Friday!

One of the best things about full-day Kindergarten is that Fridays really feel like Fridays! Friday night needs to be playing, going to dinner or ordering pizza, movie night. Tonight my cousin Hannah is coming over and we're baking cupcakes with the kids and hanging out. Hannah likes to bake and loves cupcakes. I think we're going with pumpkin chocolate chip with cream cheese frosting. Speaking of food, I'm figuring out what to make this General Conference weekend. I don't know why, but watching General Conference is more fun with yummy food in hand. Maybe the Maple Syrup Muffin recipe Kerry sent me? Sounds good for breakfast. Crock pot chicken and dumplings (with lots of added veggies in there)? Pizza pretzels, or homemade pizza? Tomato soup, paninis? Chili? Or there are a couple things I wanna make from Skinnytaste, like her crock pot minestrone or low-fat spinach artichoke dip. These are just ideas I have floating around - like I have time to go to the grocery store! No idea when that will happen. How about you? Cooking up anything yummy this first weekend of October?

Back to Friday real quick. Well, first Thursday. Yesterday Tyler had the day off school. I made it his special morning. We dropped Audrey at preschool and he went to Ladybug with me while I taught. Then he got to choose whatever he wanted to do. He chose Jamba Juice and a quick stop at the park before preschool pick up. It was so nice - just me and my boy. We talked about school and friends. Such a treat to spend time with him, doesn't happen as much as it used to. Then Friday. I have a lot of one-on-one time with Audrey, but today I impulsively decided to take her with me to get a pedicure. She did great, even got a mani/pedi. Sure she's already chewed off some of the fingernail polish - but it was worth it. Just the two of us girls. I hope it's the first of many mother/daughter trips to the nail salon.

Audrey picked her own pretty pink.

Check out those fingers... (Yes, they also gave her a lollipop).And toes.Here's to a great weekend ahead.

Done for the Day

Today Adam was on set. I was go, go, go until I felt like this baby was gonna fall out if I didn't get the kids to bed by 7:30pm. Me on the couch by 7:45pm. Pretty sure the pile of clean laundry on my living room floor won't get folded tonight. When Adam works late I'm in bed by 9:30, which is unlike me. Usually I'm up 'til he comes home and then we watch shows, staying up too late and paying for it the next day. These days - I am beat. Definitely about 8 1/2 months pregnant and feeling it.

One highlight of Audrey's day - having Capri over to play this afternoon. How cute are these two princesses?(Tyler was a pretty darn handsome Captain Hook, but I'll save that photo for Halloween. No spoilers yet).

Halloween Is Right Around the Corner

Are you getting ready?

Baby list - to dos

Here's my running "to do" list for #3. Hope to get most of it done in October. Nesting anyone?

Buy new:
Sleep sacks
Foam bathtub
Swaddle blankies
Changing pad (last one busted after Audrey)
Cloth diaper burp cloths
Pick up a few new clothes (because it's fun - not a necessity)
Pick up a pack of newborn Pampers Swaddlers. Extra wipes. Pacifiers.
Nursing bras

Organize the closet (little guy's sharing it with us). Buy him some plastic drawers at Target, wash his clothes, and put 'em all in there.
Bust out the bassinet, baby car seat, and any other baby things I've buried in the storage room downstairs.
Audrey might be the one who needs a new car seat right now, actually. Girl is growing.
Drive up to Amber's - she's letting me borrow her snap-n-go stroller (ours broke with Audrey), and baby swing.
Register at the hospital? (Might be too lazy - and busy - to care about doing this).
Stock the freezer and pantry a bit when due date approaches - Costco!
Get a head start on Christmas shopping for the kids, and holiday organizing. Although as my mom pointed out, shopping for Christmas online is the best thing to do at 2am when I'm up nursing little one come November.

I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting - who knows. I feel more prepared for this baby to arrive than I ever did with numbers 1 & 2. But maybe I just have my head in the sand?!

Mamas - Nursing bras! This is my third baby and I've never ever found a nursing bra I like. Any suggestions? Otherwise I might just buy some cheapo ones at Target and who cares, (if they sell them at Target?). Also, diaper bag? Typically I like a diaper bag that looks like a regular purse. Maybe I'll just buy a regular purse, but the nice thing about a diaper bag is they are generally easier to clean. Any favorites out there?

A Little Bit of Everything

We started the fall session of Ladybug Music this week. So far, so good. I hope I wasn't crazy to think I'll be a-okay teaching until baby shows up. I can feel my stamina starting to dwindle, but then again - if I were home, it's not like I'd be resting. I've taught for a little over a year now, and have seriously wonderful families that take my class. Some since I started last year. Feels good.

Ordered Halloween costumes last week! Hurrah! Just need a few more finishing touches over the next month, and we'll be all set. Ready for Halloween parties, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating. My wonderful friend Jen is coming to visit for a long weekend over Halloween. So glad she'll be joining us.

We downloaded the Rio soundtrack and my kids are obsessed, dancing around the house. It's pretty tolerable for adults, too. I wanna party, I wanna Samba!

The "cooler" weather has me going through the kids' fall clothes. I think Tyler grew an inch at least in the past couple weeks. All the sudden his pants are high waters. Ordered a few pairs of Audrey's favorite jeggings in the next size up, both colors. We love these. Comfy and go with everything.

We think Tyler is done with thumb sucking! So exciting! We used this stuff for a little over a week. Haven't seen the thumb in his mouth since, and I haven't put it on his thumb for a couple days now. He really must've been ready to quit. And Tyler has not forgotten I promised him a trip to the toy store once we're 100% sure he's done with the sucking. (Now if I can get Audrey to stop the pacifier. She only uses it for naps, not nighttime. Gotta get tough and say no - but this pregnant mama likes her nap times, and I've been a sucker saying yes to the pacifier for naps. Sigh).

Speaking of being a pregnant mama. I sure hope my kids and I survive this next month or so. Adam is going back to Victorious in a week, and I'm a huge grump. Worse than a grump at times, and a little depressed (I'm sure it's hormones). I remember being 9 months pregnant with Audrey and losing my temper with Tyler. No patience. I can feel that creeping up again. I don't want it to happen, but sometimes I just want to be left alone! Completely alone. A nearly impossible request. Maybe even a ridiculous and unfair request when you are the mom of a five and three year old. Ugh! The finish line of this pregnancy is near, and I have been somewhat pleasant to live with so far (according to me). Please let us make it to the end.

It's been kind of fall-like this weekend. Here's what's in the crock pot tonight for Sunday dinner. One of Adam's favorites, and a big hit all around. Not the healthiest meal. I try to 'health it up' as best I can, but can only do so much. Tastes good though... Mmmmm... Comfort food.

Creamy Chicken and Rice

In the crock pot cook 1 lb. chicken breast, a few tablespoons of butter (I use some version of light butter), and a dry italian dressing mix for four hours. Separately mix 8 oz. cream cheese (I use light) and a can or can and a half of cream of chicken soup (I use low fat, low sodium). Add that mixture to the crock pot, stir it all up, and cook until hot and bubbly. Season with salt and pepper if you think it needs it. I like to serve over white rice, (you could use brown if you want. Adam's mom likes mashed potatoes). Steamed broccoli on the side. Seriously yummy. Way easy to double this recipe if needed. Here's to the start of a new week!

Back East: The Rest

No, I didn't forget to finish blogging about our east coast visit (just side tracked with back to school and Ladybug). Note to self: Next visit make sure I get photos of everyone. We spent so much time with my mom, sisters Stephanie and Lauren, my step-dad Vernon, and I don't have great photos of all of us together. I guess it was because we were having too much fun to get out the camera. Here are a last few miscellaneous pictures:

My dad always takes the kids on a trip to Toys R Us. Huge hit! Audrey picked out this mouse doll house. So cute.

Tyler spent the longest time walking up and down the aisles at the toy store. Finally he picked out "Siddeley the Spy Jet" from Cars 2. Oh my gosh - this is the best present he's ever picked! He plays with Siddeley all day long, sleeps with him, brings him in the car. While Tyler's at school Siddeley goes to flying practice. Seriously, its the cutest thing.

The cousins playing with their Toys R Us loot.My dad and Liz hosted a family get-together. My Aunt Joyce, Uncle Jack, and cousin Michael came down from Pennsylvania (during the hurricane!) to see us. Also my Aunt Beb and cousin Jay.

Blurry shot, but this is how much the kids love their Aunt Melinda. She's a kid magnet.

We spent some time at my mom's neighborhood pool. How nice to have this huge pool practically to ourselves. (And Tyler did great in the water).

Last days of summer - the kid pool. If I were rich I'd have a huge kid wading pool in my back yard. Tyler and Audrey could've played there forever.Kinda sad that we won't be back 'til 2012. Maybe spring break - if I can swing it with #3. We'll see. We always have a great time in Virginia. Wonderful memories for my kids (and me, too, of course). I love bringing my little family east to experience a bit of where I grew up.

First Day of Fall Soup

You know how I said it's nearly impossible these days for me to actually cook dinner? (Probably has something to do with adjusting to new schedules while being 8 months prego). I ripped this recipe out of Parents Magazine the other day because there are less than 10 ingredients and it is super easy, and inexpensive, and I was determined to cook at least one meal this week. Made it during the day so it was ready come dinnertime, and I didn't have to juggle too much cooking and homework. I jazzed it up a bit because I needed to get rid of some veggies in the fridge. Very nice, easy fall soup. Vegetarian, but you could add leftover rotisserie chicken, or ground chicken sausage would be yummy, too, and it would spice it up a bit.

White-Bean Stew with Pasta

3 cups cooked white beans in cooking liquid. (I used three cans white kidney beans and dumped them in the pot with liquid).
2 tomatoes, chopped (2 cups)
1 1/2 c. water
1 c. ditalini or other small pasta
2 c. arugula
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground pepper, salt to taste
Grated parmesan.
(I added an extra can of chicken broth, chopped up some onion, and a yellow squash I needed to use. A little hot sauce for tastiness).

In a large pot bring beans, tomatoes, and water to boiling (this is where I also added my broth, squash and onion). Add pasta and simmer, according to pasta package directions, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add arugula, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with cheese. Makes approx. six servings. I served this with yummy rosemary parmesan rolls from Trader Joe's. If you really want to celebrate fall, you could also pick up a TJs apple pie - they are deeeelish! Enjoy.

Entering the World of Homework... Sigh

Hey moms of school-aged kids, I need your advice. How do you go about having your kids do their homework? Right after school? After rest time? Play time? All the pages at once? A page at a time, then play, then another page? Maybe this is a lame question, but here we are at the beginning of the school year, and I feel like now is the time to start a good homework routine with Tyler. Some days it's been a battle, others not. I feel like it's most successful (so far) when I sit down with him, and our time doing homework together is very focused (usually I'll have Audrey color - we all do some sort of 'work' at the kitchen table). He gets his homework Monday and has to hand it in Friday. There are about three or four worksheets a night. I'm wondering - what are your best tips for avoiding homework battles? I know we have a lot of years of homework ahead, so any advice is appreciated. (And don't even get me started on how I'm supposed to help with homework and have dinner ready! Let's just say we've been eating a lot of Trader Joe's pizza and frozen dinners. Again - sigh).

What's In A Name?

This week I've been thinking a lot about little one's name. I posted on facebook a call for favorite boy names, and got a ton of comments. It's been fun to read thru them with Adam - adding a couple new ones to our list. Of course we've checked websites for names, and used to have a baby name book - but who knows where that went, somewhere in our storage room I guess. I'm not one to keep names a secret, mostly because we don't name our kids 'til we hold them in our arms and spend a day or two with them anyway, so the name can still be a surprise - even for us.

When Tyler was in my tummy he was Brandon. We called him Brandon the entire time. I knew his name was Brandon. We had a couple other names - just in case. For whatever reason I felt like Brandon was a good 'big brother' name. Obviously when he was born, he just didn't feel like a Brandon - not even sure why. We didn't name him for almost three days. The woman in the hospital in charge of birth certificates came to us our last hours there and basically said, "I need a name, or you're gonna have to do the paperwork yourselves". We finally decided on Tyler and it stuck. He's a Tyler through and through. Middle name always stayed the same: Davis, after my stepdad - Vernon Davis. (Read one of my favorite Tyler name stories here.)

Audrey was pretty much always Audrey. It was our favorite name, although we had a long list of girl names that Adam typed out and brought to the hospital (we kept a running list on the desktop during the pregnancy - same with current little guy). I was hesitant to commit to Audrey when she was in my tummy because of Tyler's last minute name change. When we met her, she was Audrey - a name I felt she had to grow into a bit, but it's all her. Middle name Kathryn, Grandma Tait's first name. People ask me all the time if I named Audrey after the Hepburns. Nope - not on purpose. Spelling is different on Kathryn, but Audrey is quite dramatic, strong, and a little performer, so inadvertently being named after Hepburns fits perfectly. I love the way she says, "My name is Audwee Kaffryn Tait".

Boy names are hard this time around. Adam and I have slightly different tastes in names, so we always have to find a middle ground. Our front runner has been Cole, but recently there have been a few added to 'the list' that we really like. Makes we wonder if he'll end up Cole, or something else? I hesitate to divulge the list so I don't get too swayed by opinions. I'd say we have about 6 or 7 first names, and an equal number of middle names, (middle names we always try to pull from family, or someone, something, some place significant). Flow is very important this time around: Tyler, Audrey, and...... . If the name doesn't flow with the first two, it doesn't make the list.

Wanna share your favorite boy names? I'd love to know - how do you choose your kids' names? Do you and your husband always agree? Did any of your children's names change at the last minute? How do you decide? It's one of the fun parts of pregnancy for sure, and a highlight in the hospital - not only meeting little one, but giving him his name.

Sibling Love

Tyler and Audrey are thick as thieves. Sure they fight - but they're also best of friends. It's cute how much they miss each other right now, while Tyler's at school. Makes me wonder how Tait baby #3 will fit into the mix. I haven't done much out of the ordinary to prepare these two for #3. Just talking about babies and what they're like at different stages. Tyler and Audrey have come to a couple doctor appointments to check on him, helped pick out an outfit or two at Target. One thing I try to do is call him our baby - not just my baby. He might be in my belly, but he's all ours. I figure it'll rock our world a bit when baby finally arrives, no matter how we prep. How about you, mamas? Do anything special to help your kids get ready for the arrival of a new little one?

Fall-like Friday

We made it through the first full week of Kindergarten and preschool - barely! It pretty much kicked my butt, but we did it. This morning after dropping Tyler at school at 8am, hiking Fryman with Anne right afterward, meeting with my Ladybug boss right after that, I picked up Adam and Audrey and we hit Olive and Thyme for a Friday treat. Perfect for this cloudy, LA-fall day. Ham and fig panini, salad, white asparagus soup, bacon mac-n-cheese for Audrey, diet cokes and honeydew agua fresca, and some cookies to bring home. I had a bite of Adam's peaches and cream pie...it was deeelish. I, for one, needed a treat.

This week has been full of adjusting. New wake-up times, bedtimes, pick-ups, drop-offs, homework, activities. We ditched the YMCA. It's been fun, but the timing's not right. Adam and I decided we need to simplify, especially since his hiatus is almost over, I'm going back to Ladybug next week. Tyler and Audrey are slightly grumpy with their own adjustments. So we're back to Tyler's basketball class, Audrey's dance class (taking her to the occasional Ladybug class), and school. That's it. No extra swim lessons, etc. We have enough on our plates right now, and this almost-8 month pregnant mama has plenty to do as it is. Ladybug starts next week, the building always finds ways to keep us busy, and we're starting to get ready for little one, (although I'm so happy he's not coming 'til November - one adjustment at a time!). When the kids are home, I want to be able to really plug-in with them, focus on homework, then baths and dinner - not rush all over town. After school all Tyler wants to do is play with Audrey and his toys. They just love to be home in the evenings right now. Simplify - that's my mantra this fall.

I ordered my first Halloween costume accessory today (for Tyler)! It's overcast outside, wish I had this soup in the crock pot. Maybe tomorrow. Hope you all enjoy your well-deserved weekend! I know we will. A little break from homework, sleeping in a bit on Saturday morning, and just enough time to gear up for week two of school.

Official Preschooler

First day today! Audrey did great. Her teachers look like Disney princesses, so she is already obsessed.

Swim Lessons: Take Two

We barely swam all summer due to Audrey's cast. Swim lessons, pool play dates, beach trips were all put off. Trying to make up for it now, I signed Tyler and Audrey up for swim class this month at the YMCA. First week, Audrey was amazing in the water. Tyler - FAIL. He threw one of the top two biggest Tyler tantrums of all time. I can't even go into it because it ended with me driving them both home, crying my eyes out to Adam, then running to Bekah's for a well-deserved facial. Seriously it was that bad. BAD. Week two of swim class, Audrey got a little nervous (and very serious), but did great. Tyler decided to sit and watch, and maybe take class in a month or so (or private lessons? We'll see). Here's Audrey - week two. She swam in the deep end today, dived to her teacher, and let him get her hair wet. All big accomplishments! My little fish.

My Favorite Things - Pregnancy

Checked on little boy this week. 3 lbs., 20th percentile. The ultrasound tech said, "maybe he'll hit 7 lbs." - my biggest baby yet, perhaps?! Everything looks great, (there was some talk of his kidneys looking big, and my placenta being too low - but it's all fine). He's pluggin' along, doing his job. The receptionist made all my appointments up until my due date. Crazy. Pretty soon I start going every two weeks, then once a week. He'll be here before I know it. Here is almost 31 weeks:I can get down on pregnancy. Which is ridiculous, but also makes sense. I mean, I spent the entire day sick today. Not fun. This adorable grandma I met at that birthday party touched (pretty much rubbed) my belly and said, "What is this miracle here?". Imagine Grandma Oprah. That's kinda what she seemed like. But yes, it's true! A miracle. Amazing. Floating around in my belly. Kicking and fluttering and doing all his tricks. And yet sometimes all I seem to focus on is getting fat, sick, an itchy belly, and swollen feet. So here ya go - here are my pregnancy favorite things. No complaining allowed.

A baby of course! The most favorite thing of all, right?
Cleavage. Yes, I have some (for me, at least).
Not feeling bad that I had slices from three delicious birthday cakes.
Endless massages from Adam, (seriously he is so good about that).
The "I'm pregnant" excuse. Works for many, many things.
Allowing myself food I don't usually indulge in. Occasional peanut butter-filled pretzels, an extra roll with dinner, a helping of fettuccine alfredo a friend brought over for dinner.
Wearing the same clothes all the time, and getting away with it.
Lots of extra naps.
For the most part people being super nice and thoughtful, offering extra help.
Hiring my cleaning lady more often, without the guilt.
A legitimate reason to buy baby clothes. (Target and Old Navy baby sales going on right now!)
Feeling baby move. Wondering what he's like, how he looks, when I'll meet him? Will he come out with a head of dark hair like Audrey?

How about you? Are you one of those mamas who loves being pregnant? What are your favorite things? I'd love to know.

Ten.

As you know, I love New York. I love DC. Thinking especially of two of my most favorite spots in the world today. With tons and tons of love.
(PS - Also enjoying my friend Lyndsay's tribute to 9/11. Go check it out!)

Back East: Museum and Cousins

We always try to hit a museum when we're back east. So close to DC, we have to take advantage. This time we took a trip to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. (We went a year ago, and Tyler wanted to go again). We spent the morning there with Aunt Lauren, Stephanie, and cousin Clara. We had the place to ourselves, and it was a lot of fun.Cousin (and Lauren) photo shoot at McDonald's post-museum. These guys sure love each other. The many faces of Audrey.

Audrey's Turn

This morning was Audrey's Open House at preschool. After two years of being my buddy while we dropped Tyler off at preschool and pre-k, it was finally her turn. She was so excited, and it was fun to make the day a "big deal" for her. She even packed her own lunch box to bring in the car. Like I said - she was way excited. We met teachers and friends, found her cubby, and played on the playground. It's a very cute little nursery school. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for her.

One of Audrey's teachers giving her a name tag.

Exploring the classroom, puzzles with new friends.

She loves the school playground. (Look at that strong arm!)

Me and my sweet girl.

Daddy helping with the monkey bars.

Afterward she helped us run a bunch of errands, and we hit Pinkberry for a morning treat. Mmmm.

Love this girl. No one like her in the world.

Kindergarten: Second Day

The first day of Kindergarten we remembered everything. Back pack, lunch, change of clothes to store in the room, got to school early, camera. Forgot one thing - charge the camera battery! Ugh. I was so sad. We have some good shots on Adam's phone, but the quality isn't great. Just trust me, Tyler was excited and looked super cute. Here's Tyler on the second day of school. He likes to match his bag to his shoes.This is Tyler's second year at our local elementary, (last year he did their Pre-K program). We were so happy to see a bunch of his old pre-k friends in his class - lots of familiar faces, and friends Tyler really liked. We love this school! Here's to a great year, filled with Kindergarten fun.

Back East: Irene

This is what California kids do when they see rain after months and months of sunshine. Tyler and Audrey loved playing outside in the rain when Hurricane Irene first hit the DC area. We didn't get much hurricane - just wind, rain, power went out for a bit, and we slept with flashlights next to our beds "just in case", but that was it. Playing under umbrellas, however, was way fun.

Back East: The Park

Every time we're in Virginia we end up doing some of the same things. Last week my dad took us to one of our usual stops for dinner, Artie's, then we hit a favorite park. Van Dyke Park. It's a really pretty park, and I've been playing there since I was little, so it's a fun place to watch my kids run around. Here's a late Virginia evening with Grandpa Faust and Liz at Van Dyke:

Last Day of Summer

Or so it feels. We finally made it to the beach! After a summer of being banned from sand and water (thanks to Audrey's cast), we headed to Zuma today - the last day before Kindergarten Orientation and back-to-school prep. It was gorgeous in Malibu. Grandma and Grandpa Tait, Uncle Mikey and his girlfriend Chloe met us there. The kids were so happy. We played, splashed, snacked, and tanned. It was just perfect. Well worth the wait.

Grandpa Tait worked on this sand castle for quite a while.Since Tyler was itty he's always been afraid of the water, maybe getting a toe wet. Today he ran right in and played and played. "Let's keep getting wet", he said. Never thought I'd hear the words. He's come so far!Pure kid beach joy!