Bedtime stall tactics

Putting a 3.5 year old to bed can pose quite a challenge from time to time.  Teagan still takes a nap at school so bed time after a nap is always much more challenging then the days without a nap. We admit we have never been extremely strict about bed and overall we read books and she makes her requests...some of which we comply with  ...and then she does her thing in her room until she goes to sleep.  I had to document a small sampling of the things she comes up with in the process. They often teeter on the edge of a necessity to be comfortable or a stall tactic.  Either way, she is crafty!!

My lips are chapped

I am thirsty

That light is too bright 

I want to wear different jammies

My baby is crying

I need an ice pack 

These (stuffed) dogs are looking at me 

This book pinched my fingers 

I need a band-aid

I need a tissue 

I forgot to go potty 

Are the doors locked?

One more kiss (works every time) 

Can you tell me another story? 

We didn't do the Cars book (seek n find book she has memorized)  

I need to clean up my room (at 930pm?!)

2015...the early days

We are getting back into the routine after the different schedules we encountered over the holidays.  We also were plagued with a little stomach bug with the kids but have made a recovery from that.  Rick gets extra credit points as he was on full time the week of the sickness as I had to be in San Francisco for our annual sales kickoff.  He nursed both kids back to health so hoping we can sustain a healthy household for a bit now.  I really want to make a conscious effort to write on here more often.  It is a simple effort but means a lot to have thoughts and what we are up to these days. The kids are are such a spectacular age right now...that coupled with the sheer speed at which time passes, makes this a great space to look back and recall memories.  Teagan and Breckin are forging their relationship which entails lots of playing together, giggles, imagination and the occasional spat about a toy.  B man is still such a happy kid but he wears his emotions on his sleeve when big Sis makes him upset.  Teagan is enrolled in a multi sports class where they try a new sport each week. The first week was soccer in which she watched the entire class from the sidelines...more specifically from my side.  The next week was football and she watched for a bit and then jumped into the action.  We were SO proud of her. We know she is fast and very physical but she does get shy in group settings where she doesn't know the other kids. I truly loved watching her run the obstacle course that day. Speaking of shy...or lack of shyness...she is at the age where she will strike up a conversation with anybody at the grocery store, restaurant, people outside, on the bus, on the plane, etc. It is adorable and usually makes a person smile big.  B man still loves throwing balls, being tickled or chased, reading and interacting with sister.  

Life is good these days.  I am feeling really good about my not so new job and looking forward to what else this year has to offer!! I am sure it will be action packed per the norm! 

XOXO,

EAT

Holidays 2014

The holiday season was truly a magical one with Teagan and Breckin. T started anticipating Santas arrival early on as images of the bearded man begin appearing around town and in the stores.  Elf on the Shelf came out and T confirmed his name is Kuppah! We had planned to go to Colorado for a week and then celebrate with the annual Tiltges family Christmas family sleepover.  Colorado was wonderful...so great to be there for a solid week.  My parents new house is the perfect spot for us all to hang out and plenty of space for the kids to play.  It snowed on Christmas Day which made the day.  We got to sled with the kiddos and were joined by a special guest, brother Chris.  We went to the indoor pool twice which made the kids very happy! Teagan went down the big slides with Rick, myself and Papa.  B man went down the little slide over and over and over.  He eventually got distracted by the basketball games both in the pool and on the court and was absolutely mesmerized.  The boys and T shoveled, played in the snow, rode bikes, built a snowman and B man swept the garage haha! Busy kids! We got to visit with the Kelley's, Ashley and Eric, Audrey and Kyle and cousin Melissa.  It was so great to see so many family members during the week.  Mom made sure we were all fed very well each and every day.  Anything she makes is tasty and comforting.  I thought about how I have never lived in that house yet it is still home to me and feels that way without a doubt.  We were able to spend some time with Erik, Lehala and Silas although not enough as there was a little sickness going around.  They are great parents and Si is just a little stud! We exchanged gifts where T was more interested in handing out gifts than what was in them.  She did receive her light up shoes, clothes, games, a Dr set, baby carriage and much more.  B man got a bowling set, golf clubs, clothes, books and much more.  Such a great trip and the kids proved to be awesome little travelers yet again! We came home and had NYE at Dan and Cara's house complete with hanging tender, wings, lots of champagne and sparkling cider for the preschool age group.  The following weekend we had the Tiltges family sleepover which again some had to sit out on due to illness.  We all participated in another fun gift exchange, lots of goodies for the kids and the first annual present ball.  We had pizza and other yummies, played cards against humanity and enjoyed the additional company.  The only trace of Christmas are the new toys but it is true Christmas with kids is just incredibly magical.  Until next year! 

XOXO,

EAT