Food...and other stuff

Since we only fed Kellan a couple spoons, I wanted to wait for him to get the go ahead from the doctor to actually feed him.  She told us at our appointment that he can eat solids so I made a cup of rice cereal and he ate the whole thing!  He took the food off the spoon and actually swallowed it instead of trying to spit it out...YAY!  It went much better than our first attempt to feed Sawyer.  The internet said to make it mostly milk but it was so runny it would be hard for even me to eat so we made it thick this time.

He didn't even make a mess! Just a little around his mouth.

A few other things from lately...Sawyer always wants to "hold my Kowan"

Kellan eats his toes all day.

VIEWER DISCRETION
Sawyer stuck a giant booger on the car door and I wanted to take a picture to show Andy because it was so funny that when I pulled out my camera he posed and said "cheese for my big booger!"

Here is Andy playing with Kel.  For some reason he only wants to be on his tummy now, but gets too angry if he's on it for too long.  I roll him back over if he starts to whine and he just flips right back onto his tummy.  It is frustrating when he is trying to go to sleep because he's doing it to himself!

Check-ups

The boys had their doctor appointments today.  Sawyer was really excited for some reason.  Last time we went they were sick about a month ago and Sawyer wasn't very cooperative (not that he would say "no" but he just looked like a sad pathetic little thing and wouldn't do what he was asked like to open his mouth.)  I informed him that we were going to the doctor today and he got all excited and said "I'm not going to throw up!"  Good.  Having Kellan make a mess on the table with his diaper off and Sawyer throwing up at the same time on the chairs was not a fun experience.

We got there (Andy picked up the boys and met me) and when their names were called Sawyer asked our nurse Theresa, "Are you checking up on me?".  She brought us to our room and we took Sawyer out to get measured.  He loved it.

He was 33 lbs (65%) and 39 inches (75%)

Next was Kellan

16lb 11oz (70%) and 26.5 inches (80%)

Kellan had a runny nose and was hungry so he wasn't happy to get checked.  He was even angrier when he got a mouth vaccine and 4 shots.

He's been a sad little thing all day because he has a little fever from the shots and is exhausted.  Janelle sent me this picture.

Hopefully he feels better tomorrow at Grandma's and it's only a half day.

Sounders v. Timbers

Eep!  It's like my Christmas whenever Portland's in town.  They actually had two games in Seattle this year (they switch years) but when there are two games at home you can only display tifo at one (tifo is the big productions with signs and stuff).  They opted to do this game which was lucky because I was way too pregnant to go to the last one because I couldn't stand for long periods of time(it was when I was like 39 weeks lol.)

Anyway, we got there and went to the march to the match because we knew it would be a good one.  Usually Drew Carrey and the other owners go to the big game ones.  We arrived and couldn't get to the main production though because pioneer square was so packed.  We just stood up front so we could be at the front of the march and get to our seats sooner.  It was such an exciting game and WE WON!  Better than Christmas!

Here's the start.  That is a road in front which is why there aren't people there.

As a lover of memes, I loved this Zoidberg 2-pole, "your team is bad and you should feel bad"

This was my attempt at lifting the camera to get a shot going backwards.  Standing room only.

Going to the match!  Smoke bombs ahead

Scarves up

Here is the AMAZING tifo display.  According to ECS, the guys from left to right are Eddie Johnson, Michael Gspurning, Osvaldo Alonzo, and Brad Evans.  I thought the first was Neagle and couldn't even tell Evans lol.  The second guy could totally pass for Leo Gonzales too haha.

Here is a picture of it courtesy of someone else I found on google at thebiglead.com (I'm not sure what that site is, just giving credit for where I found the photo)

Record-breaking attendance, over 67,000 people!

Sold out stadium

We won and here they are doing the hand wave thing (you have to wait around after the game to see it)

Going mobile, last soccer, and a baby shower

First I wanted to say thanks to the people that reached out to us.  We really appreciate the support.  Also, I wanted to clarify that Andy wasn't doing anything intentionally "wrong" and he is a good guy.  People said it didn't seem bad but I wanted to make sure it was clear :)

Anyways, to the blog.  Yesterday our store got rid of our computers and we are going on all ipads from now on.  We carry around these little satchel things with the ipads, a bluetooth scanner, a credit card swiper, and a stylus in them, it's kind of funny!  You can wrap them around your waist, or wear it like a messenger bag.

Me and Grayson are modeling the ways to wear the satchel

This morning was Sawyer's last soccer camp of the season, which is kind of sad.  We're going to have to find him a new one soon since he is doing so well.  They said if you're 3 you can go to the tot class without parents if you think they're ready but I'm not sure he would stay very focused without Andy next to him.

We went to the farmer's market afterwards and picked up some delicious corn dogs (I was pleased to see that they're organic!) and a bunch of organic vegetables.

I thought his face was funny, he was asking for juice

Next Kellan and I went to Char's baby shower!  It was so fun because Natalie was there and I also got to see Chantal and Laeshun.  It was fun hanging out and seeing everyone again.

Kellan loved Natalie and even fell asleep on her

It was so cute- mustache themed!

We had to scoop cotton balls into a bowl. Here is Jakes turn (he works with me and Char is his SIL)

Char and Brandon

I even won a $15 coldstone giftcard because I had an X under my cake plate :)

Why I'm in a bad place

I've heard (and practiced) that when you're upset, it helps to write things down.  You can list them and burn them, or write a letter and throw it away, or do whatever you want with it.  I like to do that when someone posts something super offensive on facebook or something I don't agree with.  I just don't hit the "send".  I am writing things down, but since this is a "this is my life" blog rather than a "I only do awesome things, don't we look perfect" blog, I'll post instead of throw in the fire.

A lot of things are bringing me down. I felt compelled to list them because of number one on my list

-I am too upset to sleep, even though I have to be at work 2 hours early.

-The top of this is my job is going away, and it is really getting to me.  I thought I'd be doing that job forever, but corporate 'murica did the corporate thing and push aside people THINKING they'd save a few dollars, without the proper research.  I have no idea what I'm going to do.  None.  I've pretty firmly decided it isn't worth it to take a full time sales job because the hours are awful.  When something that significant in your life, the whole direction you were headed in the future, it really makes an impact.

-My manager is hiring new people and interviewing, even though there still is no final word on the head count.  Those strangers are taking me and Natalie's job if we both end up wanting part time work.  That is super douchey.  We have made him aware of our feelings.  He laughs and says we'll be fine, but he did the same laugh before the announcement of our jobs leaving.

-I'm mad that new jobs want to pay you $12 an hour to run their entire business.  No thanks.  That won't pay my bills either.

-My stress level is causing me to snap at the kids.  I hate to see Sawyer's face when I do that because I see it hurts his feelings.  He is at that awful stage where he does things like throw his toys and when you tell him "no throwing toys" he will toss one about 6 inches just to test you.  I fail the test.

-I hate standing so long at work because we have to wear nice shoes.  It hurts.  I tend to start to lean on the counter by the end of the day because they hurt so bad, but then I got a written warning that leaning looks unprofessional when done in front of the sales counter, even though in ergonomics training we are encouraged to lean on it if we are behind it to eliminate fatigue.  Go figure.

-I hate Andy's job.  He has to go in super early, and gets home at least the same time but usually later than me.  He stays overnight once every week or two in Burlington, and when he comes home he only has time to make dinner, barely makes in on his run on training days, and just falls asleep in the chair the rest of the time.  He's also grumpy a lot.

-I have been so stressed/angry/annoyed/upset/etc. lately but Andy hasn't even noticed because he's too consumed in his own stressful job.  He hasn't even asked how I feel.

-I keep seeing all these shows on international house hunters where people just up and move.  I wish we could up and move to a new country, but I feel like we've got ourselves stuck now with a house and children and Andy's job.

-I keep wanting to use this no-job thing as an opportunity to do something new but I have no idea what to do and it makes me mad I can't even come up with a "dream" I'd want to aim for.  That says something pathetic about me if you ask me.

-I thought Andy was going up to change to go running since Sawyer said "daddy's going running" but I found him sleeping on the bed a half hour later.  His job is the kitchen and he left the dinner out to go bad and didn't wash the bottles.  I'm mad I had to do that and put the kids to bed.  He didn't even say goodnight or let me know why he was going up.  All he said at all was "did you even like dinner?" but I was overwhelmed with the kids and working on my friend's pictures and that's why I didn't say anything about how it was good.

-I wish I could afford to send the kids to a preschool daycare.  I like the girl we have to use, but her son scares me.  Today I arrived and he was waving a knife around like a ninja.  Not a kitchen knife, but one with jagged edges that was in a protective case that was probably his dad's.  His mom freaked out and didn't know how he got it.  He also stabbed his brother with an epi pen somewhat recently.  He and Sawyer are "best buddies" but they fight a lot and I'm worried.  My kids stay there and I have no choice because we can't afford to send them anywhere else.

-I was checking Andy's phone to make sure his alarms were turned on (they weren't so I did it for him) and checked his text (yes, invasion but we're married) because I wanted to make sure he didn't tell his coworkers why I didn't want to go camping because it was embarrassing.  He tells one of his female coworkers often that she's his best friend.  I'M supposed to be his best friend.  He has even once told me that she called him that once and it was weird to him.  If it's so weird, why are you calling her that back and bringing her coffees?  It hurt my feelings to read that.
-In a related note, he also says "i love you" to that coworker.  He doesn't send "bad" texts that it worries me, and I like her a lot, but there's something heart breaking about seeing your husband tell another girl he loves her.  I shouldn't be jealous I know, (I am really not the jealous type) but I don't go running around telling anyone I love them, I'd especially not say that to a guy.

-I had a huge plan of running a half marathon to lose the baby weight.  I have only been able to run like 5 times.  I have been too exhausted after work, and never have time because Andy has to go train for HIS runs.  Plus by the time dinner's done it is dark and we don't have sidwalks around here that it's pretty dangerous to run in the dark.  This has been a huge disappointment to me, and seeing myself is a constant reminder.  I can't even play rugby because of Andy's work schedule.  I can barely run 2 miles now and so I have to sell my marathon to my friend.

-I can't budget to save my life and it is terrifying me since we will be out money in a few months.

I can't think of any more off the top of my head right now, but that's probably good.

It is much too late and I'm going to try to force myself to sleep since I have to be at work at 7:45 (after dropping the kids off 40 minutes away.)

say cheese

Sawyer asked me to take a picture of them with their Monkey Georges.  Easier said than done.  If it wasn't one, it was the other.  It is definitely too much to ask for 2 little boys to hug their monkeys and smile for the camera :)  The first was the best we got.

They're so dang cute though.  I'm pretty sure I'm having 20 kids :/  Maybe we'll get a TLC reality show so I can afford that many ;)

Lemonade photos, vodka, and Seattle boats

We try to make the most of our weekends.  Sometimes that is resting for a day, but that day wasn't this weekend.

Saturday morning I met up with my friend Megan because she is in town (moving from HI to TX) and we did pictures.  They set up a cute lemonade stand.

That afternoon we went to my parents for the Sounders/Seahawks games and to harvest the vodka.  It sounds funny to say, but my dad put a ton in a big jug and filled it with raspberries.  It has been sitting for 5 weeks now.  We had to pour it through a strainer, then through cheese cloth, then through coffee filters though a funnel and into the final bottle.  It was going swimmingly until the coffee filter part.  It would clog up immediately with a fine film and we had to push it through by twisting the filters and squeezing the bubble so the liquid came out.  It took hours but we finally got the final product with almost 9 bottles and we each got 2-and-a-little-more-than-half fifths to bring home.

Kellan enjoyed his new toy.  He can't yet jumperoo because his legs are POWERFUL (thunder thighs) and his neck probably shouldn't handle that yet, but this was nice and calm.  Sawyer played board games with my mom.

Today we were bored and decided to go to Seattle to see if the fish were going through the ladder at the Ballard Locks (free entertainment as long as you find street parking.)  The answer was "mostly no" but we saw 2 big salmon in there.  Sawyer loves to watch the boats, and it's always fun to watch them go up and down in the locks.

Who needs a double stroller when you can do this?

We went to fish and chips afterwards.

Then hit up Molly Moons for some ice cream.  Andy had peach blondie in a waffle cone and I had raspberry lemon thyme.  SO GOOD!!!

I love Seattle.  I used to hate it because downtown is big skyscrapers which I hate, but now that we've discovered the other neighborhoods like Fremont, Wallingford, and Ballard, I just love it!  I would love to live in one of those houses in the middle of the street.

We came home and cleaned the house, which made the whole weekend a success by being both fun and productive!

Anniversary 2013

Yesterday, the 15th, marked our anniversary.  We've been married 4 years already, been together 5, and been best friends for 6 :)

I surprised Andy by hiding his gift (a Sounders windbreaker) in his briefcase.  He was surprised because he thought I forgot since I hadn't mentioned it ;)

He surprised me by not going to work in the morning and walking in (or should I say barging in) the bathroom following Sawyer with 4 roses.  He got the boys ready for me and made me a breakfast sandwich.  When I got home I found a pack of Sounder green earrings, a neon yellow under armor shirt, and a seahawks t-shirt I just love.

After work we had to bring Irene and Bob propane tanks so we decided to try Hopjacks in Bonney Lake.  I had a western burger (I always love those little onion crisps) with house made potato chips and Andy had a burger.  They have fancy lemondrops there that they put in an ice glass- it is really cool.  We ordered strawberry and it was delicious.  The glass looked cool as it melted too.  It was so good I couldn't wait to go back, but that definitely wasn't happening.  Why? Sawyer pulled the fire alarm causing the whole strip mall (Menchies, Little Caesars, a tanning salon, and our restaurant) to evacuate.  Well, our restaurant stayed put because they saw it happen.

We paid and Andy took Sawyer out of his high chair (he wanted to sit in one).  Sawyer took off to the front door while Andy was grabbing Kellan and I was putting on the diaper bag.  Our table was by the door and I knew he couldn't open the door (they were heavy) so we weren't rushing.  As I was slipping on the bag strap I noticed Sawyer's attention was on the fire alarm (which was eye level for a 3-year-old) and he reached up.  I yelled, "SAWYER NO!"  It startled him and he turned around, but it was too late.  This wasn't a typical "pull the handle" one, you just had to push down on it.  A few seconds later lights were flashing in the whole strip mall and the siren was going off.  Andy told the manager what happened, the family next to us goes "why is that low enough for a 3 year old?", and the manager said we could leave.  I'm sure the fire department was on the way, but we ran to the car.  Sawyer kept saying "I'm so sorry mommy" over and over and I told him he was in big trouble which resulted in "the lip" all the way home.  He felt so guilty, but that's how you learn.

For the record, I checked the fire alarm in my store today and it was at a height that Sawyer would have to jump to even touch the bottom!  Why is there one at eye level of a toddler???

I guess it's one we'll never forget.

Kellan played with his toy monkey with his tongue out the whole time

The inside glass is made of ice :)

4 months and food paste

Kellan turned 4 months.  I wanted to wait until his appointment to post about it but he isn't getting in until he is almost 5 months (our doc is on vacation for a couple weeks which overbooks all of them this month).  He does a lot of the same things as 3 months.  He smiles at anyone that smiles at him (especially when he first wakes up).  He can roll over but doesn't roll to move places yet. He can stand up pretty good, we can lean him against the ottoman and he stays standing up (until mean old Sawyer throws toys at him).  He grabs things and shoves them in his mouth, his favorite being his toes.  He has the chunkiest thighs!  He kind of plays with toys, mostly just moves them around in his hands.  Last time we got him weighed it was 15 lbs and some odd ounces that I don't remember (from the sick appointment).  He drinks 6 oz and wakes up once at night between 4 and 6 but goes right back to sleep.  He loves Sawyer which is good.  Besides that he is just a normal adorable baby.

We tried to feed him the other day just to see how he responded.  He didn't like it much and would make the worst face, but then would eat it.  We tried rice mixed with formula and some other organic food paste for 4 month olds (it was like carrots apples and parsnips or something).  We aren't going to force-feed him quite yet ;)

It went better than Sawyer's first time where we made it so runny it didn't even get in his mouth at all...it took us a few days to realize it was easier thicker.