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Fabulous Fun!

Epic meltdown

1st trip to the park

 The last week of January was full of fun. It's been so nice outside that I took Paisley to the park twice. The first time I put her in her sled and walked her over and she just wanted to swing forever. She loved going down the slide by herself. The second time I took her she was all about me pulling her in the sled. I walked her over to the playground. She wanted to swing and then just walk around the playground and play with the snow and then back in the sled she went and we walked home, only to have me pull her around the yard for another half hour. I stopped and went to take her out and she started to get mad so I figured I'd pull her around a few more minutes and had to stop because I got tired. So I took her out of the sled and she proceeded to have the first real big tantrum she's ever had (other than us taking her toothbrush away when she's done brushing her teeth). Of course as soon as that happens her legs no longer work so I had to set her on the step of the front door so I could pick the sled up and put it away. Then open the front door and pick her up and place her in the front door. The tears, they were uh flowing. I've never seen her like that before. As she squeezed my neck I had to peel each piece of winter clothing off her. Thankfully it didn't last too long and as soon as we got up stairs she was fine. But she absolutely didn't want to come inside. I wish I had more energy these days but pulling her around that long was quite the work out but I couldn't help but laugh through the whole thing, it was so cute.

her apron

playing with play dough

Paisley's been quite the non napper but we've gotten a few 3 hour naps out of her. During one of those fantastic times I was able to make her an apron. I bought enough to make myself a matching one but have yet to get to that since I don't think she's taken a nap since. ha But I'm sure I'll get to it soon. I also made edible play dough for her. It was super quick and easy and we had a blast! I took out letter cookie cutters and some animals and she loved playing and eating it, and of course sharing it with the dogs. ugh.  I think the play dough lasted about 4 days until it was gone and by the weekend I took off the newspaper off of the table and the fun was over. But I can surely make it again.

1st class

2nd class

We started an ECFE class. It's Early Childhood Family Education. www.ecfe.info. I feel that it is one of the most amazing programs that everyone should have available to them. I chose to do a separating class with Paisley. It's called World of Tiny Fingers for 1-2 1/2 year olds. For the first half hour we are in a room together where they get to play with toys and learn how to paint and draw and so many other hands on art projects, we have circle time where we sing songs and then we wash their hands and they sit down for snack time. At that time the parents all leave and go to the parent room where we get 45 minutes to talk about things we have questions about and ways to help us throughout this certain time in their lives. We've only gone twice since it's every Thursday but I've had a fantastic time both times and she's done wonderful. They learn sign language and make crafts and made valentine bags for themselves for this coming Thursday. It's their Valentines day so I had to go buy valentine's day cards for the class. So cute!

Finally, just for some fun, we've been watching quite a bit of football. I had noticed Paisley getting into my clothes in our bedroom but didn't think much of it. I went downstairs to change out the laundry and came back upstairs to find Paisley like this. One of those embarrassing photos but you absolutely have to share because it's hilarious that she did this all by herself. Future football player? We shall see!

Poop in Peace

Flowers and card from hubby

So the sickness has continued. Stuffiness came back to both Paisley and Chris and then Thursday morning I woke up with it all. Had to find someone to work my shift that night. Even though it was our 4th Anniversary I was in no condition to go anywhere. Since I didn't get Chris anything for the occasion I decided to clean the entire house. So his present was a clean house and he came home with flowers, a beautiful card, dinner and dessert so I didn't have to cook. It was the 1st Anniversary we've gotten to spend with each other besides our 1st and even though we didn't get to do anything we got to spend it together which really meant a lot. Started to feel better the following day, lost my voice but felt good enough to go to work that night.

Sunday we had to wake up early, which is 7 in our world, to bring Chris to his ride to the airport. He was off to Charleston for some training for the week. I figured ah well it'll be tough since I'm sick but it's not a 6 month deployment. Wrong!

She found Daddy's shoes

I've been quite anxious lately about someone breaking into the house, even though we're in the middle of nowhere I've been making sure all the window's and doors are locked at night and keeping lights on in the living room and stairway to the front door. Now that Chris has been gone I've been extremely paranoid and having a hard time sleeping wondering if every little noise is something bad when it's just Bear breathing. I was up until 3am running to the windows this morning checking to see if there was anyone out there. I'm going crazy. I was also dealing with what I hoped to be the end of my sickness hacking the rest of it up as well.

Coloring

measuring fabric

Today we didn't wake up until 10:30. I'm surprised she slept that long but I have been having a hard time getting her to sleep since Chris left. He's become master of bed time since I've been working nights. So she's sure missing the way Daddy does bedtime. She woke up screaming around 1 so I'm sure that lead to the sleeping in. Today's just been one of those days. The dogs drove me nuts, Paisley has not stopped trying to get onto the table since I brought out my sewing machine. We made a trip to Joann Fabrics last night which always burns a nice whole in the pocket to pick up fabric for matching aprons I'm going to make us. She was helping me measure the fabric last night and since then it's been non stop climb the chair and get on the table. I had to go downstairs to let the dogs out to go to the bathroom and run upstairs because I heard her run to get on the table, got her down, ran back downstairs to check on the dogs and back upstairs to get her off the table. After doing that four times I think I got my workout for the day. Thought I had bedtime in the bag tonight when I went to bring cookies to my coworkers and stop at walgreens for some tylenol and snacks. She fell asleep on our way out and as soon as I get to the register at walgreens and get ready to head home she pops her head of my should and says hi to the cashier. Oof I was thankful she fell asleep on our way home from there and at 7 put her in bed and laid down with her hoping that would be it. After a little while of her not moving I checked to see that her eyes were closed and slowly got up and she turned to me quickly and said hi. Really? What is with the fake sleeping? She's did that too me the other day. Decided she was going to fake sleep when I went to get her out of the car. Looked right at me then closed her eyes real tight and put her head to the side then looked at me again (and not the i'm tired and am going to fall back asleep look) It's hysterical but was quite annoying tonight.

Hearing that Chris is out at the bar and enjoying Thai food and has reservations to go to a steak house really makes me hate him. Not hate him but hate the fact that he gets to do that while I'm stuck in this crazy house. We haven't had a couple hours just to ourselves since we visited Maryland and his mom watched Paisley for 4 hours. Even though work is getting me out of the house I'd like to get out of the house with just my husband. It's been too long. I'm also waiting for the day where I can poop in peace. Trying to go with her sitting on your lap wanting you to read her a book is quite a treat.

Not sure if we'll be leaving the house tomorrow but I'll definitely be taking Paisley to skyzone (a trampoline fun zone) on Friday. She loves it there and lately she's been trying to jump off the ground so I know she's going to have even more of a blast. Hoping Chris can go into work late so he can actually join us there for the first time. Now back to my little me time that I have at almost 1am and finish my root beer and m&m's.

Up and Down

Coming out of a fantastic week we went right into a week of sickness. Thankfully, not with me but both Paisley and Chris caught a cold. Luckily nothing to lengthy and they were both better in a couple of days. I was supposed to host a play date at the house today but decided it was best to postpone it until Friday to make sure all the sickness was out of the house. All day yesterday I was exhausted and was able to sleep in and take a lengthy nap during the day, unfortunately not so much for today. We had a rough night with Paisley last night and even though I wish I could of got a nap in there was too much to do with errands to run and groceries to buy and a Dr. Appt to go to. The Dr. appt. went great heartbeat was at 150. I told her my frustrations of my weight gain and that i've been working out and somewhat eating healthy and we determined a big part of my issue is my milk intake. Since i've become severely lactose intolerant I haven't been able to even look at dairy without running to the bathroom but now that I'm pregnant I am able to eat and drink dairy without any consequences so I've been severely indulging in chocolate milk and cereal annnd milk shakes haha So I have to back off and treat it like a "treat". Sad face. We were able to make our ultrasound date which is Feb. 20th and we're very excited! Now that Chris is home from work I need to find a recipe for dinner so we can get cookin!

Fantastic week!

A lot has happened this past week and it's been fantastic!

jumped in the tub with her clothes on

We switched my gym membership from Gold's to Anytime because it's right down the road as opposed to driving 20 minutes each way. Since then I've gone every day except for Saturday I took the day off. Paisley loves the kid's center and even though It's not as big as Gold's there is a lot to do and she loves it there where she used to cry at Gold's. So that a huge plus. The very first day she didn't want to leave which made me really happy that I switched. I'm hoping going to the gym every day will keep the bad weight down. Last pregnancy it was out of control and I never want to be there again so hopefully I'll look and feel better this time around.

Along with going to the gym every day I've finally kicked the caffeine habit so with both of those going in to my 2nd trimester I'm feeling fantastic. I'm feeling so good I've been cleaning the house like I used too. For the past 3 months I can say I cleaned but I didn't, Chris has been picking up the slack, Thank goodness or this house would be disgusting. I know he appreciates that I'm back to my old cleaning self again! haha

Fun with tin foil!

Paisley's learning and loving her colors and letters. We're half way through the letters and although I don't like most of the kid shows on tv she's always loved Word World and so do I and now she yells out the letters that she sees when they build words.

I finally had a full weekend off since I started working so we were able to go to church for the first time since we moved. It was great. Paisley did wonderful in the nursery and we got to enjoy ourselves without worry up in the sanctuary. After that I went to the gym and stopped at the grocery store and cooked lunch and dinner. It felt like the longest most productive day ever, but it was great.

Yesterday was a little stressful went to the gym and decided to take Paisley to the indoor playground. By the time we got there I got a text from Chris saying he was going to have a late day which was bad because I needed to be at work before he was supposed to get home so after she played for a while we got home and I started my frantic calling to work and emailing friends to see if anyone could babysit Paisley until he got out of work. Thankfully, I was able to find someone and get to work on time. I was hoping and thinking about staying on to work after the "holiday" time period if they asked me but after yesterday and being so stressed out to find a babysitter if it ever happened again I don't know if I want to. It felt like my job was a burden rather than being helpful.

looking at the sting rays at Sea Life

Finally, today started out with a bang. Paisley woke up with a runny nose and a cough but acting like herself so I gave her a nice bath to hopefully help a little. Breakfast was going well until Bear hit the floor for his monthly seizures and round one Paisley tried to get to him so I had to barricade him and try to keep her away while trying to talk to him. Round 2 she was eating with her nose running like a faucet so I'd run to wipe her nose and run back to Bear to talk to him and help him through it. After eating my soggy cereal it's gotten better I was able to clean the house get the laundry and dishwasher going and cook Paisley a snack. She's having a blast throwing her blanket over Lola's head and laughing until Lola gets it off and licks her in the face and she does it all over again.

Paisley has changed her words from Mommy and Daddy to Om and Da not sure if that's normal but she has become a complete Daddy's girl. She's walking around the house calling for Da and looking out the window like she does when he takes the dogs out. It's funny and sad at the same time.

Work again tonight and I'm hoping I have some energy after work so I can go to the gym. I was going to take her to the indoor playground again this morning but because she's sick I decided to keep her home. So gym after work it is. Hooray for a better day and a better year!

Welcome 2012

How Could I forget we found out November 1st 2011 we will be adding more to the family. Haven't had an ultrasound yet and won't until the end of February but we are both excited.

We are starting potty training with Paisley and so far it's been tough, which is no surprise. I know it will get easier the more and more we do it and she loves to sit on her potty so I'm ready for the adventure.

I also started working part time the same day we found out. Nights and weekends and it's been nice to get out of the house and for Paisley to have Daddy time. It's really helped her connect with him when she was first afraid of even leaving my site even if it was just him. Oh the things the Navy does to your children. She's a Daddy's girl now and he's become master of bed time. All I get is a jumping monkey on the bed but he goes in and she's asleep in less than ten minutes. It's ridiculous and I have to say I'm kind of jealous. haha

Paisley got lots of goodies for Christmas. A basketball hoop, kitchen set, tool bench, instruments, puzzles, a fish tank, and an art desk with crayons and paper. She's learning just about a word a day now and recognizes animals and says the noises, mastered her shape puzzle, recognizes a couple letters and says what they are, knows most of her body parts and lots of words. She loves to dance and tries to sing and loves loves loves to brush her teeth. She loves jumping at skyzone which is a huge room of trampolines. Which we visited this morning and had a blast as usual.

We're getting back into making our own bread now that we are finally settled into the house and will be purchasing a meat slicer soon since it is much cheaper buying a big ham and slicing it ourselves.

We sadly re homed our cats to a wonderful family with a little girl. Their cat passed away four months ago and their little girl kept asking "where's the kitty?" So when they went to adopt another cat from the spca they wouldn't allow them to because they had children. Since our cats have been around Paisley we had no fear in letting them go to the family and they were wonderful. We had to drive an hour to do it but found an awesome indoor playground in Woodbury that was fake cliffs and tunnels and huge trees with slides. It was amazing and we wore Paisley out! It's almost been much easier now that we don't have to worry about if the dogs are eating the cat food or when the last time we changed the litter and we knew they were with a nice family so I didn't cry like a baby like I thought I would. Very Peaceful.

I joined the MOMS Club and it's been nice getting out of the house and engaging in adult conversation while Paisley has other kids to play with. We have a party tomorrow night so I'll be cooking up something good tomorrow and get to enjoy the night with good friends I've made. Looking forward to it.

So I'm pretty sure I'm caught up now hopefully I can keep this up!

Recap of '11

Packing the truc

So my New Year's Resolution is to try to keep in contact more often and keep everyone up to date on a regular basis because I have been absolutely horrible since we've moved. and I guess that's where I can begin. So here was our 2011 in a Nutshell.

Enjoyed what little time we had left in California and prayed for Chris to find a job. It really came down to the last minute with getting interviews and offers. We ended up with two offers and chose the Operations Instructor job in Minnesota.

Loaded!

Good ole Randy's off road gas station

We had just about two weeks to get everything packed up and get in touch with people in Minnesota to look for housing when we got there. So with a uhaul strapped to the back of the truck, a car storage compartment on top of the truck, items strapped to the front of the uhaul with bungy cords, two dogs, two cats and the truck so full we had to move items to get to Paisley it was an interesting driving adventure. We had some bumps along the way but we were able to get through them easily. Someone didn't like to read the signs saying no gas for the next 110 miles to we had to go out of our way about 16 miles to a tiny little off road gas station to fill up and get back on the road.

Paisley's 1st Birthday

Our home

 We arrived safely in Minnesota only to have Chris' wallet lost the next day which had all our cards in it. It was quite the adventure dealing with the bank and the one credit card I held in my pocket and transferring money constantly until we established a bank and a house. Thankfully it only took us 3 days to find and rent a beautiful home and we slowly began to settle in. We moved in on the 11th with the following day being Paisley's 1st Birthday.  On her Birthday we took her to Mall of America's Sea Life Aquarium then back home for some cake and she had a blast with it! It was a nice quiet Birthday settling into our new surroundings, I'm sure next year won't be as quiet and there will be lots more people to help celebrate.

Blowing bubbles with Uncle Brenden

As we got used to Chris being home every single night and getting used to his schedule m-f home by 4 with weekends off I wasn't missing the Navy one bit. We visited my family in New York in August and we had a good time. Paisley had a blast swimming and learning how to blow bubbles with Uncle Brenden. It was nice being home and getting to see everyone at the family reunion.

Great Grandma Kittredge

It's windy!

The summer flew by and the fall came and we quickly learned that it gets extremely windy here with wide open farm fields. So we battled the wind and still had fun playing outside. We also went to Maryland to visit Chris' family and got to spend some nice relaxing time with them. It sure was a great time. Paisley got to go trick-or-treating for the first time and we found a really cute costume (Flounder from the little Mermaid) at a second hand shop. Super Cute and super warm and we were invited to walk around the neighborhood with our friends across the street. Paisley loved going up to the houses and picking out the candy. I know she'll enjoy it even more next year. We all had a wonderful night. She also got to go to her first fair which became one of many. Especially around here there are a ton of fairs and harvest festivals. We went to the Minnesota State Fair and to a Renaissance Festival which was a blast. Looking forward to taking advantage of all Minnesota has to offer next year and the years after.

Flounder

The end of the year really did fly by. Our old roommate Danny got a job at the instructor building Chris is in so we were able to spend Thanksgiving with him. He went home for Christmas and we spent Christmas day at the house lounging around and napping. We got to skype with everyone so that was nice. Now to the New Year.