Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who fought for our freedom! I'm remembering celebrations as a kid that started with lining up in parade formation in my black wool band suit, coronet in hand, ready to march the route and play in the ceremony. That was followed by a quick run back to the Dairy Queen to redeem my ticket for a free ice cream cone.
Thank you to the many men and women who have fought for our freedoms, like the ones I've listed above, and the many many more, we consistently take for granted on a daily basis. We owe you so much, least of all, a big dose of gratitude and respect.
Love some of the ideas from this blog. Here are some thoughtful ways to say thanks, any time of the year:
http://www.thehouseofhendrix.com/2013/05/22/10-ways-to-say-thank-you-on-memorial-day/
Monday, May 26, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Happy Mother's Day and other things
It's May?! What?! I can't believe we've been here a month already. We've been busy, but just in the normal day-to-day busyness. Unfortunately, the weather has been a bit temperamental with us on the weekends, and we haven't gotten out to see a whole lot yet. I'm starting to regret not taking advantage of our beautiful surroundings more. Now, we have a month to go.
On Friday night, we took the boys to Gateway Discovery Museum, downtown Salt Lake. I'd been telling Max all day that we would be able to see the dinosaurs...and when we got there and asked what floor the dinosaurs were on, we didn't like the answer we got. NO DINOSAURS! WHAT?? NOOOOOOO! Fortunately, we were able to distract Max with all the other cool stuff - a real Flight for Life helicopter with simulator on the helipad terrace attached to a play-sized Children's Hospital. So cool! A pneumatic tube system that sends balls flying around the room. A kid-sized grocery store and construction site. What a blast!
We've also been busy practicing balance on Max's new Strider bike. I knew he'd get the hang of it quickly, but in the last week with all the rain, he's only gotten outside 3 times for a total of about 1 hour of ride time. He's quickly gaining confidence and speed on this bike and it won't be long before he's cruising ahead of us.
On Saturday, we tried out a new park. We happened to be playing when a fire truck and ambulance pulled in for some training runs. Max rode his bike over for a tour of the trucks. Here's a picture of us in front of the engine. Cole is on my back but preoccupied with the flashing lights.
Last, but not least, here are pictures of Max and Cole making their Mom's Day gifts for Grammy, Nana, and their godmothers. Max made a card and breakfast for me today too!
Happy Mother's Day to our mothers, godmothers, aunts, sisters and friends out there. For all of those women who mother us and love us, teach, encourage and support us in so many ways. Thank you. We love you.
After Salt Lake City, where will we go? Here's a hint.
On Friday night, we took the boys to Gateway Discovery Museum, downtown Salt Lake. I'd been telling Max all day that we would be able to see the dinosaurs...and when we got there and asked what floor the dinosaurs were on, we didn't like the answer we got. NO DINOSAURS! WHAT?? NOOOOOOO! Fortunately, we were able to distract Max with all the other cool stuff - a real Flight for Life helicopter with simulator on the helipad terrace attached to a play-sized Children's Hospital. So cool! A pneumatic tube system that sends balls flying around the room. A kid-sized grocery store and construction site. What a blast!
We've also been busy practicing balance on Max's new Strider bike. I knew he'd get the hang of it quickly, but in the last week with all the rain, he's only gotten outside 3 times for a total of about 1 hour of ride time. He's quickly gaining confidence and speed on this bike and it won't be long before he's cruising ahead of us.
On Saturday, we tried out a new park. We happened to be playing when a fire truck and ambulance pulled in for some training runs. Max rode his bike over for a tour of the trucks. Here's a picture of us in front of the engine. Cole is on my back but preoccupied with the flashing lights.
Last, but not least, here are pictures of Max and Cole making their Mom's Day gifts for Grammy, Nana, and their godmothers. Max made a card and breakfast for me today too!
After Salt Lake City, where will we go? Here's a hint.
Next post, I'll add pictures from Easter...
Monday, April 14, 2014
Follow up: The Token Economy
As promised, here is the incentive project I was working on for Max to encourage listening, helping, and good behaviors.
I found these two glass jars in the dollar bins at Target. I thought they were pretty cute for $3 apiece.
The peel and stick labels are chalkboard stickers from the stationary aisle.
And the tokens that we use are little poms that I also found in the dollar bin.
Here is how it works:
Max earns one pom for each chore he completes from the chore chart. He can also earn poms for listening to given instructions, helping me with taking out garbage, setting the table, or with laundry, etc. With the chore chart alone, he has the opportunity to earn 12 poms each day, plus the additional tokens he can earn for listening and helping. Max enjoys moving the completed chores to the Done side, and the praise he earns when completing a chore reveals a star is enough to keep him motivated for awhile.
At the end of the day, we count his stars for completed chores and he gets to add poms to his jar for each of his earned stars. I keep a running tally of his stars so we can see how close he is to earning his rewards.
Since he is young and I need to keep him interested, for each 10 poms, Max can earn a small toy or treat. After 30 poms, he earned a nightlight. He will continue to earn small, short-term "prizes" to keep his interest and the larger items are usually things he needs or we would do for fun anyway, like going for ice cream or Jamba Juice, a new pair of socks, an outside toy, etc. Even though he could possibly earn a small toy every day, the most he's consistently reached is 9. I think the praise that comes with earning each pom or star on the chart is working well for us. And all I need to do is remind him of losing a pom and it is usually enough to keep him in line. Most days.
I'm hoping that this system will get me away from feeling like I'm constantly nagging or reminding him to do things. I think it helps to solidify the expectations in our family and gives Max a role to play in making it run. I also love that it has helped us to be inspirational rather than punitive. I've noticed that the time outs, although they do still happen, are reducing in number. So far, so good.
I found these two glass jars in the dollar bins at Target. I thought they were pretty cute for $3 apiece.
The peel and stick labels are chalkboard stickers from the stationary aisle.
And the tokens that we use are little poms that I also found in the dollar bin.
Here is how it works:
Max earns one pom for each chore he completes from the chore chart. He can also earn poms for listening to given instructions, helping me with taking out garbage, setting the table, or with laundry, etc. With the chore chart alone, he has the opportunity to earn 12 poms each day, plus the additional tokens he can earn for listening and helping. Max enjoys moving the completed chores to the Done side, and the praise he earns when completing a chore reveals a star is enough to keep him motivated for awhile.
At the end of the day, we count his stars for completed chores and he gets to add poms to his jar for each of his earned stars. I keep a running tally of his stars so we can see how close he is to earning his rewards.
Since he is young and I need to keep him interested, for each 10 poms, Max can earn a small toy or treat. After 30 poms, he earned a nightlight. He will continue to earn small, short-term "prizes" to keep his interest and the larger items are usually things he needs or we would do for fun anyway, like going for ice cream or Jamba Juice, a new pair of socks, an outside toy, etc. Even though he could possibly earn a small toy every day, the most he's consistently reached is 9. I think the praise that comes with earning each pom or star on the chart is working well for us. And all I need to do is remind him of losing a pom and it is usually enough to keep him in line. Most days.I'm hoping that this system will get me away from feeling like I'm constantly nagging or reminding him to do things. I think it helps to solidify the expectations in our family and gives Max a role to play in making it run. I also love that it has helped us to be inspirational rather than punitive. I've noticed that the time outs, although they do still happen, are reducing in number. So far, so good.
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| Max enjoying an orange shake (his pick) at Iceberg in SLC. |
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| Max playing "Boo" with Cole |
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Yay Utah!
I thought I'd share some moments from our first family relocation road trip. In years past, David would insist on flying Max and I to our next destination. Usually, I reluctantly agree. This time, I really wanted to make sure we did this together, especially if hopscotching across the country will be our lifestyle for the next 2 years. They are young, but I think it's a good learning experience for Max and Cole. The alternative, which is flying with two little ones on my own, is really stressful. But more than anything, as a wife and mother, I worry about getting us all there safely. Thanks to God and St. Christopher, our trip was uneventful.
We left our beautiful home in Colorado Springs on Saturday, April 5th.
And after a stop at our friends' home to let Max and Tino run off some energy and play together one last time for awhile...
We headed north and west to Wyoming. We stopped around midnight near Rock Springs.
I remember road trips as a kid with my family. In our seven passenger van, there were 5 kids, one brave babysitter and my parents. Yeah, you do the math. My Mom would fill an under-bed storage bin with snacks and pb&j sandwiches. This was pre-DVD player days. The entertainment was a peg board geometry game that my Dad made with bolts and rubber bands. We played "I Spy" and kept a list of how many state license plates we could find. And there was certainly bickering about who was infringing on who's space and who's turn it was to sit next to the (only) sliding door. Remember that nice little walkway between the bench seat and the door? Prime real estate!
And our move from Colorado Springs to Salt Lake? Well, there were no DVD players in the car for this trip either, but I admit, at one point I remember telling David that we needed one. It wasn't easy, but I still maintain that I feel more comfortable traveling together. The boys did really well despite the length of time and their ages. I think with a little more preparation on my part, I can try to ensure the ride goes a bit smoother next time.
We left our beautiful home in Colorado Springs on Saturday, April 5th.
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| Onward! |
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| Good Bye Rockbrook Lane! |
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| Max napping with Jemma, aka Meow |
We headed north and west to Wyoming. We stopped around midnight near Rock Springs.
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| Near Rock Springs, WY |
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| Lunch break near Evanston, WY |
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| The Chinese Railroad Memorial in Evanston |
Max's reaction when we crossed the Utah state line
Just after this was when things started getting a bit rough.
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| Train in canyon north of Park City |
I remember road trips as a kid with my family. In our seven passenger van, there were 5 kids, one brave babysitter and my parents. Yeah, you do the math. My Mom would fill an under-bed storage bin with snacks and pb&j sandwiches. This was pre-DVD player days. The entertainment was a peg board geometry game that my Dad made with bolts and rubber bands. We played "I Spy" and kept a list of how many state license plates we could find. And there was certainly bickering about who was infringing on who's space and who's turn it was to sit next to the (only) sliding door. Remember that nice little walkway between the bench seat and the door? Prime real estate!
And our move from Colorado Springs to Salt Lake? Well, there were no DVD players in the car for this trip either, but I admit, at one point I remember telling David that we needed one. It wasn't easy, but I still maintain that I feel more comfortable traveling together. The boys did really well despite the length of time and their ages. I think with a little more preparation on my part, I can try to ensure the ride goes a bit smoother next time.
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| Max in front of our new digs in SLC |
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| Strolling in the park behind our house |
Monday, April 7, 2014
Growing pains
So, life has taken us for a ride lately. It seems it's all I can do to keep up with two kids. And although I know I've surpassed the "survival mode" that you enter when you bring home a newborn, I still feel as though I'm only keeping up and never getting ahead. I'm certainly not about to start getting into the Super Mommy debate, but seriously, how do some people do it?!
Cole will be 7 months next week, and he has made tremendous strides. Not only in the fun developmental things, like rolling, sitting up, babbling, etc, but in his sleep patterns, too! Yeah! I will never forget the days of chronic 30 minute naps, but they are starting to fade. I can now spend a good hour or more alone during the day, which is fantastic. I should truly take a hint and take a nap, but I don't. I enjoy attempting to get things done and keeping up with this blog is one of the things I've had to let slip, along with exercise, laundry, and cooking! He is such a fun age right now and it's amazing to watch his personality really start to emerge. Time is really flying.
Max is 2. Do I need to say more? Some days that translates to "ugh." And some days it's so great. His vocabulary is awesome. He stuns me at least once a day with his ability to put concepts and words together. Max also has a very sweet disposition. He absolutely adores Cole and loves to be my helper. My heart soars when I watch him do things to make Cole laugh or go in to hold Cole's hand through the crib slats if he cries and I can't get there right away. And then there are those days when my blood pressure skyrockets and my patience is unraveling.
I know that transitions are hard. Especially big ones like moving from Colorado Springs to Salt Lake City. Max has watched most of his large belongings get sold off. He has tolerated it really well - better than I would imagine any kid doing. We just told him that we were sharing some of our favorite things with others who needed them. He gets sharing very well. He actually got excited when we explained a new house, near a new mountain, picking out a new bed, etc. But, that's a big change coupled with a loooong drive. So, despite being exciting, it has caused some oppositional behavior. I realize that this is just his need to exert some control over the situation, but man, is it ever tiring.
So, what does a mother do? Google, of course. And I came up with a fun craft project for me and a reward system for Max. A friend of mine was making a chore chart for her son and offered to create one for Max.
I love this idea for teaching responsibility and am hoping to expand upon it using a token economy for good behavior. After the last few days, I want to encourage and use incentives instead of bribing or depriving. I know he needs some time to adjust, but perhaps this will help turn defiance into harmony. I'll post pics of my completed project. No really, I will this time.
Parenting is a whole new kind of education. Not unlike school or work, there are challenges and areas for improvement on a daily basis. Being in charge of a toddler, teaching him to listen and respect, assert himself at the right times and slow down and be careful at other times is probably one of the hardest things I'm learning to do. Because of course, all of this happens concurrently with your everyday responsibilities of clothing, feeding, and trying to diaper and/or potty train your children. I've come to realize that some of the things I struggled with as a child, adolescent and adult, have come back to me in parenting my own kids. It's such a blessing to have the chance to correct or learn to manage the things that weren't my strengths. I guess you kind of have to. So, we're all growing.
Cole will be 7 months next week, and he has made tremendous strides. Not only in the fun developmental things, like rolling, sitting up, babbling, etc, but in his sleep patterns, too! Yeah! I will never forget the days of chronic 30 minute naps, but they are starting to fade. I can now spend a good hour or more alone during the day, which is fantastic. I should truly take a hint and take a nap, but I don't. I enjoy attempting to get things done and keeping up with this blog is one of the things I've had to let slip, along with exercise, laundry, and cooking! He is such a fun age right now and it's amazing to watch his personality really start to emerge. Time is really flying.
Max is 2. Do I need to say more? Some days that translates to "ugh." And some days it's so great. His vocabulary is awesome. He stuns me at least once a day with his ability to put concepts and words together. Max also has a very sweet disposition. He absolutely adores Cole and loves to be my helper. My heart soars when I watch him do things to make Cole laugh or go in to hold Cole's hand through the crib slats if he cries and I can't get there right away. And then there are those days when my blood pressure skyrockets and my patience is unraveling.
I know that transitions are hard. Especially big ones like moving from Colorado Springs to Salt Lake City. Max has watched most of his large belongings get sold off. He has tolerated it really well - better than I would imagine any kid doing. We just told him that we were sharing some of our favorite things with others who needed them. He gets sharing very well. He actually got excited when we explained a new house, near a new mountain, picking out a new bed, etc. But, that's a big change coupled with a loooong drive. So, despite being exciting, it has caused some oppositional behavior. I realize that this is just his need to exert some control over the situation, but man, is it ever tiring.
So, what does a mother do? Google, of course. And I came up with a fun craft project for me and a reward system for Max. A friend of mine was making a chore chart for her son and offered to create one for Max.
Parenting is a whole new kind of education. Not unlike school or work, there are challenges and areas for improvement on a daily basis. Being in charge of a toddler, teaching him to listen and respect, assert himself at the right times and slow down and be careful at other times is probably one of the hardest things I'm learning to do. Because of course, all of this happens concurrently with your everyday responsibilities of clothing, feeding, and trying to diaper and/or potty train your children. I've come to realize that some of the things I struggled with as a child, adolescent and adult, have come back to me in parenting my own kids. It's such a blessing to have the chance to correct or learn to manage the things that weren't my strengths. I guess you kind of have to. So, we're all growing.
Monday, March 10, 2014
All Boy
Max is all boy. He loves anything sports. Chasing, throwing, catching, running, hopping, climbing, hitting balls, and shooting hoops. Here is a video David caught last week. After shooting (and making) several in a row from the designated patio stone used as his free throw line, David challenged him to a behind-the-basket shoot off.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
WOW!
I haven't posted anything in ages. And I will, I promise, but I just had to share this YouTube video of an 82 year old woman doing TRX. I've always wanted to take a TRX class. The results are amazing. Check out what this wonder(ful) woman can do. She is a client of the local TRX gym here in Colorado Springs. She reports that the classes have increased her strength and balance. I LOVE it! And she has motivated me for sure!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
4 months and 2 years
The snow is blowing here today! With temps dipping dramatically all over the country, I'm happy it's at least above zero. And after a comparatively warm and busy weekend, I'm more than fine spending this lazy day indoors. We've got the Play-Doh, crayons, stickers, and library books out. White chili is cooking in the crock pot. Just another day at the office. Truthfully, this would be considered an excellent day at the office because I actually got in the shower before 10 am, and Cole and Max both napped.
I realized several weeks ago that I used to post updates of Max's milestones and haven't kept up that tradition with Max, or Cole for that matter. As a first-born myself, I can understand how younger siblings feel when they compare number of photos, baby book entries, etc. I'm feeling a little guilty about that. It's just not as easy when you've got more than one kiddo to manage. That being said, I've wondered over the months how Cole is doing with sleep, growth, and development when set side by side with his brother. I know, I know, don't compare. Tisk, tisk. But, how in the world, do you not compare?
This month, both Max and Cole had wellness visits. Cole had his 4-month and Max had his 2-year.
At 4 months, Cole weighs 14 lbs, 10 oz and is 25 7/8 inches. (Max was 15 lbs, 0 oz and 26 inches)
At 2 years, Max weighs 22 lbs, 1 oz and is 32.5 inches tall.
Cole has been a chronic 30-minute napper since pretty much forever. He might nap up to 45 minutes once in a blue moon. And when left with friends last month, he apparently slept 3.5 hours while David and I were snowboarding. Huh?! Whatev. Other than that, I can pretty much set the timer for 30 minutes when I put him down for a nap and he's waking up right on schedule. Having used the Babywise method for both boys, it's tough to figure out what the issue is, other than that he just doesn't need as much sleep. Today, I allowed him to cry it out for 5 minutes. With each subsequent nap, it took him less time to settle down and he started sleeping 40 and 45 minutes. Interesting. I've read from other moms who have gone through the same thing that rarely does any particular intervention seem to help, other than just waiting for them to outgrow it. I'll keep on trying CIO and see what becomes of it. We are also waiting for him to sleep through the night. Max accomplished this nightly just after 13 weeks of age. I'm so ready to have a full night's sleep. Hopefully soon, before my dark under eye circles come permanent.
I realized several weeks ago that I used to post updates of Max's milestones and haven't kept up that tradition with Max, or Cole for that matter. As a first-born myself, I can understand how younger siblings feel when they compare number of photos, baby book entries, etc. I'm feeling a little guilty about that. It's just not as easy when you've got more than one kiddo to manage. That being said, I've wondered over the months how Cole is doing with sleep, growth, and development when set side by side with his brother. I know, I know, don't compare. Tisk, tisk. But, how in the world, do you not compare?
This month, both Max and Cole had wellness visits. Cole had his 4-month and Max had his 2-year.
At 4 months, Cole weighs 14 lbs, 10 oz and is 25 7/8 inches. (Max was 15 lbs, 0 oz and 26 inches)
At 2 years, Max weighs 22 lbs, 1 oz and is 32.5 inches tall.
Cole has been a chronic 30-minute napper since pretty much forever. He might nap up to 45 minutes once in a blue moon. And when left with friends last month, he apparently slept 3.5 hours while David and I were snowboarding. Huh?! Whatev. Other than that, I can pretty much set the timer for 30 minutes when I put him down for a nap and he's waking up right on schedule. Having used the Babywise method for both boys, it's tough to figure out what the issue is, other than that he just doesn't need as much sleep. Today, I allowed him to cry it out for 5 minutes. With each subsequent nap, it took him less time to settle down and he started sleeping 40 and 45 minutes. Interesting. I've read from other moms who have gone through the same thing that rarely does any particular intervention seem to help, other than just waiting for them to outgrow it. I'll keep on trying CIO and see what becomes of it. We are also waiting for him to sleep through the night. Max accomplished this nightly just after 13 weeks of age. I'm so ready to have a full night's sleep. Hopefully soon, before my dark under eye circles come permanent.
Monday, January 6, 2014
MAX 2.0
Ok, so I'm a little behind on my photo-a-day challenge. Therefore, in the spirit of the New Year, I'm moving forward....all the way to January 4th. The anniversary of our Maximilian's birth. It's amazing how quickly two years can fly and how easily one little boy can steal your heart.
Late last night we placed helium balloons in Max's room, tying and taping them in place so that it would look like they were all floating there. We attached one in the middle of the room to a small gift. The next morning, when he woke, we watched him (through the video baby monitor) take inventory of his room with wonder. Then we crept in and he said, "Mama, Dada. Boons." His expression was priceless.
Max has been asking for weeks for a blue step stool. I have no idea where he got that from. You can't even imagine the joy on his face when he went to wash his hands and found a blue step stool, topped with bow and ribbon, just for him! We have his reaction on video and I can't wait to show it to him several years from now.
Thank you for all of the great birthday messages and thoughtful gifts. Max loved listening to the birthday songs. I'm positive he felt quite special today; he had such a big smile on his face.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
NYE
My friend Lindsey drove down from Denver today. After she arrived, David, Max, Cole, Lindsey, and I packed a picnic lunch and visited the Garden of the Gods. David took pictures of Max climbing rocks and Lindsey and I took short walk around several of the rock formations with Cole. We wore the boys out and both fell asleep before we made the short 5 minute drive home.
We planned an incredible dinner at home, with all the favorites and some traditional treats from our youth. For David, that included Martinelli's Sparkling Grape Juice and Bugles. For me, it was Russian Cream for dessert. Since Max is a little young to bang pots and pans at midnight, he went to bed and we adults enjoyed a feast of filet, crab legs, roasted potatoes and asparagus. YUM!
We watched the ball drop in New York and then enjoyed a fireworks show on Pikes Peak from our living room window. It was a total surprise and really beautiful!
Here are pictures of the boys enjoying their New Year's Eve:
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