Blankets

I know it's been a long time since I blogged, but between surgery and Christmas stuff, life has gotten ahead of me. Not much new going on around here though, just work, preschool, and life. (To those that have inquired about my recovery, I am doing well. The new implant takes some getting used to, but I think we are past the worst and hope we are finally on the right track.) In other news, the girls opened all the presents under the tree... which was not cool since it took me forever to get them all wrapped in the first place. Ty drove them to Target and told them that we took all the stuff back - they were not amused. Now the tree will be presentless until Christmas Eve.

We also took the girls to see the new Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog." We all loved it, and I think we all teared up just a little bit. When we went to the store after the movie, and let the girls pick out some fabric. I have wanted to make them blankets to use for Family movie nights for a long time and the cute fleece called my name. I went with a super easy pattern, so they only took about 45 minutes each. Cute right? Oh, and I know that the frog material isn't actually from the Princess and the Frog movie, but it was the closest we could find. I also know that the purple back on the Ariel one doesn't match the purple on the front, but Savvy picked it out. I am thinking they turned out well enough that I might try my hand at matching pillows.

Updates

Well, the plethora of pictures I had expected this weekend didn't happen. We did have a great weekend though! First, one of my best friends and I went to the New Moon Cast Party. We had so much fun, but they did not allow cameras into the event. We did get to meet the actors that play Laurent and Caius in the new movie. So fantastic! Some of the staff pulled us aside to get make-overs from the new Twilight make-up line. I have become quite a Twilight Saga fan over the last month, so this was a pretty incredible night.
The next day Ty and I took the girls to Disney on Ice Princess Classics. Sadly, I forgot to take the camera in. The girls were in heaven - they loved seeing Ariel in real life. It made me even more determined to get them to a Disney park soon. Savvy woke up the next morning and asked if we could "go see Ariel again?" So cute.
Tuesday was my surgery. I am offically "bionic" now, although they won't turn on the machine for a while to give my stitches time to heal. I am really sore and have had a few rough nights, but I am on the mend. I am so lucky to have such a great support system - my mom stepping in to make sure the girls were cared for, Ty caring for me at the hospital and home as well as supporting my Twilight addiction to keep a smile on my face despite the pain, and my PYP family for keeping me the center of their thoughts and prayers - especially Trish aka "Dori" for arranging delicious meals. I am so thankful you are all a part of my life.

Haircuts!

We all were in desperate need of haircuts, and I wanted to get it taken care of before my surgery. Plus, Ky kept putting her hair in her mouth and it drove me nuts. So, we took the girls to Cookie Cutters. Suprisingly, Ky was an angel. She didn't even blink at the shears. Savvy, however was NOT having anything to do with it. So she ended up with barely a trim and refused my efforts for a picture. Ky relucentantly posed though. Isn't she too cute? She looks so big.

I also got mine cut, and several friends have asked for pictures. I will take some tonight. I have a few days of special events planned to help me de-stress before my surgery, so there should be a lot of fun pictures in the next couple days.

Happy Howl-o-ween!

Halloween. I loved it as a kid, but since my trick-or-treat permit expired around 17 years ago it hasn't been as cool. However, the girls have made the holiday a lot more fun! It has been a blast this month doing all sorts of fun Halloween activites. We've made bats, read books, watched movies, painted pumpkins, and practiced trick-or treating.

This year the girls were finally old enough to decide on their own costumes. Kyrie decided she wanted to be the "Yellow RPM Power Ranger." I have no idea where this came from, since she has only seen the show a handful of times. She was determined though, so we searched high and low for a costume. The stores had red, black, and blue, but those wouldn't do. Yellow is the GIRL ranger. So we finally had to order it online. She was so excited when it came that she started shaking. I bet she was the cutest Yellow Ranger anywhere!

We took Savvy to Target to find her costume. She had expressed interest in several ideas including Hannah Montana, but she settled on Ariel once she saw the ruffly dress. After we bought the costume and got it home, she got very upset that it didn't have a crown. Wouldn't you know they don't sell those locally either. With a stroke of luck I tracked one down on Ebay. She truely looked like the beautiful little princess she is.

They both LOVED Trick-or-Treating. Each House went about like this:

*Knock, Knock*

"Trick or Treat!" (in unison)

"thank you" (Ky)
"tank you" (Savvy)

then, Tyler or I would tell them to say Happy Halloween and they would both say "Happy" and then proceed to howl. Yup, just like a wolf. We can thank Daddy for teaching them that one.

Between each house Savvy never failed to say "I love Trick or Treating!"

They are not ready for the holiday to be over. By the time I came out to the front room this morning they were already in their costumes. When I told Ky that Halloween was over until next year, she sat silently thinking it over and finally replied "Ho, Ho, Ho now?" I told her we still need to eat turkey first, but that soon she can ask Santa for the pony she has her eye on.

Long time, No blog

Yes, I am aware that I haven't blogged for a month. We've just been busy, and here are a few of the things we've been up to...

#1 - Izzy's Baptism



We got together recently for Izzy's baptism. This is the only picture we managed to get, but aren't cousins Halle and Kyrie cute? I can't believe Izzy is 8 already, she is quite the little lady! The program was great - my niece Makenna played the piano, and she is beyond talented. We are lucky to have April and her family so close.

#2 - Andrew's Day

It's been six years since one of my very best friends was killed in a car accident, and we take a day each October to celebrate his memory.

The last thing Andrew and I did together was going to Arctic Circle to get Square Pumpkins (you know, the ones with the cool Halloween toys...) So, each year we do just that.

Andrew taught me a lot about life and family. His biggest lessons remind me not to take anything to seriously and to make everyday count.

After our cool kids meals, we went and picked some pumpkins at a pumpkin patch. Ky wanted every single one, and Savvy wanted any of them that was at least three times her size. We ended up painting our pumpkins this year since knives, slime, and the girls don't mix. It was a hit, and painting may become a tradition for years to come.

#3 - Gardiner Village

We went to see the witches at Gardiner Village. The girls had tons of fun walking around looking at witches and pumpkins. Then, we decided to go on the hayride that takes you out to a "witch's house." It started raining on the ride and then the stuff at the house was a tad bit over the girls' heads. Oh-well, it was good just to spend the time with the family.

Hopefully, I get better about blogging in the upcoming weeks!

The Zoo

Last week, the zoo began running TV ads for their newest edition, Zuri the baby elephant. Ky was mesmerized by these commercials. Then, when taking her to Preschool on Wednesday she began to cry as we pulled into the parking lot. She told me that she "yikes school" but that she thought we were going to see the "baby ele-phant." Ty and I both dislike the zoo, but for these two girls, we'll do just about anything to see them smile. So, we found a pleasant afternoon and off we went.

They liked the monkeys a lot, and Savvy even lovingly named every single one of them "Captian Huggy Face"

Ky loved the carousel! She especially loved the mirrors in the center. Savvy liked the benches that didn't move up and down.

Then we hit the elephant exhibit, and Zuri was very cute! She ran around playing with a ball and both the girls thought it was hilarious. However, the mama elephant then decided to do her business, and that was the most hilarious thing ever. At lunch when I asked Ky if she liked the elephants, she giggled and told me "big stinky!"

We let the girls order the special kids meals so that they could get the baby elephant cups, and it was definately worth it! Savvy just kept saying how much she "loved it!"

It really was worth the trip, and the amount of smiles and giggles made it all worth it. Even after five hours Ky was sad when we had to go, we'll have to plan another fun outing soon!

"Savvy pretty!"

So, we ended up bribing Ky to potty train. The only thing that seemed to be worthy of her taking the "potty plunge" was make-up. Now she carries around her "princess" lip gloss, body glitter, and "cheeky" wherever she goes. Until today, Savvy seemed pretty uninterested in the whole make-up business. She really didn't love anything on her face. Today that all changed. After some all too quiet playtime, I was greeted with this...

and the picture simply doesn't do the green glitter lip gloss justice.

Mommy-Daughter day

We decided that after our first full week of Preschool we needed to celebrate, so the girls and I set out early today. Thanks to PYP, we first went to the mall with Daddy and picked up two free $10 mall gift cards. Sadly, he had to go to work, but the girls and I headed over to Build-a-Bear. Ky picked a unicorn and Savvy picked Hello Kitty. They had so much fun stuffing and bathing "Corn" and "Kitty." I also had a some additional coupons to Build-a-Bear, so each girl also got a free messenger bag to carry their new friend in. Too fun! Sadly, I forgot to take the camera in.

Next, we went to my friend Rachel's house. She has a park right near by and the girls love playing with her twins. On the walk over Savvy face planted it into a mud puddle. She was coated! She decided that mud was "yucky!" Luckily, Rachel let us clean-up at her place and off we went to the park for our picnic.

After our picnic, we played on the playground with bubbles and sand toys. Savvy even got brave and went down the twisty slide alone after I went with her the first time. They especially loved the bouncy airplane. It was so fun to watch them play together.

Tonight was also family movie night. Nothing better than the whole family together with pizza and a good movie!

Green Eggs and Ham

Even though we are back in Preschool, we are still working on reinforcing concepts at home. Lately I have been on a "learning through food" kick. For movie night last week we cooked egg rolls and ham fried rice together as a family and watched Mulan. For a recent snack time we cut squares out of red jello jigglers. You get the picture.

Tonight, we read the book "Green Eggs and Ham" from Dr. Suess. The girls love to be read to, especially by Daddy.

The girls had worked very hard to make muffins to go with dinner, and they got to eat them with real green eggs and ham! It's amazing what a little food coloring can do. Ky even tried eggs! It was a lot of fun.

CONGRATULATIONS!

The girls are so excited ~ they have a new cousin! It's especially fun since she is the first cousin on Tyler's side of the family. On my side they have 10 already! This new cousin is also special because she is the only one that is younger than they are. Both girls have been talking about "baby cousin" for a few weeks and even though we will not meet her in person for several months ~ they clapped and cheered when I told them that she was here. Hopefully we will get pictures soon, but first the new parents need some rest.

Poor Keely was in labor for almost two full days and went NATURAL. Someone should give her a medal! I am sure all that work will be worth it millions of times over. Congratulations to both Keely and Joel, and welcome to the crazy world of parenthood. I am sure she is gorgeous!

announcing:

emmeline alma robinson

7 lbs. 14 oz.

20 in.

5:52 pm

9/10/2009

dark brown hair

School Days

We woke up this morning to a very excited little voice singing "I go to school!" Savvy has been looking forward to this day for a whole year, and Ky has been missing Preschool since she graduated last year. Today they started the new year with a "Meet the Teacher" day. Ky has a new classroom and two new teachers, and Savvy was lucky enough to be in Ky's old classroom, complete with her old teacher and a new aide. They got all dressed up, put on their "pack-packs" as Savvy calls them, and couldn't wait to get started.

Here they are outside their school, they look so grown up!

Waiting to go into class!

Here's Ky showing off a particularly lovely pair of gold glitter dress-up shoes. She did pretty good for a new environment, and only told her teacher "ummmmm, no" once.

Here's Savvy pushing her baby in the stroller. She was a little shy at first, but relaxed quite a bit as the day progressed.

Overall, Preschool was a hit and I bet it will be easy to get them excited to go back tommorrow. It's the first day I will be leaving Ky, but I think Savvy needs at least one more day to adjust. I think I am looking forward to it as much as they are!

Family Pictures

Seeing as the last family pictures we had done were over 2 years ago, it was time. I am not a huge fan of the picture taking process since I am responsible for all the decisions, getting everyone ready, and keeping everyone clean. However, I always LOVE the outcome... I guess that it because I adore the people in the pictures. I have the best husband ever, and don't get me started on these two little ladies! Anyway... here is the preview to our family photos. They were taken by my friend Sherri at http://www.swjphotography.com/

Nelson family Photoshoot: http://my.slideroll.com/galleries/members/swjphotography/gallery/angels-family/?g=p3wz9bfn

Leave me a comment and let me know which ones you like!

Savannah Paige

To my Paigey Pants on her 3rd birthday -

I can't believe you are already 3 years old! You are truely a miracle and we are so happy you are part of our family. Your start was definately hard and you gave all of us a good scare. I began labor over a month before you were due and doctors were unable to stop it. Luckily, all tests and scans pointed to you being a very healthy baby. After you were born I actually got to hold you, you were so beautiful! So soft and sweet right from the start. I noticed almost immediately that you were having a hard time breathing and before I knew it - they took you and Daddy to the nursery. Soon Daddy was back with the news that you were born without Pulmonary surfactant in your lungs, and they were giving you lots of oxygen. Your little lungs wouldn't open right and you were working much to hard to breathe. The doctors decided that you needed to be lifeflighted to a hospital that could better care for you. As they prepared you to go, you crashed and they had to put you on a machine that did your breathing. They brought you to see us before you left and they took a picture of the three of us together. We already loved you so much - and the thought that you might not be ok scared us a lot.

At the new hospital you stayed on the machine for 3 more days. They tryed to take you off sooner, but you decided to scare us and stop breathing again. Mommy and Daddy visted you every day and called every three hours to check on you. You were so tiny and you slept a lot! You were very quiet that the nurses loved having you - you hardly ever cried and loved to be swaddled and snuggled. You were such a star you gratuated from the NICU in only 18 days!

You fit into the family like a missing puzzle piece from the start. You never minded that you had an older sister hugging and kissing you. You are such a great sister, and you have grown into that role more every day. You are so patient and loving.

Your heart is one of the softest I have ever known. You experience all of your emotions so deeply! You can make an entire room brighten just by being in it. Your giggles and smile are so infectious. You love to sing, dance, and tumble for anyone that will watch.

You have been your Daddy's girl from the start. You two are so much alike - laid back and happy. You both have the same tastes too - you both will also eat almost anything, especially if it's spicy! You guys spent a lot of time together and Daddy loves your snuggles. There were quite a few mornings I would find you both asleep together in the recliner.

You have such a bright future ahead of you, and I admire your joy of the simple things in life. You are so honest and loving in everything you do, and I am so happy that you are my daugher! I am lucky to be your Mom.

I love you.

Mommy

a birthday party in pictures

Thanks to everyone who helped make the girls' 3rd and 4th birthday party a success!

Grandma Nelson ~ Grandpa and Grandma Nyman

The Bucks ~ The Bergeners ~ The Larsens

Uncle Misha ~ Melanie ~ Trish ~ Michaele

American Idol 2023

Seriously... how cute is that?

The potty training nightmare.

I have decided that potty training is the least cool thing so far in the parenting world. Especially when you have one kid that is only interested when it suits her, and another who just doesn't seem to care at all. From the picture alone you can sense Savvy's enthusiasm. Preschool starts in less than a month and although potty training isn't a requirement, it sure would be easier! So today we launched "Princesses pee and poop in the potty party week!" Yep, that's right, using the potty is a requirement to be a princess. You should have seen Ky's face when I told her that even Sleeping Beauty uses the toliet. Complete disbelief. So together we decorated their door with progress charts and set up cool prize bins to choose from (of course bigger prizes for bigger accomplishments - if you catch my drift.) So we're going to try our best... wish us luck!

Kyrie Ruth

To my Kyrie Bug on her 4th birthday -

I can remember four years ago today so clearly. I was so scared - having been admitted to the hospital four days prior. They knew something wasn't right and you weren't due for almost another 5 weeks. When they diagnosed me with HELLP syndrome, the doctor came in with a counselor. Ty and I sat there as they told us our only option was delivery and they needed to know our wishes in case you didn't make it. I couldn't imagine my sweet (and fiesty) baby not coming home with us from the hospital - we were petrified. As they prepared to lifeflight me I remember praying that I would do anything if you would just be okay. As soon as the helicopter landed at a hospital with a NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) I was induced. It took less than thirty minutes and only one push to get you here - but they took you away so fast, I barely got a glimpse. Since they were trying to stabilize both of us, I only got to see a picture for an entire day. Waiting that 24 hours to meet you was almost unbearable. I remember being pushed into the NICU and seeing the most perfect 4 pound 11 oz baby covered in wires and tubes looking at me. I fell in love instantly. Over the next 21 days I barely left the hospital, I wanted to be with you constantly. It was so overwhelming - not only was I a new parent, but you were so tiny. I remember one particular time that you were screaming so hard your face was bright red. I looked at a nurse and asked her what I was supposed to do. I still reflect on her reply all the time - "you're her mommy, you know what to do." We got into a routine together and bonded over feedings every 3 hours. You were so spunky! All the nurses loved to be in charge of you, and they called you "Baby Houdini." By three days old you had already mastered the art of taking your feeding tube out and holding it up for the nurses to see. You were barely over five pounds when we brought you home with special preemie formula and reflux medications. You also had a special monitor in case you forgot to breathe - which you seemed to do often in the NICU to scare the nurses. You only did it once when you came home, but it was enough to scare your Daddy and I to pieces.

You grew so fast, soon you were a toddler and a big sister. You have always been such a great big sister. You covered Savvy with kisses daily and touched her so softly. You have been her protector and friend since the moment you met. Savvy is so lucky to have you looking out for her.

You have always been an artist - expressing yourself through movement and creativity. Even when your rough start in life caused developmental delays, you never stopped trying to grow and conquer the world around you. You excelled at things in your own way, and turned your trials into advantages, something some adults never figure out.

I remember when I was a teenager my parents telling me that some day they hoped I had a child like me so that I would understand what I put them through. If there was ever a mini-me, it is you. I have always loved that I followed my heart and did things my own way, and I know that your life will hold similar experiences. You feel emotions so deeply, and because of that you have so much to give. You are compassionate, mischievious, and full of a love for life.

There is never a day that you don't make me smile and laugh. Your strength and determination are an inspiration to me and I am lucky to be your mother.

I love you.

Mommy

Indoor Pool

The girls ' new pool came in the mail today, and they just couldn't wait. Ty and I had things we needed to get done inside, so we decided to set it up in the front room and only put an inch or two of water in it. It is AMAZING how far 2 inches of water can spread! The girls had a ball, Ky is a little fish. We'll set the pool up again soon, but next time it will be outside!

our eaters

Ky is probably one of the pickiest eaters I know. My Dad always tells me that she inherited that from me. It is funny that she likes the same stuff I did when I was little. She could live on ramen noodles, cheese, and chicken nuggets. Her latest thing is to get the cream cheese out of the fridge and eating it with a spoon. Crazy kid!

Savvy on the other hand will eat anything. She will even try things I won't touch. She prefers peas and carrots to m&m's. Last week she even cried when she ate all the green beans and she wanted more. Makes me wonder how we got two kids that couldn't be more different!

However, for as different as they are, they are incredible friends. Last night while playing outside (and they didn't think Mommy and Daddy were watching) they were taking turns pushing each other on the swing. It was one of the cutest things ever.