run

Last night was the 2nd annual Zeeland Zoom 5k.  Hope we're able to keep it up and run in it every year!  About 5 minutes before we were going to leave home Mike was playing with the boys outside, Caleb ran down into the low, muddy area in the yard, he slipped and fell flat on his back.  Nice.  Back in the house for a quick change!

The race was great.  Beautiful night, not too hot.  Mike was gracious enough to run slow with me.  I'm certainly not glad he was in such rough shape after the Riverbank Run, but it did end up working for my advantage - he hasn't run at all since then.  If he's at his full running capacity we are completely incompatible running partners.  And, he still could have done much better than me last night, but he decided awhile ago that he was just going to stick with me.  I am very pleased with how I did.  Nothing stellar, but for me personally it was good.  I've been running for about 6 weeks and have been very frustrated with my training.  But, last night I managed to run the whole thing without stopping (I really didn't think I was going to be able to do that), and it wasn't a totally awful time (I actually did better than my time at the Riverbank Run last year, and only a little worse than my Zoom time last year).

 We did it!

Steenwyk Runners

This morning we got to spend quite a bit of time at work with Mike.  First he was just working on leveling the driveway so the boys got some tractor riding time in.  Then we went out to a field so he could hook up some irrigation.  That gave the boys a good opportunity to play in the dirt.  When it was time to go home we got them decent enough to ride in the van, then after we got home I just stripped them down, turned on the hydrant, and let them play.  They're pretty happy to just stand there and play in the water for awhile.

 "Here, let me help."

 Checking over the fields.

"There's a problem in the pipe down the row, Dad!"

words

Caleb and Logan are learning new words like crazy, I can hardly keep up!  Shoe, cracker, teeth, and cookie have been recent additions.  I don't think I've heard Logan say cookie yet, but Caleb really gets the "oo" sound in there, very cute.  (Generally, when one learns a word it doesn't take long for the other to start using it.)  Also, I think Caleb can recognize the letter "A", and both the number "9".  I know, totally random.  They have a couple "I Spy" books that they love to look at and point out all the different items.  A couple weeks ago we spent a long time looking at the page with the "9".

Saturday afternoon Mike and I got to go on a cruise down the Grand River!  One of Mike's cousins got married and the reception was on The Grand Lady - for those of you in the area, that's the boat you can see from I-196 westbound when you're almost to the Jenison exit.  The boat went from there almost to Lake Michigan Dr.  It was really neat!  What a fun idea for a reception.

This morning I gave the boys haircuts.  They've been overdue for them.  I went shorter this time - looks like we won't be doing faux-hawks for awhile!  :)  It went pretty well, I brought and exersaucer and the Jumperoo out onto the porch.  Haircutee went in the exersaucer, next in line was in the Jumperoo.

Here's the latest funny face that the boys make.  Caleb started it a week or so ago and Logan thought it was SO funny, and he started doing it, too.

 

some photos

 Watching Papa bale hay in the back yard.

 Playdough time!

Determination.

sleep

Yesterday morning Logan slept in, so I got some alone time with Caleb; and today Caleb slept in so I got some alone time with Logan!  That's a nice treat when it happens, and I certainly didn't expect it two days in a row.  What's cute is that most times when you go in to grab the awake one, he'll point at the other still sleeping and say, "nigh nigh".  :)  And, most mornings Logan is ready right away with a "hi" as soon as I come in the room. 

Last night was the boys' 18 month appointment.  No shots this time, so it was a piece of cake!  First, Caleb helped clean up the waiting room.  :)  We were the only ones in there, so we let the boys wander around.  Caleb picked up a piece of trash and we told him to bring it to the trash can across the room and he did.  Now if we could just get him to listen and obey every time.  :)

Both boys got upset when they had to lay on the table and get measured by the nurse.  I guess they remember having to lay there and get shots last time??  They also got upset when they had to lay down for part of the doctor's exam, but did great the rest of the time.  The doctor said to just keep doing what we're doing.  The boys are healthy and developing as they should.  Here's the stats:  Caleb is 34 1/4" tall (90th %) and weighs 27lbs 1oz (60th %); Logan is 32 1/2" tall (50th %) and 23lbs 3oz (15th %).  I think I mentioned that when we were at the doctor a couple weeks ago for Logan's infection he was 24lbs (25th %) - he didn't really lose weight, that weigh-in was just standing on a regular scale with clothes on and last night was more offical, stripped down laying on the "baby" scale. 

music

Took the boys to a music class this morning.  I had been planning to take them myself, but my mom was available so she came - boy is it nice to have an extra set of hands!!  We were put in the 18 month - 3 years class, but I think the boys would have done better in the 0 - 18 months group...  The concept of structured activity and participation is still lost on them.

Logan is a little bit more of a people person, and he didn't really have a problem going in and wandering from me a bit.  Caleb was pretty clingy throughout the whole thing.  A few times he got brave enough to step away from me, but not a whole lot. 

rain

Yesterday was quite humid.  My hair and humidity do not get along.  Finally, I just gave up and covered my hair with a kerchief.  It was after the boys were in bed for their nap, so they didn't see it until they woke up.  Mike and I went to get them up from naptime and the boys weren't real sure what to think.  They kept studying me, and then all of the sudden, Caleb's bottom lip came out and he was very upset crying, and as soon as Caleb started, Logan started sobbing, too.  I guess they didn't like it!  Today I'll try to get my hair in a ponytail...
We had a pretty good rain shower here last night and we almost got caught out in it.  Since probably 4pm it had been trying to storm (dark sky, a little thunder and lightning) but the rain just wasn't coming.  After supper we decided we'd still go outside.  We made our family trip down to the mailbox and were on our way back up the driveway when we felt a few drops.  I grabbed Logan and hustled back to the house, and Mike had the trash can and was trying to get Caleb to hurry up.  Caleb got distracted by something and the rain started coming harder, so Mike had to just leave the trash can in the middle of the driveway, grab Caleb, and run to the porch.

What to do with two toddlers on a rainy evening:
1.  Stand on the porch and watch the rain until it gets too windy.
2.  Have some "blanket time" in the living room (they play "on their own" on a blanket).
3.  Play with them in the living room to kill a few more minutes.
4.  Run laps around and around and around the dining room table, with a detour down the hall once in a while.
5.  Have graham crackers for a snack.
6.  Play on the bed ("wrestle", read books, play with stuffed animal doggies).
7.  Put to bed on time!

The boys were in much better moods yesterday, let's hope for that today, too!

survive

We survived a whole week of VBS!  Last week was VBS at our church and I was the photographer for the week - each day they played a slideshow of pics from the day before.  Once the kids realized their photo might show up on the big screen I didn't have too much trouble getting subjects.  :)  I was worried beforehand (surprise, surprise) about getting the boys out the door at a decent time every day, but we did just fine.  Thankfully, my schedule was flexible, so the first day I got them up early so we could be at church for the beginning, but after that I just got them up at their normal time and we didn't rush in.  And, I could leave before the end of the day, which worked out nice.

From what I was told, Caleb and Logan did great in nursery.  I would check in on them a couple times, but tried not to too much as Caleb would usually get upset when I had to leave again.  On Friday, Jenny (who was watching them), brought them into the sanctuary for some of the song time - I think they sat pretty good and they looked like such big boys!  She also brought them in for the closing session when one of the team leaders was getting a pie in the face - I was on the opposite side of the sanctuary from them and I saw Logan looking at me, point, and say "Mama".  So cute!!  :)

Here are the boys "sharing" a car in nursery.  There were plenty of cars and tricycles and ride on toys, but Logan always has to get in whatever Caleb's riding...



Saturday morning we did some one-on-one time.  Logan stayed home with Mike, and I took Caleb to the grocery store with me.  I think Logan and Mike had more fun...  Caleb threw a small tantrum in the store, which was just lovely, and in general didn't seem to have that much fun. 

Saturday night we had some friends from church over for supper.  They have a girl the same age as Caleb and Logan.  Wow.  I guess in general girls are easier (that's what I'm told anyways), and having one child is easier.  She sat so nice and ate her supper...made my boys look like barbarians! 

I feel like we may be entering the terrible two's early or something.  Caleb, especially, has been a real challenge lately.  He'll be naughty, and there is no discipline that seems to phase him other than to just make him angry - so then he's screaming, doing what he was told not to do, and throwing things.  And if I'm holding him (or he's in a grocery cart...) he throws his head back and arches his back.  Sigh. 

Logan has been extra cranky today, too.  It could very well be teeth, he's been chewing on his fingers and drooling like crazy.  If he gets upset about something and I try to pick him up he does the whole "wet noodle" thing with his body.  Lovely.

We definitely have some sharing issues.  99.9% of the time if a toy is being taken away, Logan is taking it from Caleb.  Caleb generally doesn't mind - so I guess that's more of a taking issue than a sharing issue...  Also, if Logan is sitting on either my lap or Mike's lap looking at a book, he does not want to share the space with Caleb. 

And, Caleb has pushed Logan a few times in the last few days.  He never seems to be angry or upset about anything, Logan is just in his space or something and Caleb shoves him. 

Wow, don't my boys sound like a bundle of joy?!  Anyone want them for a week so we can take a vacation???  :) 

On a brighter note, Caleb started saying "bike" today (doesn't make the hard 'k' sound), and I'm not sure when he learned it.  I don't remember really pointing out many bikes, but this morning he pointed out the bikes in our garage, and then pointed out a few others throughout the day. 

Also, both boys can go get the right shoes if you tell them to go find them in the closet.  They did that for the first time a few days ago and I thought that was pretty cool. 

And, if I'm with them, I don't need the gate to keep them in the playroom anymore - so, for example, if I'm changing a diaper the other one will stay in the room, or if I'm playing with one, the other won't just take off. 

Okay, maybe they don't sound so bad after all.  :)

some pics

"Hmmm...what's this?  Bark?  I wonder if it tastes good..."

 First attempt at coloring.  The bolder scribbles were done by me - they don't have the whole 'apply pressure' concept down yet.



  Pontoon boat ride.

 First waverunner rides!

reason

Well, at least I've got a reason now for Logan not sleeping well.  Last night wasn't as bad as the night before, but still not normal.  Here and there for awhile now he's had a little bit of a sore "down there" - in the past the doctor said he was probably just being too rough with it.  Well, over the last day it's gotten worse, didn't look good this morning, and it was obviously bothering him.  Went to the doctor this morning, and he's got some sort of infection.  I can't remember the technical name for it, the doctor had another funny name for it that I won't repeat on here, but basically it's a yeast infection.  We'll get him on an antibiotic and cream and hopefully it gets cleared up (we haven't been able to pick up the meds yet).  Gave Logan some Tylenol before naptime in case it helps with the discomfort, and Caleb just about had a meltdown because I wouldn't give him any, and Logan got upset that I wouldn't give him more.  On a side note, Logan weighed in at 24lbs (I should have asked for Caleb to be weighed, too!) and that's 25th percentile.  The doctor is pleased with that, and I'm relieved.  I wasn't getting overly concerned, but he just seems a little small and I couldn't really tell if he's been growing or not.  But I only have Caleb to compare him to and I don't know what's normal.  Caleb has got to be probably at least 4lbs heavier and 2in taller - we're not too far away from their 18-month check-up, so we'll see. 

It's been a crazy day so far - up early to run, my kitchen has been like a mini Casey's Bakery (except my loaf of bread didn't turn out...), Logan woke up early, computer guy came and picked up my external hard drive to hopefully restore the files on there, got the boys to the doctor, and somehow managed to squeeze in a shower because I knew people would appreciate it.  I've got more work to do, but just had to sit down for a bit.

Oh, I almost forgot!  This is so cute.  Last night I went to get groceries by myself.  Mike told me that a few times Logan said, "Mama" and made the sign for "more" (that's what he does when he wants something, even if it's not technically "more").  I guess when Mike started changing his diaper for bedtime he got more frantic and upset about it, repeating "Mama" and making the sign for "more".  Here and there the boys have said "Mama" and "Daddy", but it generally takes prompting.  Another fun one that Logan has learned is "coffee" - it comes out more like "coggee".  :)

strange

Had a strange night with Logan last night.  Really not sure what the problem was, other than maybe it was just too warm in their room.  That hasn't seemed to bother him before though.  He stirred and cried a bit when we checked on the boys before we were going to bed, so I got him settled down and he seemed fine.  Maybe an hour or so later he cried for a bit, so I went up to check on him.  Held him for awhile - I've pretty much never done this, and they don't sit still during the day, so it was kinda nice to snuggle for a bit.  :)  When I put him back down he seemed fine, but woke up crying again a couple hours later.  This time I gave him some Tylenol, figuring maybe he's teething or who knows what, and took him downstairs where it's a little cooler.  That didn't work.  He was all squirmy, and even got a little chatty when Mike got up to check on us.  By this point the rain had moved through and it was cooler outside, so Mike opened up a couple windows upstairs to help it cool down.  I put Logan back to bed.  He woke up crying again a couple hours later, but not enough that I did anything.  He seems fine today.  I know for some people it's not a big deal to get up in the night like that, but I've had maybe one night like that since the boys' first six weeks.  :)

Tuesday night Caleb and Logan got to see their Uncle Tom and Aunt Tera for only the second time!  And, I had the camera sitting out completely intending to take photos, and I just got busy and forgot...  I have to remember this weekend.  As usual it took the boys a little bit to warm up, but after awhile they were just fine.  Caleb even got into "show-off" mode by bedtime.  :)  We had a very nice time catching up with Tom and Tera, and wish we could visit with them more often!

The boys were getting so brave in the pool last night, it was alot of fun.  When we first started going in the pool they would just stand and splash around, not wanting to sit down.  Then they started sitting on the little seat in the corner.  Then a few days ago they started sitting all the way down - Caleb would have to be in between either Mike or my legs.  :)  A couple days ago Logan really got into going down the little slide, Caleb was not interested.  Last night Logan was having so much fun going down the slide on his tummy and doing a great job keeping his head out of the water.  And then when we were getting ready to get out Caleb decided he wanted in on the fun, and he started going down the slide all by himself.  (No worries, this is a teeny tiny slide, and we are RIGHT there supervising.)

Mike has been pretty busy at work, but the hours really haven't been too bad yet.  We are definitely expecting that to change once celery harvest starts though.  They are planting more celery than ever, and over the winter they expanded Mike's packing shed to be twice the size it was before.  He will have a crew of 20 to manage now, and lots more celery to move around.  Somebody's going to be busy!  I just hope when we come see him at lunchtime that he'll have a few minutes to say 'hi'.  :)

I have a pretty big week next week.  It's our church's Vacation Bible School and I'll be the photographer.  Thankfully, I don't have to do any editing, but I have to be there every day for at least a decent portion of the time.  Should be intersting getting the boys out the door every morning by myself...

I'm trying to think of what cute things the boys do now...  Mike can actually have somewhat of a "conversation" with them on the phone now.  It used to be that when I held up the phone for them they would just smile, now they'll actually say "hello", "I love you", and "bye-bye" (may take a little bit of prompting sometimes). 

Their ears really perk up when they hear a train, or they can hear the "beep beep" of the equipment doing construction on Chicago Dr.  What's funny though is that sometimes it's so quiet I can hardly hear it, but they notice it right away - so what's going on when I call their names and it's like they don't hear me?!  :)

juice

I find this disgusting, yet funny.  When we finish a jar of pickles, Mike likes to drink the juice (just writing about it has me on the verge of gagging...when he does it I turn away and have him tell me when he's done).  The boys seemed interested, so Mike let them have a taste.