Emma's Birthday

Emma turned 3 on December 26th. Here are some pictures of our lunch date with her!

Christmas Pictures

I finally got some time to upload some pictures of Christmas! I hope you all enjoy them.

World Wind Week!!

We hope that everyone had a great Christmas. We sure did! The kids are still in overload mode but we are working our way through it. We started our Christmas celebration with the Otto's on Christmas Eve. It was so much to hang out and just have a relaxing day. We sure missed Zak, Susan and Lydia this year. The kids had a great time and we were home at a decent time. We got them all ready for bed. We set out the cookies and milk for Santa and off to bed they went. I thought for sure that Braeden would wake us up early saying..."Mommy and Daddy Santa came!" Boy was I mistaken. I was up at 6am waiting for my kids to run into our room. I was still waiting at 7am. At 7:20 Nick and I hear Braeden yell for us from his room. He didn't want to get out of bed. We told him to get up and just come in our room. He came in and we asked him if Santa came. He said he didn't know and didn't want to check. The poor kid thought Santa was still in the house. He was so freaked out! He said I have to go potty so bad will you come with me. I felt awful! I didn't think of him getting scared at all. We had to explain to him that Santa just drops the presents off and leaves. After we talked to him he ran out to the tree to see all the presents. Then he woke up his sister. We had a great time opening presents. After opening presents at our house we headed off to my parents' house for the day. The kids got so much stuff but had a wonderful Christmas!

Yesterday my mom, Patsy and I went shopping in the morning. I believe we have been getting up early to do after Christmas shopping for the last 7 years. We have so much fun and just enjoy getting some deals. It was also Emma's birthday. Nick, Braeden, Charlie and I took her to Applebee's for lunch. It is her favorite place to go. They even sang Happy Birthday to her. She thought that was the best! Last night we spent the evening with the Hoffman's. We love getting together with them every year. It was so fun to hang out and catch up with everyone!

Today is our 5th wedding Anniversary. I can't believe we have been married for 5 years already. The time goes by so quickly! Nick's mom and dad are coming over to watch all 3 kids tonight so we can go out for a nice dinner and maybe a movie.

I will try to post pictures at some point today. I think naps are in everyones agenda for the day today!

Helena Clare

Here is a picture of our new niece. Isn't she so adorable and sweet looking. I love the hat and pants!

Welcome Helena Clare

Nick's brother and his wife had a baby girl this morning. What a wonderful Christmas present!! She is 8lbs 20 1/2 inches long and I am sure beautiful. We all can't wait to see pictures and meet her. Congratulations Zak, Susan and Lydia!

Merry Christmas!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. It is hard to believe that it is already that time of year. It goes by so quickly. I try so desparately to soak in all the memories each year. Braeden and Emma are so excited for Santa to come. Every year their reactions get better and better. Christmas is about the children and giving. Remember to be thankful for what you have because in these hard times our country is facing not everyone can celebrate.

Merry Christmas!!
Amy

Otto Family Rock Band.....

A few months ago my kids asked Papa from the lake to build them a stage. This was after our trip to the Dell's. They loved being able to sing and dance on the stage at the restaurant we went to. Papa told Nick and I that he would love to build them a stage. We were going to give it to them for Christmas but decided to give it to them earlier. Last night the kids had a blast dancing and singing on the stage. We have our own little rock band!

Check out that smile on Charlie. He loves to be able to play with his brother and sister!

Emma's Blizzard Birthday

Emma will be 3 on Friday and we had her birthday party on Saturday. It was nice to see that we had a blizzard again for her birthday party. Every year it snows on her birthday party and turns into a blizzards. Nick and I frantically got things ready for her party all day. He was out shoveling a few times to keep up with the blowing snow. Grandma Pete and Aunt Mary were not able to make it down for her party. We were glad they chose not to risk the drive. Everyone in Mankato were able to come. Emma had a blast and got everything she wanted. Maybe next year we will be able to avoid the blizzard.

Christmas Program

Braeden had his Christmas program on Thursday. He was so excited. I took the day off so that Emma, Charlie, Nick and I could all go and watch him. Braeden did a great job but looked less than enthused to be singing.

BURRRR.....

I have asked myself several times today why I/we live in Minnesota during the winter. I don't know why anyone purposely puts themselves through these temperature changes. Saturday was a beautiful day. It was 40 degrees and sunny. A lot of the snow we had melted. We were able to get the cars washed and cleaned out. Sunday rolled in and so did drastic temperature changes. We started the day in the 30s and quickly went downhill from there. This morning we woke up to -35 degree wind chills! That is 75 degree difference from Saturday. Please send help. We are obviously insane and need help. We don't take the kids out in this weather if we can avoid it. I ventured out this evening to finish up all of our Christmas shopping. It is so nice to have it all done but what a cold night to finish!! I just wish that after Christmas spring would come so it doesn't get any colder here.

Tooth Fairy!

Braeden lost his first tooth on Saturday night. I can't believe that he is already old enough to be losing teeth.

SANTA CAME!!

We had a special visitor this morning. Santa stopped by to say hi to all the kids and my daycare kids. It was so much fun. The kids were so surprised. We had them all play down the basement so Santa could come in without them knowing. We were able to fill his bag with presents so the kids would be surprised! My sister Molly went down and told all the kids that Santa was here. Braeden ran up the stairs first. He was mesmorized by him and just kept starring at him. He just couldn't believe that Santa came to his house to say hi.Then Chance, one of my daycare boys, came running in. He screamed "SANTA...I have to tell you everything I want." It was the best reaction a kid could have. We hope his dad got it on video tape. Emma could've cared less. She is our shy kid and we don't know where she gets that from at all. She wanted nothing to do with Santa even if there was a present involved. We had a hard time even getting a picture with her in it. Charlie still could care less about anyone. He isn't in the stranger phase yet. He just loves to be held so was thrilled Santa was holding him. When it came time for a group picture Charlie was hungry and mad. Santa sang songs with the kids, took pictures and gave them presents. What a great day for everyone! Then when Santa left we all had cookies and juice. I am so glad that I had him come. I will make sure to do this again next year.

Dear Santa....

I was a really good girl this year. I would like you to bring me:
Dora Castle
Barbie Castle
pink guitar
pink dolls
clothes
sleeping beauty lamp
babysitter for Charlie

Love,
Emma

We worked on our Santa lists the other night and Emma's made me smile. She loves to have alone time with Mommy so I assume that is why Charlie needs a babysitter ;)

Loose Tooth...

Braeden has his first loose tooth. He discovered it last week. We never thought he would be loosing his teeth already. It was such a big day for him when he found out his tooth was loose. He was very dramatic about it and didn't eat supper. We knew he was really concerned because we had chicken nuggets that night. He was really worried about his tooth falling out and not having a tooth there. We had to explain to him that another one would grow in. I checked his tooth tonight and it is really loose. He wants to lose it the night before Christmas so Santa and the tooth fairy can come in the same night.

Big Boy...

Charlie is growing so fast. I can't believe that he will be 7 months on the 9th. The time is just flying by. I am so thankful that I can be home with him and watch him grow. He has learned to sit up on his own now. He is not a newborn anymore that is for sure. He loves to smile, jump in his johnny jump up and giggle at his sibblings. I know that crawling is just around the corner and I wish there was a way I could bottle him up for awhile! We are so blessed to have 3 healthy children. I am so happy that he is growing so well but I wish he would slow down a little.

Girl time....

Emma and I went to Liv Aveda Salon last night and enjoyed the customer appreciation specials they had. Emma hasn't done anything like that with me before and it was so fun to bring her. She watched as I got my eye brows waxed. She said to me..."mommy I don't want to do that." I just laughed and said some day you will have no choice ;) We then went and had hand massages with lotion. I can't wait for her to get a little older so we can get manicures or pedicures together. It sure is fun having a girl to do things with.

Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were able to see most of our family so it was a great day. The kids were up late but slept in on Friday. I decided to venture out to the stores Friday morning. Next year I will sleep in and wait until the crazy people go home ;)

We have a busy month coming up but I love this time of year. I was able to get all my decorations up before we went to Wisconsin Dells. I know that the kids and I have really enjoyed them. Nick hung up the outside lights yesterday while it was snowing. I baked Christmas cookies all weekend. The kids had fun helping me unwrap all the hershey kisses. Emma would unwrap one, then smell it and say "they just smell so good mommy."

My friend Misty and I are having a dessert open house on December 6th. We are hoping for a great turnout. It is from 1-4, at my house, so feel free to stop by anytime and enjoy the dessert samples! I hope everyone is able to enjoy this busy season!

Thanksgiving

Wisconsin Dells

Emergency Action Plan!

As a daycare provider I am suppose to have an emergency action plan written down for the slim chance that I will ever have to use it. Well I guess the licensors don't know me ;) I had to put that plan into action today!

I was fixing lunch for the kids (peanut butter and jelly sandwich, peaches and carrots). My can opener was not working properly and I couldn't get the can of peaches to open. I decided that I would take a knife to try and bend the top of the can. I thought this would help me get to the peaches better. Well it did but I slipped and the jagged lid cut my finger! OUCH!! Thank God I was on the phone with Misty at the time. I think I would have passed out otherwise. I got out the first aid kit and tried to fix myself up as best as I could. Well my finger was really bleeding and I thought I was going to pass out. I called my dad and both my mom and him headed over. I had 7 kids eating lunch not knowing what was happening at all. I am so glad that my dad is a doctor and it was his day off! He helped me wrap it up tight and mom helped with the kids. It worked out perfectly! Of course this all happens while Nick is in Nebraska for work. I don't need stiches but my need glue if the bleeding doesn't stop. I really know how to cut my fingers well! We are leaving for the Dell's tomorrow so I am sure my finger will feel really good in chlorine water :|

6 Months Already!

Where does the time go? Charlie was 6 months old on the 9th! It is hard to believe that he is already 6 months old. We had a busy week this past week. Braeden and Emma were sick on Wednesday. Thursday morning I took Charlie in for his 6 month appointment. We saw a different pediatrician and I love him! He made me feel so much better about everything. He sat with me for an hour talking about everything I had questions on. We talked about Charlie's spitting up and he isn't concerned with it. He said as long as he is growing in an upward curve he isn't concerned. He said that the prevacid is not FDA approved for children under the age of 1. Nick and I immediately threw it all out and decided to see how Charlie does without it. The doctor said that we can come in once a month for weight checks if we want but it isn't necessary. He said he will see us at his 9 month check up and see how he is growing then. I felt so much better about everything. I was getting really stressed about feeding him and making sure he was gaining weight. He looks so good and doesn't look like a sickly little boy. He is just small. The doctor reassured me that someone has to be small so that they can get the growth curve for all babies. I feel so much more relaxed about everything.

Charlie at 6 months:
Height: 25 1/2 inches - 19th percentile
Weight: 14lbs 12oz - 8th percentile
Head: 17 1/4 inches - 50th percentile

Thursday night Braeden still wasn't better so I took him to the doctor. He had strep throat. They checked me out too and I had it as well. I even had a fever while I was there. I guess I was more worried about everyone else that I didn't even think of myself. Friday was spent taking care of sick kids and day care kids. The day couldn't end fast enough!! Saturday we spent the day putting up the Christmas decorations. Patsy and Graham took Braeden and Emma overnight. The kids had a blast and Nick and I were able to have a nice evening with Charlie. The weekends go by way to quickly!! We are now getting ready for our Wisconsin Dells trip on Friday. We are all excited to get out of Mankato for the weekend!!


Ali came over on Thursday to help me with my sick kids!! Thanks Ali!!


Charlie eating his first graham cracker!

Sick Kids....

I have two sick kids today. Braeden had a fever last night and Emma got one this morning. My poor babies. They aren't complaining though. I am letting them spend the day in my bed with cartoons and movies. I know they won't last long up there but at least they can rest some. We are going to the Dell's next weekend so I would much rather everyone be sick now!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Nick turned 30 on Saturday and I had a surprise party for him. He told me that I would never be able to surprise him but I know I did. He had no idea. It was the hardest secret to keep but worth it! Thanks to all our friends and family for coming out to celebrate. We went to Westwood and it was perfect!

Weight Check....

Charlie has still been spitting up quite a bit. Nick and I were concerned with the amount he actually spits up every day. Just last week he also started having mattery eyes. We just thought it was his clogged tear ducts. I called our Pediatrician to express my concerns and she wanted us to bring him in. She checked his weight, length, eyes and ears. He weighs 14lbs 4oz and was 26 inches tall. He is only in the 5th percentile for his weight and 36th percentile for his length. He is our little peanut. Our pediatrician is concerned with his weight and increased the amount of prevacid we have to give him every day. Poor baby!! Hopefully this will fix his reflux and he will start gaining weight like he should. She checked his ears and he had a double ear infection. That explained the mattery eyes! I guess we should've brought him in sooner. He is now on medicine for his ears too. Hopefully we will see changes in the next week. We go back to the doctor on the 13th. We now have to start going in for weight checks at least once a month until his reflux improves.

Halloween Pictures...

Trick or Treating....

The kids had so much fun trick or treating on Friday night. They were hyper all day just waiting to go. I took the day off from daycare kids to spend some quality time with my kids.

Emma, Charlie and I went to the mall and met Nana from the pool and Sean. Sean and Emma played in the play area and had a blast. It is so cute to see the cousins play together. Sean gets so excited to see Emma. We are so blessed to have our family so close. Just wish Lydia was closer so we could have play dates with her too :( Nana and Sean then came over for lunch.

I went to Braeden's school to help out with their Fall Party. He was so excited to see me. I walked in the door and his face just lit up. He said..."this is my mom everybody!" I was so glad I went. I helped out with games and the kids had a blast. I even got to meet Braeden's girlfriend Claire. She has brown hair that is cut into a bob. I looked at her and saw myself at her age. It was so surreal.

After school I had the fun job of trying to keep the kids sane until Trick or Treating time. Dean, Mary, Grandma Ruth, Grandpa Chuck, and Ali all came over for supper. It was hectic but fun! The kids barely ate because they wanted to go trick or treating. Dean, Mary, Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Chuck stayed at the house so we could take the kids out. Braeden didn't like the scary costumes at all. He was very timid and stayed behind until they were gone. He would go up to the house by himself because he was too scared. I felt bad for him. Emma could have cared less. She ran right up to the door. She would point at the scary costumes and say.."look at that guy!" It was a great night and the kids got a lot of candy. They went to bed late but slept in! It is so fun to watch them grow.

Congratulations!!

My brother-in-law was accepted into University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School program. We are so excited for him! We know that he has been trying hard to get in. This is a big step for their family. We love them and will support them with whatever they need. CONGRATS GRAHAM!!

Pumpkin Carving...

We carved pumpkins last night and the kids had such a great time.

Ghost Feet....

Yesterday I made ghost feet with all the kids. My mom even brought Sean up to participate. They all had so much fun!! Braeden even had me make him ghost feet when he got home from school. Here are some pictures....

Cute Braeden Story....

Last night we were having supper with my sister Ali. Braeden always talks the whole time. I don't think he is ever quiet because he even talks in his sleep. Anyways...he was telling us about his girlfriend in Kindergarten. Her name is Claire and she has dark brown hair like me. I can't believe we are talking about girlfriends already. Geez they grow up fast. He said that he didn't want to marry her. I said I hope not because you are only 5! I told him he couldn't get married until he was 30 ;) Then the comment was made that Nick and I were married at 24. I said yes I had Braeden when I was 23 and got married when I was 24. Braeden looked at me and said.."Mommy that doesn't work out right!" I said yes it does we had you before we were married. He looked at Nick and I and said..."but you were together right?" We said yes! The poor kid was all confused. He is just too smart!!

It's finished!!

I finished my first hat on Saturday. It turned out really cute! I was so close to finishing it during knitting class so I just stayed until I did. Now I am working on a hat for Emma. It is addicting!

Fall is here...

We had a great weekend. I got some great pictures of the kids playing in all the leaves in our back yard. It is so fun to see them enjoy the simple things in life.

Pictures from the weekend!