tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84082191369985640582024-02-07T06:56:36.174-05:00The Binky DiariesI am a working mom with a toddler and twins. My daughter was born after multiple invasive infertility treatments but fortunately it only took one IVF cycle for the twins. This blog is mainly about balancing home, work and hubby with a little infertility thrown in.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-57398174729882136522013-02-18T12:09:00.001-05:002013-02-18T12:09:45.224-05:00Future grandchildren?This morning Lizzie told me she was going to have three children and their names were going to be:<br /><br />Jack<br />Benjy<br />Gracie<br /><br />She also told me that she and her children were going to have a mouse named Pipsqueak. <br /><br />Have I glimpsed my future?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/115024223052343636801/TheBinkyDiaries?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaQ2_-qyaOMVw#5846341191312700626'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1F5VcIu3UK_BqftES_oouR9ml4-wF2nHr3Y8DYjY0Klfznx_w_feH8PEqW16Oh2AvpQJC8T8gDsDmTmudN8Sj-JbGXw7ZXoWji9QEMxDqtQCf0k4fI0r7fsVRqFpcdbISpRQrtteJV0/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='139' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-51574072804584602492013-01-31T22:34:00.000-05:002013-01-31T22:48:06.882-05:00ListeningLizzie is a very social creature. She is at her happiest if she has a friend to play with. Sometimes she is happy playing with Alex and Emily but most of the time she wants one of her friends her age. Her closest friends right now are Lola, Madilyn, Morgan, Sophia and Maddie although she will play with just about anyone. Other girls are drawn to her most likely because she is energetic, friendly and she just doesn't care what other people think. She is confident and happy about herself.<br />
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However, all this comes with a big drawback. She loves to talk to her friends! ALL THE TIME! This means that when she should be listening to her teachers she is not paying attention and chatting with whoever she can. I'd like to know how much a 5 year old really has to say! I got a call from her teacher last week to discuss this issue as it seems it was out of control. We decided that a star chart would be a good way to keep track of how she was doing as well as a way to incentivize her. <br />
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At home we started talking about how important it was to listen to her teachers and how important school was. We talk about when she can talk to her friends and when she should listen. We also told her that if she gets all stars then she can sleep in our bed. For her that is the ultimate, it is better than presents or candy. She loves to sleep with us. <br />
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Here are a few of her not-so-stellar star charts:<br />
<table><tr><td><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115024223052343636801/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNTNyaCn4KzSBw#5839820651185069378"><img align="center" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVZQRWlZ6OCpzLS4vOYWc_ajqY6tNEvHttRW3cOs9vuvs8Tw5JLyQqqGHC8nP_HgeKjGccWR8MGL5aQ0PcdmU79RwKsJWidtr1UsEgEGgvU3GXnXzYDXapT0eGhjmC4orO_7gcVDRGG8/s288/1.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="199" /></a></td><br />
<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj7Zbd7_afCCdSqitKBaCAeJ80EX3GDLFnm_Oax1yNZKeVMHTmY1zi-lu2LfQFHM9cffpZq-Q63KSiKc0qKDaWmO1gTJskmXdGBaLSq3yk18vJi1IH41ZOsARUmDGNGF2BGUdvusCmMg/s640/blogger-image-92302693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="center" height="266" width="199" img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKj7Zbd7_afCCdSqitKBaCAeJ80EX3GDLFnm_Oax1yNZKeVMHTmY1zi-lu2LfQFHM9cffpZq-Q63KSiKc0qKDaWmO1gTJskmXdGBaLSq3yk18vJi1IH41ZOsARUmDGNGF2BGUdvusCmMg/s640/blogger-image-92302693.jpg" /></a></td></tr></table><br />
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Then finally today she came home with a perfect chart! She got stars for listening all day long so needless to say she is now sleeping in our bed and soon I will be joining her. Let's hope this will continue and she will learn how to listen all day before 1st grade starts. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEku01mw5FRuYs6k6LdrChckeaYB1mEUMLpHw2tJeNsxYHjx6yxDUmbnHL0i0yERd2GmSYa2B2WMWWGW4mVLpvNQGjyajbfY5d-2mrU9yVgwG1-x9q81bZ-Cd2bIRDRDRcQtMv9FRwu6s/s640/blogger-image--1841229602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" height="266" width="199" img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEku01mw5FRuYs6k6LdrChckeaYB1mEUMLpHw2tJeNsxYHjx6yxDUmbnHL0i0yERd2GmSYa2B2WMWWGW4mVLpvNQGjyajbfY5d-2mrU9yVgwG1-x9q81bZ-Cd2bIRDRDRcQtMv9FRwu6s/s640/blogger-image--1841229602.jpg" /></a>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-25724380106523354712013-01-27T21:53:00.001-05:002013-01-27T21:53:19.965-05:00WordsAll my kids use the expression "last day". As in, we went to the zoo last day. It could mean anything from earlier in the day to months ago.<br /><br />Alex has a couple of his own words that I really love:<br /><br />Nexterday - This is an amusing combination of "next day" and "yesterday". To be honest I'm not really sure if it is a future or past statement.<br /><br />Softily - This is his word to describe soft things but in particular he asks me in the morning if he can wear his "softily" pants (as in his sweatpants).<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-45808585304016867692013-01-24T22:30:00.001-05:002013-01-24T22:30:37.318-05:00Bedtime RoutinesAt this point Lizzie is 5 1/2 and the twins are 3 1/2. Here are their bedtime routines:<br /><br /><b>Alex</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/115024223052343636801/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNTNyaCn4KzSBw#5837224026927818386'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgreHzvW67KS1pjZfjmBCO-X8IBmRFe4H36Si9fOj0q39pfR0PF2kSccgfKonEE8llXwExvwT79ecmWNicLFeRnNQ-NR6M7wzwqpT5e1LewhxkR-r47OBfO-WdIJv0BlmMd-gWE7OE_gzY/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='150' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />At around 7 either after dinner or bath time I get Alex dressed in his pajamas and pull up. He is the only who isn't fully potty trained yet but I think it is <br />due to laziness more than anything else. If I am home then I am the only one who can get him dressed and put him to bed. If I'm not home then he doesn't seem to care. Next up is tooth brushing. All the kids have Sonicare toothbrushes but Alex by far is the easiest in this department. He just opens up and lets me brush his teeth for a full two minutes then we floss. So easy! After tooth care we wait for Emily to be done then they sit on my lap while I read them both a book. He then takes the book, climbs in to his fire truck bed, I tuck him in, sing three songs (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Doe a Deer, My Favorite Things), get him some fresh water, give him a hug and kiss, tell him there are no monsters and reassure him there are no "insert made up word here", tell him I love him then close the door. He sleeps with two lights on in his room.<br /><br /><b>Emily</b><br />At around 7 either after dinner or bath time Emily heads up stairs with Greg. <br /><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/115024223052343636801/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNTNyaCn4KzSBw#5837224045547623330'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgDu56ZOKJBSdgxQw-YLoaD6NDTPvgOlGgR_l3OnJl0ncF3rm_WObCW14pjLG4NJBA4MUND-QX4C3lMH74UuucOxyojQVeQQ1LvO5UG9ULiFPIK66bEOHJy5sQ70_fONS3zB9VODYK9w/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='150' height='200' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><br /> He gets her in her pajamas then brushes her teeth. She doesn't like it when <br />her toothbrush is turned on or has toothpaste so Greg brushes her teeth manually for about 2 minutes, flosses her teeth then she uses a fluoride rinse. She tries her hardest to procrastinate before the tooth care and sometimes fights it and cries but thankfully not every night. She then joins Alex and I for a book before going in to her room with Greg. He reads her another book while I'm with Alex then when I'm done I take over. She insists that I lie with her for a little bit (not a long time) then with her permission I sing her three songs (Baa Baa Black Sheep, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Doe a Deer), turn on her fan, get her fresh water then give her lots of hugs and kisses before moving to the door where I blow kisses and hugs. If I'm lucky I can get out the door and go downstairs but sometimes I have to open the door a couple times to reassure her about something. She also sleeps with two lights on in her room.<br /><br /><b>Lizzie</b><br /><br /><br /><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/115024223052343636801/BloggerPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNTNyaCn4KzSBw#5837224064098560050'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSjI07WiHHD4QVDvX6p2j2uUC1xSmuPP0lvAdGjtLemLzITD01tNlUa_22nXmePzmeI_6yXvLHaWJLt8IC8TRQOpwSZvIWTnv1GrCacF2gUo7wDyLArIApaLAPrtCk468z6oqtysDZ_Y/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='175' height='200' align='left' style='margin:5px'></a><br />While we are putting the twins to bed Lizzie usually hangs around, at least until I take over with Emily then she heads downstairs with Greg for her last <br />10 minutes of TV and food. Greg sets a timer which is usually going off when I come down from putting Emily to bed. With a fresh container of water Lizzie and I head upstairs. She usually asks if she can sleep in our bed from the start and tries to make a deal which most of the time doesn't work unless I'm feeling weak or lazy. Sometimes the deal is that Greg brushes her teeth and flosses and I read the book. This is a "deal" because Greg will brush her teeth in her bedroom (using a bowl) and I will only do it in the bathroom. But mostly I get to do the toothbrushing and flossing battle. She really really hates it and always has so on a good night she will just let you brush her teeth (we don't let her do it because she has had lots of cavities and we need to make sure they are clean) but on the bad nights I have to hold her down while she screams. It's not fun. After that battle we move to her room to read a chapter of her book (right now we are reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - we have read almost all of Roald Dahl's books) then I have to put my arm over her while she falls asleep. She is still unable to fall asleep by herself but thankfully these days it doesn't take long before I can sneak out unless I too have fallen asleep.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-83288392891406554712012-07-25T14:40:00.000-04:002012-07-25T14:40:08.057-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Buried<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClI77U75zpMi1Dt1HWqu5W9TZu0q3HRaFr34RztQsjiHqcWYkYvjYh8ek92CdLLZM6qrD_KKVu6af6Rgv4KjTNNA-ZQV1Kc2gJ4EZHTbUhj7xgWKZMGSf3a7e1CxIjk1Prx4oZhh-bOs/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgClI77U75zpMi1Dt1HWqu5W9TZu0q3HRaFr34RztQsjiHqcWYkYvjYh8ek92CdLLZM6qrD_KKVu6af6Rgv4KjTNNA-ZQV1Kc2gJ4EZHTbUhj7xgWKZMGSf3a7e1CxIjk1Prx4oZhh-bOs/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" /></a></div>
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My mother watches the kids on Wednesdays and quite often she sends me photos and little videos which light up my day as I sit in my office. I got this one today and it made me laugh out loud.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-42774921708091657262012-07-17T21:53:00.002-04:002012-07-17T21:53:40.134-04:00Potty Training x 2Lizzie was full potty trained by the time she was 2 1/2 so when Alex and Emily turned 3 I knew it was time to get serious. Of course that is easier said then done so we sort of half-assed the effort for awhile. I would say until mid-June both Emily and Alex were about 80% potty trained. They knew how to use the potty, Emily could make herself pee (but hadn't yet pooped on the potty) and Alex had done both but they were still in Pull-Ups and didn't really seem motivated to use the toilet.<br />
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I think we were just being lazy and when that happens I need something to change and motivate me to get moving. In this case it was a change in classroom at their preschool. Mid June they changed from Miss Phyllis' class to Miss Kara's class. Before they started Kara and I talked and made a plan to finish off their potty training. We decided to tell them that diapers weren't allowed in Kara's class so they needed to wear underwear. We actually started Emily on underwear during the day about a week before she switched and we started Alex the day he switched. <br />
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I'm glad we waited because they were definitely ready and it didn't take long for the accidents to stop (most of the time). We had a few poop accidents and a bunch of pee ones but I can proudly say that most of those have stopped and I have two (daytime) potty trained kids! They are still wearing Pull Ups at nap time and bed time but they are waking up dry more and more so hopefully they will be fully potty trained soon and we will be free of diapers! Woo hoo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9VKpiW3h4xyEk0buTCd6boIHB4OReaA84HLrBULRrBArySuQFPBKcj1XRy0wc8LOHwyZmapxfay2D4wJw1VhbEllX16Yts1f2Xbjklh-Fe3uZU87W3odclXnHBKh-6GDYJ5gXqJp1ms/s1600/IMG_2559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9VKpiW3h4xyEk0buTCd6boIHB4OReaA84HLrBULRrBArySuQFPBKcj1XRy0wc8LOHwyZmapxfay2D4wJw1VhbEllX16Yts1f2Xbjklh-Fe3uZU87W3odclXnHBKh-6GDYJ5gXqJp1ms/s320/IMG_2559.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-69719784820024281962012-06-21T23:13:00.002-04:002012-06-21T23:13:25.030-04:00Lizzie at 5 Years Old<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUP5Gdl3vrXFwVqmXwj6hBn0pN3LMOHWjqn1n0Dqwr3HypNMLxXC2khhFhtjRRrsLyid0XtuujgjCKjqHaK5eXYi3C2JB9bjisWunJWEhzLnLiHWKWSugAT8RyyxBuESOprDPJ1PYcUQ/s1600/IMG_2234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUP5Gdl3vrXFwVqmXwj6hBn0pN3LMOHWjqn1n0Dqwr3HypNMLxXC2khhFhtjRRrsLyid0XtuujgjCKjqHaK5eXYi3C2JB9bjisWunJWEhzLnLiHWKWSugAT8RyyxBuESOprDPJ1PYcUQ/s320/IMG_2234.JPG" width="320" /></a>On June 6, 2012 Lizzie turned 5 years old. Up until this point she still required us to lie with her while she fell asleep but the night before her 5th birthday I decided I had had enough and it was time for things to change. I laid down the law that night and since then we have not stayed with her while she drifts off (unless she passes out immediately from exhaustion). Sometimes we have to go up there a bunch of times but we always try to leave before she is asleep. If she keeps it up she gets a trip to the toy store to pick something out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSfpcbSoIPf_NPZsUB_GXWRfYLT_-qTwRlT_ewj0E6QE-FXOFipQ36vqUOefrGQR70AIm7ODZDNZz_kZ-L3btO675mpIFLFSM_7UmvRMjXW_C1ouaYW9TNpYrBclHM_ozcQZgufwraLM/s1600/IMG_2366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkSfpcbSoIPf_NPZsUB_GXWRfYLT_-qTwRlT_ewj0E6QE-FXOFipQ36vqUOefrGQR70AIm7ODZDNZz_kZ-L3btO675mpIFLFSM_7UmvRMjXW_C1ouaYW9TNpYrBclHM_ozcQZgufwraLM/s200/IMG_2366.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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Lizzie graduated from pre-school on June 15th. They had the kids each (in groups of 3) represent a different country. Lizzie was Australia so I dressed her in a white t-shirt and khaki shorts and put on a straw cowboy hat with an alligator on her shoulder. She had a line to recite, "The most famous animals in Australia are Kangaroos, who carry their babies in pouches". She did a great job speaking clearly and slowly in to the microphone. They also sang songs for the audience and finally got their diplomas. I'm proud to say I did not shed a tear and perhaps, while a bit excessive, the whole thing was very cute.<br />
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Lizzie is very attached to her teacher, Miss Leah. They have really bonded over the past year and I know she will be greatly missed. Lizzie has told me she doesn't want to go to Kindergarten unless Miss Leah can come with her. I'm really happy she has had such a positive experience in pre-school. She loves going there 4 days a week to see her friends and do lots of fun and creative projects (thanks to Miss Dianne). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnrVlJIaJOa2GFbW-NEOyt3hgefm6lx3tMfhGUksfdkdbXt2bf_7WKGs6jOcAjF4qvB1FZ9U0cbL6xQDDfCR8L949hD8eKNz_3a3z3vmB3KmqEC8JFLr5zRZ6j8fn13e10v6J-Fweofk/s1600/IMG_2372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnrVlJIaJOa2GFbW-NEOyt3hgefm6lx3tMfhGUksfdkdbXt2bf_7WKGs6jOcAjF4qvB1FZ9U0cbL6xQDDfCR8L949hD8eKNz_3a3z3vmB3KmqEC8JFLr5zRZ6j8fn13e10v6J-Fweofk/s320/IMG_2372.jpg" width="240" /></a>On June 16th Lizzie had her first dance recital. Since February she has been taking a ballet class with Miss Emily at The Rockport Dance Academy. The class is mainly 5 to 8 year olds so at 4 she was the youngest there and while she didn't always want to go or even focus very well when she was there we kept it up and Lizzie did a great job at the recital. I know her teacher was afraid that she (and the other little girls) were going to run around the stage and distract the older girls but they all behaved wonderfully and did their best. Lizzie has said she wants to go back to ballet in the fall.<br />
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At only 32 pounds Lizzie is in the 5th percentile for weight. She actually eats pretty well and I'm convinced she just burns it all off with her endless energy. The child does not stop moving if she doesn't have to and she absolutely loves to socialize. She is at her happiest when she is at a friends house or a friend is over at our house. In fact, we have new neighbors and they have a 3, 5 and 8 year old. Lizzie is constantly asking to go over and play with them. I'm pretty sure they are going to regret moving here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV6ivyls6czvHuNZskIGxfS8TVwvKFsb6Vb00Vs8r9DSs6fzBfJ1gyr7-tJZHnNd5gOvYIdVgA1bfJ8osAwBzkFpYPLNk7FtZEpP0DFmw2HfMVk44HbbHn_2WbDNW4gSCuv2EAKDQGQs/s1600/IMG_2260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBV6ivyls6czvHuNZskIGxfS8TVwvKFsb6Vb00Vs8r9DSs6fzBfJ1gyr7-tJZHnNd5gOvYIdVgA1bfJ8osAwBzkFpYPLNk7FtZEpP0DFmw2HfMVk44HbbHn_2WbDNW4gSCuv2EAKDQGQs/s200/IMG_2260.jpg" width="150" /></a>However at 5 Lizzie isn't reacting very well to when we have to say "no" to one of her requests. Usually it ends in a huge tantrum and sometimes a time out. Although I'm starting to suspect that she might get low blood sugar because these tantrums seem to happen most often before a meal. As long as Lizzie is in a good mood she is so much fun to be around. She loves to do imaginative play with her friends and her brother and sister as well as with the countless toys around the house. She also loves to color and draw. I really enjoy watching her in those rare moments when she is happily playing by herself. But when she is in a bad mood she hits, kicks, spits, screams and can be very nasty to her siblings. I feel like those times are easing up a bit now that she is 5 so I can only hope they continue to disappear and only appear infrequently.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-63532765555300205882012-06-06T10:40:00.001-04:002012-06-06T10:40:22.029-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Happy 5th Birthday!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/115024223052343636801/TheBinkyDiaries?authkey=Gv1sRgCMaQ2_-qyaOMVw#5750933796654204226'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKB8KsifUeWdf91YACGoeG6S1ExGYFFR7rgGdNsk2zt6cgaMVyw4NQ38OwHtGjMuD5A5S6lO0D4T7WHcsYwjwiRZ2dC0Jty05KCwMVYXJl6w-doamCnsndtTnv-p4mZNbu_Sv10zprH0/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><center>Happy 5th Birthday Lizzie!</center><br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-40290732575073789842012-05-16T15:17:00.002-04:002012-05-16T15:17:37.713-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Curls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXg-yhREekXFDHyIZgZ6L9wLRfB-TrSXrQKBibhgaQOL0AAJLJNlTIxu99k3JPvYjNCzPi0dR4ppRhd47hIPkLgb7poLhXnEU1JvrxoNIx_yNdqBlXbT5y4Q9_l2xnD2-VWg70D9OBPs/s1600/IMG_2128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXg-yhREekXFDHyIZgZ6L9wLRfB-TrSXrQKBibhgaQOL0AAJLJNlTIxu99k3JPvYjNCzPi0dR4ppRhd47hIPkLgb7poLhXnEU1JvrxoNIx_yNdqBlXbT5y4Q9_l2xnD2-VWg70D9OBPs/s320/IMG_2128.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alex</div>
<br />Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-86920469345828574552012-04-18T11:17:00.001-04:002012-04-18T11:17:20.070-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Happy 3rd Birthday! <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyNnxYFOINHlUgUQt7SDsblV_lfw2lHatUkMNV0XOfLoDicWE2BBxRcziQVT6xxnX3rvn4QAor8cXhdTZ-Q5AUjiTuzCCuGmhfSg6tQvsMv8iXchfVKZ33ycsNl8zZNMHUjfxWbnOpa8/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYONB4G9C6xCmv0rckhINyTzmd6tj0QXgP1x-vdrFIJf8JiXEh0gGXpSsCZ-fz28jgg1nVQ4nudmovBM9h8DQ0fDZ3-cXjRe_Q47BJIhVx8NQqNy1Mia3UH8dkF1yJRovD29bjm9w3GXs/'></div></p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-68484186414906241232012-03-07T10:48:00.001-05:002012-03-07T10:48:54.954-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Ear Infection <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>These photos were taken recently on a Sunday morning visit to the doctor. Alex woke up in the morning complaining about his ear. I must admit it is really nice when they can actually tell you what is bothering them. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_hc_jdHzJMFHbNwFLnpObZD7FNprr5ajVrZbyEW4OIBXKA1nrswtBS723jpRe8qUrIXH32iBZm2G9xuaSLm5qMMmjxyPJp5R0nLUS0nEXcNtg3XgdhTXtWGk4K_IZVaxV5zFFlRPy50/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1feRIdJcVhHlfSuJsXKkNDbBUi2OoNGP4oLAU4mfW2ga-7hM2LNX-GdyA1_N5wXPtGorGnyw9x8S78uRRrObkPFwtyXG9uX-XFaT_DXaDLOP7C-7oTrcmmsOgj8nWj3u5nS4lb02Gyc/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLjJiglxw5wgjil1Jwe6mCdErbLFAxtHT81KbZUqdgMSMStvExIo41piqdjPhKcSrHxbdMEU65LqbgvtK0HSEtJOXrykEdlcqH5MWmVKd36hnI4aAkaA7MMOGeuzWUlmucAwsgEHTsVQ/'></div></p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-16231124685613049622012-03-02T09:56:00.000-05:002012-03-02T09:56:37.562-05:00Twin "Love"Let me set the scene....<br />
<br />
It was a normal weekday morning in our house. My husband got up at 6 to shower and I follow at 6:30. Lizzie had crawled in to our bed at some point in the night and was starting to stir. When he was ready Greg got Alex up (he was awake) and dressed first and when I was done getting dressed I went to get Emily up (she was asleep lying across the bed no where near her pillows) and dressed. Lizzie was running around in her pajamas playing with a sound machine.<br />
<br />
Lizzie went downstairs with Greg to get breakfast while I picked out her clothing with the Alex following me. Emily decided to go in to our bedroom and play with our dog before she joined Daddy downstairs. When Alex and I went to go downstairs she decided it was time for her to go too. Notice that there was no fighting or contention of any kind.<br />
<br />
This was the conversation that followed as she headed down the stairs on her butt while Alex waited with me at the top:<br />
<br />
"Alex, I'm going to kill you."<br />
"Emme, I'm going to kill you."<br />
"No Alex, I'm going to kill you."<br />
"No Emme, I'm going to kill you."<br />
Mommy chimes in to point out that it isn't a very nice thing to say.<br />
"Alex, you bad."<br />
"Emme, you bad."<br />
"No Alex, you bad."<br />
"No Emme, you bad."<br />
And so on....Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-62719263630341024022012-02-29T11:55:00.001-05:002012-02-29T11:55:34.450-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Hair Cut <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Alex has wonderfully curly hair but also has a high hairline on either side of his forehead. Greg wants to give him a buzz cut but I Iove his curls. I am trying different hair cuts to see what works best. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY-tvzK_6ZxA3NMHw9IbwWDERBDUh39NH7qFNyhOk3dJKk0V460Bxj90D6nkDJi7O2BiYI7HhjxjClK1RJGBHH4L8NQKKP2iDO89ZMmjMasLyBTcn7iKKqBuD_qO8LM1nbM1tb_XHnHw/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bxP4AmZjXu6PBLR3t-Mr5Q8porRFh31mPNwS3I4luRavRja8FKmpyYiCFRcPO_PBgJA381nUgT6cEG9Y-FLt0pM2aMwGpEtHZOcaNCUcECxtV1TYOsqsGfSQGXOaWrPzOCE67X0ADZo/'></div></p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-2697903682372934472012-02-24T10:20:00.002-05:002012-02-24T10:20:26.305-05:00Sly Kids Interview<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37354123?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></div>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/37354123">Interview with the Sly Kids</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user797690">Rebecca Sly</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-39799035489977826322012-02-22T18:01:00.001-05:002012-02-22T18:01:36.790-05:00Short Order Chef <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Tonight I was a short order chef. It somehow seemed easier then the torture that is sitting at the dinner table with them and trying to coerce them in to eating whatever I've prepared. I understand the importance of it but sometimes I need a break. <br><br>Lizzie had Chicken and Stars soup, Emily had a scrambled egg with a piece of whole wheat toast and peanut butter and Alex had pasta with red sauce and cheese (this was already in the fridge so only needed heating).<br><br>The girls both did a great job eating and Alex never eats dinner anyway. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWdqpZ8aJNwX6xaPAnRnJRHcaFqXb_SzmFKSmvipj2VugOrzfwWY6E6tOypVkm3gaRBeJMYDXbxOR7s1fVBgMTf6czhSxVa5YURHXGW_hvGFoxg73Ikm9tgbwc72LiM2oazZ41CjiQvI/'></div></p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-28142984226823416442012-02-22T08:00:00.001-05:002012-02-22T08:00:14.697-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Peekaboo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCL3BJH2s5gamOLo94X3cAREuH6rK3U5Ap2NDBjCyVaZRACSgYr8owleeZB6ReHnUl9xOOj4p_sGFM-wKzOZfmRfWEkZ1j8gbB-msr57j-4cwTBTge8R3U9xGLpXOKU-0PQdQ3OiAVvF0/s1600/IMG_1066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCL3BJH2s5gamOLo94X3cAREuH6rK3U5Ap2NDBjCyVaZRACSgYr8owleeZB6ReHnUl9xOOj4p_sGFM-wKzOZfmRfWEkZ1j8gbB-msr57j-4cwTBTge8R3U9xGLpXOKU-0PQdQ3OiAVvF0/s320/IMG_1066.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UM7jQqrAJxT_3d-bHtdMvmm6kaWZihYLBev3A9iL5MKA1ae5rn7T99jl-Mp_AwA7HDXYg91a-FuwCBDQR9spZCUTltT1GyWzyIg1uo5z9REu37-s3E8jLDEhlnm5sX048ncXRa4aeLM/s1600/IMG_1068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UM7jQqrAJxT_3d-bHtdMvmm6kaWZihYLBev3A9iL5MKA1ae5rn7T99jl-Mp_AwA7HDXYg91a-FuwCBDQR9spZCUTltT1GyWzyIg1uo5z9REu37-s3E8jLDEhlnm5sX048ncXRa4aeLM/s320/IMG_1068.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQW5I2t5zg0bRjp9n69alxrBi1O0Lqqnor8QgZ4NitnPirV5McVkXpkYoqPJe0GRpJKNa3wBdtmluax9s9vIKuMpWt8TpPg_wQeMRT64h6bk9z1a2p4Dcwhhxl-ENE2sW08NKV44BEWs/s1600/IMG_1069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQW5I2t5zg0bRjp9n69alxrBi1O0Lqqnor8QgZ4NitnPirV5McVkXpkYoqPJe0GRpJKNa3wBdtmluax9s9vIKuMpWt8TpPg_wQeMRT64h6bk9z1a2p4Dcwhhxl-ENE2sW08NKV44BEWs/s320/IMG_1069.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukyG8TlGlOIRw8B7E7KVjycJCnjIPOWVsIVnrKs5t5EeBe-aoIVw1hIUPabjdAeEFXExykc5l1J6d7GEZRqTvbp_NWtXgNnhCgWZ-BwrrPV65ga3nd_JCKQM0_cEjLfmMtJOXEBttvrQ/s1600/IMG_1070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukyG8TlGlOIRw8B7E7KVjycJCnjIPOWVsIVnrKs5t5EeBe-aoIVw1hIUPabjdAeEFXExykc5l1J6d7GEZRqTvbp_NWtXgNnhCgWZ-BwrrPV65ga3nd_JCKQM0_cEjLfmMtJOXEBttvrQ/s320/IMG_1070.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-92006150931531026602012-02-21T21:05:00.000-05:002012-02-21T21:05:17.920-05:00Not Over ItI honestly thought I had moved past the pain and bitterness I felt when we went through the long, humiliating, painful and arduous process of trying to conceive. I thought I had forgotten all the invasive procedures, the needles full of drugs, the roller coaster of emotions, the long drives to the clinic, the blood draws and the heartbreak. <br />
<br />
I also thought I had moved past the tearing of my heart as I left my two babies in a hospital in Boston while I traveled home only to return each day praying that it would be the day they were healthy enough to transfer to a NICU closer to home. I thought I couldn't hear those beeps of the machines as their oxygen levels dipped from another apnea spell. I thought I didn't remember how it felt to awkwardly hold those tiny bodies for the first time trying desperately not to pull out their CPAP tubes or their feeding tubes.<br />
<br />
But I do feel it, I do feel bitter and angry. I know there are stories much worse than ours and I know that in the grand scheme of things we are very lucky to have three happy healthy children challenging us daily in their defiance but also showering us in their love. However, sometimes all those emotions of the past come flooding back. <br />
<br />
As happy as I am for a family member who recently gave birth and as happy as I am that they don't have to go through what we did, it still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This baby was conceived quickly and easily. This baby came 6 weeks early (almost the same as mine) and yet the mom was able to get both steroid shots (I only had one and it didn't have enough time to really work) and somehow this small newborn (4 lbs 12 oz - Alex was 4.9 and Emily was 4.3) gets to go home.<br />
<br />
So I sit here feeling torn. I am both happy and bitter. I really thought I had moved beyond this but I guess once an infertile always an infertile. Once a NICU mom, always a NICU mom.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLktJYaQ1E8LFwX8DxNeJrLTN7_utCiT9iTnefDBgllwzjCk51wrlJZEaRksBJZeFt0qKWF2TuKJT3RvVrlu9SBWq8d_WO3yMSTjIpuAB9O62FgSkrgWpT4nC-cjTjA9QGUjIcNCctzvg/s1600/IMG_1347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLktJYaQ1E8LFwX8DxNeJrLTN7_utCiT9iTnefDBgllwzjCk51wrlJZEaRksBJZeFt0qKWF2TuKJT3RvVrlu9SBWq8d_WO3yMSTjIpuAB9O62FgSkrgWpT4nC-cjTjA9QGUjIcNCctzvg/s320/IMG_1347.JPG" width="320" /></a></td> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw4syOMsjRd8ycXT8qF_Ce_JzOuhV6EmxH95NCqmjutFsgdYvVZoqvSTa8LX6pTndJ8_X1K482nEQ6tGlnQebljJkQHNV3om51J3CRNoF9q6R54LlMo1UPvvAeMjQ9S2Ct3XEQ_knpvw/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw4syOMsjRd8ycXT8qF_Ce_JzOuhV6EmxH95NCqmjutFsgdYvVZoqvSTa8LX6pTndJ8_X1K482nEQ6tGlnQebljJkQHNV3om51J3CRNoF9q6R54LlMo1UPvvAeMjQ9S2Ct3XEQ_knpvw/s320/IMG_1349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td> </tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily</td> <td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex</td> </tr>
</tbody></table>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-23870030588048726172012-01-31T20:22:00.001-05:002012-01-31T20:22:01.217-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Goofy Faces <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KRiQaJ0yqxixS3uv6IIW5NqmHueBFEKYuw-cJHfTyY1KOXodmfLXhXy1TtNJfAYwKJFr9MnY5DuK8fbRgEZwL3p9NR6vAGtIJyyJDr4AI9Xya_9JhkLUlD6OiC8dJbd0qEKABGQFK2U/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsFrS-D0rWY95IV9mItzvaGk3h0c6_konGNsPaAstvuSj2kwR0O1W_fj_Z3iA1Ipt4w6z3eV_ioaKvEnsS1xHMOD-_LyEBPIG7MgKpTLwraXU2aGZ6CzqscahhqdbL1PSIqUtQxHxwIM/'></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOBfQl85zQhv6kOq2JjCw66NV13KEDimV9VpNmjm0yx8UfWS_sJeYMhqdAl7eVSSDwzRN1P8UC0LKM_vOVwyAYYT2C3qyTIetKUwlYb9TW2jnxemjIWzJ6jTvSvSr-C3TvIsSuldvqXM/'></div></p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-45783129734562308202011-11-28T23:37:00.001-05:002011-11-28T23:37:38.230-05:00BRB <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Emily's main question/concern these days is "you come back?". She asks this question a lot. She also likes to reassure people, like her teacher at school, that she will be back. Thankfully this new realization that you will return has made things like the drop off at school easier. As long as she knows you will come back she is happy.<br><br>This leads me to my favorite term of the moment..."later". It is such a wonderfully non- specific term. It allows you to reassure the child that you will be back later or something will happen later and it may be in 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days or 5 months but you won't be lying, it will happen "later". I rue the day I can no longer freely use this term. </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='center' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6P_xD3zojhm5km0sWhTr0aAjiDzHMQ6Q1AyjJhpYntaviBklXzmqxCqL2TfgaEFVlaKGHUdo5CqStL4hUPDNW7hcBIjv61Eo3yOJoWJ3wJ9MbqJDY6SyNl0rWfgMyxLS9lIcSM5C3dbA/' ></img></div></p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-76396909957209526932011-11-25T23:10:00.001-05:002011-11-25T23:10:18.111-05:00Lizzie at 4 Years 5 Months <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Tvw0tHMlTBXK0q00oTrJrXjEmwLF8K_pbcEuzluEW702XfC4uSwOMQZi9NKZ5-p8NAaZY3WnXElQnmO7P1IYdh6LyvsIiLNzau9z__RYhHK9YzMKK79fCHAvi8lXqAUdcYIHNmLz-T8/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Lizzie will be 4 1/2 on December 6th. In March we will be registering her for Kindergarten which is so hard to believe. I'm pretty sure just the other day she was cruising tables at The Pleasant St. Tea Company with her other little friends. Now her favorite thing to do is to have a play date with her best friends or to paint and draw. She is also a big fan of the Spanish class at her preschool.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='right' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5bQHv6J3z4Tg7NtEZbLpeX20e7c-oTz1cyurcMKI3CUqn-KqPnZ4zQSyrpCln75o6n_qVaqCZwJ_i0AQ7O1_BC8mIAO9vWNTYsVmm_Grt1P6jpOZfvcGK0PcJ4YfxQK9hREPxZIulWM/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>At this stage Lizzie can writer her name, recognize numbers and the alphabet and can even recognize some short and simple words. She knows how to use an Apple mouse and can find her way around my iPad (although not as well as Alex). She is also a little chatterbox and pretty much never stops moving or talking unless you plop her in front of the tv. She takes an acting class on Tuesday nights and her teacher, Jape, says she should be a news presenter since she is always giving a running commentary.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhst9pgMu7fJ5agXt-a0NvJG-OXea56EtZqJfdA5X4nV-iHMT96STxRFIdMzWnbvjfuLqi8bZvLkoM5OdmikuH8U8IBSxGGDzv1D36nmnTwyJ00xNA1YVnjBF8tZBU6YcvfcAz8-SdU8iQ/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>Lizzie absolutely adores animals and is the reason we now have a dog (Buffy), cat (Bitsy), fish (Princess Fish) and two frogs (Astrid and Hiccup) plus the crickets which are really frog food. She is not without her problems though and we have been dealing with some behavioral issues. She can have epic meltdowns (we had one today in Petco) that involve her pulling her own hair in frustration. She has also been disrespectful to her teachers at school and mean to her friends. But we are working on these issues and she is getting better. She gets stars for when she gets a good report from her caregiver. When she gets 300 stars we will be adding a new animal to the house. It will be a rodent of some type...sometimes she wants a mouse, sometimes a rat and sometimes a hamster...today it is a hamster. She is pretty close to the 300 so I think Santa will be bringing the cage and everything needed for whatever the rodent-du-jour is.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='right' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-ELA2ZkAaetLuL0U8NkelN1WGeuwmFx8bZtWcKpHJn8FmzBruhUMw_XcO3uiW7cqfmdTWUUTJMa8wrnp7dgdS1E-qUAhLWGv75JWyp24BTpB5NnszUCzqMKD32SMyx8oxP3vTYh9TeI/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>We also continue to have sleep issues with her which I think is a classic mistake most parents make with their first child. When you have the time to spend putting a kid to bed you take your time, read lots of books and perhaps lie with them as they fall asleep. Of course later when you have more kids that has to go but it is a hard habit to break with the eldest. So we continue to lie with her as she falls asleep. On the days when she has a nap (at school only) it takes forever but on the days when she doesn't it is thankfully quick. She also gets up in the middle of the night and joins us in bed...not every night but quite often. I just figure she won't be doing this when she is 13 and I don't mind the cuddle time.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2ltNRJlFATVUz37zR3DVqFj2V2FjeJjA48Xuf8BKgTpObLUo81uCI4jkDWBh1hHgD45Pg42hk3eFi48O8KhbtNNNI4683Qflmr4H-eRjj0plQwZ-B9Pcqms7GQXk6Cc8RjhqG4pNelM/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>In general Lizzie is a lot of fun to be around. She is really helpful around the house and a cuddlebug. She is a little fashionista who will only wear shoes which allow her toes to wiggle. She loves her family and is loved by all who get to know her.</p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-30955997074974135182011-11-20T22:07:00.001-05:002011-11-20T22:07:21.534-05:00Sly Family Menagerie <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>I used to tell Greg that I wanted a chaotic house full of kids and animals. I guess I got my wish! Lizzie is a huge animal (strike that, anything that moves) lover so now we have a dog, a cat, a worm farm, a fish, two frogs (these are mine) and crickets (really food for the frogs but I have to do it behind her back then quickly replace them). </p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWQuY0c2ethsLDjpaJlSaThtwWy1TYXqzdwZr4i7iIR8mdjz4z_ZJCYIJKOhV_IX8c-Y0kqophsQhzq8wu_4yVHwLmC4KS50wyv132E7GwG7EYVz9hOq8SYSRlg5pSDrCq_YRIu2lHzA/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgf_kJHMiGPQrBjXc-rwYOK9vC1mnaG7sL_VPy8etM6Aw5HbYOpyIpXLlrdFGIn99AaSjnn3fZMnyTxnxQGMbbg2VuP_4Fv9_XbWUsJNEtRGma1v46TZ9z1hXNK7Q7B6pHPNmZwhG3Z0/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0m17TJMtwh7zGCN_HODPWqoXLSxGCy1Ru4ahwOz8eeUHy5EX8-Ng0zOgou_ET2DcRQAwGW8blgTIP7qGZRVXiOXmjjHxnQ_nLqblz2woZUNZX_lGRrQJBtyMx-gmyxFi4chqrYGLa9I/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1Mzh6VMNtIKuDqSEtdFZKHxrXdxYXXsaPkBhpBTI6gw1NvIb-TD9ZJwRlIJbstUpH14487W-C46OM4bmgELCOI40Ot8CTzoh7ncsL_Cupqma_NUAUqasJIj_hvuwRquWEWhJ7ASK8FY/' ></img></div></p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' ><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXg9mJcPYrY4fG7BKbS54b6pR9W7VBXmDe1Tqg6aF9hztkv6zSJU-Nspo1_2WIuBa3LLcMD3wvp7zPxdx4NyR-QOt9glS_7ud8bHyrBzvwShkqDB94iJxdHT4t2xmKdBV4Vh8lKced6_o/' ></img></div></p>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-16078369482657210702011-11-19T21:41:00.000-05:002011-11-19T21:41:51.251-05:00Turning 40I turned 40 on November 6th but I honestly don't feel like I'm middle-aged. Truth be told I am actually excited to be this age. For one I am probably in the best shape of my life. I ran my first half marathon this summer along with lots of other 10ks. I also improved my minute per mile time by a whole 60 seconds this year so im not only running farther, im running faster Last summer I ran mostly 5ks and ended with a 10k. My goal next summer is to run at least three races 13 miles and over. My first race in my new division will be an 8k turkey trot tomorrow. <br />
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I feel more confident about myself and my place in the world. I have a good husband and three great kids. We have a nice house in an awesome location and I have a job that allows me to work from home. I also like my job and am up for a promotion so things are moving in the right direction. This is much better than 20. I say bring it on!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-25566834393753447872011-11-16T09:00:00.001-05:002011-11-16T09:00:18.316-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Disney Ears<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBbYGeYxKjXbDJm_I3ergO4ljHKQXPqubz-9XyEQfpcbseFWbvxq7odPsZw3jd1bm_jco8j2KGGzZwlurCY-nf1uoMBsGrlMaT0y5LA4LTi9NHddB0AnuxzjFlXD9qGqGKGwAbUX4C6s/s1600/IMG_0709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBbYGeYxKjXbDJm_I3ergO4ljHKQXPqubz-9XyEQfpcbseFWbvxq7odPsZw3jd1bm_jco8j2KGGzZwlurCY-nf1uoMBsGrlMaT0y5LA4LTi9NHddB0AnuxzjFlXD9qGqGKGwAbUX4C6s/s320/IMG_0709.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpoNrcWA2xBunwvazioocEYT9nMjBZ0R0In4oxFoA4jmaPU-5LCb8FKFvcm_fxC2m309MOO2eVZhYebsToLgXJ6YCBtyPHebPl44_sHR5whir3D2Kvw9Tr1AN0HzpTVAb0ZSiUx18NUE/s1600/IMG_0711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpoNrcWA2xBunwvazioocEYT9nMjBZ0R0In4oxFoA4jmaPU-5LCb8FKFvcm_fxC2m309MOO2eVZhYebsToLgXJ6YCBtyPHebPl44_sHR5whir3D2Kvw9Tr1AN0HzpTVAb0ZSiUx18NUE/s320/IMG_0711.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UM1zx7ZkAJBBkacl92zxxlbdk1s5X9A7fm_FBfuqaIkZx3wV_ny3GimXPA3pO_dcjQ7lTwl4LSob3Q2MAkfNXl8hGnRghuUsMTuWZmiNnjE8WTfueUVDsqIsaBnvL0L-35ZKhWbxwzY/s1600/IMG_0712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UM1zx7ZkAJBBkacl92zxxlbdk1s5X9A7fm_FBfuqaIkZx3wV_ny3GimXPA3pO_dcjQ7lTwl4LSob3Q2MAkfNXl8hGnRghuUsMTuWZmiNnjE8WTfueUVDsqIsaBnvL0L-35ZKhWbxwzY/s320/IMG_0712.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week I attended a conference on a Disney property in Orlando. I brought back these hats for the kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-12394360368304794662011-11-02T09:00:00.003-04:002011-11-02T09:00:15.242-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Halloween 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DPkwM7laLC0xHvO0f4aBZmbCROJYjFWQl5S8TqcCPHHN0jrET4h6yrUzlGgEFM2zDt3vd8bRRkizjlguMBR8qKT9pC6VmcuxhsszUlylF8d17x6EvIoAEUIH0-60dV4pGJHu0jjYfso/s1600/IMG_6020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DPkwM7laLC0xHvO0f4aBZmbCROJYjFWQl5S8TqcCPHHN0jrET4h6yrUzlGgEFM2zDt3vd8bRRkizjlguMBR8qKT9pC6VmcuxhsszUlylF8d17x6EvIoAEUIH0-60dV4pGJHu0jjYfso/s400/IMG_6020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Halloween from Sheriff Woody, a butterfly and a Viking princess (her idea)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_1830659476"></span><span id="goog_1830659477"></span>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8408219136998564058.post-26567366459913361562011-10-22T22:00:00.000-04:002011-10-22T22:00:42.112-04:00Bath TimeI hate bath time, really hate it. Three kids in a tub is NOT a good thing. We've tried to get Lizzie to take a separate bath but inevitably she ends up in the tub with Alex and Emily so I give up and they all take a bath together. <br />
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We only have one bathtub in this house and it is in the master bedroom. It is a lovely clawfoot tub but it is shorter than the average tub to fit in a smaller space. So they all squeeze in to the tub. It starts out ok but quickly descends in to chaos. There is splashing (which they aren't supposed to do), me yelling, me getting wet, then they start bugging each other so they start screaming and crying. <br />
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Of course even if we manage to avoid that there is the hair washing which also causes screaming and crying (Emily and Alex) and by the end of it my back is killing me from all the bending over.<br />
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So that is why I hate bath time and let Greg do it whenever possible!Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.com2