THREE BABIES G

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Spring?!?

On Saturday the sun was shining and we decided to go for a family walk/run/park visit/Starbucks treat. It was a beautiful morning, but it was COLD. The kids were happy as can be and didn't complain once. We have gotten a lot of use out of Abi's snuggly Northface outfit. It looked like a nice spring day, but it's clearly March in Seattle...windy and cold. About 2 minutes after we got everyone inside, it started pouring. Gotta love Seattle in the winter. I am ready for some real spring!

Andy in a Hat

Andy loves "Cat in a Hat" and all Dr. Suess books. He was really excited that he made his OWN hat at preschool in honor of Dr. Suess' birthday. He especially was proud of his one straight stripe in the middle. I called him "Andy in a hat", but since he's so literal, he was not thrilled with the nickname and kept clarifying that it's Cat in a Hat NOT Andy in a Hat. Oh Andy man.

Big Brother

Many people ask how Andy and Katie are with baby Abi. They have been really good siblings and whenever they walk into a room and she's not in my arms they ask, "where's baby Abi?" "Can I give her a kiss?" or they talk to her in a high pitched voice. My favorite times are when Andy talks to Abi about what to expect when she gets bigger. For example, that Abi will only be able to play with certain cars of his. Today, I told Andy that Abi was going to the doctor to get her check up. While I was driving Andy to preschool he was talking to her about being brave getting her shots and that she'll probably get a cool band aid to make her feel better. It's so sweet to see him love on her so much. He also always wants to hold her. Here's a quick pick of him holding her. I loved the expression I captured on Abi's face. It's like...mom, are you crazy???

Thank Goodness for Health Insurance

Although I have seen our insurance coverage get worse and worse with each pregnancy, I count my blessings that we have insurance coverage. We got this in the mail (we've been waiting for the final bill to come). And this is just my surgery - doesn't include Abi's NICU stay. Crazy!

Happy Birthday Ka and Bapa!

We celebrated Ka's and Bapa's birthday a month late as they have been in California. We had the whole family, but sadly were missing Brendon and Mollie. It was a really fun night with all the cousins and a fun night celebrating the big 6-5 for dad and 6-4 for mom. We made a list of 65 things we love about Bapa which led us to reminisce about all the wonderful memories we have created as a family. It's great to have an excuse for us to get together and I am so thankful for my wonderful parents and all they have provided for us in so many ways. Love you mom and dad!

List of 65 things we love about dad

1. Always present

2. Never let work get in the way of life, Worked hard , plays hard

3. Mentor

4. Awesome skier

5. Nicknames

6. Provided for us so that we were spoiled but not brats

7. Amazing trips

8. Family first

9. Rigalettos

10. Gross short workout shorts and finally getting new ones J

11. Made us feel confident

12. Never ending job….still our dad

13. Best grandpa

14. Honest, Loyal, Funny, Fair

15. Handsome---all our friends had crushes on you

16. A great student---4 times J

17. Even keeled---our rock

18. Never shy about farting

19. Creative…..the best poems

20. Thoughtful…always remember everyone’s birthday, anniversaries, caring for sick friends

21. Loves a good routine

22. Shredded Wheat, red apple, peanut butter and honey, fig newtons or oreo cookies, diet pepsi, cranberry juice, chicken pot pie…..the meals of our dad

23. Organized…who else labels their clothes or lines breakfast up the night before?

24. Logical, Predictable, and Stable….needed in a family of 4 girls

25. Athletic and always in great shape

26. Taught us the importance being responsible with money (at least the tried with some of us!)

27. Errands with dad….Ernst, cd store, certs contests, car wash

28. Hawaii, Sun Valley, Timberline, Europe….3 times

29. NY trips with each of us when we were 10

30. Ski trips with each of us as adults

31. The gift of Whidbey….priceless…then and now

32. It’s a good word, use it

33. Ski stretches

34. At all of our events….and there were A LOT!

35. JESUS CHRIST HAS RISEN TODAAAAAY!

36. ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH

37. Husky forever

38. Research with the grandkids

39. Early to bed, early to rise

40. Great golfer….with all the toys for it

41. Indian Princesses

42. Winning dance contests at Father Daughter dances

43. Game Master

44. Roberts Rascals

45. Dominoes

46. Bedtime stories – always about Dad and Daughter Days

47. “Helped” write our papers

48. Proud of his girls

49. Waxing skiis in the garage

50. Singing Lionel Richie in the Vanagon

51. Bike adventures up Swede Hill

52. Perfect words of wisdom, priorities straight, and great perspective on life

53. Providing a safe haven for us to come home to

54. Pinwheels on the Chairlift

55. Love for Elvis

56. Yaaaaa! Hugs

57. Clearing your plate at dinner fast than anyone

58. Role Model – embedded strong morals and values

59. Showing what it means to be a loving husband (sometimes not so discreetly)

60. Personalized License Plates

61. Trips to Burgermaster – and spilling a milkshake in the new suburban

62. Christmas Traditions of cutting down the tree at Candy Cane Lane and putting the lights up

63. Instilling the importance of Education

64. Teaching us and our kids how to swim

65. Provided everything we could dream of…and still does!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Chocolate Pancakes

There's nothing better than chocolate pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Cozy nights

With Abi being almost 4 months old, I find myself again thinking...where have the past 4 months gone? We have spent a lot of time at home - somewhat hibernating through the winter/bootcamp, newborn months. I can't complain though as one of Kyle's and my favorite things to do on a weekend night is to get in our cozy clothes and just hang out. I was laughing as there is little documentation that I actually exist per our blog as I never am sitting still (unless breastfeeding) these days to get a picture taken. So...here's proof that I do exist and love my cozy time with the kids.

"Big Abi" comes to visit

My dear friend Abi was in town for the weekend and came over to meet "baby Abi." When Abi came to the door, Andy explained to her that she was "big Abi" as that is how it was easy to differentiate between the two Abi's in our house. Abi is anything but big, but that is now how she is referred to in our household. It was so great to catch up and spend some quality time together. We love you "big Abi!"

Andy's Eyes

It's hard to believe it has been almost a year since Andy had surgery on his eyes. We have been going back every 3 months to get his eyes checked - and we received another good report. This time Andy had to get his eyes dilated again. He was NOT a fan. Once we left he was in good spirits and sporting his awesome new glasses.

Whidbey Weekend

We love our time on Whidbey in the summer, but there is something special about spending time up there in the winter. It's quiet, cold, and an escape from the routine of home. We headed up there for President's Day weekend and loved cozying in, playing games, watching movies...and making s'mores of course. We also ventured outside to burn some energy, but it was FREEZING. Abi and I only lasted a little bit, but Andy and Katie didn't even seem to notice. Andy loves his "chopper" bike and Katie likes to scoot around on the scooter.

At 4 1/2 Andy still prefers the baby swing. And yes, he fits just fine. Why not add the helmet for extra safety. He can swing in the normal swing, but he would MUCH rather fly high in the baby swing. Hmmm, better change that preference before Kindergarten : )