Merry Christhmath!

Yes, I spelled that right!  There was lots of wiggling in the past few months and the main event finally took place on Christmas Day:  Hayden lost his first tooth!  He has been waiting actually patiently for this day to come.  Pointing out his loose tooth every other day or so.  While packing for our trip to Minnesota he suggested we pack up his tooth pillow he got last month.  I figured that would be fine, it doesn't weigh anything.  We forgot it!  So, the tooth is now safely tucked in Mom's wallet ready for the trip back home to Arizona to be placed carefully in his tooth pillow for the Tooth Fairy to officially pay him a visit! 

What does the Tooth Fairy bring nowadays?!

Merry Christmas from The Blattner's

From our little clan to yours, big or small,

Merry Christmas!

Santa came early!!

Santa came to our house last night!!  He left a note for the kids and some fun stuff downstairs for them.  Hayden spotted this note hanging from a ribbon on the stairs.  Pretty cool that Santa makes special deliveries for kids who will be away from their homes for Christmas.  And they both got exactly what they wanted, a remote control Corvette for Hayden and a bike for Maya!  We think Frank, our Shelf Elf, must have had a little something to do with it...

You can click the picture to read it better.  =)

 

All in the Family

Family pictures were so fun this year!  Not only did we have the four of us, but we had my parents and my brother and his family as well.  3 kids, ages 6, 3 and 1 and we got lots of fantastic shots.  I even got a couch in this time!  I've always wanted a couch in family pictures.  Don't ask why, it's just because.  So many fab pictures it was hard to choose, these are just a few of my favorites.

Just the four of us.

Our Miss Maya, striking a pose

Our Handsome Hayden.  Like the tie?  I made that!!  =)

Jenn and Bud, eleven years and many more to come.



The Wagemaker family of four.  It's been a long time since it's been just us four in a picture.  199?



The entire Wagemaker family.  I know it's not huge, but we like it this way.  =)



My babies.  I LOVE this picture, it may be my favorite out of the lot of them.  I can hear Maya's laughter when I see this and the love for his sister coming from Hayden.  These expressions are ones I see alot and I am so glad they have been captured.

Me and Miss

Daddy and the Dude

Hayden's Kindergarten Picture, A Mystery

Hayden had his first school picture taken sometime back in September.  He wore a dark grey polo with white stripes. 
In mid-October, he brought home the folder with the picture to be approved and a package to be ordered.  I must say, holy fricking expensive for even the cheapest package!  I digress.  I chose to order just the CD so I could print them.  Picture was fine, not "Oh my gosh this is the best picture ever", but it was good.  It was his first school picture, so a little sentimental.  I sent it back to school with him the day they were to be returned.
On Wednesday, Hayden came home with the disc.  The disc with this picture:

Um...I didn't fill out the part for a retake, I didn't pay for a retake.  I know what he was wearing on picture day and I know that this picture was not from picture day.  It was from Orange and Black day the week before Halloween.  

I am very confused, but okay with it.  This is a better picture!



The Happy Gas

Last week I took the kids to the dentist.  H is a pro, does great, sits there and lets them do their thing.  The last two times I have brought Maya, she had to sit on my lap.  I was a little nervous about this visit with her too, she HATES us having to brush her teeth and insists on doing it herself. 
Well, she hopped on that chair like she's been doing it for years.  The dentist got her work done, the teeth were cleaned and checked.  Then, the moment of truth, the words I figured were coming, "She has two cavities.  One that needs filling as soon as possible, the other is small, but we will get them at the same time."  Crap.  Not something I was looking forward to with a 3 year old. 
Two days ago we got them filled.  I couldn't believe this girl.  She walked in like she owned the place, plopped herself on the chair and opened her mouth (before it needed to be.)  Her dentist asked her what she was for Halloween, was she a princess?  Maya said no, Batgirl.  From then on, she needed to be called Batgirl.  Dr. Cotton said, "Okay princess, we are going to put a mask on you."  Maya said, "I'm Batgirl."  Okay, Batgirl got a nose mask on that she took deep breaths from. The dentist said, "You're doing good pretty girl, keep taking those deep breaths."  Maya said, "I'm not pretty girl, I'm Batgirl."  Dr. Cotton didn't slip up as much after that.
Then, the gas kicked in and the work began.  I sat in the hall looking through the glass doors watching.  Batgirl opened her mouth with ease, didn't utter a shrill for pain, didn't fight off the mask, let all the hoses and tools in to do their things.
Halfway through, Batgirl got chatty.  Here are a few things I heard her say:
I like your glasses.  They have pretty pink sparkle.  (As she reaches up and touches them.)
I have Twinkle Toes.
My Mommy painted my fingernails black.  I was Batgirl, so they were black.

There was other chatting going on, but out of my earshot.  I am just so thankful she did so good.  Dr. Cotton said not many 3 year olds sit that still and some have to come back to finish.  Batgirl's whole procedure lasted 20 minutes and she was in no pain at any point.  She was a little loopy and walked a little drunkenly for a few minutes, but all in all it was a pleasent experience getting two cavities filled.
She lets us brush her teeth now.  With only a little fight.

Trick or Treat!

This was the first time I took the kids door to door.  I'm usually the one handing out candy, but this year I wanted in on the action. 

The Green Lantern, Batgirl and I ventured off for some fun about 6:15.  It was so neat watching Maya so excited strutting around in her costume.  Hayden is a pro, stands behind the mat or far back enough from the door where he knows he won't get nailed by it.  Maya pretty much enters the house upon the door opening. 

We just did a little loop around the neighborhood.  Unfortunately (or maybe fortunate) there were alot of dark doorways.  The kids took turns ringing bells, they both said "Trick or Treat" perfectly, and a couple houses gave them a handful (I mean huge man-handfuls). A couple houses scared the begeezus out of Hayden with their decor and music that he wouldn't go more than 15 feet from the door, but Maya went right on up ready for her goodies. One house even had a pretty scary Teen Wolf that scared her when she turned from the bowl.  She jumped back, turned and looked at me and said, "Mom, that guy scared me."  She definitely takes after Dad in that regard.  

Daddy also took them to some more houses when we finished or loop.  Then we sat and handed candy out as a family from the driveway.  It was a fun night, both kids got their sugar high and then conked out when their heads hit pillows.  

 Yes, the ring gave him power!!  You didn't lift his bag!  =)

 On her turn to ring the bell, she knocked too.  She needs to be heard.

Ready to pack it in.  Happy Halloween!! 

It's Over

Babyhood in our house, that is.  Tuesday marked the two week, well, mark for no diapers for Little Miss M.  Well, we still have protection at night, but for during the day it's a HUGE deal!  It took a long time, it seemed, for Maya to finally "get it" and want to be a potty kind of girl. 

So, it's kinda sad.  We have no plans for baby 3.  I re-did our headboard last week and in moving the bed I found 2 NUK's that had fallen behind.  I think babies look cute sucking on those things.  Not happening anymore here.  There are no more bottles to wash, NUK's to locate, swings to be a focal point in the living room, high chairs to clean, strollers with infant seats attached, or little baby baths to give. 

*Sigh*  I don't really like endings.  But I guess this is a good one.

It's a good day!

On Monday, Hayden handed me a yellow postcard from school inviting me to an Awards Ceremony today. I got a little excited! It seemed like something that not everyone's parents were invited and it was pretty cool.

Today, Maya and I went to Hayden's school and waited patiently for the assembly to start. K-2 grades were brought in and each teacher was called one at a time to hand out awards for her (they were all female) class. When Hayden's teacher was called, our attention was focused. The principal did the announcing and Hayden's name was called for the second award of the class. Student of the Month for September!!! Yay-ya!

He received a certificate (see picture) and a certificate for McDonald's. Also included was a write up from his teacher of why Hayden received this award:

"I am pleased to nominate Hayden Blattner for my September student of the month. Hayden is a very hard worker. Hayden has made great friends in class, and is alway willing to help others out. I can always count on Hayden to think of others before himself. He always puts forth his best effort. Hayden is a model student and I am so pleased to have him in my class this year. I can't wait to see how far he goes, because I know he is going to do more great things. Keep up the awesome work, Hayden!!"

This is a pround Momma moment. There are days when I am so frustrated with how he is at home; the way he acts, talks, and doesn't listen. Of course I know he is a good kid and is for the most part at home, yet I am so thankful to know he really is a good kid away from me.

And as a side note, Hayden stands about four inches taller than the next tallest kid in his class. =) Keep up the good work and growing, Dude!!

(I made the mistake of asking to see his award in the car and somehow he managed to dump his water on it upon returning it to him. He's going to ask his teacher for new one tomorrow.)

He's 6

In approximately 2 hours, at 9:18pm Arizona time, this little guy officially turns 6. Where is the rewind button for me to push and just hold this little babe for a minute?

Today

10 years ago today I was at my home in Payson, Arizona. I had flown back to AZ from Minnesota after being in a friends wedding the weekend prior. I woke up and turned on the Today Show as I did every morning. I just sat there in disbelief, shock and horror. I didn't know anyone involved in any part of what happened. My family was safe, my friends were safe. I couldn't believe the feelings that went through me. I could not fathom how something so horrible could happen here or anywhere. I don't understand why and no one can I don't think. We can just remember, hurt, pray, feel, grieve, and question.

All day I online and on TV there have been stories on what happened. Everyone is sad, remembering and grieving over ten years past. There was a story in the paper on the babies born that day, making it a day of celebration for many families. What I didn't see on the news, in the paper, online, was the bickering, blaming, feuding, back and forth political battles, and crap that we see everyday.

It is more saddening to think we live in a place where the only day we can all get along is a day of saddness and horror and constant grieving. One day.

God bless the USA! Today and everyday.

Comparing at 3

I love to do comparisons of the kids at each of their milestone ages. Mostly because Hayden was always big for his age, never going below the 95%ile in height or 90%ile for weight. Maya is a little more average, which I like. She's staying in her clothes more than 3 months at a time and looks her age. Hayden was and is always guessed a year older than what he is and as a baby, about three months more than what he was. The last year and a half when we'd go to the grocery store when other kids were in school, we'd always get, "was it a half day today? How come you're not in school? Is there a break already?" And our reply was always, "he's only 4/5, he's in preschool." The response, "Wow! You are tall!" Yep.
And with that, here are pics of the kids each at 3. The stats: Maya, 37 inches tall and 29.75 pounds. Hayden at three: 39.25 inches tall and 36 pounds.

Both cute as can be, however. =)

Give me an answer

M: Hayden, what did you do at school today?
H: I don't know.
M: You don't know what you did today in school?
H: No, I just don't remember.
M: Well, I saw you get on the bus and you got off of a different bus. Did you actually go into the building, into your classroom, see your teacher and learn something?
H: Well, yes.
M: Ok, so what did you do in school today?
H: We didn't have recess.

**Just about every day!

Sleepy Sleeperson

I recently put in 100's of pictures (I'm just a little behind) into the kids' albums. As I was doing this, I realized just how many pictures I have taken of Maya just sleeping. I assume it is my subconcious telling me to take them, as this is pretty much the only way I am guarenteed her sitting still for a photo.
As I looked at them, I am glad I do take pictures of her sleeping. She looks so peaceful. She also shows how flexible and funny she is. Amazing I can still capture her personality even while she is fast asleep. =)

One of her last nights in the crib.

Very rare moment of her falling asleep during daylight.

One last one in her crib with all her bedtime pals.

Her first night cuddled in her toddler bed.

Not sure if this s an attack of the Lamb or if she was holding it and then moved.

I have so many more, but I don't think I need to overload it. These were only ones I found in a quick search of pictures. Soon, there will be pictures taken in a super big girl bed! She's starting to get a little big for the toddler one. =(

Sassy and 3

My sassy Little Miss is 3! She's something you have to see to believe. She's non-stop, seriously non-stop, all day, from the moment she wakes up until her head hits her pillow. She's got a diva attitude, but she's a sweet little thing just as much. She is stubborn and goes at her own pace and way of thinking. She's beautiful, funny, cuddley, animated, shy and friendly, lovely and she's mine. =)

Minnesota, You Betcha, Part 2

The second week of our trip was just the kids and I to my hometown. We were back and forth to the lake and town. It was fun, relaxing and a smidge on the hot side. The kids had a blast at the lake, even though the water was so high it was hard to swim. I always have fun just seeing the place I grew up; how it's changed and how the people have changed.

Starting off with some fun in the lake. Where Hayden is should be shore, but it's a good foot high.

Where the dock should be are just steps. So we sat on the lower steps waiting for boats to bring in some good waves.

That was a good one.

Thumbs up for a fun day!

Pool fun in town. They only used this once we were so busy. Still fun if only just once.

More lake time. The steps again playing with boats.

The kids and I at the lake.

We went to the Mall of America one day to the Sea Life Aquarium. It was really cool. The jellyfish were my favorite, Hayden's were the sharks and Maya wasn't sure, but she touched a starfish.

My flash has been acting up, but apparently Hayden wasn't in the mood for a picture anyway.

He was in the mood to check out the mini LegoLand. The kid was in his own little heaven.

Then Maya spotted Ni Hoa Kai Lan (I have no idea if I spelled any of that right) and made a beeline to her! She grabbed her hand, played with her hair, gave high fives and hugs. Hayden wanted nothing to do with her and would only be in the picture if I was. He couldn't get away fast enough and Maya pretty much felt her up again.

We went to the local little coffee shop and the kids got the Electric Blue Smoothie. She was still blue the next morning.

The golden eagle outside the bank.

One last day at the lake. Maya is dodging goose poop.

And Hayden finally got to ride in the kayak because it was calm enough. Not only did he go with Grandma, he got to do it all by himself too!

Such a fun time, such good memories of our two weeks up North. The pictures I posted do not do our vacation justice as I think my total was 368 taken. I am so thankful to have both of our families within driving distance of each other so we can spend time with both. It may be only one or two weeks a year, but we make it count. =)