[[cheap]] entertainment

Since I was never home with Bentley on a full time basis, until recent, we never seemed to "run out of things to do"...and most days even now, I can certainly find plenty to do. But he seems to have days where the bazillion toys he has, just aren't gonna cut it. So we are forced to be creative...sometimes that means running errands, for a change of scenery, but most times, I try to just take those opportunities to include him in what I am trying to get accomplished.

I have been doing a lot of sewing lately, or it seems that way anyway. Who knew a sewing machine could be so mesmerizing to a 17 month old? He sat perfectly still in the chair next to me for almost 20 minutes, watching me sew! It was the perfect break he needed, before he took off to go play trucks again.

Cooking has become a real challenge with this little "helper". He cannot stand the fact that he's too small to see what I am doing on the counter and the stove, so he is constantly pulling at my legs. This is not as bothersome as the fact that anytime I turn my back, he is standing on the handle on the drawer under the stove and trying to climb up and see what I'm up to. Dangerous!

So I find other ways to occupy him. Like a box of lasagna that had been opened and needed to be thrown out anyway. Makes great fun for a little chef!

Sometimes he watched Baby Einstien on the iPad and colors or paints while I cook, because at the table he is "tall" enough to see what I am up to on the stove and on the counter.

Loading and unloading the dishwasher can also be quite the chore. He likes to climb into it...and that just doesnt work well, especially with dirty dishes. So sometimes, I just have to let him sit on the counter and play with the kitchen utensils. These seems to be a big hit, for some reason. I even finally let him keep his own spoon and spatula in his toy box - and he walks around with them almost all day!

Trying to entertain a little one that wants to "help" with everything I do can be super annoying, lets be honest. But what I am thankful for is that maybe, just maybe, when this baby comes, he will really want to be a big helper. And then, I just may not be so quick to turn him away! :)



22 weeks

We have reached the 22 week mark of our pregnancy with baby boy #2. It seems like this pregnancy is just FLYING by! I'm sure that chasing Bentley around has everything to do with that, but considering I have no re-decorating or extra shopping to do to welcome this little one, it seems like it should be going much slower.

I continue to feel amazing, despite another tired spell that I've been going through. I don't have any nausea, no pain, no leg cramps (those were unbearable with Bentley at this point), and so far I don't have to get up too often in the night to use the bathroom. I know that will soon change. I do have excessive heartburn (which I also did with Bentley) but I don't even get excited about that meaning this one might be hairy, because Bentley was far from it when he was born.

The little bean is a busy one - and we are loving it!!! He moves often, and the kicks, punches and jabs are getting stronger and easier to feel. Brandon doesn't always get to feel him, but he has felt more lately than before. So far the little stinker isn't keeping me up at night yet, which I am super thankful for considering his big brother has been doing a fine job of that this week (thank you, eye teeth!)

I can't lie, I am beginning to feel a bit nervous about having two little ones around sometimes, but then again, I feel very comfortable that I will be able to handle it. It just the unknown that is getting the best of me, I think. Will he be as good a baby as Bentley was? How am I going to deal with two kids all day after not having been able to get a good nights sleep? I am so thankful that the stress of working all day is gone, and I feel more relaxed in general already. I have also noticed a large increase in my amount of patience (which is in part, thanks to my amazing husband), so I am hoping that sticks around too, since being patient is not something that always comes easily for me.

22 weeks with Baby Boy #2

 22 weeks with Bentley

Until then, we just continue to wait and prepare for this little bean. We are so anxious to see how much he will look/act/be like Bentley, or how different he will be. I just love knowing that there's a good chance I could have "triplet" boys, considering the one I have now is pretty much an identical twin to his daddy! (Can you tell that makes me proud?) I feel so blessed. <3

*let*it*snow*

This past weekend brought us a winter wonderland, finally! I say finally like we were really excited it came...and we are...but it can leave just as fast it came and we'd not complain. Its late arrival this year though, brings fear that it may linger late into the Spring. That, mother nature, we will not be excited about.

Either way, we figured since it was here, we might as well embrace it.

Friday we ventured out to a play date with some cousins, and Bentley had an extra long afternoon nap, so we didn't get a chance to play outside, instead we embraced the winterness from the warmth of our home (and Tiff's!).

Saturday we woke up to realize it was still snowing! We decided again to embrace it, from the warmth of B's truck, while we rode around and plowed some driveways and parking lots.

We let Bentley ride up front on Daddy's lap while we plowed the shop parking lot - - as we assumed, he LOVED it. Of course, anything involving his dad, his dad's truck, and a steering wheel is sure to prove a good time, and a happy little boy.

"practicing" his plowing...on his own...like a big boy.

One more driveway on the way home was just a bit more than he could handle. Dad says he put in a good run for being a rookie, though! ;)

We spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday watching some fun movies together (continuing to embrace the beauty of the winter weather, from the comforts of our heated home!). It's been fun to watch Bentley start to react to whats going on on the TV and in the movie. He doesn't sit for too long, but he is starting to get better.

The best part of the entire weekend, for me, was that we got to do everything we did TOGETHER AS A FAMILY! Not very many weekends happen like that around here with Brandon's work schedule, so when they do, I cherish every moment.

It was a great reminder that...sometimes its the little things...

::Blessed::

We are so thankful and so blessed to have been able to see our little growing peanut on an ultrasound screen on Wednesday. Everything seems to be right on track, developmentally, and everything seemed to be good and healthy.

Little Bean was cooperative, and we were able to tell that it's another BOY!!!!

We are super excited for Bentley to have a little brother, and I, personally, cannot wait to see if this little prince is as much like his daddy as the first one is. :) I guess time will tell.

So far, he's like his older brother in the aspect that he wasn't shy...he was totally willing to show us his "boy parts!"

We are 21 weeks today...hard to believe its already half over. We can't wait to meet this little prince and see what the Lord has in store for him and our family. We are truly blessed.

Triplet Update

Its been a while...and we've been so busy, but I have some new pictures and some new news on the Avison babes. First of all - aren't they just toooo cute??

I was able to sneak up to the hospital on Wednesday for about an hour. I was even able to hold Hadley! :)

Berkley

Hadley

Jaxton

Hadley was able to come home yesterday - PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

I ran over there to help Tiff with some things that should have taken about 10 minutes...needless to say, I was there for an hour. Could you resist all 5 pounds of this princess just begging to be held??

Heres a comparison picture for how small she is...

long fingers...

can you even believe how small she looks in her pack n play?? SO SO TINY!!!

Proud big sister, Charley, had to smile for a picture! :)

I talked to Tiff this morning and it was a bit of a rough night as expected. Hadley was up often wanting to eat, and Tiff was up often making sure Had was still breathing. It looks like the other two should be home early next week, if not this weekend. Please pray that they continue to grow stronger and healthier and stay away from all the sickness and germs that are flying around right now.

I will keep updating as I spend time with them...I see a lot of holding babies in my future! :):)

Sunny January 10...wait, what?!?!?

Leave it to our crazy Michigan weather to throw us a week of high 40's in JANUARY! As crazy as it is, we  sure aren't complaining - it's been fun to be able to play outside with Bentley!

He was able to get out his tractor again today...its been a while...

He played in the rocks...

it even got serious enough to spit out his paci and get down on his belly to get in on the action

And he played in the dirt...big surprise there...

We weren't out real long, but it was so nice to get out of the house for a bit and let him explore all these new things!

He ended his playtime with a HUGE handful of dirt, in his mouth of course. All i could hear while I was cleaning him up was the grit of the dirt in his teeth.

YUCK! I guess it wouldn't have been a successful day outside without it... :)

Happy Birthday, B!

This weekend we celebrated Brandon's 29th birthday with some friends, and a night out. Since we don't get to do this very often anymore, we thought it was a good chance for a little "adult" time with our closest friends. We always miss Bentley like crazy when we are away from him, but its a nice relief to not be on a baby's schedule...even if its only for a couple hours.

We headed downtown Grand Rapids to 25 Kitchen and Bar for dinner, and some drinks. And some waters, considering half of us are pregnant!

I had jumped online about a month ago and got tickets for the comedy show at  Dr. Grins in the BOB. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I thought the guys would have fun either way, so I went ahead and bought the tickets.

The main event was Andrew Kennedy - and he was HILARIOUS! In fact, we all decided on the way home that this was something we would do again.

Brandon had a lot of fun celebrating and sharing laughs with his buddies, and of course we always enjoy a night out together, since they are few and far between now.

His actual  birthday was Monday, so Bentley and I ran some errands in the morning and then spent the day setting up and baking for our big night as a family. We have never been real big on gifts or doing anything "special", so I kept it simple, but tried to come up with some unique and fun things him and Bentley would enjoy together.

Bentley painted a card...and himself...for Daddy.

He helped mix the cake batter...

We hung a banner on the slider for Daddy!

I finished the cake pops while little b napped, because I had a feeling it was going to be a messy job, and it was. They were easy to make, and I will definately make them again, but I will use sticks this time...much easier for dipping. I chose not to use the sticks this time because I wanted to arrange them this way...since we didnt have a cake to put candles on...

Daddy's Birthday Loot.

Like I said, we haven't been big on gifts, but Bentley and Daddy are really enjoying watching movies together lately, so I bought a movie Brandon a movie that I thought they might enjoy together.

And we tested out the party favors!

When Daddy got home, we made homemade pizzas...Bentley was a big help, as you can see! :)

And we opened daddy's present while it baked...

And then we enjoyed some pizza. Super relaxed, feet-on-the-table style.

Actually, just Bentley did that. He thinks its super hilarious these days.

Goofy boy!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

We can't wait to celebrate many many more birthdays with you!

Love you the most!!!

sixteen[[16]]months

Bentley Ivan -

You are becoming a little boy right before our eyes, and somedays, we just still can't believe it. You are starting to talk and communicate with us, and you are walking running, everywhere.

You are still all things boy: trucks and tractors, dirt, and rough housing; we dont see this changing anytime soon. You spend most days, all day "excavating" dog food, or whatever else you can round up that might work as good dirt. You are also recently into balls, and throwing things to get the dogs to play fetch with you.

You are developing a hysterical little personality. You are definately an attention hog and love to put on a show for anyone you think might watch. You are super adorable; and you know it!

You are still our big eater - you eat three meals a day, and snack often (as does mom) now that we are home together all day. You are very good about trying new foods, and we haven't found much you won't eat. Your favorites still include hot dogs, fruit, chicken, and recently salad. We aren't so convinced you like the lettuce itself...we are almost positive its the ranch that makes this dish so appetizing to you. :)

You are in 18-24 month clothes and size 4 diapers. You are napping once a day for about 2-3 hours and you are still sleeping about 11 hours at night. Mommy is more thankful every day that we have enforced such strict sleeping habits with you, since day one, because lately she is really cherishing all the sleep she can get! :) You are growing like a weed, we feel like everyday when you wake up you have changed overnight. Your legs and arms are starting to thin out since you are now mobile, but your cheeks and little belly are sticking around; we love it! That little belly is what makes you you...and the perfect little version of your daddy.

Your vocabulary is growing by the day as well. Your most commonly spoken words are "uhoh", "truh" which means truck "gah" which translates to dog, "tractor", "hot" and most recently: "ay oo" which you learned from daddy, meaning hey you! You also like to point and yell jibberish at the dogs...we aren't sure what you say...for now, we will let that remain between you and Tanner and Jayda. You are starting to repeat random things that we say and do, so we are sure it won't be long before you start spitting out some new words.

You are also starting to relate things we say to things we do. For example, you know that there is a baby in mommy's belly, but if Mommy isn't around, you will pat anyone's tummy. :) You also run to the backdoor and reach for your coat when Mommy asks if you want to go see Daddy, or when we say "go see who's here!" You also know that pretty much anything Mommy does in the kitchen is HOT and love to point and remind us of this.

We are having so much fun watching you change and grow into such a little prince; we couldn't be more proud. We are getting anxious to see what the future holds, and how you react to your new baby brother or sister.

We love you to the moon and back, sweet boy!!!

Snow Thanks!

Bentley and I headed outside the other morning for our first "play" in the snow. He got all new winter snow gear for Christmas, and it was a gorgeous day, so we thought we would spend sometime outside.

All bundled up. He hates all these clothes on and stays stiff as a board the entire time.

His boots are a bit too big, because I wanted them to last all winter, and like I said, he stays real stiff, so it was no surprise that he fell, and didn't catch himself...hence, a facewash! He was not too excited about being outside at this point, and we were only 5 minutes in.

Then we got out the sled. Again, he stays stiff as a board, so he fell off it a few times, but I was able to get at least a little smile!

"Mom, I am so cold. Are you done now, cuz I'm sooooo ready to go inside."

I do believe if he could talk, he would be calling his grandparents in florida wondering why on earth they left him here in this garbage? ;)

He just proved yet again, he is like his Daddy. Keep him warm and inside and he is a much happier camper!

We went outside in the first place because well lets face it, everyone needs a change of scenery once in a while. Now that I am home full time, somedays its hard for me to leave the house, because I can find plenty to keep myself busy. Bentley on the other hand is getting bored faster without all his daycare buddies, especially considering I am his only playmate these days, I am sure I'm not near as fun as they were.

I saw this idea on Pinterest a while back and thought I would give it a try. I got out some tape and made a racetrack, well, what I would call a racetrack (dad wasn't real impressed when he got home, I am sure his would have been way more awesome!). He checked it out for a few...

And then found it more fun to just pull off the tape.

Not quite what I had in mind, but it kept him busy for quite a while, and he was happy! I guess it was a win/win situation! :)

Where's the baby??

Proud big brother loves to show where the baby is...except lately he has been rubbing daddy's belly when we ask!! :)

As you can tell, we are fearing he may have some issues with being gentle...since he would prefer hit the "baby". I guess we will have to see once baby arrives!

AvisonTrio[[update]]

I have a few new pictures and some new updates about the triplets. I was able to sneak up there the night they were born to visit Tiff & Curtis, and take a peek at the precious little bundles. They are in the special care nursery, so they cannot be held, and are usually only viewable from behind glass, but Curtis took me back there. Like I said, they can't be held, but I was able to get up close and personal and see their sweet little faces and features. They all look alike, and they all look JUST like Charley did when she was a babe. They are just so tiny!!

They are still all breathing on their own, no CPAP's needed as of now. Jaxton and Berkley are taking bottles, and Jaxton is still eating more than they would like him too, which is a good thing right now. Hadley has a feeding tube in, but they are not worried about this at all. Because they are premature, they don't have the whole suck, swallow, breath ryhthm down so they aren't efficient when they eat, which wears them out immensely. So right now, even if they are getting their nutrition through a feeding tube, that is more important than not getting any at all. This eathing thing is another reason they aren't allowing anyone but Curtis and Tiff to hold them, and most of it is skin to skin contact to help their lungs and their breathing. They will probably be in the hospital for 3-4 weeks, or until they can all eat efficiently and effectively.

Like I said before, they are the first triplets that HoHo has delivered since the 60's...and if you didn't already see, they made the front page of the Holland Sentinel today.

http://www.hollandsentinel.com/news/x550240127/No-New-Years-Day-baby-in-Holland-but-triplets-help-close-out-the-year

And here are some pictures...some that I took with my phone and some that Tiff has been sending this proud auntie! :) We weren't able to use flashes in there yet, because of their sensitivity to light, so again, I apologize in advance for the quality (or lack of).

Berkley

Hadley - and yes, they all have dark hair!

Jaxton

Proud Momma!

I can't remember if this was Hadley or Berkley, but I couldn't resist snapping a pic of her wrinkley bare back and her scrawny little arms. These pictures dont even begin to do justice of how small they actually are.

Curtis' hand will give you some idea how tiny they are...

They were wrapped up like little beans in their bassinets, and they put them on their bellies to help their lungs continue to open up fully the rest of the way. Like I said, they are on monitors to make sure when they breathe they aren't over breathing or under breathing and harming their oxygen levels. They are hoping to take these off sooner than later, but some multiples have been known to go home with them. When I was there the other night, the pediatrician said they don't like to send them home that way, so he was hopeful they would be off them by then.

Tiff and Curtis went home this afternoon and are enjoying settling back in and spending some time with Charley. They have a long few weeks ahead, but they are just so thankful for the babies' health right now, they are willing to do whatever else it takes.
I will keep you posted, I am hoping to maybe sneak back up there tomorrow night...its so hard to go and not be able to hold them!
I just can't WAIT to get my hands on their little bums for some newborn lovin!!!