A relaxing trip to Big Bear thanks to Dana started last month with this years first snow adventure! Then a long and worth it road trip to visit family for Thanksgiving followed. The night we returned from traveling Kaylee lost half of her front tooth on a night walk during a routine trip over her own feet. We got the chance to visit the Ordonez's and see the great progress they've made on their farm. Porter had a little too much fun with the chicken's but I think they liked the exercise. We managed to get all the festive decorating done with plenty of time to enjoy them and the chance to enjoy each other, including walks in the rain and trips to the park. We were joyed to hear the wonderful news of Aiden Christopher Whalen arriving on December 3rd with all the Whalen's healthy and enjoying there new adventures. We even made a trip with the Geithmans so they could get a picture with Santa... no way Cienna was even going to get close to him but we all enjoyed the carousel and the Rain Forest Cafe afterwards. Daddy got to visit Uncle B for his big holiday party at his home. We ended the month with a Pirate Birthday for Carter and more family time getting ready for more holiday fun!
Unbelievably approaching 4 years old we see a kid more than a toddler everyday and are overly amazed! Cienna is not only asking WHY to every question but is really interested in the answer. She uses practical thinking vs. instinctual. Her reading is coming along without even "working" on it. She has the love for books and art. She has really enjoyed the challenge of writing all the Christmas labels for the gifts we have bought this year since the limited space makes her think of the size of letters to write. She is still as silly as ever and has a love for dancing, pretend play, and being her!
A definite step in her mom's footsteps Kaylee broke half of her tooth this month. Luckily it was still 0.1mm from the nerve and hasn't seem to bother her beside the first 30sec of the fat lip. She has mastered saying Daddy but thinks it is funny when we ask her to say Mommy instead of Mama! She has of course began to explode with mobility hence the tooth and is jumping on the trampoline and loves to swing on the bar! She also throws quite well even though it is sometimes the wrong thing in the wrong direction. Container with lids, books, puzzle and shape play toys have also began to take her interest as well!
Watching the 2 girls and Porter develop a relationship over the last month has really been the highlight! Especially with Kaylee beginning to appreciate playing with others, Cienna has taken notice and is working hard at playing along with her as apposed to with her (like she would a doll). We have all really gotten to enjoy the holiday spirit which Daddy helps keep alive with all the traditions and excitement that they should have!
Enjoy the pics from last month in hopes they improve with our new camera soon to come as a gift to ourselves!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YKm6t8PftE4TGS4H8
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 10 Months... Kaylee - 1 Year, 5 Months!
So much to say as the holiday season is here. A huge first with daddy AND mommy leaving the girls for a night. They were in the VERY capable hands with the Natal family! After some fun with the Natals and a visit from Grammy and Grandpa, we helped celebrate an amazing wedding for Vera and Toby with a reunion of our amazing friends. Auntie Megan even taught the girls a Justin Beiber song : \ . Cienna and Kaylee both helped design and carve their pumpkins this year and enjoyed a first for Kaylee gutting the pumpkin. Cienna and Mommy got to go to a gymnastics center for jumpy good time at Bella's birthday party. A visit from Uncle B and Sandra followed including a BBQ and firepit night! We also finally started our Peanut Butter Porter after months of draining the oil influenced by a visit from Uncle Joe and Dana bringing Joe back on the track of beer making with a Summer/Pale. We ended the month with another trip to the zoo and one to the Nature Center with the Geithman's!
Cienna's new dance is the cha cha slide (which had to be purchased from iTunes for a family dance time), she is now reading words that include two letter sound rules. She had another visit to the dentist which strangely wasn't as easy as the first with some anxiety showing through! She continues to ask very logical questions that blows us away! We need to do some serious studying to keep up with her.
Kaylee's vocabulary is exponentially expanding every day....our new favorite word is happy! She had a Dr. apt., outcome that she is as amazing as we already knew. Perfectly small 24lbs. 30.5 inches. She is almost jumping with both feet and loves to try and catch up to her running sister. Although hands come into play she is working hard with her spoon and fork eating everything we throw at her!
Although still a puppy Porter is quite the family dog, giving much wanted kisses at the right times!
Please take a look by clicking the photo below, we've also included pics from last months pumpkin patch!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GQdeyCaFuX3TQLJf9
Cienna's new dance is the cha cha slide (which had to be purchased from iTunes for a family dance time), she is now reading words that include two letter sound rules. She had another visit to the dentist which strangely wasn't as easy as the first with some anxiety showing through! She continues to ask very logical questions that blows us away! We need to do some serious studying to keep up with her.
Kaylee's vocabulary is exponentially expanding every day....our new favorite word is happy! She had a Dr. apt., outcome that she is as amazing as we already knew. Perfectly small 24lbs. 30.5 inches. She is almost jumping with both feet and loves to try and catch up to her running sister. Although hands come into play she is working hard with her spoon and fork eating everything we throw at her!
Although still a puppy Porter is quite the family dog, giving much wanted kisses at the right times!
Please take a look by clicking the photo below, we've also included pics from last months pumpkin patch!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/GQdeyCaFuX3TQLJf9
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 9 Months... Kaylee - 1 Year, 4 Months!
The last month started with a housewarming party at Tola's (Mark's Coworker), then a big weekend trip to San Diego where we were joined by Uncle Joe and Dana for a big day at Sea World! The following week, the McIntosh's made some time to meet us for dinner during their big Disney trip. We got to see Jamaica and Val's (soccer buddies) new home for their house warming as well. We took advantage of the varying weather this month with walks in the rain and trips to the beach and backyard sprinklers for the sun. It was also time for car seat upgrades as Kaylee was outgrowing the infant seat. The whole family took part in Halloween prep by putting out our decorations (the sound sensored dropping spider is the current favorite) and we made the trip to the fabric store leading to Mommy finally starting on the costumes! We ended up with a great trip to the pumpkin patch with the Bakx's and Ferarrio Grandparents.
Cienna has really started to enjoy reading simple words and learning how letters can be put together to make different sounds. She also has been adding and subtracting with her fingers just for fun! Drawing is still one of her favorites and has really improved on figuring out puzzles and mazes. It's pretty remarkable to see her so proud of her accomplishments!
Kaylee is now a master painter (as long as you want it everywhere) and has grasped the concept of crayons (even stays on the paper) but they don't make enough mess so she looses interest faster. She will now choose her own books to look through and ponder for her own enjoyment. We love listening to her practice her sounds and when she learns a new word she pronounces is with authority.. MALK (Milk) Peess (Please)!! The Personality is shining bright!
Porter has become quite a good listener and has now been able to get out more since he has all his shots. He is even learning to stay on the porch when told if we are hanging out in the front.
We are so lucky to look back upon such good times and look forward to next months events!
Enjoy the pictures by clicking the photo below!
Cienna has really started to enjoy reading simple words and learning how letters can be put together to make different sounds. She also has been adding and subtracting with her fingers just for fun! Drawing is still one of her favorites and has really improved on figuring out puzzles and mazes. It's pretty remarkable to see her so proud of her accomplishments!
Kaylee is now a master painter (as long as you want it everywhere) and has grasped the concept of crayons (even stays on the paper) but they don't make enough mess so she looses interest faster. She will now choose her own books to look through and ponder for her own enjoyment. We love listening to her practice her sounds and when she learns a new word she pronounces is with authority.. MALK (Milk) Peess (Please)!! The Personality is shining bright!
Porter has become quite a good listener and has now been able to get out more since he has all his shots. He is even learning to stay on the porch when told if we are hanging out in the front.
We are so lucky to look back upon such good times and look forward to next months events!
Enjoy the pictures by clicking the photo below!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 8 Months... Kaylee - 1 Year, 3 Months!
This month was started by preparing for a road trip. We headed up to SR for a very full long weekend. At the Marty's we got a full day of fun hangin' with Nana, Poppa, The Marty Family, and even Cousin Erik came from Michigan to play! We then all headed out to Nana and Poppa's house for fun in the sun where we were joined by the Payne's and Whalen's! It was great to see everybody again and to meet Charley. We got to stop by and see the amazing progress at the Melita McFarland house! That afternoon mommy went to a beautiful bridal shower to begin celebrating Vera and Toby. While at the shower the girls already continued the party at Grammy's and Grandpa's with a visit from The Natal's (soon to be family of 4) and the "newer" McFarlands (soon to be family of 3). The girls and Porter were fantastic travelers!
Once we were home for the rest of the month we had many outings including the beach, parks, and trips to the Santa Ana Zoo (which we are now proud members). While Daddy flew back up north we went to a Kalina's, and then Janice's Birthday Parties. We ended last month with the first birthday of Haiden Snow including a visit from Uncle Joe!
Cienna decided that Pinatas are a good time and they have helped with her baseball skills as well! She is really starting to throw and catch pretty well. She has gotten even more control and confidence over her movements, attempting and succeeding large climbing rocks and her monkey bars with just a light spot! She still enjoys clothes and fashion and has convinced Daddy to do pony tails in the morning for school (french braids are next). Grandma Judes continues to help with this fun! She loves to draw the whole family, including Porter, along with butterflies and flowers of course.
Kaylee's personality has been a main source of entertainment around here. Her expressions and crazy antics are abundant! You will find her climbing on, over, in, and under anything she finds suitable. Simply walking was just the beginning, now she must challenge herself even as far as making herself dizzy by spinning in circles just to see if she can stay on her feet. Some of the bigger slides at the park are now in her tool belt as well. She now says "plzz" to go along with her "tank u", and is getting more interested in books that have pictures of the words she knows!
Dance parties are still a regular event at our house. The girls (Cienna) are really enjoying that there are more activities that they can do together including playing with Porter who is really been a great addition to the family. The girls now feed Porter together as one of there "chores".
Till next month... Enjoy the Pictures by clicking the Photo below!
Once we were home for the rest of the month we had many outings including the beach, parks, and trips to the Santa Ana Zoo (which we are now proud members). While Daddy flew back up north we went to a Kalina's, and then Janice's Birthday Parties. We ended last month with the first birthday of Haiden Snow including a visit from Uncle Joe!
Cienna decided that Pinatas are a good time and they have helped with her baseball skills as well! She is really starting to throw and catch pretty well. She has gotten even more control and confidence over her movements, attempting and succeeding large climbing rocks and her monkey bars with just a light spot! She still enjoys clothes and fashion and has convinced Daddy to do pony tails in the morning for school (french braids are next). Grandma Judes continues to help with this fun! She loves to draw the whole family, including Porter, along with butterflies and flowers of course.
Kaylee's personality has been a main source of entertainment around here. Her expressions and crazy antics are abundant! You will find her climbing on, over, in, and under anything she finds suitable. Simply walking was just the beginning, now she must challenge herself even as far as making herself dizzy by spinning in circles just to see if she can stay on her feet. Some of the bigger slides at the park are now in her tool belt as well. She now says "plzz" to go along with her "tank u", and is getting more interested in books that have pictures of the words she knows!
Dance parties are still a regular event at our house. The girls (Cienna) are really enjoying that there are more activities that they can do together including playing with Porter who is really been a great addition to the family. The girls now feed Porter together as one of there "chores".
Till next month... Enjoy the Pictures by clicking the Photo below!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 7 Months... Kaylee - 1 Year, 2 Months!
Great times together started at the zoo with the Geithman's. Then headed to San Diego to help Uncle Joe with a very successful electrical lighting upgrade before we headed back home to Isla's Garden Birthday Bash! We got to spend even more time together when we met at Livingson Park. While watering the neighbors lawn as they were away on vacation the girls enjoyed getting soaked in their sprinklers each day before bath time! The next weekend Mommy had a fantastic night away to San Francisco with her girlfriends and was also very happy to get back home to the family! Thanks again to neighbor Mark we were joined by Brandon and Sandra and got to head to our second Angels game! We tried to get fancy with a batch of IPA which we'll see how it turns out next month. Then after all is said and done we lucked out with a new addition to our family. Porter is a 75% Black Lab, 25% Australian Sheppard mix, and is very calm (for a puppy) and smart. Although it happened so fast that we aren't sure exactly how we ended up with a puppy, he is a great compliment to the family so far! He is great with the girls and visa versa!
Cienna was excited to go back to Pre-School for summer session (August) after taking the month of July off. She taught herself how to swing side to side and is working hard on mastering hopscotch. She also had 4 more weeks of swim lessons in and has greatly improved, definitely in comfort and starting to grasp the concept for sure. Her drawings are getting much more detailed and she loves to play games,do puzzles, and she would say she loves princesses, fairies, flowers, and stars... oh yeah and unicorns too.
Kaylee is running now and loves to climb and maneuver herself with any obstacle she finds! She loves to communicate (especially when she gets what she wants) using both her signs and her words including "Thank You" which is adorable. She loves to blow bubbles, I think because she loves to say bubble! She has also finally discovered the fun of the sand box! She did have a rough patch this month which started with Roseola, in the middle of which she got an MMR shot, then an allergic reaction consisting of a rash on her face, neck, and arms from a new sunscreen, in the middle of which she got a bee sting on the tip of her finger! The diagnostic part of the pattern was the worst, except for a few days with the Roseola she was happy Kaylee!
Click on the picture below for some snapshots!
Cienna was excited to go back to Pre-School for summer session (August) after taking the month of July off. She taught herself how to swing side to side and is working hard on mastering hopscotch. She also had 4 more weeks of swim lessons in and has greatly improved, definitely in comfort and starting to grasp the concept for sure. Her drawings are getting much more detailed and she loves to play games,do puzzles, and she would say she loves princesses, fairies, flowers, and stars... oh yeah and unicorns too.
Kaylee is running now and loves to climb and maneuver herself with any obstacle she finds! She loves to communicate (especially when she gets what she wants) using both her signs and her words including "Thank You" which is adorable. She loves to blow bubbles, I think because she loves to say bubble! She has also finally discovered the fun of the sand box! She did have a rough patch this month which started with Roseola, in the middle of which she got an MMR shot, then an allergic reaction consisting of a rash on her face, neck, and arms from a new sunscreen, in the middle of which she got a bee sting on the tip of her finger! The diagnostic part of the pattern was the worst, except for a few days with the Roseola she was happy Kaylee!
Click on the picture below for some snapshots!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 6 Months... Kaylee - 1 Year, 1 Month!
We welcomed a visit with Kai to start the month and then headed for an amazing long weekend camping with great friends to Lake Casitas! The girls couldn't have been better campers, sleeping in the same tent for naps and regular bed times, playing like mad which included a water park day (integrated into the campground), and just enjoying the entire experience! We also headed to Carpenteria one of the days with a trip to Island Brewery and some beach time. We had an always awesome 4th weekend with the neighbors starting on the 3rd with a party hosted by the Douglas's and visits by Joe and Dana! On the fourth we went back for some pool time and Smores! The next weekend Joe and Dana got to come back for Uncle Joe's paddling race which included his first solo!
The peaches were seriously in abundance for a few weeks and we did what we could with margaritas and peach cobbler. Mark has enjoyed his electric griddle for pancakes while camping and some weekend mornings! Plenty of veggies have been eaten from the garden including raw squash carried around by Kaylee for a good hour or so. We've finished laying stone pavers (gravel still to come) in the side yard and got all the moulding and casing finally completed on the house as well!
Cienna really enjoyed her first smores (deluxe with peanut butter and everything!) Both her height and hair has grown an inch or more in the last month! She continues to sound out her words and can write every upper case and many lower case letters in the alphabet! Her concentration is incredible which shows as she enjoys threading her own beads to make bracelets for friends. Now counts beyond 100!
It's amazing to recall how remarkably fast the learning process goes! Kaylee has mastered walking and now gets to explore her new horizon. She loves to listen and really try to understand what we are saying.... although she is too smart sometimes testing for a reaction that she knows isn't quite a good one! Lucky for us she doesn't push too far. She is truly trying to sound out words and is very interested in communication. She is using some of her signs (ones we remember to use) and says understandable words at least to us. Mommy (mamamama), Daddy (dada) , Cienna (snenna), book (boooph), dog (bog), and what does a dog say.. (wooo), shoes (soooz), poop (pooof, poof poof... and will point to her bottom) to name a few. Meal times are a bit easier as she eats all foods doable with fingers by herself and has began to experiment quite well with her spoon. She has taken to the water both at the beach and pool for the first time this month!
I bet you'll enjoy the photos! Click on the picture below:
The peaches were seriously in abundance for a few weeks and we did what we could with margaritas and peach cobbler. Mark has enjoyed his electric griddle for pancakes while camping and some weekend mornings! Plenty of veggies have been eaten from the garden including raw squash carried around by Kaylee for a good hour or so. We've finished laying stone pavers (gravel still to come) in the side yard and got all the moulding and casing finally completed on the house as well!
Cienna really enjoyed her first smores (deluxe with peanut butter and everything!) Both her height and hair has grown an inch or more in the last month! She continues to sound out her words and can write every upper case and many lower case letters in the alphabet! Her concentration is incredible which shows as she enjoys threading her own beads to make bracelets for friends. Now counts beyond 100!
It's amazing to recall how remarkably fast the learning process goes! Kaylee has mastered walking and now gets to explore her new horizon. She loves to listen and really try to understand what we are saying.... although she is too smart sometimes testing for a reaction that she knows isn't quite a good one! Lucky for us she doesn't push too far. She is truly trying to sound out words and is very interested in communication. She is using some of her signs (ones we remember to use) and says understandable words at least to us. Mommy (mamamama), Daddy (dada) , Cienna (snenna), book (boooph), dog (bog), and what does a dog say.. (wooo), shoes (soooz), poop (pooof, poof poof... and will point to her bottom) to name a few. Meal times are a bit easier as she eats all foods doable with fingers by herself and has began to experiment quite well with her spoon. She has taken to the water both at the beach and pool for the first time this month!
I bet you'll enjoy the photos! Click on the picture below:
Monday, June 20, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 5 Months... Kaylee - 1 Year Old!
Daddy took a solo drive for the opportunity to hang out with Poppa, Nana, and the Marty's as well as meet Charley and see her parents. Meanwhile the girls went to a Summer party at the Geithmans and headed to farmville with the Ordonez's. That week we took time to visit our animal friends at the zoo with Kristi, Kai, and Isla. Uncle Joe brought his friend Dana over that weekend and Mommy played a six game soccer tourney on Sunday. We then prepared for (we can't believe it) a first birthday party, which attracted family visitors!
Auntie Carrie stopped by for a night toward the end of her 3000+ mile motorcycle trip around the Western US! Grammy and Grandpa came to play for a while and introduced us to little Bella, better known as "chicken dog!" Many more friends came to celebrate Kaylee turning 1 with some backyard fun. Following a week of being spoiled by Grammy and Grandpa (presents each day for the girls including more beautiful cards and Hawaiian outfits from Grandma Betty, and a gate for Mommy and Daddy) the Natal's showed up! RJ and Megan got some time alone as they headed to Catalina for a night (morning to sleep in). But we got the joy of playing with the amazing little June! The three little girls had such a great time together! We all got to celebrate Father's day and Megan's Birthday with alot of relaxing, Kan Jam, and a spicy rib dinner!
Cienna has proven to be the hula hoop champion of 3 year olds at many of parties this month. She is still loving her swim lessons at the Y and loves to count to 100... and beyond. She has also began to sound out her words as well as write all letters of the alphabet. We've done many crafts in attempts to challenge her. We just can't believe that she is becoming (OK, is) a kid and no longer a toddler.
We couldn't have imagined a more perfect addition to our family when we imagined what a new baby would bring! We wouldn't have thought it possible, but Kaylee has made all of us better. It's unbelievable that the first year has come and gone, yet we did enjoy every minute and try and make the best opportunities for us all. Again we are lucky to have a good listener (although she gives a second try when told something isn't a good idea after an adorable smirk of a smile, but usually not a third).
Crawling is a thing of the past now that walking seems to be the preferred transportation, especially following a weekend trying to keep up with June! She has mastered the sippy cup and now that the water has been replaced with milk, loves it even more! The words and communication are becoming very apparent and she has taken a greater interest in books as well. She even gets to pick the bedtime story at least once a week now!
We are all looking forward to even more summer fun beginning with a camping trip next weekend, details to come next month!
Here's the proof of all that happened!
Click below for more photos:
Auntie Carrie stopped by for a night toward the end of her 3000+ mile motorcycle trip around the Western US! Grammy and Grandpa came to play for a while and introduced us to little Bella, better known as "chicken dog!" Many more friends came to celebrate Kaylee turning 1 with some backyard fun. Following a week of being spoiled by Grammy and Grandpa (presents each day for the girls including more beautiful cards and Hawaiian outfits from Grandma Betty, and a gate for Mommy and Daddy) the Natal's showed up! RJ and Megan got some time alone as they headed to Catalina for a night (morning to sleep in). But we got the joy of playing with the amazing little June! The three little girls had such a great time together! We all got to celebrate Father's day and Megan's Birthday with alot of relaxing, Kan Jam, and a spicy rib dinner!
Cienna has proven to be the hula hoop champion of 3 year olds at many of parties this month. She is still loving her swim lessons at the Y and loves to count to 100... and beyond. She has also began to sound out her words as well as write all letters of the alphabet. We've done many crafts in attempts to challenge her. We just can't believe that she is becoming (OK, is) a kid and no longer a toddler.
We couldn't have imagined a more perfect addition to our family when we imagined what a new baby would bring! We wouldn't have thought it possible, but Kaylee has made all of us better. It's unbelievable that the first year has come and gone, yet we did enjoy every minute and try and make the best opportunities for us all. Again we are lucky to have a good listener (although she gives a second try when told something isn't a good idea after an adorable smirk of a smile, but usually not a third).
Crawling is a thing of the past now that walking seems to be the preferred transportation, especially following a weekend trying to keep up with June! She has mastered the sippy cup and now that the water has been replaced with milk, loves it even more! The words and communication are becoming very apparent and she has taken a greater interest in books as well. She even gets to pick the bedtime story at least once a week now!
We are all looking forward to even more summer fun beginning with a camping trip next weekend, details to come next month!
Here's the proof of all that happened!
Click below for more photos:
Friday, May 20, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 4 Months... Kaylee - 11 Months!
Preparation for the Easter bunny led to a fun filled Easter with a visit from Uncle Joe and the Easter Bunny, a morning egg hunt, fantastic breakfast made by Daddy, showered with love from the neighbors including, a thanks to the Hanafords got amazing tickets to an Anaheim Angels game (Cienna's and Kaylee's first baseball game) .
Daddy got to enjoy his "birthday" brewfest, and got to actually contribute with a keg (good use of an early birthday gift) of our own which was a big hit amongst friends! Daddy got a lemon meringue pie with a joyful "Happy Birthday" and candles at home to celebrate. We continued the birthday/mother's day celebration with BBQ ribs that weekend along with a traditional trip to the hardware store and working on the house for Mother's day.
The girls Spring Break took some altering of work hours and luckily co-insided with a family Graph trip to Southern California. They let us join them in their Legoland festivities which Cienna is still talking about! It was great to be able to make that work! Shannon, Georgia, and Gracie got a chance to come over and play, and we got to hang out with the Geithmans a couple times to ask about their Ireland trip and watch Cienna bowl for the first time!
The garden is continuing to thrive thanks to help from the girls and we are talking about how to preserve all the extras. We started swimming lessons at the local Y which has worked out great!
Cienna had her first dentist visit which couldn't have gone better, after a quite a few discussions and rehersals at home she was a perfect patient for Dr. Worden. When it was her turn she sat right down and opened her mouth as wide as possible until the hygienist said she did great and was all done. The hula hoop was introduced at school and while on a trip for a birthday present for a friend at school we decided they should both get one. Not so much at first, but not before long she was keeping going with her wiggle! Pony tales are finally an option and sometimes opted for, very cute as well. She has really excelled every swim lesson thanks to Daddy's help, and starting next month is signed up to go with just friends and a teacher!
Kaylee has adapted an Elvis dance and a real rhythmn for music. She now has 3 full teeth and looks like she'll be getting 20 (exagerating) more in the near future. This helps when large strawberries need to be eaten! She is turning everything that she can into a "walker" and has taken as many as 8 steps on her own. Now that she is more mobile and loving to open and investigate cuboards etc. we have been able to see how well she understands and listens! She has also amazed us with her helpfullness when asked to put her toys back when we are done with them!
Family is amazing and we are lucky to have such a great support system, we are always thinking of and wishing the best for ours and our friends!
These girls are just so darn cute, take a look!
Daddy got to enjoy his "birthday" brewfest, and got to actually contribute with a keg (good use of an early birthday gift) of our own which was a big hit amongst friends! Daddy got a lemon meringue pie with a joyful "Happy Birthday" and candles at home to celebrate. We continued the birthday/mother's day celebration with BBQ ribs that weekend along with a traditional trip to the hardware store and working on the house for Mother's day.
The girls Spring Break took some altering of work hours and luckily co-insided with a family Graph trip to Southern California. They let us join them in their Legoland festivities which Cienna is still talking about! It was great to be able to make that work! Shannon, Georgia, and Gracie got a chance to come over and play, and we got to hang out with the Geithmans a couple times to ask about their Ireland trip and watch Cienna bowl for the first time!
The garden is continuing to thrive thanks to help from the girls and we are talking about how to preserve all the extras. We started swimming lessons at the local Y which has worked out great!
Cienna had her first dentist visit which couldn't have gone better, after a quite a few discussions and rehersals at home she was a perfect patient for Dr. Worden. When it was her turn she sat right down and opened her mouth as wide as possible until the hygienist said she did great and was all done. The hula hoop was introduced at school and while on a trip for a birthday present for a friend at school we decided they should both get one. Not so much at first, but not before long she was keeping going with her wiggle! Pony tales are finally an option and sometimes opted for, very cute as well. She has really excelled every swim lesson thanks to Daddy's help, and starting next month is signed up to go with just friends and a teacher!
Kaylee has adapted an Elvis dance and a real rhythmn for music. She now has 3 full teeth and looks like she'll be getting 20 (exagerating) more in the near future. This helps when large strawberries need to be eaten! She is turning everything that she can into a "walker" and has taken as many as 8 steps on her own. Now that she is more mobile and loving to open and investigate cuboards etc. we have been able to see how well she understands and listens! She has also amazed us with her helpfullness when asked to put her toys back when we are done with them!
Family is amazing and we are lucky to have such a great support system, we are always thinking of and wishing the best for ours and our friends!
These girls are just so darn cute, take a look!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 3 Months... Kaylee - 10 Months!
The month was off to a good start with Ryan's Birthday at U-Bounce (after some coercing until Cienna was comfortable). Nana and Poppa came to enjoy the rest of the month with us which was quite eventful. Auntie Kimmie celebrated her birthday in Vegas and Mommy had her favorite brownie cake specially made and decorated for hers! Mommy and Cienna got a special play date at a local Library story time and lunch with the Geithmans while Poppa and Nana stayed with Kaylee. Since Kaylee wanted to see them also they came by the next week for a while so we could all play before they headed to their Ireland vacation! Brian, Erin, and Alexa stopped by and had dinner. The girls all had fun playing together.
We fit in some play time at the park and a baby shower for the Shiroma's for Brandon who should be here any day! We got to share our local Farmer's Market with Nana who loved all the delicatessens. Although there were some unfortunate circumstances with Poppa we still enjoyed having them around and were also able to hang out with Uncle Mike for a day! Mommy's office mate and good friend from work decided to move on to a new company, we wish him good luck.
At the end of the month Cienna, Mommy, and Kaylee went to see Darcie at her Regionals gymnastics meet in Anaheim. It was the girls first time watching a meet and they both had a great time! It was nice hanging out with Jason and getting to see Darcie in action! That day, Daddy got to enjoy a VIP event at the Long Beach Grand Prix! Cienna had a doctors appointment. which was smooth sailing especially since we had lots of pretend doctor play time with Dora! She was telling Dr. Sherman what she should check next!
We got a few projects completed including fixing up Nana and Poppa's motor home with a new flat screen! Mark also worked hard and finished Kaylee's letters to put on her wall which turned out beautiful, glitter and all. We took advantage of some good weather and got the garden in tip top shape and finally started some planting! We also made a dent in configuring the garage to fit a perfectly timed donated Refrigerator from the Snow's. The frig will hold Daddy's new keg that he got as an early birthday present from his girls and boys for our home brew!
The greatest event of the month was the birth of Charlotte Marie Payne weighing in at 7lbs 9oz born on April 19th with both parents overjoyed and healthy! We welcome her with hugs and kisses from a far!
Cienna now at 34.5 pounds and 38 inches tall has excelled in reading/sounds this month, actually sounding out words she does not recognize and remembering the ones that she has seen. She also loves to trace letters and has made numerous cards for friends! Most of the cards now include stapled on bracelets since that is a new craft we enjoy together. We still all continue to enjoy the new outfits that she puts together! A great quote while we were at the gymnastics meet was "Mommy they are all wearing shirts that are attached to their underwear!" (Leotards)! Check out the video below for our first attempt at blowing up a balloon!
Now waving, giving high/low fives and kisses (the cute open mouth baby kisses) are her new and safest accomplishments. Kaylee has also mastered climbing up the stairs (which she is only allowed to do when Mommy and Daddy are there), not so much going down although she'd love to just go for it. She is also walking while holding just one hand and cruising like a champ along any item she can find. She is a go and get um type which has earned her first black eye and forehead bump all in the same week! She is luckily following in Cienna's footsteps listening to what we ask of her for the most part (she may try to push buttons a bit). She even helps in the garden without putting dirt or rocks into her mouth too many times.
They both are growing to quickly as might have been stated before but we are truly enjoying our family and are lucky for all that we have. It is great to be able to create these blogs each month although they are lengthy you get to realize time isn't just flying by but we are enjoying each minute!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HHjxuiTQ7REPtCnH9
We fit in some play time at the park and a baby shower for the Shiroma's for Brandon who should be here any day! We got to share our local Farmer's Market with Nana who loved all the delicatessens. Although there were some unfortunate circumstances with Poppa we still enjoyed having them around and were also able to hang out with Uncle Mike for a day! Mommy's office mate and good friend from work decided to move on to a new company, we wish him good luck.
At the end of the month Cienna, Mommy, and Kaylee went to see Darcie at her Regionals gymnastics meet in Anaheim. It was the girls first time watching a meet and they both had a great time! It was nice hanging out with Jason and getting to see Darcie in action! That day, Daddy got to enjoy a VIP event at the Long Beach Grand Prix! Cienna had a doctors appointment. which was smooth sailing especially since we had lots of pretend doctor play time with Dora! She was telling Dr. Sherman what she should check next!
We got a few projects completed including fixing up Nana and Poppa's motor home with a new flat screen! Mark also worked hard and finished Kaylee's letters to put on her wall which turned out beautiful, glitter and all. We took advantage of some good weather and got the garden in tip top shape and finally started some planting! We also made a dent in configuring the garage to fit a perfectly timed donated Refrigerator from the Snow's. The frig will hold Daddy's new keg that he got as an early birthday present from his girls and boys for our home brew!
The greatest event of the month was the birth of Charlotte Marie Payne weighing in at 7lbs 9oz born on April 19th with both parents overjoyed and healthy! We welcome her with hugs and kisses from a far!
Cienna now at 34.5 pounds and 38 inches tall has excelled in reading/sounds this month, actually sounding out words she does not recognize and remembering the ones that she has seen. She also loves to trace letters and has made numerous cards for friends! Most of the cards now include stapled on bracelets since that is a new craft we enjoy together. We still all continue to enjoy the new outfits that she puts together! A great quote while we were at the gymnastics meet was "Mommy they are all wearing shirts that are attached to their underwear!" (Leotards)! Check out the video below for our first attempt at blowing up a balloon!
Now waving, giving high/low fives and kisses (the cute open mouth baby kisses) are her new and safest accomplishments. Kaylee has also mastered climbing up the stairs (which she is only allowed to do when Mommy and Daddy are there), not so much going down although she'd love to just go for it. She is also walking while holding just one hand and cruising like a champ along any item she can find. She is a go and get um type which has earned her first black eye and forehead bump all in the same week! She is luckily following in Cienna's footsteps listening to what we ask of her for the most part (she may try to push buttons a bit). She even helps in the garden without putting dirt or rocks into her mouth too many times.
They both are growing to quickly as might have been stated before but we are truly enjoying our family and are lucky for all that we have. It is great to be able to create these blogs each month although they are lengthy you get to realize time isn't just flying by but we are enjoying each minute!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HHjxuiTQ7REPtCnH9
Friday, March 18, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 2 Months... Kaylee - 9 Months!
Amazing how much you can fit in a month but yet time still seems to go by WAY too fast!
More Birthday Cheer for Kai's 3rd Birthday at the Geithmans, then on to Stone's 4th with another Jumpy! Mommy and Cienna ventured to the Farmer's Market within a mile from the house with tons of local grown and crafts galore. We followed with a PERFECT weekend vacation for the four of us in a small cabin in Wrightwood. A very welcomed vacation for just the family in the perfect snow weather. Snowed just before we got there and then 60's the whole weekend. Thanks to Carter and Logan for the Sled and Kai who lent Cienna his snowboard and boots for the best learning opportunity! We came back and got to celebrate Jake's (new friend from school) 4th Birthday at the park! Soon after we had our first parent/teacher conference! We can say that we are off to a good start! Cienna got rave reviews (of course as we expected)!! Auntie Kimmie watched the girls while we met with Miss DeAnna. Toward the end of the last month Poppa and Nana pulled up in the RV and we got to celebrate St. Patty's day all in green!
Cienna is on her way to snowboarding with Mommy and Daddy, we've also found that she has a lot of friends with birthdays in the beginning of the year! She is really working on her lowercase e's but has mastered the upper case with the goal of writing her name perfectly! She is excelling on sounding out her letters and has started understanding reading with the sounds. Her favorite songs include the 7 Continents, 12 Months, and 7 days of the week which she gets to sing at school each morning and all day long at home!
Kaylee is growing beyond our belief and too fast for any of us to comprehend! She is very vocal and most definitely knows her name and all of us around her. We believe she is directing her mama and dada, and baba for Cienna (at least Cienna likes to think she is Baba since it'll be a while till Cienna actually happens). She pulls to a stand on everything that she can after crawling over to it and has now learned to get back down as well! She also loves the slide that she can crawl up the ladder side all by herself and then get her slide reward on the flip side! We had a doc appt and all is perfect! 16 1/2 pounds and 26 inches "tall".
Cienna is in transition with Kaylee getting "close" to playtime yet still unstable on her feet! There is a lot of "careful" statements but she's 3 and a great listener so we're good to go! They can both make each other laugh at any moment by being loud or silly in any way! Wish I knew this love would last at all times forever! I know it will for our whole family!
Hope all is well and happy Spring!
Check out the pictures and video below:
More Birthday Cheer for Kai's 3rd Birthday at the Geithmans, then on to Stone's 4th with another Jumpy! Mommy and Cienna ventured to the Farmer's Market within a mile from the house with tons of local grown and crafts galore. We followed with a PERFECT weekend vacation for the four of us in a small cabin in Wrightwood. A very welcomed vacation for just the family in the perfect snow weather. Snowed just before we got there and then 60's the whole weekend. Thanks to Carter and Logan for the Sled and Kai who lent Cienna his snowboard and boots for the best learning opportunity! We came back and got to celebrate Jake's (new friend from school) 4th Birthday at the park! Soon after we had our first parent/teacher conference! We can say that we are off to a good start! Cienna got rave reviews (of course as we expected)!! Auntie Kimmie watched the girls while we met with Miss DeAnna. Toward the end of the last month Poppa and Nana pulled up in the RV and we got to celebrate St. Patty's day all in green!
Cienna is on her way to snowboarding with Mommy and Daddy, we've also found that she has a lot of friends with birthdays in the beginning of the year! She is really working on her lowercase e's but has mastered the upper case with the goal of writing her name perfectly! She is excelling on sounding out her letters and has started understanding reading with the sounds. Her favorite songs include the 7 Continents, 12 Months, and 7 days of the week which she gets to sing at school each morning and all day long at home!
Kaylee is growing beyond our belief and too fast for any of us to comprehend! She is very vocal and most definitely knows her name and all of us around her. We believe she is directing her mama and dada, and baba for Cienna (at least Cienna likes to think she is Baba since it'll be a while till Cienna actually happens). She pulls to a stand on everything that she can after crawling over to it and has now learned to get back down as well! She also loves the slide that she can crawl up the ladder side all by herself and then get her slide reward on the flip side! We had a doc appt and all is perfect! 16 1/2 pounds and 26 inches "tall".
Cienna is in transition with Kaylee getting "close" to playtime yet still unstable on her feet! There is a lot of "careful" statements but she's 3 and a great listener so we're good to go! They can both make each other laugh at any moment by being loud or silly in any way! Wish I knew this love would last at all times forever! I know it will for our whole family!
Hope all is well and happy Spring!
Check out the pictures and video below:
Friday, February 18, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years, 1 Month... Kaylee - 8 Months!
Never quite realized how many people were born in the beginning of the year! We had so much fun with Birthdays and have even more over the next couple of weekends. Of course one of these includes our very own Cienna!!
Cienna was as excited and thankful as a 3 year old could possibly be! She had such a great time with, and felt the love of, all of her friends and family for her 3rd Birthday. She ran her own party... when we should eat, do cake, and open presents, it was all on her timeline. Also suggested by Cienna, there was a princess castle cake and a Dora jumpy. She was the perfect host!
The following weekend we headed to Newport Beach for Jocelyn's 1st birthday. They went all out with the "must have" jumpy and also a real live Elmo! During the next week, we got to spend time with the Geithmans and see how big Isla is getting.
The next weekend we all had a great time at a wine tasting birthday for Kristin (no wine for the kids of course... but plenty of fun). We followed with hosting a perfectly small Super Bowl party which was a hit like always thanks to our friends, good food and drinks.
Then we headed out to the Ordonez's to a double birthday for Georgia's 3rd and Gracie's 1st Birthday party! The day was filled with run away chickens, bunnies, goats, sheep, 4 wheelers, fantastic food and friends, of course the "must have" jumpy, and a water balloon toss to boot!
As mentioned Cienna had such a great birthday and thanks again to all of you sharing! She really got a lot of practice with, and has gotten quite good at, writing her own name with signing her thank you cards and filling out her valentines cards for pre-school! She has began to excel at sounding out her letters and has been recognizing them / pointing them out all over the place (clouds, bushes, etc.). We still get plenty of dance recitals all the time with the new moves shown each Monday after dance class. She has also begun music class at pre-school every other week alternating with Yoga class. Each time we look at her in disbelief that she is now a kid and no longer a baby!
Kaylee continues to melt our hearts with her growing personality. She is now VERY mobile and even pulling to a stand. The crib had to most definitely drop down a notch, probably a little later than it should since we watched her in the monitor just about to get to her feet as soon as we ran up there! She now has the two full blown bottom teeth which has helped guide her into finger foods. She took all to quickly to the pincer grab when food was the object! She is quick and likes to go after and reach anything that is around, especially if she hasn't gotten the chance to hold it before. This is why she has adapted many nick names such as Miss Velcro.
Some how we have also managed to finish our 9 interior door jam/casings (install, filling, sanding, painting). On to window casing, and someday floor moulding. We are all looking forward to a first "immediate family" vacation to the Southern California snow in a couple of weeks!
Stay tuned for next month and enjoy the pictures for now.
Cienna was as excited and thankful as a 3 year old could possibly be! She had such a great time with, and felt the love of, all of her friends and family for her 3rd Birthday. She ran her own party... when we should eat, do cake, and open presents, it was all on her timeline. Also suggested by Cienna, there was a princess castle cake and a Dora jumpy. She was the perfect host!
The following weekend we headed to Newport Beach for Jocelyn's 1st birthday. They went all out with the "must have" jumpy and also a real live Elmo! During the next week, we got to spend time with the Geithmans and see how big Isla is getting.
The next weekend we all had a great time at a wine tasting birthday for Kristin (no wine for the kids of course... but plenty of fun). We followed with hosting a perfectly small Super Bowl party which was a hit like always thanks to our friends, good food and drinks.
Then we headed out to the Ordonez's to a double birthday for Georgia's 3rd and Gracie's 1st Birthday party! The day was filled with run away chickens, bunnies, goats, sheep, 4 wheelers, fantastic food and friends, of course the "must have" jumpy, and a water balloon toss to boot!
As mentioned Cienna had such a great birthday and thanks again to all of you sharing! She really got a lot of practice with, and has gotten quite good at, writing her own name with signing her thank you cards and filling out her valentines cards for pre-school! She has began to excel at sounding out her letters and has been recognizing them / pointing them out all over the place (clouds, bushes, etc.). We still get plenty of dance recitals all the time with the new moves shown each Monday after dance class. She has also begun music class at pre-school every other week alternating with Yoga class. Each time we look at her in disbelief that she is now a kid and no longer a baby!
Kaylee continues to melt our hearts with her growing personality. She is now VERY mobile and even pulling to a stand. The crib had to most definitely drop down a notch, probably a little later than it should since we watched her in the monitor just about to get to her feet as soon as we ran up there! She now has the two full blown bottom teeth which has helped guide her into finger foods. She took all to quickly to the pincer grab when food was the object! She is quick and likes to go after and reach anything that is around, especially if she hasn't gotten the chance to hold it before. This is why she has adapted many nick names such as Miss Velcro.
Some how we have also managed to finish our 9 interior door jam/casings (install, filling, sanding, painting). On to window casing, and someday floor moulding. We are all looking forward to a first "immediate family" vacation to the Southern California snow in a couple of weeks!
Stay tuned for next month and enjoy the pictures for now.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/HcR8YMmTtrMNEGp89
For those interested in pictures from a "new perspective," Cienna has now begun her own album with her very own camera.
For those interested in pictures from a "new perspective," Cienna has now begun her own album with her very own camera.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Cienna - 3 Years... Kaylee - 7 Months!
We love the adventure that the holidays bring! We had 5 or more Christmas's in one fun filled road trip to Northern California. We can start by saying how grateful we are to have a wonderful traveling team! The four of us headed off a week before Christmas day and, even though we had one the longest trip up North that we have ever had, everybody stayed happy the whole way.
Our first stop was Kenwood where we had our first Christmas of the trip. The Marty's and Kyle's joined Nana, Pappa, and us. After a couple of days of relaxing and good times, we headed to SR to stay at Grandpa and Grammy's house which is always filled with music! While in SR we went to Auntie Carrie's house to go to see her rocket bike. Then we made some time to visit Grandma Judes and thank her for all the wonderful clothes that she sends. We also had a "band back together" night at the Payne's, which included our second Christmas.
On Christmas Eve Cienna set out some cookies and milk for Santa in front of Grammy and Grandpa's chimney. It was quite adorable to see her reaction in the morning of a bite taken out of the cookie and checking to see if there were footprints in the chimney. After Christmas morning at the McFarlands we headed out to Martinez to meet up with more family including Uncle Sean and Auntie Jamie along with the Erker family for an awesome brunch hosted by the Natal's for the fourth Christmas! That evening we make the uneventful trek back home.
Upon our return we were bombarded with more gifts from the Snow's for yet another Christmas gathering. Mommy still had another week off so we took a trip to the Pretend City and another to the Santa Ana zoo with many good friends! We also got the chance to meet up with Vera at the Getty Museum. It was great to see her and also finally get a chance to visit the Getty.
Then came the new year which we celebrated with neighbors at the Snow's. Lastly we had a great surprise visit from Hammer and her family, one of Mommy's college buddies that we haven't seen in about 10 years. We've also managed to get a few things done on the house, but still have about 90% of our moulding still sitting on the floor.... it was a busy month.
Cienna has been growing like a weed and can't believe that she turns 3! She is such a big kid now, getting up all by herself when the clock turns the right time. Then getting dressed and coming down stairs all on her own. She has loved playing dress up and of course can't get enough of ALL her new presents. She still loves dance, reading, singing, and just being silly! Her vocabulary is like talking to an 8 year old and although she may try to see how far she can get with some things she is easily reasoned with and just wants to be happy anyway.
Kaylee has also been expanding her vocabulary "sounds" quite a bit and exercising it even more. She is interested in everything and what they mean to all of her senses. She really likes the taste of books. On that note she has a large variety of food under her belt and hasn't turned anything down. Not quite getting the sippy cup yet, but does like to try. She figures since she is such a big eater now it was time to get her starter 2 teeth! Sitting up has now been mastered and crawling has begun!
So much family equals so much fun! Enjoy the pictures.
Our first stop was Kenwood where we had our first Christmas of the trip. The Marty's and Kyle's joined Nana, Pappa, and us. After a couple of days of relaxing and good times, we headed to SR to stay at Grandpa and Grammy's house which is always filled with music! While in SR we went to Auntie Carrie's house to go to see her rocket bike. Then we made some time to visit Grandma Judes and thank her for all the wonderful clothes that she sends. We also had a "band back together" night at the Payne's, which included our second Christmas.
On Christmas Eve Cienna set out some cookies and milk for Santa in front of Grammy and Grandpa's chimney. It was quite adorable to see her reaction in the morning of a bite taken out of the cookie and checking to see if there were footprints in the chimney. After Christmas morning at the McFarlands we headed out to Martinez to meet up with more family including Uncle Sean and Auntie Jamie along with the Erker family for an awesome brunch hosted by the Natal's for the fourth Christmas! That evening we make the uneventful trek back home.
Upon our return we were bombarded with more gifts from the Snow's for yet another Christmas gathering. Mommy still had another week off so we took a trip to the Pretend City and another to the Santa Ana zoo with many good friends! We also got the chance to meet up with Vera at the Getty Museum. It was great to see her and also finally get a chance to visit the Getty.
Then came the new year which we celebrated with neighbors at the Snow's. Lastly we had a great surprise visit from Hammer and her family, one of Mommy's college buddies that we haven't seen in about 10 years. We've also managed to get a few things done on the house, but still have about 90% of our moulding still sitting on the floor.... it was a busy month.
Cienna has been growing like a weed and can't believe that she turns 3! She is such a big kid now, getting up all by herself when the clock turns the right time. Then getting dressed and coming down stairs all on her own. She has loved playing dress up and of course can't get enough of ALL her new presents. She still loves dance, reading, singing, and just being silly! Her vocabulary is like talking to an 8 year old and although she may try to see how far she can get with some things she is easily reasoned with and just wants to be happy anyway.
Kaylee has also been expanding her vocabulary "sounds" quite a bit and exercising it even more. She is interested in everything and what they mean to all of her senses. She really likes the taste of books. On that note she has a large variety of food under her belt and hasn't turned anything down. Not quite getting the sippy cup yet, but does like to try. She figures since she is such a big eater now it was time to get her starter 2 teeth! Sitting up has now been mastered and crawling has begun!
So much family equals so much fun! Enjoy the pictures.
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