At the Park with Dad

Steve took Lexi to the park today to give me a breather. They laughed, played, walked, and enjoyed being together. Jordan and I loved have some quiet time. I used this break to clean the house.

2 Year Doctor Appt

Being a crazy mom that wants to get things over at once, I scheduled doctor appointments for Lexi and Jordan today knowing that they would both be getting shots. Needless to say, I wasn't really looking forward to this weekend.

Lexi weighed in at 28 lbs and is now 34" tall, which is in the 66th percentile for both. Her head measurement is actually in the 90th percentile. That made me laugh because she gets her big head from my side. My mom & brother both can't find hats that fit.

She easily performed all the tasks the doctor asked like jumping and touching her toes. Lexi even talked the doctors ear off so that when she got to the question about having a vocabulary of at least 50 words, there was no need to ask. Nobody could manage to talk non-stop with a small vocabulary. I doubt I could even count how many words she says.

When the appointment was winding down, I told her that the nurse was going to give her medicine in her leg and then it would be Jordan's turn. Lexi likes medicine for the most part, but she cried when they gave her the shot of course. She patted Jordan's head when he was getting his done. Then she cried with him until the nurse told her that she could have 2 stickers.

They both stopped crying rather quickly. That just reminded me that I am so glad to be away from the Miami doctors. They both did so well that we were even able to meet up with the Play Group at the new McDonalds. This story has a happy ending (so far).

Birthday Bash

Lexi's second birthday was a huge sucess despite the fact that we didn't end up taking many pictures and the kids got quite muddy. We also forgot to get out the ice cream and everyone left before the gifts were open. That is how much fun it was. No time for boredom or a break in the activities.

The kids had a blast on the moonwalk we rented and the adults (most of them were my friends from high school) were busy catching up. Time just flew by and the four hour party was over before we knew it.

We actually had 19 kids & 19 adults there. Steve cooked up a storm and we all enjoyed ourselves. Now, I have to track down everyone that brought their cameras & beg for more pictures. I also have to borrow a carpet cleaning machine from Gram because our white carpet is BLACK.


Video of Lexi blowing out the candle (on a cupcake rather than the big cake)

Transition to Big Girl Bed

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a plan to attack the house. We are planning a big birthday party for Lexi this Saturday and cleaning is on top of the To Do List. I had no intention of transitioning Lexi into her new room and toddler bed. I wanted to do that right after her party. In fact, I planned on calling Steve’s cousin, Emily, for ideas of what worked with Camille. However, once I started organizing, I realized that I was tired of thinking about doing it. I moved the rocking chair, her dresses, and her beloved piggy bank (another post about that). The most important thing I did was to build up her excitement about the transition.

Yesterday afternoon, we had our first test. I took her in for her nap. As usual, I rocked and sang a few songs to her. Then, I helped her say a prayer. I put her in bed with hugs and kisses, told her I loved her, and left. She was happy. I went into our room to play on the computer and wait for her to come running out. It did not take long. I took her back into her room and explained that she needed to stay in there until nap time was over. I also handed her a few books. To my amazement, she quietly played for an hour and a half before running out.

Since I knew we would not be so lucky again, I called Steve and asked him to pick up a door knob blocker on his way home. When he got home, he decided that he would set up the tent she got for Christmas in case she was going to play herself to sleep. She was very excited and helped him with it. I must say that it was funny watching a big guy play with a little girl in her tent. They both loved every minute of it.

Later, Lexi and I did the regular bed time ritual. I left with her feeling just fine. About 5 minutes later, we heard her try to open the door and then she started crying. I decided to give her 10 minutes and I would go in to rock her & sing another little song before sticking her back in bed, but she quieted down within 5 minutes. When I woke up at 1am to feed Jordan, I decided to sneak in to check on her. She was on the floor next to her bed snuggling with her favorite purple blankey. At 4am, she started crying. I went in and explained to her that it wasn’t time yet. I did the regular bed time ritual and left her without a peep.

This morning, I brought the camera in with me and took a few photos to commemorate this achievement. Now, we will work on potty training. Actually, it is going very well, but she still does not want to wear big girl panties. I decided not to mention it for a week or two. Then, I will probably have to force her to wear them once or twice before she is fine with it.

Just Because

I hate to admit this, but I haven't posted any videos lately because I lost/misplaced the memory card for my camera. I have been stuck using the little 16 mb one that came with the camera. Videos fill it up too quickly, so I didn't take any. Since Lexi's birthday is coming up, I realized that I could no longer just wait until it shows up. I had to buy a new one. Fortunately, I discovered that the prices have really come down and I got a 1 GB for about $20. There will be lots of videos now.

I am posting some of the photos & a video from this afternoon. We had fun messing around with the camera. I took lots of video clips of her singing. Here is Ring Around the Rosies & the ABCs:


Ring Around the Rosies


ABCs

*If you have problems with the videos, just double click on them & it will take you to YouTube to watch them there.

Pump It Up

This morning, we went to Pump-It-Up with Ms. Amy (one of my old high school friends) and her sons Joshua & Samuel. Joshua & Lexi climbed, jumped, laughed and played while Samuel & Jordan were just held by the moms. I wish I could have joined in because these places are fun! Lexi agrees. She runs around proclaiming, "That was fun!"

Pudding

Lexi has become a messy eater again, but mainly as artistic expression. I think it is her way of saying that I need to make time for arts & crafts again. Those are not as tasty though.

Potty Training Herself?

While I was changing Lexi's diaper first thing yesterday morning, I noticed that it was dry. I asked her if she wanted to use the potty & she said yes. She trotted it there & did her business right away. That was nice, but it has happened before so I didn't think much of it. That was until it happened 3 more times. She didn't wet her diaper at all yesterday. Each time, I asked her if she wanted to wear her "big girl panties" and she absolutely declared that she DID NOT! Not the panties or the pull-ups (both have princesses on them so you would think she would want to). She wanted her diapers. We haven't had the same success today, but then again I took her to the library and out for lunch.

We have several things we are going to work on in the next few months and potty training is one of them. It isn't high on the priority list for me, because she has regressed a little with a few things in the last month (like her desire for her pacifier during the day, her attachment to "purple blankey," and her drama queen attempts at getting attention). I am not sure that the regression is directly related to Jordan. Actually, I think it has more to do with changes in routine.

It started when I was in the hospital and suddenly her Dadda was doing everything for her. She certainly didn't mind that, but it wasn't normal. Next, Grandma Margie took over for a week while I was recovering. I had Lexi the next week and then Aunt Paige came. Routines were out the window for the most part and of course everyone else is prone to spoiling Lexi more than I do. I decided to be patient and let her twist them around her finger a little, but they are all gone and we are back to routines & no nonsense.

You can bet that she is improving. Right off, she stopped trying to get others to rescue her from timeout even though that never worked. To be honest, she has no choice, but to get back on track.

The New Years Resolutions Include:

1. Getting rid of the pacifier. We'll limit it back to nights for a few weeks. Then **puff**, it will magically disappear.
2. Being attached to the purple blankey only for nap & night time (back to how it was before Jordan).
3. Moving into the big girl bed, which she has NO interest in so far. She seems to LOVE her crib. I can't really figure out why because her toys are in the room with the big girl bed.
4. Potty Training - I actually have this priority lower than the big girl bed, but she seems more ready for this step, so we'll see if I can figure out the deal with the sudden dislike for big girl panties.

There are probably others, but these are the ones that come to mind. Wish me luck or give me ideas...

Goodbye Playmate

Lexi is losing her holiday playmate today. Yes, Aunt Paige is headed back to sunny California. Considering the fact that Lexi cried her eyes out when Paige left to spend New Years with a friend, this separation could be difficult. Who will spend hours playing with Legos and other fun toys? Next time they see each other (at our family reunion), Lexi will be two and a half.

Happy New Years

This year, Lexi was able to celebrate New Years with sparklers. For the most part, she liked them, but she had her moments of fear. It was a fun evening even though the party ended by 8pm for Lexi.

Second Christmas

For Lexi, this Christmas was absolutely wonderful. She finally started to grasp the entire concept including Christmas music, Santa Clause, baby Jesus, decorations, treats, and of course gifs. What could be more fun than lots of excitement, attention and toys?

Houston Zoo

We went to the Houston Zoo for a few hours on Christmas Eve because we were looking for something fun to do that did not involve holiday crowds. Steve & Granddad wanted to be outside so they could enjoy the cool weather, so this turned out to be a great idea. Lexi loves being around animals and we all had fun watching her.

Anticipation

Protective Big Sister

On Monday, I had to take Jordan in for a blood test. Nothing special, it is mandatory in Texas. I hauled Lexi and Jordan into the hospital. I filled out papers and did my best to keep Lexi entertained (without touching the colorful vials) while we waited for the lab tech to set up.

When the tech asked me to sit in the chair with Jordan, Lexi realized that something was going on that she wasn't a part of. She started whining and begging me to let her sit in the chair. The tech told Lexi that people who sit in the chair get poked and that it wasn't fun. Then, she proceeded to poke Jordan's heel. As you would expect, he started crying. Lexi gave the tech a really dirty look and said, "Don't do it." The tech told her that she has to, but Lexi kept repeating herself. I told Lexi that Jordan would be fine in a minute.

When it was over, I called Steve to tell him the story. Since then, Lexi has been saying "Lexi said don't do it." The funny thing is that I was the same way about my brothers.

Bubble Bath

Bath time has become a daily event in our house. It is just one of those things that must be planned out when you have a new baby. Lexi takes her baths in the roman tub in our master bathroom. That way, I can hop in the glass shower next to it and accomplish two things at the same time. Jordan sleeps in his carrier, which sits on the bathroom floor. He calmly ignores all the commotion.

Adjusting To Her New Life

When an only child suddenly has a baby sibling to deal with, their world is rocked. You never know quite how they will react. The idea is introduced and explained as much as possible during pregnancy, but it is even a difficult concept for the parents to envision.

I pictured Lexi having both moments of greatness and moments of insanity. Fortunately, I am fairly impressed by how well she is handling this big change. Don't get me wrong, she has had insane moments, but they have never been directed at the baby. She is gentle and sweet with him. He doesn’t get the kind of attention she craves anyway. It is me that is getting the brunt of her small bouts of hostility. She seems to be testing her boundaries, which is fine.

It started off with an extra dose of daddy’s girl, while I was in the hospital. She would come in my room and be very sweet, but made it clear that he was the one she wanted to take care of her needs. Her desire to be Miss Independent grew. When was released from the hospital, she shrieked with joy. I was showered with hugs and kisses. She kept saying, “I missed you, mommy.” Since then, she goes back and forth. All last week, she sucked up to Grandma and her dad, which helped with my recovery. She can be very sweet and loving to me, but she can also play deaf and will shout at me for no reason.

Overall, I am pleased with the way she is handling the new member in our family. She even picked the best person to take her frustrations out on. I absolutely did not want to have to protect the baby from her. Plus, she needed to turn to others for extra care. It was a wonderful time for her to grow closer to her Grandma and dad. As for me, we’ll have plenty of time to work back into a normal routine and she realize that her life is even better than it used to be.

New Blog for Little Bro

As you would probably expect, Lexi's brother has his own blog:

http://jordanteetee.blogspot.com/

One day, I'll get a chance to spruce it up a little.

Christmas Cowgirl

At the Hospital

Lexi has a new little brother who fascinates her at times and she wants to ignore at other times. While I was in the hospital, she got to spend lots of time with her idol (dad). I swear that taking of him made her grow up quickly. From being more independent to increased language skills, I was just amazed.

Here are some pictures taken at the hospital. Just pretend I am sticking to their advice about not picking up more than 10 pounds. She needs a little more love from Momma.