Tapanga's Favorite Foods!

Christmas 2012!

Tapanga is 11 months!

Tank's Second Haircut

Tapanga's 10 mo

Thanksgiving 2012

We had a great Thanksgiving in IL!!  We stayed two weeks while Chip took one week off and worked the second week!    The kids were great in the car both ways!  Tank and Tapanga played with a lot of mommy's and aunt's old toys!!  Tapanga was pulling up on everything to stand up and walk along the furniture!  Mommy went on the Thanksgiving Foxhunt while Daddy surprised  her at a check with both kids by himself!!

Tank's Pals

Tapanga's First Halloween!

Family Christmas pictures by Gwen

Tapanga is 9 mo.

Tank's visit to the Firestation!

Tapanga is 8 mo.

Kids at Morven Park

We were thrilled to take part in the fall session of Kids at Morven Park.  This was an eight week session about nature, story time, crafts and sensory learning experiences on the grounds!  There were many themes each week.  Tank enjoyed meeting turkeys and looking at many bird feathers!  Ask him what a turkey says!!  The kids also did a leaf collection and craft. 

Scooter and Elisa's Wedding

Tank's first haircut!

Paca visits us in VA!

Tapanga learns Sign Language!

Tapanga is 7 months!

Visit with the Walkers Mountville, PA

Wintergreen VA Fall 2012

Great Meadows Farm

Loudoun Fair 2012

Tapanga is 6 months!

Tapanga's Baptism

Tank turns 2!

Tank is two!!! The kids and I went down to Cartersville after Tank's real birthday to make his birthday cake. The party theme is Thomas the Tank Engine with a chocolate raspberry cake! Maggie met us at BB and PBs to watch the kids while spent two days making two cakes (first one didn't turn out)!! Maggie (our Mother's helper) stayed with us for the rest of the week so I could work on the party details. We went to the park, pool, gym, etc. She managed both kids beautifully each day for about 4 hours at a time by herself. It was a blessing! Mom flew in Thursday to help me with the party details and make her famous Pasta Salad! Dad, Tammy and Eric came in Friday from all directions. The weekend forecast called for rain. It hasn't rained all summer except for this weekend!! The Tank turns 2 Party was pretty much a repeat of his first birthday. It was also fun to have many of the same guests as well as our new addition to the family, Tapanga! Tank continues to talk, talk, talk!!! Current words: Big one park; nigh, nigh instead of bye, bye;

Tapanga's 6 mo./Tank's 2 yr. well check ups

Summer in IL 2012! Tapanga is 5 mo.

June 2012

Toddler Sign Classes

22 months

22 months has gone off with a bang...

I host the weekly prayer group for church every week and today Tank tells me potty 3 times while I have an audience and am nursing Tapanga. So I let it slide. Come to find out he already went anyway, he was just uncomfortable. He keeps telling me even though I know he has gone. By the end of prayer he holds out his hand to his Godparent with poop all over it!!! Yuck!!! This is the first time this has happened!! But not quite a good thing with both of them getting over pink eye! ewe!

Words, Words, Words! This boy is saying more and more each day, its hard to keep up with! His new word is Pastor Chip, 5/26. Last night I was up with Tapanga and closed Tank's door for the night about 15 minutes prior when Tank says, "Momma, where'd my book?" 2x! My eye just widened as I was in the other room keeping quiet putting Tapanga down. This was after I went through 5+ books with him as to which ones he was taking to bed. He wasn't complaining when I closed the door, but obviously was missing something. Never heard him again after that. Though I went in about midnight (which I never do) but the oralgel was in his closet for Tapanga. I peaked in on him and his diaper was off!! Thankgoodness I did go in because I would have awaken to a huge mess!! 5/30 Alin (Alvin) treat 5/31

It was great fun bringing my two kids to my former place of work. There were lots of familiar faces, families, former students, friends, etc. that loved seeing both of the kids.

Chip hung Tapanga's swing off the deck. I thought Tank would want to swing, but instead he thoroughly enjoyed swinging Tapanga and giving her lots of kisses!! He is so proud of her!

We love cooking on the grill in the back yard. Tank always asks to eat out there or on the deck. The weather has been beautiful so the more I get to keep him outside the better!!

Tapanga's Four Months old

Tapanga had a perfect well check up on her four month birthday! She weighed 12 lbs. 14 oz. and is 24" inches long. Her head measures 16" circumference. Tank was a big help during the appointment! He was so much help that he came home and played Doctor on her. He put the ear thermometer in and tried to use the nose squeegy. It's awful that he knows how to use the items, hence we have been sick off and on for a few months!

Tapanga first rolled over on Mother's Day from back to tummy! Then she never did it again until 5/30! She rolled and rolled. Tank cheered her on! He loves her so much! They have started interacting and laughing together. He gives her kisses 100x a day. I finally got one kiss out of him myself, it had been months!!

Today 5/31 was Tapanga's first time in the exersaucer. Tank has been in it again too, so they took turns! She seemed to like it and played in it a good while.

The Dr. suggested that her teeth are coming in. I think I feel something sometimes when she is nursing but keep telling myself it's too soon ;)! The past two nights she has been up every couple hours. Last night, when she woke the second time within an hour I changed her, orageled and gave the tummy meds because I think I ate corn that her body may be reacting to as well as the teeth. Everything worked and she slept from 12-6 am that night!

She has been playing with the toys more and more. She chews on them too, but that's ok. It's fun to see her grab, pull, shake, etc. and it entertains her!

Daddy hung the swing in the back yard so we have been swinging in that (5/29)!!

I have taken Tapanga to two mommy and baby classes. These two classes I didn't end up taking Tank to because we were busy with Sign Language and swimming class at that time. The first class was called Baby Mind. It gave me some fun activities to do eye tracking with and new songs, etc. The second class we did together was called Tummy Time. I love the new beach ball activity we will continue at home. She had fun!

Tapanga and I have been going to a Mom's group at the hospital. It is for babies 4-8 months old. I didn't do this with Tank so I wanted to see what it was like. We really enjoyed the first two times and have met some really great moms!! The month of June she has continued to keep us in awe. She rolls across the floor again and again, June 10th. She is in the exersaucer longer and longer and grabs the toys and even jumps a bit!! Tank always says, "She's kicking!" or "She's jumping!" He gets so excited. They definitely interact and want to play together. Tank gives her cars and shares well. On Father's Day, Tapanga sat up by herself for the count of 25 seconds. She is still very wobbley, but loves to sit!! She gets in three cat naps a day (not long at all) and sleeps through the night this month of June so far. We are about to head to her first big road trip to IL and hope the sleep pattern continues there.

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!!

Our big boy is growing way too fast!!

He calls from his crib: mama, dada over and over before throwing things out of the crib! Usually he'll hand us each object before lifting him up and out.

His current words are: bite, duck and duck sound, up, down, downstairs, diaper, negs (eggs), nats(banana) norge (orange), juice, babies, baby, dog, car, church, milk (might have been on previous month's post), park, rock (in the rocking chair), taco, back (as in "be right back"), sit,pants, giraffe, nig (pig), cow, meat. He pretty much is at the point where he tries to repeat the word we are saying.
We are having way too much fun!! As you can see in the picture slide show, he is a hoot!!!! He cracks me up from the way he is eating cheerios off the table to falling asleep during his lunch! He loves the park too. Tank came with Tapanga's first shopping stop at Target. Funny because this was also Tank's first outing location. I have been practicing getting them to and from places and plan ahead accordingly! Sometimes it is quite the challenge but we do it and get home safely!!!
Tank has been practicing with his baby too!! He'll mimic me in what I do with Tapanga! I love it! He hands his baby over and sets her down so gently and with scooping hands/arms!! It's amazing!
Nineteen months he can do the shape ball himself!! We continue to work on potty training. It comes and goes in waves.
Tank is a great helper. He puts things in the trash, dishes in the sink, and even helps me unload the dishwasher!! I know I'll be reminding him of this in the future when he bucks the system!! LOL We have a lot of fun!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Tapanga is one month old!!

It was a sad goodbye to Nonnie as she heads back home to IL. Tank continued to say her name and look for her for a couple of days after she left. It is hard being away from family especially now with kids. We know we will see Nonnie and others very soon.

The first couple days with just us went well. Chip is still off work for one more week. He gets up with Tank about 5 or 6 am while I sleep until 7 am. Tapanga and I head downstairs about then and take over while Chip walks Alvin. We have lots of playing time in the morning. Tank has really taking a liking to Tapanga calling her "babies" all the time. He points to the play mat, pack n play, bouncy chair, etc. and pats it so I can put her down on it. Then he'll come and sit or lay next to her as he pats her and kisses her! So cute! He continues to fight a bad cold and has been out of sorts.

I have been cooking dinner. Chip helps with the laundry and watches Tapanga while I take Tank outside for an hour. The weather has been really mild and enjoyable. It is great that I can go up and down the stairs now. Chip continues to put Tank to nap and bed so I don't have to lift him. I can go back upstairs during his nap and shower, etc. We continue to cocoon and have only been to the peditrian and ob. Chip was very gracious and actually was really sick so he watched Tapanga while Tank slept and I have my two week check up at the OB.

Tammy and Eric came for the weekend and met Tapanga! It was great they could come and make the trip! The weather was really cold so we hung out at home inside and played with every toy imaginable! He even ran to Tammy to give her a hug and kiss in the morning when he saw her. I am thankful he goes to her so easily. Friday was a busy day as many gifts arrived in the mail or were brought over by teacher friends and neighbors. Its been fun receiving lots of pink things!

Tapanga's four weeks old!! Chip is back to work part time this week. We continue to have a good schedule going. Tank continues to get up in the wee hours and I get up in the 6 am hour with Tapanga (even if she isn't quite awake yet)! and head downstairs so Chip can start work. Now that company has gone home, Tank has bounced back to his ol' self and loves his mama again!!! He loves to climb in my lap while I have Tapanga and read books or watch Tank videos, etc. He gives her kisses all the time and pats his lap so I can put her on him! He gives me kisses too!

Tapanga has caught the yuck. I called the Ped twice on 2/13 since she began coughing really bad the day before. I ended up not taking her in until 2/14. Yup, RSV. Man! Poor girl. No fever, no weasing, etc. I am telling myself its a mild case but continue to monitor her closely and the cough is just awful. Tank continues to have a cough 2 weeks later. Tapanga has developed her lungs and cries a bit more, especially when she needs a diaper or hungry. Since there isn't any meds she can take for RSV she is nursing quite a bit. I am hoping this will be short lived and the cough won't linger for 14 days.

Happy First Valentine's Day Tapanga!

Tapanga's 2 week appointment

Feb 6th Tapanga had a great two week well check up! She weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and 20" long!

Tapanga's first-second week

We are having a great first week with a second child to care for!! I never in my wildest dreams thought it would be this easy! Lots of beautiful flowers and cards have arrived to decorate the house! Mom is here for another week and has been a great help! She continues to sleep well around the clock!! She'll wake to eat about every 2.5-3 hours at night, I change her then back to sleep. I haven't slept this much in ages! Though I am fighting a bit of a cold!

During the day Chip lets me sleep in with her till her feeding around 8 or 9 am. He'll get up with Tank, who has been sleeping from 8 pm- almost 7 am!!! Go Tank!! He plays and eats all morning while I get Tapanga nursed and changed, and I take a shower before heading downstairs for the day. I get to nap while Chip takes Tank to the gym or church (like this morning) and again while Tank naps. Then last night I headed to bed before 8 pm and Tank went down while I got Tapanga ready for the night.

We had a great visit with Grammie, Paw-Paw and Great-Grandma Bumble B. Tapanga loved all the attention (Tank too!) and she got lots of pretty pink things!

My mom has been playing her heart out with Tank. He shows her every toy, book, puzzle, truck, etc. and keeps interested. He is doing great since its pretty nice weather and mom with her bum foot and me recovering from the c-section can't go outside like we would like to. January is holding 45 degree weather, which is very nice! We do try to get mom and out keep her interested while doing laundry cooking, etc. She even gets to relax!! Though I think she wants more projects/jobs!! LOL Chip and Mom go out shopping so the cabin fever doesn't get too bad.

Tank has been very interested in the baby. He always looks at her and pulls out her clothes and says "nigh nigh". I hope that is a good sign. He looks into her crib and check on her but she is always sleeping! He enjoys getting back into the bouncer seat which he is way too heavy for. Every time he sees she is still there! It hasn't phased Alvin at all! He continues to be a good dog!

Tank has really warmed up to his sister the second week. Every time he turns around she is there! He continues to peak over the edge of the pack and play to see her and say nigh, nigh because she is always sleeping!! I pulled out the musical floor mat and Tank loves it! He pats it and point to Tapanga wanting her on it too!

Tapanga's First Ped Appointment

Great first check up at 5 days old!!! Our angel is in perfect health! She weighed 7 lbs. and 1/2 oz.!

Tapanga has arrived!

Today we welcomed the birth of Tapanga Leigh Baber, January 23, 2012 at 10:33 am. She weighted in at 7 pounds 1 ounce and measured 19 inches. Mom, Dad and big brother Tank are all doing well.

The first 24 hours have been wonderful!! She is such a good baby!! I am very blessed that she took to nursing right away! She has quite a powerful suck.

Tank is in awe of his beautiful sister. She was crying while I was changing her diaper and he just stared at her! I hope the adjustment goes smoothly for him once we get home.

18 months!!

Happy 18 month birthday to my baby boy!!! In one week he will be a big brother!!! We are very excited!!!

Tank's 18 month well check up went great!! He is 25 lb. 12 oz. 33" tall and 19.75 head circumference. He is average for weight and height and 91% for head size!!

I had to adjust as well bringing home another child to love just as much as my big boy Tank! He says mama and dada constantly so we feel loved! My mom has done a great job with him while we spent time in the hospital for two nights. It was hard on me because I have never been away from him. Some incidences seemed that he didn't understand where I was and kept calling for me. His big teddy bear eyes just melt me and I will now be sharing my heart with him and Tapanga! We are grateful!

We get home and I am chopped liver. Tank runs to my mom and calls her Mama!! I felt at peace that the two night stay didn't effect him in the least and he was having a great time with Nonnie! She has taught him the words "booka, booka" because that is what I used to call books and "uh oh" when he hears the sirens next to our house going to go rescue someone.

Tank's vocabulary expands more every day!! When I was in the hospital with Tapanga's arrival and without being home with Tank for two nights I talked with him on the phone several times. I haven't had to be on the other end of this situation before! He just surprised me of how much he can talk and continues to carry on a conversation. I am a proud mommy! His new words as of Feb. 1st: duck and quack, Where is the...ball, mama and dada all the time, and his own name!! etc. It's a...ball, baa, neigh, etc. Cracks me up!!

Tank loves music and has especially increased his dance moves with Nonnie's help the past two weeks! Chip has also got him addicted to watching himself on the screen from all the movies we have taken of him!! Chip calls it "baby Tank"!!! Tank understands and asks us to put on the Tank (he says his name as of Feb. 3rd!) or music!! His dancing moves have improved greatly! He can also do all the puzzles in a flash, including the shape ball! Wow!!

Tank has adjusted quite well to Tapanga being home! He says "baby" and pats the musical floor mat for her to join him to play!! Sometimes she is sleeping so I don't move her, so Tank plays on the mat himself until she wakes! He always points to her and wants to see her. He also gets the blanket and tries to put her to nigh, nigh!! he is loving Chip being off work and wants to do everything daddy does! Nonnie has also been a great playmate. He wants to play and show her every toy each day these past two weeks. Its going to be a shock when eventually its just me to play!

I caught a bad bug from the hospital and by the time Nonnie left Chip and Tank caught it. We went in for Tapanga's two week check up and a sick visit for Tank. No meds for either, just a really bad cough. Chip is hurting pretty bad as well. They both had a fever for a couple of days.

Tank loves mommy again! Tammy and Eric just left 2/12 and Tank is back to his regular self. He is feeling better and in good spirits. Says mama again and wants me and "babies" to play with him!! With Chip back to work part time this week the transition has gone better than we thought it would a week ago!! That is when Tank screamed and cried every time dada stepped out of the room! Missed my little man while he was sick and transitioning. Glad he is back!

Tank and I spend an hour outside together since the weather is so nice! Chip takes him to the gym child care everyday to play with the other kids. Tank really likes that. I enjoy the nap while Tank naps and a bit of a break while they are at the gym. Tank enjoys his special alone time with me.

Tank loves when I give him an item to throw into the trash. He runs into the kitchen with it and puts it in the trash can saying "trash, trash!" Tank wants to do everything Chip does. Chip says "potty" and Tank sits on his potty too! LOL Chip has also taught him about unloading the dishwasher and checking the fire.