Music really speaks to me lately. I hear different things than I used to when I listen. It may just be because I am still and listen a lot more than I used to. Either way I am learning that music can really make me feel like someone else understands. Even when the person or people that wrote the song have absolutely no idea how I feel I know there is emotion like what I am feeling for other people aside from just me and for whatever reason that is comforting.
My cousin sent me a song the other day and again the words in the song were exactly what I needed to hear at the exact moment that I needed to hear it (I love when God does that). This particular song is by Gavin DeGraw (my favorite). He may not necessarily be writing about God but that is what I hear when I listen to this song. God is here when the tears take control and when the demons take over. I am not alone. The song is called "You Got Me" and I am thankful for this today.
"When the fear takes you down
When the doubt takes you under
When you sink like a stone
And you can't breathe
When the tears take control
When the demons take over
Won't be in this alone
You got me"
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Easter
Easter was beautiful.
Our church service was perfect.
The weather was amazing.
The babies were fun.
Family was all smiles.
Our church service was perfect.
The weather was amazing.
The babies were fun.
Family was all smiles.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza
We are entering the age where the twins are beginning to understand things that are going on around them. One of my favorite things about this time in our lives is the "newness" of everything they do and see. Macy plays tug-o-war with Scout and laughs so hard when she tries to pull the rope out of his mouth, succeeds, and he comes back for more. Johnny has the biggest grin on his face when he sees or hears a truck and tells us what it is and then follows that by saying, "Vroom!" in what I like to call "boy fashion." (What girl knows how to make car sounds at 20 months of age?!) It is amazing to me the things they know and the things they learn so quickly!
So we decided what better way to spend a Saturday than to take the babies (I am not going to be able to say that much longer...) to Tower Park and participate in the big Easter Egg Hunt. It was technically their first "egg hunt" (aside from practicing in the back yard) and it went over just as we expected.
Macy absolutely LOVED it. She is the cleaner/organizer of the two and she loves putting things "away." Once she realized there were eggs on the ground and she was allowed to put them in her bucket she did just that until she collected so many eggs that her basket was completely full! You could see the pure joy on her face. She may have even gotten a little over zealous and looked for eggs in other kid's baskets to take for her own. We had a little talk and she quickly got over it relishing in the fact that she could pull her eggs out of her basket and open them up to find these mini surprises (that she couldn't even really eat).
Johnny, on the other hand, was very interested in the trucks in the parking lot making noises near us. While we were waiting for the hunt to begin John took him over to the trucks so he could see them. As the countdown for the hunt began John quickly ran back over to the Easter egg hunt so that Johnny wouldn't miss anything...and boy was he mad. He started crying and parked his fanny right in the middle of the grass refusing to pick up ANY eggs while he moaned, "trucks..." over and over. It was a sight. Eventually he leaned himself over five eggs in his near vicinity and stashed them into his bucket, but not without a continued frown. We laughed over that moment and then as all kids do he got over it and ran through the grass while Macy continued moving her eggs from the grass to her bucket.
I could not ask for better memories of this day. Every single thing my two kids did made my heart smile. To make it even more of a great day (if that is possible) we rounded out the afternoon in our hammock eating ice cream in the backyard! I even read a few chapters of my latest book obsession (The Antelope in the Living Room) while the babies napped. I guess as John would say, "We're living the dream..."
I am looking forward to tomorrow, Easter Sunday, even more because that is when we truly celebrate Jesus and his death and resurrection. My kids get to learn that it isn't about the Easter Bunny or about the Easter Egg Hunts, but instead about Jesus' sacrifice for us. It is the first time I can begin to teach my two kids what Jesus did for them on the cross while enjoying the company of my entire family. What more can I ask for?!
So we decided what better way to spend a Saturday than to take the babies (I am not going to be able to say that much longer...) to Tower Park and participate in the big Easter Egg Hunt. It was technically their first "egg hunt" (aside from practicing in the back yard) and it went over just as we expected.
Macy absolutely LOVED it. She is the cleaner/organizer of the two and she loves putting things "away." Once she realized there were eggs on the ground and she was allowed to put them in her bucket she did just that until she collected so many eggs that her basket was completely full! You could see the pure joy on her face. She may have even gotten a little over zealous and looked for eggs in other kid's baskets to take for her own. We had a little talk and she quickly got over it relishing in the fact that she could pull her eggs out of her basket and open them up to find these mini surprises (that she couldn't even really eat).
Johnny, on the other hand, was very interested in the trucks in the parking lot making noises near us. While we were waiting for the hunt to begin John took him over to the trucks so he could see them. As the countdown for the hunt began John quickly ran back over to the Easter egg hunt so that Johnny wouldn't miss anything...and boy was he mad. He started crying and parked his fanny right in the middle of the grass refusing to pick up ANY eggs while he moaned, "trucks..." over and over. It was a sight. Eventually he leaned himself over five eggs in his near vicinity and stashed them into his bucket, but not without a continued frown. We laughed over that moment and then as all kids do he got over it and ran through the grass while Macy continued moving her eggs from the grass to her bucket.
I am looking forward to tomorrow, Easter Sunday, even more because that is when we truly celebrate Jesus and his death and resurrection. My kids get to learn that it isn't about the Easter Bunny or about the Easter Egg Hunts, but instead about Jesus' sacrifice for us. It is the first time I can begin to teach my two kids what Jesus did for them on the cross while enjoying the company of my entire family. What more can I ask for?!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Spring
Can't you tell we are so happy it's spring time!?
...nothing a little Florida sunshine can't fix!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
The Difference in Boys and Girls
I never realized how truly different little boys and girls could be until I was given the privilege of raising two very different babies born at virtually the exact same time and raised in virtually the exact same environment. It is amazing how God has made us each unique and with different strengths (and weaknesses).
Example 1: Macy can climb/balance/manuever on or over anything standing in her way. She is little and more agile than anyone I know. John on the other hand trys really hard but sometimes getting his chubby little body on a chair proves to be difficult for him.
Example 2: John LOVES being outside. Don't get me wrong, Macy enjoys the outdoors as well but not nearly as much as Johnny does. Anytime we have to go inside after spending some much needed time outdoors he literally screams. He gets in this position where he pushes his arms straight down next to his body, his head tilts back, and he just groans. It must be the sticks that his dad has shown him how to pick up or the dirt that he digs in with his shovel. This spring is going to be so much fun!
Example 3: Macy is independent. She never wants help. She wants to take her coat off on her own. She wants to eat on her own. She wants to climb up on things without help. She does not want to hold my hand when we walk to the car. She wants to be independent and I guess I can't blame her. She may have gotten that from me. Johnny is not at all like that. He is never afraid to whine or whimper until someone comes to assist him.
Example 4: Johnny is a cuddler. My May is not. She doesn't want to be consoled when she gets hurt. She doesn't want to be rocked to sleep. I think boys must just be more warm and fuzzy towards their mommas! When it gets to be bedtime Johnny doesn't want to wander around and play with his toys, instead he grabs his milk, curls up next to me on the couch, and watches his favorite t.v. show completely still while he plays with my wedding ring.
Example 5: Macy can do just about anything (within reason) that you ask her to. I say, "Macy, put your shoes by the door." She quickly picks up her shoes and puts them by the door. Her dad says, "May, will you go get a book for us to read." Without hesitation she walks over to the bin of books and finds her favorite. It is precious.
Example 6: This one surprises me but John repeats words far better than Macy. He soaks in everything and while right now his favorite word is "hot" he will repeat other things fairly well too. They are both learning many new words including; dog, hot, mom, dad, ball, and so many more. They repeat letters and numbers also. This is one of the most exciting things for me! I can't wait to really talk to them!
I am sure I will have many more things to add to this list but right now the things that each of them have that are a part of this list are perfect parts of who God made them to be. I thank God for that each day. When we pray at night one of the things we always say is, "Thank you God for making us special..." It is my prayer that as this list grows they realize that each of these things that make them different also makes them special. I love seeing this very incredible part of who God is, being revealed to me each day through my babies. Such an incredible glimpse of heaven and his awe-inspiring creation here on earth.
Example 1: Macy can climb/balance/manuever on or over anything standing in her way. She is little and more agile than anyone I know. John on the other hand trys really hard but sometimes getting his chubby little body on a chair proves to be difficult for him.
Example 2: John LOVES being outside. Don't get me wrong, Macy enjoys the outdoors as well but not nearly as much as Johnny does. Anytime we have to go inside after spending some much needed time outdoors he literally screams. He gets in this position where he pushes his arms straight down next to his body, his head tilts back, and he just groans. It must be the sticks that his dad has shown him how to pick up or the dirt that he digs in with his shovel. This spring is going to be so much fun!
Example 3: Macy is independent. She never wants help. She wants to take her coat off on her own. She wants to eat on her own. She wants to climb up on things without help. She does not want to hold my hand when we walk to the car. She wants to be independent and I guess I can't blame her. She may have gotten that from me. Johnny is not at all like that. He is never afraid to whine or whimper until someone comes to assist him.
Example 4: Johnny is a cuddler. My May is not. She doesn't want to be consoled when she gets hurt. She doesn't want to be rocked to sleep. I think boys must just be more warm and fuzzy towards their mommas! When it gets to be bedtime Johnny doesn't want to wander around and play with his toys, instead he grabs his milk, curls up next to me on the couch, and watches his favorite t.v. show completely still while he plays with my wedding ring.
Example 5: Macy can do just about anything (within reason) that you ask her to. I say, "Macy, put your shoes by the door." She quickly picks up her shoes and puts them by the door. Her dad says, "May, will you go get a book for us to read." Without hesitation she walks over to the bin of books and finds her favorite. It is precious.
Example 6: This one surprises me but John repeats words far better than Macy. He soaks in everything and while right now his favorite word is "hot" he will repeat other things fairly well too. They are both learning many new words including; dog, hot, mom, dad, ball, and so many more. They repeat letters and numbers also. This is one of the most exciting things for me! I can't wait to really talk to them!
I am sure I will have many more things to add to this list but right now the things that each of them have that are a part of this list are perfect parts of who God made them to be. I thank God for that each day. When we pray at night one of the things we always say is, "Thank you God for making us special..." It is my prayer that as this list grows they realize that each of these things that make them different also makes them special. I love seeing this very incredible part of who God is, being revealed to me each day through my babies. Such an incredible glimpse of heaven and his awe-inspiring creation here on earth.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
It's a Boy!
It's a boy! Yes, you heard right! It's a boy!
We are beside ourselves with excitement! Who wouldn't want another sweet, cuddly, little Gesenhues' boy in the family?
Here are a couple of pictures from our reveal. We made scratch-offs for our family and friends. Even the babies got to decide which one they wanted to scratch for the big reveal. We had a lot of fun and the scratch-offs were actually really easy to make once I gathered all the supplies.
We are beside ourselves with excitement! Who wouldn't want another sweet, cuddly, little Gesenhues' boy in the family?
Here are a couple of pictures from our reveal. We made scratch-offs for our family and friends. Even the babies got to decide which one they wanted to scratch for the big reveal. We had a lot of fun and the scratch-offs were actually really easy to make once I gathered all the supplies.
Side note: Macy and I are preparing ourselves to see a lot more bats, balls, and bugs in our home. We know we are going to have to take a few extra trips to the mall (for our own sanity of course). We realize we will probably visit more ballgames than either of us bargained for...but all in all we could not be happier (even if we are out numbered now)!
Friday, February 28, 2014
Energy
There is something about watching my two little peanuts grow and change that is energizing to me. Every single day when I come home from work I find it's better than the day before.
The personalities they have developed are precious and something that I literally could not live without anymore! They run to the door when they hear it open as I walk in each day. They have started saying hello to me and bye bye to the babysitters because they know and understand it is that time of day. Macy shows me the necklace around her neck. Johnny lifts his arms up so that I will pick him up and kiss him. All of these things give me energy. The kind of energy I never thought I would have after working in a school with 22 other little people all day long.
My prayer now is that as we add another little person to our family in July this energy continues! I pray that his/her steps to independence make me smile too. I pray that we will all learn from each other and energize each other when our circumstances sometimes make us tired! When I just want to come in and take a nap I pray that instead I see the three smiling faces of my babies and turn around and run back out to the backyard to play.
The personalities they have developed are precious and something that I literally could not live without anymore! They run to the door when they hear it open as I walk in each day. They have started saying hello to me and bye bye to the babysitters because they know and understand it is that time of day. Macy shows me the necklace around her neck. Johnny lifts his arms up so that I will pick him up and kiss him. All of these things give me energy. The kind of energy I never thought I would have after working in a school with 22 other little people all day long.
My prayer now is that as we add another little person to our family in July this energy continues! I pray that his/her steps to independence make me smile too. I pray that we will all learn from each other and energize each other when our circumstances sometimes make us tired! When I just want to come in and take a nap I pray that instead I see the three smiling faces of my babies and turn around and run back out to the backyard to play.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Hot Browns and Ice Cream
Tuesdays we normally venture out and grab a quick dinner at Skyline (where kids eat free on Tuesdays), however tonight with the unbearably cold temps we opted for dinner in. I had a couple of things in the refrigerator from our Kroger run on Sunday but nothing sounded really very good or easy.
With those two things in mind (yummy and EASY), we located all the ingredients for hot browns! Suddenly nothing else sounded nearly as appetizing. So I toasted our almost stale bread, cooked the turkey, ham, and bacon and then made a little country gravy. It was perfect and the babies loved it too!
There is nothing better than a warm quiet night in!
So now with the babies tucked in bed and the house picked up I decided to grab a bowl of ice cream. I know, I am kind of contradicting myself, but who can resist?!
With those two things in mind (yummy and EASY), we located all the ingredients for hot browns! Suddenly nothing else sounded nearly as appetizing. So I toasted our almost stale bread, cooked the turkey, ham, and bacon and then made a little country gravy. It was perfect and the babies loved it too!
There is nothing better than a warm quiet night in!
So now with the babies tucked in bed and the house picked up I decided to grab a bowl of ice cream. I know, I am kind of contradicting myself, but who can resist?!
Friday, January 24, 2014
Monkeys
All of the sudden I have two little monkeys living in my house! Macy and Johnny have learned how to climb and do they ever climb! This week alone they have shown that they can climb on the coffee table, sofa, train table, kitchen table, AND out of cribs (particularly Macy).
Macy was really the first to attempt any of these things but once she learned (with that independent attitude of hers) that she could climb up on the coffee table and clap for herself she wanted nothing to do with the one million toys she calls her own or her loving parents. She only wants to climb.
It was a job keeping her off things and teaching her that we did not want her to climb on everything in sight. At times, I will admit, we were slacker parents because it was easier to ignore her and have her get tired of climbing rather than fight with her each and every time she pulled herself up on something new. But for the most part, we were diligent and kept her off furniture among other things. Apparently that didn't make any difference.
This week as I mentioned we reached a record number of things climbed on in our home (see the list above). The worst, by far was her crib. Macy learned that if she does not want to be in her crib all she has to to is hike her little (and skinny I might add) leg up over her crib railing and swing herself over the edge. She then shimmies herself down the side until she reaches the floor or the small chair sitting near her bed. We recorded the whole thing once we realized she could do it. It is truly unbelievable the strength involved.
So with that being said we lowered both babies cribs. I hope this helps us avoid taking the dive straight into toddler beds. My babies are too little for that! I just can't bear the thought.
Oh and I mentioned I have monkeys (plural) living with me. Yes, Macy has inevitably taught her brother a thing or two. However, we learned quickly he is not quite as agile as she is. Today when he climbed the kitchen chair (behind my back while I was pulling Macy down from another chair) he fell over onto the floor and bumped his lip. It was the worst sound I have ever heard when he hit the floor and I felt like the worst parent. I think I cried probably as much as he did and for the next 30 minutes he just laid on my chest. I finally calmed him down and we found out that he was fine once we started playing again.
Monkeys I tell you...monkeys!
Macy was really the first to attempt any of these things but once she learned (with that independent attitude of hers) that she could climb up on the coffee table and clap for herself she wanted nothing to do with the one million toys she calls her own or her loving parents. She only wants to climb.
It was a job keeping her off things and teaching her that we did not want her to climb on everything in sight. At times, I will admit, we were slacker parents because it was easier to ignore her and have her get tired of climbing rather than fight with her each and every time she pulled herself up on something new. But for the most part, we were diligent and kept her off furniture among other things. Apparently that didn't make any difference.
This week as I mentioned we reached a record number of things climbed on in our home (see the list above). The worst, by far was her crib. Macy learned that if she does not want to be in her crib all she has to to is hike her little (and skinny I might add) leg up over her crib railing and swing herself over the edge. She then shimmies herself down the side until she reaches the floor or the small chair sitting near her bed. We recorded the whole thing once we realized she could do it. It is truly unbelievable the strength involved.
So with that being said we lowered both babies cribs. I hope this helps us avoid taking the dive straight into toddler beds. My babies are too little for that! I just can't bear the thought.
Oh and I mentioned I have monkeys (plural) living with me. Yes, Macy has inevitably taught her brother a thing or two. However, we learned quickly he is not quite as agile as she is. Today when he climbed the kitchen chair (behind my back while I was pulling Macy down from another chair) he fell over onto the floor and bumped his lip. It was the worst sound I have ever heard when he hit the floor and I felt like the worst parent. I think I cried probably as much as he did and for the next 30 minutes he just laid on my chest. I finally calmed him down and we found out that he was fine once we started playing again.
Monkeys I tell you...monkeys!
Monday, December 2, 2013
All Things Bright and HECTIC
This weekend we enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with the Gesenhues on Thursday and then drove to Lexington to spend some time with my parents for the remainder of the weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed each moment away from our crazy busy school life and literally did not pick up our computers until we returned and the babies were in bed late Sunday night.
This weekend we tried something that I had been contemplating/stressing over for a long time.
Family Pictures
I knew it would be a feat to get both babies (and big people) smiling at the same time but I swallowed my pride and need for perfection and let my sweet friend Patrice do her magic! I am so glad that I did! She captured exactly what I wanted for our family and she did so with an incredibly calm spirit about her (which I love and envy). Here is a sneak peak at a couple of the pictures she took that have become my favorites. I can wait to share them with our family and friends for Christmas.
This weekend we tried something that I had been contemplating/stressing over for a long time.
Family Pictures
I knew it would be a feat to get both babies (and big people) smiling at the same time but I swallowed my pride and need for perfection and let my sweet friend Patrice do her magic! I am so glad that I did! She captured exactly what I wanted for our family and she did so with an incredibly calm spirit about her (which I love and envy). Here is a sneak peak at a couple of the pictures she took that have become my favorites. I can wait to share them with our family and friends for Christmas.
Friday, September 20, 2013
Beware: Little People Walking
How is it that my two little people are beginning to walk! I was sure when we brought them home from the hospital at just 4 pounds they may never get bigger. Boy, was I wrong! They are growing up and developing the sweetest {most distinct} personalities that really WANT to walk!
Macy was first. It seems like this may become a trend, but everyone is good with it including my sweet little boy, Johnny. He is not upset about her being first because I think he realizes he can learn from her mistakes. The first time we saw her take a step or two we tried out hardest to video it and let me tell you, that is near impossible when your subject is a newly walking infant that LOVES cell phones! She wouldn't have any part of that! She wanted to walk to us, or she wanted the phone. So we put the camera down and lived in the moment with our sweet little girl. She smiled and took her first steps on August 27, 2013.
Tonight was Johnny first few steps. He wasn't coached or prompted. He just started walking away from the large ottoman we have in our living room. It was so much fun to watch him actually follow his sister at his own pace and when he was ready.
Macy was first. It seems like this may become a trend, but everyone is good with it including my sweet little boy, Johnny. He is not upset about her being first because I think he realizes he can learn from her mistakes. The first time we saw her take a step or two we tried out hardest to video it and let me tell you, that is near impossible when your subject is a newly walking infant that LOVES cell phones! She wouldn't have any part of that! She wanted to walk to us, or she wanted the phone. So we put the camera down and lived in the moment with our sweet little girl. She smiled and took her first steps on August 27, 2013.
Tonight was Johnny first few steps. He wasn't coached or prompted. He just started walking away from the large ottoman we have in our living room. It was so much fun to watch him actually follow his sister at his own pace and when he was ready.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Hungry, Hungry...Macy!
My sweet babies have learned how to stand in their cribs.
At first I got nervous....What happened?! They are supposed to be laying down in there! What do I do? Are they going to get hurt?
And then I felt emotional...How did they get so big? How are they able to reach the rail already!? Stop growing babies!!
Lastly, I got down to business...Is she chewing on that rail? Where did those bite marks come from? I've got to get that covered and NOW!
So, those two small bite marks started my search. I went to Babies-R-Us (one of my least favorite places) and Target to find out how to quickly remedy our chewing problem. I found a couple of options.
1. Gummi Crib Teething Rail Cover ($26.99)
When I looked and measured I would need two and a half packages for each crib bringing my total to $134. 95 for the twins.
2. Crib Teething Rail Cover ($27.99)/Side Rail Teething Rail Covers ($31.99)
When I saw this solution I realized it only came with a piece for the front of the crib and I would have to buy something else to cover the sides making the grand total $119.96 for the twins.
Neither of these options were looking very good. Who has $100 to waste on rail covers for a crib?! Not this mom; so, I did what any desperate mom would do...I browsed Pinterest and found something similar to the second option I listed above.
It was a DIY version that actually looked cute in all the pictures I saw and the best part was I could choose any fabric I wanted! With the help of my always crafty (and DIY) mom we ventured to the Hancock's and Target to purchase what we needed to cover Macy's crib rails. We bought 1 yard of fabric with a coupon for 40% off making the total cost for the material $8.99. (I chose the brown to keep it as inconspicuous as possible.) We then purchased a skinny pool noodle from Target for $1.49. For both the fabric and the noodle I spent $10.48 to completely cover her crib rail on all three sides.
Below are pictures for our very own tutorial. I have to say it turned out great!
1. Before we started we cut the noodle just to the middle so that we could open it and cover the back of the rail. We then used zip ties to secure the noodle to the crib rail. I only had small 7 inch zip ties so I had to connect three together. Once I attached them all I flipped them over so the cut part was facing down. I was careful to make sure the ties were not rubbing the crib.
2. The next step was to cut our material. Since their crib rails are not a standard size I laid the fabric over the rail to guess and check how much I needed. We used 22 inches to wrap around the front and then 18 inches on the sides. Once the fabric was cut to the correct size I folded it in half (hot dog style as my students would say) and then cut up from the open end. I had to guess and check again how high to cut up but each strip was about one and a half inches thick. That seems to work well once I started tying it onto the crib.
3. Once I finished cutting the strips we simply tied it onto the bed just like you would if you were making a fleece blanket. It doesn't have to be perfect to look great (and that's the best part!) When I was researching how to do this several tutorials said to cut off one of the strips. I found to make it look more "covered" I just tied three strips in between each rail. That seemed to work for us.
4. The side rails had to be cut a little more than the front. We did the same things with this side once it was cut that we did with the front of the crib.
At first I got nervous....What happened?! They are supposed to be laying down in there! What do I do? Are they going to get hurt?
And then I felt emotional...How did they get so big? How are they able to reach the rail already!? Stop growing babies!!
Lastly, I got down to business...Is she chewing on that rail? Where did those bite marks come from? I've got to get that covered and NOW!
So, those two small bite marks started my search. I went to Babies-R-Us (one of my least favorite places) and Target to find out how to quickly remedy our chewing problem. I found a couple of options.
1. Gummi Crib Teething Rail Cover ($26.99)
When I looked and measured I would need two and a half packages for each crib bringing my total to $134. 95 for the twins.
2. Crib Teething Rail Cover ($27.99)/Side Rail Teething Rail Covers ($31.99)
When I saw this solution I realized it only came with a piece for the front of the crib and I would have to buy something else to cover the sides making the grand total $119.96 for the twins.
Neither of these options were looking very good. Who has $100 to waste on rail covers for a crib?! Not this mom; so, I did what any desperate mom would do...I browsed Pinterest and found something similar to the second option I listed above.
It was a DIY version that actually looked cute in all the pictures I saw and the best part was I could choose any fabric I wanted! With the help of my always crafty (and DIY) mom we ventured to the Hancock's and Target to purchase what we needed to cover Macy's crib rails. We bought 1 yard of fabric with a coupon for 40% off making the total cost for the material $8.99. (I chose the brown to keep it as inconspicuous as possible.) We then purchased a skinny pool noodle from Target for $1.49. For both the fabric and the noodle I spent $10.48 to completely cover her crib rail on all three sides.
Below are pictures for our very own tutorial. I have to say it turned out great!
1. Before we started we cut the noodle just to the middle so that we could open it and cover the back of the rail. We then used zip ties to secure the noodle to the crib rail. I only had small 7 inch zip ties so I had to connect three together. Once I attached them all I flipped them over so the cut part was facing down. I was careful to make sure the ties were not rubbing the crib.
2. The next step was to cut our material. Since their crib rails are not a standard size I laid the fabric over the rail to guess and check how much I needed. We used 22 inches to wrap around the front and then 18 inches on the sides. Once the fabric was cut to the correct size I folded it in half (hot dog style as my students would say) and then cut up from the open end. I had to guess and check again how high to cut up but each strip was about one and a half inches thick. That seems to work well once I started tying it onto the crib.
3. Once I finished cutting the strips we simply tied it onto the bed just like you would if you were making a fleece blanket. It doesn't have to be perfect to look great (and that's the best part!) When I was researching how to do this several tutorials said to cut off one of the strips. I found to make it look more "covered" I just tied three strips in between each rail. That seemed to work for us.
4. The side rails had to be cut a little more than the front. We did the same things with this side once it was cut that we did with the front of the crib.
It worked perfectly and the babies enjoyed playing in their cribs while we finished up our little DIY project. But the funny part...just as we finished Macy's crib, Johnny stood up for the first time in his crib and marked his territory with his two little front teeth. They must have been talking while we were working because he seemed to smirk at me when I caught him. Needless to say, we were off to the store for yet another yard of fabric and a pool noodle....I should have known! Overall, after both cribs were covered I had invested a couple hours and $20.96! That number is music to my ear because we are out of diapers again!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Less Than Perfect
Some say we are cool parents, some say we are crazy; our two kids don't say anything. They're 7 months old and just along for the ride; looking forward to dipping their toes in the water. And so begins our first vacation as a family...and let's just say, it was a little less than perfect.
It all started at 6:05 p.m. on Thursday March 29, 2013. Everyone was cozy in their car seats and our tubs (this is a new phenomenon...more on this later) were packed and neatly stacked in our car.
It was going to be a trip we would always remember. And then it happened, not two hours into the trip we heard something that sounded like spit up, but so much more! Now we know about some spit up people. Since our two were born we have seen more half digested food than any one human would ever care to see. When we heard the "spit up" it sounded more like "throw up" and to be honest I thought a cup of water had spilled in the back seat. We turned, looked, and saw more spit up than we had ever seen (actually it looked like more than we had even fed him) drenching Johnny and his car seat. So we pulled over {quickly} and changed his clothes. We cleaned up his seat and saw a sad lethargic look in his eyes. He had a fever and looked extremely unhappy about being in his car seat. This was our beginning...
We made it to Florida at about 10:30 a.m. Friday morning (much later than we anticipated) and took the babies into the condo to finally stretch out!
Before we reached the condo we captured these videos of the whole family. Johnny was not very happy but you can still catch a small {almost} glimpse of a smile towards the end of the video as we reached Florida.
Before we got out of the car Macy shared what she was going to do once we got there.
Actually, all things considered, we didn't really hear one single whimper until about 45 minutes away from the condo. They did amazing, but we were all still exhausted so we cleaned up the babies, fed them, and laid them down for a short nap. We then assessed the damage in the car. It was a good thing we had seat protectors under their car seats because everything was covered, I mean covered in spit up. We cleaned it all up, did a load of laundry, unpacked our things for the week, and grabbed a few things at Target that we forgot at home before the babies woke up. We pretty much laid low and recuperated from the drive down with the help of Gigi (who was already there, thank goodness!).
My parents arrived Saturday and Kari, Philip, and Kiley also made their way down, late Saturday evening. The gang was {finally} all there and the fun would soon begin!
Sunday morning (Easter) we took the babies to their first church service since they were born. They absolutely LOVED the music and spent a lot of the time eating breakfast. That afternoon we rested by the pool and ate an Easter ham dinner. We also took a walk around Baywood Colony, Gigi and Poppy's condo.
The week continued with Little Johnny sicker than we have ever seen him. He was so tired and fell asleep anywhere we laid him. He was miserable; I could see it in his eyes and it broke my heart, but he kept on smiling until we finally started seeing his normal happy self midway through the week. Then wouldn't you know it, Macy and I caught whatever it was he had. I had an ear infection and Macy's eyes got pretty gunky, among other things. We visited the Urgent Care Clinic twice (maybe a record on vacation?). But we were all good sports and made it to the beach three times and spent the rest of the week at the pool.
We were also able to spent a lot of time with my family too. Macy and her cousin Kiley loved playing together, Kari and I enjoyed our conversations face to face (instead of on the phone), Johnny, Dad, and Philip enjoyed a round of golf, and Lolli (my mom) and Gigi (Johnny's mom) played with their grandchildren to their heart's content!
We now know that vacation is going to look a little different than it used to (aka, a lot less laying out for this momma) but overall it was a great learning experience. We wouldn't trade their first trip for anything. Actually with family, sunshine, and ice cream our less than perfect trip turned out pretty perfect!
It all started at 6:05 p.m. on Thursday March 29, 2013. Everyone was cozy in their car seats and our tubs (this is a new phenomenon...more on this later) were packed and neatly stacked in our car.
 |
| Florida ready! |
It was going to be a trip we would always remember. And then it happened, not two hours into the trip we heard something that sounded like spit up, but so much more! Now we know about some spit up people. Since our two were born we have seen more half digested food than any one human would ever care to see. When we heard the "spit up" it sounded more like "throw up" and to be honest I thought a cup of water had spilled in the back seat. We turned, looked, and saw more spit up than we had ever seen (actually it looked like more than we had even fed him) drenching Johnny and his car seat. So we pulled over {quickly} and changed his clothes. We cleaned up his seat and saw a sad lethargic look in his eyes. He had a fever and looked extremely unhappy about being in his car seat. This was our beginning...
We made it to Florida at about 10:30 a.m. Friday morning (much later than we anticipated) and took the babies into the condo to finally stretch out!
Before we reached the condo we captured these videos of the whole family. Johnny was not very happy but you can still catch a small {almost} glimpse of a smile towards the end of the video as we reached Florida.
Before we got out of the car Macy shared what she was going to do once we got there.
Actually, all things considered, we didn't really hear one single whimper until about 45 minutes away from the condo. They did amazing, but we were all still exhausted so we cleaned up the babies, fed them, and laid them down for a short nap. We then assessed the damage in the car. It was a good thing we had seat protectors under their car seats because everything was covered, I mean covered in spit up. We cleaned it all up, did a load of laundry, unpacked our things for the week, and grabbed a few things at Target that we forgot at home before the babies woke up. We pretty much laid low and recuperated from the drive down with the help of Gigi (who was already there, thank goodness!).
 |
| Johnny the first night in the condo |
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| Macy (not sick at all) the first night in the condo |
My parents arrived Saturday and Kari, Philip, and Kiley also made their way down, late Saturday evening. The gang was {finally} all there and the fun would soon begin!
Sunday morning (Easter) we took the babies to their first church service since they were born. They absolutely LOVED the music and spent a lot of the time eating breakfast. That afternoon we rested by the pool and ate an Easter ham dinner. We also took a walk around Baywood Colony, Gigi and Poppy's condo.
 |
| John and Johnny resting in the condo |
 |
| Macy, always ready to play |
 |
| Family picture by the bay |
 |
| Our first picture (of many) at Gigi and Poppy's condo |
The week continued with Little Johnny sicker than we have ever seen him. He was so tired and fell asleep anywhere we laid him. He was miserable; I could see it in his eyes and it broke my heart, but he kept on smiling until we finally started seeing his normal happy self midway through the week. Then wouldn't you know it, Macy and I caught whatever it was he had. I had an ear infection and Macy's eyes got pretty gunky, among other things. We visited the Urgent Care Clinic twice (maybe a record on vacation?). But we were all good sports and made it to the beach three times and spent the rest of the week at the pool.
 |
| Family time in the pool at Gigi and Poppy's condo |
We were also able to spent a lot of time with my family too. Macy and her cousin Kiley loved playing together, Kari and I enjoyed our conversations face to face (instead of on the phone), Johnny, Dad, and Philip enjoyed a round of golf, and Lolli (my mom) and Gigi (Johnny's mom) played with their grandchildren to their heart's content!
 |
| Macy and Johnny relaxing by the pool |
 |
| Kiley and Macy playing in the condo |
 |
| Family picture on the beach |
 |
| Family picture on the beach |
We now know that vacation is going to look a little different than it used to (aka, a lot less laying out for this momma) but overall it was a great learning experience. We wouldn't trade their first trip for anything. Actually with family, sunshine, and ice cream our less than perfect trip turned out pretty perfect!
 |
| Family picture at Midnight Cove |
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| Ice cream at Big Olaf's (my favorite spot in Siesta Key) |
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