A Visit From Uncle Noah

I am ashamed to say that my camera snapping has really fallen behind. I guess that all of my brain cells are being used and there are none left to remember to snap pictures. Unfortunately, when Uncle Noah visited this past Monday night my brain cells must have all been in use because I forgot to take any pictures of him with the kids. I'm sorry Uncle Noah!!! We had a great visit with Noah. Hallie Kate was able to monopolize the company as usual. They played memory, golf, and many other activities. She even wanted Uncle Noah to sit by her at supper and share her trundle bed. She moved to the bottom so he could have the top. She was sad that Uncle Noah had to "go to work"...that's what I told her when he left. She asked for him the next day before remembering "he had to go to work". We also enjoyed sitting and talking with Noah about August Gate, their new church in STL. You can read more about the church they are planting in downtown STL by checking out their blog at http://www.noahandheatheroldham.blogspot.com/. Hopefully we can make it to STL to see Uncle Noah and Aunt Heather soon and maybe even make it to the zoo! We missed you Aunt Heather! Other than our visit from Uncle Noah this week has been extremely quiet for us. We actually didn't go anywhere for 3 days. It has been pretty nice, but I think we are ready for an outing!

I have managed to snap a couple shots this past week when both the camera and my brain were working at the same time. Hallie Kate pulled her chair up next to Nolan in his seat so she could "play with him". She has made it her job to entertain him...even if he doesn't want it.



Then earlier in the week she had to wear her Cinderella dress (pretty sure that stemmed from Genevieve having hers and HK not having hers last Sunday). While dressed as Cinderella she also became Handy Manny. Couldn't resist the funny picture it made...Cinderella dressed to go to the ball and working with her drill!

Well for those of you who wondered if I got a "New Kid" from applying Dr Leman's techniques...I believe they did help. The past couple of weeks have been great!!! I guess I must have made too many comments on how mature she had been acting and how few crying episodes or fits she had. She truly has been wonderful the past couple of weeks! Well I think someone must have taken her aside on our trip to Eldorado this weekend and flipped her switch!!! Whoever did it, please flip it back...I want the child I brought to Eldorado back! The past 3 days have grated on my sanity and nerves. The crying and whining have made me nuts...but I'm determined that my will is going to outlast hers. I may even stick ear plugs in my ears tomorrow. The nice thing about this is that she has taken her naps earlier which means she has woken up early. Now this means she is also tired earlier in the evening. So for the 2nd night in a row we have had two kids in bed and asleep by 7:45. This morning they both slept until 7:45. So as rough as the day has been....the evening was just as relaxing! Hopefully this will pass soon as well! I'm pack to Dr. Leman's techniques in full force! I hope we get to go to the library in the morning, but I guess it depends if Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde shows up in the morning!

Happy Birthday Nana!

Happy Birthday Nana! We went to Eldorado Saturday morning for the weekend to help Mom celebrate her birthday. We had dinner at Mom and Dad's house after church with the family. It was a fun time. There were 5 of Granny's great-grandchildren together...the most in one place in quite awhile. The cousins had a great time together. I really enjoy watching this new generation of cousins playing together.

As always, Hallie Kate the ever-faithful-present-opener assistant.

Hallie Kate was so excited to get to play with Genevieve this weekend. She couldn't decide whether to call her "my friend" or "my cousin". Although most of the time she did call her by name. I actually took my first "big" grocery shopping trip this week with both kids. HK got a new sippy cup that looks like a coffee thermos (saw Kellen's and loved it). She thinks she is hot stuff with a coffee cup like Daddy's. So at the store she had to buy one for Genevieve. I let her pick one out and as you can see it's turquoise.

Ryan and HK entertaining Nolan.
Nolan: "When are you people going to learn about personal space?"

Dinner was wonderful. Ryan ate great and the girls had to be told no cookies or cake unless you eat your dinner!!!

Abigale found her way over to Nolan once again. Their last encounter she gave kisses. She didn't let him down this time either.
Abigale: "Hey buddy, how's it goin? Let me see how hard I can push on your belly before you get mad at me. Na-na-na-na-na...you can't stop me."

Abigale: "Really...you don't need this eye...you have another one."
Nolan: "Seriously...can't you big people teach these kids about personal space. I'm a good boy...don't I deserve my own little bubble for at least 5 minutes?"
Abigale: "Ah...quite your whining. You know you like it."

HK (a.k.a. - The Ring Leader): Okay girls, this is how we do it. Hand me the blocks.

Ryan: Why are there so many girls? Why won't they listen to me? Where are the other boys...Nolan, Lane, Harvey...hurry up and grow dudes. Logan where are you when I need you?!?! Uh...now they are putting on princess clothes. What am I suppose to do? I'll just stay under the table.

Introducing Princess Genevieve and Princess Hallie Kate.
Hallie Kate was upset at first that she didn't have any of her princess dresses with her, but we quickly created a couple different wardrobe changes from Nana's dress up box.
All in all it was a fun afternoon. I look forward to seeing these 5 little ones plus others together again!

Happy Birthday Nana! We love you! We hope your day was special!

My Friend

My Friend, Kristin, came last weekend to visit. Nate was working all weekend...so she was our lifesaver. She kept us from going nuts! I told Hallie Kate that Kristin, my friend, was coming to see us. So the week prior to Kristin coming she referred to her as "your friend, Mommy....Kristin". Not too long after Kristin got here she became "my friend....where's my friend?" It didn't take long for her to buddy up with Kristin...especially since she came bearing gifts. Friday we did some shopping at the mall. HK also got to play, and we ate lunch at the mall. Friday night Nate stayed home with the kids and Kristin and I went out. I got to do and go all the places that you never have time for when you are toting two kids with you. We also had some yummy Mexican food. While we were out that night HK kept asking about "my Mommy and my Friend". We had a great time and HK has another friend. When she woke up from her nap after Kristin left she wanted to know where her friend was, and she started to cry because she was gone. Thanks Kristin for coming! We had a great time! I'm just sorry I forgot to take more pictures.

A Quiet Week

Last week was a fairly quiet week around the Oldham household. We did the regulars...Mother's Morning Out, story time at library, and a few other small outings. Other than that there wasn't much exciting. Nolan did however sleep from 7:30 pm-7:45 am on Friday night. I'm so glad that we had this lovely baby 2nd. I'm sure he'll give us a run for our money someday too, but right now he's my little dream!
He is really going after his toys these days. He has been grabbing the cow in the middle...hasn't quite pulled it hard enough for the music to play, but I'm sure it won't be long.

I have been letting HK take a story to bed with her in the afternoon. I guess she fell asleep this day before she could toss it out onto the floor! Unfortunately, right now she has been playing with her bear, dolls, and blankets in her bed for almost 2 hours now. That's ok...if she doesn't go to sleep by 4 then she's up. Then after supper and our walk, it's off to bed for her and no Dancing With The Stars. I've realized I can't make her sleep so I might as well not stress out about it. As long as she stays in her room and I can get things done then that's fine. So with her baby doll, bear, and blanket she plays...who knows what?!?!
Daddy and Nolan having a cat nap after supper. Nolan can't quite make it until bedtime without a little cat nap. I love this sweet picture...my two guys.

Snow Princess

The white coat and hat below Nana & Grampy bought for Hallie Kate. We called her the snow princess when she wore it...especially with the fur boots too. Everywhere we went, she got compliments on the coat. We decided that we had to get a better picture than with Mommy's camera.

So here are the results. She actually cooperated for the first time in a long time. Just HK and I went. She was actually excited to get her picture taken in her "snow princess" coat. Surprisingly she was rather bashful even though she was cooperative.

Maybe Next Friday?

Some of you have requested to know if I had a new kid this Friday. Well...it depends on how you look at the situation. Is she a new kid compared to a couple weeks ago...almost. Are we at the ideal spot I'd love to be at...not quite. So yes, the suggestions Dr. Leman makes in his book are, in my opinion, very good ones. I'm going to stick with it another week and hope for more results. I need even more consistency on my part in following through on his suggestions. One of his biggest "things" is to say it once, turn, and walk away. I want all of you to count how many times you repeat the same thing to your child today. It's been eye opening to me to see how much I repeat myself. It's been more difficult than I thought. No wonder they turn a deaf ear. So my goal this week is to truly say it one time! We definitely have expereinced a decrease in fits and a decrease in their intensity!!! Thank the Lord! They are not gone nor is the sassy attitude, but we have seen improvement. I actually got in trouble this morning by the drama queen herself. I was frustrated and using a rather sharp tone. You know...Sunday moring when you are trying to leave for church and a dozen things seem to go wrong. We were in the car when my infraction occurred and Hallie Kate said, "No Mommy. Don't do that. We talk nicely." Ouch. I told her that she was correct and Mommy was sorry for not talking nicely.
I'm not giving up on myself or on her! This week was definitely a more enjoyable and less stressful week.
One example I count as a success...HK was finished with her cereal and decided she would dump it in the floor. I did not react at all. I just washed her hands and when I lifted her down told her to pick up her cereal and put it in the sink. I then turned and walked away. She decided to go on about her business. Normally this would've been counting to 3 with threats, telling her a dozen times....you get the picture. I was at the computer and she wanted to sit in my lap and color. I told her no that she did not obey Mommy when I asked her to pick up the cereal. I turned around and ignored the whining-pleading-sort of on the verge of a fit. I could see her eyeballing the cereal on the floor. She eventually went and picked it up and put it in the sink. Then she said..."Is that better Mommy." Say it once and walk away.
His 2nd principle is "B" doesn't happen until "A" is completed. That's why the answer is no to their next request until they have fulfilled yours. I also tried it out today on our walk. I was carrying Nolan and HK was pushing her baby doll. When it was time to turn around she did not want to. She started to throw a fit and whine. I just turned and walked on without her. I could here the wheels of her babydoll stroller come flying up behind me. She didn't let Nolan and I get too far from her before she was right there with us...no fit, said it once.
Now don't get me wrong. It hasn't happened like this everytime. So, we will keep on keeping on in this wonderful job of parenting!
I was sort of afraid to type this for fear of cursing myself for this week!

Fun Weekend

Saturday morning was another Daddy-Daughter-Date and as always it was to Donut Bank. These two were gone for an hour Saturday morning.

After they returned from their date we all 4 headed out to the mall. We walked for for a little bit first. Then HK got to play at the "play place" while Nolan ate and slept as usual. Mommy and Daddy took turns going and looking. Then we all 4 quickly browsed through Old Navy. Hallie Kate was amazed by the mannequins inside the front door. There was one just her height. It was her new BFF. She was hugging it and putting her arm around it. It was hysterical....she even posed so I could take her picture with my camera phone. Then it was home for nap time so we could get ready to go over to the Slaters.
Karsten got a fire pit for Christmas and wanted to try it out. So the Oldhams and Riveras came to break it in. Hallie Kate and Kellen had a blast playing outside for several hours.

3 dogs, 2 toddlers, 2 babies, a fire pit, some hot dogs and smores = a good time had by all!

Hallie Kate and Kellen given their tricyles a spin for the first time this year.

I don't think Hallie Kate was wanting anyone to help...pretty obvious by the look of disgust on her face.

As always HK had fun on Kellen's playground.

Yes...they even played in the sandbox. I think this is the first time HK has played in the sand since we were at the beach when she was just a year old. She seemed to enjoy it, but she was cut off after pouring it on top of her head! The babies missed out on the photo session because they were inside taking a nap...sorry boys! We'll get you next time!

Thanks Slaters for having us over! We had a great time.
A perk...an exhausted toddler that slept until 9:30 the next morning!

What a beautiful weekend...just a taste of spring.
Unfortunately we're going to get some cooler temps later in the week.
Please spring hurry back! We enjoyed your brief visit this weekend!

Hard at Work

Nolan has been hard at work this past week. I love that he is starting to do so many new things!

He absolutely loves laying on his activity mat! He has also become quite fond of the monkeys. They are are his favorite thing to grab!

He's also been shaking the rattle! I think his grip on this one lasted almost 10 minutes!

Dancing With The Stars

Dancing With The Stars has nothing on this up and coming dancer. Yes, the new season starts next week. We are excited because the "dancing show" is one of our favorite things to watch. Actually Mommy watches while HK cons her Daddy in to dancing with her. This morning she had to put on her "wedding dress" and then dance. She put on quite a show for me.

Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome Hallie Kate Oldham in her debut solo performance.
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She doesn't need the prop (flowers), but I guess it's a substitute for no partner.

Feel the music. Her musicality is getting better each week.


Ooohh...sort of lost your balance coming out of that turn. Can't really afford to make mistakes at this point in the competition.

Yes, the TV always makes a good practice mirror to make sure you are hitting your moves. Your arm alignment is very nice.


This season we have a new addition to our competition...it's called the snack bar. While dancing if you get hungry just waltz past and grab a few bites of cereal and keep going.

Nice T-formation with the arms. Just don't fall backwards because this is a solo routine...Daddy is at work.

Yes, a dress that spins and twirls is a must. Please do not bring me anything else.

This ones not bad in the twirling category. You could do better, but it will do. Who needs those flowers anyway when the dress will twirl. Please call and vote for me.

Nolan is 3 months old

Today Nolan is 3 months old! He is finally starting to show some personality.
He is such a joy in my life. Before a 2nd one comes along, you wonder how you could love another. He makes it so easy and now I don't know how I ever could not love him!

I'm not sure exactly how much he weight, but I'm guessing he's 14 lbs or greater. We haven't done our home-weighing lately. He is full of smiles. He loves laying on his activity mat and watching the lights flash on the star when it plays music. You would think that his big sister would be annoying but when he's in her face he is usually smiling and trying to talk to her. He is down to 5-6 feedings in 24 hours depending on what time he wakes up. For the last week he has been to bed between 8 and 8:30 and slept until between 6 and 6:50 all but one morning. For this I am ever so grateful. I'm trying to get up the nerve to actually have him sleep in his crib at night. He's been doing his daytime naps there for awhile, but so far has slept in the bassinet or pack-n-play in our room.

I've been beating myself up that I haven't been giving him enough tummy time. I forget to turn him over and feel like he hasn't had much time to strengthen his control and neck muscles. However, yesterday afternoon while it was just the two of us (HK was snoozing), I put him on his tummy. To my amazement he had his head up at pretty much 90 degrees and then all of a sudden he just rolled right over. I was so excited. To make sure it wasn't just a fluke I rolled him back over...he did 3 more times. So to celebrate his 3 month birthday Nolan rolled over!

Nolan is 3 months old today.

I couldn't resist this smiley picture even though the sign got cut off.

Showing Mommy that it's okay that he hasn't had much tummy time...he'll figure it out on his own.

Nolan in mid-roll! Go Bubba!

Have a New Kid By Friday

Dr Kevin Leman has written a new book called "Have a New kid By Friday." My mother sent me an email with several parenting books in it with my recent desperation. It was an email she had received from Focus on the Family and she just forwarded it on to me. I saw this book and decided I would give it a try. I had glanced at it before...but now my desperation was crying out for help.

So one week later....Nate and I have both read the book. Yes, I asked him to please read it after me so we could discuss the ideas at hand and decide on a game plan. This book says it will change your child's behavior, attitude, and character in 5 days.

Well, tomorrow is Monday. Five days is Friday. Make sure and tune in on Friday to see how it has worked. All of this information makes sense and a lot of it was stuff we already knew. The big key is consistency with his "tips". So Nate and I discussed many different scenarios that we/I will more than likely encounter and how I will handle them. I would definitely recommend this book. It is a very easy read. You only need to read the first 95 pages and the rest of the book is different scenarios and how to handle them....ex- lying, tantrums, bed-time struggles, etc.

Let the games begin!

If you think of it...I would covet your prayers this week...so would Hallie Kate...she just doesn't know it yet!

Birthday Weekend

This weekend we all gathered in Eldorado to celebrate dad's birthday.

Uncle Kent giving HK a horsey ride..."Look Mommy...no hands!"

How does Uncle Kent get roped into all of these situations. He had to be worn out after giving piggy back rides to both Hallie Kate and Ryan. Those rides ended with a wrestling match on the floor. Abigale is checking them out trying to decide if she wants to join or not.


She settled on giving Nolan kisses instead!

Grampy with his two kiddos!

What a rare moment...Hallie Kate sitting on someone's lap quietly. Enjoy it Greatie!

Sunday afternoon with no nap is beginning to catch up!

Grampy and Nolan just hanging out on the floor before being bombarded by big sissy!

Happy Birthday Grampy! We hope you had as much fun as we did!