The Attitude of Gratitude

Tracy's rant time ...

A few weeks ago I had a "moment" where I was sick and tired of hearing everyone around me complaining!!!  Maybe because I was feeling sorry for myself?!  I do have those moments you know ... I'm tired, I'm worn out from the whining and crying that comes with 3 kids under 4, I just want a few hours to myself to get my hair cut, go to the spa, go shopping, exercise, etc, etc, I want 10 consecutive hours of sleep with only my husband by my side, I want to take my kids on a fun vacation out of Canada, and it goes on ... I'm human after all!  And sometimes when I hear others complaints, I think, "Seriously?!  Like really?!  You've GOT to be kidding me!  Wake up!!  Take a look around ..."  But back to that day a few weeks ago, I logged on to FB for the millionth time that day (JK!!) and it seemed every second status update was negative ... which lead me to update my status, "Gawd ... some people need to stop feeling so bloody sorry for themselves ... life is too short! Take a look around, chances are you have it pretty darn good."  I know this status update had people wondering and hurt some feelings.  That was not the intent and in hind sight, this type of status update or comment is something I would typically think but not say or express on FB :)  I try to reserve this type of negative conversation for conversations with my husband, Mom, sister and BFF's!!  I like to think that I am a very accepting person and not too judgemental.  I truly feel every person is an individual and every situation is individual to that person.  Just because one thing works for me, doesn't mean it would work for someone else.  I often say or think, "To each his own!"  How boring would the world be if everyone was basically the same.  I love individuality and thinking and even living "outside the norm."  Personally, I have so much more respect for people who are individuals vs. people who try to "keep up with the Joneses!!"  What I'm saying is that I usually wouldn't have reacted the way I did that day ;)

A family friend responded to my above FB status update with this, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."  Followed by, "We need to adopt the attitude of gratitude."  WOW!  This really had me thinking ...!  Thanks Pat :) 

Then today my "cousins" wife had this as her FB status, "Attitude, is more important than facts, failures, successes, what ppl think, say, do or than appearance, giftedness or skill. The remarkable thing is, we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace. We can't change the inevitable. Life is 10% what happens to us & 90% how we react to it. The outcome lies with you.. we are all in charge of our attitudes ~ Charles Swindoll"  Which had me thinking, "YES!!!"  You CHOOSE your attitude.  Of course there are external influences, but ultimately it is YOU who makes the choice!  Thanks Kristi :) 

So, that brings me to this ... It is so easy in today's world to always be wanting more ... more money, more time with your kids, more time with your spouse, more "me" time, more time with your friends and family, more vacations, a newer/bigger home, a new vehicle etc, etc, ETC!!!  "Keeping up with the Joneses" is an epidemic!!!!  Materialism is taking over our lives.  I feel very fortunate that I live a "rich" life.  Not rich as in the size of my bank account, but rich with a wealth of loving friends and family, good health and blessed to be able to make choices in how we live our life and how we raise our children.   

I'm not saying we shouldn't have goals and dreams.  I just feel we should try a little harder to adopt the "attitude of gratitude!"  And that is what I'm trying to do :)  Surprisingly it works!  Waking up and choosing to be "in a good mood" and choosing to have a good day ... works! 

And on that note, I need a vacation ;)  LOL!  Lately I've been dreaming of taking the kids on a fun vacation.  I'm thinking big, but realistically that vacation will be our trip to the family cabin in Sask. this July :)  (unless someone takes us on a vacation - not likely - or we win the lotto - even less likely!!!!!)  And truthfully, I don't think the kids would have any more fun on a beach in Mexico vs. on the beach at Marean Lake Resort!!!  Actually, they'll have more fun in Sask. because they'll be amongst grandparents, great grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, great Aunts and Uncles, and 2nd cousins.

Thanks for listening :)

xoxo Tracy 

FUN, FUN, FUN!!

We had a great Family Day long weekend!  Saturday afternoon we attended the wedding ceremony of our friends John and Jenna.  It was a beautiful ceremony, in the gorgeous St. Joseph's Basilica Church (where Gretzky got married, you know ;)! 

My Dad was watching Blake and Emerson for us.  Emerson decided not to nap on Saturday afternoon ... we think she was just too excited to hang out with Grandpa and go on her birthday date with Uncle Jeremy and Auntie Lindsay :)  (Truth be known ... she's just like that these days!  lol!)  After the wedding I called home to see how things were.  We had told Emerson she might not be able to go on her date if she didn't have a nap, which she remembered because she told me over the phone, "I'm not going anywhere Mom!  I'm not going anywhere."  LOL!  But of course we couldn't deprive her of a fun few hours with her Aunt and Uncle!!!  So Grandpa and Blake hung out and Jeremy and Lindsay picked up Emerson and took her to Build A Bear at WEM.  They say she was not as talkative as she usually is, but did have fun and started showing her chatty side on the way home!  She chose a very feminine, girly, multi-colored bear, an adorable hoodie and pant outfit, shades, a pillow and a blanket and named her new friend Honey Bear :)  We thought she chose Honey Bear because she loves the Bernstein Bears books, but she chose the name from a long list of names at Build A Bear!!  Although she may have agreed to that name because of the books ;)  She now sleeps with "Honey" and totes her around the house!  When they got home Emerson told us a bit about her "date" and we had a good laugh when she told us she sucked her thumb on the ride to the wall!!  She said, "I suck my thumb Mom!  Like this! (sticks her thumb in her mouth!)"  It was hilarious!!

After the wedding ceremony, Cal, Reese and I stopped at Costco to buy most of our food for Emerson's 2nd birthday party the following day.  Saturday night was spent baking and icing 36 cupcakes and 1 giant cupcake cake!  I enjoyed icing the cupcakes, but I think I better invest in a piping bag vs. always using a ziploc bag - I burst a few bags!!  I couldn't decide what "theme" to go with for Emerson's 2nd birthday party, but thought to heck with it ... she loves cupcakes and she's kinda like our little cupcake, so there you go ... cupcake "theme" it is!!  

Sunday morning we got ready for the party, packed the van and headed for Dynamyx Gymnastics Club that afternoon!  Emerson had a great time, as did the other kids!  It was a nice change to host a birthday party at a different location, other then our house.  The hour on the mat with the coaches was fantastic!  I like that part the best - a planned, organized activity for the kids to enjoy vs. just playing with the toys at our house!!  The 2 young coaches were great with all the kids and I was impressed by how well the kids all listened!  Emerson looked so darn cute in her new outfit from Grandma and Grandpa D, but perhaps she will need a gymnastics body suit in the near future?!  Thank you to everyone for the wonderful gifts and for helping us celebrate our dear Emerson's 2nd birthday!  We hoped you also enjoyed yourselves :) 

Monday, Family Day in the province of AB, was a relaxing day at home!  It was very nice to not have to go anywhere, if we didn't want to.  We've been on the go constantly, with something we need to do everyday for the past few weeks, so Monday was a treat!  Cal and the kids went to Toys R Us.  Blake, Emerson and Reese all got a small Valentine's Day gift from their Great Grandma Marg and Great Grandpa Art and after much discussion, they decided to buy Play Doh with their money!  Cal and Blake played outside for a bit after they got home, it was such a gorgeous day.

My Mom and Dad came over for supper and cupcakes Monday afternoon.  It was my Mom's birthday on Sunday (February 20th) and with the business of Emerson's party, we didn't get a proper chance to celebrate!  It was nice to have them over and sing Happy Birthday to Grandma D :)  We hope you had a nice birthday Mom and although I don't think you minded having Em's party on your birthday, we'll try not to do that again!!  Love you, and hope to celebrate next year's big birthday somewhere fun!!!!

According to my favorite weatherman, Josh Classen, the next 2 weeks are supposed to be the coldest 2 weeks thus far.  I'm wondering if this is some sort of early April Fool's Day joke or something??!!  The forecast that followed that prediction did not look to be the coldest 2 weeks of Winter?!  Let's hope Josh was joking :)  Have a great week everyone!

xoxo Tracy

I'm 2 Years Old :)

~ email sent by Emerson on her birthday ;)

Hi everyone!

Today is my 2nd birthday! Mom thought I should write a little email to let everyone know what I'm up to these days!

A lot has changed since my last email 1 year ago. I've "grown up" so much over the past year! People are usually quite impressed by my vocabulary. I surprise everyone all the time with how well I talk. Mom and Dad thought Blake was a parrot when he was younger, but I AM A PARROT! I repeat EVERYTHING! Absolutely everything ... good and bad ;) My memory is really good too and I have memorized a lot of songs. My favorite song to sing is "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." I'm also starting to learn my colors and I can even count up to 20!! I also know most of the ABC song :) Some of the other things I enjoy doing are reading books, coloring, doing arts and crafts (especially using glue sticks!!), dancing, playing with my dolls and ponies and playing with Blake (and sometimes fighting over toys :S)!!

And the biggest news of all this past year is that I am a Big Sister!! My little sister was born in November. Mom and Dad think I'm a very good big sister. I like to help them and sometimes I even get to help carry and hold Reese! Reese loves it when I talk to her - she smiles and coo's a lot!! Mom and Dad were worried I'd be jealous of my new sibling, but I wasn't at all! I love her to bits and like to help take care of her. I love having Mom home with us every day and doing lots of activities with Mom and Dad! We have a ton of fun!! I enjoy everything I'm in - gymnastics, swimming and "Come Play With Me", but also like the odd day when we stay home in our pj's :)

On January 24th I weighed 24 lbs and was 32" tall. I guess I'm on the smaller side for my age!?

Well, I hope everyone is doing really good. It was good talking to ya' and hopefully I'll see you before I'm 3!

Hugs and Kisses,

Emerson

Happy 2nd Birthday Emerson!

Today is Emerson's 2nd birthday!!  We had such a great day!!  This morning the kids slept in (thank you, thank you, thank you!!) and when we were all up and moving Em opened her gifts from us, Blake and Reese.  Of course, Blake was very helpful :)  Then we headed to Servus Place!  We went swimming, Grandma D joined us, had lunch at Booster Juice and played in the play gym.  The kids had lots of fun, they sure love swimming!!  It was Reese's first time in the pool and she loved it.  Kicked her legs happily :)

While Emerson and Reese were napping, Cal and Blake went out to Saiker's Acres to check out the World's Longest Hockey Game.  And I got ready for Em's birthday dinner!  Cal's Dad and my parents came over later in the afternoon for dinner and cupcakes!  Emerson enjoyed playing with Grandpa Bruce and Grandma and Grandpa D!  Not to mention Gabe ... she sure loves Gabe (Bruce's dog!)!!!!  While singing happy birthday to Emerson, she sang happy birthday to Dad!!  So, so cute!  Grandma captured it on video, I'll have to upload it!  I can't believe Emerson and Blake went to bed so well after consuming all that sugar less then one hour before their bed time, but all the activities of the day tired them out, I'm sure :)

We're hosting a "kids" birthday party for Emerson on Sunday at Dynamyx Gymnastics Club in St. Albert.  She's excited to wear her new gymnastics clothes that Grandma and Grandpa gave her for her birthday!  She modeled them tonight and even showed us some moves ;)  I'm really looking forward to it - Emerson loves her gymnastics class and will be excited to be there with her friends!!!

On one hand, it is hard to believe our dear Emerson is 2 years old today.  On the other hand, she seems older then 2!  As I've often said, her vocabulary is exceptional for her age!  Not to mention her comprehension!!  She's a smart little girl, that's for sure :)  She has taught us so much in her short 2 years and I can only imagine what's to come!  Her beautiful, bright, 1 dimpled smile melts our hearts.  She gives the best hugs and kisses and to hear her ask for a hug and a kiss, once again ... melts our hearts!  She is undeniably a Daddy's girl, but is full of love for Mom too!  It is also so obvious how much she loves her big brother and little sister.  We were worried she would be jealous of her new sibling, but she hasn't shown any signs of jealousy at all and loves to give Reese hugs and kisses and is so concerned when she is crying ;)  Thank you for bringing so much joy and love to our lives Emerson and keeping each day interesting!!  We love you more then you can know and can't wait to see what your 3rd year brings!!!

xoxo Mom and Dad

Family Update :)

Reese ... Reese will be 3 months old in 1 week!!  SO hard to believe that 3 months have passed by already :S  We have Canadian Baby photographers coming this week (Blake and Em had these pics done at 3 months too!!)  Reese weighed 10 lbs on Monday and is now fitting into more clothes!!  She grew out of her preemie clothes, in length, and has been spending most of her time in sleepers!  But her pants are starting to fit, although still a bit loose in the waist.  It's funny how when you dress a baby in "real" clothes they look so much older.  As quick as Reese's unsettled nights started, they seem to have ended.  (Knock on wood, cross your fingers, cross your toes, say a little prayer!!)  She is much more settled at night then she has been the past few weeks and is spending more time in her own bed.  Although I enjoy snuggling up to her, I do get a much better sleep when she's in her bed!  And I think Cal does too!  I hope her tummy troubles don't start again.  Reese is very, very smiley and very, very talkative!  I think she's getting a head start, because she knows she's going to have to fight to get a word in with Blake and Emerson in the house!!!  It's so fun to have "conversations" with her and I love how she "talks" to her toys or her reflection in the mirror :)

Emerson ... Em seems to be over her crying fits at night (once again ... knock on wood, cross your fingers, cross your toes, say a little prayer!!)!  I'm not sure if it was her ear infection or not, I did take her to the medicentre and was told the ear infection was still present, but that the antibiotics still work in the body up to 7 days after the last dose, so we didn't get a new prescription.  I think it was more an attention thing!  At any rate, we're glad she's feeling better and hope she's back to her wonderful sleep habits!!!  Emerson cracks us up on a daily basis ... I can't imagine this girl at 16!!  She will certainly give us a run for our money ... ;)  She is a little firecracker!!  I love how she sings and dances and can talk so well!  It is easy to forget that she isn't quite 2 yet!  Today as we left the RV show, Cal said, "Let's rock and roll guys!"  Em replied, "I don't want to rock and roll!!"  LOL!  If you know her, you can imagine it and find it funny!!!  Her tone of voice was priceless :)  She's turned into quite the social butterfly and loves "Come Play With Me" at the YMCA!  Circle time is her favorite and she knows all the songs and actions!  Sometimes I am sitting against the wall feeding Reese when circle time begins, but Em doesn't mind ... she takes up her spot in the centre of the circle and sings and dances her heart out!!  She also loves doing the crafts, most especially anything that involves gluing!  I've often thought I should give her a glue stick and a pile of paper one day at home!  I think that would keep her busy for hours!!!  We're looking forward to celebrating Emerson's 2nd birthday this week!  Wednesday we're going swimming in the morning and in the evening Grandma and Grandpa D and Grandpa Bruce are coming over for supper and cupcakes!  Then on Sunday we are having a more "kid friendly" birthday party at Dynamyx Gymnastics Club in St. Albert.  This is where Emerson goes to gymnastics and she loves it there, so we thought it would be a great place for her party!! 

Blake ... today at swimming lessons, Blake got the green light to move on to the next swimming level  :)  He is now moving on to Floaters!  Each level has certain skills you need to do before you can move on.  In Bobbers, the most important "skill" is bobbing your head in the water!  In Floaters, it is floating unassisted!  Way to go Blake!!!  We're so proud of you :)  Blake is growing like a weed!  He's moved into size 5 pants.  He's one of the youngest kids in his preschool class, but one of the biggest!  And he has the growing pains to go with all the growing ... poor guy.  Almost weekly, he complains of pains in his legs :S  We give him a hot water bottle to help out and sometimes put Deep Cold on the muscle that he says is aching (usually behind his knee).  Blake had a blast on Thursday when his buddy Nicholas came over to visit!!  He loves playing with Nicholas and on Wednesday when I told him Nicholas was coming over for a visit tomorrow he said, "I haven't seen Nicholas in a long time.  I kind of miss him!"  Awe :)  They play so good together! 

Cal ... Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to our fabulous Dad and husband :)  February 11th was Cal's 32nd birthday!  We had a great day at the RV show!!  Cal went to work early in the a.m. and then the kids and I picked him up and went to the RV show.  We go every year and pick out our next RV!!  This year there were quite a few we liked!  After the RV show Cal took Blake to swimming and I made dinner for us and my parents.  Blake and Emerson were quite excited about cake and did a very cute rendition of Happy Birthday!  I've never posted a video before, but here is a video :

Last week I asked Blake and Emerson what they would like to get Cal for his birthday.  Blake furrowed his brow and thought for a second and then told me he'd like to get Dad 3 pucks for his birthday!  I asked him why and he said he'd like to get Dad pucks for their back yard rink that they're going to have next year :)  I thought it was so adorable that Blake had put some thought into what he wanted to get his Dad for his birthday!!  When we were at the mall this week, we made sure to stop at Sport Chek and get the pucks!  Blake seemed very proud of himself and his gift!  And keeping with my "no buying cards" resolution, we had fun making a card for Dad!  Cal's pretty busy at work, although it may not always appear that way, he actually does get busy!!  He does a lot of work from home in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed and goes to work very early (which also ensures him free parking!), which we're thankful for, as he is home from work earlier and able to take time off when we need or even sometimes when we want :)  This week he's working Monday, so he can take Wednesday off for Em's birthday!  Tomorrow Blake and Emerson are going for a sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa's so I can take Cal for a birthday dinner out - he chose Red Lobster!  Y-U-M-M-Y!!!!

ME ... I'm good!  Still tired, but one of these nights I'm going to go to bed when Reese does and see how I feel in the morning!!  I'm loving being home with the kids and there isn't a day that I wish I was at work!!!  We have a lot of fun most days :)  There are days when I could use a break though and I look forward to being able to go for a hair cut or perhaps a massage!!  Lately I'm finding I really don't have anything to talk about other then my kids!  Which makes it hard to relate to some people sometimes and I think sometimes they find it hard to relate to me!  But you know what, they're my life right now!!!  They're my "job"!!  And it won't always be this way ... time passes so fast and before I know it, they will all be in school :S  Crazy to think that at this time next year we'll be registering Blake for kindergarten!  I've started a little business venture, called "Cameron's Closet."  It's an online, Facebook consignment store.  I came across numerous consignment stores on Facebook and thought I should try my hand at it!  I noticed there are a lot of these stores in Leduc and South Edmonton, but not many in North Edmonton.  So far I've sold a few items and have listed 2 consignors items.  And I have 5 other people who say they have items for me!  Hopefully I'll be build my "friends" list up and business will pick up :)  So far it's been fun getting everything set up and my sister made me this great logo: 

Isn't it cute?!  I plan to consign children's, women's and men's clothing, as well as accessories, toys and books.  Wish me luck!!!  I've been doing well with my New Year's Resolutions.  We are definitely eating out less, although a bit more then once a week still :S  I think a more reasonable resolution would be 1 lunch out per week and 1 dinner out per week.  Hubby might not agree?!  I am LOVING The Organic Box!  The fruits and vegetables are so delicious.  I really notice a difference in the quality!  Wednesday we received a box and by supper time Thursday all the oranges were gone.  They were absolutely delicious.  I've never tasted a better orange!!!  I'm thinking of calling the warehouse to see if we can go there and buy some more, they were that good!  We've had fun finding interesting ways to use everything, such as putting spinach in our smoothies and spinach in the chicken cordon blu I made!

I hope you're having a great weekend and maybe enjoying some outdoor activities, seeing as our weather is looking up for the next few days!!

Take care,

Tracy  

Ready for summer

I am ready for this weather to END.  I don't remember feeling this way in previous years, but I suppose it could have something to do with the massive amount of snow we've had this year?!  I actually enjoy winter to a certain degree and can't see myself living somewhere that doesn't get snow.  But this year, at this point in time, I've had enough!!  The City was supposed to clear our neighbourhood streets yesterday, however it did not get done.  They are at it today, but I heard from a neighbour they are not hauling the snow away.  So really, it's not much better.  I guess some of the ruts are gone ...

We're having some rough times here in our house ... Emerson's ear infection doesn't seem to be clearing up.  Amoxicillin has cleared up her last ear infections, but I guess maybe she needs a stronger antibiotic this time.  Depends on the bug ... some are resistant and I think this might be one of those!  She's been on it for 7 days.  I know sometimes it takes awhile for the fluid in the ears to totally be absorbed, but I've made her a pediatrician appointment for Friday, in case it isn't better yet.  She's been crying at night and maybe this is why??  I hope so anyways ...  I think it's hard on Blake when she cries out, I feel bad for him.  At times it's hard to remember that he's not even 4 yet and might not always understand what's going on and why his sister is crying.  He's a pretty sensitive little guy and it bothers him :S  We asked him if he wants to move into Reese's room, but he doesn't.  And Em doesn't want him to move either.  Kinda cute how they like sharing a room, but not so cute when they get each other all worked up ... When Em cries and then Blake starts crying, it makes Em cry even longer and harder and a vicious cycle begins until we settle Blake down!!  OY! 

And now Reese isn't doing great in the sleep department either!  Well, I guess I shouldn't say that.  It's really just a few hours at night - she's napping pretty good during the day and once I get her to sleep at night she sleeps great, but ever since her cold it's been tough to get her to sleep at night.  She's having a fussy period between 10 pm and 2 am for the past week or so.  So by the time she goes to bed and then the other two are up at 6 or so, I'm not getting much sleep.  Reese still wants nothing to do with the soother.  I think I'll stop trying!  It just ticks her off!!  She is sucking her fist though, so maybe she'll be a thumb sucker.  Blake took a soother when we offered it to him at 6 weeks and Emerson starting sucking her thumb at 8 weeks.  Reese is almost 12 weeks ... we need to find some sort of self soothing "tool" other then nursing!!  Not possible for me to soothe her 24/7 with 2 other kids!!  Other then that Reese is doing good!  She has so many big, big smiles and is cooing and talking lots :)  We LOVE her smiles, they light up her entire face!!  So adorable!

We all went to Blake's hockey practice on Saturday!  I was great to watch him and see him participate in all the drills!!  He's come A LONG WAY since September!!  It's amazing!  He is a funny guy though - always thinking and planning!  Even at hockey ;)  Cal said when they were doing a pylon drill (skating around the pylons basically) Blake would go to the 1st one, stop, count how many pylons were left, go to the next one, etc., etc. until he was at the last one!  And as other skaters would pass him, he'd stop and watch them and then continue on!  When they get on the ice, Blake always takes a minute to look around and see who's out on the ice already and who's missing and who is doing what, etc., etc. before he makes his way to where ever he wants to go!  He's certainly a different kid ... most of the other's get out on the ice and giver er'!  Blake has to assess the situation before taking action!!!!!!!!!!  I love his individuality :)  Emerson had a blast at the arena.  My parents came to watch too and she had fun playing on Grandpa's new phone!  She kept pointing to the ice and saying, "There's Blake!"  Even though it wasn't always him ... !  Reese slept the entire time in her car seat ;)

Our community league runs baseball and soccer programs in May and June and we've been looking into the times, locations etc. for Blake.  Unfortunately the times do not work for us.  T-ball (or Blast ball as they call it) is on Thursdays at 6:30 and soccer is on Fridays at 6:30.  We were thinking he could play both, he loves playing catch and soccer with us, but I don't think it will work this year.  He's in bed around that time!  There is a soccer program at the YMCA though (starts in May), which is free with his membership, so we might register him in that!  It is on Saturday afternoons.  Hockey ends mid March and he is going to take some skating lessons in March and April.  He also wants to do gymnastics again, but I think we'll look at that in the Fall!

I hope everyone is having a good week!  Apparently the warmer weather is going to return mid-week ... thank goodness :)  Enjoy the sun, if it decides to show!!

xoxo Tracy

B-U-S-Y...

Spells BUSY!!!!  Yes, you've heard it before and you're hearing it again ;)  lol!!  We are one busy household!  Busy with the kids activities and busy just maintaining the household!!  We're doing well though!  Amongst colds and a few sleepless nights ...

Wednesday marked Reese's 2nd month birthday!  And to celebrate, I took her for her immunizations!  She tipped the scales at 8 lbs 15 oz and measured 22" long.  I believe that is the 10th %tile for both.  She did very well with the needles, only cried when they went in and Blake and Emerson were gems too!!  I think the promise of an Orange Julius if they behaved helped, but I am fortunate in that I can take them to appointments and they behave for the most part (a restaurant is a different story ;)!  Reese came down with a cold on Friday night, so the last few nights have been rough :S  Poor girl is very, very congested and laying her down (even with her head propped up) isn't working.  But prior to the cold, she was sleeping 7 or 8 hours at night.  I REALLY hope we get back to that soon :)  She seemed to flip and was was sleeping better at night, but not napping as well during the day.  Her morning nap is usually great and then the rest of the day is cat naps!  But I can't complain, other then these last few days!!  We love Reese's smiles!  So adorable and lately she's been smiling and "talking" to her toys and to her reflection in the mirror!!!  We gave her a little Cabbage Patch Doll for Christmas and I keep it on her change table, so when I'm changing her diaper she talks to it and smiles!  LOVE it!  Today was Reese's 2 month pediatrician appointment.  On the Dr.'s scale she weighed 9 lbs 3 oz.  Thus far, she is averaging a weight gain of 19.6 grams/day.  Dr. Radisic said she is definitely on the smaller side, but she is very near gaining 20 grams/day, which is the expected weight gain in an infant.  As for her congestion and runny, odd colored BM's, they are due to a virus.  Dr. Radisic says the virus should be gone in 2-3 weeks, so we'll wait for that!  While he was doing her checkup, she was smiling away at him!!  It was so cute!  He commented that she is very alert and smiley :)  We've noticed that Reese enjoys Blake and Emerson talking to her.  She responds with big smiles!  I love how they interact with her and are always checking up on her!  Emerson is always asking, "Reesey good nap?"  Emerson also likes to say, "Reesey crying!"  Even when Reese isn't crying ... !!!!  Both Blake and Em are always giving her hugs and kissing her on the head :)  It's very sweet!

Emerson has also been stuffed up and un-happy at night time the past few nights.  Today she had her 2 year check up with Dr. Radisic.  She weighs 24 lbs and is 32" tall.  Her check up was good, but she does have another ear infection :(  Poor girl.  When Blake went through his year of ear infection after ear infection, he really didn't show many signs of discomfort.  Emerson on the other hand is in pain!  The last few nights she's woken up screaming.  Hopefully the antibiotics kick in soon and she'll be feeling better. 

Since we were making the trip to our pediatrician, we thought we'd better have Blake checked too.  He's also had a cold and we wanted to get a rash that he's had on his cheeks checked.  The rash is most likely just dry skin and his cold is viral.  He hadn't been weighed and measured in awhile and weighed in at 42 lbs and 44" tall.  Both are in the 80 %tile for his age.

Pat, our housekeeper has been away since before Christmas and we have missed her services dearly ;)  She's back tomorrow and I can't wait to come home from Preschool to a clean house!!  Unfortunately it doesn't last long, but it gives me peace of mind to know that the floors and bathrooms are thoroughly cleaned at least once every 2 weeks!!  lol!

The weather has warmed up the past few days and the kids enjoyed playing outside this weekend.  Apparently these warmer temps are here to stay for a week or so, so hopefully we'll get outside some more before it gets cold again.  We put our truck back on insurance last week and parked the car in the garage.  The car wasn't cutting it on the side roads!!  Hopefully the City will be plowing the side roads soon and we'll take the truck off insurance again.

Have a great week everyone :) 

xoxo Tracy