Archive for June, 2013

14 Weeks!

Friday, June 21st, 2013

 

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It’s the end of the first trimester!  I decided to take a couple of pregnancy pictures this time.  I did it every month with Serenity but I just did it once with a professional photographer with DZ.  Since this may be the last time, I thought I’d try for at least one per trimester this time =)  I’m definitely showing already.  I’ve probably gained too much weight, but I’m too busy to worry about it too much.  I have an elliptical machine now and I’m trying to get in to an exercise routine a little earlier this pregnancy.  Maybe that will help!  I hope to alternate between walking/elliptical and my yoga.
Serenity talks about baby Starfish all the time.  She even made a book as a present for the baby!  It’s a Christmas book since the baby will be arriving right around then.  It was her idea, so sweet.  She’s asked a few questions about when she was a baby, and when Donovan was in my tummy.  I told her the silliest thing that happened when I was pregnant with her was that Daddy played ball with her when she was in my tummy.  He got this stuffed jingly ball for his first father’s day and immediately threw it right at my tummy.  She thought this was hilarious, and wanted to know what the funniest thing that happened when DZ was in my tummy.  I told her it was the time she had a tea party with him.  She poked me in the tummy with her tea pot so that he could share, and she sang Happy Birthday to him while he was still in my tummy.  So she didn’t want Starfish to be left out, so she gzrbrted my tummy several times so she could give Starfish a silly moment. =)

 

I feel fine, although my system had definitely been thrown for a loop with this pregnancy, much more than with the first two.  I can tell a difference between first and second trimester already.  I’m shifting to be nocturnal now =)  Instead of falling asleep at 9pm, I have the most productive time of my day from 9 to midnight, and I’m still not sleepy when I get in bed.  And then I want a nap around 10am.  At least I’m getting some projects done at night again!  Around 12 weeks I had that moment when you think, “Wow, there’s an actual person in there!”  I am so curious what this baby will be like!  He’ll be wiggling around in a few weeks, and soon I hope we can find out whether we’re having a boy or a girl!!!

Donovan’s Birthday Party!

Monday, June 17th, 2013

 

Donovan's second birthday copy  We held Donovan’s second birthday in California this year!  Donovan loves animals, especially elephants and jaguars.  And he adores Diego, so we had an animal rescue party!  It was SO much fun!  Ann and John did so much to make the party perfect.And it was great to get to share it with our California friends and family!

 

Here’s the party setup!  I cut out a bunch of jungle leaves and hung up tissue paper pinwheels to decorate the food table.  Ann and John had this great tent that we used for Rescue Headquarters.  It was surrounded with a dozen balloons stuck in the grass with golf tees, which unfortunately did not survive the heat!  Donovan got to pop the last one on his own, which made him pretty happy though =)  I had painted a map of the world on a canvas that was in front of the tent.  I had thought that maybe we’d put the animals in their habitats around the world, but we were too busy for that.  Maybe later =)

Before the balloons popped =)

Before the balloons popped =)

Donovan's favorite part of the decorations was baby jaguar!  Serenity declared it beautiful when she got back from swimming =)

Donovan’s favorite part of the decorations was baby jaguar! Serenity declared it beautiful when she got back from swimming =)

I like my jungle leaves and cupcake tower =)

I like my jungle leaves and cupcake tower =)

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Eric made an amazing animal obstacle course!  Kids leaped like horses, crawled like crocodiles, sprayed water like elephants, jumped through hoops like tigers, burrowed like bunnies, hopped like kangaroos, munched leaves like elephants, balanced like jaguars, and crashed like rhinos.  Serenity and Henry especially did the obstacle course over and over the entire day!  We nearly ran out of streamers for them to crash through!  So cute!  I think DZ preferred using the hose as an elephants trunk, and burrowing through the rabbit hole. I made felt animal masks for the kids to wear while they were pretending to be animals =)  Some of the adults wore them too!  I think Henry wins the award for trying the most masks though!

Henry crawling like a crocodile =)

Henry crawling like a crocodile =)

 

Eric trying to crawl like an alligator =)

Eric trying to crawl like an alligator =)

Evan spraying like an elephant

Evan spraying like an elephant

Serenity jumping through a hoop like a tiger

Serenity jumping through a hoop like a tiger

Burrow like a bunny

Burrow like a bunny

DZ munching leaves like a giraffe

DZ munching leaves like a giraffe

Balance like a jaguar (in her jaguar mask!)

Balance like a jaguar (in her jaguar mask!)

 

Aidan had an extra tall tree =)

Aidan had an extra tall tree =)

 

 

 

 

Getting ready to crash like rhinos again, in masks!

Getting ready to crash like rhinos again, in masks!

Crash like rhinos through the streamers!

Animal masks =)

Animal masks =)

I sewed a bunch of faces on orange bags for the kids to use as rescue packs as they rescued animals from around the world!  Each child got a spotting scope to help them find animals that we’d hidden around the yard.  After they saved ten animals, they received rescue patch stickers to show that they were accomplished animal rescuers!  Donovan kept saying, I need more animals!!!  Henry and Serenity were a great team =)  They hung out together a lot!  Serenity says she’s going to marry Henry by the way, and as Henry told his Mom to choose his wife, that may work out 😉

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Rescue Packs!

Rescue Packs!

We had cupcakes with animal figures on top.  Donovan loved his elephant and blowing out the candles, the cupcakes… not so much.   Fortunately Ann and I made him chocolate shaped like animals for his special treat, and that he loved!  Serenity was happy to help with his share of the cupcakes.

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The funniest part of the party was when Eric and Jack put on the monkey masks and pretended to be the Bobo brothers from Diego.  They capered around the yard until Donovan yelled “Freeze Bobos!” and then they said they were sorry.  Donovan loved this so much he’s still telling Daddy to “Freeze Bobo!”

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Freeze Bobos!

Freeze Bobos!

Freeze!

Freeze!

The rest of the evening was spent playing baseball, tag, and playing with animal beach balls.  They also made zoo necklaces when we needed a break indoors.  It was a great party!

 

Fishing was a huge hit, as always! It's our birthday tradition =)

Fishing was a huge hit, as always! It’s our birthday tradition =)

The birthday boy was yawning by the end!  So much fun!

The birthday boy was yawning by the end! So much fun!

Baby Jensen came!  He is SO cute!

Baby Jensen came! He is SO cute!

Evan and Donovan were pretty much inseparable =)  Good thing Eric likes to carry them both =)

Evan and Donovan were pretty much inseparable =) Good thing Eric likes to carry them both =)

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Animal necklaces!  Patricia is always so helpful!

Animal necklaces! Patricia is always so helpful!

Hug Evan!

Hug Evan!

John got this great animal figure playset which the kids loved!  And then the pieces went into the fishing pond!

John got this great animal figure playset which the kids loved! And then the pieces went into the fishing pond!

Special thanks to Marilyn, Robert and Jack for all the photos!  I forgot my camera charger so I only got a few pics before the party started!

More Favorite Pictures and Moments

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Here are some of my favorite pictures that didn’t fit in the other posts, and some of DZ’s funniest moments posted on facebook.

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I love his crazy curly hair and his adorable smile! And the glint in his eye that is often mischief and goofiness =)

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Donovan’s favorite shirt, the only one he’s requested to wear repeatedly =)

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Crazy sleeping. I look back fondly on this as he learned to climb out of the bed! No more peaceful naps for Mama! =)

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First birthday party =)

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Sweet kisses =)

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He loves his jaguar =)

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I love the overalls =)

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Roaring in his Halloween costume =)

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Petting a deer at the fair

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May 31st:  Donovan’s First Pinata!

Photo: Surprise party for Donovan!  His first piñata!  Yay aunt Jen, Casey and Barrett!

May 30th:

Started our summer reading program today! Both kids are reading themselves to sleep tonight! Donovan is a big fan of shark vs train. ( he roots for the train) and he carried the fire truck book all around the house. Love it!

May 27th:

Donovan climbed out of his bed! Nooo! Why am I the only one who wants naptime?

May 10th:

Tragedy! My nephews are over and Donovan is attacking them with foam swords, and my 16 gig memory card is full! How’d that happen?

April 19th:

I think Donovan might be musical… He loves playing instruments, listening to music… And he does not particularly want to listen to his tone deaf parents sing

Photo: I think Donovan might be musical... He loves playing instruments, listening to music... And he does not particularly want to listen to his tone deaf parents sing :)

April 18th:

Donovan likes dipping his French fries in ice cream. he did not learn this from me

Photo: Donovan likes dipping his French fries in ice cream. :) he did not learn this from me

April 17th:

What happens when the 22 month old recovers from the stomach flu first. This is the cleanest spot left

Photo: What happens when the 22 month old recovers from the stomach flu first.  This is the cleanest spot left

 

April 14th:

Donovan and Jack. Top down and tunes blaring.

Photo: Donovan and Jack. Top down and tunes blaring.

April 5th:

Donovan took advantage of the fact that mama is stuck on the couch with a sprained ankle. Pushed a chair over to the counter to finish off his Easter basket. At least he didn’t climb on the counter! I should have known, it was ninja quiet.

Photo: Donovan took advantage of the fact that mama is stuck on the couch with a sprained ankle.  Pushed a chair over to the counter to finish off his Easter basket.  At least he didn't climb on the counter!  I should have known, it was ninja quiet.

April 3rd:

Donovan, do you want to go to the park? “I can’t wait, I can’t wait! I happy. Whee-ha!” So that’s a yes

Photo: Donovan, do you want to go to the park? "I can't wait, I can't wait! I happy. Whee-ha!"  So that's a yes

March 29th:

Serenity said “painting Easter eggs was a great idea Mama, I am full of joy.” Lol me too . Donovan loved this craft too, until he realized he was required to wash the paint off.

Donovan got two eggs at the Easter egg hunt we went to in the park. (One was given to him by a sweet little boy dressed as Batman. Awww) Just enough to enjoy shaking like crazy and then to toss them clear across the park Not sure we explained Easter eggs enough to him. Easter egg hunts at the park are crazy and last less than a minute… although it’s an exciting minute. Serenity got plenty of eggs and enjoyed herself. And I was only annoyed by one teen/adult who thought she should collect eggs with the five and under crowd.

March 20th:

Told Donovan he had to stay with his chair at the restaurant. So he took his chair for a walk. In related news, he has perfected an evil mwa-haha

Photo: Told Donovan he had to stay with his chair at the restaurant. So he took his chair for a walk.  In related news, he has perfected an evil mwa-haha

March 15th:

Cousins enjoying the dog show. Donovan is mesmerized.

Photo: Cousins enjoying the dog show. Donovan is mesmerized.

February 3rd:

Sweet moment of a great day: Serenity yelled from the other room, “BABY BUNNY!” And Donovan comes running back, yelling “I coming Sis!” I love that they are playing together

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 15th:

Donovan’s first sentence to me this morning “Read it the book please Mama” LOVE

January 10th:

Donovan has discovered that asking for books is the surest way to postpone both nap and bedtime, and to get a lazy mama out of bed in the morning. He’s learning about how much fun reading is, right, and not just how great it is to manipulate Mama?

January 7th:

Donovan is feeling abandoned today. I went to pick him up from his nap and he threw his arms around my neck and yelled, there it is, I found her I found her!! Then he looked at me pitifully and said dada? Sis???

 

December 12th:

I have totally conned Donovan into wearing his tie by calling it his necklace. Now he wants to wear it every day.

Photo: I have totally conned Donovan into wearing his tie by calling it his necklace. Now he wants to wear it every day.

December 18th:

Grandma caught playing ball in the house with Donovan Diane M Hale

Photo: Grandma caught playing ball in the house with Donovan =)  Diane M Hale

December 10th:

Donovan got a clean bill of health at the doctor, although he was not a happy boy. He cried when he got weighed, yelled when the doctor listened to his heart, and only said no and never. Oh, and “no like it.” Until we left, and then he shouted “BYE DOCTOR” with great enthusiasm.

November 30th:

Raking leaves for grandma “na-ma”

Photo: Raking leaves for grandma "na-ma"

November 28th:

When Donovan’s cranky his word isn’t no, it’s “NEVER!!!”

November 21st:

Whenever Serenity gets sent to time out for not being careful and hurting Donovan, he follows after her saying “my sis! my sis!!” I think she’s not going to learn to be more careful this way.

November 15th:

Donovan tried to play catch with the Backyardigans. Fortunately he used a ball pit ball and not a basketball. Wonder how long our tv is going to last.

November 1st:

Donovan’s newest word is “ready??” This is followed closely by a thrown ball so if you aren’t ready you better get that way.

October 12th:

Donovan has discovered that the fastest way to get out of bed after a nap is not to yell “Mama!” but to yell “DIAPER!!”

October 8th:

Eric has a day off today, so Donovan stayed with him while I took Serenity to school. Evidently, if he doesn’t see us leave her at school, he won’t believe it. When I walked in the door without her he stood there for five minutes saying “sister? sister!”

October 5th:

Donovan can count to six! Starting at two…

September 15th:

I am SUCH a good mother.

Photo: I am SUCH a good mother.

September 4th:

Donovan has mastered climbing onto chairs… and now tables. We need no toys, furniture is exciting enough.

August 21st:

Serenity had her first dance class of the fall session today! Donovan did NOT understand why he wasn’t in class as well. When she came out he made a break for the dance room and ran across so he could dance in front of the mirrors.

July 26th:

Donovan’s current word: Awesome!

July 13th:

Once again, peanut butter and string cheese come to my rescue. I can get at least a little protein into my baby.

July 9th:

So I have a climber. And not a good one. So far today he made it almost to the kitchen counter according to Daddy, and then fell off his high chair onto his head. And off the little white chairs into the toy box. I think the problem is, when he gets onto something, he just doesn’t sit there or stand there. He starts shaking his booty and saying “Dance, Dance, Dance!”

June 26th:

Thought maybe I had a little success at feeding Donovan today… oatmeal that was sticky enough to stay on the spoon when I handed it to him so he could feed himself. And he did well, he ate six or seven bites (which is a success for him.) Then he took off his bib so I thought he was done, and then he said “More!” emphatically. So I thought , yay, maybe a food he’ll actually eat! Then when I handed him the spoon he threw it across the room. Yes, Donovan, I get it. You were all done.

Considering sending Donovan to my sister at the cabin for a few days until he decides that solid food is really something a one year old should consider eating. Or at least he should use a cup sometimes.

June 20th:

Thanks to his sister, Donovan understands the word “fetch.”