Sleep-Filled Nights!

We started our week with Monday off for Martin Luther King, Jr Day. We enjoyed hanging out at home, meeting Matt for lunch, and having the Ottis clan over for the afternoon! Even though it was only a four-day week, it sure seemed busy! We filled it with lots of events!

Zane & Mason checking each other out!
Zane trying the Baby Bjorn with Lion!

Wednesday night Matt and I went to the AC/DC concert. It was a great concert! I recognized MOST of the songs, at least the old ones, but didn't recognize any of their new ones. We are so lucky to have such a great family...Matt's mom came down to stay with the boys so we could go and not worry about finding someone to watch them. She was here when we got home from Jo's house, stayed with the boys, and stayed the night. When I asked Zane where she would sleep, he said "In my bed. Actually, I have two spots!" The next morning I went to work and Matt and the boys hung out with Gaga for a couple of hours before heading to daycare/preschool.

Thursday Madelyn came and stayed with us for awhile so her mom could go to Bunko with friends from her old school. Zane still has some trouble sharing his toys, but they got along pretty well! Here they are eating some cookies...they had to stay on the wood floor and not go on the carpet, so they were hamming it up! Earlier, when we were leaving Jo's house, Zane asked Jo if she was coming over too. She said she'd be out shopping and would be our way, so maybe she'd just bring them a little treat. She delivered...huge frosted cookies!

Zane & Madelyn eating cookiesMadelyn, Jo, and Zane

I can't believe Mason is two months old already! He sure has grown and changed so much since he first came into our lives. I'd love so slow it down, but just try to enjoy every moment! Since Tuesday he has slept through the night! Sometimes I hear him cry out around 4 or 5, but he can usually put himself back to sleep. The first couple of nights it was very strange, and of course I worried that he wasn't okay, but now that we're getting full nights of sleep it's very enjoyable! Even though Grandma, Aunt Marcy, Uncle Brent, and Daddy all told me at Christmas that Mason was rolling over, I didn't quite believe it since I didn't witness it myself. This week he has done it very consistently...rolling from tummy to back. I've been putting him on his tummy and before long he rolls over! It's going to be hard to have "tummy time" when he won't stay on his tummy!! I also weighed him today...by our scales he's a whopping 14.5 pounds! I'm sure that's in the 95th or more percentile for a 9 week old!

Mason, 2 months oldMason smiling and "talking"

Mason rolling over

Zane has been asking for awhile now to go to the "Choo choo place that brings us our food" (a.k.a. Fritz's Restaurant). We decided to go there Saturday for lunch. It was Mason's first time there...he slept through it all and didn't seem too impressed! Saturday evening we went to the Ottis house for pizza. The kids had fun playing. We were going to play cards, but ended up leaving because we had two grumpy boys...one that didn't have a nap (Zane) and one that wanted his bed (Mason)!

Matt & Zane at Fritz's

Zane & Mason at Fritz's

We finally bought the remainder of the things we needed for the basement, so Matt has been working hard all day on getting them installed! He has the shelf stained and it's drying, the blind up, and is working on installing the sink, light, and toilet. We also bought a tv stand, I think it's on the agenda to get put together tonight. Soon we'll have a new room to hang out in! Here's a video of Zane's singing abililties:

Twinkle Twinkle

The World According to Zane

• The other day Zane asked me if he could play a game on the "puter." When I said yes, his response was "Goody, goody, goody!"



• When Matt's mom was here this week, he was coloring a picture with her. A little gas escaped him and he said "I blew a bubble out mine butt!"



• I don't remember what I gave Zane, but it was something simple...and his response was "Wow Mom, coo" (cool). He's been saying things are "coo" lately.

A great week!

This was my first full week back at work and Mason's first week at Jo's house. I must say it was a success all around! Mason seems to be doing well at Jo's house...eating and sleeping at pretty regular intervals. It's been interesting to get both boys where they need to go in the mornings...luckily I have a WONDERFUL husband who's more than willing to help out! On preschool days, Matt takes Zane and I take Mason. We are already getting a small taste of what it will be like when they are in all kinds of activities and we're running them all over the place!

Lauren & Mason on his first day...they're twins!

Mason napping on his first day at Jo's!

Zane fell asleep reading Clifford!

Those of you who know us well know we like to go out to eat...we have been trying really hard to stay home and make our own supper lately as it seems like time flies if we go out and we don't get much quality time with the boys. This week we were fortunate to have a meal prepared for us by a friend of mine at work. She froze it for us and I saved it for this week, knowing I'd be tired after going back to work. It was yummy and we were so thankful! By the time Thursday rolled around I was ready to not have to cook, so we decided to go out for pizza. Zane was really good, thanks to his new Leapster and the game Wall-E (which he is addicted to watching...I see a birthday theme...)

Zane playing Wall-E

This weekend we stuck around home for the most part. There are still so many little things to get done on the basement and I think Matt's getting a little frustrated (don't ask him about the bathroom...we are beginning to wonder just what they were thinking when they built this house!). We're anxious for it to be done so we can use it! It was a nice weekend of hanging out with the boys!

Matt pretended to put Mason in "time out." He already doesn't like it!

Zane preparing his "tea party"

Friday I got an email from Jo saying Zane was having a rough morning. I honestly don't remember the last time Zane has had to go to time-out at Jo's house...I don't even think he's had to do that once this year! Anyway, he was a little "off" that day and wouldn't listen to Jo. Usually all she has to do is look at him wrong and he'll straighten up. Needless to say we had a talk about it this weekend. He was not allowed to have candy that day when leaving Jo's and his response was "I no want candy mom..." Yeah right!

Saturday I helped host a baby shower for my friend Tara. I work with her and her son Ryan goes to Jo's house with Zane and Mason. She is having a boy, Braeden, on February 11 (scheduled c-section). It was a nice little gathering and we had a great time chatting about a little bit of everything! Then that night we had a girl's night out to celebrate another friend's birthday. She's from Iowa, but taught here with me for a couple of years, and recently moved back to Iowa with her family. I miss her so much and had a great time hanging out with her and the girls! I hadn't been out in awhile!!! It was fun, but I did miss my boys! They had a great day and evening together and everyone was tucked in bed soundly when I returned home!

Today we went to church and then just lounged around home. Everyone (including me) took really good naps...I'm talking 3-4 hours! Tonight doesn't have the same feeling as most Sundays...we get to stay home because of Martin Luther King, Jr. day (thanks Martin!). Looking forward to an extra day off!

The World According to Zane

• A lot of times when Mason cries, Zane will make sure I know by telling me. He often puts Mason's pacifier back in his mouth, and a couple times I've heard him say "Mason, settle down!"
• The other night I said "You know what Zane, I love you." He said "Oh thank you. I love you too." Then he put his arm around me and said "You're my best friend!" (Tears...)
• Jo really likes to shop...and always finds bargains for us! She bought Zane some new underwear and when we got home he wanted it open. I opened it for him and he said "I talking 'bout!" (Translation: "That's what I'm talking about!")
• As I was cooking supper, Zane decided he wanted a popsicle. I told him he had to wait until after he ate supper. He didn't like that answer, so he threw the popsicle on the ground, looked at me and said "Mom, that's not fair!" The drama...
• I don't even remember what Zane asked me for...but I told him no and his response was "I am so mad." I said "Why are you mad?" and he said "Cause you told me no."

Back to Work!

This week was greeted with sadness...I had to return to work! Another teacher suggested to me during pregnancy that I think about splitting up my personal days and coming back half days to "ease" back into teaching. Boy was she right! I took the mornings off all week and stayed home with Mason, then Matt took the afternoons and came home when I went to work. I have my break time during the afternoon, so it was nice to come back and have that time to reorganize and get myself reacquainted with the schedule, curriculum, kids, etc. I can't imagine what it would have been like to go right back full time...it would not have been as easy to go back! The kids were happy to see me...they almost knocked me over with a group hug! They made it very easy to come back! Matt is thinking he wants to propose working 3/4 time to his bosses...he enjoyed being home and getting things done around the house! I"m happy to report we have carpet in our basement now! It made the room look so big! But now we want carpet in our whole house, we love it! We have lots of "finishing touches" to do, but it's getting closer by the week!

Mason had another checkup this week. Matt was able to take him to this one. At his last appointment, we found out he was tongue-tied. This is very common and not a huge issue, but the doctor told us it can be easily "clipped" so that it doesn't cause problems later (speech, not being able to lick an ice cream cone or stick his tongue out at his brother...) Matt said he cried more when they were trying to open his mouth than he did when they actually cut it! He also had four shots...what a trooper! He weighed in at 12 pounds, 4 ounces and is in the 75-90th percentile! The doctor said he's a "chunky monkey." That night he slept through the night...yippee! I knew it was a fluke though because the next night he was up at 2:30!

Matt & Mason watching tv

Matt & Zane coloring

The week was busy, but went quickly. I used this week as "practice" for getting up and getting everyone ready and out the door on time. We did pretty well for our first week, especially considering I got 3 of us ready on my own so Matt could go to work early! It will be interesting to see how it goes this week when I'll be working full time...I was worn out this week! I went to the doctor and they re-checked my glucose to see if the diabetes was gone...please help us pray that it is! I am hoping that is something that only affects me during pregnancy!

This weekend seemed to fly right by as always. We did more "basement shopping," but didn't find exactly what we were looking for. I met my student teacher (who was with me last year) for lunch on Saturday and it was nice to catch up with her. Today the Ottis family joined us for church. It was so cute to see Zane and Madelyn during service...they get along so well it always amazes me! Zane was leading Madelyn in and showing her where to sit by placing his hand on the small of her back...what a gentleman! Matt's parents came down to see us today. We had lunch, then headed to Cabela's to do some shopping. They enjoyed playing with/seeing the boys also!

Look Mom, the fish are eating!

See the fish, Mason?

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since we began potty training Zaner! We began the first weekend in January and it's been pretty smooth sailing since! We are happy to report some good news...Zane has woken up the last 5 mornings in a row dry! This is a very big deal to him...he usually wakes up soaked! He likes his milk and water in the evenings! He is very proud of himself and you can tell because he tells everyone "I no pee in my pull-up!" Tonight we were brave and put him in underwear...no pull-up...so we'll let you know how it goes!

Our chunky monkey!

You want me to smile???

Zane has really been showing his love to us lately! One day he walked over to Mason, put his arms around him, and said "I love you Mason!" He's been coming up to us randomly and saying "I love you Mom/Dad," and giving us a hug and kiss. Just today he and Keeta were playing and he said "I love you Grama. I love Papa too." It just melts your heart! We always knew he loved everyone, but it's so nice to hear him say those words! Here's a video of Zane rocking and singing to Mason!

Today we were talking to Zane about his birthday and I asked him how old he was. He said "I three and a half." I had no idea he knew that he was 3 1/2! I figured he'd say he was 3! I guess he hears/pays attention to more than you think!!

This week I go back to work full time...send good thoughts my way!!! I have a great support system at home and school, so I know it will go very well! Have a great week and thanks for checking up on our chaotic home!!!

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year everyone!! We hope that this year is good to you! I don't know how we can top 2008 after the birth of Mason! We just hope that everyone stays happy and healthy all year long! This week has gone super fast...unfortunately since it was my last week of maternity leave! Mason is already growing SO fast, I wish I could slow it down a little! On Monday he smiled at me for the first time, what a wonderful feeling to have your baby smile at you! I was just talking to him and he was looking at me and smiling so cute! I was able to catch a little smile on video to share with you!

Smiling Mason

Not only is Mason good at smiling, but when he gets upset he is already good at sticking his bottom lip out before crying. I got a little video of that as well:

Pouting Mason

I am happy to report to you that I took Zane shopping on Monday for a lunch box! He picked out a racecar shaped one (surprised?). He was super excited about it and couldn't wait to take it to preschool on Tuesday! Matt packed his lunch for him, but he had to check it out to see what was inside. You should have seen him that morning...he carried his lunchbox inside, and he was "driving' it down the hallway as he was walking. When he got to the classroom, he was showing it off to anyone who would look at it...he was pretty proud (and probably just glad he had a lunch that day)!



Zane has really been wanting to "help out" with Mason lately! The other day Mason was crying and all of a sudden he stopped. Zane came running up to me and said "Mom, I did it! Come, look!" So I went and he said "I gave Mason his facifier. He stopped crying!" He was so proud of himself! I asked him how he got Mason to stop crying and he said "I sing a song to him. I sing kinkle kinkle little tar (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). I do this too (holding up a thermometer to show me). I put it under his arm." I asked him if Mason had a temperature and he said "It say numbers." Here are some pictures of Zane "hugging" Mason:

"Could you just let me be?"

Zane talking to Mason

Matt has been super busy getting the basement finished up. We are getting carpet tomorrow!! We can't wait to see it looking like an actual room! I'll put some new pictures on here when it's done! This week he was able to work a lot on it since we had New Year's Day and he was also home Friday all day. We went and checked on our couch, which is on backorder, and it may still be another whole month before we get it...we were thinking it would be in before Christmas!

We didn't do much for the New Year...just stayed home and hung out together. We did get our new plasma tv out and gave it a whirl...we like it! I didn't exactly see the new year come in...Matt said I was snoring by 10:30...whoops! I didn't wake up until 2:30 when Mason woke up to eat! I'm sure it came in just like every other year!

Today I'm trying to enjoy spending time with the boys as I will be heading back to work tomorrow...boo hoo! I've enjoyed my time off but it has gone WAY TOO FAST! This week I am staying home in the mornings and Matt will be home in the afternoons, then we will be taking Mason to Jo's house the following week. I am kind of glad that we will be in more of a routine, but I'm sad to leave Mason. I know he is in great hands, so that helps a great deal!

I hope you like the new features that I've been adding to our blog. I put a link directly to Jo's photo website and our Flickr website. They will always stay there so you can easily view more pictures if you wish. Have a great week and check in on us again soon!

The World According to Zane

• Zane has really been into cutting lately. He was cutting up some scraps of paper and putting them in my hair. All of a sudden he said "Mom, your hair is beautiful!"


• I forgot to say this last week...when we were at my grandma's house, we had a white elephant gift exchange. Everyone drew a number to see what order we would go in. Zane didn't get a number, as he wasn't in on the exchange, and he was upset. I threw my number back in and let him "draw" one. So when we were all finished, he looked around and said "what about me?" My aunt had a gift for him, so she handed it to him. He must have been watching us pretty closely during the exchange, because he looked for his number on the table, held it up for everyone to see, and said "my number next." Maybe you had to be there...but he knew what was going on!


• I noticed some blue marker on our carpet this week and I asked Zane what happened. His response was "the other Zane did it..." This "other Zane" has been blamed for quite a bit of things this week! Boy kids are smart aren't they?