Success!

Last night was MUCH better. Both boys slept all night - until 7:30 this morning even! I must say a wonderful night's sleep was had by all! Hopefully nights like this will now be the norm, not the exception! ;)

Someday My Sleep Will Come :)

My sister-in-law Traci inspired me with her past post about letting her daughter "cry it out". I thought, "I can do that when the time comes!" Well, the time has come. Grant had been waking up twice a night which, in my opinion for someone of his size and age, is not necessary.

The pediatrician dually inspired me at Aaron's two-year checkup this week. He said to just let Grant "cry it out." He said, really, he can go eight or even ten hours without eating. He said I could go in and say something to assure Grant that he's safe, but not to pick him up and feed him. Soooo, two nights ago I endured his 1 hour and 40 minute crying episode. I went in a few times to get him "unstuck" from what looked to be very uncomfortable positions (a couple times he had his pudgy little arm stuck between the crib rails.) Eventually he did fall asleep and woke up again at about 5:30 a.m., at which time I fed him.

Last night was more encouraging. He woke up at his usual 2 a.m. time, but this time he only cried for a half-hour or so, and then he went back to bed until around 7 a.m.! I fed him and put him back to sleep, and he's still in la-la land! (It's a little past 9 a.m.)

I'm really hoping he will start sleeping longer stretches consistently. There is just no need for him to be waking up to eat in the middle of the night!

Aaron is also doing better in his toddler bed. Two nights ago (with Grant's long crying fit) was particularly bad because I had to repeatedly put Aaron back in his bed several times. Last night was better. Aaron woke up crying once but fell back asleep within minutes and didn't wake up until past 8 a.m.

So the future is looking bright ... and sleepful!

Results of Aaron's Two-Year Checkup

Weight: 30.15 pounds ~ 75th percentile
Height: 35.6 inches ~ 75th percentile
Head circumference: 49 cm ~ 50th percentile

Happy, healthy, growing boy. Couldn't ask for more!

The Grass Is Always Greener ...

... when you follow the appropriate steps!





We have a man with a green thumb on our hands! We are excited about the improvement of our lawn. The yard was in dire shape when we first moved in. We were told by neighbors that it had been neglected for years. We were also told it takes about three years to turn a yard around. But that didn't discourage Mike. He went to work this fall seeding, aerating, and watering. And boy is our lawn a beauty now! I think it looks a lot nicer than it used to! There are still a few problem areas that we will tackle next fall, but overall it looks great.

Mike and I used to cringe every time we pulled in the driveway because the yard looked so bad. We're so glad all of his hard work has paid off. The grass grew in nice and thick, and it's a beautiful vibrant green. (Wish I had a 'before' picture to share.) As for the backyard, well, that's a different story! That will be our focus next year!

So who says it takes three years to turn a yard around? Try three months! Mike did an awesome job. Yes, he is available for hire ... ;)

p.s. We got a new front door too :)

Our Boys!

Aren't our boys fun! We love Aaron and Grant so much. Aaron is constantly hugging his little brother (and sitting on him - we're working on that.) I'm sure Aaron can't wait until they can play together one day. They keep me laughing everyday. Thank goodness - we can all use some comic relief to our sometimes crazy, tiring, and stressful days.



Lastly, here's a picture of Aaron riding the Skuut - a cool, pedal-less bike he got for his birthday. The bike is designed to help children learn balance, steering, and coordination without the pedaling getting in the way. It's supposed to eliminate the need for a bike with training wheels. Aaron has gotten really good at gliding, and he seems to be comfortable riding it. His Daddy is definitely grooming him to be a cyclist. Start 'em young, right?

Oregon

Here are some pics from our wonderful time in Oregon. The flight to Oregon was ... interesting. The flight home was a little less dramatic since Aaron actually got a seat on both flights (they were less crowded.) We were happy to go and see so many of our dear friends. We had so much fun and are grateful we were able to celebrate Aaron's second birthday with the same friends who were there when he was born. We had a great reunion! We are grateful to the Schreiner's for their generosity and love and for making our trip possible!