Veldman Christmas

Last Saturday, after playing outside in the snow it was bath night. After baths we decided that the time had come for Grant to lose his "wings".  Yes, those two tufts of hair on each side of the back of his head.  People have been trying to convince me to cut them since before he turned 1.  I figured that at some point they had to come off, and there was no time like the present.  So, Grant had his first haircut.  It wasn't quite the production that Ava had since Grant only had a few pieces to trim.  I of course kept them in a baggie though (which Nate doesn't understand).  One more sign that he's growing up much to quickly!

Sunday morning we left for Hollandale for the Veldman Christmas.  We decided to leave early so that we could stop at Nana's first so the kids could have some one on one time with her.  Then we headed over to Aunt Susan's to meet up with everybody else.  We all had a great time, ate lots of food, and the kids enjoyed opening their presents from Nana.  When we got home that evening I was able to meet up with some women in our development for dinner/drinks.  I called Nate at 8:00 to see if Ava was still up so I could read her bedtime stories.  Well, both kids were still up...and crying.  Little to no naps makes for some very over tired and cranky kids.  We divided and conquered and got them both down rather quickly. 

Monday Ava had a special day at preschool.  It was gingerbread making day, where you brought a special guest.  Daddy was her special guest and from what I hear they had a great time.  Daddy also took Wednesday off, so Ava informed him that he was our special guest as we visited the Children's Museum.  Daddy had never been there so Ava showed him around.  She loves that place (I do too). 

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only a few days away.  I'm not sure where this season (or the past year) went.  It has been much to short for me.  We are not doing Christmas cards this year, as I figured that between facebook and the blog we have nothing new to send out.  I doubt that this will get updated before Christmas.  So in closing, we wish you all a very merry Christmas filled with safe travels,  family, friends, laughter, and love. 

Grant's "wings"

Ava enjoying watching Grant's hair cut

Here's the "during" the haircut.  I don't think we got an "after"

Tis the season for boots

Nana with the grand kids

Ava was super excited about her new princess dress and shoes

Grant loved his new ball

Picking the fuzzies out between her toes before putting on her "heels".  I've never met anybody who is so obsessed with fuzzies as this child.

There is a hoop under the skirt of this dress.  She loves the dress, but I must say it's not very figure flattering.

Snuggle time with Daddy

Ava & Daddy's gingerbread house masterpiece

Grant's wonderful open mouth kisses.

We had a great week, even though I'm not sure where all the time went. It started last weekend when we had nothing planned except a short outing with Ava on Sunday.  What an amazing feeling it was to have all of us home and nothing on the calendar.  That never happens! 

Saturday we went to the store, ran a few errands, and made some yummy food.  It was just a low key, relaxing day.  Sunday morning was very cold and snowy.  We decided to brave the elements and went to the zoo.  Daddy had never done the indoor part of the zoo, so it was fun that he could see it with us this time.  Ava took a short nap before I had to wake her to meet Mema in Hopkins at the Children's Theater to see Llama Llama Holiday drama.  Ava had never been to a movie or a show before.  She absolutely loved the musical.  She told me on the way home that she wanted to do that (be in a musical).  I have no doubt that someday she will be up on the stage doing some sort of drama/musical.  It was well worth the long drive due to the nasty roads. 

Thursday evening Ava had her preschool program.  Mema & Boppa came and had dinner at our house, and then came to the show with us.  You would have thought we were going to see Elton John...the place was packed with standing room only.  Thankfully we got there 30 minutes early so we could still at least get a seat.  The people in the front row must have been there an hour early.  It was fun to see all the kids dressed up, excited to perform for their families.  At the end they did a slide show of the kids from each class.  It definitely made me stop and reflect on how quickly Ava is growing up.  How she's become a little person of her own, doing things on her own, accomplishing things on her own.  We are very proud of her and look forward to all the things (ok, most of the things) that she has in store for us.  There is definitely a bit of sadness, which is difficult to describe.  I never understood why parents cried when their kids went off to kindergarten.  I never understood why it was difficult for parents to let their kids go off to college.  I now understand.  It took having kids of my own to understand.  As excited as I am for her, and I know that she is going to grow up to do great things...there is a part of me that will always think of her as my baby.  My baby who I want to protect from all the evil that there is out in the real world.  I do know however that this is impossible.  I know that she will make mistakes, which is a necessity in order to learn some things.  I have to trust her, and trust in God that she will make good decisions and be protected.  Oh wow...all of that came out from talking about a 45 minute preschool program.  I am going to be a mess when she leaves home.  :)

Speaking of growing up, Grant is on the move.  I would say that his primary mode of getting from point A to point B is now walking instead of crawling.  He has also graduated from bottles.  He had his last bottle a week ago Friday.  We now have a new bedtime routine that includes story time just like Ava.  The bottles are now packed up and moving on. 

This morning we woke up to fresh snow on the ground with flurries flying around.  The temps were finally above zero so I figured it was time to get the kids out to play in the snow.  This was Grant's first outing.  Between his snowsuit and his boots I think he was just trying to not fall over backwards.  I think he's to big for a snowsuit.  We went and got him snow pants after our outing.  He didn't love or hate the snow.  Ava had fun making snow angels, playing "snow monster" and shoveling with Daddy.

Tomorrow we head to Hollandale for the Veldman family Christmas.  We're excited to see Nana and everybody else.  Hoping that you're all enjoying your weekend and staying stress free during this busy season.     

Grant enjoying the zoo

Exhausted on the way home from the zoo

At Llama Llama Holiday Drama.  Thanks Mema for the tickets!

Our friend Cora's grandma made this scarf for Ava.  She absolutely loves it!!!

All ready for her Christmas program

I'm not sure what she's doing with her hands here.

Grant is super excited to go to the program too

Ava with her preschool class performing

 Ava's first snow angel of the season

 Grant's first time in the snow

 That's right, we put her to work.  Never to early to start.  :)

Ok, maybe Daddy helped a little

It's 6 am on Saturday. The kids and Nate are still in bed so I thought this might be the perfect time to finally update the blog that I have been neglecting. It's not that I haven't thought about it, it's just that there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day...and the couch and a warm blanket have sounded really good most nights after the kids are in bed.

When I went to download pictures for this post I realized that I have definitely been slacking in this area.  Part of it is that I worked a lot over Thanksgiving weekend so I didn't get to see them.  The other part of that is that we haven't been doing anything too exciting.  The weather is now cold and we're spending as little time as possible outside.  I think that the zoo and Children's museum are going to be our best friends this winter since we have memberships to both. 

We hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we able to spend some time with family or friends.  I spent the day working at the hospital in the ER.  We had some very sick people (and young people) come through our doors that day.  It was a good reminder to be thankful for our health, which I know that I many times take for granted.  Also a great reminder to be thankful for our loved ones, as we never know when that moment will be that our lives may change forever.  While I was at work Nate packed up the kids and headed over to cousin Beth's house to meet up with the rest of the Veldmans for Thanksgiving.  Ava had a great time playing, and seeing all of Beth's animals.  Grant had a great time snuggling with Nana during a nap, and showing off his walking skills and how far he can throw a ball when playing catch.  I was able to meet up with them after I got off work. 

It was back to work for me on Friday (through Sunday), and Nate was home with the kids on black Friday.  Ava got the opportunity to have a "double sleepover" at Mema & Boppa's.  She was so excited.  I talked to her Saturday night, and the excitement in her voice over all the things that she had done had me smiling ear to ear.  She is at such a fun age.  She loves to help do things, is such a little mom (Grant gets away with nothing if she's around), and I love our conversations.  She returned home on Sunday and told me that she was ready for a "triple sleepover".  I'm not so sure that Mema and Boppa are ready for that.  :)

As for Grant.  He's trying to perfect his gait.  The past couple of days he's really been walking.  He can walk all the way across the living room and into the kitchen.  He absolutely loves when we cheer for him, as that cute little dimple appears next to his big smile.  He's starting to say a few words, which makes me very happy.  I feel like Ava has always talked.  We never went through the pointing and whining stage with her.  I don't think that Grant will be quite as verbal quite as quickly, but we're working on it.  He's also walking a few months before she did.  His two favorite places to go are still the toilet and the trash can.  Grosses me out!!!

I had Tuesday off work and the kids were at daycare so I was able to get the tree decorated and the presents wrapped.  The tree and mantle are currently lit as I sit here typing this.  There's just something cozy and peaceful about looking at the lit tree while sitting in the warm house with the cold wind and snow outside.  For some reason, it makes me stop and think about how truly blessed I am to be here, with a husband who loves me, two happy and healthy kids, a good job, a warm house, and wonderful family and friends.  I know that the holidays are a difficult time for some people.  But in all honesty I love the holidays.  It's a great time for me to take a step back from some of the chaos of life and be reminded of how blessed we are...giving to others who aren't quite so fortunate. 

Wow, not sure how that got so deep, it was supposed to be about decorating the tree.  Anyway, that afternoon I had an eye appointment to see if I am a candidate for Lasik.  I was very excited to hear that I am.  Due to the holidays and our vacation in February, I am planning on getting it done in early March hopefully.  I am so excited about not having to worry about contacts or glasses.  Opening my eyes and seeing the alarm clock will be amazing! 

This weekend is going to be pretty low key.  The windchill is  supposed to be about -30 today so I'm not sure how much we'll go out.  Perhaps a run for some groceries and that's about it.  I forgot how much work it is to bundle up two kids to go out, get to the store and undress them, then redress them again.  All while freezing to death while strapping both of them into their car seats.  At least Nate will be with today so we can tag team. 

We hope that you're enjoying the holiday season and staying warm!

 

Ava at the zoo.  The MN zoo has an indoor portion which is so nice!

Postal carrier Grant at the Children's Museum

The tree.  I decorated it myself which was actually very nice.  I got to listen to some Christmas music, and loved looking at all the ornaments and remembering the memories behind each of them. 

On the mend

We are finally on the mend from all the sickness.  Grant was nice enough to cough all over the rest of us for 5 days straight so we all ended up with bad colds.  Ava still has a bit of a cough and a runny nose, but overall I would say that we're healthy.  I'm hoping that we stay that way for quite some time.  I forgot how miserable it is to be sick and take care of sick kids all at the same time. 

Big news, Grant is now walking.  By walking I mean make extremely deliberate moves on his feet while navigating slowly across the living room floor with no assistance.  Between, Ava, Daddy, and myself he has quite the cheer squad.  We were all up in Ava's bedroom last week cheering him on.  I stopped for a minute and just soaked up the moment.  Here was our little man excited to be trying something new, and Ava peering over her Daddy's shoulder smiling and cheering him on with the rest of us.  It was just one of those moments that you stop and realize how blessed you are.  We have two happy and healthy children, a roof over our heads, food on the table, good jobs, and family and friends who love and support us.  I don't know how one can't feel blessed and grateful for all of that.

Now that he is on the move he's into more trouble.  He and Ava are complete opposites.  When I told Ava "no" at this age she stopped and listening.  But no, not Grant.  He smiles his little devilish smile and tries to hurry to do it before I can get to him.  His two favorite things...the trash and the toilet.  He got in a fight with the cabinet that holds our trash can this past weekend.  Grant lost!  I was upstairs and heard crying.  Soon  Nate brings him up and says they need a nurse.  The poor little guy scraped up the right side of his face and cut open his top lip.  Of course he was running his hands all over his face so was getting blood everywhere.  He's fine, just looks a little beat up still. 

Ava is still loving preschool.  We had conferences last week with her teacher.  Her teacher loves her and praised her in many ways.  She is very impressed with Ava, and recommended sending her to the 5's class next year.  Unfortunately she doesn't meet the birthday requirements.  That class is 4 days a week, which I know Ava would love.  Our other option would be early entrance to kindergarten, which I don't think we want to do.  I don't feel as though Ava is being academically challenged what so ever at preschool, but she does enjoy it.  They've been working on shapes and colors, which she's known since she was 2.  This winter they'll work on letters, which she's also known for over a year.  I'm hoping that they will work a little with her individually to teach her something new. 

Last weekend we headed to Albert Lea for Nate's cousin's wedding.  It was a beautiful wedding, and it was great to see family and catch up a little bit.  Ava had a great time dancing, and Grant had a great time eating.  They were both champs, but Grant finally gave it up and fell asleep around 8:30 on my shoulder.  By that time Ava was asking to go to sleep so we headed home.  Of course when we got home Grant had a lovely 1 1/2 hour nap in and didn't want to sleep anymore.  Little turkey!!!

One of Ava's many pictures that she takes on my phone on a daily basis.

Two little buddies (sometimes)

Grant was finally starting to feel better.

Nate was making dinner the other night and turned his head.  When he turned back around he asked "what happened to my flat bread".  Ava smiled and said, "I made it into a puzzle piece".  How do you not laugh at that?

Ava playing with her cousin Olivia at the wedding.

Daddy, Beth, and Grant

A family picture where everybody is actually looking at the camera

Ava with Nana

Ava, Nana, Grant, & Boppa at the reception

My little man!

Ava & Daddy

Walking...

Pneumonia. No, Grant is not walking on his own. He has walking pneumonia.  We knew something wasn't right when our babysitter told me that he didn't eat dinner Saturday night and was crying instead of sleeping.  Sunday he seemed ok, but was running a low grade fever.  He was then up at 4:45 Monday morning with a fever of 101.7 and coughing.  So, I called in sick and off to the pediatrician's office we went.  She diagnosed him with walking pneumonia, and said that's she's seen a lot of it in the past couple of weeks.  Poor little man!  He's been on his azithromycin since Monday and has been fever free all day.  He still has an awful cough, but thankfully has been sleeping through the night.  I had to call in sick to stay home with him yesterday as well.  I have to say, I really admire stay at home moms.  I don't know how they do this everyday.  I'm sure that it helps that they can take their kids out (when they don't have a contagious illness).  However, I have to say that I was looking forward to going to work yesterday after being off for a whole week.  I need the change of pace, the adult interaction, and to get out of this house.  Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful that I was able to stay home with my baby when he was sick.  However, I'm going a little stir crazy. 

This past weekend was a big weekend.  We helped celebrate Uncle Wes and Aunt  Janna's wedding.  The festivities started with rehearsal on Friday, followed by the dinner.  Grant joined us for both of them.  It was great to see family that we haven't seen in over a year, and introduce them to Grant.  Saturday was the big day.  The weather was beautiful, as was the bride.  Aunt Janna looked stunning.  Ava did a great job being the flowergirl.  She smiled the whole way down the aisle (however, she only looked to one side of the church.  I'm glad it was the side that I was on).  :)  The kids were pretty good during the ceremony.  Some snacks do wonders to keep kids quiet.

After the ceremony I brought Grant home to hang with our sitter while Ava and I went to the reception.  She loved hanging out with Lauryn, Dave, John, & Cheryl.  She sat with them and had dinner since I sat next to Nate.  A huge thanks to them for keeping tabs on her.  It's the first meal that I've gotten to sit down and enjoy for quite awhile.  :)  Ava still had some energy saved up so we stayed for part of the dance.  She told me that was the highlight of her day.  She loved rocking the dance floor.  She was finally ready to crash at 10:00 so I brought her home and then headed back to the reception once again.  Nate and I stayed until everything was wrapped up and then I brought him home to put him to bed.  :)

Sunday morning we were back at the reception site for brunch and gift opening.  Ava had a great time helping open lots of gifts, and Grant got his appetite back and devoured pretty much everything in site.  Sunday afternoon we laid low around the house. 

That was our weekend in a nutshell.  It's back to work for me this weekend, unfortunately on my 12 hr night shifts.  Hopefully Grant will be feeling well again and Ava stays healthy.  Hope that you all had a great weekend!

 

Ava loving her new purse from Uncle Wes and Aunt Janna at the rehearsal dinner

Nate, Mo, & me

Lauryn, Ava, & Dave

Nate and I with Nana

Ava, when they announced her name with the wedding party

The very beautiful and happy bride and groom

Ava rocking the dance floor