The Dunsbergens

two firsts

2012-01-31T21:46:00.000-06:00

Two firsts today:

1) Leah rolled from her back to her tummy!

2) Jordan emerged from his nap today naked and clutching a clump of poop. Yes, poop. Apparently he soiled his underwear and attempted to change them, judging by the extra pair of underwear on the floor. However, he couldn't figure out what to do with the poop so he came to me, "Mommy, I holding poop, yucky poop."

Of course, I was in the middle of feeding Leah. All I could do was bark orders: "Put the poop in the toilet and get into the bathtub! Wait for me there!" Thankfully, he complied.

5 months

2012-01-25T18:47:00.000-06:00

On Monday, Leah turned 5 months old! We happened to get her weighed that day and she was 14 lbs 7 oz, which means she gained 1-1/2 lbs since last month! Ironic, considering the very reason I brought her in was because she has been refusing 1-2 bottles per day, and lately, nearly every feeding is a wrestling match. Of course, there is no physical reason as to why she would be doing this, so clearly she just wants to mess with her mama.

Apparently the life of a 5-month old needs some spicing up.

Doesn't she know her mommy craves stability, dependability, order, and structure?

she loves kisses and face time

outta my way, mr. kitty. i'm bigger for sure!

stiff arm

hey, it's a face!

tight tights

2012-01-16T08:38:00.002-06:00

She wears tight tights!

And by tight I mean sweeeeeet.

Mommy is starting to have fun dressing this sweet little muffin!

Four Month Comparison

2012-01-09T22:45:00.000-06:00

Leah: 12 lbs 11 oz, 24 inches

Jordan: 14 lbs 1 oz, 24-1/2 inches

Ethan: 13 lbs 15 oz, 24-1/2 inches

He made me this way!

2012-01-03T23:01:00.002-06:00

"I'm so thirsty!"

I hear this a lot throughout the day from both boys. Often just before naptime or bedtime. Convenient.

Apparently Ethan has picked up on the timing. Today he said, "Aghhhh! I'm so thirsty. Why does God & Jesus make me so thirsty right before it's time to sleep? It happens every time! Aghhhh!" (I wonder where he gets his dramatic groaning ...?)

Yes, yes it does, Ethan. We'd better have a talk with God & Jesus about this inconvenience.

Change #4

2012-01-01T21:26:00.001-06:00

On December 22 the kids said goodbye to their friends and teachers at day care. It has been a good place for them to be. They have been well cared for and have learned a lot.

We made our favorite treat, birthday cake popcorn, for each room. I tried to take pictures of each of them with their teachers or friends, but I didn't always get cooperation.

dear Ms Ruth and Ms Jen, some baby friends, and a sleeping Leah

Ms Tab and Ms Jeanann ("Jimann" per Jordan) and his friends

Jordan wouldn't join the group picture, but held on tight to his treats

Ethan did not want to take a picture, but we had to get him with the fabulous Ms Kim!

Ms Kim has been in Ethan's life since he was a baby. She moved to Iowa with her husband during 2007 and she fed and rocked him during his first year. When he turned two, she had become the lead teacher in the 2's room and they were reunited. It was Ms Kim who was concerned about Ethan's vision and affirmed our suspicions. She did an awesome job of being aware of his shyness and hesitance to join in group activities while still being positive and encouraging towards him. When Ethan turned 4, she became the lead teacher in the 4's-5's room a few months after he arrived. It was a wonderful change for Ethan. He has blossomed over the last year, finally showing confidence, independence, and playfulness away from home. Kim has been a big part of that. We were sad to leave her, but she is also moving out of state and starting a new chapter. We wish her the best!

A few days after Christmas, I checked my email and found a message from the office at the day care. The ladies at the infant house (the dear Ms Ruth and Ms Jen) had taken pictures of the footprints. Let me explain. Each time a baby turns 1 and "graduates" to the big house, they cover their feet with paint and make prints on the wall. It is really sweet to see all the footprints covering the walls in the infant house. I was touched that they took pictures of our kids' prints and shared them. I am so happy to have this memory!

They also know I'm a Hawkeye fan. :)

Change #3

2012-01-01T20:51:00.000-06:00

Right before my maternity leave ended in mid-November, I decided to resign from my job. Instead of another job in accounting, I will be staying home full-time with Ethan, Jordan, and Leah. A big change. But one that I felt was due. Before we know it, our kids will be in school and our lives will only get more scheduled. It seemed like it was time to slow things down. To be the mom I wanted to be. I wanted to be with them more, wanted to know them better, wanted to guide them and encourage them as they grew. Part of me is terrified. Will I spend most of my day feeling frustrated? Feeling like a failure? I don't want to. I want to have fun, hear laughter, answer questions, introduce them to new things, and create an atmosphere of warmth, growth, and safety. I want to create boundaries and structure, but I also want to give them the opportunity to relax, rest, and build a strong foundation within our family. I don't want to stress myself out with a rigid structure with specific learning objectives, but I also don't want to ignore them as I do housework or plan meals. I'll find that balance eventually. I resolve to be patient with myself.

My last day at work was December 23. The week after Christmas was the longest stretch of time that the kids have been home (away from day care) since they were home with me on maternity leave during their first 12 weeks of life. Matt was on Christmas break this week, so it was a nice transition into our new life.

I came home on my last day to beautiful flowers from my boys and some sweet drawings. Change can be hard for me, but I am looking forward to this new chapter. It will be an adventure!

Change #2

2012-01-01T20:30:00.000-06:00

doing his happy dance

How happy am I (and how happy is he!) that my busy little 2-1/2 year old decided to start using the potty the week before Christmas. While our day is interrupted 6-8 times with "Mommy! Daddy! Pee! Come on!" we still prefer to see that little tush in Woody underwear. And buying less diapers is a nice perk too!

Change #1

2012-01-01T20:22:00.001-06:00

Captain Cheese

Not only does he wear a smashing grin these days, but a few weeks before Christmas he got some handsome frames for his big brown eyes.

He has handled the new responsibility quite well for a 4-1/2 year old. I think the fact that he can actually SEE has a lot to do with it.

My handsome firstborn. I love him!

Four Months

2012-01-01T19:27:00.004-06:00

Leah turned 4 months old on December 23.

Those are some kissable cheeks!

This past week she had her 4-month checkup and vaccinations.

Weight: 12 lbs 11 oz

Height: 24 inches

Face: adorable :)

She also had her first fever. Whenever little babes are sick I have a hard time relaxing. Just ask my husband. ;)

However, she handled it pretty well and after 36 hours, she was fever free and only has an occasional cough.

Slept through gift opening, but I can't use my new backpack anyway.

Looking snazzy in my personalized owl onesie on Christmas Eve.

Precarious holding by brothers and cousin. Jordan doesn't seem real focused.

Check out my bows (on Christmas Day)

Things to know:

Call me Miss Grabby - I will pull at anything I can get my hands on.

While falling asleep, I need to be able to access a blanket or burp cloth to rub against my face.

I also prefer to sleep on my back; please don't try to hold me.

I eat when I want. Don't make me eat every 3 hours unless I request it. I will just frustrate you.

I love your face. It makes me giggle and smile and generally light up with joy.

I am sooo close to rolling over. I've got everything going the right way, except there's this one shoulder that won't cooperate ...

My hair is growing! It is fuzzy and soft and sticking straight out.

I have a lot of stories to tell. I will talk and talk and talk. I really appreciate that you listen and act interested.

I love to stare at my brothers. I think they love it too.

I am SO much bigger than my Kitty. Do you love my zebra stripes?

new year, new beginnings

2012-01-01T18:58:00.002-06:00

2012

Out with the old, in with the new.

For the first time in a long while, my circumstances are changing just as we turn the calendar page into a new year.

In fact, all 5 of us are experiencing change for 2012. I have been meaning to blog for the last couple of weeks, but the busyness of holiday gatherings, preparation for holiday gatherings, and all the change I have eluded to have consumed me.

Since I don't prefer to wade through long posts on other blogs, I will write them in separate posts.

Try not to sit at your computer, refreshing your page. Giggle.

more theological musings

2011-12-12T17:13:00.002-06:00

Today Ethan asked if Jesus was the son and God was the daddy. Well, yes, that is true, I told him.

"Well, then if Mary and Joseph were Jesus' mommy and daddy on earth, and God is his daddy in heaven, then who is his mommy?"

crickets chirping

Blink. Blink. Blink. His eyes watch me, waiting expectantly for an answer.

"Uh, well, he doesn't have a mommy in heaven," I say, tentatively.

"Is that because God is the bestest daddy ever?"

Eagerly I nod, "yes, God is the best Father we could ever have."

"Well, maybe you could be Jesus' mommy when you go up to heaven?"

I squirmed again. Desperately wondering how to explain to him that God and Jesus, while Father and Son, are actually one in the same. And a mommy wouldn't help explain the Trinity either. Feeling unsure, I squeak, "Well, I don't know if I am the right mommy for the job."

Ethan responds, "Oh you'd do a good job. I think. Maybe." Pause. "Or maybe Jesus doesn't need a mommy?"

Ah yes, Ethan, that is most likely true.

quotable

2011-12-11T21:33:00.001-06:00

This evening Ethan complained that he was so thirsty! When I didn't jump to get a drink, he added, "Well, Jesus is in my heart and he told me he is so thirsty, so that's why you need to get me a drink!"

I chuckled and then he said quietly to Jordan, "Actually, did you know that God is so powerful that he doesn't even need to eat or drink?"

Nothing like ruining your own argument.

oh what a night

2011-12-03T17:43:00.001-06:00

Oh what a night.

We had the bright idea of packing up the kids after a long Friday and head to the nearest Target (i.e. 45 minutes away). We packed bottles, sippys with milk, extra diapers, and our Christmas list.

It was a generally calm trip. Leah snoozed. Jordan begged to get out of his seat and sit on mommy's lap. And Ethan fell asleep. That was odd, but happens when he doesn't nap well in the afternoon and then gets buckled into a seat and succumbs to the warm stillness.

We figured it would end up a problem. And it was. Our parenting skills have improved enough for us to figure that out. We arrived at Wendy's to eat some "old-fashioned hamburgers" and had to grudgingly wake the 4 year old. He was not pleased that his parents coaxed him out of his slumber to fill his empty tummy and made it clear with whining, crying, and general discord. Good times.

After 30 minutes of lasso-ing Jordan to his chair and commanding him to eat more than once and trying to navigate the land mine of a hungry, tired Ethan, we remembered to check on Leah. She continued to snooze so we decided not to wake her and head to Target.

Before we left Wendy's, we were entertained by a customer who, after consuming 90% of her potato, stood up and started commenting loudly that there was something wrong with her food. She picked at the empty potato skin and made a sour face as she approached the cash register. The employee's face contorted into confusion/surprise that this woman wanted something for her "damaged yet still edible" potato. The employee asked what she wanted. She said she wanted a dessert for her trouble. And she got one! What an impressive trick.

As we left Wendy's, cars were backing out of the drive-thru. As the traffic cleared we saw a nice SUV stuck in the rock landscaping next to the drive-thru. Somehow the SUV had driven on top of a large boulder and the driver could not extract himself. It was quite a feat. After some significant effort, Matt and another driver pushed the SUV off. Not something you see every day.

We arrived at Target and immediately the boys were running around and we knew we needed to be efficient. We were looking for a new pre-lit tree, but unfortunately the models we wanted were out of stock and they wouldn't sell us the display model. You know, just in case more of those trees came in. But they wouldn't call us if they did, b/c they probably wouldn't get any more trees. But they still couldn't sell the display. Makes sense, right?

Matt decided to take the boys out of the store and I tried to quickly finish some Christmas shopping with the still-slumbering Leah. I found Matt and the boys in the van and grabbed the shopping bags and asked Matt to grab Leah's carseat. Under her carseat was her diaper bag, filled with diapers, wipes, a full container of formula, and two bottles. To make a long story short, we left the diaper bag in the cart and drove away. In the Menards parking lot, I started to reach for the diaper bag to prepare a bottle while Matt checked out the trees at Menards. After realizing I was grasping for air, we raced back to Target only to find the cart and bag gone. We searched all the carts - nothing. We asked the cart guy - he hadn't seen a diaper bag. We asked Guest Services - nope, no bag, and all lost items come to them. Well folks, this bag isn't lost, it was officially stolen, thankyouverymuch.

I know, I know. It's just stuff. It's replaceable. We didn't lose Ethan or Leah or Jordan (which is more likely). We weren't in an accident. We didn't lose our wallets or cell phones or our van. But it is highly disappointing that someone was so eager to capitalize on our mistake. Ten minutes was all it took.

My hope is that maybe the bag was found by a mom who was wondering how she was going to feed her baby or buy that next box of diapers. Maybe it filled a need. Nevertheless I'm still feeling a little grumpy about it.

guess who?

2011-11-26T14:20:00.001-06:00

Who is this cute little tyke?

Seriously, this could be Jordan.

My first guess (knowing that I did not take this of my own child) was my brother, Jonathan.

But no.

That's me.

Apparently Jordan bears a striking resemblance to his mama.

And share a love for jumping on beds.

mommy & me

2011-11-26T13:55:00.001-06:00

Pictures of the girls rarely happen, but here are a few recent ones!

three months

2011-11-26T13:42:00.001-06:00

Leah is three months old!

Leah has turned into such a content baby.

About three weeks ago she started sleeping through the night, in her crib. After 10 weeks of sleeping with mommy, I did not expect this day to come, but I am thrilled. She actually appears to prefer to sleep alone now, but still will curl up and cuddle in your arms.

She smiles and coos a lot and has even started laughing at her daddy!

She is very interested in her brother's activities, craning her neck to follow their boisterous play. Ceiling fans and blinking lights also capture her attention.

And she might even keep her pretty blue eyes!

We adore her!

happy birthday dad!

2011-11-26T13:38:00.001-06:00

Remembering special times with Dad

Yes, that's little me.

Dad had many motorcycles. He even bought a mini motorcycle for me. I didn't master it nearly as well as he dreamed. :)

clever caption?

2011-11-22T22:00:00.000-06:00

What's your clever caption?

weeee arrrre the cham-pions!

punch it out - "my deltoids are burning!"

boxing babe - "put em' up!"

what's new

2011-11-22T20:38:00.001-06:00

It's been many weeks since I've graced this blog. Did you miss me?

As it often does, time flew this month. We celebrate Thanksgiving this week, Leah will be three months tomorrow, and Christmas will be here before we know it.

Last week I returned to work after my 12 week maternity leave only to give my resignation. I will no longer rush out the door each morning with my kids as I've done every day for the last 4 years, nor will I walk the halls of my office as I have for the past 12 years. Weird, but I am so very excited to stay home with my kids. My official last day is December 23. I've prepared Ethan for the change and now he asks me every day if it is Christmas yet.

Here are some candids from the month:

we were ornery (& cute)

raked A LOT of leaves

played in A LOT of leaves

hung out in the swing

jammed on the guitar

sang sweet melodies with the piano

held baby sister

trimmed the tree

slept peacefully (and wore this outfit again)

and more sleeping (and this outfit again!)

and more sleeping (oh, did I mention she is sleeping thru the night in her crib - glorious!)

made a house of cushions

looked surprised that mommy was using the camera again

With me going back to work for a bit, Leah went to daycare for the first time. She was a champ! She ate and slept and cooed and wooed. It made mommy's first week a lot easier knowing she wasn't crying and missing the routine of our last 12 weeks.

Ethan had snack day at preschool and Matt accompanied him this time. He took his favorite chicken in a biscuit crackers, cheese, and OJ. Then Matt & I had a much needed date afternoon/evening while Matt's mom watched all three kids. That was one of our best days ever - uninterrupted conversation, no kid-oriented schedule, and good food.

Jordan sits on the potty almost every night before bath, and sometimes in the morning when he wakes up. He has peed once and done a lot of tooting. Baby steps.

I tried out a lot of new recipes during maternity leave and am excited to have a new batch of meals to rotate into our nightly menu.

If you've stuck with me long enough to read all this, you'll see that life at our house is quite exhilarating. :) But its my life, and I am pretty pleased with it.

Five Years

2011-11-05T07:30:00.000-05:00

I miss my Dad. This picture was taken October 26, 2006. Eleven days before Dad left this earth and entered the gates of heaven. Mom used this picture as an invitation to Thanksgiving at her house that year. Hard to believe that a few days after receiving the invite, we were receiving the news that God had invited him home.

November 5, 2006 ... I was 3 months pregnant with Ethan. It had been a relatively warm fall day. A Sunday. A relaxing, ordinary day. We went for a walk around 4 p.m., came home as the sun was setting, ate dinner, and settled in to watch some TV.

It was dark when Matt took a phone call and retreated to our bedroom and shut the door. I remember feeling uncertain, but not sure why. I followed him and heard bits and pieces and started to feel my heart race. Some of the words he was using didn't sound good, but I had no idea who he was talking to. In fact, I started praying, but found myself unsure of what to pray for or why I though I needed to pray.

As Matt came out of the room, I asked what was wrong. I asked him a question and he said no. I felt relieved. Then he said, "It's worse." I was confused. What could he mean? He said, "It's your dad." And I was stunned. In a fog. "What do you mean it's my dad?" My brain could not process. What could be wrong with my dad? He said, "Your mom found him outside. It isn't good." What did that mean?

The next few moments were a blur. Derek and Brianne were coming over and we were going to drive to the hospital in Burlington. I threw together some items in a bag. I could not think. Could not process. Just felt an urgency to get home. To understand. To get answers. I wasn't sure if I had packed what I needed. I didn't know what I needed. I just needed to go.

In the car I felt frustration. Loneliness. Confusion. Brianne called Mom. I heard her ask, "What is really going on? What is wrong with Dad? Is he going to be okay?" Pause. Then she said, "What do you mean he's gone?????" Horrified. Desperate. I might have screamed. Wailed. I was sick. I cried. Was this truly happening? Was this how my life's story was unfolding? This is what God had written for me? He knew this would happen; had He wondered how I would respond; He would know how to comfort me, right; He knew what He was doing, right?

We raced into the hospital and were greeted by Dad's brother. We hugged. Grabbed him, squeezing, and I remember he smelled the same way Dad did. I felt sick. I wanted to turn back time. I wanted to change it. I didn't want to be there, dealing with this.

As we walked further into the hospital, I saw aunts, uncles, cousins - all so somber. Watching us, watching our faces as we raced to see him. One last glimpse. My eyes searched for my mom, my brother. Where were they? Were they okay? How were they taking this? How would we cope? Our family would never be the same.

We entered a small curtained area. There he was. He looked asleep. I clutched his hand, but released it, feeling uncertain as to whether I should touch him. I rubbed his arm, wishing it was warmer. I hugged him. I cried. I felt sick again. I remembered how alive he was. I flashed to so many ordinary moments when he was alive and I had taken it for granted, it seemed. I did not want to see him like this, yet I had to see him. I did not want this to be reality, yet I didn't want to miss it, for fear of forgetting him. I wanted to turn back time and plead with God to not take him. I wanted to call him and talk to him one more time. I wanted to hear his voice, see his eyes twinkle, talk about the Hawkeyes or improvements at our house. I panicked, thinking of events to come, holidays, birthdays, grandbabies yet to be born, things he would not experience. Things that would seem less than what they should be because he wouldn't be there. The hole seemed deep and wide. Why was this happening?

I looked at my mom, who seemed ethereal. Sad, yet calm, as though she was being carried by Christ. I hugged her as tightly as I could and whispered, "I am so sorry. God loves you." I have no idea why I said that. But I wanted her to feel loved. I didn't want her to feel alone, although that is likely what she was going to feel.

We all looked at each other blankly as though we didn't know what to do next. Stuck in this situation, thrust into this reality, not able to disengage.

Five years later, it doesn't sting as much or seem so impossible. But the hole is still there. The wondering. The what if. The wishing. Memories hit me without warning. Warmth, then longing.

It was late afternoon, a pleasant fall day. Leaves were falling, the air was crisp, the sun was setting. He was moving the dirt, finishing a project. And in a blink of an eye, a flutter of the heart, he met Jesus and Jesus took him away.

costume fun

2011-11-01T13:36:00.000-05:00

obviously a fireman

firedog, complete with fire boots and hat

little miss kitty

enjoying a chocolate bounty (next year, Leah!)

cute comparison - 2 months

2011-11-01T11:52:00.003-05:00

I thought it would be fun to look back at the boys at 2 months ...

Ethan, July 2007 ... 22 in, 8 lbs 14 oz


Ethan smiling (end of June 2007)

Jordan, July 2009 ... 23 in, 11 lbs 1/2 oz

Jordan smiling (end of June 2009)

Jordan with big bro Ethan (end of June 2009)

Leah, October 2011 ... 21-1/2 in, 9 lbs 12.5 oz

Leah smiling (October 2011)

Leah and her brothers (October 2011)

Ethan & Jordan's Zoo

2011-10-30T23:35:00.000-05:00

Saturday the boys abandoned the usual imaginative play. The usual being firemen, Thomas the train, cars, Legos, etc. Instead they decided to gather all of the stuffed animals and create a zoo. In Leah's room, of course. Take a look at this unique zoo...

Here are your zookeepers. Looks like one needs a lesson in hygiene.

the giraffe lounges on the white rocking chair

the (chocolate) bunny isn't as lucky - his nest is in the middle of the wood floor

the lion nosedives for his lunch

oh yes, this zoo has monsters!

dinosaurs too!

here is the puppy family

my favorite: their clever monkey tree

the leopard is hiding under the bed in his "cave"

the cow in the corner

chipmunks behind the door

the penguin behind the chair (it is colder there, I'm told)

the tiger perched under the diapers

Two Months

2011-10-26T13:29:00.000-05:00

Two months old

9 lbs 12.5 oz

21-1/2 inches

Three shots

and EXTRA sweet

epic nap battle

2011-10-25T16:24:00.001-05:00

Jordan is 2.

His desire for control has finally caught up with his age.

Lately he has been fighting his nap - please know, he needs one - but he just doesn't want to stop playing long enough to take one.

Yesterday, he yelled and played and stomped and kicked and threw stuffed animals and sang and jumped and was just plain ornery for ONE HOUR.

Finally, it was quiet and I opened his door to find:

This is where he should have been (note the stuffed animal debris):

Here is the view from inside his room:

Sound asleep in the corner. Thankfully the transfer to his bed did not wake this slumbering giant.

deep thoughts

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ethan has been talking a lot about death and heaven recently. I am not sure what is happening in his little mind, but sometimes it is a challenge to address his comments.

Here is a sampling:

If you died, who would be our mommy?
Will we all die at the same time? You, me, daddy, Jordan, and Leah? Will we all go to heaven together?
If you and daddy died, who would take care of us? After thinking a bit: oh, we could just live with grandma and grandpa.
Are there toys in heaven, or will we have to take our own toys?
Is there food & drink in heaven? After my flippant "yes," he says, but I thought you said that God doesn't need to eat or sleep. Then why doesn't he eat the food?
Will we all go to heaven? How do we get there? I try to explain salvation and believing that Jesus is God's son and died on the cross for our sins. I ask him if he believes. He says, yes. Then a few minutes later: Mommy, I don't believe. I don't want to go to heaven yet.

why I'm the Grinch

2011-10-23T21:39:00.004-05:00

Ethan: Is Santa Claus real?
Me: No, he's not.
Ethan: Then who gives us presents?
Me: Well, mommy & daddy, grandma & grandpa, grandma, your aunts & uncles & cousins ...
Ethan: Well who lives at the North Pole?
Me: Animals who like cold weather, like polar bears and penguins.
Ethan: Who is Santa Claus?
Me: He is based on a real person named St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas gave people gifts in secret and after he died people kept the story up with the Santa Claus story.
Ethan: So Santa Claus died???
Me, sighing heavily: St. Nicholas died. Not Santa Claus. Santa Claus isn't real so he can't die. Er ... ugh. Let's go color.

Just call me the Grinch.

sweet smiles

2011-10-14T12:49:00.002-05:00

finally caught it on camera, 7 wks old

when mommy feeds leah...

2011-10-14T12:46:00.001-05:00

parenting 101

2011-10-14T12:38:00.001-05:00

The boys are picking up some parenting skills since Leah's arrival:

While watching me pump, Ethan asked why I wasn't feeding Leah with my body.

Before another pumping session, Jordan snatched it and held it to his chest and chanted, "pump, pump, pump!"

Both carry around their monkeys wrapped in their blankets and talk in high pitched voices, telling their babies, "it's okaaayyy!"

putting his babies to bed

oh no he didn't!

fixing the blanket after Ethan-Kong's destruction

look at all those cozy babies!

little picassos

2011-10-04T14:33:00.002-05:00

Wanting to be just like big brother, dear little Jordan drew a picture of our family, mimicking what Ethan does. Sort of.

Ethan drew a picture of Grandma & Grandpa D.

ruffle butt

2011-10-04T14:25:00.002-05:00

Hi, I'm six weeks old today and I am rocking these purple ruffle pants. Mommy says I have a couple of years to wear ruffles on my bottom before it stops being adorable.

But right now I'm pretty adorable.

morning chatter

2011-09-19T10:26:00.002-05:00

Morning chatter at our house:

Since Leah's birth, I've been opting to sleep on the couch in order to keep the sounds contained in the middle of the night. Swapping places with me in my bed has been Ethan. Almost every early morning, he crawls into bed with Matt. This morning I asked him why he has been sleeping in Mommy & Daddy's bed. He replied, "Because that's what it says in my story! It says Ethan sleeps in Mommy & Daddy's bed." This is quite humorous if you are familiar with the IPTV show Super Why ... as that phrase is repeated in each episode before the Super Readers work their magic, change the story, and save the day.

Lately, Ethan has been repeating two phrases to Jordan, "That's not nice," and "We don't copy people." Anymore, all Ethan has to do is say "That's ..." and Jordan will finish with "not nice." And then as Ethan says, "We don't ..." Jordan responds with, "copy people." It has really thrown Ethan a curve ball. Jordan is starting to throw his phrases back in his face.

proud brother

2011-09-12T21:13:00.000-05:00

sweet moment

green giant

2011-09-12T20:47:00.001-05:00

What happens when you leave him alone with markers.

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-07T13:22:00.000-05:00

Ethan is an official preschooler! He has a new blue backpack and fresh school supplies and one of Mommy's old tee's as a paint shirt.

With a two-week old in the house, I've been nervous about schedules and getting places on time. Here is how the morning went:

2:20 am ... feed Leah; calculate that it would be best if her next feeding was around 6 am
6:56 am ... shower because Leah is still sleeping (ahem, and so was I)
7:15 am ... get Jordan dressed after his breakfast
7:25 am ... wake up Ethan to get dressed and eat breakfast
7:27 am ... Leah is screaming to be fed
7:28 am ... drag Ethan off the hallway floor and force him to get dressed
7:31 am ... drag Ethan to the table to eat
7:32 am ... set the timer for 6 minutes, telling Ethan that he either eats in 6 minutes, or no food at all
7:35 am ... Leah is pissed
7:40 am ... take some pictures

7:50 ... packing the van with all 3 kids and heading to day care first, to drop off Jordan
7:53 ... Leah screams all the way to day care
8:04 ... signing in Jordan at day care and back to the van
8:05 ... Leah is still screaming
8:10 ... in preschool parking lot, decide to feed Leah in the van while we wait for the doors to open at 8:30
8:12 ... Ethan says he has to pee ... bad! I look around the van and tell him he'll have to pee in the Wal-Mart sack we use as a trash bag
8:13 ... I cringe as I watch Ethan pee into the plastic bag - thankfully 98% made it inside
8:21 ... Brianne drives up with Austin and she takes Ethan to the front of the preschool to take a picture for their first day; they meet up with Austin's day care friend, Camden

8:27 ... Brianne returns the camera and she gets in line to enter the preschool. I cut Leah off and carry her to the preschool entrance and take Ethan's little hand. He looks so grown up and seems genuinely excited for this next step. I might have teared up once or twice.

8:30 ... The doors open and parents and kids filter through the door, deposit bags and coats, and file in line to drop off school supplies and paint shirts, pick out their name tag, and wash their hands. Leah sleeps through it all. Ethan follows each step of the process and I have to tug on him to give me a hug. I am so thankful that he seemed eager to go and try out this new thing. Lord knows Mommy would rather have delayed the change until she felt more prepared and organized or until Leah was a little older and more predictable.

Until Monday when we do this all over again ...

She's here!

2011-08-24T19:24:00.000-05:00

Leah Rochelle Dunsbergen

Born August 23, 2011 at 3:25 am

6 lbs 6 oz and 19-1/2 inches long

more to come once we're home ...

outstaying his welcome

2011-08-18T20:50:00.001-05:00

This evening I asked Ethan if he was getting excited for his new baby sister to be born.

He said no.

I asked why.

He thought for a moment, "There should only be two."

You mean two kids, not three?

"Yes!" Then his eyes widened and he clarified, "Maybe Jordan could go live with grandma and grandpa."

Appalled, I asked, "You mean you don't want Jordan anymore? You just want a baby sister?"

"Yeah," he confirmed. "Jordan's been here a while. He can go live with grandma and grandpa."

Well then.

38 weeks

2011-08-17T21:11:00.000-05:00

13 days and counting! Soon these boys will have a little sister!

unsafe secret

2011-08-09T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hmmm. I'm starting to wonder if our secret isn't so safe.

Ethan was talking about his baby sister - by name. I reminded him that we weren't telling anyone baby sister's name - it was our secret until she was born.

He got an ornery look on his face. "Well, I told my friends at school."

You did!? Which friends?

"All of them!"

Really? All of them? Like who?

"Well, just Grant."

And then he giggled.

Sigh. Who knows how many little 4 year olds know baby sister's name! Perhaps his shyness and reluctance to talk to anyone isn't a sure thing after all!

pack mentality

2011-08-07T17:00:00.009-05:00

We had a surprise this weekend.

No, not the baby's arrival. Much less dramatic than that.

My sister offered to keep Ethan overnight on Saturday. We quickly packed him up and dropped him off after his Saturday afternoon nap.

What is interesting about this is how quickly our family changed. Jordan seemed to bask in the attention of being an only child for the evening. He was able to play with all the toys, however he liked, and when he wanted. He had our undivided attention. There was no fighting, no time outs, no spankings, and no arguments or negotiations over bedtime. He wasn't naughty or ornery - which, frankly, has been the norm lately. Overall, the evening was peaceful.

My sister had a more eventful night, as two little 4-year olds were having too much fun giggling and creeping around the house at bedtime. And as things usually go, we had our first tornado siren of the season around midnight, so they had to tote three children to the basement only an hour after they had finally fallen asleep. Apparently Ethan was the only child who woke up for the trip and stared at the TV while they waited out the warning. At our house, I will admit that we slept through the siren. To us, the peaceful night continued.

The minute Ethan rejoined our family at church on Sunday, the dynamics shifted again. Jordan was aggressive, naughty, and downright grumpy! Matt commented that now he had to share mommy. Well buddy, I hate to break this to you, but its going to happen again in a few weeks! And almost immediately there was more whining, crying, anger, and fighting from both of them.

I don't think of Ethan as a naughty troublemaker, but there is something to be said for gang or pack mentality. Almost immediately Jordan was eager to be heard or seen and Ethan was frustrated by his attention-seeking, inevitably causing friction. Sometimes they are excellent playmates, feeding off each other's unique personalities and imagination. Other times they seem to be engaged in a constant tug-of-war. Pretty typical sibling stuff, but our temporary shift in birth order opened our eyes to how our family is affected and likely changes the way we parent (good and bad).

Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon?

i'm not pageant ready

2011-07-31T18:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my hair was in a ponytail. This is not uncommon. What was uncommon was the reaction from Ethan. First he commented that my hair looked silly. Not sure why. Then he asked me if I was having a bad hair day. I didn't know he even knew the phrase!

Today, Brianne french braided my hair. Ethan said he liked my hair and my red toes. He did inform me that I did not stay in the lines. I did on the biggest toe, but not the littlest toes. Well, I am officially entering my 9th month of pregnancy, dear sweet son.

I had no idea my 4-year old boy would be so particular about style.

Baby Girl's Room

2011-07-28T21:00:00.000-05:00

Matt's parents were gracious enough to take the boys for an entire weekend while we finished up baby's room.

When we picked the boys up on Sunday afternoon, Ethan asked if he could see his surprise. I wasn't sure what he meant - we certainly hadn't been working on any surprises for him that weekend. I asked him what surprise. He said, "Baby sister's room! Can we see it now?" I found it quite sweet that he considered his baby sister's finished room to be a worthy "treat" for him.

Jordan's response is to place a finger to his mouth and say "shhhhh" every time he sees the crib. He must assume there is already a slumbering baby in there. I like the approach - I hope it sticks! But I won't hold my breath.

And now we wait ...!

punishment by ethan

2011-07-28T20:15:00.000-05:00

His preferred punishment for anyone (me, Matt, Jordan, etc.)

1 - Time out
2 - Call the police
3 - Be thrown in the trash

And if those don't deter you from bad behavior, he has informed me that an older boy at school takes care of kids that are being bad. His exact words were, "If anybody has a kid that is being bad to them, you're supposed to tell Donovan and he'll take care of it." Good to know Ethan is utilizing all his options. Even if it is a bit mafia-like.

life with Ethan

2011-07-27T21:59:00.000-05:00

Ethan has a lot of rules, conditions, and arguments.

When told to go to bed:
But did you and mommy like to go to bed when you were my age?

To Jordan, who learns to talk by repeating everything Ethan says:
You aren't supposed to copy people. That isn't nice!

To me, while I am drying my hair in the mornings and he is using the potty:
Turn it off. I need to hear my pee hit the potty.

After he wakes up and sees that I am dressed:
But you need to be in your pajamas when I wake up! Put your pajamas back on!

reason #147

2011-07-27T18:05:00.001-05:00

Reason #147 why mornings are so difficult for me:

I found Jordan, covered in Nutella, in Ethan's bed, next to a soon-to-be-awake-and-crabby Ethan. Worse yet, I found the remnants of his breakfast (Nutella on bread) shoved between the wall and Ethan's mattress.

Every morning it is something different.

field trip

2011-07-19T23:06:00.001-05:00

Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go ... and that's where the similarity to the song ends. Because there was definitely no snow involved in this trip and a horse and sleigh would not have been my preferred mode of transportation.

We took a trip to southeast Iowa to visit my mom. Our trips to her house are usually quick and related to a holiday, so we thought it would be nice to go to her house when we had no reason, other than to spend time with her.

We arrived a little before 9 on Friday night and instead of a quiet transition to bed, the boys were energized and investigating every corner and shelf.

Growing up in an old two-story farmhouse, I knew that the upstairs bedroom we would be sleeping in could be quite warm and stuffy, especially considering the current heat wave. We set up two fans and then tried to woo the boys into a peaceful, quiet sleep. They were overtired but too excited with the new surroundings to lay still. I don't think they fell asleep until 10:30!

The other nuance about the upstairs bedroom is that the sunrise lights the room up through the south windows and the skylight. That meant Jordan thought it was time to wake up at 5 am. Brutal. This was extra worrisome since we had a big day of "tourist activities" around Burlington planned. We didn't need a sleep-deprived toddler and preschooler to add to the heat. But that's what we got!

Grandma CJ got the boys travel packs. The big hit were the wooden vehicles.

on our way to Burlington

We started with a walk along the mighty Mississippi. We saw a lot of barges, fishing boats, and even played in a fountain. The boys climbed rocks and chucked some into the river. Free entertainment!

NYC? Nope, Burlington, IA!

We stopped for lunch and decided to get the boys extra tired by driving down the historic Snake Alley and then walking up it!

After long afternoon naps at Grandma's house, we ate, took a bath in the large green tub, and then took a drive to Mt. Pleasant. On the way home, Jordan confiscated my sweet tea and Ethan had an emergency stop along a country road to relieve himself. We knew it was serious when he growled, "My pee-pee has GUNS in it!"

We decided to sleep in the basement on Saturday night to avoid the warmth and the early AM wake call by Mr. Sun. Our decision was rewarded by deep sleep, cool air, and 8 AM wake ups. Glorious.

Look how refreshed the boys look with Uncle J.

After church, we met up with my dear friend, Karen, and her 4 beautiful children. We invaded the Burger King play area and likely took home some germs as souvenirs. {grin}

kissable

2011-07-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

Look at this little hunk in his red & white striped pj shorts!

chalk doubles

2011-07-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

The boys seemed to think this was the greatest thing. Until I asked them to pose - and Jordan's fun was ruined.

yummy equation

2011-06-30T20:33:00.001-05:00

Two little boys + dark chocolate brownie cookies with Heath chips + PhotoBooth =

mr. jokester

2011-06-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

The discovery of the knock-knock joke. Here is how lunch went:

Ethan: Mommy, knock-knock.
Me: Who's there?
Ethan: coo-coo
Me: Uh, coo-coo who?
Ethan: coo-coo choo-choo

Of course.

Ethan: Mommy! Knock-knock.
Me: Who's there?
Ethan: choo-choo
Me: Choo-choo who?
Ethan: Choo-choo Thomas

Oh dear.

Ethan: Knock-knock, Mom!
Me: Who's there?
Ethan: Thomas
Me: Thomas who?
Ethan: Thomas James!

Cue laughter, right?

Ethan: Knock-knock.
Me, groaning: Who's there?
Ethan: Thomas James
Me: Thomas James who?
Ethan: Thomas James Gordon Percy!

Please, try to pick yourselves off the ground.

This is so reminiscent of when my little brother Jonathan was about Ethan's age. He was always making up knock-knock jokes, like:

J: Knock-knock.
Us: Who's there?
J: orange
Us: orange who?
J: orange apple!

I am so glad that my 4-year old has discovered the knock-knock joke. Living in a house of laughs ...

can you do that?

2011-06-16T20:16:00.000-05:00

Matt just scared Ethan. He wasn't pleased, but Matt was trying to lighten the situation and said, "I scared the daylights out of you!" Ethan whimpered, "But I want my daylights back IN me!"

road work

2011-06-08T21:13:00.000-05:00

Major road reconstruction at the end of our street = obvious entertainment for little boys!

more than just the sidewalk is closed!

Ethan is yelling, You trucks, be nice to the road! Don't break the road!

Jordan commenting on the trucks

Watching a dump truck filled with "road pieces" drive away

Waving goodbye to the dump truck

babes in tanks

2011-06-08T20:52:00.000-05:00

Rocking their "tank tocks"

fashion police

2011-06-03T22:48:00.000-05:00

I wore a dress to work today. I don't wear dresses much, but I'm carrying a 6+ month baby heater and it was 90 degrees today. Apparently Ethan is quite in tune with my typical wardrobe and with great distress informed me that "everyone will laugh at you, Mommy!" I heard this more than once as I finished getting ready and loaded the van. When I slipped on a cardigan, he seemed relieved, "Ok, Mommy. You can wear that. That is much better." Good golly, apparently he's not fond of my bare shoulders.

the struggle

2011-05-23T15:11:00.000-05:00

Who will win this gritty struggle for power?

Who has more stamina?

Who has more braun?

Who is more clever?

both want the tractor

Ethan pulls forward, Jordan pulls backward

Jordan engages his war cry - AIEEEEEE!

The sound does not deter Ethan, who responds in unison.

It appears to be a stalemate.

Perhaps it is all fun & games?

Are they working together?

Off roading?

Nope! A master-minded dump!

Response:

contemplating his mistakes

will he re-enter the game?

Yep, a cliffhanger. This is where I stopped taking pictures. Sorry!

the chase

2011-05-23T14:54:00.000-05:00

I am no match for Grandma & Ethan

But I really want to escape him!


He has disengaged my seat!

celebrating his victory

What did Ethan succeed at doing? Stay tuned for installment #3!

the taunt

2011-05-23T14:48:00.000-05:00

I look innocent enough.

Let's see if they'll chase me ...

Is anyone looking?

building speed

passing the mailbox!

see the next post for the exciting continuation of "the taunt"

making fun of mommy

2011-05-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

spike

2011-05-23T14:37:00.000-05:00

it's not you, it's me

2011-05-19T12:02:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm sorry Baby Girl.

Here I went and blamed you for the way you were lounging and it's not you after all. It's me.

Apparently my pelvis has forgotten how to adjust properly while growing a baby. The doctor tells me massage, Tylenol, and some physical therapy are in my future. And with a grin, he said, "Every pregnancy is different!" Which I can believe, but haven't experienced. Until now.

I'd also like a refund from my chiropractor. ;)

well hello, sciatic nerve!

2011-05-18T17:15:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from webmd.com:
Many pregnant women notice pains in parts of their bodies they previously paid little attention to. Ro Harvey, the Michigan mother of three sons, reports the "joyful discovery of my sciatic nerve" during her pregnancies. "My middle son parked his baby butt on my sciatic nerve during the fifth month and never left until the day he was born. Well, except for during the times he was performing acrobatic feats inside my uterus." Harvey says. "I'd like in bed watching his head peak at my belly button, then his back, then his feet. I'd get a hard pinch on the sciatic as his head passed, and then a dull ache when he settled back in position. No one warned me that babies seem to have an instinct for what the absolute most uncomfortable position in the world is!"
http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnancy-what-they-never-told-you

Yep, Ro, this Ro is feeling your pain! Baby girl is definitely settling in differently than her brothers, and at 25 weeks pregnant, the next 15 can't come fast enough if she's going to do the sciatic shuffle the whole time.

room reorg, part 1

2011-05-16T22:52:00.000-05:00

With more than 3 months to go before baby, we weren't planning on transitioning Ethan to Jordan's room yet, but Ethan was so excited about his new bed, that we couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Ethan's room before:

Jordan's room before:

sort of before - already took the chair & toy kitchen out

we don't usually keep the fan inside his crib

pretty full already!

The boys' room after:

in the end, Jordan flipped out about his crib on the opposite side of the room, so they were switched

Ethan: pleased as punch

More work to be done in this room as well as baby's room. stay tuned! :)

dueling mowers

2011-05-07T22:24:00.000-05:00

Pretty sure Jordan believes he is mowing too!

Terrific Two! and a party!

2011-05-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

The morning after Jordan's 2nd birthday, he said, "Potty!" Like usual. And then we follow the routine of walking to the bathroom, where he tugs down his pants and then pretends to go potty like everyone else in the house. Sometimes I take his diaper off, just to see what he might do. He usually says, "No, no," and we move on. This morning, with his diaper off, he walked out of the bathroom and I got distracted. I walked by the bathroom a few seconds later and there was Jordan, leaning over the toilet, standing on the stool, peeing! He isn't tall enough to reach, so he was peeing all over the stool, but he was going potty nonetheless! We'll call that a victory. I have no illusions that we'll be doing this on a regular basis, but it was sort of fun to see him try!

studying a new book at his party

We had a joint party for Ethan & Jordan yesterday with a Cat in the Hat theme. We played at the Fun Factory with cousins and then capped it off with pizza and fun cupcakes.

Jordan climbing

post-slide

Tucker :)

Ethan post-slide

Jordan a.k.a. Shawn Johnson on the balance beam

Brynley loving the u-shaped thing-a-ma-jig

Jordan & Tanner getting ready to eat

Brynley, Austin, and Ethan looking for food

Looks like A. Karen is at the kids table!

more sugar!

Naomi scoping out her treat bag

sweet lil Madeline

Thing 1 opens a gift

And so does Thing 2

this picture is funny b/c Ethan is getting "instruction" in the background, with brynley observing

a mostly happy birthday family

freshly 4!

2011-04-25T20:18:00.000-05:00

Today was a day to celebrate our eldest.

Born 4 yrs ago today, at 9 AM.

He got to choose what he did all day long.

First: play with the new bubble blowers outside!

Second: mid-morning snack of cereal (why not?) and a wacky magnet face game

Third: Lunch at Pizza Ranch

Fourth: 4-hour nap (ok, he didn't ask for that, but what a gift to mommy!)

Fifth: Dinner choice is El Charro (didn't see that coming!?)

Birthday hug from little bro:

Time for presents!

And a special treat before bath & bed, especially picked out by the 4-yr old at Hy-Vee:

Happy Birthday, Ethan!

scrumptious face

2011-04-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

Don't you want to kiss him all the time?

paci dump

2011-04-21T21:11:00.000-05:00

Picture this:

Jordan intently watching his daddy use the toilet. (Ok, maybe don't picture all of this ...?! Moving on ...) Daddy flushes and in that moment, Jordan decides to chuck his paci into the toilet ... and slurp! Down the hatch it goes. Bye-bye paci. Stunned, Jordan studies the toilet until deciding this was a predicament that needed resolution and begins chanting, "pathi! pathi! pathi!"

I guess that's one way we can wean him off the paci. He can keep flushing them until there are none left!

ramblings of a pregnant woman

2011-04-20T19:08:00.000-05:00

And these are just from today ... and likely not all inclusive ...

I could eat a second lunch.

I can feel myself grow.

I shouldn’t have waited to go to the bathroom.

Did I really just mess up the proportion of marshmallows to rice krispies? Oh well, I’ll gnaw on this brick of rice krispies anyway …

Cottage cheese sounds good any time of the day.

I shouldn’t laugh so hard. Kegel … kegel … kegel …

Daily dent test: am I retaining fluid yet?

I need more clarification on this deli meat thing … b/c the siren call from Jimmy John’s is a bit louder right now.

Why are there more run-ins between my womb and my boys’ limbs and heads now that I’m carrying another child?

Why does Easter have to be a different day each year? Why can’t it always be the 3rd Sunday in April, or something like that? There is no other holiday that travels like this one.

12 ounces

2011-04-19T21:39:00.002-05:00

We saw 12 sweet little ounces last Friday.

In the breech position, hands resting comfortably near the face, facing my back ... which made it hard for us to see much. We chatted with the tech who commented that she had a "glimpse" of the gender but wanted to keep looking to be sure. I figured a glimpse must be of a prominent boy part. We were telling the tech about how Ethan was "shy" in his ultrasound so his gender was a surprise at birth. On the other hand, Jordan was sprawled horizontally across my belly and was showing off. The tech stopped and said, ok, do you see anything that reminds you of last time? Just from her question I assumed she was saying it was a boy. I squinted at the screen - I really cannot read these things. I looked at Matt, who was also studying the screen, certain he'd be able to tell. We finally both said we didn't see anything. With a smile she said, "Well, that's because those are parts you've never seen before. Those are GIRL parts!"

We are having a GIRL!

To say we were stunned would be an understatement. We really didn't care - a boy is what we know, we have everything we need, three boys would be fun to watch grow together. But, a girl would be different, new, fun to watch her brothers protect the princess.

Ethan had been saying that the baby in mommy's tummy was a girl: his logic being that he already had a brother. But considering boys have a strong presence in the Dunsbergen line, we were just hoping Ethan could eventually accept whomever God chose to gave us.

To say that we are excited is an understatement. Wait, I already used the word "understatement." See, my vocabulary is equally shocked.

Here she is!

When we told Ethan it was indeed a girl, his first comment was, "Oh! Well, Jordan and I will just put on our soldier stuff and we can protect her." When we showed him the ultrasound pictures, he was struggling to figure out the images and decided he needed his flashlight in order to see better. So, any time he looks at the ultrasound pictures, he shines a flashlight on them.

what art means to jordan

2011-04-08T21:12:00.000-05:00

While Ethan is dabbling in magna doodle and crayon art, Jordan has chosen food as his medium ... eat a little, dump, smear, repeat. Here's what happens at breakfast:

art

2011-03-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

Ethan has shown an increased interest in drawing and writing letters. It is fun to see him create and it reminds us of how old he is getting.

He is still camera shy, so I was only able to nab two pictures of his handiwork (yes, even though he wasn't going to be in the picture, the idea that we would capture something he did still turned him off!)

all by himself! (but he was eager to erase it! limit 1 photo, apparently)

my letters, his drawing - isn't Goliath menacing?

jordan's dictionary

2011-03-27T17:46:00.002-05:00

Sometimes they say the 2nd child won't talk as much because the older sibling talks for them; sometimes they say the 2nd child will talk more because the older sibling talks.

I'd say that Jordan has just chosen to not speak. Why bother when there are so many other interesting things in life?

As he approaches his 2nd birthday, our 2nd born has surprised us with his social prowess, his sense of humor, his desire to be silly, and his dependable sleep habits. He loves to be physical - he prefers wrestling, running, throwing, hitting, balls, big trucks, growling, and pretending to be a fierce puppy. He prefers his food as an art medium, he basks in messes, he has a trademark "back-up" into your lap when he wants you to read a book. He pretends toys bite him and then sends them to time-out with a stern "no-no!" Further, he is definitely entering tantrum stage.

But finally, he is starting to add words to his vocabulary and repeat us more often. Some words are very clear: no, yes, mommy, daddy, puppy, animal sounds, baby, bubble, Bubba (our nickname for him), buckle, ball, bus (he likes b words), apple, please, book, socks, box, hat, hot, ow, wow, whoa, pretty, Buzz, mine, bath, potty, pee-pee, poopy, eyes, no bite, yay, dance, walk, outside, nummy, brrrr, etc. But then there are those words that for some reason, he just can't repeat:

For Elmo, it's "Elmwee."
For milk, it's "niko."
For night-night, it's "nigh-nee."
For Woody, it's "Wee-wee."
He will not call Ethan anything. We are trying to get him to say a simple "E," which he'll repeat, but it hasn't stuck yet.

Even Ethan gets into the game of asking Jordan to repeat words, typically ending with Ethan in a fit of giggles. He's not a serious tutor, it seems.

finishing touches

2011-03-26T11:08:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's a three-man job!

winning

2011-03-19T09:16:00.000-05:00

Winning

No, I’m not going to talk about Charlie Sheen. Duh.

Our almost-4-year-old Ethan is obsessed with being “the first,” or “beating” everyone.

He wants to beat me at eating breakfast.
He wants to beat me and Jordan at waking up in the mornings.
He does not want me to shower before he wakes up, as apparently he has lost something at that point.
He wants to be the first one to get out of the van and the first one to get into the van.
The first one to get his coat on, his buckle off, his shoes and socks on …
He is bigger than Jordan.
He is faster than Jordan.
His hands and feet are bigger than both Jordan’s and the new baby’s.
He has more words than Jordan.
He is older than Jordan.
He can have gum, but Jordan can’t.
When he is 6, Jordan will only be 4. When he is 4, Jordan will only be 2. (This goes on and on …)
One night this week he actually said he wanted to go to bed first … he quickly recanted.

This morning he was upset that Jordan had eaten the last of the Cheerios - because he wanted to be the first to eat the last ... sigh.

Are you keeping up? I'm definitely not!

the o'dunsbergens

2011-03-17T20:06:00.000-05:00

what's up there?

balloons = fun

steady!

Balloons are always a hit at our house! We've already had to lay one balloon to rest, but we did get to hear Matt talk like a leprechaun!

buried treasure

2011-03-15T20:48:00.000-05:00

A bit better than extra coins in the cushions!

sibling solution

2011-02-18T18:59:00.000-06:00

In frustration, Ethan pushed Jordan over. Jordan cried. Ethan immediately starting saying, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He kept repeating his apology while Jordan continued to cry. Finally I informed him that he could stop apologizing and that Jordan just needed to cry it out.

Ethan said, "You know what, Mommy? Katie said something really good today at school. She said that if someone cries at home they get a spanking."

I think we all know where this is going ... Those poor 3-yr old eldest children (like Ethan & Katie) ... they commiserate and discuss the best course of action for little siblings is to spank them when they won't stop crying.

Feverish

2011-02-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

It was February 14. The temp was 100. Was I burning with love for my Hubby? Well, maybe, but more likely it was the virus that had taken residence in our house for the past week. First Ethan hit 105 and was down for 5 days, then Jordan flirted with the 99-103 range, but for only 1 day, and when I turned the thermometer to myself on Monday, it was clear that the funny, icky feeling I had wasn't all due to baby ... apparently the virus wanted to make sure we all knew what he felt like.

It had been a disappointing week. Watching your child wilt with fever and exhaustion, watching your second child like he was a ticking time bomb, and then wondering if you too would get to participate in the illness. Matt and I weren't able to attend our church's valentine's dinner over the weekend and I found myself peeved at the timing of it all.

And then late on Sunday night my dear husband said, quite casually, "Oh, by the way, be ready to go tomorrow around 4:30." I might have asked him, "Really?" 5 times. I was giddy.

But then Monday came and all my fun ideas for a heart-themed day with the boys went out the window as I limped from place-to-place with my 99 degreed boys. At 4 I drug myself from the chair and thought, I should probably get ready.

After referee-ing a toy snatching episode while clothing myself, I found myself ready to erupt. I would much rather crawl into bed. The boys left me alone and were quiet - fine with me! I proceeded to the bathroom and shortly after Jordan joined me, asking for more milk.

I rounded the corner and there she was. My mother! My dear mother was sitting on the couch, grinning at me. (I ignored the fact that, quite likely, anyone might be able to enter my house w/o my knowledge ...) And suddenly I was overcome with emotion. "Are you the 4:30?" "I might be!" she grinned. I was so happy to see her, happy that some secret little plan had been hatched. I hugged her and cried (I'm pregnant, remember), letting some of the stress of the last week fall off me.

With a little more pep in my step, I finished getting ready and then my dear husband arrived with this:

My favorites ... tulips, stargazer lilies, and mmm, hydrangea. Adorable!

We had a lovely dinner at Monarchs and took a little drive around town. It was such a nice surprise! Thank you Matt! Thank you Mom! Thanks for the TLC.

where's jordan?

2011-02-10T07:30:00.001-06:00

Jordan loves to play peek-a-boo. Lately he has been finding small spaces to squeeze into. He has also been known to snatch his brother's sippy of chocolate milk and try to sip in secret.

On Monday morning, due to my lack of laundry completion (I'm growing a baby here!), the shelves in the bathroom cupboards were uncharacteristically bare. Perfect hiding spot!

whose pj footies are those?

its jordan and his favorite horse!

comfy napping spot? hey, maybe this is where we could put the baby!

mom, go away! i'm relaxing!

sleeping buddies

2011-02-09T17:00:00.000-06:00

Ethan and Daddy, actually sleeping like this!

teamwork

2011-02-09T16:00:00.000-06:00

Daddy has been putting new trim in the house. Jordan has been paying attention and decided to help out.

jordan & brynley

2011-02-09T14:00:00.000-06:00

Jordan and his cousin Brynley are finally at the age where they will tolerate some play time with the other. Typically Jordan just likes to chase after Ethan and Austin, but this particular Saturday, when Bryn & Austin were over for a few hours, Jordan and Brynley really bonded.

is he touching my knee?

and now my hair???

he's not so bad ...

show off

milk buddies

big news!

2011-02-09T11:39:00.000-06:00

I'm home with Ethan today. He has a fever and a cough. We went to the doctor, just to make sure there was nothing that could be treated (there wasn't). On the way, he coughed, I coughed. He asked me why I was coughing. I said, because I don't feel well. He asked why were we both coughing? I said maybe we got the same germs. He said no, Mommy. You have a baby and I have the germs.

And he is right! There is a little baby on the way, ETA August 30! And yes, this baby has made me not feel well. While little Ethan fights off a virus, I am just dealing with a constant desire to gag.

We had our first OB appointment last Thursday and we were able to hear the heartbeat - the best part. A delightful, rhythmic 170 beats per minute. A miracle!

Jordan has no idea what is coming, but he has been demanding more cuddle time recently - so maybe he has some intuition? Ethan is full of questions. The night we told him, these things were on his mind:

Can I see it?

Oh, I could tell that your butt was getting bigger. !?

How did that baby get there?

Why did God give you a baby?

How will it get out?

Here is a blanket, but put it over your baby so it is warm.

Oh, your tummy IS bigger Mommy!

I want a baby sister. I already have a baby brother.

Then, I don’t want another baby, I already have one (pointing at Jordan.)

And then, what should we name the baby? So far he has said Sarah or Elizabeth!

Can you lay down with me mommy, I want to lay next to the baby.

Where will the baby sleep, Mommy? Maybe in the living room or you and daddy’s room?

When I asked him if he wanted to share a room with Jordan he seemed puzzled. No, that’s Jordan’s room.

99% of the time he thinks it is a sister, so we'll see in about 9 weeks if he's got the sense!

Ethan Talk

2011-01-23T09:43:00.000-06:00

After Jordan gets out of his bath, "Oh Jordan, you are so beauuu-tiful!"

Checking out Jordan's belly button, "Jordan has a porcupine belly button!" (Yep, its an outy.)

And then the questions begin:

Why do we have telephone poles?
Why do we need houses?
Why does it get dark?
Why do cars need wheels?
Why don't we just walk home? (really? in this weather?)
Mommy, what did you say to Daddy?
Daddy, what did you say to Mommy?
Why do we need to eat?
But you don't need to eat, you're already big.
Why do we call people?
Let me talk!!!! (never, ever interrupt him!)

After his first sleepover with cousin Austin,
"But his room is comfier. I want to stay there every every night."
When asked what he thought about how much mommy & daddy would miss him,
"Well, you could just park outside."
Huh? Is he saying that we'd just camp out in the van outside their house, just to be near him and lessen how much we missed him?

jordan candids

2011-01-17T08:46:00.000-06:00

A few candids of Jordan around the house:

nestled between the cushions

small spaces and big shoes

dog pile daddy

he doesn't mind some water in his ears

cute tushy

bob the builder

2011-01-05T21:51:00.004-06:00

What do YOU do with pounds of ingredients for homemade cocoa?

What is it?

2011-01-05T21:34:00.000-06:00

Ethan has prepared a little game. Using his amazing photography skills, you may have the entertaining task of guessing "what is it?"

Starting out easy, yes, it's a Christmas tree.

Nutcracker's beard and chest

yes, its the fireplace, adorned with stockings

yep, that's Daddy

the Nutcracker makes another appearance!

that slinky dog from Toy Story

Grandma's piano

well, look, it's grandma in an abstract shot

the angel on the top of the stable

the Nutcracker's pearly whites

mommy

A Christmas Treat for you!

2010-12-16T21:16:00.002-06:00

Why E?

2010-12-16T20:40:00.000-06:00

Ethan came home from day care on Wednesday and said dramatically, "Everybody was bothering me today." We asked him who. "The other kids. They were bothering me all day!" Why? "Because they wanted to touch my shirt. They bothered me."

You can't tell, but the words on the shirt are, Why me?

This was the best picture he would let me get. I mean, I wouldn't want to bother him or anything.

santa stories

2010-12-13T19:48:00.000-06:00

Teaching our kids about Santa is not a high priority, but through various Christmas movies and stories, Ethan has caught on that Santa brings presents on Christmas Eve and it is always snowy. You only get presents if you are nice, but not if you are naughty.

We were in our local Wal-Mart last Saturday when Santa appeared. Ethan can chatter for an hour about Santa, but put him in the same room with the big guy and he freezes. And more than that, he writhes in pain as though we are pinching his underarm. Santa wisely kept his distance but then said the sweetest thing to Ethan, something that I imagine our Savior might say, and I paraphrase,

"Ethan, you don't have to come to me right now. Just know that I know your name and I think you are very special. You are loved and will have special presents for you under the tree with your name on it that were picked out especially for you."

While Ethan clung to me and his wide brown eyes stared into mine, I found myself tearing up. What kind and thoughtful words for my introverted little boy.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

On Sunday, Uncle Ryan and Aunt Karen dropped off an extra large fire truck that their kids don't play with anymore. Matt left it on the kitchen floor and waited for Ethan to notice it. He played around it for a few minutes, much to our distress. ;) Then he left the room. So Matt repositioned it. Suddenly it caught Ethan's eye and he stopped short of what he was doing.

"How did THAT get there?"

Well, what do you think, Ethan? Where do you think it came from?

"Who did that? Why is it there?"

(Note his response is not to play with it, but to interrogate us as to the source of the toy.)

Well, maybe Santa brought it early?

"Nooooo! Santa doesn't come until Christmas Eve. It isn't Christmas Eve yet!"

True. But maybe he made an early delivery.

"But this is from Nathan's house! Maybe he doesn't want to play with it anymore?" (This shocked us as we aren't sure how he knew it was Nathan's.)

That's right! It did come from Nathan's house. Aunt Karen brought it here.

"Noooo. I think Santa took it from Nathan's house and then Santa brought it to my house because Nathan doesn't want to play with it anymore."

Well, sort of. If Aunt Karen was a jolly bearded man dressed in red. :)

the enforcer

2010-12-11T07:49:00.001-06:00

What is a Christmas tree? At our house, it's an opportunity for Jordan to dismantle something new and pretty. This morning, Jordan started pulling off ornaments (again). Cue Schoolmaster Ethan. Here's what I overheard:

Ethan: No, Jordan, we do not pull off the ornaments.
Jordan continues to grab for them.
Ethan: Jordan, Jesus and God and Santa will NOT bring you presents this year. Go sit in timeout.
He drags Jordan to timeout and Jordan sits.
Ethan: You are never ever ever EVER getting out of timeout!
Jordan giggles.
Ethan: Do NOT laugh. You are in timeout.
Jordan laughs louder.
Ethan: I am not kidding. Do not laugh.
Jordan runs out of timeout. Ethan drags him back. Eventually we, the parents, intervene, but its sort of nice to let someone else handle the discipline.

Ethan's brain

2010-11-30T21:48:00.000-06:00

Here are some recent observations/concerns from the 3-1/2 year old living at our house:

(Discussing a stuffy nose he woke up with ...)
Something is wrong with my nose! Who did this to my nose? I can't breathe!

(Concerned about the weather ...)
Is it going to rain, Mommy?
Yes, it looks like it might rain.
Will it thunder?
No, it won't thunder.
Will it lightning?
No, it won't lightning.
Let's go home, NOW, Mommy!
We are, Honey.
Are we going to go into the garage when we get home?
Yes, I will drive into the garage.
So, I won't get wet?
That's right.
When Daddy gets home he needs to drive his truck into the garage. We need to tell him that.
Do you want me to call him?
Yes!
(And so Ethan left a message for Daddy to make sure he parked his truck in the garage when he got home.)

(Trying to negotiate out of his winter coat this morning ...)
But I don't want to wear my big coat.
Well, you have to because it is going to be extra cold today.
But it hurts me!
It might snow today, so you need to be extra warm.
But I don't want to leave the house!
Why?
The people need to move the snow all away!
You don't want to leave if there is snow?
Nooo! If it snows then the cars will get stuck!
Well Honey, it will be okay because snow plows will come and move all the snow.
Ohh, okay, Mommy.

(Interrogation squad ...)
Look at all the Christmas lights, Mommy!
Yes, aren't they pretty?
But we don't have lights up yet!
No, we don't.
Why are we not putting up lights?
Well, we might. We just haven't yet.
But we are not! Why aren't we?
Well, let's talk to Daddy. (Geesh!)

(And sometimes the conversation goes this way ...)
It's not Christmas yet, Mommy! Why are all these lights up already? Silly!

Look how big his brain is! Ha, ha, ha!!!

silly boys

2010-11-28T22:06:00.000-06:00

Big boy on campus ... he so wanted to leave the house with his backpack on. Never mind that it was almost bedtime. He was downright ticked off that I wouldn't leave it on him or let him go outside.

Ethan's elaborate fort. I think I could make most of their toys disappear and leave them with blankets and pillows.

Shutterfly, my friend!

2010-11-22T17:06:00.000-06:00

I love pretty cards. I realize there is a chance they are thrown away, but I still love to pick the right photo(s), create a cheerful card, and then send them to everyone I know. :) I think I collect cards like some people collect baseball cards. I save every card I receive, so know that whatever you send to me this season, it will be treasured, displayed, and reviewed fondly every once in a while. :) How fun is it to look at how families grow and change over the years?

With that said, I'm gearing up for some of my favorite photo creations this season: calendars, Christmas cards, photo books, and whatever else catches my eye. We haven't taken our Christmas card picture yet, but here are some cards that have gotten me excited to take it:

I love the bright, non-traditional colors:

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/color-me-merry-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93476

Or this is cute for multiple pictures:

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/merry-memories-chartreuse-christmas-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93476

I am extremely pumped about their new "story cards," which marries fun pictures and short updates from the past year. It allows me some writing freedom without having to write a long Christmas letter.

Or this one:

Besides cards, I will be making a calendar as I have every year for the past few years. They've got some new styles to choose from.

And finally, photo books! I have made so many photo books. They are great to celebrate big moments. I've documented family history, celebrated lives lost and meaningful experiences, and chronicled first years.

Other fun ways I have used Shutterfly products is to create unique birthday cards, party invitations, or thank-you's.

Who's excited about Shutterfly? I am!*

*And I'm hoping to get 50 free cards out of it thru a fun S-fly promo!

Little BOTHER

2010-11-21T16:55:00.000-06:00

While this may be the most effective means to wake big brother up, it may not yield a happy, playful big brother.

book mountain

2010-11-21T15:41:00.000-06:00

This was less about reading and more about destruction.

stream of consciousness

2010-11-05T16:44:00.001-05:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Four years ago, Dad was living his last day on earth. In a few short hours he’d see YOU in heaven, Lord. Pretty amazing. How quickly life passes us by, how quickly things can change … how do we live for You, where You want us, how You want us … will I stand before you and be able to say I radiated You? Is my life Spirit-led? Or self-led?

Hard to believe my life then and my life now. We were just expecting Ethan, life hadn’t changed much … until Dad breathed his last breath. I remember the craziness of getting the cryptic phone call that “something had happened” and we needed to "come right away.” I remember feeling desperate, confused, shocked, disbelieving that such a thing could happen to our family. I felt like my cocoon had been ripped apart, my eyes had been pinned wide open and I was seeing life differently. Such heartbreak was new to me. I expected more years, I expected to see him cradle my babies in his thick hands, give my kids rides in his tractor like he gave me, let them climb all over him, and a million other things that you don't notice when they happen, but miss when they're gone. Would he and Mom be taking trips like they’d dreamed about? Would Mom visit as much as she does? What does four years in heaven feel like? Its beyond comprehension. It's a new normal for all of us.

Looking back it seems so difficult to reconcile. Every year on this date and at other times of the year, I naturally remember. I reminisce. I smile, or I cry. It seems like I might be looking back, but I will always remember, always wonder, always celebrate.

Halloween Recap - Part 2

2010-11-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

We were in SE Iowa over the weekend for our annual Christmas pictures, a costume party at my cousin's, and some Halloween fun at Grandma CJ's. Its always full and festive!

Here are some random pics:

discovering "new" old toys at Grandma CJs

comfy resting spot???

hello

attempt #1

attempt #2

good enough!

senior pose? :)

treat for Jordan

he's escaping with it

reaching for Ethan's treat

a scarecrow!

Austin snagged his treat

spider web undies on my head