Too Cute

Meghan and I made brownies together. There is no doubt, she takes after her mom and dad. We also love all things dough/batter.
I told her she could have the drips from the beater. While I was putting the brownies int he oven, she found the source of all drips.

(Whenever I see a picture of our fridge, I think we should de-clutter a bit, but see the all important take-out menus, coupon for a free haircut, receipt of some sort, fingerprint rainbow, and numbers and alphabet magnets? What would I do with a clean fridge?)




THE BEATER!

(Yes, in hindsight I see that her hair should have been pulled back, but at least she washed her hands, right?)

Really I can stop wondering why I am not losing weight despite walking a lot. The brownies complement the 2 1/2 gallons of vanilla ice cream that we've had since Easter! That is a lot of ice cream!





Earlier this week Evan was taking a break from his bottle, so I put him on the floor.

While I was in the kitchen, Meghan decided to be a good big sister and feed him his bottle!! I couldn't believe that

1. She did this.
2. Evan accepted the bottle.
3. I had time to take a picture!!

We were hanging out in Meghan's room right after Evan ate for a reason that I can't remember. I didn't want him spitting up on her carpet, but I needed to put him down. Close by was a laundry basket. He seemed to like it. I thought it was a cute idea, so I went for the camera hoping to get a picture of both children, especially because they were both wearing their Penn State outfits. (I know you can't tell, but I know, and that's what matters, right?) See the empty space next to Evan? That's where Meghan refused to sit because Evan was in the basket. (See why I'm a bit surprised that she fed him?)

Picnic!

Meghan has been enjoying pretend play, including picnics recently. Her first was with her SLP when they used a book and Meghan said, "Me more cake," her first three word sentence. (They only happen now with much prompting, and not often.)

We have enjoyed some picnics without her speech therapist, too. We used our play pots and pans, plastic cups, and real bowls or plates, depending on Meghan's mood, and our colored pasta.


Meghan actually let Evan touch "her" toys!

I want to tell you about another picnic that will be exciting. It's at a site I really appreciate called ABC and 123. It's a learning cooperative meaning the Katies do lots of work for the blog, but with readers help! They have all sorts of great ideas for preschoolers and school-aged children. At the Summer Picnic there will be weekly giveaways, and just lots of great stuff.


For those new visitors coming from ABC and 123, I'll share a bit about us.

We spend a lot of time with purposeful play to incorporate speech because Meghan has a speech disorder called apraxia. It's not outgrown, but she is certainly overcoming it. (The word list in the sidebar is frequently updated.)

I include some of our crafts and learning tools on our blog. Meghan loves to paint and glue. Since I am just starting to get into sewing a bit, I have posted a few projects including a purse, easy apron, and some finger puppets. I enjoy sharing about life in general, even if it isn't exciting. I've added "popular posts" to the sidebar if you are interested to see some good stuff in a glance.

Isn't he cute?

Fingerprint Rainbow

We made this fingerprint rainbow with some of our new paints. I am fairly sure I saw this at Lucky Me, but I didn't have it bookmarked, so I am not certain. Lucky Me's site has lots of great craft ideas for preschoolers and school-aged kids.


First we made the rainbow, using ROY G. BIV to remember the order of the colors. We started with the inside since I wasn't sure how large it would be. Meghan's patience was tried with this rainbow since I had to guide her hand, but after she saw it would be a rainbow she got excited about it. (Telling her was not enough.)

After the rainbow was dry a day or two later, I cut it out, as well as a yellow sun. We gathered some cotton balls and stretched them to make clouds. Then we glued it all down.

Meghan was really proud of this once it was completed. She took it to show her daddy saying, "rainbow." Meghan's "rainbow" sounds a lot like her "read book." As I've said, context clues are often needed to know what Meghan is saying! I think it was about a month ago she started calling rainbows their name instead of just "bows."

Insomnia Productivity

Last night I couldn't sleep. This is not abnormal for me. Usually when it's really bad, I just get on the computer and lose myself in the internet for a couple of hours and then return to bed around midnight in the hopes of falling asleep.

In our spare bedroom we have a bed, elliptical machine, giant desk (handmade by my great uncle), bookcase, and the little sewing nook I created. It's pretty jam-packed.

I learned that as cheap as using my old end table for a sewing table was, it was extremely uncomfortable because my legs couldn't go under the table. I wanted to create a better space for sewing, and ideally some paper crafting, too. With our giant desk, I thought if it was used properly it would fulfill both purposes.

So I got to work cleaning the desk. I reorganized the printer, tower, and two monitors. (It sounds ridiculous, but having a second monitor is actually quite handy, especially for Derek when he is doing his school work.) We were recently given a second flat screen hand-me-down monitor, so they don't take up huge amounts of room. By the time I had the desk cleared off and dusted nearly an hour had gone by. I like the outcome though! I moved the sewing machine close to the desk so it is nice and handy when needed. It took about an hour.

If you have slept in it you know how awful the desk was. The desk was fully covered with STUFF. We got a laptop shortly after Evan was born. And, well, um, I never took the time to clean off the mess that accumulated despite the fact that we have had many family members spend the night since then. I didn't take a before picture, but as you can see, most of the STUFF was moved from the desk to the bed. Instead of putting it away today, I'm blogging. I should probably rethink those priorities, huh? The garden also needs to be weeded. Shucks.


Yes, this is the clean desk and bed stuffed with stuff!

A little story: This desk is actually so large that the feet of the desk have been sawed off to make it fit into this room. Seriously. The day we moved into this house, I heard an electric saw. I ran upstairs to see what was happening. I was shocked that this was in our bedroom and many large men were standing around it while the legs were being sawed off. I had a little freak out even though I knew it might happen (and had even suggested it to Derek a long, long time ago.) Under our bed where the vacuum cannot reach is sawdust from this desk. Nice, huh? But there is no moving our king size bed to vacuum it...at least not for many years.

Here is another problem. The side of the desk has a built in bookcase. I love the idea (and should since I asked for the bookcase to be there), but it is also a catch-all for more STUFF.

Before we have company again (possibly in June, right Aunt Amy?) I will need to properly clean the bed. Hopefully it will be done sooner than later.

Weekend Water Fun

Saturday we took brought out our awesome hand-me-down pool from the basement. It's large enough that an adult can sit in it comfortably.

Despite what the pictures show, Meghan spent tons of time in the pool splashing and loving the water. She is also very adventurous though. Here she is standing on a little ledge/seat. Above I'm not sure what she's doing!

The water shoes are needed because of our pricker-filled yard. They make the slide not so fun though.

We were excited to see how Evan would enjoy the pool since he likes the bathtub. He can sit up independently, but still did a face dive...twice and in a short amount of time. Once was even when I was holding his waist, so I decided to take advantage of his swim-shirt and helped him sit up by holding his collar. Yep, I'm a bad mom.

Overall, Evan seemed unimpressed with the pool. He didn't seem to enjoy it, so we'll wait a while before having him in again.

During the second pool visit, we found a patch of grass close to the pool without prickers. Evan didn't mind the grass.

I thought this picture of Evan was pretty telling...he wants to be active and involved, even if it's not in the pool.

Sunday we had family visiting. Derek's mom and grandpa made a quick overnight trip. We relaxed together.

(Yes, the pool is filled with grass from Meghan getting in and out so much.)

Monday evening Meghan chose washing cars over swimming in the pool. She helped Daddy for quite a while.

Really Meghan spent most of the time dipping her cloth and wringing it out though.

Yummy!

Meghan had a feast! This was the end result.

Strawberries are in season and delicious! Meghan hadn't had any since last summer, but she knew exactly what they were when she saw them.

Today we improvised strawberry shortcake. I made Crisco biscuits. We used vanilla ice cream since we didn't have any Cool Whip or heavy cream to make whipped cream. It was really good, despite my baking powder being expired which produced hockey puck biscuits. (And of course we had company!)

A Size Comparison and Counting

So here is a picture of the two from mid November. Evan was a month old. He was still curled up most of the time, it seemed. Somehow Meghan sat still for a picture.

Below is a picture of them this week. I barely was able to capture them side by side. Evan quickly rolled over and turned at the same time. The backside of Meghan was all she was willing to show. I know the pictures aren't great for comparing, but you can still see how big Evan has grown. Meghan is getting to be taller, too, though I'm sure she'll always be short.

You might remember how special it was when Meghan first called me Mommy. Well, I am sad to say I have become Mom. No more Mommy...or at least not as often. The good news is she is using Mom to address me. Most often it's in the form of "Mom, help." If she were to say, "Mommy, help" that would be like a three word sentence in the speech world because it is three syllables.

Some things are frustrating, even in the midst of progress. For example earlier this week we were finishing up breakfast. Meghan said what sounded like, "red dog." So I asked her if she wanted to read Clifford, The Big Red Dog books. It was a good guess. She really likes the Clifford books we get from the library. But I was WAY off. It took us a long time to figure it out.

Meghan wanted to use Play-Doh. She can say play. She can say dough. But now that she is trying to put more and more word combinations together, they sometimes get fuzzy. We work on it and work on it, and we are making progress.

FYI: Meghan's two most spoken sentences are "Read book." and "Mom, help/Help, Mom." I love that Meghan has a passion for books already.

Many parents may not understand why this would be "post-worthy" material, but with apraxia this is: Meghan can count! She will count 1,2,3 without help. She tries to count to ten, but doesn't quite have all the numbers yet. Her counting is slow. Some numbers are harder to understand than others, but she is doing it! It thrills me!

Cows!

The cow came back again and brought a friend. I think based on their slightly small size and udder size they are heifers (cows that haven't had a calf yet).

I'm actually quite glad that they were out of their pasture because it gave me the opportunity to meet another neighbor. The heifers belong to an Amish family that lives very close. I stopped by to let them know about the cows, not knowing how my visit would be liked. Not only was I invited to sit down, I got to hold the baby that was born on Monday! (I met four children total; the oldest is seven! That is is a busy house with six children!) We had a very nice visit, and I hope to do it again with the children sometime soon.

A New View

Recently I shared how we get to watch the Amish work the fields behind our house.

This week our view changed a bit. Our township requires the developer to install a fence around the perimeter of developments that back to farmland. (A boy was kicked by a donkey.) Thankfully our new fence fits in with the setting. Unfortunately there is no gate to get to the other side, but it's on the property line so it doesn't matter.

Funny how God's timing is. Yesterday the wires were installed. Last night when we arrived home around 7 PM a cow had gotten out of the fenced path up that is by the tree line. It was at our fence. Derek quickly went for the camera, but it was already gone. Today it visited again, but only briefly. If you have ever lived on or near a farm you know that cows often escape their pastures. If we see it again I will stop by the farm to let them know. It looked like she was dry (not giving milk) so she might not be missed too soon.

So the fence has already worked to keep the animals and people safe!

Isn't this one straight row of fence posts? They only eyeball it!

Sunglasses

We made it to the doctor (and kept our therapy appointments, too). Meghan's eye looked pretty much normal by the time we arrived at the doctor's office. (Of course!) We have a prescription in case it gets worse, but for now it is not infected! :)

We were getting ready to go for an evening walk in our double stroller. Evan was a bit focused on removing his sunglasses.

You might think it's strange that Meghan is also wearing the shoulder harnesses. She sometimes removes the shoulder straps herself, but she doesn't like it when they are not fastened. When she knows how something is supposed to be, she doesn't like it done differently.












Meghan really likes wearing sunglasses, which is no surprise. Usually they are upside down though! They have made our long car rides (most places we go) much better for her.

Notice her finger in her mouth. I think she must be getting some more teeth, but I can't feel anything. She constantly has her fingers in her mouth these days.

We also colored with markers today. They may be washable, but it doesn't come off quickly.

The flash washed Evan out a bit, but he was just happy to have the sunglasses off. He doesn't know how cute he looks in them.

Potty Training...(Not What You Think)

COMMENT HELP: Several people have told me they want to comment, but can't. Shouldn't a person, even without a blog, be able to comment as long as my settings are set correctly? Can you help me?

I have been slacking with the picture taking and blogging recently. So this morning I quickly grabbed the camera when Meghan did this.

Meghan took a stuffed cat to the bathroom and proceeded to go through the steps of "going potty."

Here the kitty is going.







Kitty is scrubbing its hands. (Meghan struggled with only pretending to use soap and water.)

I think this is a great way for Meghan to show what she knows. The best way to learn something is to teach, you know!









The kitty is on Meghan's head. The lesson is over.

(No Meghan isn't tall. We use a step ladder/stool to help her be more independent. A typical stool doesn't help her at all. This one has two rungs and always stays up in the first floor's bathroom.)

This picture didn't turn out, but if you look closely you can see that Meghan's right eye seems infected. We're waiting on the call from the doctor. I am hoping we don't have to cancel the teacher AND occupational therapist appointments today. (They are coming late this morning for a combination session.)

The kitty is from a library "learning resource kit" (a book and stuffed animals/puppets). When I first saw it, I thought it seemed familiar. It has "PP" on its butt. Do you know what that means? I thought it meant Pound Puppy, but the cats are Pound Purries! (Thanks Laura!) That is a trip down memory lane. I had a brown Pound Puppy.

A Different Drummer

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
~Henry David Thoreau, Walden, Conclusion, 1854

Sophie's children have many health concerns. She shared this quote, and now I share it with you.

Hung Up

We finally hung a few (okay, just two) more things up on our stark white walls. This was one of them. (Boy we look young, and our wedding day was June 28, 2003...not that long ago.) It hangs in what the floor plan calls the living room, but we call it the toy room. I'm sure you can figure out why. I'm excited to finally have this one up.

This is a watercolor painting that my sister, Amy painted. It was our wedding gift from her! Aren't we blessed to have such talent in the family?

Amy and I went to the same college, Kutztown University, and I even took a watercolor class from one of the professors (Matthew Daub) that had great influence on her. I never made it past Intro to Watercolor, though I didn't try since I took it right before student teaching. And Amy is, in a word, an artist, even if it isn't her primary source of income.

She has a website too. Some of the paintings are quite "dark." The teeth in this painting were the first teeth she'd ever painted (not many smiles before). Recently she has been inspired to create in new ways, including landscapes.

I just found out that she's heading to California next week. Why? Because she wants to paint a desert!

Always Learning

Meghan climbed into Evan's exersaucer this morning. That is no surprise. Within a minute Derek gasped. A fountain was flowing from the seat. I ran upstairs to get towels and such. Once Meghan was out and taking a bath, I was trying to remove the seat, but wasn't too concerned about the puddle since it was contained in the blue bottom part.

THEN I noticed three little drain holes. Who knew? It wasn't contained after all. Thankfully the puddle was draining on the protective blanket we put down for Evan and not on the carpet.

In reality, the exersaucer needed a solid cleaning all over. Evan has been using it for a couple of months, and in that time the crevices have gotten grossly dusty. It is now appropriately clean for a baby to use.

Though we have fewer accidents than a couple months ago, they do still happen. Sometimes we go for several days without an accident (thanks to dirty diapers at nap time instead of dirty underwear during the day). Our record has been seven, if our poster count was correct.

So yes, it seems that I am always learning something new. Now I know to look for drain holes!

This picture is from a couple months ago, but you get the idea.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear Activities

1+1+1=1 is a great resource for me (and you if you have young children). I already showed our Veggie Tale tot book. This is the same idea, but I didn't put this one in a folder/book.



We began by reading the great book Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See. Meghan is now able to fill in a lot of the words in the book such as the animal names and the words "see" and "me." It's a great book for us to read together.











Here you see Meghan matching heads and tails of animals from the book. She really got into this activity.









Meghan didn't enjoy the numbers so much, but I wasn't surprised. She did it, but just wasn't very interested.

Meghan enjoyed reading the special little book, too. In addition, there is a book for her to color and other activities, too!

Check out the Brown Bear activities and other tot-books here. They are worth it! Since they were just printed on paper, I used my little laminator to make these durable.

My Backyard

There is a strong Amish community here in our little town. The Amish are not new to me. In Bradford County (PA) where I grew up there are many Amish families and communities, but they are much more prevalent here, especially when they work the fields behind our home and across the road.

This shows our backyard and some fields behind our home. They use this path to drive to other fields.







This particular farmer does use diesel equipment to assist with farming, including the hay baler. Recently when I stopped at an Amish farm to buy eggs, I learned that farm uses diesel for the milking equipment.

I absolutely enjoy where we live every day...well, maybe not when the wind is ripping shingles and siding off our neighbors' homes, but our house, location, and land are quite the blessing to us.




We have sat on our back steps to watch them work the fields on many occasions. We don't do this just because they are Amish (but the horses are beautiful to watch). We would be watching any farmer work the fields.

I really enjoy books by Beverly Lewis. She writes about the Amish in a very real way. Recently I tried another "Amish author," but they just didn't seem quite as knowledgeable.

Just a note: My understanding is that the Amish people do not like their images photographed. I hope that I am not disrespecting them by taking these. From what I've read, it seems that as long as their faces are not shown, it is acceptable.

Coffee and Cake

Our little coffee maker was out since we had company over the weekend. Neither Derek nor I drink coffee. (I made it through college without it, and I am not about to start such a habit now! ) We do keep coffee in the freezer for our overnight company (mostly Donna) who require a cup in the morning.


Upon seeing the coffee maker on the table on Monday after the company left, Meghan promptly said, "Donna." She is quite observant and knows who uses what! I explained to her that Donna uses it, but it is ours.

Meghan played with it for two days...until I finally took it to the basement where we store it.

Meghan enjoyed playing with all the different parts. A better mommy probably would have encouraged a

"coffee" party, but she had fun with it as it was, and I didn't think of it until it was already put away.

Before you freak out because of the glass, know that it is very lightweight. (Not that lightweight means unbreakable.) It was the perfect size for her little hands.

Meghan and her SLP were using this book to pretend to have a picnic. (The story ended with a picnic.) Meghan said, "Me more cake." She made a three word sentence all by herself! Ashley (the therapist) told me that Meghan really thought about each word. She pointed to herself (me), signed more, and then pointed to the cake as she was saying each word!

Just a side note: We have three of these Winnie the Pooh "Oh Bother" books and Meghan just loves them! They were the first long books that she would sit for.