Merry Christmas

Santa has come and gone. Sierra is already asking when he comes back. We had a wonderful time with our families and sharing the love this Christmas. We were all thoroughly spoiled this year as always. Santa brought Sierra a stand up microphone and Andon a ride on toy he can ride/push/pull. They are in love. Sierra loves to sing and Andon loves to push so both are perfect gifts. We are still coming down from the high of presents and cookies.

Sierra and I made sugar cookies this year. Something we haven't done in a few years with mom being so sick and then last year I just wasn't up for it. She had a blast frosting. We did nearly 15 dozen cookies in 6 hours. We're rockstars!

I hope all of you had a very Merry day and wish you health and happiness in 2010.

No fear

Andon is part monkey. I'm sure of it. He just has no fear when it comes to climbing. It started with the little rocking chair, then the couch, then the big glider in his room. In the past 5 days it has been the crib, the cat scratching post and now the kitchen chairs. He has only tried climbing into the crib, but I know he is only days or weeks away from climbing out! It has to be hereditary, Michael climbed every tree or wall he came across as a kid. I saw him scale a wall just this past Thanksgiving. Lets hope Andon skips that for a few years.

Mark is going to have a heart attack any day now. I just shrug my shoulders. He's a boy and well lets face it kids get hurt. Sierra had that fractured ankle at 18 months. Andon is right on pace for that too. I just know we'll be in the ER shortly with stitches or a broken something. Oh well, at least we'll have some stories to tell.

Got it!

Mama I'm part cat too.

No way to stay mad at this face.

Yikes

I cannot believe it's been almost 2 months since my last update. Big oops!

Halloween: Sierra went dressed as a High School Musical Cheerleader. Andon went dressed as daddy and wore a sheriff's shirt. We went trick or treating with Sierra's friend Delaney and Emily. They lasted two hours and probably would have quit going. Sierra came home with 4.4 lbs of candy! I think it's almost gone finally.

On our way to school Halloween eve

Aren't they so grown up!

Our little mini DO

Mark and I escaped the first weekend of November for some alone time up in Sedona. Mark's parents were came to stay at the house with the kids. They are awesome! They were also ready to go home. Bags packed and loaded in the car when we got home. They definitely know why people have kids when they are young. Thanks dad and mom, we love you!

Thanksgiving was strange as most holidays are now. It's just not the same without mom's laughter and running late with food. We ate an hour after we had planned, so at least we are keeping up that tradition of hers. My mom was really the ultimate hostess so it's a spot that hasn't really been filled no matter how hard us 3 kids try.

Our Christmas decorations and tree went up the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Andon just hates that he can't take the ornaments off. Sierra keeps tattling on him when he does. He just laughs now. What a stinker!

Sierra is almost halfway through kindergarten. She loves it and couldn't wait to go back after Thanksgiving. It was only 4 days, so winter break and summer are going to be loooong for me. She is beginning to read. It's amazing how quickly its progressed. She just astounds us with her imagination. The stories she makes up for Mark just make him laugh.

Andon is a running/moving man. He LOVES airplanes and helicopters still so I sense a theme for Christmas presents. He also loves to climb on the couch. He got in big trouble tonight because he thought he'd try to climb up over the side to get to the fish tank. Seriously a stinker! He yells at me when I tell him stop or no then smiles. We are in deep trouble with that one.

Right now we are looking forward to Christmas and spending time with our family. Zoo lights and looking around the neighborhood at the lights is a must too. I'm going to take the plunge and make sugar cookies with Sierra. I love mom's recipe and we haven't had them in a couple of years so it's time to start our traditions again. I firmly believe mom would want it that way. Now if I could just be brave enough to make her fudge.

Sweater time

Well not really, but we're close and I can't wait. There was a definite nip in the air this morning walking to school. Andon's arms were chilly when we got home. It's about time! We have our windows and door open. I haven't heard the AC in at least 2 days. This makes me happy, but probably not SRP.

I've been waiting since August to be able to walk to and from school. Sierra loves it. She runs to school, literally. I keep having to yell at her to stop so she's not to far ahead. Quite the change from the reluctant girl we had nearly 2 months ago. Andon to is loving the walks. He gets to scope out all the planes flying over head. He LOVES them. We live so close to Falcon Field he sees at least 5 every morning. Then spends the rest of the day running to the front door when he hears another one hoping for a glance.

We've got our fall decorations up and my white pumpkins are going outside tomorrow. Yippee, it's fall!

It's official

We have a walker in the house. Andon has been walking for over a month. For a while he would walk like a bear or revert to crawling. But Mark and I have not seen him do anything but walk for the past 3 days. It's pretty awesome. He's slow at times and a little unsteady, but he gets where he wants to go.

Weddings & Waves

Back in full swing after our few days in San Diego. We went over on 9/8 for Shane (my cousin) and Liz's wedding. It was BEAUTIFUL! The trip over & back wasn't so great. Andon is not happy to be contained so it was torture for him being in the carseat that long. Sierra loved our room. It had a seperate kids "room" with bunk beds. She is lobbying for bunk beds hardcore.

The wedding day was 09-09-09 so we took the kids to Birch Aquarium that morning after a trip to the Childrens Beach in La Jolla to see the seals. Sierra and I had a good time looking at the seals and crabs while Mark sat in the car while Andon slept. She and I got SOAKED by a rogue wave. And I mean soaked. I had an extra shirt for her, but luckily we air dryed fairly quickly. Then I got a look at myself in the photo booth at the aquarium. YIKES! We went back to the hotel after lunch for naps and baths. The wedding was on Coronado & just beautiful.

Thursday we went back to Coronado to look for shells and build sandcastles. Ate lunch, walked around then headed home. I promised Sierra next time we go to SD we will plan on a day just for the beach. She will hold me to that.

Turned a corner

Maybe. I think.

Sierra has been tear free at drop off this week. That's not to say she isn't still pouty. But she is making more friends and that is a great thing. Not only does it make her more comfortable in the mornings, but she is a happier chick in the afternoons. That makes for a happier mama too!

Finally!

12 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days but Andon finally has some teeth. His top two teeth popped through yesterday. He hasn't really been fussy at all which is nothing short of a miracle. But, I'm not complaining. Now it's a waiting game to see how quickly he'll get some more.

Kindergarten

Today was Sierra's first day of Kindergarten. I don't know where the past five years have gone, today snuck up on us fast! She was a little nervous & scared (so were mom & dad). When we got to school she was dragging her feet until we saw her teacher. Mrs. Johnson told her where to put her bag then introduced her to a new friend named Summer. They headed off to play, after a quick hug from us, until the bell rang. It was a little hard, but also made me smile, watching her walk into the building. Poor Mark had a really hard time walking back to the car. He's super protective of the girl and worries about her being out of our sight. I was okay until I saw her empty car seat, but I got through the tears pretty quickly. We counted down the hours until it was time to go pick her up. Waited in the heat and got big smiles seeing her come out of the building.

She said, "I really liked school." "We read the Kissing Hand (which we had coincidentally bought and read yesterday on a recommend from my friend Michelle) and went on an adventure following Chester's paw prints and he left us hershey bars." She doesn't remember who she sat by in class or lunch. Or what they did in music class or on the playground, but she liked it. Made my day! I'm a little sad she's growing up so fast, but I really want her to like school and I'd say we are off to a great start!

The lunchbox

Her backpack (red of course!)

Off we go!

After school, all smiles

All the kindergartners had Chester mask's on their heads

Early dinner and ice cream at DQ

(We are stealing this little tradition from a friend. Thanks Angie!)

Andon Update

Andon had his 12 months checkup today. He is 30.5 inches and 20 lbs 3 ounces. He's growing longer as fast as his sister. I checked on her 12 months stats and she was the same length and 21lbs. Kind of crazy that they are that similar. Andon got the all clear to switch to whole milk so we'll start that transition tomorrow. This makes mama & daddy very happy. $4 every 2 weeks for milk vs. $28 is a much better deal.

She also took a look at his mouth and agrees with me that his teeth are right there. His top gums are bulging in the middle, so they may be first. She's pretty sure he'll go from none to 4 then 8 pretty quickly. Yippee for teething! I only hope it doesn't happen while are in San Diego for my cousins wedding. Won't that be a good time!

One year ago

Happy First Birthday Andon!

We can't believe you are one today. You came into our lives at the perfect moment and lifted our spirits. Little dude you are such a joy to watch play with your sister, snuggle with the cats, and suck your thumb. You have the best giggle that just makes the whole house smile. I can't wait to see you take your first steps and grow. I really can't wait for you to get some teeth! Happy Birthday baby boy.

We love you!
Mama, Daddy, and Sierra

Swimming

Sierra completed her swimming lessons for the summer today. She has been going twice a week since the beginning of June. I am extremely proud to say that she is water safe. She has gone from being clingy and timid to saying let go of me to Miss Shawna, her instructor. She swam across the pool for the first time on her own 2 weeks ago. She may never love it enough to compete, but at least I know she will have some fun summers ahead of her in the pool.

Next up we have Andon's 1st birthday, meet the teacher night, and the 1st day of Kindergarten. Mama's going on an emotional roller coaster for the next couple of weeks.

Words to live by

My sister put the greatest poem ever written up on her blog. I'm totally stealing it and posting it here. You can check out her blog here. This completely sums up how I have gotten through the past year.

"You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

- David Harkins

Thanks Lindsey!

A year

It's hard to believe mom has been gone for a year. It's still just so hard to fathom. I never imagined her not being here. She has missed out on Andon's birth and first year. I surely could have used her advice and help over the past few months. She missed Sierra turning 5 and learning to swim. Mom was looking forward to seeing Sierra off to her first day of Kindergarten so that day will be doubly sad for me.

Thanks for always being supportive and showing me how to be a great mom. My kids are blessed to have had you for a nana, if only for a little while. I love you.

Double Birthday Party

Grandma and Grandpa B have birthday's 6 days apart. We all got together on Sunday to celebrate at Amy and Kevin's house. We hung out in the pool, ate way to much food, and played Uno Attack (Sierra's new favorite game). To top it off Amy and Kevin made homemade ice cream. Yummy!

The Birthday Girl and Boy

Andon and his buddy Matty

Sierra being goofy with her Aunt and Uncle

Let me out!

Turn the page Grandpa

Yes, that's chocolate cake. Mark gave it to him when I had my back turned. He loved it, but enjoyed the ice cream even more. So much for no sugar (other than his birthday) until he's two.

Mmmm

Grandpa enjoying his 3rd bowl of ice cream.

Thank you

Sierra is at Grandma & Grandpa B's today. She went over yesterday for a sleepover. I just wanted to say thank you to them for not only giving me a little break, but for being so devoted to their granddaughter. Now, if anyone would like to take Andon for the day, that would be great. I don't know if he is finally teething or what, but he was so CRABBY during dinner.

5 year check up

Sierra had her 5 year well check today. She was very happy no vaccinations were involved because we did 4 last year. She is 35.6 pounds and 42 inches tall. Right in the 50th percantile. She passed her vision and hearing screening too. The doctor would like her to sleep more, but there is only so much we can do to make her sleep more. All in all a healthy, happy 5 year old ready for Kindergarten.

5 things

Happy Father's Day! I thought I'd list just a few of the many things that makes Mark such a great dad.

1) No matter how long his day, he always helps me put the kids to bed.

2) He always takes the time to play with both of the kids when he gets home from work.

3) From Sierra - "I love him because he does good stuff for me. And he makes me good food." (I attribute the latter part to the fact that Mark gives her chips for snacks - a non mama approved snack).

4) I love that he always kisses all of us hello and goodbye.

5) He is the perfect parenting balance to me. He is the most laid back, whatever happens happens, no biggie man that I know. I really need that in a partner so I could not be a more blessed woman.

Happy Father's Day babe!

We love you with all your heart!
Robyn, Sierra and Andon

A Girl and her cat

Bella has had a bond with Sierra since she was in my belly. Bella constantly laid on my stomach when I was pregnant. Through all of Sierras kicks and flips Bella remained. The cat loves this girl. She will let Sierra pick her up and carry her where ever Sierra wants to go. She runs down the hall in the morning when she hears Sierras door open so that she can be petted. Clearly the adoration is mutual.

5 years old

It's so hard to believe you are 5 today. For the past five years you have filled our lives with smiles, giggles, and joy. You make me smile everytime I hear you repeat everything you say, see you reading to your babies, or hug & kiss your brother. Happy Birthday little chick!

Love you with all your heart,
mama, daddy and Andon

Superstar

Sierra has been taking a tap/ballet/tumbling class since the beginning of January. Saturday she had her recital. It was to dark in the auditorium to take pictures while they were on stage. But I did manage to make her stand still beforehand so I could snag one in all her pink and purple glory.

They did "Mickey Mouse's Birthday" in tap shoes first. Then they changed into ballet shoes and did "I Just Can't Wait to be King." It was an all Disney themed show. It was great. There were no tears on her part just lots of shaking of her hips. She had a great time. Daddy and Mama were super proud and both of us cried. Way to go Sierra!

And he's off . . .

While it may not be an "official" crawl, Andon is off and moving fast. He started rolling all over the family room at 5 months. Started rocking on his knees 6 weeks ago and started army crawling (ie, pulling himself across the floor) last week. Now he is doing a combo crawl/drag thing that is taking him where he wants to go and FAST. Bella and Gunner are in trouble. Nala never gets down to his level so she's the only one who won't be bothered.

1st Haircut

I know he's only 9 months, but Andon needed a haircut. Mama had to suck it up and let them cut off this very long section of hair he's had since birth. It hurt my heart but we saved it of course.

Here he is without a clue.

Hey, what's that buzzing sound?

Hmm, I don't know about this.

Daddy why are you taking pictures? Mama please pick me up!

Aren't we done yet!?

All better now that I've got Mama and my thumb.

Mark and mini Mark. (Note how tight he is clinging to Mark's shirt!)

9 months

Andon turned 9 months last week. He had his well check today. He is 29 inches and weighs 17 lbs 14oz. That puts him in the 75th percentile for height and 10-25th for weight. A slight dip in weight, he hasn't lost any but, he hasn't gained much (only 7 ounces). At the same time though he has grown 2 inches. His pediatrician suggested cheese, yogurt, protein and pasta. All things he already eats with gusto, so we'll just give him more. He LOVES food so it shouldn't be a problem for him. In fact he prefers food to formula so he will be more than pleased. No shots, just an anemia check and all is good there. All in all he's a healthy boy. I'm just destined to have long, lean kids. They clearly got the good genes in the family!

A girls day out

We hung out with Aunt Amy and Uncle Kevin last Sunday. Sierra has been wanting to paint ceramics with Amy and I forever so we finally got to go. We all went to lunch at Flancer's then ditched the boy's. Sierra was very excited to just have some girl time.

She painted 3 things in the amount of time it took Amy and I to do 1. I'm pretty sure she was done with one before we even settled on our pieces.Here is Amy with her finished piece. Keep in mind they haven't been fired yet, so they will be nice and shiny when we pick them up tomorrow. I'll post an updated picture when we get them.

Here is mine. I have been looking for a crock large enough to hold my kitchen tools forever. I couldn't find one so I painted one. After painting we went back to their house and played Uno before heading home.

Andon just chilled with Daddy on the couch.

And then on the floor with Matty. She adores this baby.
Thanks for having us over Amy and Kevin!