Braden: 2 years + 1 month

What 25 month old doesn't love binoculars?
Uncle Todd would be proud.

Braden's first hike - already a natural!

Every hiker needs a walking stick!

Who knew a 2 year + 1 month old could grow a moustache!

Since both boys were born on the 22nd of a month, I am going to have to do their monthly updates separate. So, on the eve of the 22nd here is Braden's update!

"Where are we going Momma?," I heard as I was driving to the YMCA one morning this week. My eyes grew wide and I had to turn around to make sure it was Braden that said it (versus some stranger.) Low and behold, it was our two year old that formed this complete sentence out of no where. I seriously am not sure how OVERNIGHT his vocabulary changed. Then, all week he began asking things like "what happened here?" and "What is this?" and "I want it" and "I like it." Joe even said tonight that he thinks Braden has said about fifty new words this week. One night when Joe got home he asked Braden what he did and he replied, "Cone at McDonalds." Yes, I was totally busted taking my son out for my favorite treat. Man, I cannot keep anything a secret anymore. Long gone are the days of being able to say and do things without getting into trouble.

Braden is also busy learning how to spell his name and learn colors. I think we have read the book "How to Make A Rainbow" about fifty times this week so he can repeat "red, orange (ornj), yellow (lellow), green (ga-rrrrreen), blue (ba-due), and purple." He loves to write "E" "B" and "R" for his name. They may not always look like the actual letter, but the E comes pretty darn close sometimes.

Braden is also a very active little man. He loves throwing balls, climbing all climbing structures at parks, and running. We went for a hike this weekend at Afton State Park and besides the steep stairs, he walked for most of the 2 mile hike. I wish that every day I could give him that much exercise because sometimes he doesn't fall asleep during naptime. It's not a huge deal, he still stays in his crib and plays or talks but I know he is still too young to stop taking naps (which is evident at dinner time on the days he doesn't have one). Today, I had to bribe him that if he took a snooze I would take him to the park- yikes, I am already bribing my two year old to do things he should be doing- ha! I think he just needs to be physically tired so I will try harder to make him run around. I also learned in ECFE that it's common for them to go through this at 2 when cognitively there is so much going on and they can't get their mind to shut off- hence the increased vocabulary probably.

Braden is also a brave little soul. During our ECFE class on Wednesday, us moms leave the room for an hour and he is the only child that doesn't cry. He even was comforting another girl in the room by saying "it's ok." He is also a very good big brother- he plays next to Liam, he brings him his paci when he's crying and he gives him kisses before bedtime.

Braden also has a great sense of humor at the mere age of 25 months- not sure who he got that from Mom or Dad or neither depending on who you ask. :) He is silly and makes us laugh constantly.

25 months have flown by and we love watching all of the new things that Braden says and does. It just gets better and better.

Double Trouble

Sometimes I get a little freaked out thinking about:

1.) 2 boys = double trouble.

2.) 3 guys + 1 lady in the house = momma has no chance winning any battles (such as using the remote control)

3.) Heavy Testosterone Levels + Minimal Estrogen Levels in the house = mom will be the only one to ever stop and ask for directions, or to cry when her feelings are hurt (maybe), and will for sure be the one cleaning the bathroom floors and the dirty uniforms....and the list could go on!

I say all these above things truthfully, but most importantly light-hearted. I think it will be fun being a mom of two boys. Yes, it might be double trouble. Tthere will be some ganging up, but I am hoping that Braden and Liam will be best buds since they are only 23 months apart. Of course there will be some sibling rivalry and some healthy competition, but truthfully I am content having two boys.

The reason why I bring this subject up is because I get asked so often "are you going to try for a girl?" I think this question is hilarious (and disturbing when asked the week I just had a baby). News flash - you CANNOT try for a certain gender (unless of course you are one of those people that believes if you stand on your head or follow certain instructions that you will conceive a boy or girl.) I truly believe you have to want a certain number of kids. So, there you go- my answer is..no, I am not going to try for a girl (my luck I would get twin boys) and I am content with two boys. Plus, I think it's strange to share my family plans with people that I don't know very well.

 There are definitely pros for ME having two boys (I am not saying this applies to anyone else). 1.) It's all that I know 2.)  I am a sporty, active, busy and not-overly-emotional mom (I think anyway) so it fits me well. 3.) I have tons of girlfriends to go shopping or get pedicures with. I have five nieces to buy girl things for. 4.) I will enjoy my time alone when the boys want to go do some male bonding activity. 5.) Yes, boys are BUSY in the young years, but everyone says they are less emotional in the teenage years.

So, there you have it. I am good with double trouble! If you have any witty responses for when I get asked "are you going to try for a girl" or "were you hoping for a girl?" please leave a comment. I might want to shock someone with a witty response someday when I'm in a spunky mood. My typical answer is, "Nope, I am good with two kids. I just wanted healthy ones, not a certain gender." :) 

In conclusion, you get what you get and you can't change it. You have to look at the pros and be content with what you have. It amazes me that in our society today we tend to focus on what we didn't get or what is next versus what we have and appreciating it. I am happy to be blessed with two healthy kids, and that is what is most important!

Thank You Zantac

I brought Liam to the Doctor on Friday to investigate about reflux after weeks of being suspicious about his tummy troubles. Low and behold, it is looking like he has it- so the Doctor gave us a week prescription of Zantac to try out. It's only been two days, but the little dude seems less fussy and is sleeping a wee better. Ok, a lot better! Last night he slept six straight hours, versus the 15 minute increments he slept on Thursday night. This six hour stretch might be a fluke, but it's nice to see the little man feeling a bit better and resting better.

So, thank you Zantac for making me feel like a sane and normal person today, versus the walking zombie that I was on Friday. It's like having an out of body experience when you get no sleep and have to keep up with a two year old all day (on top of attending to the needs of a somewhat fussy and non-sleeping newborn). Here's hoping that Liam feels better here on out and I can continue to be a sane and normal person.. for everyone's sake around me, really!

Braden's Second Birthday- Recap

Well, Mr. Braden had a wonderful second birthday. It was four days of straight celebrating for the young lad! Here's a quick recap of the four days of festivities.

1. Birthday Eve- Bapa and Pama came to hang out, and also presented Braden with his very first BIG WHEEL!
2. Birthday - Donuts and juice with Mom, and neighbors Judy and Jake. A trolley ride in Stillwater, and when Dad got home we had birthday cake and opened presents.
3. Post-Birthday- Dad took the day off! A trip to Como Zoo and lunch at Sonic (drive-in style).
4. Birthday Weekend-  Off to Grandma and Grandpa's house for monkey cupcakes, presents and hanging with the cousins.

As you can see, we were very busy and had a lot of fun! Two years have passed us by in the blink of an eye. Here's hoping the terrible two's skip us! :)

 Present from Mom and Dad- A Scooter

 Dad and the Birthday Boy!

 Fun at Como Zoo

 Hammond Grandparents and Grand kids

Hammond Cousin hog pile! Braden = WINNING!