The march to the bus stop.
Hoping right on... see ya later Dad!
[7 hours later]
Hi ya Mom and Dad!
Saturday, September 08, 2012
Thursday, September 06, 2012
First Day of Kindergarten
On our way to the bus stop.
jumping right on - go girl!
She was so brave! Have a good day!
[7 hours later]
After a full day of Kindergarten, still smiling!
Friday, February 03, 2012
Monday, September 19, 2011
Saturday, March 05, 2011
We're Back!
Hi all!
It has been a long time without a post.
The biggest event for us is that our house remodel is complete. The construction started in September and completed in late February. We got our kitchen back by mid January. It was a long and stressful haul. Those cable channel shows all finish their projects in a single weekend. TV just isn't reality. That's right... I said it... take that reality TV.
Amy's search for a new Job continues. It has been a year now since her layoff. Amy has been amazing during this time. Not only does she take care of the kids, but she manages to get things done at the house, WOW. Her cooking has been a great deal of fun for her. Most meals she makes from scratch; and she makes 3 different meals. Homemade baby food for Spencer, a omnivore meal for the kids and me, and a vegetarian option for herself. She does all this, taking into consideration my allergies, and dealing with the kids daily shifting favorites.
Spencer is doing GREAT! He has 4 teeth now and is about to pop a 5th. In the past few weeks he has started to crawl. He pulls himself up onto chairs and pulls on your pant leg when he wants your attention. I walk in the door from work and he scrambles in a crawl towards me and presents that patented Spencer smile. (And then Tyler and Kristina come tearing around the corner trampling him and jumping into my gut, leading with their knees. Good Times.)
My work has been challenging lately. I got a promotion to lead architect, but the company has yet to back-fill the engineering position that I came from. This equates to me doing 1.5 jobs, and doing some long hours. It seems like companies are really taking advantage of the weak market place. Start hiring already! Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy the challenge and the ability to make such a large influence. It takes away from my family time, and that is the part that doesn't fit so well; especially when I miss story time with the whole family. Things should be calming down at work soon.
I'm looking out my home office window and seeing I need to mow it for the first time this season. Arg. We just had snow last week. I just love it when it snows here. It comes, and disappears in a few days. That makes it manageable. I've only been skiing once this season. Those skis are calling me, but my wallet quickly reminds me (did you know remodels are expensive, yikes).
We are looking forward to swapping out our highlander for a minivan. The practicality of 3 baby seats is not easily attainable in most cars. We had to use rock climbing carabiners to help secure the car seats in the 3rd row of the highlander.
I'll attempt to get some before and after pics of the house remodel soon. A clean house lasts about 5 minutes in this household.
Talk to you all soon,
J
Dance Baby Dance.
I found them upstairs cuddled together watching cartoons.
Kristina making the snow man's head.
Angels
Nice work guys!
It has been a long time without a post.
The biggest event for us is that our house remodel is complete. The construction started in September and completed in late February. We got our kitchen back by mid January. It was a long and stressful haul. Those cable channel shows all finish their projects in a single weekend. TV just isn't reality. That's right... I said it... take that reality TV.
Amy's search for a new Job continues. It has been a year now since her layoff. Amy has been amazing during this time. Not only does she take care of the kids, but she manages to get things done at the house, WOW. Her cooking has been a great deal of fun for her. Most meals she makes from scratch; and she makes 3 different meals. Homemade baby food for Spencer, a omnivore meal for the kids and me, and a vegetarian option for herself. She does all this, taking into consideration my allergies, and dealing with the kids daily shifting favorites.
Spencer is doing GREAT! He has 4 teeth now and is about to pop a 5th. In the past few weeks he has started to crawl. He pulls himself up onto chairs and pulls on your pant leg when he wants your attention. I walk in the door from work and he scrambles in a crawl towards me and presents that patented Spencer smile. (And then Tyler and Kristina come tearing around the corner trampling him and jumping into my gut, leading with their knees. Good Times.)
My work has been challenging lately. I got a promotion to lead architect, but the company has yet to back-fill the engineering position that I came from. This equates to me doing 1.5 jobs, and doing some long hours. It seems like companies are really taking advantage of the weak market place. Start hiring already! Don't get me wrong. I do enjoy the challenge and the ability to make such a large influence. It takes away from my family time, and that is the part that doesn't fit so well; especially when I miss story time with the whole family. Things should be calming down at work soon.
I'm looking out my home office window and seeing I need to mow it for the first time this season. Arg. We just had snow last week. I just love it when it snows here. It comes, and disappears in a few days. That makes it manageable. I've only been skiing once this season. Those skis are calling me, but my wallet quickly reminds me (did you know remodels are expensive, yikes).
We are looking forward to swapping out our highlander for a minivan. The practicality of 3 baby seats is not easily attainable in most cars. We had to use rock climbing carabiners to help secure the car seats in the 3rd row of the highlander.
I'll attempt to get some before and after pics of the house remodel soon. A clean house lasts about 5 minutes in this household.
Talk to you all soon,
J
Dance Baby Dance.
I found them upstairs cuddled together watching cartoons.
Kristina making the snow man's head.
Angels
Nice work guys!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Busy Busy Busy ^3
Good Daddy time.
4 Generations.
Kristina's right hand is her imaginary friend named "Honey". Honey's Daddy is her left hand. It's a hoot.
She is such a cutey.
The Family, chill'n at the park.
Great Grandpa Westlund - making faces at Spencer.
Yup, you found it Tyler, the only button on that toy.
At the Orange County Fair.
At the Orange County Fair.
A Good day at the park.
Hi everyone. It has been a long time without an update. Life sure is busy with 3 kids.
Wake up, get to work, come home, play with the kids, story time, sleep. repeat. Amy's day is a little different: pull Baby off breast after falling asleep in feeding chair, shower with Spencer crying in his bouncer just outside the shower, make breakfast for the kids, clean up breakfast, feed Spencer again, clean up potty messes, make lunch, clean up after lunch, start laundry after being spit-up on, feed Spencer, go shopping for groceries, try to get something for the twins to do before they kill each other, get Tyler to not hit buttons, attempt to make dinner with kids at feet squawking that they are hungry (like baby birds in a nest), try to sit with Daddy for dinner, instead feed Spencer. Hopefully, Spencer falls asleep and get a little break with her new Kindle. Occasionally get to join Daddy at story time - repeat. Go SUPER MOM. I exaggerate a little ... but she is a Super Mom.
Amy is hanging in there with Spencer. Spencer is one needy baby. He likes to be held, no doubt about it. Just try to put him down for a bit... as soon as his head hits the pillow... WAHHHHHH! geez kid. He also has the uncanny ability to know when Mommy is about to eat dinner. It's like he hears her pick up her fork. WAHHHHHHHH! Feed me FIRST!... Amy says... AHHHH SH@! Kinda like the Christmas Story movie, it is rare for her to have a hot meal. Even when I bring something home... WAHHHH! There may be something said for at least a partially formula fed baby; Daddy gets to help more. Spencer has started to sleep more at night. He has gone 6-7 hours on several occasions now. The result, though, is that he is more awake during the day.
The time has really flown by for me. Spencer is already almost 4 months old. To think where we were with the Twins at this age - 1 baby is a piece of cake. It is all relative though, don't get me wrong.
Spencer is doing great! All his feedings are helping him to grow big and strong ... he is wearing 6-9 month clothes at not even 4 months of age. Last weigh in was 15 pounds at the end of July. At his 2 month check up the doc said he was in the 95th percentile for weight and height, 85th percentile for head circumference. Amy's back is getting a workout from holding him all day long. But, the huge smiles, coos and laughs are worth it.
The twins are still getting used to being on their own while Mommy takes care of Spencer. Amy said that Tyler came up to her one day, put his arm around her shoulder and said... "All I want to do is play with you, Mommy; but you have to hold Spencer." Such grown-up emotions. It breaks your heart. Hang in there Buddy, soon you will have a brother who will play with you like only a brother can. Hang in there Super MOM, Spencer will be signing "I love you" in no time.
Amy and the Twins went down to southern California for 2 and 1/2 weeks. We drove down together and then I flew back to return to work. I physically couldn't handle them being away for so long. Canker sours, sore back - night clubs with Scott and Kyle. OK, that last part was fun, but I certainly missed the family. Tyler and Kristina don't like to hear that Daddy is going to the airport. We may have traumatized them a little.
On top of all that... Renovation time! We have signed the contract and made the down payment on our second largest investment ever. Hopefully by Halloween we will have a house back. We are getting new cabinets, appliances, hardwood floors, french back door, 4 new windows, new front entry door and all stain finished wood trim. WOAH!
Life is busy, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Family life is Awesome!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Sunday, May 02, 2010
It's a BOY!
At 3:27pm, On May 1st, 2010, Spencer Jason Vincent was born. 7 lbs 15 oz, and 20" long.
The big day came 1 week early. Mild contractions started Friday evening and became more exciting at 2:30 am. By 4 am we were checking into the hospital. With no cars on the road, all the lights were green and we made it there in record time. Yes, even obeying the speed limit. I figured it wasn't a time for risk taking. The 1 and a half hours of sleep that Amy and I got, was, I guess, a warm up for the next 6 months.
On arrival, the ER was quiet. We were sent right to the labor ward. At check-in, Amy was 2cm dilated and contractions were between 3 and 4 minutes in frequency. After a few check-ups, the doctor came in at 9:30 am and broke her water.
Amy took a few doses of Fentanyl just a few times during the early parts of the day. It only lasts in the system for a short period of time, and isn't given towards the final phases of the delivery. That means, you guessed it... SHE DID IT NATURALLY! Holy cow! The doctor and nurses said she did an amazing job. With 9 GIANT pushes, Spencer joined the world.
I teared up a bit during some of the pushes. Perhaps it was just all the excitement, but, no one wants to see their loved one in so much pain. I love her so much. I was granted the privilege of cutting the cord. The birth of a child is a life changing event in so many ways - I still wasn't prepared even with the experience with the twins.
Amy's Mom has been WONDERFUL. She has spent the last 2 days staying at our house and taking care of Tyler, and Kristina, and the rest of the animals in the house. Kristina and Tyler were able to meet Spencer. They each proclaimed, "that's MY Spencer brother".
Enough of me chatting, here are some pics.
One happy family! Mom looks GREAT!
They're helping out already!
Can't tell from this picture, but he's got two dimples.
Many have suggested he looks just like Tyler.
The big day came 1 week early. Mild contractions started Friday evening and became more exciting at 2:30 am. By 4 am we were checking into the hospital. With no cars on the road, all the lights were green and we made it there in record time. Yes, even obeying the speed limit. I figured it wasn't a time for risk taking. The 1 and a half hours of sleep that Amy and I got, was, I guess, a warm up for the next 6 months.
On arrival, the ER was quiet. We were sent right to the labor ward. At check-in, Amy was 2cm dilated and contractions were between 3 and 4 minutes in frequency. After a few check-ups, the doctor came in at 9:30 am and broke her water.
Amy took a few doses of Fentanyl just a few times during the early parts of the day. It only lasts in the system for a short period of time, and isn't given towards the final phases of the delivery. That means, you guessed it... SHE DID IT NATURALLY! Holy cow! The doctor and nurses said she did an amazing job. With 9 GIANT pushes, Spencer joined the world.
I teared up a bit during some of the pushes. Perhaps it was just all the excitement, but, no one wants to see their loved one in so much pain. I love her so much. I was granted the privilege of cutting the cord. The birth of a child is a life changing event in so many ways - I still wasn't prepared even with the experience with the twins.
Amy's Mom has been WONDERFUL. She has spent the last 2 days staying at our house and taking care of Tyler, and Kristina, and the rest of the animals in the house. Kristina and Tyler were able to meet Spencer. They each proclaimed, "that's MY Spencer brother".
Enough of me chatting, here are some pics.
One happy family! Mom looks GREAT!
They're helping out already!
Can't tell from this picture, but he's got two dimples.
Many have suggested he looks just like Tyler.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Potty training woes.
We have stooped to bribery to get our kids to use the potty. We have tried stickers, chocolate, and hugs an kisses. However, we may have found their Achilles heal.
They love to play games on Daddy's phone. Tyler especially likes this balloon popping game. It has gotten pretty bad though.
Tuesday night, Tyler sat on the potty for over an hour trying to pee. When we suggested it was time to go to bed, now 9:30pm, he proceeded to cry --- no no I want to play daddy's phone! NO NO NO! WHAAAA AAAA AAAA! He finally managed to squeeze a few drops. The poor guy had a red ring on his fanny when he finally pulled himself off the plastic seat. He did get to play the game. He fell asleep during Daddy's Dragon story time though.
Tonight, Kristina had her share. She successfully used the potty before bed time. She was put to bed and story time was all finished. We were downstairs when we heard the pitter-patter of feet. Kristina heard mommy coming up the stairs and jumped back in bed. Mommy entered the room to hear Kristina saying, "I want to use the potty." Mommy said, "ok, you get two minutes." After five minutes, Mommy pulls her off the potty kicking and screaming... "NO! I want to go potty. I want to make Mommy HAPPY! WHAAAAA!"
At least they want to go. Sheesh.
Oh... and Amy is still pregnant. 2 and 1/2 weeks to go.
They love to play games on Daddy's phone. Tyler especially likes this balloon popping game. It has gotten pretty bad though.
Tuesday night, Tyler sat on the potty for over an hour trying to pee. When we suggested it was time to go to bed, now 9:30pm, he proceeded to cry --- no no I want to play daddy's phone! NO NO NO! WHAAAA AAAA AAAA! He finally managed to squeeze a few drops. The poor guy had a red ring on his fanny when he finally pulled himself off the plastic seat. He did get to play the game. He fell asleep during Daddy's Dragon story time though.
Tonight, Kristina had her share. She successfully used the potty before bed time. She was put to bed and story time was all finished. We were downstairs when we heard the pitter-patter of feet. Kristina heard mommy coming up the stairs and jumped back in bed. Mommy entered the room to hear Kristina saying, "I want to use the potty." Mommy said, "ok, you get two minutes." After five minutes, Mommy pulls her off the potty kicking and screaming... "NO! I want to go potty. I want to make Mommy HAPPY! WHAAAAA!"
At least they want to go. Sheesh.
Oh... and Amy is still pregnant. 2 and 1/2 weeks to go.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)