Sasha at 21 Months

My little angel is growing up!!

At 21 months, Sasha was really starting to be more predictable and easier to handle. However, there were still those little quirks that come with each kid that keeps life interesting.

Every morning, we would pass by the master bedroom door and Sasha would say, "Daddy at work."  Then we would sit down and she would talk about each item of her breakfast.  At night, she knew that we would read a book (and she would always pick Dinotrux, one of Kaleb's favorites) then sing a song (which would always be the ABC or ELMO >LALA< song) then say family prayer.  Well, whoever would say the prayer would have to put up with her mumbling along with them.  She never wanted to say it, but she didn't mind being a verbal shadow to everything that was said.  

With summer time in full swing, my kids were getting more TV than I usually liked.  

This was a common scene in our house, I love how Sasha takes up half the couch.  

There was the weekly trip to the mall to look forward to, which my kids do enjoy!

But Sasha loved swimming the most.  SHE LOVES WATER!!  If splashing were an Olympic Sport, we would have a future gold-medalist on our hands.  Thankfully, we know enough people with pools that it's been a pretty fun summer! 

Post-swimming baby burrito

I guess along with the splashing obsession came Sasha's sudden need to blow bubbles in her drinking water... like constantly.  Oy.  The worst was when she was eating and she would end up with the floaties. 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEW!

Photos of Sasha and all the hats

And hats

And Kaleb's shoes... she has no problem putting his on, but hers are still giving her trouble.  

This month saw my 3-day stint at the hospital, and since Sasha didn't understand a bit of what was going on, she became extra-wonderfully-clingy to mommy after I got out.

 She had a habit of sitting at the kitchen entrance every night while I made dinner (cuz she wasn't allowed in the kitchen).  It was like she was afraid I would disappear if I left her sight.  

This is the month Sasha discovered her fake laugh.  She and I occasionally do laughing sessions where we would just throw our heads back and cackle like a couple of evil witches.  She thought it was great!  She also would do a fake laugh when all of us laugh at something on the TV (that she obviously didn't get).  

The words of the month, for Sasha became "Watch" and "See."  She realized that these words got Kaleb some attention, so being the cheesy little ham-bone that she is, she put them to good use.  

Last of all were the tiny little moments when she started getting afraid of things.  First it was our fridge (which randomly makes loud popping sounds), then it was the car-wash (which is super-scary with all the rags smacking her window) and then little surprise sounds became a bit of a bother to her.  Thankfully she hasn't had any big events or night terrors, so for now it's just fun to see that cute face and let her cuddle when she needs it.  

Kaleb is FOUR!!

I still can't believe how much Kaleb has grown up over the last few months.  Seriously, this has been one of his biggest periods of change since he was a little baby!  At his four-year appointment, he was 43.5 inches tall (95th percentile) and 43 pounds (90th percentile).  But I'm not even talking physical changes.  I mean mental changes!!  It's been AWESOME!!

What has startled me is how much smarter he has become.  

He plays with his play-doh as an independent agent.

Kaleb has always been good with puzzles, and he seems capable of doing mazes pretty easily as well.  And until recently, he seemed to have no desire to color in the lines of a coloring book.  However, Ammon sat down with him and showed him the difference, and ever since then Kaleb has shown more interest in making his pictures prettier.

What's been the most exciting is how Kaleb has been able to recognize, write and utilize letters and numbers so much.  He 'gets' the concept of reading, sounding out letters to make words.  We taught him how to write his name, and below you can see the results.  The bottom is his attempt to write his name all by himself, without asking for any help.  He got all the letters, just not in the right order.  The middle one is my hand-writing and the top one is how he wrote it looking at my writing.  So THRILLING!  

He's not perfect though, he still mixes up words like saying "Got for" something, when he really fFORGOT it.  Just some of the joys of having a young kid!

Kaleb just loves to stay active,  such a comfort.  He loves to be outside, which as the weather gets warmer is much less appealing to me.  

When trapped indoors, I often catch him just running back and forth in his bedroom or in the living room.  He loves to 'get exercise' on my recumbant bike as well.

His favorite form of indoor exercise is dancing.  He loves to turn on the radio and listen to "Good Time" and "Fireflies" by the band Owl City.  He occasionally rolls around on the floor like a break dancer, but there are rare moments when he does the interpretive moves... this was one of those moments... just kills me!!

Almost to a fault my little boy wants to be helpful, often getting in Sasha's way when I ask her to do something or whining when we don't utilize his efforts.  He loves to vacuum, and I'm looking forward to the days when i have the patience to assign weekly chores to him.    

Here he is feeding Sasha yogurt.

This is one of my favorite pics of the two of them:  Kaleb wanted to put Sasha's shoes on for her. She kept squirming and he was getting SOOO frustrated.  The he gave me (and the camera) this face. 

 Classic!  He is so mini-me!!

We have been putting the kids to bed together lately, and overall Kaleb has accepted that this is his opportunity to manipulate Sasha to do his bidding (suggesting songs or books for the night-time ritual).  Thankfully, Sasha is too free a spirit to be too manipulated for too long.  

Thankfully in spite of growing up, he is still SUCH a kid.  He is a strong pretender, loves to spontaneously  make up songs about life's events.  He went through a few weeks of hating Sunbeams and even a "I don't wanna hold mommy's hand" phase.  That was ugly, but thankfully Ammon, the supportive father that he is, set him straight, both times.  

Kaleb's confidence continues to blossom, being a bit less of a follower lately.  There was even one time when Kaleb was all dressed up for church, Ammon told him to pose "like a cool guy!"  Kaleb's response was "I'm already a cool guy!!" 

From this picture, I would say he is a Super Cool Guy!!

This period of his life, I also like to call the "IwannaplaywiththeIPOD" phase.  OY!  He constantly asked to play with Ammon's ipod or anyone else's Smart Phone or tablet when it was around.  Madness! 

 Fortunately (?), Ammon's Ipod's screen is shattered to the point that only Ammon would want to use it.  

On Kaleb's birthday we decided to keep it low-key.  I was suffering from a nasty MRSA infection (more on that later) and we didn't have much money.  Kaleb, however had a pile of change and a five dollar bill given to him by a random stranger at IHOP, so we took his bear bank to a CoinStar Machine to dollarize his coinage, then to Toys R Us where we had a $3 coupon.  

He got a balloon, a crown, water guns, a balloon pumper full of balloons, a giant pen and a jump-rope.  Since we had to post-pone his birthday party for a month (more on that later), it was nice that he had a few fun things to tide him over.  

For lunch we visited the mall for some Panda Chow Mein... 

and a ride on the Carousel.

That night we ended up visiting my parents and she gave Kaleb a Wreck-it Ralph DVD.  Overall, I don't think he can complain, especially since I had the option of checking into the hospital that day, but no!  I put my baby first, dang it.  Anyway, that's my big boy in a nut shell!!

If I got paid for being a mom, I would be worth...

Recently I have been struggling with the conflict of what I consider two very frustratingly difficult worlds.  I can remain a stay-at-home mom and student while constantly stressing about whether we can buy groceries this month (and if not, then where to obtain assistance for said groceries), or I can return to the work field to remove some of the bread-winning burden from my husband, while thrusting some of my own duties upon him and others to care for children and home.  Either choice pulls at my heart strings.  I know we need to do all we can to be self sufficient, and until recently, Ammon's work was capable of doing that.  However, things being what they are in a possibly-temporary/possibly-not situation, we can't rely on only that anymore.   My getting a job is a possibility, but I can't pay for daycare, and though I have a pile of wonderful people I can turn to in a pinch, I feel a knot in my stomach when I think about forcing them to care for my children (for free) so I can earn money.  Some people do it without guilt (and I'm not judging), but I couldn't.  That doesn't even add onto the fact that work and school and mothering don't mingle well.  I didn't like the stressed-out angry Lindsey from last year, and I'm scared going to work might bring her back with a vengeance. 

That being said, as I was wiping down the kitchen cabinets (realizing the mixture of dust and grease on them was probably 4 years old), I began thinking about all my responsibilities as a mom, and morbidly wondered if there wasn't someone out there that would do it better.  Then I realized comparing myself to others like that is Satan's idea of improvement, not the best way to go about it.  God wants me to be the best ME I can be, so I wont dwell on the negative.  Then I thought about the system Ammon's work has for the employees' yearly review.  Different tasks or qualities (punctuality, initiative) are rated by the employee and their supervisor (from exceeds expectations all the way down to fails expectations), and from this rating it is determined if they're deserving of a raise (or firing). 

Now, because there are very few people who can determine my value as a mom, especially since everybody moms differently I figured I would jokingly list of some of my tasks and the quality at which I perform them.  Keep in my mind, this is entirely for me to think about how I can improve and be better and I want to get some of your perspectives as well...

POSITION:  MOTHER
LOCATION: HOME
TIME SPENT IN POSITION: 4 YEARS
CURRENT PAY:  ZIPPO, except a whole lot of love
RATE FROM 10 (Exceeds expectations) to 0 (Fails miserably)

*PRODUCTION*
How many children have you popped out?
Rating:  7
Comments:  I have had 2, but one is extra large and both are stinkin' cute!

*PUNCTUALITY*
Meets arrival time for all tasks?
> Rating:  4
Comments: I tend to sleep in a bit, so I often don't give the kids breakfast until after 9:30, an hour or so after they have woken up.  However, in my defense I would have them fed right when they get up, but I like to be showered and ready for the day before I deal with the kids. 

*PATIENCE*
Deals with children without losing temper?
Rating:  2
Comments:  I've gotten better over the last 6 months but still need much improvement

*PERSONAL EDUCATION*
Prepared to deal with all aspects of being a mom through research and observation?
Rating:  9
Comments:  I may not follow or even agree with everyone's advice (cause that's impossible), but I like to get a broad spectrum of perspectives to make the best choices for my family. 

*SPIRITUAL TRAINING*
Ensuring a child's understanding of gospel principles and stories?
Rating: 6
Comments:  I try to initiate FHE on most Mondays, and we say family prayer almost every night.  But that's about it.   

*PHYSICAL HEALTH*
Providing good food, active play, clean environment and necessary health care. 
Rating:  9
Comments:  I am the veggie Nazi and I make sure my kids get the best food our money can buy.  As for keeping them active and giving them new experiences, it comes and goes, but I'm always trying. 

*PRIORITY*
Places being a mom above all other tasks?
>Rating:  8
Comments:  Though I'm not perfect, I am anal about making sure my kids come first.

Spring Semester 2013

I finished my Spring Semester in the middle of May, and this was by far one of my favorite semesters.  I was taking simple (not necessarily easy) classes which kept my stress level lower than a normal school term.  I took QuickBooks 2011 (that program is super-user-friendly and I highly recommend it), Geography (It was fun to look around and be able to see what I was learning about, like the weather and land forms) and English 101 (fortunately, English is a natural strong point which made it pretty smooth sailing).  I got an A in all three classes, but I was floating around the border of a B all semester (in all three), so I'm glad the "odds were ever in my favor."

 I'm looking forward to the next two semesters since they will be my last for my associates.  I took my math aptitude test yesterday and scored above the required minimum class.  It looks like I will still have to take at least one math class, but at least it's only one.  If I do have to take math(the call is still out to my academic advisor), I only have four more classes to go to graduate!!  SO AWESOME!!

Sasha - 20 Months

In May, Sasha became 20 months old.  Since a lot of professionals say that this is where vocabulary should be observed: "20 words by 20 months" I always hear.  Well, once Sasha turned 20 months old she had at least 100 words down, so let's just say I aint too worried about that area of her education. 

 She was able to identify "Jesus" and learned to tell Mommy and Grammas "Happy... Mothers Day."  My favorite phrase she started was saying "Bye... Later" whenever it was appropriate.  She also got in the habit of saying the word "No" to everything, even when she meant yes.  So I was able to quote my favorite movie (CLUE) all the time and say "No meaning Yes?" and she would correct herself, most of the time. She had started the conversational speaking, with the hand gestures and babbling words that only occasionally make sense.  For me, it's like listening to a tiny little Mexican.   

Well, as we all know, Sasha became obsessed with her Mini Pillow Pet Butterfly she dubbed "Bubby."  She never sleeps without it.  Poor Bubby was starting to look ragged, so we hemmed and hawed whether or not to just buy her a new one.  Skip to a few days later when we saw the full-size version at Walmart.  Sasha instantly fell in love, so I had no problem trashing the old Bubby (with missing antennae nub and who's nose was hanging on by a thread)...

To the new GINORMOUS Bubby!  (skip to a month later and the new Bubby looks exactly like the old one, brown smudges all over the face and a missing antennae nub; Oy, it's a good thing these are mass-produced!):

Well, it turns out Sasha loves all Butterflies.  We went to a little party Cox Communications was throwing.  They had lots of cute stuff for kids, including balloon-animal making.  Sasha was given a butterfly.  She had to have that thing with her constantly and when we did take it from her, she saw another little girl with one and freaked because she thought that poor girl had taken her Bubby!  This girl loves her Butterflies!!  

 (BTW "Bubby" is her Butterflies and "FieFlies" are other butterflies, just so you know)

She also got a little Cox man at that Cox party and got super obsessed with him.  Why?  

Because she is obsessed with men... or at least, small action figures.  

All this month it was "MAN.  MAN. MAN" and she had to be carrying one around with her ALWAYS (she is hugging one in this picture)  

Here's another action figure:  Green Lantern happy meal toy... makes her happy!

As it was starting to get warmer, I decided to get Sasha an extra pair of sandals (since the one pair she had were also for church and they were seeing too much wear for my liking).  Anyway, she tried these purple jellies (with butterflies) and LOVED them from that moment on.  After that, anytime I finish her hair she always starts demanding we put her "Shows" on.

Here she is, all dressed up:  hair done, shoes on!  So pretty!

In general, my little girl loves being a littler girl and trying on new outfits and accessories!

Which just allows for photo-ops!

This month we were finally able to put Sasha's hair in a ponytail!!!  WOOHOOO!

And of course, it was only a matter of time before no buckle was ignored.  "Challenge Accepted!"  She would tell herself!!  I also notice Sasha trying to jump off things, but usually it's just one leg that goes anywhere and than she does the splits off of it... looks painful to me!!

Overall Sasha became more obedient this month.  The time-outs were finally starting to be effective.  She is far from consistent, but then again, she is a toddler for heaven's sake.  It did help that this month she was constantly wanting affection.  This could be partially due to the fact that we went to Vegas for a few days, but I just took at as pure and simple love.  

Vegas, BABY!!

Some time last year we were invited to a timeshare presentation, and we went because we were offered a free hotel stay at some place nearby.  We obviously didn't buy a timeshare, but we did get the free hotel stays.  Eventually we decided on Vegas as our destination (a first for both of us), and at the end of April we were finally able to go!

We rented a car and drove the whole way, though in hind-sight we should have flown.  We stopped at the Hoover Dam for some much-needed strolling and the awesome sights.

That night, we walked the strip, just enjoying the touristy things.  We met Spiderman (who is much taller in real life).

And of course, saw some showgirls!

We got to watch the dancing water at the Bellagio Hotel.  We saw the show set to Michael Jackson's Billy Jean.

We ate at Planet Hollywood...  

Which has Indiana Jones' jacket from Raiders of the Lost Ark (one of the few pieces of memorabilia I found remotely interesting)...

And Ammon got to compare his hands to a number of celebrities.  Sylvester Stallone is the only one who came close to my sweety's massive mitts.

The next day, we learned to play Craps (taught by that silver-faced Sam you see beside Ammon).  We only lost $15 the first day throughout about 2 hours of playing.  

Then I got to play Asteroids.  

And we discovered the best restaurant ever, The PEPPERMILL.  This... is Ammon's salad.  No joke, there's a pile of lettuce and other ruffage under all that other stuff!  That place also had multicolored sugar in their sugar-shakers, classic Vegas!

We toured some more of the strip and enjoyed the free tickets to the fun magic comedy show by Mac King. Then we went to the top of the stratosphere and watched people jump off the roof!!  

(they were wearing tethers)

Here's the view of the strip from the Stratosphere.

That night we went to "V- The Variety Show" which was a medley of acrobats, jugglers, extreme skaters.  Ammon convinced the guys to take their shirts off for a picture with me since he got to take one with half-naked show girls.  Classic Ammon!

The next morning, we went to the Circus, Circus indoor theme park.  It was kinda boring and expensive, so we only rode one roller coaster.  However, we did find some great souvenirs for the kids (who stayed with their wonderful Gramma Teller for three days).  We saw these made by hand, and were very impressed.  See the flamingo in Sasha's middle "S"?

Then we bought my sister a birthday present/souvenir since it was her birthday and she asked us to, kinda.  These necklaces aren't it, but we bought her a cool bead tie from the kiosk that sold these.  Wish we had gotten a picture of it.  Hind sight truly is 20/20.

Then, before heading out we played another game of Craps.  Collectively, and all totalled we ended up making over 100 bucks!  Not too shabby!

The trip home was a mad dash to get back before the kids' bedtime (since we left after 4pm), and we were super-exhausted from all the walking and no sleep.  However, we loved the whole experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.  I originally thought we would be bored in Vegas, but I was more than pleasantly surprised.  

It

Was 

AWESOME!!