10/52 (A Weekly Photo Series)

If you've have told me I'd one day have a curly blond-haired, blue-eyed baby boy I'd have called you crazy. I have a few relatives with blonde hair, but my immediate family dons our German heritage through our brown hair, darker-colored eyes and olive-colored skin.

Though, genetics are crazy.

Fifteen months into mothering my little boy, and I'm still in awe of him. Aden's looks cause me to stop in my tracks and marvel over this beautiful child Andi and created together. Those gorgeous ice-blue eyes and those soft, wavy blond curls that stick out every which way. My heart! He has stolen my heart.

Janie says Andi had hair the color of Aden's when he was a little boy, but it was stick-straight. Then Andi's hair turned light brown when he was 5 years old. My dad had hair like Aden's as a little boy too, though he's had brown hair as long as I can remember. I wonder at what age it changed? If history repeats itself, Aden's hair will turn brown just like Andi and my dad's did as boys. Or, maybe he'll be different and keep his blond locks forever? Only time will tell... 

Aden's curls are inherited from my mom; she's the only person in the family who has curly hair. Her hair isn't tightly curled, but does have a wave to it. So does my younger brother, Adam, but he cuts his hair short which makes his curls unnoticeable. Tory has curls too, but only in the humid summer air.

The lineage of Aden's gorgeous ice-blue eyes are still a mystery. No one in Andi or I's immediate families have blue eyes except for my niece, Neeley, and hers are a darker shade than Aden's.  

Aren't genetics fun? Together, a little bit of this and a pinch of that make up our perfect little Aden Boy.  

Spring Teaser

Our week has been one of magic. Because ... this weather! This glorious spring-like weather has lightened our moods in ways only sunshine and fresh air can do.

We just returned from vacation a few weeks ago, so I remember the feeling of warm temperatures well. But the doom and gloom of returning to the cold after vacation ends tends to jolt one back to reality rather quickly. I've lived in Minnesota long enough to know there's probably more cold weather ahead, but at least this warm weather trend has given us all a much-needed breather.

Temperatures were mild at the lake cabin last weekend too (high 30's / low 40's), so Andi and I snuck in a few nature walks with the kids. Spring is an awkward time of year at the lake because there aren't many extracurricular activities to do (i.e.: snowmobiling, ice fishing, or boating) and the outdoors are usually a mess (wet, muddy, chilly temperatures). It's nature walks and Ranger rides until it warms up enough to thaw the lake and dry the ground.

The air during our walk was refreshing, which is a fancy way to say it was kind of cold. Poor Aden's cheeks were pink and Tory wasn't wearing a stocking hat. Parenting fail. At least she was wearing her snow suit. 

What a difference a few days can make ....

Monday, temperatures warmed into the high 50's. It felt like a fluke because it's March and technically still winter, but then temperatures reached into the low 60's on Tuesday and Wednesday with heavy doses of warm sunshine. Amazing is the only way to describe it. Warm air on our faces felt so, so good. 

Tory, Aden and I took full advantage of the weather and played outside at every chance. We took walks around the neighborhood in the two-seater red wagon, smiling and laughing the entire way. I think Aden especially was in awe of our new-to-him surroundings. He squealed with delight as Tory splashed through puddles of snow melt. 

Speaking of snow melt, Andi bought Tory Bogs waterproof boots this winter and I have to say how impressed I am with their effectiveness. Tory splashed through every puddle we saw on our walks, and the outsides of her boots were soaking wet by the end. Though, much to my surprise, her feet stayed dry inside. (Not sponsored, by the way; just impressed!) She wears them for her everyday boots, and it's nice to know her feet will stay dry no matter the weather.

We broke out the kids' new outdoor toys this week as well. My parents bought Tory a pink tricycle for her birthday back in August and Aden a blue push-around car in November, and we've finally had a chance to use them. Tory has room for improvement in learning to ride her trike (it is surprisingly difficult to teach a child how to pedal on their own!), but she's making strides every day. Aden (well, actually both kids) are obsessed with sitting in the new blue car toy. 

  

Our backyard patio furniture is still in storage (plus our backyard is a swampy soup of melting snow), so we've been playing on the drive-way this week. Everything is filthy -- the garage, the drive-way, the park -- but oh well. We're just so happy to be outdoors! I set-up our water table as a sensory bin with rice because the kids get more mileage out of it that way, so I pulled that onto the drive-way one day this week to let the kids dig and play.  

Tory is always so careful not to spill any rice out of the table; Aden ... might need some practice. There was rice everywhere after they were done. Good thing we were outside and the rice swept up easily. 

The minute it warmed up outside Tory asked to go to the park. I was worried it'd be a muddy mess, but we went anyway on Wednesday afternoon. Luckily, our neighborhood mom's club worked to have new wood chips laid last fall and the park was in great condition considering the time of year. Tory and Aden had a blast climbing on the playground equipment and going down the slides for over two hours yesterday afternoon. So much fun, in fact, both kids slept all night last night without a peep -- something that hasn't happened in a loooong time. Hallelujah for fresh air and exercise!

This spring teaser has me giddy with excitement for the warm-weather months ahead!

Tory-isms

Age Three is a wild ride.

Three is whiny and demanding one minute, and silly and sweet the next.

Three tells jokes, but misconstrues the punchline.

Three's ears are always listening (even when Three pretends they aren't), and pipes in from the backseat to add her own two cents into a conversation.

Three is smart, sensitive and compassionate, swelling her parent's hearts with pride and providing subtle reassurance they're doing alright by her.

Here's a few Tory-ism's from the last few months:

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Mispronunciations

Christmas stockings = "boots"

Snow White & the Seven Dwarves = "White Snow"

Chick-fil-A restaurant = "Chicken-fil-A," and it remains her favorite

Oatmeal = "oat-milk"

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(on December 2, running down the hallway that morning)

Tory: "Awww! No presents under the tree yet!"

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Andi: "I love you more than ice cream."

Tory: "I love you more than tomatoes." (said in a British Peppa Pig voice)

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(turning Cinderella on the iPad)

Tory: "Just give it to me, Mom, I'm kind of an expert."

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(a very tired Tory, as she's being loaded into her car seat)

Tory: "Dad, I'm going to freak out because I need a show and a snack."

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(At bedtime)

Tory: "Mom, will you stay with me?"

Me: "No."

Tory: "Then, I'm going to throw a tantrum!"

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(at dinnertime)

Grandma Janie: "Tory, do you want an applesauce?"

Tory: "No, I'm allergic."

Grandma Janie: "No you're not!"

Tory: "Okay, I just don't want any."

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Tory: "Oh, Aden, you grembalin!" (gremlin)

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(carrying Tory through the airport)

Me: "Tory, I've got to put you down for a while. My arm feels like it's going to pull out of the socket."

(later ... )

Tory: "Mom, is your arm out of socks?"

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(nearly every night before bedtime)

Tory: "Is it too late to watch one itsy bitsy short show?"

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(getting Tory dressed for the day)

Andi: "Come on, Tory, get your head in the game!"

Tory: "Get your eye in the game!"

*Tory is 3 years, 6 months

9/52 (A Weekly Photo Series)

This picture of Aden pretty much sums up our week:

My poor boy came down with the flu Sunday night, and has been "off" all week. Bouts of spunkiness and a healthy appetite when I think he's turned a corner, followed by throwing up and fussiness. On repeat. I got sick Tuesday night into Wednesday, but thankfully it was shorter-lived for me. It's incredibly hard to take care of a sick kid (plus one healthy, energetic one) when you don't feel well. Andi traveled part of this week and returned home with a killer headache he can't seem to shake ... so, yeah, we're ready for this week to pass. Onward and upward!

It wasn't all doom and gloom, I suppose. I pulled out the bin of Easter stuff which included seasonal books and plastic Easter eggs for the kids to play with. Tory was particularly enamored by the new reading material. I thought it was so cute how she cozied up on the couch and began looking through the new books immediately.

Easter is one celebration I struggle how to teach the true meaning to my kids. At age 3, I think Tory might really begin to understand Jesus dying on the Cross, so I'd like to find age-appropriate ways to share this message with her. Part of my plan was to attend Lenten services on Wednesdays at our church, but the flu got in our way this week. Need to find some purposeful activities for us ... adding this to my goals for next week.

P.S. I'd forgotten how much I loathe stepping on and picking up those darn plastic Easter eggs scattered all over the floor!

Dairy-Free Banana Blueberry Muffins

I have many strengths, but patience first thing in the morning while two children demand food from me is not one of them. Enter, quick and easy breakfast options! Tory and I whipped up a batch of banana blueberry muffins this week that fit the bill perfectly.

So many banana blueberry muffin recipes call for buttermilk, which isn't an option for Aden to consume. I found this recipe online a while back, and made some tweaks to make it dairy-free. The best part is, these muffins are still really tasty and our entire family likes them.

Dairy-Free Banana Blueberry Muffins 
Adapted from: realhousemoms.com

For the muffins:

• 1 1/2 c. flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3 bananas, mashed
• 3/4 c. white sugar
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 c. non-dairy butter (I used Earth Balance) 
• 1 c. blueberries

For the crumb topping:

• 1/3 c. brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp. non-dairy butter (i.e.; Earth Balance)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
2. Line muffin tin with disposable cups, or grease pan with cooking spray
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt
4. In a separate bowl, mix together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter substitute
5. Slowly add flour mixture to banana mixture until combined
6. Fold in blueberries
7. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, flour and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Cut in one tablespoon of non-dairy butter substitute.   
8. Top each muffin with a sprinkle of crumb topping
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes 

Letters to Aden: 15 Months

Aden Bear,

You turned 15 months old while we were on vacation last week in Sayulita, Mexico. Fifteen months, but you still feel like a baby to me. I have a sneaking suspicion it'll always seem that way.

We met quite a few kids the same age as you during our vacation, and they all seemed much older for two reasons, I think:

1) Other people comment what a big boy you are, but actually you're kind of a peanut. Officially, you're 22 pounds (37%) and 32 inches (87%). The higher percentage in height may indicate you've grown quite a bit taller in the last few months, but more likely means there was an incorrect measurement in there somewhere. You're still wearing 12-18 month clothing, though slowing moving into size 18-24 months, and continue to wear size 4 diapers. 

2) You're also not walking yet, which makes you seem much younger than your peers. I'm not worried though. First, because your pediatrician tells me not to worry; and second, it's just the type of kid you are. You like to be positively sure you've mastered a skill before you take the leap and try it. I know you're capable of walking if you wanted to, but you're not willing to try until you're 100% confident in yourself. For now, you're content to cruise along walls and furniture, and use walking toys to get to where you want to go. You're standing alone for several seconds at a time and sort-of do this "hop" on your knees to get around.

Some of your favorite things at 15 months are: playing "peek-a-boo", sitting in your Pottery Barn Kids Anywhere Chair, reading books (specifically Moo, Baa, La La La on repeat), playing "kitchen," pretending to talk on the phone, taking foods out of the refrigerator, and pulling out all the kids' plates and cups from the cupboard. You wave your hand and say "hi" and "bye." You give Tory's baby dolls "love" by giving them a hug and say "awww" when you do.

No new words this month, officially. You still say about 8 different things including "uh-oh", "dada", "mama", "hi", "ball", "baba", "all done" and "bye." You also use sign language for "all done" and "more."

Sleep is still somewhat hit or miss. Some nights, you'll sleep straight through from 7:00pm - 7:00am, and other nights (more typically) you'll wake up once around 3:00am. I still offer you a bottle of milk if you wake up in the night which I'm sure is partly to blame, but ... eh. You're only little once.

You're quite the little piggie when it comes to meal time -- you love to eat! Favorites foods include: chicken, fish, green beans, peas, peaches, pears, mango, blueberries, and strawberries. We're slowly introducing soy milk into your diet, and your stomach seems to be handling it better than a few months ago. You're still taking a bottle of milk (toddler soy formula) at your mid-day nap and bedtime.

Aden, you are the happiest boy. Almost everyone you come in contact with - strangers, friends and family alike - remarks as such. Daddy commented this month that you inherited my mouth, which filled my heart with so much love because it's your infectious smile that makes your personality shine. It's a great gift to bring others so much joy, and that you do so well.

Love you more than you'll ever know, little boy. Happy 15 months!

XOXO,
Mom

Weekend Happenings: Ice Fishing; First Steps!

Transitioning back to real-life after a vacation is never easy, especially when it means coming home to cold temperatures. I've been around the block enough times to know there's several more weeks of winter ahead, even if the season changes to Spring this month. 

Fortunately we returned home from vacation mid-week, and a weekend trip to the lake cabin wasn't far behind. Andi, Tory, Aden and I enjoyed a quiet, relaxing few days together to help us ease back into things. Though I have to admit, the novelty of cold-weather winter activities like ice fishing seemed far less appealing after spending the previous week at the beach.

Coats and hats and boots ... say what?

Thankfully, we've got a nice ice house to keep us warm on the lake. Saturday, the four of us trekked over to Balsam Lake for a change of pace. We fished there for a while without much success, then moved a few miles over to Big Round Lake where we reeled in a few sunfish. 

We've learned fish bite best around sunrise and sunset, which unfortunately are two of the worst times of day for the kids' schedule (i.e.: breakfast and dinner time). Andi's a good sport about it anyway, bringing his entire family along to fish around nap schedules and meal times. Consequently, we may not catch many fish but we're spending time together as a family and that's what matters. Every weekend I'm thankful he includes us in this mostly "man's activity." As I look around the lake, I rarely see other women and children. 

Though I admit, the idea of sitting on a 5-gallon bucket next to this guy doesn't seem all that appealing. I'm guessing his wife thought the same ...

  

While Andi's fishing, I spend a fair amount of time entertaining the kids with snacks and homemade pack-n-play forts.     

As soon as Andi's got a fish on, he yells for Tory and Aden to come over and help him reel it up. 

Sunday afternoon, Tory said to Andi: "Dad, I'm really disappointed we didn't catch more fish." Never mind the patience and strategy it took Andi to catch the ones they did!

We filled the rest of the weekend with board games and time lounging around the cabin. Playing Candy Land with a 3 1/2 year-old is a test of patience in itself. Tory (as she grabbed the game pieces from the board mid-play): "Let's pretend they're giving each other a high-five!" Eh. Oh! Uh. Okay, then. 

This boy. That hair!

Aden took his first steps this weekend. I wouldn't classify it as walking just yet, but he's so close to discovering how and that's exciting. I can't wait for this milestone, even though it'll mean more work for me as he'll really be into everything. He's been cruising along things for so many weeks now, I'm anxious for him to see the world in a new way.  

(video)