The Chronicals of Brendan and Lainey

Preschool Christmas Party!

2012-01-26T12:39:00.000-05:00

Lainey is all ready to go to Brendan's party in her beloved hat and coat from Grandma Patty.

Brendan walking in and lining up with his class to sing carols to the parents.

Santa came and surprised the little carolers!

So handsome!

Make your own yogurt parfaits. Lainey was of course right in there with the big kids.

Elise, Brendan, Kevin, and Olivia

Thats Brendan's teacher, Mrs. Pieper

For the first time ever, Mr. Brave wanted to sit on Santa's lap!

"I want a Street Sweeper...

Garbage dump...

Firetruck...

And Policeman outfit."

Hugs!

Lainey did NOT like Santa!

Mommy's Birthday at the Children's Museum

2012-01-26T09:54:00.000-05:00

Happy kids and good company make for a happy Mommy on her 34th birthday (I mean, 27th...). Brendan, Lainey, and I met Liz and Connor at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum and had so much fun! The kids actually played and let Liz and I talk - an amazing occurance! Then we toured Gramp's new office and had a nice lunch with Gramp and the GearSchutzes. All in all, an awesome day had by all.

Farmer Lainey

Mailman Brendan

Firetruck slide!

Call 911!

Brendan to the rescue!

The rescue helicopter was a favorite of everyone's

Brendan jumping out of the helicopter to save one of his imaginary friends

Life jacket and all in midst of a daring rescue!

Our Tree 2011

2012-01-26T09:29:00.000-05:00

This was our first time ever getting a real tree on Freedom Dr as we have always been concerned about Brendan's tree allergy. He seemed to do fine with other fresh trees so we granted his request to go pick one out. Daddy and Brendan spotted the most beautiful tree - it was just the right size and shape and was full and beautiful from every angle. Lainey and Brendan both loved the ornaments although Lainey most enjoyed removing them from the tree.

Christmas Tree Hunt with Grandma and Grandpa Beland

2012-01-07T14:33:00.000-05:00

For the second year in a row, Brendan got to join Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Doug, and Aunt Jackie on their annual day after Thanksiving trip to cut down a Christmas tree. Due to the mild weather, Lainey and Mommy got to join in! Brendan was so excited about the tractor ride up the hill to the trees but was far less thrilled when we started looking. It turns out his warm up pants attracted the burrs and needles and the poor boy was very uncomfortable. He spent 85% of the time on either Mommy's or Uncle Doug's shoulders.

Ready to go get trees!

Waiting for the tractor.

Waiting for the tractor again after finding the perfect trees. Brendan excitedly announces it's arrival!

How come Mommy, the one holding 65lbs of kids, is the only one smiling??? I LOVE B's face in this picture - it perfectly shows his attitude at the time! Lainey had also hit her limit and wanted food and a nap.

Tractor ride back.

Thanksgiving 2011- Sort Of

2012-01-07T14:19:00.000-05:00

More proof of slacking on picture taking - almost no Thanksgiving pictures. But this blog serves as my "baby books"so in order to commemorate the Holiday I will share what I have.

Helping Grandma make Chocolate Mint Pie. Helping in this case means tasting...

Watching the Macy's Parade.

The most exciting part of the parade aside from the arrival of Santa - the Fresh Beat Band!

Brendan loves all Charlie Brown movies and the Thanksgiving one has Snoopy serving a Thanksgiving dinner of popcorn, toast, pretzels, and jelly beans. Brendan really wanted this for Thanksgiving so I made an appetizer insired by the movie. (Bruschetta was the toast). B was so excited!

Random IPhone Pictures from December

2012-01-07T14:08:00.000-05:00

Lainey likes to be outside in the cold for approximately 15 minutes. As she is smiling, this must be very early in our venure outdoors. Her brother likes to be outside in the cold for at least an hour or more. This makes for a lot of whining from both kids.

No whining here - everyone loves a puddle!

Christmas shopping at Target! Notice Lainey shares her brother's old love of the frog boots!

The cutest little Santa!

Brendan wanted to send a picture of the "shape monster" he made at school to Grandma after telling her about it on the phone.

Our little garbage man has added real garbage bags to his pretend game. Mom is not thrilled but at least his piles are contained now.

Who doesn't need a tutu and purse to watch Rudolph?

A sinus infection and ear infection led to pink eye one week before Christmas. Poor B!

Mr. Pink Eye dozing on our way to the After Hours Clinic that night.

Lainey all bundled up!

Lainey likes to play with Brendan's dress-up clothes as well as her own. She wore this all morning!

Chef Brendan ready to make Christmas cookies!

Our annual Christmas playdate with the Ammans! We gave Abbey the Angelina Ballarina board game and the kids had a blast learning the dance moves. Lainey stood there and clapped for B and Abbey the whole time!

Yeah Brendan and Abbey! Who both seem to have fallen down from exhaustion from so much ballet!

Eeek! Pantless Lainey and Dylan in Abbey's bed together!

Lainey pretending to be Connor while was "squatted" at Brendan and Liz's house over Christmas while they were in Montana.

Lainey is wary of anyone who is not her mom - especially people she doesn't see all the time. Yet due to Uncle Kevin's patience and willingness to point out and name every ornament on the tree, he won her over.

We spent New Year's Eve with Kevin and Sheila. Brendan fell asleep in the car on the way home from the grocery store. Sheila carried him in and attempted to scoot back into the chair with him and snuggle as he slept. Only his enormous size knocked her over and she couldn't get up! I took a picture first and then helped her :)

More proof of Lainey shining some of her limited affections on UK.

Lainey serving "tea" on New Year's Day clad only in a diaper and bunny slippers. Even the New Year's baby needs some footwear accessories!

Lainey taking over Brendan's workbench while he was at school!

Random IPhone Shots #1

2012-01-07T13:07:00.000-05:00

I got a new IPhone this fall (Yeah!!!!) and though I swore I wouldn't be one of those people that only takes pictures on his/her phone, I have been taking a lot more phone shots than camera shots. I finally downloaded some and here are some shots from November.

Brendan and his polars and his Sparty construction hat. He LOVES this picture of himself!

Brendan and Lainey enjoying a fall day in the backyard.

Lainey loves Brendan's tie collection and insists on accessorizing her outfits with them!

Brendan finally agreed to allow Lainey at the big boy table for lunch! She was so happy!

Note the smug happy face on the little one!

Pushing one's stroller is way more fun than riding in it!

A little upside down Dora reading at the library. Dora is one of Lainey's most loved characters.

Lainey "shopping" at Costco. If possible, she loved the toy aisles this season more than her big brother!

Hilarious picture of Lainey from when she was playing "run away as mom tries to get me dressed."

Brendan told me and Sheila he wanted to play "camp" at dinner one night. Complete with pretending to roast marshmellows on chopsticks.

Lainey carrying around a picture of her cousin Connor! She likes him far more than he likes her!

A picture sent to me from Brian. Poor Lainey fell asleep as Daddy was making her lunch!

Big Like B

2011-12-07T19:51:00.000-05:00

One morning while Brendan was at school, Lainey and I were folding laundry. I got up to put something away and when I came back she had Brendan's monkey undies on the floor and was trying to step into the leg holes (she is more than a little obsessed with things with monkeys on them). She was already pantsless due to scrambling away during a diaper change so they easily pulled up when I helped her and she was thrilled to wear them over her diaper. In fact, she refused to allow them to be removed when it was time to pick up Brendan and wore them under her jeans all day!

Speaking of big - we had Lainey's 15 month old doctor appointment yesterday. She weighed in just over 24lbs (a weight loss actually) which is 70th percentile and was 33" tall - 97th percentile! She got three shots and a blood draw and was understandably pissed. However, she changed her mood immediately upon receiving a shiny Dora sticker from the nurse. She was so thilled with it she refused to allow her coat to be zipped and pranced around the waiting room showing it off to all the waiting patients!

Holiday Dance Party

2011-12-05T09:19:00.000-05:00

Dance parties are always the cure for the crabbies at our house and the current #1 hit is "Hot Chocolate" from the Polar Express soundtrack. Here the kids rock out with Aunt Sheila!

Master of the Spoon

2011-12-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

As our faithful readers know, Lainey has never allowed people to feed her. Because of this she is really quite advanced in feeding herself. My favorite things are watching her devour entire pieces of pizza (she won't eat it if you cut it up - that's for babies) and watching her feed herself cereal. Note - these are also her favorite foods. Here are some picures of her eating cereal.

Not to be outdone, Lainey's breakfast partner, her Bubba, also wanted pictures of him eating cereal!

Piles of Fun!

2011-11-19T15:00:00.002-05:00

Mommy's Helpers Make Brownies

2011-11-19T14:43:00.000-05:00

And after they helped me make brownies, they helped me put their clothes in the washing machine!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-17T20:32:00.000-05:00

After 3 "practices" it was finally Halloween!!! The kids and I went and picked out pumpkins in the morning and immediately went to work getting the "yuckis" (as described by Brendan) out and designing ideas for Daddy to carve when he got home.

Then Sheila came over for our 5th Annual Witches Brew Halloween and we got the kids ready to go out and trick-or-treat. Both Brendan and Lainey loved all the kids coming to the door and loved putting hand fulls of candy into their bags.

Lainey has become a sucker-aholic. Here she waits patiently for more kids.

Hurry up kids!!!

The peacock insisted on the cow hat and of course party shoes. She was a bit confusing to others but was quite happy with herself!

Halloween Party

2011-11-17T10:36:00.000-05:00

We were invited to a neighborhood Halloween/Birthday Party for our 1 year old friend. The theme was to dress like an animal - adults too! Lainey was already all set with her Peacock costume and we pulled out last year's tiger costume for Brendan. I picked out a Miss Piggy wig for myself and added my 1999 KD Formal dress and gloves. Then Brendan and I went shopping for Sheila and we picked out a bat costume and dubbed her an "old bat!"

Lainey and her favorite babysitter, Veronica

The old bat and her babies

Eeek - the tiger is roaring at Miss Piggy!

Leaves and a Cow

2011-11-08T09:42:00.000-05:00

The adorable factor of Brendan and Lainey in their new winter hats is unparalleled. I had to take some pictures while we raked leaves (Brendan seriously did 90% of the work) and played on a cool October afternoon.

"Look How Big I Am!"

2011-11-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

After school one day, Brendan called out to me - "Mom, look how big I am against the wall now!" I had to agree - my 3.5 year old looks like a 6 year old!

Here are some recent Brendanisms:

At Costco: "Mommy, do you know who really likes wine? Betsy." "Who is Betsy?" "You know, 'Heavens to Betsy.'"

While playing lego trucks in the basement: "Mommy, do you see my paramedics are going in the crucifix?" "What???? Did you learn about the crucifix at school?" "Maybe." "OK, can you tell me about it?" "This crucifix is what the paramedics drive."

While watching "Little Einsteins": "I like June best because I am a girlie man." "Really? Where did you hear that?" "That's what Daddy calls me, a girlie man." "Do you mean ladies man?" "Oh, yeah. That's the same right?"

Mommy: "Brendan, I think you must be the goofiest boy in the whole world." Brendan: "No, Uncle Seany is."

Oh the Absurdity!

2011-11-08T09:32:00.001-05:00

Some people follow fashion rules like, "don't wear white after Labor Day, camo should be saved for those in the service, or navy and black do not belong together. Lainey's number one fashion rule seems to be, "if it looks absurd, it looks good." For awhile now she has insisted on adding her own personal touches to her outfits - swim diapers worn on her head, her brother's shirts worn over her own clothing like a dress, her backpack as an all day accessory, etc. Most recently she has focused her accessorizing to winter hats worn all day long and random things draped around her shoulders like a shawl.

Here the fashion plate models her brother's old Halloween costume the way it was really meant to be worn...

We want you to know that one size 11 fireman boot is all the rage in Europe these days...

She was right, a fireman's hat and halloween bag worn as a bib really did complete this peacock outfit at Zoo Boo.

One can not be too careful about protecting one's head while eating 10 TBSPs of hummus. Lainey chose Brendan's police hat to go over her penguin winter hat for snack time.

Police hat removed but the penguin hat did stay on throughout dinner. Lainey truly is a lady - she dresses for dinner...

Ooops, I spoke/typed too soon - not sure a lady would prance around the table topless while still sporting the penguin hat (which BTW, fits just like a swim diaper which is why we think it is her favorite). But, when you have a belly like this, you want to show it off! I should also mention that Lainey weighed in at a whopping 25lbs at her doctor's appointment last week which will surprise no one while looking at these pictures!

Brendan wanted in on the belly displaying...

Grandma Patty bought some pieces from Gymboree's panda collection that we are guessing the designers did not mean to be worn together. Lainey had other ideas. She was insistent on wearing all three peices at once (the sweater in shawl fashion of course) and I chose to avoid the impending tantrum and let her have her way. The other parents at preschool pick up must think I am color blind...

Dressed for success and making some important phone calls...

Now a lesson in how to accessorize pig fleece footed pjs - steal clothes from the pile of summer clothes mom is taking out of the drawers and wear them as a scarf and hat.

So I mentioned the winter hat obsession but this hat in particular I am also obsessed with - she loves this cow hat and so does everyone that sees it! Many more pics in this hat to come.

Preschool Halloween Party

2011-11-05T14:41:00.001-04:00

The Policeman's Time Out

2011-11-03T13:59:00.001-04:00

Lately Brendan's imaginative play has centered around being a policeman and giving "time outs" which means he arrests you and puts you in jail. He is sometimes "Officer Brendan," but it generally "Officer Flossie" from Richard Scarry's "Busytown." Here I am one morning (still in glasses and PJs) in jail. Frankly Jail is not such a bad place to spend a morning as you get to actually sit and drink your coffee hot and you are guarded by the to cutest officers around! Note, my feet are in shackles so I can not escape (aka Lainey's playhouse).

Our game was recently amped up with the addition of a police hat, walkie-talkie, and badge found at a Halloween clearance sale. Now Brendan can really keep Freedom Drive safe as he patrols on his "motorcycle."

Bubba and My Baby

2011-11-02T09:08:00.000-04:00

Brendan and Lainey truly do adore each other. Sure, they fight over toys and attention but they love to be around each other and are so sweet to one another. Brendan calls Lainey, "My Baby" and Lainey calls him, "Bubba."

There are so many sweet moments between the two lately.

One morning Brendan, Lainey, and I were snuggling on the couch as usual as the three of us all tend to wake up very slowly. Brendan kept laying his head and chest down on top of Lainey. I asked him to stop as she didn't seem to like it and he is so much bigger then her so he sat up. Lainey then calmly sat up, wrapped her arms around Brendan's neck, and pulled him back down on top of her. I was wrong, she loved it!

Brendan had a party at his preschool for Halloween and Brian, Lainey, and I all went. When I asked Brendan the day before if he was excited about the party he said, "Yes, because my baby is coming!"

Lainey has a cold right now and spiked a fever yesterday. To "make her feel better," Brendan marched around us as I held her in my arms singing "Puff the Magic Dragon" and kept bringing her a juicebox to sip.

The two had a water party in the bathroom. They both got up on stools and kept filling paper cups with water. They would take sips and then let the rest run down their faces and chests. They thought this was hilarious for some reason and laughed non-stop for 10 minutes. I was anxious about the mess and wanted to make them stop but the sounds of the two of them laughing together held me back. And water just wipes up anyway...

Lainey loves to hold Brendan's hand. She "ecapes" all the time and starts to take a walk. Brendan yells, "he littlest escape artist!" and goes running after her. She stops, reaches for his hand, and they walk together until B doesn't want to anymore - Lainey never wants to stop!

Here are some pictures of Bubba and My Baby holding hands and huggingat the Zoo Boo.

Zoo Boo 2011

2011-10-31T20:30:00.000-04:00

The most handsome of firemen!

The fireman and the peacock

Lainey was quite displeased about her costume She cried and cried but was finally distracted enough by the Zoo Boo hoopla not to care!

Turns out trick-or-treating is a 14 month old skill...

The peacock was trying to climb in with her fellow birds - the vultures!

Parents look at the camera - kids look away.

Lainey insisted on wearing her bag like this all night.

She also added a fireman hat to accessorize the peacock costume

Trying to capture a picture of Brendan meant I had to run and click at the same time. He is so fast!

Lainey recently started hugging like this and she says,"awwwww," mimicking what we always say! So precious!

Lainey just had to be a part of the shoulder ride on Daddy! Thank goodness Brian is so strong!

Brendan's favorite! He has decided he is going to be Jessie (the cowgirl) for Halloween next year. No gender stereotypes for this guy!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2011-10-28T20:42:00.000-04:00

We were thrilled to get to spend Grandma Blue Eye's Birthday with her again this year. Grandma came to visit for a few days, and while she usually spoils us rotten, we got to turn the tables a little with hugs, kisses, presents, and cake. Brendan picked out her present all his own this year. We were in the mall and talking about what we should get when we passed the Pandora store. Brendan has apparently already picked up some important knowledge at 3 years old - women like jewelery. He wanted to get her a bead bracelet and a colored bead. We agreed on a beautiful green bead and Grandma loved her gift!

Both kids helped make Grandma's cake and both devoured their piece. Warning, the following shots are not for those with weak stomachs...

Breakfast of Champions???

2011-10-27T14:04:00.000-04:00

Please don't call Child Protective Services on me. She took the empty Stella bottle out of the recycling bag.

A Guide to Painting Pumpkins and Yourself

2011-10-26T17:55:00.000-04:00

Step 1. Dip brush in paint

Step 2. Put some paint on pumpkin but, preferably, use the brush to decorate your clothing.

Step 3. Mom removes clothing.

Step 4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 but decorate your belly, face, hands, etc.

Happy Halloween!

This physique is maintained with constant trampoline workouts obviously. Shape magazine has called many times for fitness techniques.

Hmmm, seems to be a difference in what happens with 3 year old boys and 3 year old girls...

Some paint actually making it onto the pumpkin.

Apple Orchard Field Trip

2011-10-20T08:37:00.000-04:00

Brendan's 3 year old preschool class took a field trip to the Westview Apple Orchard last Tuesday and Mommy got to go along. We first got to take a haywagon ride out to the orchards and B was so excited that it was driven by a John Deere Tractor! We spent some time picking apples - Brendan really liked the ones way up high that Mom had to hold him to reach (poor Mommy!). Then we got to have cider and donuts and this was by far the highlight as these things are the main reason Brendan ever wants to go to a cider mill/apple orchard (smart boy!). Then the kids were let loose to play. Brendan spent the majority of his time playing on the wooden tractor/wagon and train but did also climb the hay "mountain" and he fed the goats!

Angels

2011-10-11T09:17:00.000-04:00

Brendan and Lainey can be a handful. They often hear me singing to them a made-up version of a Gwen Stefani song - "You are driving me bananas - B-A-N-A-N-A-S..." But every time I see them sleeping I can't believe they are actually the wild children I know and love because they look like little angels. In the last few days I took a picture of both asleep (at different times) on those rare times that they sleep longer and deeper than usual. I think you will agree with me - angels - A-N-G-E-L-S.

Keeping the Gardens Safe

2011-10-11T09:12:00.000-04:00

Brendan has decided to be a fireman for Halloween and he is pretty excited about it. He has had the hat for awhile now and his costume arrived via the ups truck this week. The first thing to come was a backpack style hose that really shoots water up to 30 feet. He could not wait to get it on and get to work putting out fires all over the backyard. Sheila or I would yell "help, help, fire" and he would jump in his "truck" and get to work spraying water everywhere until the "fire" was out.

The next day his coat arrived along with the bullhorn siren (sorry neighbors!), badge, fire extinguisher, and name card that were included in the package. He has spent the greater part of every day since wearing this getup. The boots have not arrived yet but I am expecting them any day and also expecting they will have to br pried off his feet come bedtime every night!

So don't worry Freedom Dr. - Fireman Brendan is on the job!

The tomato plant (on it's last legs in Oct) gets hosed down.

Thank goodness he was there to make sure the carrots didn't burn away!

Remember how I said Lainey wants to do everything just like Brendan and will not be told she is too little? We actually have taken down the baby swing as she won't even consider getting in it and will only swing big girl style. She has fallen off a number of times - once even landing pretty scarily on her head after a full in air summersault - but she just gets right back up every time and wants more, higher, and faster. Here she is watching the world's cutest firefighter.

Just Like You

2011-10-10T14:31:00.000-04:00

Lainey always wants to do everything Brendan does and now that she is bigger and can actually do the things - watch out! She will not be told that she is too little for something and she is fearless. If Brendan is doing something, so is Lainey. If Brendan is playing with something, that is the only thing Lainey is interested in. If Brendan is eating something, that is what she wants too. Whichever parent is with Brendan is the parent Lainey is insistent about being with.

Here are some pictures of the two together. Brendan had grabbed his drink and sat for a sip between outdoor adventures. As you can see, Lainey followed suit.

When the Cat's Away...

2011-10-10T13:53:00.000-04:00

Lainey is so sad when Daddy and Brendan walk out the door on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for school. After I forcefully stop her from following them, she and I wave and blow kisses to our boys. But then... she realizes she has the house and her mom all to herself! Lainey makes the most of it using Brendan's trucks all she wants and falling asleep on mom every day. But don't worry, the second I say, "do you want to go in the car to get Brendan?" she literally runs toward the door!

Here she is in Brendan's prized fireman hat and sitting in his car seat for Daddy's car.

Brendan's First Day of School

2011-10-10T12:40:00.000-04:00

The anxiously awaited Sept 15th date finally rolled around and it was the first day of preschool! Although Brendan told everyone that asked that he was not going to school because, "Lainey would miss me too much," he was pretty excited come the first day. Much of that excitement was due to our open house visit the week before and the discovery that his classroom has a mailbox toy!

The night before we packed his new "heroes" backpack (a compromise we found online with firetrucks, ambulances, police cars, etc as the only one he wanted in the store was the Tinkerbell backpack). Then we picked out his clothes and read "On The Night Before Preschool" as a bedtime book. He had a great night of sleep and was nervous but excited in the morning.

All four of us went to his classroom where he hung up his backpack and found his table. There were no tears from Brendan (a few held back ones from Mom) and although he looked nervous he happily said goodbye to us and settled down for a fun day at school.

I was anxiously waiting for him at 11:15, dying to hear how things went. I expected a running hug but he played it cool. I asked him how school was - "good." I asked what he did - "we had goldfish and milk for a snack and there weren't enough urinals when we had our bathroom break so I had to use a regular potty." I was able to pull a bit more info out of him like playing fireman with dress-up clothes and reading and singing but still to this day the only info that is freely offered is what the snack was and what potty he used.

Brendan absolutely loves school! He loves his teachers, has made some friends (although can never remember their names and refers to them by what color shirt they were wearing so I only know about Irelyn and Glenn from his table), and is so excited about their daily activities. He told Brian one morning on the way to school that he wishes he could go every day. He gets so sad by Sunday that he still has one more day before school because it is a long time between Tuesday and Thursday. I was so nervous for him and now am just so proud of him! Seeing him run out of the house every Tuesday and Thursday morning with his backpack on and all full of excitement almost makes my heart burst with joy!

All ready for school!

I mean, it's no Tinkerbell but it's still pretty awesome!

He is so big!

Sitting at his table right when we got in

Brendan and his friend, Kevin

Lainey was not pleased she couldn't stay with the big kids!

Outside after school holding the picture he made for Mom.

Brendan and Kevin

Lainey could not be kept away any longer!

Hug for Kevin!

Hug for Brendan!

Personal Canvas

2011-10-08T10:38:00.000-04:00

We decided to let Lainey try finger painting - she decided to try Lainey painting.

Then that night she decided to try raviloi face painting. What an artist!

Building Daddy's Muscles

2011-10-08T10:34:00.000-04:00

Daddy went for a run one morning and was greated on his return by two kids looking to help him with his strength training.

Lainey ran right over to get some snuggles from her extra sweaty Daddy - 22lbs for Daddy to warm up his arm muscles.

Brendan jumped up too - adding to 41lbs to Daddy's weight to lift.

Not a hint of strain holding up 63lbs!

Brendan pound presses!

41lb basket toss!

Day with Grandma Patty and Gramp

2011-10-01T12:38:00.000-04:00

Our last day at the lake, Grandma Patty and Gramp came down for some outdoor fun and were then hired as night-time babysitters so the moms and dads could check out Gun Lake's fine dining scene. We had such a fun day and soaked up the rare good weather as this was one of the few warm days we were there.

Grandma had some QT with B on the playscape while the babes napped and helped him perfect his fire-fighting rope climb and pole slide.

Obviously, Facebook does not take a vacation...

Brendan practiced rowing while the boat was docked. He then got Grandma to take him out for a ride!

Lainey showing off the latest in baby hair accessories...

A Gramp pile-on!

Brendan loved finding the seashells.

Happy (2 days before) 40th Anniversary!

Lainey loved the water and this "swimming" and chasing the small fish was her favorite thing to do.

After our week at the cottage, Lainey decided this is the only way to swing and will not go in the baby swing anymore. She swings for about 20 minutes at a time and is constantly whining to go higher and faster. She is such a daredevil! So far, only one near trip to the ER due to her flipping off the back and landing on her head!

Random Gun Lake

2011-10-01T10:53:00.000-04:00

So more than 350 pictures obviously means LOTS of Gun Lake blogging. I am trying to catch up on the blogging as I am more than a month behind, yet I find it impossible to not include everything! So here are some random shots of our fun!

The kids all loved the water spout and all 3 figured out how to turn it on.

Food Shark coming in to steal Lainey's snack

Their favorite poses - Lainey in Sumo Squat and Connor in Hero's Pose

Such a great moment - Brendan playing peek-a-boo with Connor

Lainey perfecting the musical skill - butt piano playing - on her new birthday piano

Down Dog

2011-10-01T10:37:00.000-04:00

Cousin Connor led an intensive yoga retreat during our vacation which focused mainly on his favorite "hero's pose" sitting position and his showing off "down dog"which he does on command. Brendan and Lainey perfected down dog and now love to do it all the time. Lainey even (sort of) says "down dog" while pressing her forehead into the floor/sidewalk/cushion.

Namaste.

A Memory of Great Grandpa Geary

2011-10-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

My Grandpa Geary died when I was in first grade - almost 23 years before Brendan was born - yet he was still a little part of our Gun Lake adventures. Grandpa loved to take us to feed the ducks at Notre Dame - something that is well documented in pictures and memories (even my memory). There was a group of ducks at the cottage that came around almost nightly looking for food and the kids were more than happy to oblige. Brendan loved to throw the ducks bread and hotdog buns and Lainey and Connor squealed with delight at the ducks and their quacking (Lainey also tried continually to jump into the water to pet the ducks and started even saying, "duck"). It was easy to imagine what joy this scene would have brought their Great Grandpa and it was lovely to recreate those memories 30(ish) years later.

The Beauty of the Bump

2011-09-27T20:35:00.000-04:00

Lainey has bee picking up so many new skills lately. It is amazing how much she understands and how much she imitates. She now uses the phone, hairbrush, makeup, purses, Mom's shoes, computer mouse, etc just like adults do and she wants to "play" with them all the time. Below is one of her more useful new skills - bumping down the stairs. She is so proud of this one and looks for a cheering section after each stair, each time!

The Best Big Brother/Cousin

2011-09-27T13:03:00.000-04:00

After a large amount of outdoor running, swimming, digging, etc., it was time for some downtime indoors. We planned for Brendan to have a snack and watch a DVD and have a little break. His faithful followers, Lainey and Connor, were not interested in leaving Brendan alone. Brendan took it all in stride. First he read a book to Connor. Then he shared his Pirates Booty and Clifford DVD with the babies while they both snuggled into him. He was so patient and loving the whole vacation and these pictures are just proof of what a wonderful boy Brendan is!

The Food Shark

2011-09-22T11:59:00.000-04:00

On vacation Connor earned himself the nickname - Food Shark. He was dubbed this because anytime anyone had any sort of food like substance he tried to steal it. He was sometimes sneaky (like the time he leaned out of his mom's arms and took a hunk out of Brian's banana) but was most often demanding as we all should have known he had laid claim to all food. The boy can eat! Here are some pictures of Connor (and the rest of us) at one of our lunches out on the deck at the cottage.

Lainey showing off her belly

The Shark is serious about his food...

Jet Ski

2011-09-22T09:17:00.000-04:00

One of the days of our vacation we rented a jet-ski. We went out for a family trip and toured Gun Lake. As was expected, Brendan was not a fan and Lainey (aka wild thing) loved it.

Personal Trainer

2011-09-22T09:13:00.000-04:00

Daddy's personal trainer did not let him slack off while on vacation. Brendan waited patiently (ok, sort of patiently) for Daddy to finish his run every day and then they went out together to run "sprints." After that they did pushups and sit-ups together. As you can see, Brendan also served as a 41lb weight to ensure Daddy got a really good workout!

Kissing Cousins

2011-09-21T19:54:00.000-04:00

Born exactly two months apart, Lainey and Connor are destined to always be buddies. They sealed their relationship on vacation with a kiss, and another, and another, and - you get the picture. These kisses were all open mouth on open mouth and were really very gross. Despite many attempts, no good pictures were taken of these smootches although we did manage to capture one of there hand holding while eating sessions (below).

Cousin Love

How could you not kiss this ladies man???

The closest I came to capturing a smacker. Here is some Connor love planted on Lainey's cheek.

A Fish Tale

2011-09-20T16:40:00.000-04:00

We rented a cottage on Gun Lake for a week this August with the GearSchutzes. Before we left, I picked up a Spiderman fishing pole for Brendan at Target. From the moment we arrived, Brendan was dying to go out and catch a fish. He practiced casting with the rubber fish that came with it on the end; he informed the fish while he was swimming, "you look delicious... I am going to catch you and eat you for supper;" and he begged everyone he could to please get him some worms! Finally, Sunday night after Lainey's birthday party, Brian took Brendan down to the end of the dock to catch a fish. Gun Lake is full of little fish swimming all around the dock - they come up and nibble swimmers' toes as a matter of fact. Right away Brendan/Daddy caught a fish. Then another. And another. 7 fish were caught in the short time of a three year old's attention span and a fisherman was born! Brendan preferred for Daddy to do the work and then rejoiced when they were caught. The fish were generally very small and although they were housed in the cage in the water for a bit, were set free. A few met their demise by swallowing the hooks and Brian's butchery skills were put to use filleting the tiny fish. Brendan was right there helping and Brendan himself ate every bite of those sunfish that Daddy grilled. Just as he had predicted, he announced they were, "DELCIOUS!"

Knowing she must be missing something good, Lainey made a beeline to the end of the dock.

The first fish!

Family Birthday Party for 1 Year Old Lainey - Cottage Style!

2011-09-18T21:34:00.000-04:00

Lainey's Birthday Party Number 1 8/17/11

2011-09-13T14:44:00.000-04:00

Lainey's First Birthday Cake

2011-09-13T14:13:00.000-04:00

Daddy made Lainey a beautiful yellow cake with pink buttercream frosting and buttercream and strawberry filling for her 1st birthday. And, no surprise, Lainey LOVED it! Somehow she kept herself fairly clean but had a great time smearing frosting all over Gracie and Mommy!

The Birthday Girl

2011-09-06T10:44:00.000-04:00

Grandma Patty bought a beautiful green dress from Talbot's Kids before it went out of business and just hoped that she would one day have a granddaughter to wear it. As luck would have it, it was a perfect fit for Lainey's first birthday and she was adorable in it!

Happy 1st Birthday Lainey!

2011-08-17T13:01:00.000-04:00

Elaina Ann, Lainey, Lainster, LuLu, Lainey Kenevil, Yo (Your) Baby, Eel-laina, Elephante, Pterodactyl, Lainey Blue, The Hairless Fox, Brenda Roberta, Piglet, Complainey

A years worth of names, yet really only one word can full describe Lainey - AMAZING! Happy Birthday to you Miss Amazing!

It seems like yesterday that Lainey literally punched her way into the world. We should have known then that we were in trouble! At one, Lainey is fearless, active, strong willed, quick to temper, driven, unstoppable and undeterable, sweet, cuddly, shy yet friendly, smart, funny, and of course, amazing. She is a blue-eyed, strawberry blond, pot-bellied, hell on two legs! She loves to walk, loves to explore, loves anything Brendan is doing, loves to make people laugh, loves to be kissed and hugged, loves to sit in laps and be shown books, loves anything with water, loves anything with wheels, and loves to climb.

Lainey, you are so loved and you bring us all so much joy. Seeing your smile and hearing your laugh every day feels like being in a ray of sunlight. You are stubborn and demanding and can drive me bananas yet I love every minute of being with you. I love when you snuggle close and rest your head on my shoulder or when you open your mouth and stick out your tongue to give me a Lainey kiss (yes, on the mouth)! You are fearless and it is amazing we made it to 1 year without a trip to the hospital for you. You are so loving, especially to your favorite people like Mommy, Daddy, Brendan, and Sheila. It seems impossible that a year has passed by, yet equally impossible that you were not always a part of our family. We love you Lainey and we always will! Happy 1st Birthday!!!

Lainey has lately decided to start making her own fashion decisions (yes, it is killing me!). She is insistent that items be worn on her head - the past few days have had a skirt head-dress and pig-tails made from Brendan's PJ pants (worn with Brendan's sunglasses). Enjoy!

She wore this for over an hour!

PJ Pants stolen from Brendan's drawer last night as we got ready for bed after baths. Sunglasses nabbed on the way down the stairs!

Can't Leave 'Em For A Second!

2011-08-17T12:07:00.000-04:00

I swear there are days that the kids must discuss how best to drive me crazy. On this particular day, I went upstairs to put away a load of laundry. The kids were happily playing with toys and I thought I had a minute or two. When I came back downstairs I discovered Lainey had taken the box of Rice Krispies out of the pantry and dumped a large amount onto the living room carpet. Brendan was standing over Lainey "making it rain" cereal over her! Ooof!

Dude Looks Like A Lady

2011-08-09T12:18:00.000-04:00

One of Lainey's favorite things to do is open cupboards or drawers and remove everything in them. She often toddles over to me with a pan stolen from a cupboard or a box of cereal from the pantry. When we are upstairs, Lainey goes immediately to Brendan's drawers and removes his clothes. Lately, she has been trying to put them on herself. One morning she was insistent that his shirt be put on her. She started by trying to put it on her legs and was crying in frusteration that she couldn't get it on or that it wouldn't stay on when I helped her. Finally I put it on her like a dress and she smiled from ear to ear. She wore the shirt dress all day - even to our neighbor's house - as she threw a giant tantrum when I tried to take it off of her. I think I am in trouble - not even a year and she already is telling me what she wants to wear!

That's enough pictures, paparazzi!

If I am not watching Lainey at all times there is a 95% chance this is how I will find her these days. She loves to climb up on these chairs and stand. She is quite the daredevil!

Look Ma, no hands!

Hollywood

2011-08-08T09:46:00.000-04:00

Lainey refuses to wear sunglasses outside - which is the opposite behavior of her brother who has a VERY distinct sunglasses tan line as he won't go out without them on even if it is raining. However, as Lainey loves everything that is Brendan's, she loves to put his sunglasses on when we are hanging out inside (the only time she can get her hands on them!).

Not to be outdone, Brendan put on his dad's Oakleys.

If Brendan has them, they must be cool, ergo Lainey must have them.

Magic Moves

2011-08-06T11:07:00.000-04:00

Out of the blue, Brendan told Aunt Liz, "Check out my magic moves!" He then proceeded to do some hilarious, energetic, and certainly magic dance moves. My personal favorite is when he puts one hand behind his back and gallops around the room. Brendan's favorite seems to be a sort of a spin kick. He will do his magic moves with or without music but his favorite way to perform is to Ceelo's "Forget You." Here is a pic of the dancing magician strutting his stuff!

The US Postal System

2011-08-06T11:01:00.000-04:00

As avid followers of the Chronicals know, Brendan has an intense obsession with the mail system right now. As I type this he is currently sorting "mail" at his "post office." One blisteringly hot day in GR he got the whole gang involved in his game. (Editor's note: what us adults might call game is really real life to him and his "game" goes on for hours.)

Lainey and Connor were junior postal workers. Grandma pushed them around in this double stroller and they were having so much fun with each other. They kept trying to grab and kiss each other!

Connor is trying to get Lainey

Prepping for another smooch

"Ava the Mail Walker" was hard at work! Brendan's movie that taught him all about the mail system featured Ava who walked her route. Now he assigns the character of Ava to someone for his game. Lucky Uncle Kevin!

Ava makes mail delivery look good!

Postman Brendan delivering mail.

The junior workers, assisted by a HARD working Grandma, get in on the deliveries.

Determined to get their package to the door!

Poor Grandma!

Unlike "Ava," Brendan drives a mail truck. That is his mail bin in his truck next to him.

Ava is back at the post office (which he smartly set up in the shade) sorting mail through the OCR (Optical Character Reader) Machine. Brendan's movie taught him so much about how mail works and he re-enacts in all!

What a patient Uncle Kevin!

driving

So much fun!!!

Lainey's Fairy Godmother

2011-08-05T09:49:00.002-04:00

KD Kids Take Over the Zoo

2011-07-31T11:58:00.000-04:00

We met up with some other Kappa Delta stay-at-home Moms and their kids at the zoo and had so much fun! Brendan loved having so many playmates and Lainey loved all the kids and all the sites.

Brendan telling Lainey all about the ducks in the fountain.

Laura and Keoki

My "summer husband," Paul (Laura's real husband). Both kids adore him, especially Brendan. We think B has a bit of a man crush on Paul. Paul always jumps right into every situation and is the perfect playmate for all kids.

Love machine Brendan! Abbey, Brendan, and Harper on the tiger.

Look at B's face - "oh yeah, I am a ladies' man..."

Vampira was up for 4 hours in the middle of the night the night before and was very tired so was actually OK with riding in the stroller for once (turned out to be a tooth but this behavior is unfortunatly not unheard of, hence the nickname).

Lainey found romance at the zoo just like her brother! 18 month old, Weston, (my friend Kim's son) gave Lainey lots of hugs!

It looks like true love!

Here she comes! Lainey attack!

Love Through the Years

2011-07-31T10:35:00.000-04:00

Remember these shots of Brendan and his love, Abbey, at the zoo 2 years ago? Two adorable year-and-a-half olds reaching out to hold hands and walk together on still not totally sturdy legs...

Fast forward 2 years and now we have two 3-and-a-half year olds who still constantly reach out for the other's hand and look to each other for friendship, security, fun, and laughter.

As they ran off together to see the animals I heard Abbey say, "Let's hold hands, Brendan."

The best of friends!

Ladybug Firefighter

2011-07-30T19:34:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a firefighter has to be creative coming up with a fire hat and nothing says fireman like Lainey's ladybug swim hat!

Brendan Says the Darndest Things

2011-07-30T10:52:00.000-04:00

Lately I find myself laughing all the time at the things Brendan says. Here are some examples for the history books!

Daddy: Brendan, why is there milk all over the table?

Brendan: Because I opened my mouth and let the milk out.

Daddy: Why did you do that?

Brendan: Because there was too much milk in it. (Like duh right?)

(Mommy then put her head under the table to hide the uncontrollable laughter)

Said out of the blue to Mommy: Mommy, you are a woman.

After getting yelled at to stop procrastinating at bedtime: Mommy, why you speaking like THAT?

After getting yelled at by Daddy: Daddy, why you speaking like Mommy?

When he was mad at me for something recently:

Brendan: You are a bad Robert!

Mommy: What? What's a bad Robert?

Brendan: Like you always call me when I am bad - Bad Robert.

(Note: I call him his full name - Brendan Robert!)

Uncle Paul, I am going to be a grown-up any day now.

I am going to be a garbage man when I grow up... I want to be the guy that rides on the back... will only work on Wednesdays because that is garbage day... I am going to be a grown-up when I am 4 so I can be a garbage man then.

Brendan: Mommy, I am having another leg cramp.

Mommy: I think you might need to drink some more B, it's really hot out and your leg may be telling you it needs more water.

Brendan: Mommy, my knee is NOT telling me that.

Mommy: How do you know?

Brendan: Because knees don't have mouths.

Here are some pictures of Brendan, the mailman. He is obsessed with the US Postal System right now. He has watched movies, read books, and spoken to our mailman. He even has a post office set up in our garage with an OCR (Zip Code Reader), sorting bins for local and out of town mail, and areas for letters and packages. He is so into it and so funny! Mailman literally takes up about 5 hours of every day right now - hard to complain though as it is a HUGE improvement over garbage man!

Saturday in the Sun

2011-07-24T20:18:00.000-04:00

Around here, Saturdays are known as "Sheia Day." (That is Sheila for those who don't speak Brendan). Here are some pictures from a perfect Sheia day - pool, picnic, and Sheia (and of course donuts - not pictured).

Night-Night

2011-07-24T20:00:00.000-04:00

The cutest thing happened at bedtime tonight. After baths I took Lainey into her room to get PJs on while Brian finished up the bath with Brendan and got him dried off. Then the usual "snuggle buggle" ensued - i.e. Lainey threw herself on top of Brendan while I tried to get his PJs on snuggling him and attempting to open mouth kiss him (Brendan draws the line at slobber). When both were ready for bed, Brian scooped up Brendan to take him downstairs for his show and I picked up Lainey to take her to her room for bed. Lainey waved "night-night" to Brendan first and then threw her head onto his chest for a hug. She then did the same thing to Brian, and then a second wave a hug for each of the men in her life. It was so cute and touching and amazing to see this communication from Lainey! And then as I nursed her in the chair she kept looking up at me and waving so I got a night-night too!

Vampire Baby

2011-07-22T20:48:00.000-04:00

Lainey has given us some pretty rough nights lately - staying up for 2-4 hours in the middle of the night, sometimes crying, sometimes chatting and blowing raspberries, sometimes staring wide eyed at whatever adult gave in and attempted to put her back to sleep. We have no explanation for this behavior - teething? too long of naps? upset tummy? reflux? just a bad sleeper? My own personal thought has been that perhaps she is a vampire as she has been a great napper lately but not a good night time sleeper. Vampires are in vogue right now with "True Blood" on TV and the "Twilight" movies on the big screen. Maybe she is just following a trend?

Whatever it is, it is lucky she is cute because otherwise she would be learning the tightrope right now as I would have sold her to the circus for peanuts on Wed morning!

Lainey has gone to bed with me and only me except for maybe 5 or 6 times in her life. She likes her routine which includes nursing and refuses to take a bottle as a substitute. So I am pretty much the only person that ever gets to enjoy the quiet moment when she falls asleep in my ams or just cuddles in with her head on my chest tucked under my chin. I took some pictures after I put her down for her morning nap one day so at least others can enjoy the extreme cuteness that is a happily sleeping baby!

Bathed, dressed, and ready for bed