Random Things

What is this you may ask? Why let me tell you! Its the garbage we keep in a big garbage can outside of our back door for diapers. This time of year you never know what you are going to get with the weather. We left the top off the garbage can and it rained. It then proceeded to go back below freezing - and thus, the block of ice was created!

This is the gorgeous cake that Kevin made for me. Bought a special heart shaped pan and everything! Very sweet. Although he is an awesome cook, and this cake tasted fine, he did let me know that "baking was not his thing"!!

THIS is Kevin's "thing". The man can cook great - especially pizza. Here is his first ever deep dish pizza. And yes, it was as good as it looked!

These are our daughters. Aren't they beautiful!??

Stellan

The story in a nutshell...Baby Stellan had heart trouble in utero. They said he wouldn't make it. His parents left that up to God. He was born with no signs of any problem. Unfortunately over the weekend, Stellan's heart went into SVT - a very high (200s) heart rate. Right now the doctors are working to try to find the right medicine to get his heart back to normal. You can click on the picture below for their story and the latest updates. And if you are the type...please add Stellan to your prayers.

Ice Cream!

Someone got her very first ice cream cone today! And she did great. Hardly any mess & ate it fast enough so it didn't melt everywhere! I think she liked it!

Bert & Ernie

It's very interesting how kids learn and think about things. And sometimes, its downright funny!

In the past couple of weeks, Brooke has learned to say her uncles names - Aaron & Cory. Very sweet!

On our Pampers, there are pictures of different Sesame Street characters. Today, Kevin was pointing to characters on the diaper and saying to Brooke "who's that?" When he pointed to Ernie, Brooke said "Aaron!", when he pointed to Bert, she said "Cory!".

I don't think she was saying that Aaron & Cory were two gay guys destined to live together forever, but it was still darn funny nonetheless!!!

Art Work & Bottles!

So, yesterday we (finally) started weaning Brooke from her bottles - cold turkey. She mainly only took one for nap and bedtime & sometimes in the morning...particularly when we woke her to take me to the train - then she would want one in the car.

I really wanted to do this around the time she turned two. But I am a big wuss. I was too worried about how hard it would be to go cold turkey, the few days of crying herself to sleep for naps and bed...lots of toddler drama. I even went as far as to lie to per pediatrician at her 2 year check up. Does she take bottles? No! I said. I didn't want the lecture again the doc has been giving me since she turned one! And besides, I already knew the speech!

So, Kevin stepped up and made the decision...no more coddling me! It was time! So, day 1 was yesterday. Kevin put her for her nap - he gave her a juice cup. She didn't want it...and carried on as he closed the door behind him and went downstairs. Now he tells me that she didn't carry on for too long - and I hope that is true - or maybe he just said that to make me feel better. And I appreciate it!

Then last night - day 1 of having to put Brooke to "night night" time without a bottle. Kevin was at work and I was freaked out about. I really do support "cry it out" - but its harder on me than my kids! I had even called my friend Ellen, and said - you have to be home so I can call you about 8:30 when she is crying in her room. To which my supportive friend said "can you wait until 9 - there is a 2-hour 24 on tonight! LOL! But she would have answered at 8:30 anyway if I needed her! But the amazing part was - I didn't need her! I offered Brooke a sippy of milk and one of juice...she said "I don't want it!". I picked her up and both cups, and carried her upstairs. On the way to her room she voluntarily grabbed the juice and we had our normal "night night" ritual and that was that!!! My prayers were answered! My girl (or me!) didn't have a hard time!

So, this will be night 2 - I hope all goes as well tonight. About an hour before I will find out.

Anyhow, probably nothing really to do with the bottle weaning...but yesterday Brooke also took the opportunity to became a budding artist! All over the wall!! It is really annoying of course, and you have to tell her its wrong...and it really upsets daddy. But at the same time, isn't it a kid's right, and almost duty to do a major design on the wall at least once??!!

Brooke's Masterpiece: