The Things I Learn at Bedtime....

Dave and I take turns putting the kids to bed each night. It's a task that he would probably do every night without complaint, but it's one of those things I don't want to give up. As the kids get older, they just go off and play on their own, or together, most of the time we're home. So bedtime is one of those rare, sweet moments I get alone time with each of them. We snuggle close, pray and I always learn something new is their little whispers.

From Layla I've learned that she likes to play with Truitt at school because he likes girl things and has a Hello Kitty watch. She knows that sharks don't live in Iowa, but she still likes to pray that she won't dream about them. She uses too much toilet paper...she said she's working on that. She picks her lips when they're dry, even though she knows she should just use Chapstick. She thinks I'm the best mom in the whole world.

Cooper dreams about deer eating our pumpkins. He loves to give me hugs and says, "Mom, I need snuggles." He won't say prayers without holding my hand. He always prays for every one's tractors and feels a strong need to pray for cousin Oscar...every night. He still smells like baby lotion because I just can't stop myself from using it on him yet...maybe when he's 3. When he's not sleepy enough to doze off, he likes to sing even though he doesn't know the words. And, if I've been away from him that day, he always says, "Mom, I miss you (when) you go."

I just may tuck them in until they get married.

Dashing through the snow....

....and quickly back into the house. Dave took the kids for a sled ride behind the 4 wheeler tonight. Cooper got very cold, very quickly! He made a mad dash for the house and Sis had to finish the ride by herself. I am so thankful that Dave is always up for these little outings with the kids. If it were left up to me, they would never play in the snow. I'm such a wimp about being out in the cold! I must have passed this trait onto Coop. Sorry man!

Her Biggest Supporter

I have to document the sweet moments. They're good to reflect upon when he's wrestling her to the ground or punching her for no reason!

While driving home from Layla's tumbling competition last night, Cooper said to Layla, "Layla, you have fun at tumbling? You did good job!"

Then at home, while looking at her medals, "Lolly, I so proud (of) you!"

When Dave was putting Cooper's boots on to go outside, I overheard Cooper tell Dave, "Dad, Lolly did so good job tumbling!"

"I feel a little nervous and shy...."

....but I'm so excited!"

These were Layla's words as we pulled up to the gym for her first tumbling competition. Of course, we were proud of her and enjoyed seeing her have so much fun. She never hesitated, she just went for it. She ended the day with a 2nd, 3rd and 8th place medal. But, the best thing she came away with was a new found confidence and a joyful heart. And, a very tired little body!

Just like Daddy.....

Cooper may have my coloring, but he looks like a mini Dave. And, he acts like Dave and he wants to be anywhere Dave is. Luckily, Dave loves the fact that he has a little buddy and takes Cooper everywhere he can.

Potty training has been so easy with Cooper (yes, there's a connection between the first paragraph and this...keep reading)! I thought Layla was easy to potty train. I also thought that with Cooper's strong will, he would be very challenging. WRONG! As soon as we went commando last Tuesday, he has not had an accident. He goes on the big potty, no little kids potty seat and he's dry through naps and the night. Yes, I am so proud of him!

When we potty train, we go for it 100%, no in-between, no pull-ups. We stay home and get it done. Well, by Wednesday last week, Cooper wanted to go bye-bye so badly! He kept asking, "We go to town?" "We go bye-bye?" "We go Breedings?" Anywhere, he didn't care, he just wanted to go! Since he was doing so good with the potty training, I ventured out to the bank. That's all, just the bank. When we turned on our gravel road, heading home, Cooper said, "Mom, where we go?"
"We're going home, buddy."
"No, I wantsee people!"
"We just did buddy, we went to the bank."
"NO! (crying now) I wantsee more people!"

Just like Daddy.

Christmas Adventures

We had another busy weekend and have officially concluded the 2010 holiday season! We had our little New Year's Eve gathering and our last Christmas celebration, which was with the Kellen's in Des Moines yesterday. I'm tired, but filled with the contentment of great memories made. One of the best parts of this time of year is
Dave gets to take off work to just be home. He and the kids make a list of adventures and it's wonderful to see them all filled up with each other. I'm not sure who enjoys it more, the kids or Dave!

This year, they went sledding, 4-wheeling, played lots of basketball and wrestling, went to a movie and even made Grandma Hilburn style cinnamon rolls from scratch. It was a great 2 weeks. But, as always, I'm ready yo get back on schedule and return to our routine. And I will now do this all with no diaper changes! Cooper hasn't had any accidents since Tuesday and has remained dry through naps and overnight. Very exciting!

Day 3: Perfection!

Something about 3 being a charm or perhaps it's the fact that he went commando all day? Either way, I don't care. Today, he got it! Cooper David went 6 for 6 today! He told us when he had to go and even went 2 times on his own. ALLELUIA!! Maybe we will even venture out of the house tomorrow...yes, I'll give him his pants and underwear back!