365 Days of Jadyn: August 2012

Friday, August 17, 2012

Day 72: Santuary

I was getting pretty consistent with running for a while. My body and mind finally clicked about why running is so awesome. It became my drug to take the edge off. I get rejuvenated from taking even just a half hour away from everyone and learning about how strong/weak I am. It's humbling and empowering all at the same time.

Plus, look where I live. Wide open space really IS all it's cracked up to be!

Day 71: Dogsitters

We have become quite popular dog-sitters. I see it as a perfect set-up because I love dogs, I want a dog someday, but NOT right now! No desire whatsoever. Jace begs everyday for us to get a dog, hence, we take other people's dogs for a week or so then we get to send them back just before I explode because my house is covered in fur.

This week was our neighbor's/very good friend's dog, Cyrus. He is so large, yet so gentle. Basically, if we were to get a dog right now I would want it to be just like Cyrus. He's old, doesn't do a ton, but loves you with that giddy puppy love just the same. He is so good, in fact, that I let Jadyn walk him...or be dragged by him.

Day 70: Back to High School

I got a message a while back from one of the girls I was a leader over in the youth group when we were in Aurora. Her best friend was moving to Canada in a week, so they wanted to do a photo shoot together. I may or may not have teared up a little for them thinking of when I went through the same thing in high school. I can still remember hugging my two best friends good bye and then crying the whole 18 hour drive to Colorado. We're talking Coldplay's "The Scientist" on repeat and me staring depressingly out the window the whole way. I kicked and screamed and was absolutely terrified of falling out of the trio. So for their shoot, I took them to the high school where many of their memories probably took place.
Can you say BEA-U-TIFUL???
I know I didn't look this good in high school...or ever.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Day 69: Morning person

I don't know if this is true of all babies, but mornings have certainly been a special time with both of mine. It is Jaxon's happiest time of day. It must be because of how quiet and peaceful it is. I must say, I enjoy them too. Since he has graced me with sleeping through the night (for now), I happily get up with him between 5:30 and 6:30 and I work out or read while he sits next to me with a big grin on his face.
It's our one-on-one time. One thing I have learned about having two kids is that you still have to find a way to give each child undivided time. It makes them feel loved all by themselves. And it helps me enjoy what makes them unique.

Day 68: Getting strong!

He is getting so strong! I can barely keep him next to me when I hold him now. He's always jutting his head out with all his might so he can see everything.
Also, Jadyn pulls out this little mat he's laying on and announces it is now her turn for tummy time. We "ooo" and "awww" at her amazing head-lifting skills.

Day 67: Meet Jacklyn

I have been encouraging Jadyn to take care of her baby dolls lately to take the squeezes off of Jaxon. As she was playing with her favorite doll, I asked her what her name was. She said "Jaxon" (surprise, surprise). Since the doll is clearly a girl I suggested we name her "Jacklyn" instead. Her two year-old mind turned a few wheels as she looked at me very pensive. Her response was "hmmm, Jack-o-lyn? Ok!"

And ever since, Jacklyn has been her baby. She does everything Jaxon does coincidentally. They even eat at the same time, and in the same way. Oops. Maybe I should cover up once in a while in my house.

Day 66: She surprises me.

I left Jaxon on her bed for a second while I grabbed something. I hear her squeal at Jaxon and my heart drops thinking of her trying to carry him off the bed. I rush in and find them like this. It's moments like these that make you realize why being a mom is the best job in the whole world.

Day 65: Welp

No picture. Can't remember what happened this day. If I find a picture, I'll fill it in later.

Day 64: Oops was I supposed to take pictures of the kids?

Well I took them on a photo adventure and found this lovely place. Anyone want a photo shoot here?

Day 63: We got a laugh!

Please excuse my annoying sounds effects and my need to continue making him laugh well after he got the hiccups.

Day 62: We love the Library

We go at least once a week, sometimes twice. Some days, right after breakfast Jadyn will hurry to her room and chant "Get ready, go storytime!" She loves it. She loves books. And it's such a nice way to get out without melting in the sun, AND as a bonus everyone has to be quiet!

Day 61: What most days look like.

This is breakfast, lunch and dinner in a nutshell. While I'm making food, there's Jaxon sleeping through everything and Jadyn never wearing pants.

Day 60: Potty Training

I wish I had some trick for all you potty training Mommies, but I don't know how it happened. One thing lead to another and next thing I know she's struttin around in her "big girl pants" and going in the potty. When they're ready, they're ready.

Ok...Maybe I have a few helpful ideas. They have worked for us at least. If you're not about bribing, this probably won't be your method:
-Take them potty ALL THE TIME! Before every meal and five minutes after a meal. Also, before you leave the house.
-If they have trouble with the oh-so-terrifying #2, make a big deal out of it. For #1 she get's a skittle, for #2 she gets to pick out of the "Prize bag". It's filled with things she doesn't normally get like really sugary drinks, potatoe chips and toys (Am I depriving my child?) The first time I tried to get her to do the doo doo, I said she would get chocolate cake. It worked like a charm.
-Always bring an extra pair of clothes and plastic bag when you go out. She's certainly had some accidents.

It's not down to perfect consistency yet, but she's got it!