A Day in the Life...

As I said yesterday on Facebook..."If Irelyn was this good everyday, I'd have 10 kids.  It was a good day."

She cried maybe twice.  Not even when I took things away from her that she shouldn't have (the money from the piggy bank mainly) or stopped on activity before she was ready (playing with the faucet). 

I know this will be boring for some of you, but I wanted to document a whole day to read sometime down the road and look back on. As is the reason I write most these posts.  So it may be long and overly detailed and I don't mind if you don't read til the end....

A day in the life...
It's Wednesday, my day off. It started at about 6:40 AM when Irelyn woke up.  Joe got up to go shower.  I listened to Irelyn talk to herself for a little while and smiled before going in and getting her.  I changed her and then Joe came back to give her breakfast while I showered.  I was able to get mainly all ready before he left for work.  We then played or read books until 8:45.  I brought her car in from outside as it is way too hot to play outside (there is a heat advisory).

At 8:45 we left to run errands.  Kohl's was first.  I had a $10 coupon that had to be used in store.  I really couldn't find anything in the store that I wanted or needed, but it was 10 free dollars.  So, I ended up getting Irelyn a few clothes for the fall.  Next was Target.  I have had my eye on a lamp for her new room.  The last time we were in there they didn't have it.  It was back, but complex- they also had another one I liked.  It looked more like a chandelier. I ended up buying the purple one with ruffles, but still not sure if I will exchange it.  Maybe I will post both later and you all can help me decide.  But, I will also have to maybe show you a sneak peek of her future room.  It is almost done!  Besides moving the furniture from room to room, but that isn't necessary yet.  I also picked up chapstick and Irelyn picked out fish crackers.  We couldn't even get to the checkout before she needed to eat them :). 
It was 9:40 when we left.  Crap.  The mall is our next stop and its not open yet.  But, Barnes and Noble is.  We went and looked at books for awhile.  Irelyn has had a $5 gift card since Easter.  She clearly had a favorite book and it was $6.  Score.  It was of course a book with lots of pictures of animals.   Her favorite.  On to Gymboree to spend the Gymbucks.  I had $25, but you had to spend $50 or more to get $25 off.  I made the mistake of letting Irelyn out of the stroller.  Fail.  She ran all over, but thankfully stayed in the store.  She did finally settle on the little chairs atleast for a little while. The sales lady there is always so nice.  I had picked out my purchase which included a pair of jeans.  (Side note.  I can't believe baby jeans cost as much as adult jeans and they typically only wear them a few months. ) Anyway, the lady pointed out the jeans were buy one get one half off so I ended up with another pair of jeans along with 2 headbands, a tank top, and swim suit that I hope will fit next year. 
We left there and Irelyn needed her diaper changed.  Walked by the pretzel stand.  Free samples.  Another score.  Went in family changing room, after changing Irelyn, I go the bathroom.  Irelyn figures out how to open the door.  Another fail. 
On the way out, the DQ sign catches my eye.  To be fair, I haven't indulged in a Moolatte in awhile.  I stand there trying to decide, and finally give in to temptation.  The lady presents with my yummy French Vanilla Moolatte.  I realize it is smaller and cost less.  This still makes me very happy.  It is the perfect size!  Giant score.
Home for lunch.  Chicken tenders.  Irelyn doesn't eat well, but doesn't throw a fit and doesn't act hungry later (which is what really bothers me about her not eating) so I still consider lunch a partial success.  Side note- She has ate well since then. 
Play a little bit and then nap time.  Sleeps almost 2 hours.  Wakes up happy and we play/ read more.  Dad calls.  Wants meatballs for supper.  No BBQ sauce.  Irelyn and I run to the store for milk and BBQ sauce.  What a combo.  We need alot more than that, but I am not doing all that at the moment.
Home.  Put meatballs in crock pot.  More playing until dad comes home. 
A few friends and I had been planning to take the kids to the Onalaska pool for the night session all week.  Dad decides he would like to come as well.  Irelyn eats a PB&J sandwich.  Joe and I have to wait til after we get back for our meatballs. 
We had a great time at the pool.  It was still so hot even after the sun starts to set.  The water felt great.  Irelyn enjoys playing in the water and even goes down the little water slide once. I tried to go with her, but realized I really won't fit well, so I sent her down by herself and Nikki caught her at the bottom.  She is only slightly terrified :). 

Left pool about 8.  Home for bed.  Irelyn talks to herself for awhile as she is most likely still wound up from having fun at the pool.  She settles to sleep.  I am very tired.  Watch a little TV and check my facebook.  Read and then bed.  The good part of my book (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) seems to be over so I am now having a hard time finishing the rest.  Almost done.  Then on to Janet Evanich's Smokin Seventeen.

If you made it to the end of this- good for you!  I chose to write about a day off even though alot of days I do work. Those days are pretty much all the same.  About the same morning routine.  Irelyn goes across the street.  I work at the hospital, which I enjoy.  Joe works on computers all day (and night).  Pick Irelyn up.  Supper. Play. Bath. Bed.  With the occasional evening activity. 

I had today (Thursday, the day after the above day) off as well.  It consisted of Children's Museum and grocery shopping.  And a looong nap for both Irelyn and I. 

So there is your glimpse into our ever glamorous life!  It may not be everyone's idea of fun, but I wouldn't change it for the world!  Irelyn is the greatest joy in my life and I love every minute spent with her!

Carousels

Wednesday, my MIL wanted to take Irelyn and me to Lark Toys.  We invited my mom to come along as well.  It is a cute place with old fashioned toys, and hand carved beautiful Carousel, ice cream, llamas, and large toy store.  We got there and had to wake Irelyn up.  The carousel goes every half hour and was about to go as we got there so my mom and I got on right away with Irelyn.  She got scared and would not ride on the animal, so I held her.

First time around before it started

Afterwards we sat on the side and played for a little while.  She kept pointing and trying to get back on the carousel.  The nice employees let us get on when it wasn't moving and she loved looking and sitting on all the animals. 

watching with Grandma

Trying out the pig

Irelyn LOVES bears

We got some ice cream and tried the carousel again with much more success the second time around. 
We then spent quite a bit of time in the toy store.  They had open toys off the shelves to play with and
 Irelyn had a great time!

The second time around

The toys I remembered from the 80s

The next night we went to the fair in West Salem where Irelyn got to ride another carousel! 

She did really well this time, but the ride got a little long so we eventually sat down on the bench.  We went with a friend and her 2 daughters and the kids were all so cute together.

Joe cut off everyone else in the picture- oops

I thought Irelyn would love the animals, but she was scared to get too close to large animals (cows and horses).  She did like the bunnies and chickens.  The pigs were so-so for her.  I loved them!  The owner of some of the pigs let us in a pen to pet a pig.  Irelyn touched it and then started to cry :(.  Next year I think she will really enjoy the animals and maybe be able to do some more rides! 

Tonight we are trying taking her to a Logger's baseball game.  I'm guessing I won't see much of the game because she will be running around, but we'll see.  Wish us luck!

Planning a Vacation!

I booked our rental cabin today!

It is set we are going to Bayfield in August for a long weekend. 

My sister moved up north a few months ago and would like us to come see her.  She said the Bayfield area is nicer than where she is at, so we are meeting there.  I researched it for a few days and asked some people at work.  It is highly recommended by some co-workers and looks beautiful  The only part I am worried about is the 5 hour car ride (x2) with an active 15 month old.  But, we will be riding with my mom so that should help with the entertainment.  It won't be all on me while Joe drives.  So, I am excited!  Like I said, its not a long vacation, but I still think it will be nice and fun. 

That's all for now.  Joe and I are just hanging out after our dinner and mini golf while Irelyn spends the night at Grandma Shari's. 

Have a great weekend!

~Trina

4th of July Weekend

I have ALOT of pictures from this weekend, but I will keep this relatively short and sweet.

Saturday was our buddy Caleb's birthday full of Spiderman and swimming.

Daddy and Iley.  He always seems to have trouble looking at cameras.

hanging out in the "kiddie pool"

Big girl eating with all her friends

Caleb open our present

Sunday myself and the grandmas took Irelyn to Riverfest.  Yes, I have to admit I entered my baby in the baby races.  She places 3rd in her heat, but if there was a photo finish I would have liked to see it.  The top 2 went on to the final. And of course the 2 they called the winners were standing right in front of the judges and we were on the other side.  Doesn't matter she did great.  Ran right over to us and it was fun to watch all the babies.  Then, we tried her out on the train ride.  Didn't know if she was old enough or would freak out, but again she did great and loved it.  It made me think once again how fast she is growing up.  Watching her ride off on the train :). 

Baby Racin'!!

My girl- growing up too fast

Having a blast on the train.  The conductor was so sweet and told us to have her sit in the front just in case so he could watch her.  Aww

Nikki watched Irelyn later that night and Joe and I went back down to Riverfest with our parents for Joe's parent's 35th wedding anniversary.  We watched their neighbor's band, The Executives, and I was brave enough to go up on stage to play cow bell for a t-shirt.

Today, Monday, the 4th of July, we hung out at home and Irelyn went in the pool with the "water slide" this time.  After nap we went back down to the fest.  Hot! But, lots of fun. 

We also watched the Nathan's hot dog eating contest, maybe some day Irelyn will win a watermelon eating contest.  She wailed when I made her stop.

Our little happy family

This little girl was a sucker for all the "fair" food.

No fireworks (except for Sara's tasty cookies) for us this year.  Saw a few here and there on the drive home last night.  Maybe next year we'll stay and watch. 

After we ate most of them.  I love the firework decorations.  Such a cute idea!

Happy 4th!

~Trina

15 months

First of, Irelyn if you are ever reading this, I apologize for today!

I scheduled Irelyn's 15 month well check up and 15 month pictures on the same day by accident.  Being that I work and it is summer and we are busy, I didn't want to cancel or reschedule either one.  So, we did both. One right after the other. Yes, I am nuts.  (and the pics came after the doctor. fail)

The doctor visit actually went well.  Irelyn remains in the 97 percentile for height and weight.  Height, 32 3/4! And weight 28 lbs.  Proportionate- as they like to tell me :).  Her head is 18 3/4 and in the 90th percentile.  She had hives a few days ago that came and went periodically for 3 days and we haven't seem them since.  If they return we are just supposed to document what she was doing at that time otherwise no big deal.  She is a normal 15 month old. She could/should be talking a little more, but the doctor thinks the same thing I do, she can she just chooses not to sometimes.  Things I am going to work on- weaning paci and being better about brushing her teeth.  Shots and out.  Quick and not to painful.

Then, we went to get pictures done.  We purchased a year package with the photographer and this was our last session for that.  We did 15 months because we did not do Maternity pictures with this photographer.  I also am going to apologize to Sarah Peterson, the photographer, at this time.  She did a great job with Irelyn and still came away with what I hope are good pictures, but Irelyn was a big stinker (for lack of a better term).  I feel bad.  She was tired and hungry and hot and she wanted to play on her terms because she is 15 months old! So that was kind of painful to get through, but oh well.  She'll never remember it ;).

So, at 15 months my little Iley pie loves to explore everything and is really starting to push her boundaries.  She's independent, but still likes to be held and sit on our laps. She will no longer wake up and go back to sleep with me to sleep in in the mornings we don't have to get up.  It's too exciting to be with mommy and she won't settle back down to sleep.  She lays down without much fuss at all for nap between 12-1 and sleeps 2-3 hours.  Bedtime is 8 (or a little after). She loves to play outside, especially in water.  He says a few words, mainly, Hi, Da, Ma, Ow, Wow. And babbles a ton of other sounds.  Oh she also started say "Was his" which means "what's this."  She runs and has great motor skills.  Starting to climb.  She has a fascination with chairs and loves to climb in and sit in chairs that are her size.  She enjoys babies, and balls, her ride in car, playing with Bella, playing in laundry baskets, and BOOKS.  Also, starting to like and play with stuffed animals more.  She is becoming more difficult to take out to eat and shopping because she wants to run all over. However, I love that I can now plan activities and take her places that she may enjoy, like the pool, library, splash park, fair, and museum.  I also really want to get to the zoo this year yet.  She is still a picky eater, but dare I say a little better.

We have been doing lots of fun things and have many more planned that I'm sure I will write about later!

Have a great day!

Nikki, 26, Wisconsin

 This post is for Kelly's Korner's singles day!

This is Nikki!!

 

She is my best friend and one of the sweetest people I know.  We have known each other for probably 10+ years.  We went to high school together and are members of the same church. Due to circumstances beyond her control she divorced last year.  She is the mother to my 2 favorite little boys, ages 4 and 8 months.  She is always just a phone call away if I ever need her.  She is up for anything, easy going, and really easy to talk to.

Nikki works as an Interior Designer for Hidden Valley Designs in Holmen, WI.  She has a large family that I am totally jealous of :).   They are all so much fun and remind me of big happy families you see in movies and on television. 

Nikki has had a rough few years and is ready and so deserving to find a wonderful man who treats her the way she deserves.  Any guy would be so lucky to have this woman, I just love her and want to see her happy!

Comment or e-mail litlmac03@aol.com (this is me)

Nikki on the left and me on the right with our friend Briana in the middle

~Trina

Wednesday Randoms

Our new black out shades were installed today in 2 bedrooms.  They look great and I love them.  Thanks, Nikki!

This was a couple of weeks ago.  We took Irelyn with us to the Trempealeau Hotel for Blues fest.  It was a hot night.  she enjoyed eating ice and did a little dancing. 

With Grandma Shari

Irelyn loves to help clean.  I can't sweep without giving her a turn.  She also likes to vacuum, wipe the floor with paper towel or rags, and throw things in the garbage.  Hope this continues when she is 12 :).

 I had to get one these things.  I hate it.  It is a pain.  It not only is baby proof, it is just about human proof.  But, it serves its purpose so I put up with it.

I am patiently waiting for a nice day off that I can take Irelyn to the Holmen or Onalaska water park.  For now this will have to do.

Just doesn't look as fun, right?

At Irelyn's one year doctor appt. I asked if it was weird that she would not sit still to read a book.  The doctor assured me she was fine.  Well, be careful what you wish for!  No, I don't mind, but we are now reading books all of the time.  Here is the stack we went through the other night...

We've been waiting for this little girls hair to grow and to see if it would stay red.  I hate to admit that when I was pregnant I joked that I was worried about having a red head.  I knew it was a possibility, but really thought we would have a very blonde child.  I take that back and I LOVE her hair color and I'm glad it is staying "strawberry blonde".  It finally seems to be growing!

look at all that hair :)

Grandpa Greg has been asking for a picture of her with her phone and credit card "Typical woman" he calls her.  Here it is.

Nap time right now, then maybe heading to the Children's Museum.  Shopping for a 5 year old's birthday party after that.  Party is tomorrow.


Have a great day!

~Trina

Father's Day 6.19.11

We had a low key Father's Day.  Dad got beer and cupcakes. And I am taking him shopping for work clothes soon because we just went through his closet and he doesn't like anything he has or it doesn't fit.  Emptied most of it.  I asked him if I could have half since he uses maybe 1/4 :).  I have already taken some, but if there's more room- I'll take it!

The Dad- with his mouth full apparently

My picky little eater has been doing alot better lately so she was rewarded with a cupcake

I guess she loves frosting!

Much more messy than her birthday cake

Later we went to Syl's with my parents and Joe's dad.  It is increasingly difficult to take Iley to restaurants because she does NOT like to sit still.  We had a nice time anyway. 

Reading before dinner with Grandpa Greg and Daddy

Daddy and his little girl

Kisses

I couldn't get a great picture of the 2 of them because I hate to say it in my Father's Day post but she is a total Mommy's girl.  (it's okay Joe never reads this anyways) :)
I'll probably write more again tomorrow about our recent activities. 
I can't believe Irelyn is almost 15 months old!  Where did my baby go?? 
Love,
Trina

Itsy Bitsy Spider

I had to take a step back in awe yesterday as I watched my sweet daughter stand in the middle of a room surrounded by 5 adults dancing and giggling as she had every grown adult in the room singing Itsy Bitsy Spider to her.  She definitely has our whole family wrapped around her sweet little finger! 

She is currently the only grandchild for both Joe and my parents.  Not spoiled, just very loved!!

Speaking of that Itsy Spider...

Irelyn tends to get antsy in the car sometimes, but does really well when I sing her favorite songs- Itsy Bitsy, Twinkle Twinkle, ABCs, Wheels on the Bus, Patty Cake...  However, when we are in heavy traffic or a stop light people probably think I am CRAZY.  Which may be true, but I still I feel weird. And oh yes, I have 1 arm doing full motions. I felt a little better when I was driving home, stopped at a light, checked my rear-view mirror and saw a mom doing the same thing!  Maybe even more hard core than I was- 2 arms flying and mouth wide with a big smile.  I thought it was cute.  So, it doesn't matter what people think Irelyn and I will continue to sing our hearts out!  She got her daddy going the other day too.   Super cute :). 

Have a great weekend!  I'm still trying to come up with a gift for Joe for Father's Day.  Any ideas? Any plans for the day?

~Trina

2 years

This post is 2 days late, but oh well.  Most things happen late these days.

2 years ago on June 6, I married my best friend.  Although we have been married 2 years everytime I brought that up to Joe he would say something to the effect but we've been together so much longer.  He's right, but the day you get married IS a big deal and I don't really want to feel like that was just the day of a ceremony because the act of getting married in my eyes is really a big difference from a "dating" relationship.
So, 2 years later we are still going strong.  We have a house and a dog and a beautiful baby girl.  My vision of happy ever after is all still in tact!
I We had a lot of ideas for how to celebrate. It fell on a Monday this year so that made plans a little difficult.  Last year we stayed in the same hotel suite we stayed in on our wedding night and thought we may do that every year.  And we still might this weekend.  I had to work the 4th and 5th.  I also thought it would be fun to plan a little weekend trip.  I looked up a few places, but we never decided on anything.  We did have 2 grandmas ready to babysit of course, but then Joe informed me last minute he was "on call" and couldn't go out of town. 
I was very impressed with Joe this year though.  He is not known for thinking ahead or being super romantic, but for this celebration he did tell me to be ready at 6 o'clock on Monday night.  He even set up who would watch Irelyn.  I knew nothing else of what we were doing. 
He ended up taking me to Piggy's, the Pearl for ice cream, and a walk through the park to where he proposed.  It was very sweet and I felt bad for doubting his planning. 
We STILL have not watched our wedding video so hopeful we will get to that this week as well.  I wish we would have watched it on Monday, but we just ran out of time.  

I love you, Joe! 

Sweet Summertime

I feel like I have a few things I want to write about and am not quite sure where to start.  It has been a fun and busy couple of weeks.  I am loving having a toddler who can now enjoy alot of outdoor activities.  It is amazing just to stand back and watch her amazement and joy in all that she sees.

I'll start with our mini vacation up north.  We went to stay at a friend of the family's cabin with my in-laws and their friend's and their daughter and husband and 1 month old baby. It was surreal because we did the same thing last year when Irelyn was only 2 months old and I just kept thinking how much things change in a year and how fast she has grown.
Irelyn of course got a little off schedule and had a little hard time sleeping in a strange place.  And okay, so did I.  I also had a hard time sleeping in the same room as her.  Every time she moved I think I woke up. But, during the day she had a great time.  She played with her babies and stroller and looked out at all the birds most of the time during the day.  Time just seemed to go by fast and yet there was not much worry about what time it was or anything that really needed to get done.  And no tv or computer either, which you wouldn't think I would enjoy, but I did.  So, we ended up leaving a little early because of the lack of sleep and instead of sleeping and getting up in the morning to pack and come home we just left at Irelyn's bedtime and drove that night.  It was really nice for all of us to be back in our own beds.  And because we came home early we were then able to through together and impromptu grill out on Memorial Day with a few friends.  A great weekend all in all!

I only had to work Tuesday and then had the rest of the week off!  (I always have Wednesday off and because I work the next weekend I have Thursday and Friday off)
Wednesday Irelyn and I got up and did the 2 mile walk with my mother-in-law Shari's school.  We also did this last year when Irelyn was tiny tiny. She is retiring this year so this was probably the last time.  The kids just loved up on Irelyn.  It was so cute I had to take pictures of all the attention.  Shari has pictures up of her on the SmartBoard all the time so I think they feel like they know her.  I did hear a "She's bigger in real person"- so precious.

Thursday we went to a rummage sale at my grade school.  I've been wanting to get her a toy lawn mower just because she likes to play outside so much and we need more outdoor toys and I thought she would enjoy that. Found one for 50 cents!  Can't beat that. 

Friday we met my mom for breakfast and took it to go to Copeland Park.  We played on the playground and then changed Irelyn into her suit to try out the splash park.  She LOVED it!  She has been sleeping since we left almost 3 hours ago.  Yay!!