Greyson Steel....8 months

Greyson, you are now nearly 8 months old!!  Time sure flies when you are having fun.  With Eva and Jaden I kept a journal of what they were doing at each month their first year...but with you that is one little tradition that I have not kept.  3 kiddos keep me hopping and I decided that was one thing I could let go.  That being said, one thing you HAVE had that your siblings did not is this blog (another reason I was able to let the other tradition go).  I started this blog when Jaden was 1 year old so his infancy (and Eva's) were not recorded on it....your is.  Here are just a few things you are doing - and we are sure enjoying - at this stage of your little life...

You have been rolling over (both ways) for quite awhile now.  While you may not be crawling yet, you sure are mobile!!!  I can't leave you alone in a room or you just keep rolling until something stops you!

On that note, I had you laying on the floor between the kitchen and living room one morning.  I turned my back for an instant to do something (probably make your bottle) and when I turned around you were on the OTHER side of the living room.  Knowing full well that you can't move quite THAT fast I asked Eva and Jaden how you got over there.  Without batting an eye Eva said, "I dragged him over there by his feet.  He loved it!!"   I laughed...and then informed her that even though that is pretty darn funny it probably wasn't the best choice (but you DID love it).  Ha!

Along with rolling you are also able to lay flat on your back and scoot with your legs.  Needless to say, pretty darn funny!

You wake up SO happy all the time.  Always smiling and "talking".  When you see Daddy or myself walk into the room to pick you up out of your crib you start kicking your legs really fast. 

You love food!  The only thing I've tried giving you that you haven't liked is avocado.  Other than that you seem to love all the veggies and grains you have tried.  You still have awhile until we start you on meats.

I love to dress you.  Whoever said boys aren't as fun to dress is crazy.  You have some absolutely adorable clothing....and I may have a slight addiction to buying it for you.  Since you are probably my last little one I just can't resist.

I love your spontaneous giggles.  Sometimes something will catch your eye and you'll start belly laughing...but it takes me awhile to figure out what you are looking at.  For example, yesterday in the car you were CRACKING UP.  After awhile we realized that you thought it was funny that Eva was flipping her hair when she was trying to get it out of her eyes. 

You are pretty partial to your mama...and that's ok.  Your brother and sister went through the same phase. 

Daddy and I have officially started saving for your college fund.  I look at you now and that just seems crazy....but I know that time passes quickly and before we know it those days will be upon us. 

You take a morning nap, an afternoon nap, and an evening "cat nap".  Around 6:00 at night you always get a little fussy and after a 10-15 minute nap you are much better.  I think it's adorable.  During your other naps I always have you sleep in your crib....but during your cat nap I love to just hold you and snuggle you.

Greyson Steel, you are SUCH a good baby.  So easy-going and always smiling.  Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know!!  

Dear Santa....

Santa....I promise I can explain.

Summer Catch-Up!

Time for another summer catch-up post!!  Enjoy another time in our lives that I was simply too busy enjoying the moment to blog....

This summer our family traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to support my brother-in-law, Jeff, on quite an extraordinary journey.  You see, this brother-in-law of mine decided to compete in an Ironman Triathlon. For those of you that don't know what that is let me put it to you in simple terms:

IT'S PURE CRAZINESS.

Yep, that pretty much sums it up.  Our family woke up early in the morning, got dressed in our matching "TEAM CRIPE" t-shirts (Greyson even had one!) and headed out to spend the day supporting Jeff as he did the (in my mind) impossible:

Swim 2.4 miles

Bike 112 miles

Run 26.2 miles

Yes, you read that correctly....after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112 miles he actually ran a marathon. 

To say it was insane is an understatement, but it was also one of the coolest things I've ever witnessed.  I think everyone that was there would agree.  To see someone set their mind to something and push through the pain, sweat, and tears was awe-inspiring.  People would finish this race and literally collapse.  It was unreal.  Here are a few more pics from our weekend:

The day before the Ironman our family visited the Louisville Slugger museum.  Very cool.

The start of it all.  We sat on a balcony and watched as the swimmers made their way up the Ohio River (you can see some of them way out in the distance).  It was early (the sun is just coming up) and the crowd was small....that wasn't the case later.

Two of Uncle "Tripe's" biggest supporters...

Finished...and still lookin' good.

Want to hear something crazy....he's doing it again next year. 

GO CRIPE!!!

Native American Day

Native American Day.....and he couldn't contain his excitement.  He's our little guy with a big imagination.  When his teacher said the students could dress up he was ALL OVER IT.  We sat together and looked up Native American symbols for his shirt and he drew them on by himself.  He had to try on his Uggs to make sure they were quiet when he walked.  He explained that Native Americans didn't make any noise when they walked.  His headband he wanted simple...when I suggested some Native American symbols be drawn on that too he responded, "No Mommy, I just want a cross on it".

Love his little heart.

Love his enthusiasm for his special day.

Love him.

My Favorite Picture from Sanibel...

Yep....that pretty much sums it up.

Sanibel Vacation Pictures

Wow!  I planned on posting this the day after my last post about why I love Sanibel!  So sorry it took so long - we've been a bit busy!  These pics have not been edited at all (didn't have time) - just straight out of the ol' camera!  Ha!  Enjoy some pictures of our little family on our special little island...

Greyson's first trip on and airplane AND to the beach....big week for our littlest man!

This is usually how we chilled on the beach!  Greyson is in his little "tiki hut" to protect him from the sun.  Our condo is right behind us...

Football on the beach is a favorite pastime!   The kiddos vs. Daddy...

The kiddos vs. Mommy (I have some stellar moves...like lightning)!  Ha!

Always fun to bury Mommy in the sand!

2 of my cutie patooties!

Greyson wasn't a huge fan of the ocean...but we dipped his feet a few times!

Sunset walks on the beach are always a family favorite!

What's better than a SUNSET walk?!!  A SUNRISE WALK!!!  Honestly, one of my favorite parts EVER about being on the beach!!!  Love finding treasures with my little munchkins!

We spend a lot of time doing this....(just chillin')!

One of Eva and Jaden's favorite activities...boogie boarding!

Biking Sanibel is always a favorite (see my two little people following behind their crazy Mama?)!!

Ate dinner and then walked down to the beach to watch the sunset together...

This little girl works on workbooks ALL. THE. TIME.  Cracks me up!

Learning to skip shells!

Hanging out at the pool with the little guy...

I took this through the screen on our lanai...this was the view as we left our condo to head to the airport.  Goodbye Sanibel...we love you!

Sanibel 2012

Ahhhh....Sanibel.  How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways....

Our family has just returned from our 2nd vacation to Sanibel Island and it's safe to say we have completely fallen in love with this little piece of Heaven.  I know some of you are anxious to see pics from our vacation, and I'll get to those asap....but first I want to share just what makes this little island so special to us...

1.  You don't feel like you are in the United States.  Seriously.  You cross that bridge from the mainland and all of a sudden you kind of feel like you're much further away from home than you are.  Matt and I have both commented on this numerous times.

2.  Bike Paths....EVERYWHERE!  Our family loves to bike together and Sanibel has bike paths around the whole island!  We can bike to breakfast...bike to lunch...bike to dinner...bike to go shopping...bike for ice cream...you catch my drift.

Our little bikers!

3.  Deserted Beaches.  Yes, I know that some people like the hustle and bustle of a busy beach....but we don't.  I'm perfectly content if we are the only ones as far as the eye can see.  Sanibel provides us with a very sparsely populated beach.  Not many people.  No music.  No large hotels in the background.  Just us...sand...and the ocean.  Perfect.

Matt and Greyson at sunset.

4.  Do you like large chain restaurants?  If you do, then Sanibel isn't for you.  There is ONE chain restaurant on the whole island...Dairy Queen.  There are soooo many yummy little island restaurants scattered all over that we have trouble choosing which ones we want to go to!  We have two favorites...Island Cow and Pinocchio's!  

Gotta love eating outside!!

5.  Sea Life.  Sanibel has AMAZING sea life.  The majority of the island is protected so the little critters on this island are amazing!  We loooove to go walk down to the ocean before the sun comes up to find all the treasures left the night before!  This year we found a lot of conch shells with the mussels still in them rooting back down into the sand, a few decent size sting rays, large hermit crabs, dolphins, and much more!!  Such fun for the kids to learn and explore!

6.  No stoplights or street lights on the whole island.  Want to wander the island at night?  Better take a flashlight!

7.  Sunrises AND sunsets on the ocean!!!  Very few places in the U.S. allow you to watch the sunrise over the ocean....and sunset over the ocean.

Honestly, I could go on and on.  We simply love that little island so much!!  More pics to come soon!!  Have a great day!

October Randomness...

Holy smokes it's already October!!  Here are a few things running through my mind on this Saturday morning...

1.  I love Halloween....looooooooove it.  I love decorating my house for it and the kiddos get even more excited than I do.  Such an easy way to bring smile to their little faces (and mine too)!!!  We've also already got their halloween costumes ready to roll and we are beyond excited!!

2.  Greyson is rolling over and sleeps on his tummy now.  Tooooo cute.

3.  I hate election time.  Seriously, it's just a bunch of mud-slinging and name calling.  Grow up.  My 5 year old knows better than that.

4.  We are planning a family vacation.  I am hyper-organized when it comes to packing....probably because I pack for FOUR people (Matt can pack himself).  I literally have a notebook that I keep track of everything in, from clothing that is to be packed to what we are wearing on the plane.  Matt laughs at my anal-organizing, but we RARELY (if ever) go on vacation and forget anything.  That being said, I find it humorous that the smallest member of our family requires the most "gear".  Eye-yi-yi!!!  Ha!  

5.  The kids and I are already planning our annual trip to the pumpkin patch.  Looooooove this tradition with our family!!!

6.  Yesterday I sat outside in 30ish degree weather for nearly 3 hours to watch Eva and Jaden play soccer.  Insane.  Explain to me again why we live where we do?!!!??!!!  Ha!  (I'm NOT a cold weather fan).

7.  As much as I don't love cold weather, I DO love fall cooking!!!  Mmmmm....soups, comfort food, and pumpkin molasses cookies - I've already tackled it all.  Love it!

8.  Eva's room is undergoing a COMPLETE makeover.  She is so excited about it!!  I'll post pics when it's all complete.

9.  We are going to have family pictures taken while we are on vacation.  In other words, I'll actually be IN the pictures.  Pure craziness I tell ya!!  Ha!

That's it for now my friends....happy Saturday!

XOXO....

jamie 

Jaden' FIRST Fieldtrip!

Jaden is experiencing his share of "firsts" this year since he started school!  This week he had a BIG "first"...his first fieldtrip!  He was soooo excited (we anxiously counted down the "sleeps" until the big day arrived)!  Here are a few pics from his special day...

Jaden's school does not have traditional bus service, but they do have buses for special events like fieldtrips.  Sooo, this was another FIRST for him!  He got to ride a school bus (by himself...he has been on one with me and his sister before) to the firestation.  He was so excited!!  Greyson and I met him at the firestation and we were sooooo excited when Jaden's bus pulled in!

Once we were at the firestation the firemen showed the kiddos a video and talked to them about fire safety.  Afterwards they took them into the part of the building where they keep all of the firetrucks.  SO exciting!

 

One fireman put on all of his gear (including his face mask and oxygen tank) and showed the children how he would look and sound different if he were ever to go into their house to rescue them.  He then got down on the floor and let the children touch him and talk to him so they knew it was still the same person under all of that equipment.  I LOVE this part of a firestation visit - it's SO important.  I've even taken my kiddos to the firestation on my own and asked a fireman to do the same thing (which they will gladly do).  I never want them to be afraid of a fireman.

 

The cutest little Pre-K kiddo I know....

 

The children ended the field trip by singing a song they had learned to the firemen and taking pictures next to the firetruck.  Seriously adorable. 

 

 

Did I mention this little ham joined us on our special day??...

 

I love spending days like this with my children.  Such simple joys and memories that are made for a lifetime (for all of us)!  We ended the day with a special lunch of Jaden's choice...

 

"The world is as many times new as there are children in our lives."

--Robert Brault

Summer Catch-Up: Let's make it BIG!

We had a lot of fun this summer, but it WAS a little different since we had a newborn in tow.  Matt and I decided we wanted to do something for Eva and Jaden that would always stand out to them as a highlight of the summer (besides the fact they got a new brother this summer - ha!).  Soooo we surprised them by renting a HUGE waterside for our backyard for a day.....as in 26-FEET-TALL huge!

Their expressions?  Priceless.

Their day?  Unforgettable.

Anxiety. I'm no pro, but this is how we deal.

This was a post I was never going to write.

Never.

Simply put, it was something that our family was dealing with that I didn't think needed to be put on this blog.  I write a lot on this blog because - ultimately - it's my journal.  This was an issue that was personal enough I didn't feel like I needed to write about it...I didn't think others needed to read it.

However, the more I talk about this issue (among friends and other social circles) the more I realize that a LOT of other parents are dealing with this with their children.  Quite honestly, the more I talked to others the more I realized their stories helped me learn how to help MY child!  So today I am sharing...

What am I talking about?

Anxiety.

Yep, our sweet little Eva has been dealing with anxiety for about a year now.  She gets herself so worried about certain situations that she literally makes herself physically sick.

It's heartbreaking as a parent because you want to do everything you can to help your child...but you feel somewhat helpless.

I am not going to go into a TON of detail about Eva's anxiety (I have found through talking to other parents that anxiety manifests itself in many different ways for different children....but strategies to deal with that anxiety can be universal).

I will preface this by saying I am NO professional when it comes to this, I have learned from reading what I can find on this, talking to other parents, as well as trial and error.  Here is what works for us...

1.  Find the "triggers" for the anxiety.  For us personally this was a LONG road.  I'm not sure Eva even knew exactly what triggered her anxiety.  We spent a LOT of time trying to figure this one out (and in some areas we are still working on it)...but patience and persistence has paid off.

2.  Get a support crew in place.  I work closely with Eva's teacher, the school guidance counselor, and another support member at Eva's school.  When I say closely, I mean that at one time we were all emailing each other daily to report on how Eva was at home and how she was at school.  This actually helped in finding some of the "triggers".  Eva was also aware that we were all talking, and for her this gave her a sense of peace.  

3.  Give your child the tools needed to combat the anxiety.  Eva and I talk A LOT about how to handle her anxiety.  We have read books and done activities to help her learn how to deal with it.  Yesterday we had a MAJOR breakthrough.  Eva was in a situation that would normally cause her extreme anxiety.  She said she could feel her tummy start to hurt and her eyes well up with tears.  She said she raised her hand to go to the nurses office......but then PUT HER HAND DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO CALM HERSELF DOWN.  She did it.  On her own.  I was soooooo proud of her.

4.  Take baby steps.  If your child was afraid of the dark you wouldn't send them into a pitch black room and tell them to deal with it!  Nooooo!  You would let them leave the light on for a little bit, then you would give them a nightlight when the lights eventually did go out.  You must try to deal with anxiety the same way.  Take baby steps...and celebrate each one!

5.  Do NOT play into the anxiety.  I make sure I never say, "Oh poor Eva....that has to be sooo hard.  You poooor thing!!"  I'll be honest, this was a hard one for me to accept (you DO feel bad for your child), but accepting it has helped.  We have learned to deal with her anxiety WITHOUT drama.  I have learned that if I GET dramatic about it, it's only going to get worse.  When anxiety flares up it's ugly head I stay calm, we look at the facts, and think about how best to deal with the situation.  Leave the drama out of it (on a side note, I really think this helps her learn to stay calm too and look at things logically).

4.  If needed, get outside help.  For us personally, we have contacted an outside counselor but have yet to set up an appointment.  Simply put, I have done my research...the counselor is in place...she is there if we feel we should need her.  As a parent you DON'T always know the best way to help your child.  Don't be afraid to turn to someone that is a professional for help.

5.  Pray.  As many of your know, I believe 110% in the power of prayer.  For a long time I have prayed   for Eva and her anxiety, but it was actually by talking to someone that my prayers completely changed (SEE...this is why I am writing this....we can ALL learn from each other)!!  I was randomly talking to one of my former students one day.  I had her as a fourth grader, but she is now in college.  She dealt with anxiety for a long time and ended up seeing a therapist for it.  When I asked her if seeing the therapist helped (she no longer deals with anxiety) her response was this...."I'll be honest, I prayed and prayed that God would not just help me get THROUGH my anxiety...I prayed that He would completely HEAL me from my anxiety. I don't want to give any credit to the therapist for something I truly feel GOD did."  Wow.  That REALLY made an impact on me and the wording of my prayers completely changed from that moment on.  On top of that, I am recently part of a group of mothers that get together once a week simply to pray for our children.  Knowing that a specific group of ladies (as well as others) are praying for Eva EVERY DAY is amazing.   On this same note, I frequently use a window marker to write Bible versus on my kiddos bathroom mirror.  I try to make the passage pertinent to something going on in their lives.  Recently I decided to write a song lyric on there instead. It's a song we listen to in the car by Lincoln Brewster called "Today is the Day".  Anyway, the chorus of this song says, "I WON'T WORRY about tomorrow, I'm giving You my FEARS and sorrow, where You lead me I will follow - I'm trusting in what you say - TODAY IS THE DAY!!!"  The cool thing is that I see Eva singing it in the mornings...and smiling.  It's something small, but sometimes those small things make a big impact. 

Soooo....there you have it.  Keeping in mind that I am not a pro, this is what - at this point - is working for us.  Bottom line is that we just love these little kiddos more than life itself and we will literally do everything in our power to help them.  My hope is that if someone out there is dealing with anxiety with their little ones, maybe this will help.

XOXO....

Jamie

4 Months Old...

Greyson Steel....you are already 4 months old.  Where does time go?!  Here are a few things I want to remember at this stage of your life...

You are SUCH a happy baby.  People comment frequently on how easily you smile.  I love how your eyes smile right along with you....

 



 

That being said, you DO occasionally have a fussy period.  Usually this happens in the evenings.  When you get super fussy there is not too much we can do that will console you.  You just simply need to cry and that's OK.  This summer we would walk you outside (you LOVE to be outside) and that would help, but now that the evenings are getting a little cooler it's not quite as easy.  Regardless, this does not happen that often.

 

You started to love your baths - it sure took awhile!  I was still bathing you in the bathroom sink at nearly 3 months because you weren't so sure about your baby bathtub.  Now you enjoy it.

 

You have quite a little following of neighbor kiddos that adore you.  Sometimes I giggle because I'll walk into a room and there will be about 6 children huddled around you talking to you (Mommy won't let them touch you - too many germs!).  You are always smiling at them - you love the attention!  I think you'll be well taken care of when you go to school and they are all looking out for you!

 

 

You love to snuggle.  You are my little snuggle bug!

 

Your brother and sister take amazing care of you.  They give you your binki, wipe up spit-up, let me know when you need a diaper change (they haven't tackled that task on their own yet), and occasionally will just hold you and cuddle you.  I've also noticed that when other children are present they become just a teeny bit possessive of you....and I think it's too cute.

 

On Tuesdays and Thursdays it's just you and me kiddo!  Eva and Jaden are both at school so you and I spend a lot of quality time together.  I love it when we have NOTHING on the agenda - we just snuggle and play!  I am soooo very thankful I have this one on one time with you because both your brother and sister got my undivided attention at one time in their lives too (Eva when she was born/little, Jaden after Eva started school, and now you have time too)! 

 

You are a CHUNK!  You are already in 9-12 month clothing!!  The other night we were at Jaden's school and a woman asked me how old you are.  When I told her she said, "Oh my!  He's a chunk!"  Ha!  I love your little baby rolls and find myself kissin' on them alllllll the time!

 

You are an amazing sleeper!  You now sleep COMPLETELY through the night - not even waking for your pacifier. 

 

You love TV.  This makes me laugh because I don't like you to watch it, but if it's on it will quickly catch your attention!  I know it's just the colors and movement that attracts you but I find myself quickly occupying your attention with something else!  Ha!

 

 

Simply put, you are an amazing little guy Greyson and you have brought us so much love and happiness!!  Love you little guy!

One of my favorite things to do...

I love to occasionally have something special as an afternoon snack for my little munchkins when they get home.  I love the smile on their faces when they walk in the door and the smell of fresh baked goodies is in the air.  It is just a very simple way to let them know that I was thinking about them while they were away....

 

Mmmmm.....blueberry muffins for my loves!
 

"Each day comes bearing it's own gifts.  Untie the ribbons."

--Ruth Ann Schabacker

 

PS.  Two posts today!!  Read on my friends!

Summer Catch Up: Matt and Eva's Triathlon

I promised I'd get caught up in my summer blogging, so this post is the start of just that!  This summer Matt and Eva both participated in their first triathlon!!  I was so proud of both of them - they did a GREAT job!!!  Enjoy some pics....

 

 

This is Matt after he had finished the swimming portion of his triathlon and was starting the biking portion...

 

That face is full of determination!!  He was surprised to find that the biking portion was the hardest for him (he expected the swimming to be his hardest)...

 

This was Matt right after he finished running....he got 6th in his age group for the entire triathlon!!  Go Matt!!!

 

Matt and Jaden waiting for Eva's race to start....

Our little girl...ready to ROCK IT!

Swimmers on your mark...get set...GO!  Eva's wearing a blue swim cap (kinda hard to see her).

 

She's out of the water and running to her transition area to start the biking portion of her Triathlon...

 

And she's off....

 

Done with the biking portion...and she's taking to streets on foot!!  Go Eva GO!!!

 

This part of Eva's race was my favorite.  She came around the corner and saw the finish line...and saw a boy in front of her.  I could see it in her eyes...she wanted TO BEAT that boy!!!  She took off like a woman on a mission....and she beat the boy!  As soon as she was done she came running up to me.  I hugged her and said, "AWESOME JOB PEANUT!!!!"  Her response?  She smiled and said, "Do you see that boy over there?  I beat him."

 

That's my girl...

 

Then there is this little cutie patootie!!  He seemed quite confused all morning.  I felt like he was saying, "Ummm...this is NOT our normal morning routine!!!"  He was a good boy!!

 

It was a super fun morning and we are already looking forward to next year!!!  Who knows, maybe we'll be a family of triathletes!!

 

"You learn to do your best even when it's hard, even when you are tired and may be hurting a little bit.  It feels good to show some courage."

--Joe Namath