Hey - Wake Up!

Both of our kiddos sleep relatively well and we're blessed by that. Though it wasn't always like that! They didn't sleep through the night until well after they turned one. While both sleep well, Annalise is the heavier of the two sleepers. Up until the age of two, we would use music to help Annalise go to sleep. As a newborn, we'd dance to jazz music while rocking her to sleep. As a toddler, we'd have "Mr. Ray" singing about 'snack time' for naps. Even now, we play a wide assortment of tunes to help her to settle if she's having difficulty falling to sleep. All this to say, I think the music has developed her into a deeper sleeper. We can vacuum in her room, put away her clothes, clean up, or whatever and she wont wake. See for yourself... With Russell, we didn't use music. I'm not sure why. However, we do currently use a sound machine that makes rain noises. It's not nearly as loud or dynamically variable, but it helps to drown out other noises around the house. As a result he sleeps with his door close and generally wont wake unless something disrupts the constant drone of the sound machine or whatever ambient noise is present. Still he sleeps pretty soundly. See for yourself...

A Princess meets a Queen

Teach them while they're young.  That is all.

Story Time With Russell

Over the summer months, Russell's vocabulary has been increasing by leaps and bounds.  We're getting to that, "when did he learn that word?" stage (e.g. "frightened", "find it").  Bed time is a favorite for me because he is focused on reading and isn't distracted by his big sis, other toys, or food.  I remember reading this book with Annalise when she was the same age.  Time flies!





Here are some random factoids about Russell so we can look back and remember!

- Finally sleeping through the night (did so around 16 months)
- Bed by 7:30, wakes around 6:30-7p
- Take 1 to 2 naps per day
- Drinks an 8 oz bottle before bed, doesn't drink very much during the day.
- Wearing #4 diapers
- Loves the ocean!
- More selective eater than Annalise.  Loves oatmeal, rice, pancakes, pasta, bagels, apples, oranges, tomatoes, bananas, pears, and seaweed.  Not a big fan of bread.
- Seems to have stinky feet
- Sweats a lot
- Calls out "Mommy, mommy!!" when he wakes up
- Wants to be around Annalise all the time and do everything she's doing.
- Likes saying "Dump Truck" to any large vehicle.
- Fascinated by emergency vehicle sirens and always wants to be picked up to see one go by.
- Starting to sing random songs.
- He pushes his foot into your chest (footsies) if you sit next to him in his car seat.
- Is very sensitive and will kiss you or pat your head if you show signs of pain, sadness, or distress.
- Gets very angry if he doesn't get what he wants! (He's getting better...we think)
- Gets in these funny, hyper moods where he'll start yelling, giggling, and runs around.
- Goes poop after breakfast and dinner.
- Enjoys vacuuming and playing outside.
- Randomly says 'amen' when eating.

Camping at South Carlsbad

Camping at South Carlsbad State Beach.  Our second camping trip ever with the two kids.  First was last year at Doheny.

Kids enjoying the sand

Russell LOVED the waves.

Kids helping setup camp

    

 Pre-dinner smores....even let Russell have a bite.  Tracy came by and asked Russell if he had something yummy and he gave the biggest grin!

  

 

The view from our campsite

In our 8x10 tent there was enough space for Russell's Pack and Play, our inflatable Queen mattress, and...

a tiny 2' wide strip for Annalise to sleep on!  She slept like a log. 

 

Some Mommy & Daughter time in the morning

 

Some Daddy & Son time...

Anna's backpack sleeping bag.  Getting ready to leave.

 

Laugho Comparo

Similar ages. Similar contagious laughs.

Recital Vid

I'm Waiting For My Prince

Annalise has been going to her princess ballet class for a few months and is always asking when class is. Here are some photos from her 1st ballet recital just this last weekend. Honestly, I thought she'd have stage fright given the not-so-stellar performances she gave us at home leading up to the recital. However, some sort of magic turned on when she went on stage! We're so proud of her hard work and accomplishment.