Fast

Okay, I feel like time is flying FAST.  I can't believe it's Thanksgiving, and oh all the things I'm thankful for.  I am putting them on facebook daily, so I won't bore you with my thankful things.  I could do a thankful thing everyday for all year long, sometimes I have to pinch myself at my life.  My life is not perfect, don't get me wrong....but my life is perfect FOR ME. 

So my kiddos, I just don't want to forget how cute they are right now.  Dylan says yellow, like "lellow".  He is almost potty trained!  He goes on the big boy potty on average 2 days week.  I just need to break down and go full force.  We have to watch "Baseball George" 12,000 times a day.  If there is another George (as in Curious George) on, he gets mad and wants to only watch Baseball George.  When anyone tried to do anything for him he says, "no Mommy".

Mr. Tanner is as cute as ever.  We had Mommy and Tanner date night the other night (we included Grandma and Kami too) and saw Wreck-It Ralph.  It was way cute, and he sat there the whole time and watched it.  When I was putting him to sleep that night he just gave me a hug and said, "thank you Mommy for taking me to the movie".  I mean, really?!?!  He is such a good big brother, and helps Dylan sometimes, and sometimes not...haha

I feel like we are just rockin and rollin here.  With potty training, the holidays, soon getting rid of pacifier for Dylan (yah I know he's 2 1/2), big boy bed for Dylan, and full bed for Tanner....things are about to get crazy in the house!

Happy Thanksgiving, count your blessings today and everyday.

Moments

Our Minneapolis get-away

 Our crazy boys at the driving range

 Lovin' on each other at the pumpkin patch

 Just a normal night of Dylan tackling Tanner, and Tanner dying laughing!

I'll make this short and sweet since it's 3am and I'm at work....I know, can you believe it?  So first, the boys are the best of friends these days.  Seriously, they miss each other in like 2 minutes if the other one is gone.  I LOVE that....I think that is one of the main things I wanted for my children.  They are so different, but bring out good sides in each other.  Tanner, Mr. rule follower, not-want-to-dissapoint you, questions everything, slow to warm up, not a morning person, not a picky eater and a heck of an appetite, roll your pants down to fit better because you are so skinny, loves his cars and legos and pretend play and ride his bike..  Dylan, my head strong, Mommy loving (these days he can't get enough of me), early morning, runs right into situations without having to feel it out like his brother, awnry, bruiser, picky eater until he tries it then he realizes he likes it, loves to draw and color, loves to be read to, and loves to golf.  Dylan makes Tanner come out of his shell sometimes, and also makes Tanner not follow the rules sometimes.  Tanner makes Dylan follow the rules sometimes, and really talks him through things when he gets frustrated. 

The bottom picture makes me smile because I remember that exact moment.  Dylan is running a hundred miles an hour at Tanner and just taking him to the floor.  Tanner is not hurt at all, if you could see his face in this picture, he is dying laughing.  Dylan gets up and does it again and again....Tanner loving every minute of it.....this is what their relationship is like....it just works.  I pray that this continues (yes I am not oblivious to the fact that they will fight) and they continue the bond that has already become so strong.

P.S.  Dylan knows yellow and blue colors, and can say them!  He is talking a lot more, like 4 word sentences!  Mostly out of his mouth though is "Mommy" 2,000,000,000 times a day!  His teacher said now she can't get him to shut up in class he talks so much.  He loves to match colors and match objects.

P.S. Funny story, Tanner got in trouble a bit at school the other day and when Andy asked why he got in trouble or what he did, he said, "I am only bad on cloudy days".  I mean, what do you say to that?!  He is learning his letters and numbers in school, I have to say he loves math a lot more than letters. 

Okay, better get back to work.

Our May happenings.....

Lately, our weeks consist of mostly playing outside. The boys (Tanner actually) want to play outside. Literally, yesterday we went outside in the morning on the deck and watered the flowers, then we went around front, we came inside to pack a picnic lunch, went to the park up the street for them to have a picnic and play, we came inside to put Dylan to sleep for a nap, then Tanner and I went out back and we played in the creek, Andy came home from work and they played outside until dinner, then after dinner they went outside to help Andy mow the lawn.....wow it was a lot. But honestly, the boys are happy out there, and it was a beautiful, perfect day. The days are getting a bit easier with the boys. Don't get me wrong, to take them to the store is still a pain, maybe that will never change...but for the most part it is getting easier. Dylan is still fiesty, hard headed, independent and a almost 2 year old. Putting him in his carseat lately has proven challenging. Tanner is still almost 4 who can do everything own his own (or so he thinks), and pushes limits daily. But Tanner has gotten better at listening in the last several weeks, I think it just took Andy and I being a bit more strict and being on the same page for discipline. Eating out is still pretty much non-existant unless you consider Mc Donalds your food of choice. We did go to Olive Garden and wait a ridiculously long time on not so good food, and the boys did so great....but we still walked around with them to keep them occupied along with a Ipad!

Funny moments

I know I don't blog like I should, but I do want to remember funny stories and happenings. There were 2 today that I didn't get to witness, but still make me laugh.

Okay first let me preference this with Tanner was not hurt. He was in the highchair eating breakfast watching TV (yes he still eats in a highchair because he likes it, and he watches TV during breakfast only). Dylan was done and got down and sometimes likes to push Tanner in the highchair. So, I guess that this time, he managed to push Tanner down the 2 stairs into our living room, in his highchair. Of course Andy said he was screaming, in the midst of the screaming, he was yelling, "I don't want a little brother anymore". That, I think is hilarious because he loves Dylan more than anything. So on the way to school, he tells Dylan, "Dylan don't push me down the stairs anymore, ok?"

Next is a conversation between a boy Nicholaus that is Tanner's friend in school.
N-"Hey, Tanner. Wanna play blocks?"
T-"Sure. Is anyone going with you to the Red Barn?"
N-"I'm going to see cows and stuff."
T-"My Grandma is coming with me."
N-"Cool"

Gosh these kids are funny. I wish I could hear there conversations all day in school!

Pictures from Allison

Click here to view these pictures larger

Funny

Tanner got dropped off at school today and wanted to hug on Andy multiple times. After his last hug he was walking off and said, "We're a good team, buddy"! I mean, how cute is that?

I can't keep up!

Okay, so my blogging has become sporadic to say the least. I just can't keep up. I really try hard to keep picture books updated, baby books updated, send pics to family, and of course everything else that goes along with daily life! So, blogging has taken a backseat....it's okay until I look at my boys and want to remember every second of this life! So, here I am again.

Mr. Dylan is quite mr. Personality theses days. He knows what he wants and won't accept anything less, unless you want him pouting about it. He keeps up with Tanner really well, and they become better friends everyday. Actually, if I was really honest, Dylan sometimes pushes Tanner around! Dylan is talking a bit at 18 months. More words, slowly, like, " bye", "more", " Ma", " Daddy", " dog", "ball", and more that I can't remember. The boys love wrestling, and racing around the house, playing tools, and of course sports. Dylan still most of the time only wants his Momma, which is nice, but poses a problem when I try to do anything. He is great at daycare, and seems to really enjoy it, and never cries or cares when he's dropped off.

Tanner is quite the little boy these days. He is the best big brother. He is always caring for Dylan, making sure he is ok, sharing with him (most of the time), and always playing with him. Nothing is cuter than seeing those two be total boys together! Tanner stills says funny things like "atorgator", "td", among other things. He's really into the boys being on a team and being Dad's buddy, and he calls Andy his buddy also. Girls are not part of this team at all! Last night he told me that I was not a part of the team, and that i was chop liver.....I was dying laughing, sort of.

These boys have stole my heart, more and more each day!

Funny Story and more

Okay, Mr. Tanner cracks me up all the time. Yesterday we were looking at pictures on the computer (something he loves to do). We were looking at pictures from the month he was born. They started with baby shower pictures to the birth pictures and beyond. I was trying to explain to him about that he was in these pictures, just in Mommy's belly. When finally he turns to me and says, "Mommy, but why did you eat me?" I LOVE kids and their cute things they say!

So Tanner is pretty great with everything that he says, but one thing he can't say well that I love so much are TV's are called TD's. He also says a lot of little sayings that we must say like, "well actually", and "Mom, seriously." So funny. He also tells Dylan, "no no Dylan" a lot, he told him just the other day that Dad says we can't jump on the bed because we are going to break it.

Speaking of funny, our little Dylan is hilarious. He still throws his "fits". He also is so smart (not that I don't think Tanner isn't). He can put a golf ball on a tee. He helps pick up the cheerios that he thinks are so funny to throw on the floor over and over again. He can put the darts into the nerf dart gun. He can put a ball on the tball tee and sort of swing the bat. He goes and gets his shoes when you ask him to, and then sits on the stair and lifts his foot to put them on. He likes to color with crayons on a piece of paper. He thinks it's funny to run down the sidewalk away from our house. He pets Cooper a lot and likes to give Cooper kisses. He also loves to "wrestle" with Tanner, and no one can make him laugh like he can. He wakes up in the morning and walks to the pantry and hits the door and grunts until you get him a snack, and the same goes with the fridge for a drink. He is so loveable, loves to give us kisses when we ask and to give out hugs when we ask also!

My boys are going to be the best of friends, and I am so honored to watch and be in their lives and to be their Mommy. Don't get me wrong though, I know there are fights ahead too! haha

The "fits"

I was just thinking about my littlest man, Dylan, and I couldn't not post about this trait of his that is making me laugh inside my head. I think we are in for some TERRIBLE toddler years ahead, as far as fit throwing goes. This little man, has for about 2 months now, thrown little "fits" when he gets mad. For the most part, Dylan is about as easy going as they get, he lets Tanner steal the toys he's playing with, he falls down and doesn't cry, overall a happy baby. When something makes him mad he clenches both fists and puts his arms in "l" shapes sticking out from his body and shakes in rage and makes an upside down smile with his mouth while grunting. Close your eyes, try to follow...I try not to laugh, but it is so funny. I think we knew we were in trouble when a few minutes after he was born he was crying and the nurse said, "that baby has a temper on him"....uh-oh.....on the other hand, I could not love a child more than I love that little man, his fit-throwing and all.

Reasons I love being a Mom....

Funny thing about this post is that you can tell it's Mother's Day because that's the only day I have enough time to do a blog....haha.

-No matter how bad your day it, one of my children can ALWAYS make me smile and laugh, and bring perspective to the important things in life.

-On that note, no matter how good your day is, it is only one blow out diaper, spit up, or temper tantrum away from changing, but then look back up at the previous note.

-I love learning FROM my children.

-I love being challenged and constantly trying to figure out what is best for THEM.

-I love the endless love and hugs and kisses from them.

-I love the way they look at me taking in everything I say.

-I love watching them develop and grow and change and become their OWN little selves.

-I love doing fun kid activities, like going to the park, going to the zoo, etc.

-I love the bond you have with other Mom's.

-I love buying things for my children.

-I could go on and on, being a Mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I am so blessed to have my 2 healthy, happy boys. God has granted me one of the best gifts. I pray for continued strength for the hard days, many smiles for the good days, and health for us all.

Too Long...

I am sorry for taking 6 months to post. Everytime I sit down and think about it, a child needs my attention, or I have something else that is more important, or I am so exhausted I can't keep my eyes open.

Re-cap of the last 6 months...which I am sure I am leaving things out.

Start with our family, we finally finished our basement...which has made such a huge difference this winter. It's so nice to be able to go down there and then shut the door when we are done, plus it feels very homey down there. Andy hasn't really had to travel for work much, which has been nice to have him home. I cut down my hours at work, and now work 2 days a week. I took a photography class, and am trying to work on taking better pictures. We made our first trip to Iowa to visit family, and the trip went so great both ways. My brother is getting married! My sister moved to Dallas! Andy's brother started his first "real" job!

Okay, the part you are waiting for....the boys.

My baby, Dylan. He is 7 months...I know, can you believe it? He is such a joy. He loves his big brother so much, and anything that he does he is watching and smiling and laughing. He is a chunker (aka chubby), he is only in the 10% for weight, but he has rolls, and I love those rolls. He is a grunter, and grunts laughs...it is the funniest sound. He says, "dadada". He can wave bye-bye. He does this cute thing when I hold my head to the side and look at him and he does it back to me. He is CRAWLING...I am so in trouble...he loves his babyfood (bananas are his favorite), and is still nursing like a champ. It was hard to believe that my heart could hold more love than it did for Tanner, but my heart is fuller than ever, and Dylan has filled it.

My big-boy, Tanner. He is 2 1/2 and one minute he is making me laugh and the next minute he makes me want to pull my hair out...typical toddler huh? I mean the things that he says I have to write down because I don't want to forget. He is a stinker, he knows when he does something wrong and is the most lovey boy ever, he will say, "I'm sorry Mom"..and come and hug and kiss me. He potty trained himself basically in December, and we still reward with M&M's and high-fives all around. He is obsessed with sports, especially golf. He definately went outside in the snow in his snowboots and coat and gloves and hat and hit orange golf balls from the driveway into the snow! He loves his friends at school, and loves to tell us all about them when he gets home. He is the sweetest, loveable, ball-of-fire little boy I could have ever dreamed for.

Hope this post helps you sleep at night now that you know what is going on in our little world...haha. Hopefully the next one won't be another 6 months!

It's a boy!

Surprise....a child was born! A beautiful baby boy, we named Dylan Scott! He weighed 8 lbs 1 oz and is perfect. We are so blessed. The delivery went well, I recovered quicker than I did the first time, and Dylan is doing great. He sleeps 2-4 hours at a time and is breastfeeding like a champ. He is his own little person, he is easy going, but when he gets mad...boy does he get mad. Tanner is in love with him, and continues to call him his little sister. He loves to hold him (for 2.5seconds) and give him kisses on his head. We are adjusting here at our household. 2 children is quite different than 1, especially when the oldest is a crazy busy toddler!

Besides that, Tanner turned 2 years old. His birthday was so much fun. He loved his balloons, cake, and presents. It was so fun to see him enjoy it all so much. He got what he asked for, which was a bike! He's loving golf more than ever, and is actually getting pretty good at it. I will put up a video. He talks like a little kid now, and loves books, Curious George, coloring, and any ball he can find.

If all of this wasn't enough, my sister just moved to Dallas! We are going to miss her so much, but are so excited for her new adventures! My brother just got engaged! He is going to marry a beautiful, fun, smart, and nice girl named, Kali next June. We couldn't be more happy for the two of them. My Dad tore some tendons in his knee and will be having surgery in a few weeks....whew.

Hopefully that is all the news for awhile....I will keep the pictures of our new family coming, along with all of our crazy stories....God has blessed us again.

Tanner will do anything and everything....that he sees his Daddy doing. It's so crazy how he will mimic anything an older boy does...especially his special Daddy. These days he is talking more than ever, getting even more of a mind of his own, attempting to pee on the potty by himself (he did it once...we celebrated), and getting ready to be the best big brother ever!

He helped me open my presents on my birthday....and loves story time with Grandma.

I have to admit it makes me sad that these one on one moments with Tanner will be coming to an end soon, now that we are within a month of new baby being born. I just need to try to make Tanner and Mommy time even though there will be a new baby. It's hard to think that Tanner won't even remember these last 2 years of being an "only child". I think he will be a "helpful" big brother, and love his little sibling, and be very protective. It is scary to add another addition to our family, yet exciting all at the same time. I feel a lot of the same feelings that I felt right before I had Tanner, but I feel more prepared the second time around. I know maternity leave doesn't equal 3 months of vacation!

Today we played outside this morning and Tanner jumped in his baby pool with all his clothes on! I figured, what the heck...so he played for a couple of hours in the water in his clothes!

God bless....

Wow

Do you think that a baby can poke through your stomach? Obviously not, but it sure can feel like it. This child inside of me is like nothing I have ever felt, even with Tanner. This child never stops moving. In the middle of the night when I roll over, crazy moving. In the morning when I get up, crazy moving. All throughout the day, flips and flops and kicks and punches and who knows what else. I mean sometimes I can almost guess which piece of the body it is that is sticking out of my stomach. I really feel like it could just poke through. It is the craziest thing ever. Just thought I would share.

The countdown is on.....

So it is hitting me more daily that in 2 months....yes actually 2 months and 2 days that we will be welcoming a new baby into this world. This thought makes me thrilled for multiple reasons. Tanner is going to be such a loving, protective, and great big brother. I am done being pregnant at this point. I cannot wait to meet this new little being. This thought also makes me want to puke for several reasons. I am scared, I admit, I want to be the best Mom I can...can I do that with 2 babies? Our finishing the basement project is nowhere near completion. The new baby room is full of all the baby supplies we have for all different age groups (swings, bouncers, jumpers, exersaucers, etc) along with our desk full of stuff and a closet full of stuff. I am easy going, but this is ridiculous and making me a nervous wreck. I am nervous for another c-section. I asked Andy the other night, I can't decide if it is better that I know what to expect or worse because I remember how bad it hurt. I guess either way it doesn't matter, 2 months and counting, here we go, ready or not.

Tanner is talking more daily. I wish I could remember all that he says to write down here. He talks in lots of little sentences, for instance, "daddy at work", "where mommy go". He finally says "yes" but it sounds like "yesh". He loves the boys across the street, and when he is up in his room with the window open he yells at them, "hi guys". It is adorable. He says, "love you" FINALLY! He knows most family members by name, but will only call them that when he feels like it. We are still working on Grandma K, he just can't say Grandma! He definately knows when he does something that is wrong, and most of the time will say, "sorry" or "hug". He is just becoming more of a little boy everyday. I got him a little potty, and he loves to sit on it. He has pretty frequently said, "Pooped" and actually had just went....so that's great. I am not holding my breath or pushing anything though. My first born is growing up, and like I say at every stage so far...this is the best.

Pregnancy wise I am inching toward that 8 month mark. I'm having lots of contractions, but I had that with Tanner also. Lots of uncomfortable sitting, standing, and sleeping. I think my every expanding belly has finally leveled off and I'm looking more how I did when I was pregnant with Tanner. This belly just grew way faster than the first time. It's sure getting hard to tote around a 22 month old on your hip (your sort of hip that you really don't have anymore). Getting Tanner in his crib is a everyday challenge....oh the joys. This baby will not stop moving though, all the time, night or day. I should add that to the list of things that scare me...hope that doesn't reflect on activity level of the child!

Til next time when I have some pictures to share and have some time to share them! haha

Vacation and Easter and a funny story

We just got back from Myrtle Beach with Grandma and Papa K and Aunt K-T (as Tanner says). It was really nice, relaxing week. The flights with Tanner went better than could be expected. He loved the sand, the ocean, the outside, and playing golf. I feel so blessed that we were able to take him to experience these things...Thank you Grandma and Papa K. I think vacations are so important. I do not think it is WHERE you go, I just think it is important THAT you go. Having a week or so to bond, make memories, and relax....it only makes that family tie that much stronger. I think this week was no exception to that rule. We did miss Uncle Dustin though.

Easter was very nice. Tanner got to practice his Easter egg hunting on vacation, so bright and early yesterday we were outside hunting eggs. He got distracted after about 7 eggs because the eggs were "balls" like footballs, etc. so then he decided he wanted to play with balls in the garage....ending to his hunt. He enjoyed church in the car in the parking lot as he napped with Daddy....oh well. A very nice brunch at Staley we had, he LOVED playing golf on the putting green. He might be a little obsessed and I swear we had nothing to do with it.

The funniest story though, and I might pee my pants just thinking about it. Grandma K and I were trying to get things out of my car while Tanner was playing in the drivers seat. I took out the keys out of the ignition and set them in my purse so he would not put the car in reverse. My Mom shuts the door and just stops and looks at me...yep, Tanner locked himself IN the car! I was half laughing, half freaking out. After a couple of minutes of pleading (mind you Tanner was laughing and having a blast in there) he unlocked the door all by himself. Thank goodness he half was listened and could get it opened. Life is never dull with a toddler as active as Tanner!

God Bless...

Tanner's Favorite Things Pics Part 2

So a couple of things that Tanner loves....he loves dressing up (I know not very boy like), he loves shooting basketballs - he says, "I shoot" "go go go", he loves swim lessons with his Mommy, he loves play dates - especially with his friend Al and cousin Kamryn, and he loves dancing!







As I was thinking about my post yesterday I wanted to include a couple of really adorable things Tanner also does right now.. he sings "twinkle, twinkle itta sta" and "row row row ba boat" and giggles and tries to do "itsy bitsy spider". He also knows his eyes, ears, nose, tongue, teeth, toes, fingers, belly button, and hair. He is a monkey climbing on every bar stool and chair still. He gets his shoes and says "outside" and "tie" and "shoes". Okay, that's all I can think right now.

Pictures, part 1

I promised pictures, here I finally delivered. The first couple are from Mexico. Our family clan, and than Andy and I for the beach dinner night.

The pic of Andy and Tanner in their Twins hats....how cute, and how much do they look alike? Not completely, but they do.

Andy and his Grandma's...LOVE this picture!

Too long

So I often think I should blog, then I forget about it, or get too busy, or side-tracked, or whatever you want to call it. Then I end up like today, looking back a month gone by...opps.

Tomorrow, I will add pictures from our wonderful work/fun vacation in Mexico. Tanner enjoyed spending time with his Grandma and Grandpa H and his uncles and Aunt and cousins. In fact, I think we missed him way more than he missed us, he had too much fun!

We found out at our ultrasound that we are having a ...... healthy baby! HAHA, No we didn't find out the sex, but we did see heart, spinal cord, brain, etc, and all looks well! They did say that the baby is on the small side, with Tanner being as little as he was, this is no surprise to us! We are just chugging along, getting more and more anxious to meet Baby Hoffman #2. One of my best friends visited with her 20 month old son and 2 month old daughter the other day. After they left Tanner asked and actually still does, "Where baby Hope"? I then tell him she had to go home, and then he says in a question form, "bye-bye"? So I think he loved having the baby around, which is a good thing.

Baby Hoffman #1, Tanner, is a ham these days. He just started spitting out every word possible it seems. It's so fun, yet we have to be very careful now with what we say! Some of my favorites are his "nah nah" which is his pacifier, his "pop" which is his cup, "pooper" which is Cooper. He takes his milk cup and looks at us during meals and says "cheers" and then we both has to cheers his glass...might be my favorite thing ever! He bit a foam football recently and after he did it he preceded to walk around with it for 30 minutes with a sad look saying, "I bite it" and "it's broke". He said this like one hundred times, and it is way cute. His cousin hit him the other day when they were playing and he just looked and said, "not nice". At least I know he is listening to me when I tell him, "not nice". When he wants something he says, "more" like a hundred times. He came up to me the other night with his arms out and said, "hug". I swear I almost melted right there. If you are thinking he has his Mommy wrapped around his little finger, you are right....I'm a sucker, he knows it.

Pictures will be added soon, I promise, just don't hold me to it!

Wow...

This pregnancy was killing me. Not physically, but just draining. As a family, we have been crazy busy. I know that always seems to be my excuse, but that is it again. So a month later, here I am checking in.

First, Tanner. Crazy Tanner. I love that little boy more that words. He is so funny. I could tell you a hundred stories about what he is doing right now. He is talking a lot more, and with words you can understand, and some you cannot. Today Andy just informed me that he was looking suspicous, and come to find out was on all fours drinking water out of Cooper's bowl. He is a monkey man, climbing on everything. When I tell him to sit down (as in he is standing on the bar stool), he shakes his finger at me and says, "sit down, sit down"....it's hard not to laugh. Cooper and Tanner are best buds, Tanner just wants to give him hugs, play fetch with him, and I guess as of today want's to be like him. He needs a sibling, good thing we've already taken care of that.

Okay Baby Hoffman #2...doing great. I'm just tired, but other than that just rolling along. My belly is definately pretty big I feel like....my Mom said I look further along than I am. I am feeling the baby kick like crazy all the time, Andy felt it last night for the first time. It's the best feeling. 20 weeks this week, half way there! We get our big ultrasound when we come back from Mexico...you heard me right. Later this week we are headed to Mexico for a sales meeting for Andy's work! I'm definately not complaining since we have been stuck inside for what now seems like 6 months!

My hubby, doing great. Not having to travel too much. For Valentine's Day, I got breakfast in bed and a surprise lunch (he knows the way to my heart right now). We went to a movie and to dinner on our own that weekend (thanks Auntie Katie and Uncle Dustin). We are in the process of finishing our basement, which we are so thrilled about. It will bring more play space for the kiddos, and just living space.

So finishing up a busy week to get ready for our vacation, Tanner is going to Grandma and Grandpa H's for the week. I think they are excited to have him, until they have to chase him around for a couple of days...haha. He will get to play with his cousins also, which I know he will love.

Til next time...God bless.