Tuesday Home-Day!

This is Morgan at gymnastics. Thank you, Peyton for the leotards! Look at her go!!

"Bag starts with B!!"

Morgan just asked me if she could clean up my weight watchers brownie wrapper (is this the same child from this morning?!!!) and called it a "bag" and said,

"bag...bag starts with b...we learned that at school today!!"

Not only do I believe that she is not the same girl I dropped off this morning, but it's so great to see everything that she's learning at school. And, she also told me that she was the calendar girl today.

"Today is Monday, Mommy, and tomorrow is Tuesday."

She's growing up!!!

Whilrwind

Well, sorry I haven't posted much lately. Things have been quite hectic. The girls have kept me quite busy and I took the MTEL test on Saturday morning, followed by Dexter Day, Saturday afternoon. Then Sunday was "Mommy's Day Out" with Auntie Annie and Gamma...went to a fashion show, which was just about all day, and I was grateful to Daddy for covering, and Gamma and Annie for the fun day.

Morgan is doing well, though giving me a REALLY tough time - mostly not listening and just not being nice. Again. Seems like we do this every couple of months, but it's getting really old! Not sure if it's because she's sick, not sleeping well (she didn't go to sleep until past 930pm last night), or if those are just excuses for bad behavior! We're staying on her, though, and hopefully she'll get the clue that she just needs to behave. In the midst of behavior modifications, we're attempting to plan a 4 year old birthday party too. Tomorrow may be the day to go get the invitations.

Maddie is doing well. She just started the music on the swing (by pulling the fish) for the first time and she's playing with all the parts of the exersaucer. Lots of feet grabbing and rolling on her side, but that's about it for tricks. She has a great giggle, and seems like she'll be as ticklish as Morgan. She continues to test us with crying as loud as she possibly can when she goes down for naps, but is doing well at night...slept right through last night. So, we're thankful for that!!!

Kevin's keeping busy at school and helping out lots at home. That's about it for now.

Oh, and I'll leave you with a funny story... Friday night we had Auntie Annie and Gamma and Papa over for pizza (as we told Morgan, a pizza party!!). So, Gamma and Papa were headed out the door and Morgan was saying her goodbyes. She said to them both:

"I'm going to ask my Mommy and Daddy if you can come over to my house again soon!"

It's these precious moments that keep us going!!!

Maddie is presently...

sleeping on the bath mat (with a pillow for her head) on the bathroom floor, and has been there for 2.5 hours!!!!!!!!!! Every time I go to take a shower, and put her in that position, she falls asleep! AND, this is after a 12 hour snooze last night (give or take a little of crying). Yeah for me!!

This is a reward for surviving my day yesterday. Let me just say that 4 year old behavior (especially when sick) is worse than 2 year old behavior. That's all I'm going to say about our day yesterday. Thank goodness for good TV last night....oh...and if you haven't seen Modern Family, please do!! SO funny!!

Anyways, just wanted to share my excitement about Maddie sleeping!!! :)

Paging Dr. McLean...

Here is Morgan's halloween costume...LOVE IT! Especially the last picture...oohh those poor ears!

Well, it was a relatively quiet day today. Mommy and Gamma (along with Maddie for the ride) received flu shots today. My throat is quite sore - hoping it's just from the shot?!!

Maddie is now apparently asleep at 6pm for the night. Her new trick is roaring/growling which is apparently a sign of exhuastion. I have no doubt she'll be waking up around midnight (like last night) to cry for an hour because she's so awake, but hopefully she'll catch up with the program soon! Hopefully, please! Pretty please!

Morgan had a great day at school, though one would probably not know it. I picked her up and she was getting bandaged up for the upteenth time...she has a huge scrape all on her right upper thigh...apparently she fell off the stairs near the monkey bars. Oops. Thank goodness Dr. McLean is now in the house to take such great care of her!!! :)

Just cute...

Funny...

Another fun-filled day in the McLean household. Morgan had gymnastics this morning (her second class) where she learned to try cartwheels and open her legs and say, "sunshine!" which she now does with lots of volume and enthusiasm!! So funny. And I learned that she knows a lot of the words to "Battlefield" by Jordan Sparks from American Idol. Too funny.

After gymnastics we went to the doctors because she was complaining of ear pain and had a cough...good thing we went. Apparently she has (dry) blood in her ear...they think possibly from her tube falling out. So, we're trying to clean that ou

t with ear drops and also treating a sinus infection. Good thing we went, I guess.

Gamma came over to babysit Maddie while Morgan was on a play date so I could go get some studying done for my MTEL (Mass. Teacher test) so I can finally be certified in Massachusetts. Oh boy did I realize how much studying needs to happen, so late nights are in my future after bed times.

Speaking of bed times..look at the pictures of Maddie to the left!! She last ate around 430pm, and I wanted to hold her off til last minute so I could get in 1 more feeding so we can skip the late one tonight. So, Kevin was holding her for a bit while I was going to try to empty the dishwasher, but time escaped and he had to go back to work. So I said just put her in the jungle and let's see if I can do this...and well....see can for yourself!!!

Needless to say, I guess letting her "cry it out" has worked. Now, where to go from here?

Oh boy!!

A great morning it was, an exhausting afternoon it also was! Maddie's afternoons are not her best time of day at all! She is so grumpy, realizes that she really is behind on eating and devours anything and everything you give her (which I guess is only one thing --- bottle)!! But, she is out by 7pm, which I appreciate.

And Morgan had a tough afternoon also. I picked her up and she was so nasty, saying that she didn't "want to see me at all." :( I just wanted to cry. Then she realized she would come with me when she had so many blisters on her hand, she was hysterically crying and whined the whole way home until I threatened her staying home from gymnastics and a possible play date tomorrow.

In her defense, I think it is possible that she has an ear infection (or two) so we may be headed to the dr's tomorrow...'tis the season approaching. Gamma and I will be getting our flu shots on Wed. My first, I think ever.

Aaahhh...sleep

Well, I didn't want to say anything yesterday so I wouldn't jinx ourselves, but on Saturday night, Maddie gave us 11 precious and wonderful hours of sleep!! And last night, she went to bed around 645pm, woke up at 730pm, cried for a bit, went back to sleep until 2am, ate and was awake. So, I put her to bed around 245am and she was on/off whiney, crying, until about 310 and then slept until 7am!! So, not so bad. She's definitely crying less, though she still seems to need to do a little to get herself back to sleep. But, she'll be napping in the crib the rest of the day, so fingers crossed!!

Maddie just fell asleep on our way home from dropping off Morgan - who by the way- I don't think has ever slept better than she has been downstairs. She slept in until 8am this morning, though she did wake up saying the "wax in her ear hurt!" Never thought of it that way!!

Lookout Farm

Our third annual trip to Lookout Farm was today. It was such a beautiful day and the apples and pears were just perfect to pick! We were a little too early for pumpkins, so we just might have to go back!!

Morgan had as much fun in the play area as she did picking apples and Daddy's favorite, asian pears. Morgan played in the playground area and then took her first pony ride. Before she went on the pony, she told her Daddy that she "didn't want the pony to look at her." And afterwards, she said, "That was bouncy!"

Maddie loved watching all the kids and enjoyed the nap she had in the nice, fresh air! After the pony ride, I tried to get the girls together (Morgan picked out their matching outfits today) for a picture, but Maddie wasn't cooperating, and frankly she's just too heavy for Morgan to hold!!! Poor Maddie!

It was a great day at the Farm. Morgan was so sad to leave, but after eating 1 pear, and 2 apples, it was time to go! We missed Uma and Upa today and talked about you lots! Maybe next year!!

Lookout Farm

Morgan's first soccer game

Saturday Soccer

Morgan had her first soccer practice/game yesterday. It was hilarious!! Her team color is Royal Blue, and as the youngest team, they are learning how to play the game, which goal to score in, etc., and it was just so funny. There is some video and pictures coming. Morgan's friend, Peyton wasn't there, but she still managed to have a good time.

Later that afternoon was of course, a great Irish win!! The girls and I went grocery shopping when things started to get ugly, but thankfully made it home for a great 3rd and 4th quarter! GO IRISH!

Maddie gave us all a present last night with a 11 hour sleep!! She went to bed at 745pm, asleep at 753pm (I didn't even have to go up once!!!!!) and didn't wake up until about 615am!!! HIP HIP HOORAY!!

One night down..

Well, thanks for all the support, especially on FB. We survived our first night. Maddie actually did pretty well. So, this is what our doctor told us to do. You put her in the crib, say good night, etc., and leave the room. When she starts crying, you time it from there, 5 minutes, and after 5 minutes you can go in, talk to her, reassure her, not staying more than two minutes, and then leaving (obviously not picking her up). If she's still crying you time 10 more minutes from when you left, and then go in again, etc. Then it is 15 minutes, 20 minutes, and 25 minutes...but never more than 25.

So, Maddie made it to the 15 minute twice yesterday (once at nap, and once at bedtime). We never had to go up after 15 minutes because she was out by then (barely, but out)!! So I will take any success I can. Granted, I had plenty of wine last night to help me through, but it worked.

She woke up around midnight and stirred for a while and around 145am, started crying. We did the whole process again, and she didn't make it past the 15 minute mark. Then she woke up around 415 and the Dr. said to keep her 1 feeding at night for this first week, and she was wide awake when I went in, so Kevin took her down, fed her (she ate about half the bottle), and fell asleep, and put her back to bed. Then an hour and 15 minutes later, she woke up for the morning, around 615am.

And, she's already down for her nap this morning, and I went in after 5 minutes, and didn't have to go back up!!! YEAH!!! I waited until she was so dead tired, but it worked.

So, thank you, Dr. Strauss for the plan; Kerin Brauer for the mobile, Kevin for his patience with me and for refilling my wine glass, and Morgan who slept downstairs in the new bed in the playroom for the entire evening (even when Maddie woke up and cried again around 145am), and even slept in until after 8am.

Morgan has soccer today at noon, so Maddie will be able to have her lunchtime nap in the stroller which I know she'll be happy about, and then we'll go from there. I do think the Dr. said to do 10 minutes the next day, but can't quite remember, so we'll play it by ear.

Just SO HAPPY the first night is over!!! Now...regarding my own afternoon nap....

Another video of Irish Step - Morgan by herself!

BIG baby and the Tiny Dancer!

Well, another nutty (but fun) day in the McLean Family! It started slow as we had Maddie's 4 month check up at 11am. Gamma met us there, and we discovered that Maddie weighs....drumroll please...19 lbs. 8.5 oz!!!!!!!! AND, she's 26 1/4 inches long! Off the charts in weight, 97%ile for height, and I think around the 75% for head circumference. Got some good info in how to transition her to her crib so we can all get some good zzzzzz's. Maddie had 3 shots, and a SURPRISE to Morgan, she had her flu shot! There were lots of tears coming from our room, but thanks to help from Gamma, we all managed and left there in relatively good spirits.

From there we headed to the Keyo residence (longtime family friends) for a little lunch and play date with their grandson, Brendan, who is about 2-3 weeks younger than Maddie. He's so cute (and as you can see from the picts) had his eyes on Maddie!!!

After our play date we headed home for about an hour where we could have a little R&R before heading out to Morgan's first Irish Step Dancing class. I thought I might have a little break at home before we left, but Maddie had an explosion in her pants which she then needed a bath, so so much for resting.

Off to Irish Step we went...Morgan again (just like gymnastic) started slow, but then met a wonderful young lady named Bernadette (Auntie Annie's great friend from high school), and was totally fine...following along like a pro (well, at least a pro for a first timer)!!! So, despite the "Mommy!" (in a sad whiny voice) I heard several times before Bernadette arrived, it was so successful that Morgan told her at the end of class that she would see her next week!!!!! YEAH!!!

So, what busy little bees we have been and continue to be...Morgan now signed up for 3 classes this fall...gymasntics, soccer and Irish step. Maddie loves watching her big sister in all of these events which is good because she really has no choice!!!

Once again, I think we'll all sleep well tonight....we'll at least 3/4 of us. Here's hoping Maddie sleeps well too!!

SEE PICTS BELOW...

Morgan's First Irish Step Dancing Class

Look for the red head in the white and pink striped dress...that's our girl!!

Busy Day!!

Productive, yet exhausting...

Well, it was a day of getting things done in the McLean household today...well, sort of. Laundry...check. Studying for MTEL...check. Maddie slept for 2.5 hours...check (granted it was in the swing, but very peaceful). Morgan had a great day at school. check.

But, after Maddie's nice afternoon nap, all was lost. No more getting things done for Mommy because Maddie's teeth were bothering her so badly. Well, it was either that or the fact that she was attempting to roll over and she was very frustrated she couldn't get her "large" self over. It's really a toss up as to what was so frustrating, but either way, it was a busy afternoon. [pictures and a video are to follow...can't put them up now...must go to sleep!!]

Morgan had another great day at school, though was very sad when I picked her up because her friends got picked up before her. Boo hoo! She is definitely congested right now - can't tell if it's a cold or allergies, but hopefully time will tell and it will be door number 2.

Tomorrow brings great excitement with Maddies' 4 month check-up and Morgan's first Irish Step Dancing class. More to follow tomorrow...

Looking forward to bed time!!

OH what a day!! I'm not sure who's looking more forward to bed time tonight?!! It could be...

a) Kevin: who has worked a full day, driven the bus, and will be at work until 9pm this evening for a bus meeting.

b) Morgan: who had a full day of first day of gymnastics (which started a little slow and then she absolutely loved and can't wait for next week :) ). We then met up for lunch we Gamma, and raced home to meet Peyton for a play date that was about 4 hours long. BUT, they played so wonderfully together; it was great!!

c) Maddie: who is teething beyond belief and grumpy pants since she refuses (and probably couldn't today with all the noise) to take a long afternoon nap.

d) Mommy: who was up at 5 am with Maddie, and did letters b) and c) and will have to do bed time solo tonight, which will prove to be tricky since they both go to sleep at the same time. I hope weight watchers will understand my glass of wine tonight!!

Choose your vote carefully!!!!

Morgan's First Day of Gymnastics

All Maddie wants for Halloween is her two front teeth!

Maddie is teething like a crazy baby today!!! Just constantly gnawing at those gums with anything she can find and continue to hold in her hand. From what I can see, I think it might be her top front teeth. I don't see any red or swollen gums on the bottom, except maybe the sides, but that can be already!! Not only that, but she's watching me eat/drink today with longing eyes...I can see solids in her future very quickly!! As a matter of fact, possibly after her 4 month check up on Thursday! Her personality is definitely coming through...so smiley :) with flirty eyes! Watch out, boys!!!

Morgan is at school today. Went off this morning with a hop, skip and a jump when I mentioned that if she got there early, she and Thomas would be able to play in the same room together! She was so excited when she got to school and Thomas was in her classroom!!

And, it worked out great for Mommy too!! Morgan out the door early, and lots of time to get stuff done. Fall decorations have come out and paperwork is in order! Hooray for Monday!!

Notre Dame game vs Michigan

While Daddy had a temper tantrum and was yelling at the television during the ND game last night, Morgan calmly said to him, "Daddy, it's okay. It's just a game; sometimes you lose!"

LOVE IT!!!

It was a lazy Sunday in the McLean household. Morgan and Mommy went to Steve Songs at Mommy's former elementary school, Brimmer and May. Morgan enjoyed the show as much as she could for not quite feeling like her old self. Not sure if she's getting the same bug Kevin and I had or what is going on...maybe she's just feeling the change of having Mommy home like I am, but nonetheless, she's not herself. She is presently having a nice, long nap which will hopefully help us all out!

Maddie is doing fine. She continues to aggressively go at her teeth, so I'm just waiting for something to pop threw. Morgan had her first tooth at 4.5 months, so Maddie has only a couple of weeks to go.

It's a busy week for us this week. Morgan has her first gymnastics class on Tues and then a play date that afternoon. On Thursday is Maddie's big day, with her 4 month check up. Can't wait to see how much the chunker really weighs.

TTFN!

Morgan at Steve Songs

Maddie's giggle!

Begin at the beginning

So, here we are...beginning our blog. I've never done this before, and I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing, but now that I'm not working, I figure (in theory) I should have time to keep the families and friends up to date with us.

I say, in theory, because Maddie continues to not nap well. She's finally doing well at night (about 7 hours, eats, and then another couple of hours), but napping is not her thing. In fact, Daddy just took her for a drive so she can get in a good nap.

Morgan is doing great. She is loving pre-kindergarten at school, though she is only going three days a week, and I think we are both feeling the change. But, we've signed her up for gymnastics on Tuesdays and soccer on Saturdays (with her best friend, Peyton), so that should help me out a bit.

Kevin is SO happy that school is back in session. Hopefully all his time off has given him a better appreciation for all that I am doing! Well, a girl can dream, right?!

Well, enjoy the blog. Hopefully I'll be able to update it more than once a week! :)