Tank is 21 months!

Tank is saying many new words: apple snacks, "I got some boo boos." "I see babies." Kick, Kick (swim class), kiss, cries baby (because I say baby is crying sometimes)-someone actually thought I taught him "cry baby." NO!!!!, hop hop carrots, starting to say Alvin "aln", Ki park, potty, brush, a form of "pancakes", burger, dogs barks, bubble snacks

I had an opportunity to get to the gym early one Wednesday morning and Tank wanted nothing of it!! He got so upset that he threw up!! Lets just say I was fighting back tears and couldn't believe I wasn't listening to his communication. He has been to the child care at the gym so many times and been fine. This is the first time I dropped him off since Tapanga's been born. Obviously it was out of routine.

Tank was on the pink bubble gum medicine for a sinus infection. Poor baby! Lets just say he was a different child while sick and I got my baby back once he started feeling better. Once we left the peds and drove to the Rite Aid to fill the prescription, I got rear-ended at the light. We were both fine, but what an aggravation!! Tank got a new car seat out of it!

Tank is back in the pool at 20-21 months! He loves it! We met a new friend Isabella and her mom. Isabella is 2 weeks younger than Tank and very advanced for her age. It is a great fit. Liz and I take them to the big pool after swim class and let them wear themselves out. An hour of swimming for Tank is a lot!! I put a life jacket on him and let him find his balance. He does well but still wants me to pull him around while Isabella dog-paddles around us! He does like floating on his back in the life jacket though and he used to hate his back. He loves to jump in from the side while I catch him.

We started the second session this spring 5/2 and the whole car ride to the pool he recites the order of the class: ball, ducks, kick over and over!! The instructor held Tank in the water for a model for the stroke (he cried a bit) but he knows order of events in the class, its amazing!! He is getting much more comfortable and relaxed lying on his back and kicking while I do the arm circles! yeahee!

Tank loves giving Tapanga kisses! Kiss, kiss every minute!! I get him out of bed first then we "find" babies!! He climbs up on the side of her crib so excited for her to get up and play with him. He shows her his trucks and even drives them on her tummy.

Tank was aware of the thunderstorm overnight on 4/29. He was awake from 2-4 am at Uncle Baber and Aunt Kristin's house and a thunderstorm came and went. He just sat there listening and tried to peak through the blinds a few times! Princess stayed asleep as usual!

Tank is saying "potty" in public places. One was swim class 4/27/12, the other during story time. 4/30. He is not quite consistent but acknowledging he went. We continue to follow his lead in hopes he will be independent by the end of the summer.

Tank, Thomas, Tank, Thomas....now Elmo! We load the screen with home videos "Tank" which is the only thing he used to watch! Now he actually sits and watches a Thomas Dvd or Thomas on you tube along with Elmo!! He asks for it all the time!! Sometimes it is helpful when I am cooking or cleaning up the kitchen.

Tank ended 21 months by sleeping 12-5 pm. I guess he is feeling better and making up for the nights he was up coughing. He is also eating like a horse again!! Two cheese burgers, beans, veggies, etc. then a snack again before bed= two bowls of Craklin Oat Bran!!

20 months

Tank's new words: (some are repeats because he is saying them much more clear) bacon, chicken, meat, taco, apple, pants, socks, hi mama, dog, bubbles, church, gym, car, car keys, spoon, cho choo, puff puff, Thomas, batteries, park, nose, couch, rock (as in rocking motion), duck, duck sound, pig (nig), giraffe, panda

Tank loves his baby sister!! He shows her his books and pats his lap for her to sit on it! I can't turn my back for a second because he loves to cuddle, pat, and sit on her! He usually lies next to her and pats her back.

He is really into building forts! More like tearing up the living room couch pillows all over the room! Or he'll pile up a blanket, daddy's boots mommy's shoes, and a box of cheerios! He has a new Thomas train ride. It keeps his interest while we finish dinner, etc. He is very good at verbalizing what he wants to eat and when he is hungry.

We went to a "potty" class. He was the most comfortable sitting on the potty chair there than any other kids. Of course not really "going" per say. Just getting used to getting used to the idea. He tells me potty every morning before getting him out of his crib. What he really means is he already went and his pants are icky! At least he is telling us.

Very active little boy!! He loves the park and walks to and from. He tries to play and chase after the bigger kids there and do what they are doing. He is great helping me put things in the trash, laundry, and dishes.

We are back to swimming class! I am so impressed that he used his arms and legs so much better than in our last class in Dec. He loves to kick and splash a lot! We were invited to his first birthday swim party. He is very comfortable at Ida Lee and walks into the water all the way up to his chin! Chip had a great time with him in the pool.

We play with our friend Conor once a week. They have a lot of fun together! Our neighbor brought her twins over to play as well. It's great interaction!

Twenty months ended with a bang! He saying: Elmo, backwards, bathroom, etc. We went and visited Poppa B and Bumble B. We saw Betsy, Emilee, Nathan, and Jackson. Tank loved seeing Jackson and gave him a hug and kiss and even says "Jackson"!! Thankfully no one was sick this time! Emilee, Nathan, and Poppa B met Tapanga! We had a great visit. Tank had been saying Ga-Ga the car ride down and "tractors." Paw-Paw took Tank on to see the tractors, chickens, and cows. He is still talking about it!!

Tapanga is 3 months old!

Tapanga has had many milestones: grabbing toys, smiling, a laugh, looks at me when I talk, follows my voice, eye contact and tracking, she also loves the mirror! Grabbed her foot 4/29/12. She is about to roll over!! She had her first sleep over at Babers and did perfect!!! Awoke as usual to eat once during the night and slept through the thunderstorm. I have had so many people say she looks like Tank!! Probably since a little after 2 months old comments have been many and sporatic! Blue eyes like daddy are still present!!

First night that both babies were down and asleep for the night by 8 pm. 4/29. I am going to try to keep a habit of this!!!! Tapanga has been great sleeping during Tank's nap time (12-). I have been accomplishing a lot, taking naps myself, getting some running time in the past 6 wks, etc. Its been very helpful that Chip works from home!

I love Tapanga and my snuggle, sleepy time!!! She is growing and changing so much, I can really tell this time around!

May 5th, Tapanga is doing great at tummy time. Today she held her head up several times for about a minute. I couldn't believe it!! She repeated this several times. She is lying, turning, and kicking a lot on her back and is about to roll over any day!!! She continues to smile up a storm and just stares at you with her beautiful blue eyes!! She is starting to talk some and has found her hands. She grabs toys and puts her fists in her mouth as of 4/20. When I pick her up out of her crib each morning she greets me with a smile. My mom said I did the same thing!!

5/5 Both kids in bed asleep at 8 pm. This is the second time this has happened!! 5/6 Continued the pattern! It helps when Chip puts Tank to bed and I can get her nursed and asleep at the same time. I do put both to bed on occasion. 5/6 Today Tapanga had her second nap (maybe first real nap) in her crib from 10-12!!! Tank napped 10:30 because he isn't feeling well. He'll sleep up to 3 hours! I had a great nap. Tapanga then napped with Daddy while Tank and I went to the pool. I am hoping this is a trend to 2 naps and in bed at 8 pm!! I am a proud mama!!!

Mother's Day, Tapanga rolled over back to tummy for the first time!! 5/13 She continues to be a great sleeper at night. About twice a week she won't get up at all. Most of the time it is once a night.

We just got over a bout of sickness again!! Tapanga woke up with pink eye in her right eye on 5/9. This of course was a day after I took Tank in for a sick appointment for runny nose, cough, possible ear infection. We were back again on the 10th with Tank's pink eye and to check his ear, which no infection set in. On top of two kids getting drops in their eyes three times a day, the bunny bit a chunk out of Alvin on Friday 5/11 and he got 6 stitches. Poor babies!!!

First and Second Easter Celebrations

We had a great first Easter with Tapanga!! I had fun dressing her in her Easter dress. I made Tank's searsucker shortalls! Tank had his first Easter egg hunt at Scooter and Elisa's engagement party. The Easter bunny was very generous in leaving lots of great treats in their baskets. Tank got a choo-choo Thomas hat, Jacob's latter, bubble sword, plates, and snack containers, etc. Tapanga got pink bunny ears, bracelet, silk gloves, pink rubber ducky, etc. We went to church and Tank played in the Sprouts class, Tapanga stayed in the service with us.

Tapanga is 2 months!

Tapanga is such a happy baby!! We love her smiles when we gaze into her eyes! Tank enjoys her as well. She went from 8 lbs 1 oz. and 20" long at 2 weeks old to 11 lbs 4 oz. and 22 3/4" long ( same as Tank at birth) at her 2 month appt. Shehad a great two month well check up.She got her first shots and cried a lot. Mommy and baby did well.

We had a great time playing around with the new camera and taking big brother/little sister photos. They were really sweet to each other and I had a blast just blinking my eyes and being blessed with these two angles.

Tapanga went to church with us for the first time. She stayed in the service and only squaked once! We really enjoyed dressing her up and showing her off. She received lots of oohs and auhhs!! Tank was a very proud brother as well. He would peak into the stroller just to make sure she was ok! She loved the music and listening to Pastor Chip "live" this time!

We had a great trip to Cartersville to meet Poppa B and see Maria, Bumble Bee, Emilee, Nathan, Jackson, Betsy, Ga-Ga and Paw-Paw. It was a fun filled day. Tapanga lied in the cradle that is a special piece Bumble Bee owns. There is a picture of each Great Grandchild in it! We had a great lunch together and visited. In the afternoon we headed over to Ga-Gas and Paw-Paws for some more playing. Tank was wore out! He loved riding the tractor! Thanks Paw-Paw!

Tapanga continues to nap and eat whenever during the day. The weather has been great and we are getting out to the park some. Chip is very kind in watching her while I go for a run during Tank's naps. We have also had playdates with our neighbors and Conor. She has been sleeping all the way through the night once or twice a week now. I am thankful for a healthy growing girl that is a good eater and sleeper!

Tapanga's 7-8 weeks old

Seven and eight weeks old were exciting weeks! Tapanga had her first time on her changing table!! We also switched her into her own crib in her own room!!! She did great with the transition.

We continued to stay healthy for our visitors. Maria stopped by a few times and she was always sleeping. We were glad to get this picture of her and Tapanga! Scooter and Elisa came over and brought us their leftovers from their wedding tasting (mmm) but more so to meet Tapanga as well!! They are both naturals! Tyler, Lucy, and Theo also came over to visit! Tank and Theo had a great time together and we enjoyed seeing them!

Tapanga and I were invited by the Walker family to lunch at the American Girl store!!! It was our first time going there. I had a blast dressing Tapanga up in the blue cordoury dress from Aunt Debbie. She was so good the whole time.

Tank continues to love on her. He puts his arm around her and lies next to her! So cute!! They both dressed up for St. Patrick's Day! Tapanga even came with me to the nail salon for her first time. Only I got my nails done ;)!

GranPa sent her a letter in the mail! Her first addressed letter (other than SS card!) It was very generous to receive a gift to open her bank account and start saving!!

Mommy, Daddy, and big brother are just so in love!!! We soak up every minute as she starts to change and grow so fast!

Tapanga 5-6 weeks old

Tapanga is 6 weeks old!! Tank continues to adjust being a big brother. He really enjoys showing her off. Aunt Kristin and Uncle Patrick came to visit and meet her for the first time. They were so sweet in giving her a pink hippo, an African animal because the meaning of her name both African and Native American meaning: Where the Mountain meets the sea, or a place above. There is also a Topanga Canyon in California. Pastor Chip gave us a map of this location after she was born. Anyway, the hippo is a hit!

She had her first bath and really enjoyed it. Her umbilical cord stayed put of a while until the ped put some type of expensive solution on it to break it loose. It worked!! I only learned it was expensive because the insurance coverage came in the mail! LOL

I took her to the Ida Lee craft show when she was 6 weeks old. It was her first real outing, being healthy and out of the house. I got lots of oohs and ahhs!

She loves Tank so much as to watch what he is doing. She also loves to snuggle with Daddy or whomever is holding her. Tapanga continues to wake just once a night to nurse. I let her nurse and nap whenever during the day. She is a wonderful baby!!