Spring Soccer

Since we live in Texas we decided to sign the girls up for Spring soccer while the weather is decent and save dance, gymnastics or music for the summer. 

Norah played two seasons when she was 3 1/2 and 4 (but not since then), and this is Macy's first time. For whatever reason they are in the same division this season. The age spread should be interesting, but we are already enjoying the convenience of them being on the same team. Norah's friend Caroline is on the team as well.  

They were more than ready and excited for their first practice. 

With only one practice under our belts we expected the first game to be pretty interesting, but everyone caught on surprisingly well. Our team is a bit heavy with kids on the older end, which quickly proved to be helpful. 

I told Norah ahead of time I expected her be able to get into the pack, get the ball, and try to score since she is one of the older ones. As for Macy, we basically just encouraged her to see how often she can touch the ball. They both did a good job. 

In the end, both girls managed to score goals. Macy's celebration consisted of jumping up and down with her arms in the air and tongue sticking out (no photo, unfortunately). 

Macy got bumped a few times which resulted in tears. I told her that was part of soccer and she quickly responded, "No it's not." 

 
I believe the ball is actually in play in this picture. There are probably at least 20 parents standing on the sidelines yelling "go get the ball" (with a cup of coffee in their hands, of course). 

I remember many times during practice in years past we had no option but to stop because of the distraction caused by a train passing by. This time it was in the middle of the game when one kid decided he had to run over to the fence to see it up close and personal. One by one the kids from both teams left the field and ran over. 

The refs just sort of stood there and laughed. Not much you can do, I guess. Wait for the train to pass, then game on!

For almost a year we have been in a good rhythm with just swim on Wednesday nights. Adding soccer to the mix means we also have practice on Tuesdays and games on Saturdays. It's taking a bit to adjust and I anticipate two late nights in a row to result in at least one tired girl late in the week, but we'll figure it out. 

Go Dallas! 

A New Chapter

Big changes are taking place in the Gunden Kauffman household this week in the form of Norah starting pre-k in public school. 

The elementary school to which we are zoned has been a bit inconsistent over the past five years, and where to send Norah has been a really tough decision. There is a strong desire by many of us in the neighborhood to send our kids (with confidence) to our zoned school, but the inconsistency in leadership and sometimes questionable direction has given us doubts. 

We, along with several other families, decided to go for it. So far the new principal seems great and we lucked out by getting the really awesome pre-k teacher that I have been hearing people gush over since we moved into the neighborhood. Plus Norah is in class with the two other little girls she already knows. 

On the first day of school Caroline and Norah walked hand-in-hand to their room. 

Then when they found Tracy they grabbed her hand and together the three of them entered their classroom. So big! 

Norah did not cry when Seth left. In fact, she seemed pretty okay with it. I am confident the situation would have been entirely different if she wasn't there with Caroline and Tracy. It also helped that Caroline and Norah spent the week and a half leading up to school together when we shared child care between the last day of the previous school and the first day of the new school. 

Once they reached the classroom the eager beavers found seats together. 

So the teacher situation and generally the hours between 8 and 3:30 feel positive to all of us. 
The before and after school care, however, is taking a bit longer for Seth and me to fully embrace.

Norah is part of the YMCA program, which is available both before and after school. I really do think it is simply a matter of gaining trust in the program. I have heard positive things about it in general from both experienced parents and Norah's teacher. It also helps that since the first day, when Norah seemed to be the youngest one by far, 4 kids (2 sets of twins) from her class have joined the program. By the end of the week we are feeling much better about it. Plus, I should mention that Norah has seemed completely fine with the entire situation and has not once complained or said anything negative about any part of her new situation. 

Overall I would say that while Seth and I were feeling a bit uneasy the first several days of the week, we have had a pretty good transition so far from "private" daycare to "public" school and extended care. Next week will be focused on settling into a new routine that includes getting Seth and I to work a bit earlier. 

Remembering Halloween

Norah really wanted to be Hello Kitty for Halloween. Sigh. When I told her I didn't know how to make a Hello Kitty costume she asked about Dora the Explorer. Double sigh. 

I was thinking more along the lines of two little butterflies. I had already constructed the costumes in my head. 

Luckily Norah loves to match Macy, whether it means they are both wearing jeans and a long sleeved shirt to school or pink and brown monkey pjs to bed. So using that, I was able to get her excited about the two of them being butterflies...as long as her wings were purple. I didn't get a good full-length picture, but their costumes were topped off with black tutus and leggings .

The night before Halloween we went out with friends Connor and Andrew to the neighborhood just north of ours that always does trick or treating the night before. We walked Macy up to the first house, and about two houses later she walked up completely on her own with the big kids. Didn't take her long to catch on! We hooked up with other neighbors along the way, and after about an hour Seth went back with a sleepy Macy. Norah and I stayed out a bit longer before heading home. 

We weren't planning to go out again on Halloween night but Norah's friend Chloe apparently wanted to trick or treat with Norah. When her mom contacted me about it I figured it wouldn't hurt to go out for just a bit around our house together. We met another school and soccer friend, Sarah, when we first started out. Chloe's sister, Olivia, rode in the wagon with Macy, but again it didn't last for long because they wanted to trick or treat with the big kids. Macy made it to the end of the block before coming home with Seth for bed, and Norah and I continued on with the others. 

Amazingly Norah has completely forgotten about her huge bag of candy. Seth and I have slowly eaten most of the chocolate...

Old Friends

It has been so fun to raise our kids with people with whom we were friends before even having kids. Lisa and Jeff are an example. I intend for this to be the first of a series that takes a moment to recognize and appreciate our friendships. As this blog turns into a book for our girls, I feel it is important to remember the origin of these friendships, and how they have grown stronger as we share the journey of raising kids together. 

Lisa and I met through the American Marketing Association (AMA). She was involved in membership activities for the group when I happened to join. We emailed prior to a particular event, and were perhaps a bit disruptive during the luncheon when we found it difficult to stop talking during the main presentation. 

We quickly decided we needed to get our hubbies together and we have been friends ever since. The four of us enjoyed many dinners together prior to kids being in the picture. We even participated in a dinner club for...well, I don't remember how long, but we made it to everyone's house at least once before it fizzled out for one reason or another. 

Imagine our surprise when Lisa and Jeff shared that they were pregnant at a breakfast at Mama's Cafe one morning. Seth and I knew I was also pregnant at the time, but it was earlier than we planned to share the news (our family didn't even know). I could hardly contain myself. I was bursting with excitement that our kids would be so close in age. 

Since that time Lisa and I in particular have shared experiences and knowledge at every phase along the way. While their experience with twins was different in many ways, we have still been able to relate on many levels and learn from each other. 

We have even managed a few mommy-only dinners and/or lunches - hours that I have truly cherished. 

Here are a few pictures that capture experiences since the fall of 2008 when our girls were born. We were all about the camera early on, but clearly have not documented every gathering along the way. 

November, 2008: Norah is ~3 weeks old; Sarah and Jessica are ~ 7 weeks old. 

April 2009: Norah is 6 months old; Sarah and Jessica are 7 months old. 

January 2010: Norah is 15 months old: Sarah and Jessica are 16 months old. 

September 2010: the girls are around 2 year old. 

May 2011: the girls are around 2 1/2 years old. 

Same day as above picture: the girls are joined by friend Nathan.

Just a month later: 

Much time has passed, with little use of the camera during our play dates. Last weekend we met at the zoo, once again. The girls are almost 4 years old. It is extremely rewarding to see how they interact in such a way that it is obvious that they have known each other their whole lives. 

We hope to have many, many more pictures like the one above of the girls on the train at the zoo. It is the last thing we do before hugging goodbye and promising to get together again soon. 

Party Girl

Macy had a very cute phase recently, during which she loved wearing hawaiian leis.

She has become a very independent player (which rocks, I might add). In the mornings when Seth and I are still getting ready, if Norah is up she often brings books into our room until we are ready to go out and start breakfast.

But not Macy. If Macy is up she typically takes off and heads for the playroom. She loves the play kitchen and pushing babies and stuffed animals around in the baby stroller.

But for a few weeks, she had to have a lei on for all of her favorite activities. This was a very typical site for us to see whenever we walked into the playroom:

Over and over and over again. I can just picture her waddling into the playroom, digging through the bins to find a lei, managing to put it over her head, and climbing up into a chair. 

Then when she noticed us standing there she would grin from ear to ear, sitting there proud as a peacock.

Too cute.

Three Generations of Friends

We were so lucky to have a very special visit from Griff, Ryan, Leighton (3 years) and Dillon (7 months) a few weeks ago. It was so fun for Griff and me to hang out with our kids for two days and become better acquainted. It was the first time for each of us to meet the youngest additions to our families. They were here on a Thursday and Friday, so Seth and Ryan worked both days while the rest of us played, and we were all together for a few hours during dinner Thursday evening.

Norah and Leighton quickly hit it off and played really hard together. When I was putting Norah to bed Thursday night all she talked about was everything she wanted to do with Leighton the next day. And when she woke up in the morning the first thing she asked was, "Are they here yet?"

We spent a lot of time out on the play set, having tea parties and playing dress up. Our very content babies were happy on the blanket or just sitting around watching all of the activity.

We couldn't believe how much they look like us in these next two pictures. It could be us 31 years ago!

Before I tell one story that gave us a good laugh, I first have to describe Norah and Leighton's personalities a bit. Norah can be reserved, but is generally a rule follower and at the same time can be quite bossy. And according to Griff, Leighton doesn't really like to be told what to do (hmmm...where does she get that?).

So at one point Norah was talking on her phone and insisted that Leighton come and stand beside her. Somewhat surprisingly, Leighton agreed. While she stood there she put her hand on the play kitchen burner. While pushing Leighton's hand away Norah said, "Oh no, no, be careful that's hot. You can't touch it." Then as Norah went back to her phone call Leighton, while keeping her eyes on Norah, slowly slid her hand back onto the burner, then off again. Back on, and off. When Norah noticed what Leighton was doing she quickly turned the dial on the stove and said, "It's okay, I turned it off so you can touch it now." 

It was a short visit, but we made the most out of it and I really appreciate Griff and Ryan making the effort! It was fun to see Leighton and Norah play like old friends - perhaps they could sense that they are the third generation of a very deep friendship. 

Macy - 9 Months

Oh, Macy Girl. She is such a sweetheart. I asked Seth how he would describe her at this age and he said, "Happy and sweet." And I have to agree, that pretty much wraps it up.

Macy continues to be our sleeper. She is so ready for bed by the time we get home, which is usually around 5:45 - 6:00. We get her ready for bed, she nurses, we put her down, and usually don't hear a peep until around 7:00-7:15am. It is not unusual for her to sleep 13 hours a night. At school she typically naps one hour twice per day, but she isn't quite as consistent at home.

She has been sick for about a month, with a brief reprieve at one point. The first time around was an ear infection with cold symptoms and the second time around was both and ear and eye infection (pink eye), again with cold symptoms. Even though she has still been relatively cheerful we are ready to have our happy, healthy Macy Girl back.

Macy is a crazy good eater. She has hardly turned anything down. We recently started giving her some "finger" foods, and she seems to enjoy feeding herself. Otherwise I am continuing to add variety to her purees, and will probably start trying some meat soon. No sign of teeth, which is in line with Norah's development. She is still nursing, and I am still pumping three times a day at work, once before I go to bed, and most nights at 2:30-3am. My supply is definitely lower, but I am hoping to maintain enough for her to continue nursing until she is one (at which point I will ditch the pump).

For the past month, or so Macy has been getting around, but last week she really started crawling, and she hasn't turned back. We are all adjusting to her being mobile, particularly Norah who doesn't always appreciate Macy getting into her things.

Macy likes to show us how big she is, is working on waving, gives long, open-mouth kisses on request, and goes CRAZY when she sees the container of puffs. She has started becoming more vocal about what she wants and doesn't want.

9 month stats:
17 lbs, 6 oz (22nd percentile)
28.5 inches (79th percentile)

The pediatrician described her as "long and lean," which aren't the words I would have used, but I guess she may be. Mom and I noticed today that while she has some nice rolls in her thighs her arms aren't very big, which is what I remember about Norah as well.

Suffice it to say, we are thoroughly enjoying our little addition to our family. She continues to make the adjustment to two quite easy (though I'm sure our challenges will come). Her smile makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and is such a gift in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the day. I look forward to getting her out of bed in the morning and picking her up from school every day. She simply lights up my life.

N-O-R-A-H

Proud parent moment:

And she is super proud of herself and excited, too:

Christmas in Goshen

Christmas has come and gone. I am always amazed at how much thought and preparation goes into the holidays and then the time passes by so quickly that I have to really conscious of enjoying each moment.

This year we went to Goshen, so triple the preparation time with packing, thinking through air travel with two kids, rental car, etc.

What time of day should we fly? Should we stay in Chicago overnight or just keep driving to Goshen? Do you think Greta would like this for Christmas? How are we going to deal with all of our luggage in the airport? Can we get by with only checking one bag? What documentation do our kids need to travel? Maybe we should get this for your grandma? Can't forget the monitor. Do we need the noise machine for Norah? How many diapers does Macy need for the travel day? Should that be packed in the diaper bag, carry on, or checked bag? What activities does Norah need for the plane?

And on, and on, and on.

All of these questions, and many more, were running through my head the months and weeks leading up to our trip in between other holiday festivities, work, and every day life.

It's a lot of work to get a family of four ready for a trip.

But it's worth it for what is on the other end! We had a great time relaxing at grandma and grandma Kauffman's. Greta and Katie were there for most of the time we were as well, so it was fun to have the whole family together. We spent time with great grandma Alderfer and great grandma and great grandpa Garber. We caught great aunt Von and great uncle Dave for a few hours during their short stint in town. Great aunt Kathy and Mary joined us for Christmas lunch. And Seth and I also squeezed in some time with college friends (including Aunt Annie, who Norah was very excited to see).

We spent a lot of time relaxing, chatting and catching up. Everyone had multiple chances to play with matchbox cars with Norah. Grandma read to Norah for many of her naps and bedtime. Grandpa took Norah on a walk to the park. Macy was held a lot and flashed a lot of smiles, despite being a little sick. We had many yummy meals, though most of them were disruptive for Seth and I between the two kids (Macy always seemed to get fussy at mealtime). We played with play dough. Norah showed grandma and grandpa how to draw on the iPad. We woke up one morning to a layer of snow on the ground and more flakes falling. Norah and Greta built a "snow-Norah" and a "snow-Macy", and Seth pulled Norah in the sled.

Yep, it was worth it.

Now we're at the lake celebrating Christmas with my family in 70 degree weather with a sunny blue sky. More to come on that into the new year, but first, here are some pictures from our Goshen trip.

As a side note, when Macy started really smiling Seth said that all he could think of when he saw it was Leonard (my grandpa Garber). I'm pretty sure I see the resemblance!