I started volunteering for the hospital last month. I had planned on doing so earlier, but the weaning process for Alex has been very slow. However, I'm at the point now, where I can leave him for a few hours without worry.
I am now the Co-Leader for the Family Readiness Group (FRG) for Blanchfield Army Medical Hospital.
What is an FRG? Here's what I found on Wikipedia:
FRG's are established to provide activities and support to enhance the flow of information, increase the resiliency of unit soldiers and their families, provide practical tools for adjusting to military deployments and separations, and enhance the well-being and esprit de corps within the unit.
We have one or two meetings a week, in addition to weekly ongoing activities, training, or programs. I only volunteer 5-10 hours a week, but it keeps me busy and motivated. It's fun and exciting to work on projects and activities for families. It's also nice to use my brain for things other than teaching my kids preschool concepts or dealing with poop and pee all day ;0)
The best part about it is that I'm meeting all kinds of new people! I've met a great group of women who have young children too. I have lots of new friends and Amelia and Alex have lots of new playmates.
I usually put the kids in hourly care when I volunteer, but I have the option of bringing them along if I want to. I love the flexibility. I also like the fact that I'm in the hospital a lot more, so it's nice to visit Jimmy while he's at work.
I had originally thought about volunteering through the Red Cross, the Spouses Club, or with Army Community Service, but I'm glad I went with the FRG. I've volunteered with those agencies in the past, so it's been fun to try something new.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Oreos
Amelia dips the Oreo ever so delicately into the milk. Then she slowly and carefully nibbles at the cookie to make sure it doesn't fall apart.
Alex busts the cookie in half, grabs the frosting, mushes it into his hand, and jams it in his mouth.
Once he's made a mess of the frosting, he eats the cookie part.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Alex, 15 Months
What is Alex like at 15 months?
Alex
...loves to dance. He claps, spins, and even has his own signature dance move. He puts his hands on his belly button and twists from side to side.
...is all boy. He loves to roughhouse. Jimmy and I can't even lay on the floor without getting tackled for no reason. He loves to be flipped, spun around, and hang upside down. He climbs anything, I mean anything, he can.
...loves to run. This boy does not walk, he runs everywhere. One of is favorite things to do is march in place as fast as he can.
...hates the stroller. Alex can't be in the stroller for more than 15 minutes. He starts screaming and arching his back to get out.
...has very ticklish feet. He laughs and giggles when you put on his socks and shoes.
...wants to be like his big sister. He copies Amelia all the time. He gets very frustrated when I try to help him with things that he sees Amelia does on her own. He wants to use a spoon and fork, helps with chores, takes off and puts away his shoes, gets his own snack and milk, etc.
...is obsessed with cups and containers. Alex is definitely a "dumper-filler" kind of kid. He also loves to scream into cups to hear his echo.
...throws everything. Let's just say mealtimes and tantrums are very frustrating. He has temporarily lost his plate privileges ;0) Despite my obsessive efforts of mopping after every meal, the dining room floor is always sticky. Always.
...loves to scream. This is Alex's main method of communication. He knows several words, but most of the time he just points and screams to get what he wants.
...always wants to be outside. If he hears the word "outside" he runs to the door and screams to go outside. When he wants to go outside, which is all the time, he also goes to the door and whines until we let him out.
...knows several yoga moves. Amelia and I do yoga stretches in the morning. When I call out the positions, he knows most of them!
Alex
...loves to dance. He claps, spins, and even has his own signature dance move. He puts his hands on his belly button and twists from side to side.
...is all boy. He loves to roughhouse. Jimmy and I can't even lay on the floor without getting tackled for no reason. He loves to be flipped, spun around, and hang upside down. He climbs anything, I mean anything, he can.
...loves to run. This boy does not walk, he runs everywhere. One of is favorite things to do is march in place as fast as he can.
...hates the stroller. Alex can't be in the stroller for more than 15 minutes. He starts screaming and arching his back to get out.
...has very ticklish feet. He laughs and giggles when you put on his socks and shoes.
...wants to be like his big sister. He copies Amelia all the time. He gets very frustrated when I try to help him with things that he sees Amelia does on her own. He wants to use a spoon and fork, helps with chores, takes off and puts away his shoes, gets his own snack and milk, etc.
...is obsessed with cups and containers. Alex is definitely a "dumper-filler" kind of kid. He also loves to scream into cups to hear his echo.
...throws everything. Let's just say mealtimes and tantrums are very frustrating. He has temporarily lost his plate privileges ;0) Despite my obsessive efforts of mopping after every meal, the dining room floor is always sticky. Always.
...loves to scream. This is Alex's main method of communication. He knows several words, but most of the time he just points and screams to get what he wants.
...always wants to be outside. If he hears the word "outside" he runs to the door and screams to go outside. When he wants to go outside, which is all the time, he also goes to the door and whines until we let him out.
...knows several yoga moves. Amelia and I do yoga stretches in the morning. When I call out the positions, he knows most of them!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Two Under Two
I have always had feelings of guilt for having two kids so close together in age. I constantly feel that I'm not able to give the the attention they need because I'm always so overwhelmed with their care. I have a constant nagging feeling that I should be able to do more for them and that they deserve so much more.
I know that those feelings will never go completely away. I think most parents feel the same way I do. However, lately, I have actually been feeling very fortunate to have two kids so close in age.
When Alex is fussy, sometimes I just tell Amelia to make him laugh. She will play peek-a-boo with him, give him a toy, get his blanket, or make silly noises. Alex perks right up. Amelia can be very comforting to Alex and it's very sweet.
Watching them play together makes me so happy. One of their favorite games is just chasing each other around the house. I love hearing their giggles and squeals echo through the hallway. They also like to make and feed each other meals using our play kitchen. Amelia also loves being the doctor. She often tells me that Alex is sick and needs a checkup.
I absolutely love watching them share snacks or toys. Most of the time we need to prompt them to do so, but when they share on their own, my heart gets so full and I can't help but smile!
I have recently started letting Amelia help Alex down the stairs. I really need to take a video of this because it is the sweetest thing you have ever seen. She is so patient and encouraging. She holds his hand and says, "Alex keeps trying. Alex you are doing a good job. Be careful Alex, go slow." It's takes them about ten minutes to make it down the stairs, but totally worth it.
Amelia is also learning to be such a great teacher. I do little lessons with the kids and she just loves to mimic me and teach Alex too. She helps me teach Alex his colors, numbers, and letters. Again, she is very encouraging and patient. She points to things and asks, "Alex, what color is this?" She also has certain books she likes to read to Alex and encourages his participation by asking, "How many monkeys do you see?" It is amazing to watch.
Amelia helps Alex with puzzles and shows him how to build towers. She can be very bossy at times, but she means well, ha ha. Amelia also tells Alex to stop throwing his food, "Alex, that's not cool!" and is quick to tell me if Alex is getting into something he shouldn't be.
I'm not saying it's always rainbows and sunshine with these two. Like most young siblings, they fight and bicker.... A LOT! However, when it's good, it's really good! Thankfully, most of the time they get along pretty well.
I know that those feelings will never go completely away. I think most parents feel the same way I do. However, lately, I have actually been feeling very fortunate to have two kids so close in age.
When Alex is fussy, sometimes I just tell Amelia to make him laugh. She will play peek-a-boo with him, give him a toy, get his blanket, or make silly noises. Alex perks right up. Amelia can be very comforting to Alex and it's very sweet.
Watching them play together makes me so happy. One of their favorite games is just chasing each other around the house. I love hearing their giggles and squeals echo through the hallway. They also like to make and feed each other meals using our play kitchen. Amelia also loves being the doctor. She often tells me that Alex is sick and needs a checkup.
I absolutely love watching them share snacks or toys. Most of the time we need to prompt them to do so, but when they share on their own, my heart gets so full and I can't help but smile!
I have recently started letting Amelia help Alex down the stairs. I really need to take a video of this because it is the sweetest thing you have ever seen. She is so patient and encouraging. She holds his hand and says, "Alex keeps trying. Alex you are doing a good job. Be careful Alex, go slow." It's takes them about ten minutes to make it down the stairs, but totally worth it.
Amelia is also learning to be such a great teacher. I do little lessons with the kids and she just loves to mimic me and teach Alex too. She helps me teach Alex his colors, numbers, and letters. Again, she is very encouraging and patient. She points to things and asks, "Alex, what color is this?" She also has certain books she likes to read to Alex and encourages his participation by asking, "How many monkeys do you see?" It is amazing to watch.
Amelia helps Alex with puzzles and shows him how to build towers. She can be very bossy at times, but she means well, ha ha. Amelia also tells Alex to stop throwing his food, "Alex, that's not cool!" and is quick to tell me if Alex is getting into something he shouldn't be.
Amelia always needs to know where Alex is. If he's napping, she knows she needs to be quiet. When he wakes up, she rushes to his room to comfort him. When he's at school, she knows that he eventually needs to be picked up and repeatedly asks me when we are going to get him. It's almost as if she can't be apart from him unless she knows when she can see him again.
Before naps and bedtime, Amelia gets his blanket and turns off the light in his room. She helps me rock him to sleep by singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and You are My Sunshine. It's absolutely adorable.
There are so many cute things they do together and I wish I could write about it all! There are so many moments where I just get so overwhelmed by their actions and I get really emotional. What can I say? They are my kids and I just love them so much and so thankful to be able to witness their sibling relationship develop.
I'm not saying it's always rainbows and sunshine with these two. Like most young siblings, they fight and bicker.... A LOT! However, when it's good, it's really good! Thankfully, most of the time they get along pretty well.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Amelia's Kangaroo
Amelia draws me lots of pictures, but I was super impressed with her kangaroo drawing! Look closely, she was especially proud of the belly button.
Oooops, it's sideways. (The head is to the right and feet on the left.)
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Swirlz: Wildflowers
This will be my third try at Swirlz Art Studio with wine and painting. The third time is not the charm because it's obvious I'm not getting any better! I went out with a few girls I volunteer with and we had a lot of fun!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Hand Washing and Elephant Kisses
I know it will be the ordinary, everyday things that I will miss the most about these kids once they grow up.
Post breakfast hand washing
"Mommy, we are elephants kissing!"
The same paper towel roll was a hammer, thermometer, telescope, banana, and hairbrush. Their pretend play is hilarious.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Forward Facing
We finally gave in and turned Alex's car seat to face forward. They just look so cute napping in the car!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Alex at the Park
I do my best to give Amelia and Alex special dates each week with me. This week, Alex and I went to the park while Amelia was at school. Of course, Alex loved the one on one attention.
I also realized that it is much easier to keep track of just one kid at the park. Usually, I'm running around like crazy trying to figure out where the kids are, ha ha. Our trip to the park was so relaxing and easy. Alex and I had a great time and the weather was great to boot!
I also realized that it is much easier to keep track of just one kid at the park. Usually, I'm running around like crazy trying to figure out where the kids are, ha ha. Our trip to the park was so relaxing and easy. Alex and I had a great time and the weather was great to boot!
He's getting so big!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Egg Decorating
Easter morning, we had a small egg hunt in our living room. Jimmy and I hid plastic eggs filled with two M&M's, two Skittles, and fake tattoos.
Alex and Amelia loved it. Alex's strategy was to eat the candy as soon as he found the egg, ha ha. Like Jimmy, he loves ALL candy. He had zero interest in the tattoos. Amelia hoarded the eggs and ate the candy throughout the day. She did not like the Skittles, but enjoyed the chocolate, like mommy.
I eventually had to put all the plastic eggs away because after Easter was over, Alex would open them and cry whenever there was no candy in it. He would also scream and point to his Easter basket demanding more candy. Yup, the Easter decor was put away extra early this year, ha ha.
The Easter Bunny also brought the kids a new mini basketball hoop and ball. Amelia was very surprised and thinks the Easter Bunny is even more cool then ever.
Easter morning egg decorating
We gave Alex stickers and plastic eggs to decorate
"Egg chairs"
Ooops, Alex wasn't ready to stop yet!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Egg Coloring
Waiting patiently... I love the look on her face
"Mommy, pink is my favorite. I love the pink egg""
"Ohhhh, it's changing!"
Alex is still too little to get in on the egg coloring, but we gave him the circle cut outs from the box and a cup. He had just as much fun as big sis ;0)
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