And I found you: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Three Headed Monster

Last night the kids were having an off night. The baby was crying, the toddler was screeching and the preschooler was whining. Mike and I were both reaching the end of our ropes when he looked at me and said "What have we done? We've created a three headed monster and now it's out to get us."

The Three Headed Monster

I can always count on Mike to make me laugh when I need it the most.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Newport Aquarium

This weekend we visited the Newport Aquarium with Grandma, Bo and Aunt Tiff. The kids had a blast and we even got to see a penguin parade! (Although it was pretty anticlimatic.)

Carter particularly enjoyed climbing on the giant frogs.

The Steeler's Frog!

My penguin cuties.

Frogs are fun!

This is how baby Dawson spent most of the outing.

It was a special day, so the kid's got to pick something out from the gift shop. Brand new coloring books! They were a hit.

In front of the aquarium, overlooking downtown Cincinnati. Baby Dawson was sleeping soundly and cozily in the car seat, so we didn't want to wake him.

Carter's favorite thing? The scuba divers. They were cleaning the tanks when we were there and also high fiving kids through the glass, swimming upside down and waving. When we got home Carter put on his bookbag and glasses and decided to be a scuba diver too. Don't you love three year old imaginations? And our little guy has a pretty vibrant one.

Of course, thank you Grandma and Bo for all the help (and baby-sitting) this weekend. Mike and I were able to go see a performance of The Twelfth Night in Dayton with my Mom and Dad. While Shakespeare is not my favorite, I enjoyed every minute of our big night out.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Yup, he's a Shadle (Take 2)

Anyone who has ever met The Shadle boys (Michael O., Michael N., and Jason) knows that they love to quote movies and Seinfeld. In fact, Mike has a theory that any situation in life has a corresponding Seinfeld quote. I also regularly hear Christmas Vacation and Back to the Future quotes. So what does this happen to do with my kiddos? Well, the other day Carter was riding along on his airplane and threw his first movie quote at Mike. What movie did he quote? Cars, of course! At one point the cars are driving with each other and one says "Nice day, huh." That is exactly the movie quote Carter threw at Mike. I foresee years of movie quoting in my future.

Now for some cute pictures.

I call this one Baby it's cold outside.

Look who is chunking up!

And Smiling!

This is how I greeted Mike at the door last night, although Ava was in tears at the time. She had stuck her hand inside the candy cane shape castle and gotten it stuck. This necessitated me yanking her hand out of the castle. Which lead to two crying babies. Which lead to me yelling (to no one in particular) Mike, please get home soon! This was only one of a million little emergencies I've taken care of this week. I hear voices yelling, so no more blogging for now!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Freezing and Frigidly Cold

It is cold here. Colder than cold, with a high on friday of only eighteen degrees. The air temperature this morning when we woke up was NEGATIVE 12. So what do we do when it's this cold?

Cuddle up on the couch with a good book.

Whip up some tasty treats.

Cuddle the sweetest little boy.

Spring, I look forward to you very fondly. Please come soon.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Another Snow Day!

Currently I'm typing this post one handed due to a sleeping baby in my arms. So I'm going to be short on words and long on cute pictures.

Snow Roo!

Thanks for the shovels Bo and Grandma!

We also made a volcano:

What's going on?

Wait this is fun!!

I love snow days with my bunch.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

He Knows

Today Little Miss Avery-I'm-Almost-Two-you-know got into a little bit of trouble. She wanted to stay downstairs to play, while I wanted to go upstairs and take a shower. After letting her cry for a bit, I took her to her room for a time out. After a minute (yes just a minute, we use one minute in time out per year of age) I went back in to get her. I told her if she stops crying I would turn on Sesame Street for her to watch while I got cleaned up. She looked at me and said "Santa knows." I resisted the urge to laugh, but said "yes, Santa knows that you were crying. Let's be on our best behavior because Santa is always watching." So how much longer can I get away with warning her that Santa is watching?

He sees when you are sleeping, he knows when you're awake

Who dosen't love a picture of a sleepy baby with a little drop of drool hanging out?

Monday, January 17, 2011

Kid Karoke

They are my sunshine.

**Updated: Right around 9 seconds Ava looks at the camera and says Santa. This girl is in love!**

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Snowy January Update

What's new with us?

Well, we had a snowstorm on Tuesday.

I managed to bundle everyone up and let the kids play in the snow. Baby Dawson was bundled in the car seat and sleeping in the van. I could see and hear him but he was nice and warm. Carter is a little snowbunny, but Ava is not. Even with snow boots and pants she refused to step into the snow.

Ava has decided to take matters into her own hands and is potty training herself. She has exclusively gone number 2 in the potty, with only one accident this week! I'm pretty stunned that she figured it out so quickly.

Today at lunch everyone was eating quietly. Suddenly Ava looks up at the ceiling and yells "Santa! Where are you?" Santa made quite an impression on her.
I made a bean soup this morning that was supposed to have a ten minute prep time. I specifically chose this recipe for it's easy preparation. It took me almost TWO HOURS to get it in the crock pot!! I guess they didn't take into account bathroom breaks, feeding the baby, cereal refills, getting juice, tying strings onto batmobiles, changing diapers and dodging train tracks underfoot. But it was pretty tasty, so I'll probably make it again. (Just maybe prepare it at night after the kids are in bed.)

Carter boy has been begging to have Ava sleep in his room, so tonight we gave in and moved her crib. He was very well behaved and she was......not. So she may be moving back to her room, but we'll try at least another night. I know it would upset Carter, so I want to keep trying for him.

Speaking of upset....

This is pretty much what little Doc looks like any time you try to set him down between the hours of 6 and 10 pm. He believes it is his right as a baby to be constantly carried during this time. I wanted to take a picture of him in this onesie because it was his brother's onesie. Funny thing is, even though he is wailing I love this picture of my sweet little boy. His fussiness can make things difficult but, I love cuddling him during this time. By the way, thank you Mom for the Moby wrap. It's making my life soooooooo much easier.

Well, that pretty much sums up our wonderfully imperfect, crazy ridiculous life right now. Better get myself to bed.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Bottle Time

I asked Carter if he wanted to feed his brother a bottle.

His response?

Yeah, I go nurse him.

They had fun, although I'm sure baby Dawson wished they would just let him eat.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Can't turn around for a second

Carter and Avery love to shower their brother with gifts. In this case it was a penguin, but I have also seen books, multiple stuffed animals, blues and even sippy cups balancing on their little brother. Can't turn around for a second.

Sweet sleepy baby.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Brothers and an Ava-ism

Brothers

Today after nap Ava brought up her favorite topic: Santa. So I started having a conversation with her about Santa. What did we leave for Santa? cookies. What did we leave for the reindeer? carrots. Then I asked her what did Santa bring us? I thought she would say presents or books or a doll. But no. Her response was Dawson. Isn't that funny? She thinks that Santa brought baby Dawson.

I must spend at least one minute bragging about myself, but mainly the kids. We made it to story time today at the library! This was a huge accomplishment getting everyone dressed and ready to go by 10:30. But really the credit should go to my kids. They were so well behaved at home and at the library. They followed directions well and the big kids held hands and followed me around the library while I picked out books. Baby Dawson didn't make a peep the entire time we were out. I couldn't ask for a better bunch! Tomorrow's Mission Impossible? Getting Carter to preschool by 9:00. We'll see how that goes.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

One Month Old

Happy One Month Birthday Dawson Robert!

It's hard to believe that one month ago today I was being admitted into the hospital and you were well on your way to making an appearance. You were the only baby that I went into labor with, and I'm sure that your father appreciated the sense of excitement. (By the way when your wife texts you about painful contractions, do not text back that you are going to work late. That does not go over well.) Thankfully Uncle Jason and Aunt Tiffany were there to save the day and watch your brother and sister. Mommy and Daddy got to the hospital around 7:30 and you were born by 11:31 pm in the middle of a snow storm. It was so magical to look out the window and see snowflakes swirling to the ground for our little December baby. Dawson, you came so quickly that we barely had time for the doctor to get there. I didn't even need to push and you were out and crying loudly. What a beautiful sound!

This past month has gone so fast. I've enjoyed every second with you and your siblings. Dawson, your brother Carter loves to talk to you and I know that you will be friends as you grow up. Your sister Ava is going to be your best protector. She is so concerned for you and will run to your room or pack and play several times during the day to search for you. She loves to get your paci (even if you don't need it.) I can't wait to see the three of you grow up together. You have grow so fast this month that newborn clothes don't fit anymore and you are filling out 3 month clothes very well. I feel like we have found a nice routine during the day, with you eating every 2.5 hours but having a nice long nap in the afternoon. At night you are sleeping for 4 hour stretches which is heavenly! You are having fussy periods during the evening, but Mommy loves to calm you with the moby wrap. We love you baby Dawson!