June Phone Photos

Now that summer is almost over, I might have time to catch up. I feel like we've gone non-stop since summer started!

We had way too many days without milk in the house. The result - Capri Sun for breakfast.

The kids joined the Astros Buddies club again this year - a big thanks to Aunt Carla!

The kids helped celebrate my birthday.

Cooper attended VBS with Eileen...and many of our t-ball friends!

We spent a weekend with Nana & Pops and played as much as possible.

Caitlin loves riding the golf cart. She thinks she can drive it, but isn't quite there yet.

Cooper wrapped up one weekend by getting stitches. He was planning to spend an extra night with Nana and somehow fell on a railing, cutting his lip. Since it wasn't severe, they brought him home so that we could go to our local First Choice ER. For the 3rd time. Cooper was champ - 5 stitches and no tears!

The last weekend of June was spent at the beach with Aly & Brielle.

Cooper: 5 Years Old

I've been asking Cooper for months if he could just stay 4. I've told him that he really doesn't need to be 5. He didn't agree.

For him, 5 means going to kindergarten. He didn't realize that he wasn't going to go right away - that he had to wait until next August. 5 means being stronger. The day after, he thought he could get his sister out of the crib. 5...means chewing gum. (I'm going to tell Caitlin the age is 7, because 5 came along pretty fast and I do not want him chewing gum yet.)

Cooper is a helpful kid. I can get frustrated when he doesn't do what I'm asking, but I try to remind myself he's a kid. It is in his nature to get sidetracked and play. For the most part, though, he's my right hand.

He's got a big heart. Cooper loves his sister. He wants to be friends with everyone. And usually sees the good in people - well before many others do. I'm constantly reminding him to stand up for himself - to be a good friend & stand up for your friends.

The past several months, we've worked with Cooper on learning sight words. He finally learned over 40 of them and we keep trying to make time to work on more. He loves math - more than I ever have. Thankfully, his teacher recognizes this & gives him harder math work during class. We read, but so far the interest level in reading isn't as high as I had hoped. I'm a reader, and I naturally want him to be the same.

Cooper has finally learned to ride his bike without training wheels. He still has a bit of a hard time taking off, but is getting the hang of it. He also hasn't gotten used to using his brakes to stop. I hope he figures this out quickly, because his shoes are taking a beating.

The day before his birthday, he had his office visit with Dr. K. He weighed in at 55lbs and is exactly 4 ft tall. He keeps asking me when he can start using a seatbelt and not the booster straps. I told him we'd talk about it after his birthday.

Tuesday morning, we made birthday sprinkle pancakes & had breakfast. Aunt Sassy joined us for breakfast & I had to leave shortly after for work. Cooper & Jason spent the day together doing boy stuff.

They shopped - both at Wal-Mart & at Toys r Us. They saw Big Hero 6. And they played Putt Putt Golf. Apparently the place nearby offers a deal on Tuesday - unlimited golf & video games (non-ticketing ones) for $12! Those two played for more than 3 hours before leaving to get Caitlin.

We ended the day with pizza from Pizza Planet (Little Caesar's). Cooper's favorite. And had cupcakes!

Finally, we let Cooper open two gifts for his birthday. His sister "picked out" How to Train Your Dragon 2.

Last, but not least, we let him open his gift from us. Thanks to Target's online Black Friday sale (Target 4 Life) we managed to grant his gift wish for the season.

Cooper was thrilled. He kept asking why we'd gotten that for him and repeated that he loved it many times.

First ER Trip

A few weeks ago, the daycare called. Caitlin had been coughing and snotty all weekend, so I figured it was her running fever. Instead, Cooper had fallen on the playground and the director thought he had a broken nose.

My immediate response was "shut up." Then, I asked what I should do. I mean, a broken nose is bad...but it isn't broken arm bad. Because you can't do anything for it. We still ended up going to the ER.

Recently, our local Blockbuster was rebuilt as an Emergency Room. The daycare had called them to see if a broken nose was something they could handle (it was) so we headed over there.

Cooper wasn't quite as upset as I thought he would have been. He was scared of getting in trouble, but I felt that the swollen nose was enough of a punishment.

The wait time was almost non-existent and we were taken back to a pediatric triage room. After seeing the tech, nurse and doctor, Cooper was taken back for X-Rays. I warned the tech that he asks a lot of questions - which he did!

After confirming that nothing was broken, we were sent on our way. We went back by the daycare to get Caitlin & let everyone know he was doing ok.

He stayed home the next day with Aunt Sassy to rest. We all thought he would be pretty sore that day and would need to stay still, but that wasn't the case. He bounced back pretty quickly! Less than a week later, his face looked pretty normal. The swelling wasn't quite so bad, but the coloring was pretty yellow.

I'm still extremely thankful that Cooper's first ER trip wasn't for something major. He never really has given the full story on what happened, but I'm sure that's because he wasn't sliding down the slide the right way. I figure that lesson learned lasted a few days...maybe the week.

Caitlin: 18 month check-up

Because Cooper needed his flu shot, I took both kids to the pediatrician when Caitlin's appointment came around. It is so easy taking him these days - as long as I remember to pack the Kindle, he's great. Taking her, though, is a whole other challenge. She does not like being pinned down! And waiting on the doctor in an 8*8 cell is pretty rough.

The doctor checked her tubes & they look pretty good. She's got a nagging snotty nose & cough that we can't seem to kick, so he suggested either benadryl or Zyrtec. She also seems to get funny rashes off and on. Nothing crazy, but enough to make the skin not so baby soft. Dr. K seems to think that's partially some sort of eczema.

I was a bit worried going into the appointment about her speech. Deep down, I know she's on track. She's got a handful of words and talks non stop. We just can't always understand it! The worry comes from comparing her to Cooper. I felt like he could speak full sentences at this age. I expressed the difference to the nurse, who laughed and said the Caitlin is right on track. And that it is totally not normal for kids to speak as much as Cooper did. I felt a little better after that and figure she will say things when she's ready. For now, she pretty well gets what she wants by pointing and screaming anyway.

We discussed her eating habits. She can be really picky at times. It is frustrating, knowing that she gets hangry. If she would eat, her mood would likely improve. (wishful thinking) However, I know nutritionally she's getting what she needs. Dr. K feels pretty strongly that kids consume enough calories over the course of time & there really isn't much need for me to worry. She may not eat well today, but will make up for it tomorrow.

Before leaving, each kid got their flu shot & Caitlin got a few more vaccinations. Cooper was a champ last year when it came to shots but flipped his lid this time. By the time we got out of there, I needed my own shots.

Stats:
Height: 33" - 84%
Weight: 25lbs 5oz - 82%

Big change from last time, as her height percentile was much lower than her weight.

August Phone Photos (pt 1)

August started off with a strange ear infection for Cooper. He came downstairs on the 1st and I noticed that there was...goo...on his face. I wiped it off, then used a q-tip to clean his ear and out came some really gross stuff. We went right to the pedi and found out he had a perforated ear drum and swimmers ear.

I've added the photo at the bottom, so if you don't want to see it, you don't have to. It was easily top 5 grossest things I've had to deal with since having kids.

The best part was that on the way to the Astros game that weekend, Cooper informed us that if he blew his nose, his ear farted.

That weekend, we went to the Astros game with Cooper's cousins (and mine). We managed to get seats all in the same section and pretty well had the whole section to ourselves. The kids had a GREAT time. I also decided that taking Caitlin to a game would not happen again for a while.

We learned this month that Caitlin can climb the ladder to the playset without help. I am not a fan of this.

Both kids went to the pedi in August. Caitlin had her 15 month check-up and Cooper had a follow up from his ear issues.

Cooper had been begging to see the new Planes movie for a while. We had him earn the money for his ticket by doing chores. One day, he told me he wanted Eileen to come with him. I checked with Kelly first and she was perfectly fine with us taking her. Cooper called Eileen one evening and asked if she wanted to go to the movies with him. He told me it was not a date, but just friends.

They were pretty silly!

They both really liked the movie, although there were some nerve wracking parts. I actually liked this one better than the first.

Caitlin loves sitting in her Bumbo. She sometimes gets stuck - which I find hilarious.

Cooper's class had a princess & superhero party one Friday. I volunteered to make cupcakes for the boys...only to remember I was supposed to tag clothes for our consignment sale with Kelly. Jason stepped up & said he'd take care of them. He's now the official family cupcake maker.

These pigtails would be cuter if she'd keep them in, instead of pulling them out on the way to school.

We had tubes put in Caitlin's ears in August. It was a pretty easy procedure and I'm very glad we did it.

She spent most of the morning napping on my lap.

Cooper got a new watch from Jason. I mistakenly put it on the wrong arm one morning and he took it off at school so that he could do his work. Instead of putting it back on, it was carried to the car...where he dropped it while getting in. We were leaving the next day for vacation and were in a hurry to get home. As I drove off, I felt a bump. Not knowing what I'd ran over, I jumped out to see...and found this.

Since I felt like it was my fault for putting it on the wrong arm, Jason picked up a new one on his way home from work. I felt terrible, but Cooper is not one to forget. He has brought it up several times since then!

Caitlin - 15 (& 16) months old

Now that Caitlin is almost 16 months old, I seem to have a little time to catch up. We had her 15 month appointment earlier this month and she's doing really well. It's funny to see her measurements so different from Cooper - he was always off the charts in both height & weight, while she's slowing down in height...but not really weight.

We went through the standard set of questions and were able to say yes to all of them. She seems to be a pretty smart cookie, though she doesn't talk much. Actually, she talks a lot - it just isn't something we can understand.

Surprisingly, Caitlin did not have an ear infection when we went in! Cooper was along for the ride to be seen for a follow up from HIS ear infection though.

These two are such different kids! Caitlin can be pretty aggressive. She got in trouble a few weeks ago for eating crayons, so I took them away from her. Instead of getting mad at me, she pushed Cooper's chair, pulled his shirt and hit his back. Angry much? They are so rough with each other - but can't be apart. Caitlin hears his voice and immediately starts looking for him. She reminds me of a dog at times - he'll yell for her and she goes running to him.

Cooper would eat almost anything we put in front of him, but she can be really picky if she wants to. I can never tell what she will eat from one day to the next, because it really depends on her mood. Grapes are always winners, she flipped in Sam's one day over a box of Cheeze-its, but won't always eat them. Chips are probably her favorite thing, especially if they are dipped in Chuy's Creamy Jalapeno or salsa. Rice & beans are a close second. I've learned that dinner out is best at a Mexican restaurant - Cooper gets a taco and Caitlin gets rice & beans. I usually end up sharing my food with them!

Lately, she insists on drinking from our cups or straws. I sort of remember this phase with Cooper. I don't remember hating it so much. Dining out can be a chore - constantly fighting her for my own drink, my own fork & my own food. It also doesn't help that Caitlin is usually ready for bed around 7:15 - right about the time food comes at any restaurant we choose for dinner.

She is still a great sleeper! If she is really tired, we will suddenly find her carrying her baby and her blanket around the house. Most nights, she is in her bed around 7:30 and sleeps until 7am. Cooper never slept that long!

Earlier this month, we had tubes put in Caitlin's ears. She did great - I won't hesitate to suggest this procedure to anyone! She slept most of the morning and was in a decent mood that afternoon. Not quite what I expected.

Caitlin loves the water. If I mention bath, or get in the bath, she's trying to get her leg over the side to get in. A few weeks ago I took a bath and she was in the bathroom with me, trying to pull her pants off. She thinks she can swim and will walk right into the pool without hesitating & she's never scared. (scary for mom, though)

She finally got 2 more teeth! We've rolled along with just 2 teeth for months. Almost 16 months, to be exact. Unfortunately, Caitlin waited until we were on vacation to get those teeth & turned my usual good sleeper into hell. She was up all night for three nights. There are 2 more just about to pop through the skin and I think we'll be set for a while.

As summer winds down, and we get closer to fall (I hope) I find myself really looking forward to the fall holidays. Halloween & Christmas mostly. This year she will understand a bit more and I look forward to seeing her follow Cooper around trick or treating. I know she will do whatever he does!

Cooper: 4 Year Doctor Visit

I initially set Cooper's 4 year visit in December, only to find out it was the same date & time as his school Christmas party. Since I didn't want him to miss that, I moved the appointment to January.

The nurse asked a series of questions about his development. I laughed when Cooper chimed in to answer some himself. She then took him to do his hearing & vision test. When they came back, she told me something I already knew. He talks a lot & asks a LOT of questions. I just laughed.

Dr. K still thinks he will be a really tall kid. We talked about our eating habits and exercise. He passed his hearing & eye tests with flying colors. They were a bit curious about his cholesterol - since there is family history of high cholesterol at and early age, the doctor ordered a blood test (which came back fine).

We finished with 4 shots and no tears! I rewarded Cooper with a trip to Chick fil A so that I could finish working while he played.

Height: 45.5" - 99.89%
Weight: 48lbs - 98%

9 Months Old!

When people ask me how Caitlin is, I usually say She's crazy. Or She's nuts. Because it is the truth. She is either cracking up at her brother or screaming. She is impatient and demanding. She's stubborn. Just...crazy.

Caitlin can move all over the house now. She doesn't crawl, but she does this strange belly slide where she pulls herself with her arms & it looks sort of like swimming. She will pull up on things and crawl up some things. Thankfully, not the stairs. Because I still haven't bought a baby gate. I'm pretty sure she's not afraid of much either.

She loves to eat, but is pretty picky compared to Cooper at her age. We started giving her breakfast - usually yogurt or applesauce. Lunch is 2-3 cubes of baby food and dinner is 2-3 cubes, plus some other random stuff. So far, she isn't a big fan of table food. I keep putting things on her tray, but not too much passes the test. I'm actually ok with that. It is less messy. And I hate mopping. She is pretty good with feeding herself small things like baby puffs or cheerios, and loves the Mum Mum crackers, just like her brother.

She can say a few things - the typical "ma ma ma" or "da da da" and "ba ba ba." I'm not always sure she knows what they mean, but she can get very loud and demanding when she talks. So maybe she does...

Her face lights up when she sees Cooper. He is still a great big brother. I find myself depending on him often to help out around the house & watch her. It's a lot to ask of a 4 year old, but he really is great. I do think she's in a phase where she's not 100% sure of men. We've noticed a few times where she is unsure of her Pops or Papa, Uncle A or even some of our friends. And she even shunned her Aunt Sassy one day after church. I don't recall Cooper going through that phase, but I've heard it is pretty common for girls.

One big difference between Cooper & Caitlin, aside from the obvious boy vs. girl thing, is their sleep habits. Cooper was a champion sleeper. He slept all night around 6 weeks old and kept that going until he was 2 years old. Caitlin has been a totally different child. She just has not been a great sleeper. I think, maybe, she slept ok from the age of 3-4 months, but then the 4 month wakeful hit and it was pretty well one sickness after another and she was up all night. Some nights it was only 1-2 times. Other nights...5-6 times. Most of the time we could go it to her room, put her paci in and she'd go right back to sleep. But broken sleep is rough and was starting to take its toll.

After the 1st of the year, I made the decision to sleep train her. I bought a book for the Kindle, read the chapters for her age, and we let her cry. I knew her issue was that she just didn't know how to put herself back to sleep. She wasn't hungry, she didn't NEED to nurse, she just wanted someone to come in her room. The first 7-10 days were...rough. She cried a lot. One night, I'm pretty sure she cried from about 4am-6am. But it got better and by the second week she was consistently sleeping all night. Some mornings she's even slept until 7am! My only regret is not starting the process sooner.

She was being pretty uncooperative the day we tried to take these. By the time Cooper tried to take a picture with her, she was really done.

The following week, I took Caitlin to the pediatrician. She's doing really well and the doctor didn't seem concerned about anything. He said most kids get teeth between 6 & 9 months, so it isn't too unusual for her to still be toothless. He didn't feel that we should hold off trying any new foods - and even said that eggs & peanut butter would be ok to try. Big change from 4 years ago when we held off on quite a few foods with Cooper! I haven't tried either thing yet - mostly because I just haven't thought about it. We'll probably start giving her some whole milk when she's around 11 months old. He was more worried about her drinking whole milk from a bottle instead of a cup, than trying it early. Since she's been taking water from a sippy cup, I think we'll be ok.

I fully expected Caitlin to be well past the 12 month clothes by this age. She's really surprised us and stayed pretty well average. Most of her clothes are 9 month size, however she can still fit into some 6mo. Nothing like her big brother!

Height: 28" - 62%
Weight: 18lbs 12oz - 59%
Head Circumference: 17.32" - 53%