Haleyisims

This week we tried to take advantage of daylight savings by going to the park after dinner. In case we forget where it is, Haley kindly reminds us which way to go to get there. She likes to swing really high and wants Jackson on the swing next to her.



Apparently I don't make her go high enough so she always asks for Daddy to push her higher


Jackson doesn't go as high but I think he is fine with it. He loves his swing at home so why should the park swing be any different? Hey there....this is fun!


After so much fun at the park the kids crash pretty hard. I've been pretty late to work lately and it's easy to see why. This is the scene in the morning about 5 minutes before we should be leaving. Jackson managed to get his clothes on before falling back asleep and all Haley did was turn around in the bed. It always looks like a bomb went off in our house in the mornings :)

Haley has been asking for some crazy dinners lately. Usually M&Ms and Popsicles. The other day she wanted it for breakfast too. The mean parents we are don't let her get her way always so she just has to settle for Popsicles for dessert. Say Cheese...

Jackson tried out a new toy this week, the jumper! Haley LOVED this toy and Jackson does too. Can you tell by the smile on his face?

And the person that lights up Jackson's face the most is his big sister Haley. Anytime she comes around he has a huge smile on his face. She loves him too. She's trying to teach him about the piano on his toy and it's hard to tell but Jackson is smiling away.

Boy I love this toy!!!

Everyday Haley makes us laugh so hard. Here are a few of the Haleyisims from the past few weeks:

Episode 1

While at Little Gym Haley tells me she has to go potty. Yes!! So we rush to the potty and when we come back in a little girl was put in "time out" by her mom and was crying. Haley was trying to figure out what was going on and told her, "Shut it!". Whew, good thing the little girl or her mom didn't hear. Hmmm, wonder where she got that from, daddy?? Oops.

Episode 2

We had gone to the store to get Haley's big girl mattress and Jackson a high chair. When we pulled into the driveway Matt said to me, "We forgot to get garage door opener". Haley replied back, "Oh damn it!" I asked her what she said and she repeated it. We quickly changed the subject. I guess the positive is she used it in the proper context?!?

Episode 3

Jackson was playing on the floor minding his own business and Haley comes over after her bath. She gives him a little kick and I told her that isn't nice and don't do it again. Well she did so I told her to tell him "I'm sorry." She refused and instead asked, "Can I just go to bed". The answer was no and after standing in the corner she finally told her brother "I'm sorry". It was pretty funny. She's learned how to beat the system already, oh boy!

Episode 4

We have fun names for both kids. I usually call Haley, Haley Bailey and Jackson either Buddy or Jacky Wacky. Everytime I tell Jackson, "Hey buddy," Haley always says, "His name's not Buddy, It's Jackson." Makes us laugh.

And finally...

Today I was changing her diaper and she kept saying, "Matt." I asked her, "who is Matt?" She responded, Daddy. I then asked, "what's my name?" Her answer, "Rose". I LOVE HER!! She thinks I'm Sleeping Beauty and I'm a princess:)

While our days are very long and sometimes hectic, we are having a blast. We're so blessed to have these two awesome kids!

Doctor, doctor, doctor...again?

I think I had a post like this the other month but yet again we have had a couple of weeks full of doctor appointments. First up was Ms. Haley. Haley was born with a small flesh colored birthmark on her face that we have had looked at before by a dermatologist. He had said it was not a big deal but her pediatrician wanted us to get it checked out by a specialist just in case it should be dealt with now instead of waiting until she is older. So after a two month wait for our appointment, last week she saw a pediatric dermatologist at Texas Childrens down in the medical center. Being down there makes you realize how lucky you are to have healthy children. I just kept thinking of The Kirkham's and what miracle work is done at that hospital. My mom was going to watch Jackson but it turned out she got sick so I had to take both kids. Luckily they were really good. As for Haley, after a hour and a half wait, we finally saw the dermatologist who is also the head of the department. She was really nice and confirmed the diagnosis the previous dr. gave us. Haley has a very small Nevus Sebaceous on her cheek. She recommended that IF we wanted to take it off one day, definitely have a plastic surgeon do it and no matter what there would likely be a small scar. She also confirmed there is no rush to take it off and it will likely just grow with her so we don't have to worry about it growing huge overnight. Now I'm not so sure we will get it taken off? I guess when Haley gets older we will let her make that decision. No follow up needed! One doctor down.

On Monday it was Jackson's turn. He had his 4 month checkup. Wow, I can't believe my little man is 4 months. He is hitting all his milestones and is doing great. He is growing like a weed and is charting perfectly. Turns out Jackson has a lot of ear wax, so much so the doctor had to use a special tool to get it all out but Jackson didn't flinch :) Despite the excessive ear wax his ears look perfect, whew. He was having a bout with "the runs" so we skipped one vaccine but we'll catch up next time. The dr. said unfortunately a stomach bug is going around and it just has to run its course. Luckily he is already over it after passing it on to Haley. He also gets to start solids! I love this stage watching the kids try different foods and really seeing their personality come out. Guess it's time to get the little guy a high chair.

Here are Jackson's 4 month stats:
Weight: 13 lbs 13.3 ozs 25-50%
Height: 24 1/8 inches 10-25%
Head: 16 1/2 inches 25-50%

And since I took both my kids to the doctor, I decided it was my turn. Well, not really but my body decided for me. I ended up staying home from work with the flu on Friday. As I was laying in bed waiting for my mom to come get the kids, Haley asked what was wrong. I told her mommy is sick and doesn't feel well. Haley then proceeded to go into the bathroom and bring me a big band aid. How sweet :) I told her thank you for taking care of mama. Oh how I wish that would have worked. I started to feel better over the weekend and then WHAM, the pollen came and knocked me out for the rest of the week. I ended up going to the doctor and was diagnosed with a sinus infection and double ear infection. No fun. Finally after over a week of being sick I'm feeling better. As Matt so kindly reminded me a few times this week, "you are a mother of 2, you can't be sick."

Finally, this week Grandma and Grandpa Vara and Uncle Michael came to visit. I have enjoyed the extra help since I haven't been 100% and I know the kids have enjoyed playing with grandma and grandpa. Hopefully the weather clears up on Sunday so we can do something fun!!

Here's a few pictures from these past two weeks.

Daddy classically eating a juicy steak and feeding Jackson at the same time.

Cowgirl Haley with her new cowboy hat Matt and I got her from the Rodeo.

Haley feeding Jackson

Jackson decided Haley was too slow and his bib tasted better

Jackson laughing.

Settling in

We are finally starting to settle into our new place. I'm already tired of looking at boxes but luckily we only have a few more to go. Jackson's room is almost done and is looking cute in the firetruck theme. Just need a few things on the wall. We started putting him in his crib this weekend and he has done pretty good. He slept through the night twice but woke up at 2am last night for a feeding. I think he knows it is a work night? I keep telling myself he is waking up to tell me how much he loves me. Luckily he goes right back to sleep once he has some formula. I was looking through Haley's baby book and she was sleeping from 8:30 - 6:30 at two months and never reverted back. I keep telling myself one day Jackson too will sleep consistently through the night. He just wants to keep his track record of keeping us on our toes. I would expect nothing less from our little guy :)
Jackson hanging out in his crib


Haley's big girl bed comes in this Friday. Grandma Vara already bought her princess bedding and I can't wait to get her room in order. Along with that I hope she starts sleeping in her own bed again. The move has been tough on her so I'm sure the transition will take a little while. I'm prepared! We are also going to start potty training. Yesterday she was wearing a dress and took off her diaper two times and said she was wet. She knows what to do on the potty, she just doesn't want to do it. We've tried the sticker reward but that was a bust. She loves M&Ms so we're going to try that reward next. Two kids in diapers is too much. Looking forward to a pay raise if we get her potty trained :) Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Friday night we went over to a friend's house for a get together. It was so much fun hanging out with other couples and actually having a family social life. Haley loved playing with the other kids, so much so she cried when we had to leave. I felt so bad but it was already 10:30 and I figured we better get her to bed soon. She didn't even make it out of the subdivision before crashing in the car. Jackson was worn out too. He didn't wake until 6:30 the next morning.

And finally, I leave you with a funny Haley story. I've put all her cups, spoons and plates in a bottom drawer because she likes to pick them out each day. Well yesterday she took out several spoons and began counting. She counted to 5 in Spanish perfectly! Matt and I looked at each other amazed and puzzled because we had never heard her even try to count in Spanish. Then she changed over to English and counted again, 1, 16, 13, 9. Seems like Dora is great at teaching Spanish but her English needs some work. Maybe Seasame Street every once in awhile?? Silly girl. She makes us laugh so much everyday. We are so blessed to have two great kids.

Jackson checking out the bumbo chair (or bimbo chair as Matt calls it). We're still trying to decide who he looks like? One day when we get our scanner hooked up we'll upload both our baby pictures.


Haley watching Sleeping Beauty. No doubt who she looks like. I think the only thing she got from me is her hair color :)

Sibling love and Jackson giving his best deer in the headlights look. He does that a lot in pictures.

Hopefully as we get into our routine I'll keep the blog up to date more. Hey, I can hope. Have a great week!

A new look, BRRRRR, and Yee Ha!

This week has been very exciting for us. First, we got the keys to our new house! Haley calls it her purple house, partly because of the street name and partly because she wants a purple room. The first thing Haley wanted to do when we got to the house was go swing. There is a toddler swing we asked the previous owners to leave and Haley went straight to it. We plan on putting a play set in the backyard so her and Jackson can both have swings sometime this summer but for now the lone swing will have to do. Luckily the previous owners remodeled the house so Matt and I can spend our weekends with the kids instead of working on the house. We do have plans for the kids rooms though. Haley's room is yellow right now and she wants a pink and purple "princess" room. We ordered her big girl bed last weekend and it should be delivered in a few weeks. During that time we'll be unpacking boxes and painting her room purple. Her last room was also purple because that is my favorite color. I remember Matt painting it the day we found out we were having a little girl. I'm excited she wants a purple room again!!! Jackson's room will be decked out in firemen stuff, imagine that :) We have the bedding but I need to find some accessories. We are officially moving on Saturday. I know it will be a very long weekend but we're thrilled.
This week was also a big week for Jackson. He finally beat his sister to a milestone, a haircut. Haley is two and a half and yet to have one. I had mentioned before that Jackson was losing hair and it was getting worse. He still has a case of cradle cap and it is causing his skin to peel on his head. The lotion the dr. recommended is helping but the damage was done. Poor Jackson had a soul patch above each ear and a strip of hair at the base of his skull and that was it. It was very goofy looking so off with the hair! I was a little shocked at first but after I got used to it I do agree he looks better. You can really see his birthmark at the base of his skull now. He has a port stain of sorts under his hairline and when he gets mad it turns bright red. Good thing it will be hidden once his hair grows back. It was pretty rough right after Matt shaved it but now it is already starting to grow back some and feels nice and fuzzy.

One Saturday morning laughing with mommy when he had hair...

Daddy starting to shave it. Jackson is not sure quite what is happening.

Hmmm, this isn't so bad. At least I can suck on Daddy's arm in this position

Wouldn't you know this crazy Texas weather would change as soon as Jackson is bald. As everyone has heard by now, we had snow on Tuesday. I was born and raised here in Houston and I honestly think my two kids have seen snow more times in Houston in their short lives then I ever remember seeing in my 30 years growing up here. It started snowing at Grandma's house early in the afternoon and continued until I got home from work. Haley went outside with Grandma to try to catch snowflakes on her tongue but thought it was too cold so she didn't last long outside. Pretty funny from a little girl who had a blast in the snow in Canada. And during the Olympics every day she points and says how she was there.

The snow stuck to the Altima as it sat in the driveway. (BTW, anyone looking for an Altima? We are getting ready to sell this car).

Grandma's house during the snow (and that minivan is my mom's, not mine!)

After the exciting snow on Tuesday, Haley had a big day at school on Wednesday. It was Cowboy Cookout day. They had lunch provided and sang campfire songs with a cowboy. It's to celebrate the start of the Rodeo and Go Texan Day, which is usually celebrated on Friday but she doesn't go to school on Friday's. Haley said she had a good time. Her cowgirl dress and hat don't fit anymore by her boots still do. Grandma got these boots for her first Christmas and they still fit! They were big at that time but Haley has small feet too (size 5). I'm pretty sure she has almost outgrown them though as her feet are starting to look bigger.

Cowgirl Haley at 2.5 years old

Cowgirl Haley at 7 months

Have a great week!

A Great Wolf Adventure & 4 Years Already?

Catching up on a few weeks activities. A couple of weeks ago we went up to Grapevine to celebrate my Aunt Jan's 70th birthday. My cousin arranged for a stay at The Great Wolf Lodge. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone with kids. I do have to say Haley was a little bit young to enjoy it to the fullest extent but she still had a blast. Everything is geared towards kids with an indoor water park, quest games and arcades. I felt like we were at a Disney Hotel. Haley had a great time playing with Sarah and Abby (or Babby as she calls her) and we had fun hanging out with the extended family. Jackson even got his first adventure in the water other then a bath!

Haley enjoying the toddler pool

Daddy took Haley and Jackson for a ride in the wave pool. They stayed in the shallow end for sure!

Jackson checking out the water. He looks so big trying to stand.

After a fun day of swimming we ate at the hotel. Haley is showing off her wand to Abby. You could point your wand at the bar and the lights would start dancing. It was cool.

And here is the lucky birthday girl. Happy 70th Aunt Jan.

After dinner we got together for a group picture that we had framed for my aunt. My mom and her sister posed for a picture with all their grandkids minus my nephew Matthew who lives in California.

Somehow Haley still had enough energy to go to the arcade. She likes to drive the bus with Jackson as her passenger.

The following morning we had a good breakfast and watched the storybook show in the lobby.

Every floor of the hotel had pictures and pieces of "treasure" that you would have to find to collect points for your ruins (not sure if I am explaining this correctly). It was a little over Haley's head but she had a good time pointing her wand at things and making it light up like the crystal below.

We wished we were able to stay longer but it just didn't work out with it being my first week back to work. Thanks Cousin Julie for putting the weekend together. We had a blast!

I'm already amazed at how big Jackson is getting. He has really started to put on the weight. The other day Buster decided he wanted to cuddle with Jackson. Buster is so good with Haley and Jackson. I'm pretty sure Jackson is going for a handful of hair so this cuddle session didn't last long.

On the hair front, he has really started to loose a lot. He had a pretty bad case of cradle cap that caused most of his top hair to fall out leaving him with a couple of patches on the sides and a little in the back. He looks like an old man trying hard to hang on to the few patches of hair he has left. I'm pretty sure judging from the smile on his face he thinks it's funny too!

On the house front, we are officially home owners again!!! We closed yesterday but leased it back to the previous owners for the weekend so we won't get the keys until Sunday. The house closing was just in time to celebrate our 4 year anniversary today. We have shared many memories in the 10 years we have been together but our wedding night is still the best night of my life (Haley and Jackson were both born in the morning). It was beautiful and we are so blessed to have shared the special moment with our family and friends. Here's a few pictures from that very special night.

Gosh we look so much younger (and thinner!)

Mr. and Mrs. Vara...finally

Saying our vows.

A trip to the fire station

The other day on the way to drop Haley off at school we were stopped at a light and Haley said out of the blue, "That's where Jackson was born" as she pointed to the fire station. Then she proceeded to tell me Jackson was stinky but he wasn't. We were going to stop by the fire station at Christmas but it was too hectic so we decided to make a trip up to the fire station today and bring some lunch. Jackson got dressed up in one of his firetruck outfits and was on his best behavior. Haley got a private tour of the firetrucks and even took Tiger for a second tour too. I thought for sure she would crash on the way home but instead she was wide awake. She was too excited to take a nap. Jackson on the other hand is taking a long nap, always NICE!

Jackson shaking hands thanking the firemen for a nice delivery (or at least that is what it looks like)

Zach and Jackson. It's kinda cool that Zach's name is on Jackson's birth certificate as the attendant at his birth.

Haley in the firetruck

Whoa! Look at me drive this big firetruck

Reenactment of the scene. This is our parking spot now :)

I'm beginning to see that Jackson's best time of day is the mornings (certainly not the evenings!). After a good night sleep he is full of smiles. The other morning Jackson was playing when Haley got up and wanted to join him. How cute they are playing together. Haley always holds his hand...

And give him kisses. Such a great big sister. Jackson loves Haley too always trying to follow her around the room and giving her big smiles.

Doctor, doctor, doctor, and new house

This is my final week of maternity leave before returning to work :( It's going to be hard to leave the kids but I know they are in good hands with grandma. I took the opportunity these last few weeks to catch up on some doctor appointments for both Haley and Jackson.

The first appt was a checkup at the eye doctor for Haley. She has been seen by a pediatric opthomologist since she was 6 months old just to make sure nothing was wrong with her eyes due to her torticollis in her neck. We are pleased to say that not only is her torticollis gone, but the eye dr gave her a clean bill of health and said there is no reason for her to visit again! YEAH! One dr. down.

Next we had a 2 month checkup for Jackson at his pediatrician. The dr. said he is doing great. His neck muscles are very strong and he was pleased with how he is looking. We brought up some concerns over Jackson's crying at night and stinky stinkies. The dr. said it sounds like colic and he should grow out of it by 4 months. He already seems to be doing better so we are keeping our fingers crossed. He also recommended adding some probiotics to his formula to help with the bacteria in his intestine. So far it has helped some but it's probably just the soy formula causing the stench :)
Here are his 2 month stats:
Weight: 10.3 lbs (10%)
Height: 22 inches (25-50%)
Head: Can't remember exactly but it was in the 10%. Opposite of Haley who is always in the 75%!

And then we were back to the pediatrician for Haley for a checkup. She is now 23.5 lbs. She has gained 1.5 pounds since October. Maybe by her 3rd birthday we'll have a 25 pounder?!? We did get a recommendation to send her to a pediatric dermatologist for her birthmark on her face. They likely won't take it off until she is a little older but we are going to have the specialist check it out. She has seen a normal dermatologist already. We will probably get it removed by a plastic surgeon when the time comes since it is on her face. So in a few months we'll see what the dermatologist suggests.

Finally done with the dr's for this month. And our big news....we found a house! After 6 months of looking and a couple offers that we lost out on, we found the perfect house for us. We are very excited and can't wait to move in the last week of February. It has been a long journey but worth the wait as we feel this will be a great place for Haley and Jackson to grow up. We would post some pictures of it but honestly we are a little freaked out by anybody seeing where we live so for now we'll post a picture of our backyard :) Hopefully you can all visit us soon.

Enjoy our pics.

Happy Jackson at 10 weeks. This is my favorite picture of him so far



Hanging out with mom one afternoon

Jackson's favorite toy. This was Haley's favorite too as this used to be hers. Uncle Mark did a great job picking this out!

Haley making some Valentine cookies

Little cook

Our soon to be backyard!