnie.  He could hardly stand the anticipation as Star saddled her up.  And Blaine and I could hardly stand Star!  She was a character, to say the least.  She sometimes spoke in a British accent and would walk around saying things like, "Ooohhh excuse me Miss Bonnie Lady.  Ohhh THANK YOU Miss Bonnie Lady (Bonnie hadn't done anything worth thanking)."  Just picture Mrs. Doubtfire on the farm, it was entertaining.  Our family, including Kash, can't stop immitating Star.  I'll be driving and Kash will say, "Ohhh thank you Miss Bonnie Lady" haha!

A million minutes later Kash finally got take the reins for a little stroll.  HE. LOVED. IT.  Star was actually asked us if he had ever been around horses or rode on one before because he was loving it so much and he said most kids his age are scared (his Uncle Jason would have been proud!).  She was also impressed that he knew what the different body parts were and how well behaved Kash was.  Yes, way to save your melt downs for another day and make us look like good parents Kash!

It was a really cool experience and everyone that was there told us we need to get him out on the farm more because he was loving all of the animals around.  Well for now he's going to stay a "city" boy but it will be fun to visit the ranch from time to time. 

Star and Miss Bonnie

First horse ride!!!

getting some more practice inside