Lake Tahoe

We had the most incredible trip to Lake Tahoe, NV. Having to travel with two kids under 3, we figured would NOT be a vacation, but we've come home refreshed and revived! The kids did amazing on the airplanes (Eli yelled BUMP on the landings and was excited to go high in the sky). Even on the way home when we got stuck in the Denver airport for 4 hours ove r a mechanical issue, they were acting better than most of the adults. I even got compliments! Upon arriving we immediately went to my grandparent's house and visited "Ba Ba Buck" as Eli would say and my ailing grandmother. I was so proud of Eli because he sat on the bed next to her and tickled her arm. She started the tradition and it's been passed down. Eli loves to have his arm or back "tickled" just like I loved from my mother. She wasn't feeling well, but still was thrilled to meet Cora. I was able to see her again before we left and say good-bye. Such a bittersweet time! We were also able to visit with my mom's sister Cathy and husband Bill Kendall and my mom's brother Steve Buck and his three boys. I've missed my cousins terribly, so it was wonderful to see them!

What can I even begin to say about Lake Tahoe. There were so many childhood memories flashing through my mind as I got to introduce Eli to my grandparent's cabin and the beautiful lake. It's a place so special to me, where I've spent some time every summer since I was born. Eli LOVED the cabin. He loved making forts out of the bunk beds, sleeping witih mom, playing on the porch, and driveway, etc. He really did have the time of his life and I'm reallyh glad my parents, brother, and almost brother Kurt Chapman were there to witness it. Here are all the fun things Eli enjoyed doing: throwing rocks into the lake, swimming, catching and playing with crawdads and minnows, playing ball with all the family, playing at Kahle park, eating a big buffet at Harrah's for Kurt's birthday and playing on their huge play place, feeding bread/cereal/fruit to the tame squirrel he named "Banana" and the Jays, building sand castles with Mom, riding the Heavenly Valley Gondola up to the top of the mountain (my shirt was drenched in sweat I was so scared...but Eli was unphased thank God), hiking over 2 miles around Spooner Lake (where we saw fresh bear tracks and bear poop), and many more!

I am so grateful to my parents for making this vacation happen! We needed it so badly!

5 Years!

Friday, the 23rd, we'll celebrate 5 years of marriage! In some ways, it feels like we've been married forever, and in some ways it feels like it has flown by. These five years have definitely been the best of my life. I got married, finished college, had two beautiful children, traveled, played/wrote/performed music, moved into my dream home, and was able to spend every day of it with my best friend by my side. What more can a person ask for? I feel blessed every moment of every day and often feel guilty we're so happy. Life without Brandon is unfathomable. He is my rock, my joy, my laughter, my love, my fun, and most importantly my friend. Looking forward to celebrating with a trip to Tahoe! Here's to you love!

Cora rolled over for the first time yesterday at 2 1/2 months old! She rolled from her stomach to her back, and I tried to get her to do it again for Brandon when he got home and she rolled from her stomach to her side. You'd think that each little development wouldn't be as exciting as it was with Eli, having been our first, but it's just as fun! I think we know better now that each development leads to more and more fun. I spent the weekend finishing up packing for our Lake Tahoe trip next weekend. I'm completely done except for the last minute items, which is a great feeling. I've been prepping Eli for the plane ride and telling him what to expect, that he'll have to wear his seat belt the whole time, etc. He's really excited to get to chew gum (he loves chewing a tiny piece of gum once in a while) and to go really high in the sky. This week marks the first time Cora wants to go to sleep on her own in the crib and not in my arms. Usually like most newborns she would fall asleep nursing, being rocked, or in my arms with her pacifier. Now she just wants to be laid down in her crib on her side with her paci and she falls asleep. Part of me is relieved (because it was big struggle trying to keep Eli quiet and occupied while I would get her to sleep) and part of me is sad because she is already becoming more indpendent and less of my little cuddly needy baby. I really am trying to treasure every moment I get with her because she might be our last. I'm really trying to appreciate each stage she is at knowing I may never go through it again. We are really enjoying having two kids. I feel I can easily give them each equal attention and nurture them both to a degree I'm happy and feel good about. Brandon and I really like being able to each take a kid and trade off etc. We're loving our little family!

Big sigh of relief....

Well, I figured out why Eli was such a disaster last weekend. His 2nd back two year old molar was coming in. Today I can feel a tip of it through the gums. He had a couple drops of blood on his sheets, so Brandon and I figured that was probably the case, but we weren't sure. So nice to know my kid hasn't turned evil :-) ha ha.

Mastitis

We thoroughly enjoyed having Brandon's parents and grandparents here with us this weekend. They all got to spend time with the kids and hang out. Bob and Donna brought up an adorable little bike with training wheels for Eli. I can't believe he's old enough for a bike already! We had Brandon's 2nd cousin Justin and his girlfriend over for dinner, which was fun. Cora was her usual sweet self, but Eli was a disaster the whole time. I guess just having his schedule interrupted did him in. He screamed and cried and threw fits. I've never seen him so terrible. I guess that's life, what can you do? He was back to normal today luckily. Unfortunately, on Sunday I came down with mastitis. It's an infection that causes or is caused by a clogged milk duct and being extremely run down and stressed. I have just been so busy I knew I was running myself into the ground but didn't know how to find rest. I had a fever, chills, exhaustion, and pain all day Sunday and Monday but finally got a shot of Rosefrin in the hip and woke up Tuesday feeling all better. What a relief! Now I get to play "catch up" for the days I was sick. UG! Brandon and I just feel like we're scrambling to get everything done we need to do before we leave for Tahoe in a week and a half. Praying for some rest and relaxation some day!

2 month appt.

Cora had her two month appointment yesterday. She weighs 11 lbs 14 oz (70%) and is 22 inches long (50%) and a head of 15 inches (50%). Eli was a great little trooper going with me, but was very concerned when she got her shot. He kept saying "boo boo" when he saw her bandaid and gave her some special kisses to make her feel better. This week my aunt and uncle from Odessa and their four kids stayed with us. Eli was very entertained by their boys. It's amazing to think that I used to babysit my cousins and the oldest is going to graduate next year! I feel OLD! Today, Brandon's parents are coming up from Dallas, and his grandparents and aunt are coming up from Hot Springs for the weekend. I can't wait for them to see the kids!