Kolay is 1 month old!

This week we found out that Kason loves horsey rides! On Friday evening, Grandpa Lindley gave Kason and Brooke a horse ride on his back.  Kason is learning to hold on when you remind him; if not, he will just ride hands-free.  Kason couldn’t get enough! By the end of the night, he would tell Grandpa “gin” for “Again”, grab his shirt collar down, and then decided to show Grandpa what he wanted him to do. Grandpa lies flat on his stomach to let Kason get on, so Kason lay on his belly to show Grandpa what to do. It was great model behavior! Kason is almost 27 pounds and is 36 inches.  He is also saying TONS of words. He learns several new words a week and is getting really good at using those words to express himself without getting frustrated.  His new words are “olay” (Kolay), clean up, I dropped it, boots (He will run to grab his boots anytime someone walks out of the house without him.), and house, sit down, and juice. He always gets a big smile when he says what he wants, and we listen and respond. It’s like a whole new world is opening up for him! He still loves his trucks and trailers, horses, and being outside. 

Kolay is 1 month old! She is 8 lbs 12 oz and 21 inches long.  She is having much more awake-time in the evenings. If she has some awake-time in the evening, she’ll sleep the full night almost every time. She still only ever cries when she is very hungry, and I haven’t fed her when she gives me the early cues.  One night this week she had a really fussy evening. It was super unusual for Kolay.  She kept acting like she had a stomach ache. I immediately started thinking about my diet. I realized that I had just started having milk. I wasn’t able to have milk during either pregnancy or while I was nursing Kason. It gave Kason major stomach aches and caused him to spit up a lot. So I have learned it’s better not to have milk! She has been doing much better since! She is really patient with Kason—he is always concerned with where she is and tells me if she is crying. She has smiled a few times including tonight when Kason came 2 inches from her face and stared at her (like he does often), and she smiled! Her mommy is convinced it was on purpose. She is getting really good at holding up her head already! She is getting ready to keep up with Kason!

Monday—Kolt started his last semester of undergrad! I did pretty well with both kids during his classes. The only real difficult time is when Kolay needs to eat. Kason was pretty sick still on Monday, so we cancelled our plans for the football game.   We ended up just watching the game at home without the treats we had planned.  Later in the evening, I went to the Apple and filled in for Kallie White’s volleyball team. It was really nice to play again. I was glad it was close, so I could leave Kolay home and play between feedings.

On Tuesday, the kids and I stayed home all day to get Kason well.  Kolt had morning classes and an evening class. In the afternoon, he did a little work on the car with Kason, picking up a part for my trunk latch and returning an old battery.  He stopped by Brand’s basketball game for a few minutes before his class. 

On Wednesday, Kolt had an appointment with Dr. Dalling, my cousin who is an orthopedic surgeon.  He has had quite a bit of pain in his knee lately.  Kolt has been pretty active, so it was really bothering him.  Jason said that it sounded like it could be a torn or partially torn meniscus.  Kolt opted not to have an MRI yet, but to try Jason’s recommendation of Ibuprofen to see if that helps the pain.  We are hoping it gets feeling better soon! I tried a new chicken recipe from the Cheesecake Factory.  It may have been a little out of my league, but I was glad to have help. It called for a little too much balsamic vinegar, so I will definitely use less of that next time.

On Thursday, I taught Evan his piano lesson.  In the evening, we went to Brand’s game at Skyline. Kason enjoyed the cookies from Aunt Betty and the drink from Grandma P.  Brand lost a tough game! The kids were ready for bed when we got home.

On Friday, Kolt got to shadow Tyson Parker at Family First.  He learned that Tyson is a great piano player and brought home some YouTube videos to show me.  Tyson was great to let him do some hands-on things in the appointments. He is really looking forward to shadowing Tyson this semester. Kolt worked on his 2 online courses most of the evening. 

On Saturday morning, Kolt took Kason to Evan’s early basketball game. They picked up Kolay and me to go to the Ward Breakfast at the Virlow building.  We ate breakfast burritos. Kason really liked the hash browns.  After breakfast, we went to Saydie’s game at Discovery Elementary. Kason liked playing with his cousins and playing on the court during the game.  In the evening, we went to Brand’s game against Blackfoot.  They played great and won. Kason enjoyed playing with Paisley at the game.  Kolay was awake during the game! We went to the varsity game to see Makayla! Have I mentioned that I love when Makayla is in town?! I just love seeing her any chance I get! Makayla left a little early, and our lack of dedication to the team showed when we jumped up and left right behind her. Yes, we did go to the game just to see her!

On Sunday morning, we took our time eating pancakes and having baths.  Bathing the 2 kids becomes a full day affair sometimes.  We took pictures of the kids in the morning.  Kolay and I got to church early for prelude, and Kason and Kolt came with Grandma a little later.  Kason slept during Sacrament Meeting and woke up just in time for nursery. He was a little bit whiny even with Grandma, but hopefully his nap schedule will get a little better, so he will be better. Kolt and I enjoyed going to Sunday school together, and I enjoyed a quiet Relief Society meeting with Kolay. We had a great lesson on Prayer from Sister Sayre, and I left feeling motivated to be better at morning individual prayers. We had a nice dinner with the Lindley’s after church.

Our lives seem a lot less busy after having 2 kids, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. I love being home with the kids. They keep me busy, but keep me so happy. I told Kolt the other night that having 2 kids has been harder than I envisioned, as most things are.  However, life is much happier than I could have ever envisioned as well.  My life is much more rewarding with these two. I wouldn’t have it any other way. As many moments in the day that are a little too crazy, there are that many more moments that are more special than I could ever imagine. I love being a mom.

Kason is 18-months old!

This family letter was a joint effort by both of us, as you soon will be able to tell.

Kason update-Kason had his 18-month appointment on Thursday.  He weighed 26 lbs 13 oz (82%) and measured 36 inches long (99%). His head is in the 74^th percentile.  He is definitely a big boy! The doctor told us that the rash on his cheeks was a little eczema which he has had for several months now.  He seems to be really ahead on his speech which is awesome. He is great to talk to us at home, whether repeating or learning to use his words to communicate what he wants. He has been really getting good at that this week, along with grabbing your finger to “show” you what he wants.  He was really good to let the doctor check him, and doctor says Kason is doing great.  Kason even did really good for his two shots. He was quite adamant that the Band-Aids right off though; he seemed to think those were what hurt.  Kason also had his first dentist appointment this week. Kason was able to sit right on my lap while the doctor examined him.  No cavities! Kason has 15, almost 16, teeth.  The dentist said it was officially time to be off the binky.  Kason has been pretty good about that until the last couple weeks, since he has been so sick.  He didn’t have it for 2 full days this week, but got back on it at the end of the week. A couple days ago he started showing signs of the Hand, Foot, Mouth virus again.  He has been pretty miserable, crying anytime he wants to eat something because his mouth hurts. He also had a hard time talking when his mouth hurts, so that has made it difficult. This poor kid has been sick for most of the last month! He is sure fun though and loves to be outside, even when he doesn’t feel well.

Kolay update-Kolay is 4 weeks old! She is starting to get more of a personality. She is very patient with Kason’s snuggles, kisses, headband flicks, and “noggins” without any warning.  She has started getting a bit of a fussy time at night, which usually means she will sleep well through the night.  She loves to eat and eat and eat, and then will go a little longer in between feedings.  She is officially growing out of her newborn diapers and clothes.  Her legs are just too long, and she has had a handful of “blowouts” this week. She is quite a sweetheart though. While she is great to sleep on her own, she loves to snuggle too. She is trying to smile and hold her head up.

This was my last week of vacation. It has been very refreshing to have some time off and just relax, however as always I’m anxious to start classes again.

Monday-Susan worked in the afternoon, but unfortunately was not able to get a ton done as the system was being updated with new tax information.  Kason and I stayed home for most of the day and played with his new Christmas toys. At 4, I had an eye appointment. My old Bishop is my eye doctor so it is always great to go see him and catch up. Although after our conversation, I did ask myself if the $79 bill was for the four minutes it took to check out my eyes or for the conversation and advice. Well, either way, it’s great to talk to him. That evening Susan and I took Kolay to see my Grandma and Grandpa Piquet. With it being so cold and my grandparents being more homebound these days, it was the first time that they had seen Kolay. It was really nice to talk with them. That night I helped Susan catch up on some of her work that she was not able to do during the day and realized how interesting it is that she can take so much interest in something that I had to force myself to stay awake while doing.

Tuesday-We took Kolay to a local dentist’s office to get hand and foot impressions. Kolay was a good sport, but did not really enjoy the cold liquid that they used. Later that evening Susan and I met with the 1^st counselor of our bishopric and were released from our calling as Sunday School teachers, and I was extended the calling of 2^nd counselor of the Sunday School Presidency. I accepted the calling although my first thought was, “What does the 2^nd counselor of the Sunday School Presidency do?” I am very excited to learn more about the calling and to work with the rest of the presidency. Afterwards, the Relief Society Presidency came to visit Susan & Kolay, and I went out to play some church ball with Rope. It was a good time, and I didn’t even embarrass myself too much.

Wednesday-Today was Kason’s dentist appointment.  It was a great experience. The dentist we chose specializes in children and his office reflects that. When we entered I thought maybe we had walked into the wrong building because the insides very much resembled an arcade of some sort. Kason had a great time waiting to get called back playing with the other children and the many games. The dentist said that Kason’s teeth look great no cavities, but that his top front teeth are coming in a little tight and will require flossing and his adult teeth probably won’t have enough room. So I guess we’ll start saving for some orthodontist work. Later that evening we watched Brand’s team get a “come from behind” victory over Burley which was very entertaining. Brand played very well.

Thursday-We woke up early to take Kason to his 18 month appointment. The appointment went very well and Kason seems to be growing great. The only downside of the appointment is that Kason had to get shots. The nurses were great and were so quick that Kason didn’t even see it happen. In fact by the time he looked down all he saw was the band aids and he quickly pulled both off thinking that the pain was coming from them.  In the afternoon, Kason got a haircut from Grandma Lindley.  Susan taught piano lessons to Evan and Lacey.  Kason also went to Grandma’s Day with Grandma Piquet in the evening.  He had a good time playing with Grandma’s toys and watching Dad, Grandpa, Rope & Brand roping.  He came home and had a bath to warm him up! Susan had a good time visiting with my mom while Kason bathed. 

Friday-Susan and Kolay went to a Baby Shower in the morning put on by one of the choir classes she accompanied last semester at Rocky Mountain Middle School.  The girls had everything coordinated from the decorations to the refreshments to the games, and they spoiled Kolay with lots of gifts.  Susan was relieved that Mrs. Butikofer had warned the class not to ask to hold the baby as we have been sick enough this winter already.  Afterwards, the 2 of them went into work for the rest of the day to print checks.  Kason and I stayed home; Kason started not feeling well on Friday.  We were able to all go watch Brand’s game against Hillcrest on Friday.  I was then able to take Susan and the kids home and go back for the varsity game.  The kids were ready for bed!

Saturday—In the morning, Susan went to Jessica Craig’s baby shower.  She enjoyed visiting with Jessica at the shower. Afterwards, we did a bunch of grocery shopping for the week with the kids. After two carts, two naps in the store, and one very full Echo, we made it home. In the evening, Kolt volunteered at a community event for the FHPA club.  We were all glad to have him home afterwards!

Sunday—I was on time to church today! I was grateful for Merodene Case who watched Kolay while I played prelude before Kolt and Kason got there. The bishopric introduced themselves during the meeting and did a great job. My mom was sustained as a nursery leader which we are excited about! We figured no one wanted Kason in nursery with a potential case of Hand Foot Mouth virus, so we all came home and had naps. We had a good dinner with the Lindley family. Kason loves playing with his cousin Nathan, and Nathan is a great sport to let Kason play with him.

Kolay's 2-Week Appt--New Year's Day

Another family letter written by Kolt!

Kason turned 18 months old yesterday. He finally got over his sickness and even popped his two lower canine teeth. This week has also been an eye opener for him. Kamrie and Kylen stayed with Grandpa and Grandma Lindley this week while their parents went on an anniversary trip, and Kason got his first taste of life with siblings. Kason enjoyed having his cousins over for the most part, but there were times that it was quite difficult for him to share his toys and attention. Kason this week has also turned into a jibber jabber and repeats everything that we say. Some of the new words that he has learned are run, toast, yogurt, football, and Brooke. He loves to say EIEIO all the time. He is getting very good at doing the actions to Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Patti cake, and Popcorn Popping. Anytime you ask him what he wants to sing he will put his hands on his head for Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes. He also unfortunately learned how to say no which has turned into his favorite reply to anything, even things that he actually wants!  Kason still loves to play with hair; he plays with it anytime he is tired or wants a little comfort. He has really started liking to play with Dinosaurs since he got all 12 Land Before Time movies for Christmas.  He always likes tractors and trailers and horses and is starting to really like his red tricycle at home. His favorite foods are yogurt, toast, Bug Juice from Grandpa Piquet, and potatoes. He has become just a little too busy to eat much at one sitting in the last few months, but he always wants to eat whatever others are eating. He is somehow still growing and is still quite a tall boy! A little while ago he started doing a fake snore whenever we say we are going “night night” or if he sees someone else sleeping. It is pretty cute!

Kolay is still a little angel. She is now three weeks old and last Monday we took her to her two week appointment. So far she is 8 pounds even (39 percentile) and 21 inches long (81 percentile). She does have a small belly button hernia, but the doctor says that it should heal on its own. The doctor also said that Kolay’s raspy breathing luckily is not in her lungs and is probably the result of some acid reflux. She is still in her newborn clothes which is pretty crazy for us considering that she still hasn’t even reached Kason’s birth weight.

On Monday and Tuesday, Kason and Susan were battling sicknesses.  We didn’t do too much except try  to get them on the mend.  On Tuesday night, Kason and I went to Pizza Pie Café to meet up with some of the Piquet cousins who were in town.  Right after I paid for dinner, Kason threw up all over.  We decided not to eat and come straight home.  Susan and Kolay watched Frozen at home with Kamrie, Kylen, and Grandma Lindley, so we came home and joined them.

On Wednesday I woke up early to go duck hunting with Landon, Brand, and Rope. When I woke up the temperature was -15^oF. I bundled up as best as I could to stay warm, and by the time that we arrived at the ponds it was -23^oF. After about an hour of waiting and watching and only seeing one duck, we decided that the ducks were probably as cold as we were and decided to head home. For most of the rest of the day, we watched bowl games. I enjoyed watching TCU throttle Ole Miss, and in my mind I think a case was made for a six or eight team college playoff system. It was also fun seeing Boise State make some more Fiesta Bowl magic by beating Arizona. We decided to spend New Year’s Eve with the Lindley’s. Momma Lindley made a ton of tasty treats for us, but with both Kason and Susan still not feeling great we were all in bed by 9:30.

New Year’s Day I worked a 7-3 shift at the BHC on the adolescent unit. Afterwards I met up with Susan to play some volleyball at Bonneville High School. It was really fun playing and we had plenty of people. Susan seems to be recovering well from her delivery and is moving really well. After volleyball, we watched Oregon open it up against Florida State. I started watching just as the third quarter started. 

On Friday, Susan worked a full day closing the month at the Post Register.  She ended up having to work longer than she expected because the computers were down for a part of the day.  Kolay went with her and was a great helper.  I got called in on Friday and worked 7-3, so Grandpa Lindley took Kason for the day.  He also had 4 other cousins for part of the day, so he was busy, but Kason liked playing with the cousins and every once in a while would go to Grandpa and just want to be held for a bit.  When I finished with work, I went home and helped Grandpa Lindley drive the kids to McDonald’s where we met Grandma Lindley and Susan.  The kids ate a lot and then played hard! Afterwards, we stopped by our new church building and let the kids play while she practiced the organ.  The kids were ready for bed when we got home!

On Saturday morning, Kason and I went to Alan Jackson’s funeral. Alan was three years younger than me in school and grew up about a half mile from our house. The funeral was very pretty and Kason was surprisingly good throughout the funeral. One of the talks did leave an impression on me. Alan’s aunt was asked to speak and she spoke of Christ’s love and comfort during times such as this. She also spoke of how she was sad that Alan was gone because she felt that she did not know him as well in recent years because the family had stopped getting together for campouts and reunions. She strongly encouraged their family to return to this practice. While I was at the funeral, Susan and Kolay stayed home and enjoyed a visit from Makayla.  In the evening, we went up to Winger’s in Rexburg to meet some of the Staker family. My mom’s cousin Jen Pointer was up from California with her family and wanted to see everyone. We had a great time visiting and enjoyed dinner. Kolay slept right through it, and Kason enjoyed some Alfredo pasta with Paisley.  Susan was finally feeling better and enjoyed getting out.  Somehow Kason stayed awake on the drive home and slept great that night!

Sunday was a different day with church at 1.  I finished my book “Mormonism and Evolution”. It was a really interesting read. Basically the church has never taken an official stance on evolution. The church’s official position is that God created man in his own image but has up to this point not revealed by which manner, and in the future, if it is necessary, he will reveal by what means he created man. Susan worked on putting away all of Kason’s baby clothes.  The morning seemed to go slow until about 11:45 AM and then somehow time flew, and we weren’t very early to church for Susan to play the organ.  We only had Fast & Testimony meeting this week as we sustained the new presidencies and are still working on filling the auxiliaries.  Susan figured out the new organ, and the kids did alright for me. Kason only had a 30 minute nap which made for a long evening.  We had breakfast for dinner with the Lindley’s at 5:30. Jared & Trish and the girls came down later in the evening. They all got to hold Kolay.  Kason also played great with the girls. They helped him great ready for bed, and he begged to go in his crib at 8.